Ouch!!

[kevin37b]

I do not understand the need to drain all of the hyd fluid ? Filters , yes but not the whole system . Hydraulics are a closed system and not exposed as the engine is . If that fluid change is per warranty , I would be concerned . If they are concerned about machining defects I would be concerned . This is how they keep up with warranty work . I have read several posts on this and you people are getting soaked . The first 50 service should be on the dealer , pickup and return ! If not , find another man .

 

[DavesTractor]

Wow...when I was buying by Boomer from the local dealer I asked about the first maintenance. They told me their policy for the 50 hr. service is that they would send a service man to the house and change all 5 filters, motor oil and top off any lost hydraulic fluid for the price of the supplies (100$). He also stepped through the entire process so I could do it myself next time. The service tech also did an inspection to insure that everything looked good to him. That kind of service (they have a long history in my area) makes me glad that I paid a bit extra for the New Holland vs. a LS (basically the same tractor but no local dealer) Especially for a first time tractor owner. Fitzpatrick and Lamberts in Dushore Pa.

*correction* That didn't seem right to me so I rechecked the invoice, in fact they did not change the air filter as part of the maint. They did everything else though.....as well as noticed a chafing hose on the backhoe which they replaced for free. Total invoice 106.50$

Interesting concept. A dealer could also make the first service "free". The problem being that it isn't free, so he would have to add that into his profit margin when he made the initial sale. I've often wondered if you could pack in a certain amount of stuff like that into the price, enough to make customers really happy, but not enough to get your prices up too much higher than the competition. But that's a different topic I think.

 

[tkevan]

I bought the tractor from a local dealer, who dropped their Ag line shortly thereafter. That's why the closest dealer is now 75 miles away. He didn't sell me the tractor, so I didn't expect any discount on the 50 hour.

 

[melmark]

Interesting concept. A dealer could also make the first service "free". The problem being that it isn't free, so he would have to add that into his profit margin when he made the initial sale. I've often wondered if you could pack in a certain amount of stuff like that into the price, enough to make customers really happy, but not enough to get your prices up too much higher than the competition. But that's a different topic I think.

That's true, when buying a car or motorcycle I wouldn't go for the free service deal but with this being my first tractor I was willing to pay a bit more for a history of above average support from the dealer. Having said that....I am also a "shopper" and did my homework before buying, they cut me a deal that I was very pleased with. In the end, it was the best option for me personally. They certainly didn't make anything on that service call. The tech was at my house for about 3 hours. After the service he showed me some additional tips and tricks for installing the backhoe. They did that when they delivered the machine but I am more familiar with the machine and things sunk in more now.

 

[Jabonee]

All these posts reinforce the point to pick your dealer carefully.Every dealer is different. Find out what there pick up policies are first. Are dealership gives the first service free to new customers as an incentive to buy. We still charge for pick up and delivery.Doing service in the field can be done but, what happens if the tech. finds something that can't be repaired in the field? Do you pay twice?:confused3:

 

[dlwford]

On your GMC watch for corrosion of your brake lines - my openned up - lucky there was a soft, deep ditch!

 

[DavesTractor]

That's true, when buying a car or motorcycle I wouldn't go for the free service deal but with this being my first tractor I was willing to pay a bit more for a history of above average support from the dealer. Having said that....I am also a "shopper" and did my homework before buying, they cut me a deal that I was very pleased with. In the end, it was the best option for me personally. They certainly didn't make anything on that service call. The tech was at my house for about 3 hours. After the service he showed me some additional tips and tricks for installing the backhoe. They did that when they delivered the machine but I am more familiar with the machine and things sunk in more now.

Sounds like your dealer found a perfect balance of value for the sale and customer satisfaction. I like that.