photos are your friend

inthe country · Jul 20, 2017

Had to send my tractor in for some warranty work on Monday. The dealer brought it back today Thursday. As the driver was taking it off the truck, I noticed a dent with scrapes down to bare metal on the side of the hood panel. I asked the driver about it and he says I don't know anything about it. Called the dealer and they say the mechanic told them it was there when he started working on it.

Every once and a while I do something that fools the casual observer into thinking I'm a smart person. Such an event took place prior to the tractor being picked up. I walked around the tractor and took photos of each side as well as under the hood. Once the manager learns there are photos, he says he will look into it and get back to me. Before the photos he was sure the dent was already there even though the bare metal had no rust and was obviously new.

I've never taken pictures before, but Ill make sure to do it every time from now on. Thought I would pass this along in case you have never thought of it.

riptides · Jul 20, 2017

Good that you did that, too bad that you had to. Sign of the times I guess.

woody · Jul 20, 2017

darn it you had to tell me two days after I put mine in the shop :confused3:

Otto Syracuse · Jul 20, 2017

Good idea to periodically take pictures of your tools and other valuables too, just for a point of reference as to when an item was damaged or turns up missing.

1965 · Jul 21, 2017

Otto Syracuse said:
Good idea to periodically take pictures of your tools and other valuables too, just for a point of reference as to when an item was damaged or turns up missing.

Or for insurance purposes.

Thomas · Jul 21, 2017

Photo's don't lie.:thumbsup:

The Deerslayer · Jul 21, 2017

Even better if the photos are time stamped or include a picture of the daily paper

southernAL · Jul 21, 2017

That was a wise decision. We do that at the collision center I work at every time a vehicle is dropped off for repairs, we do a walk around. It has saved us plenty of times.

inthe country · Jul 21, 2017

Never really looked at how the hood was built, but I don't see anyone selling just the side panel. I just assumed you could buy the side panel, swap out the plastic parts and bolt it on. All the parts sheets show it as number, 32 bonnet, both sides and top, for a mere $612.00. I'll have to look and see if the hood is spot welded together.

blackdog2086 · Jul 21, 2017

I have occasion to travel and find myself in rental vehicles. I began taking videos of the vehicle inside and out with my cell phone when I pick them up to avoid being charged for scratches dent's or torn fabric after the car is returned. It's usually unnecessary but has saved me being billed for damage in one instance.