Service Manuals?

[Snowman87]

So my recent XR4155HC purchase came with the standard loader and tractor operating manuals but I found there isn't much related to service. After looking it up online I see places like RCO want $299 for a physical copy of the service manual. After a little more research trying to find a free online electronic copy, I came across Barton Tractor who appears to offer an electronic version, so I sent them a message inquiring about how much they charge as it's not listed on their website.

2 questions - are the service manuals worth spending that kind of money? Does anyone have a copy that they'd like to share

Thanks,
Nate

 

[ch1ch2]

Q1
Only if you can not figure it out on your own and you use it.
Q2
Not usually due to copy right issues.

Good luck.

 

[George2615]

$299 seems high. I ordered mine (hard copy, had to supply my own 3 ring binder) from the dealer 3 years ago and it was around $120.

 

[ch1ch2]

I ordered mine in paper form in 2 binders.
If I had it to do over, it would be digital.
Easier to make copies and you can print any page you need.

 

[Snowman87]

So I got a response from Barton Tractor that says "We are currently not selling the manuals at the moment. We are working on a few things to help make the process easier. Thank you, and check back later!" I went back to check out their website and it has been updated, the webpage I bookmarked is no longer working... http://www.bttractor.com/ls_tractor_partsmanuals

 

[Snowman87]

Q1
Only if you can not figure it out on your own and you use it.
Q2
Not usually due to copy right issues.

Good luck.

I've always done most of my own vehicle service work so I've bought service manuals for nearly all my equipment. Cars/Trucks are nice because you can buy a Haynes/Chilton type manual for $20-30 and that usually covers most of what a person needs as a reference. If you get into wanting an OEM manual for something specific there's usually some floating around on eBay for a decent price. I'm guessing with the lower volume sold of these tractors I'll have to find a source and buy them new, but I don't feel like shelling out nearly $300 at the moment...

I figured #2 was copyright related...

 

[jaydee325]

I've always figured if the cost of the manual could be recouped by not having to go to the dealer only once, then it was justified.

I think at the going shop labor rates and transportation, $300 would be a bargain.

I only wish my return on my retirement investments equaled the return on my investment in shop manuals!

Now the disclaimer, I'm a past heavy equipment service tech so there is not much I can't do with a manual in hand at home.

 

[tomplum]

One of the posters here said he swung a deal with his dealer for an electronic copy when he bought his tractor. Maybe you could see what the tech back in the shop has to say. The salesman by me said huh? My dealer was so small he had a wood fired fax machine. Electronic is the best way to go. I don't know why they even print a paper manual.

 

[Snowman87]

One of the posters here said he swung a deal with his dealer for an electronic copy when he bought his tractor. Maybe you could see what the tech back in the shop has to say. The salesman by me said huh? My dealer was so small he had a wood fired fax machine. Electronic is the best way to go. I don't know why they even print a paper manual.

I'd sure like to see a wood fired fax machine :laughing: I emailed my salesman yesterday and asked if they have an electronic PDF he could share (didn't ask about purchasing outright), but his response was that "LS does not authorize them to share that info because specs can change..."

In response to jaydee325, I'd like to say I'm in a similar boat. As long as I have a manual for reference (proper disassembly/reassembly, torque specs, etc.), the tools to do the job, and time now that I have kids I'm not afraid to dive in!

 

[tomplum]

"LS does not authorize them to share that info because specs can change..." So true. I love how my paper manuals auto update as long as they are in the "wood fi" area.