TC40D HST/PTO Fails

DocHeb · Oct 19, 2002

I had my tractor brought back home yesterday. There was a "problem with the coupler between the charge pump and the flywheel". I asked if there was a defective snap ring --- there was a very long pause --- and he replied "how did you know that?; I couldn't even find the snap ring that was supposed to be there". (This snap ring problem had been suggested on another thread). Anyway, everything seems to be working now - all for the want of a 50 cent snap ring.

The next telling step will be if the dealership charges me for the pickup & delivery. There are decals on the tractor stating that "pickup and delivery charges for warranty work are not covered under warranty". However, since I had the tractor running for all of 24 minutes before failure, I'm hoping he won't charge me. If he doesn't charge me, he will be able to sell me a finish mower and a rototiller to reward excellent service. If he does charge me, I'll go elsewhere for the implements since I probably could find a better price. I don't know, maybe I should just calm down.

I need an opinion from folks that are used to living in a rural area. The dealership didn't call, just brought the tractor back to the house and left it next to the garage with the keys in it. The problem is that we're not living there - and the tractor would be sitting out until I called and found that it was back. From the city-dwellers standpoint, this isn't too wise since it anything like this would be high risk for theft. Is this just the mentality that "things will be OK", perpetuated by country folk that don't lock their doors at night, or is this something that was truly stupid (as expressed by my wife)?

MikePA · Oct 19, 2002

Chris, my local Wheel Horse/Toro dealer does this with our garden tractor. I leave it out in our driveway and they pick it up. They drop it off as well, even if no one is home. They usually leave a new set of keys in the ignition as well /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

The two times I have had my TC25D serviced, I've left it out in the driveway for them to work on. I don't leave the keys in it since they bring their own.

So, I'd say your experience is pretty normal. Given your circumstances, I'd tell them ahead of time and arrange to be there although it might mean waiting around for them to show up.

jinman · Oct 19, 2002

Hey Chris, glad to hear your tractor is back. This problem is something all of us with Class III Boomers should be interested in now that two people have had problems in such a short time. You are probably a little gun-shy about the tractor and I don't blame you. Your dealer should definitely not charge you for the pickup and delivery. I think I would tell him exactly what you said about buying implements from him if he charges you a roundtrip delivery after 24 minutes. I'm also baffled as to why the tractor would be delivered without even notifying you. How was it picked up? Were you there when they came to get it? If they picked it up with nobody home, I would not be so surprised that they delivered it the same way. Otherwise, I agree completely with your wife's assessment of their intelligence level. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DocHeb · Oct 19, 2002

How was it picked up? Were you there when they came to get it? 

They came and got it, and told me I didn't need to be there (but I happened to be there). Maybe I just need to "chill" and get used to a different way of living; that way may be better (isn't that why folks move to the country?).

You are probably a little gun-shy about the tractor and I don't blame you. 

You can bet I'll be testing the limits of the machine before the warranty expires.

Hoeman00 · Oct 19, 2002

I leave mine in polebarn (no doors),they come and get whenever and drop same way.
Sometimes the dealer will call and tell me what was done.
My JD and NH and CASE dealers are all the same.
I don't worry too much about leaving keys in stuff unless going on vacation.
Everyone around KNOWS of severe LEAD POISONING if caught.
Got range out back and friends and I shoot quite a bit.

PS glad to know they got yours fixed easily.

ronjhall · Oct 19, 2002

Chris
Glad to hear you have your tractor back. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

When you make arrangements to have your tractor picked up and returned, make sure you give directions to the dealer on how you want it returned. Give them location of keys and a phone number that dealer can leave a message on his plans for retuning tractor.

I live in the same general area as you.
It’s not uncommon to have items delivered and just left in the driveway for me to put away when I get home. Both the JD & Kubota dealers do it. I don’t have a NH dealer close by.

Should be a good day to get some seat time. Wear your seatbelt. Wind is already pushing 20 MPH. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

bobnewjersey · Oct 20, 2002

Chris.....I'm glad your tractor is back. The dealer should not make any charge for the pickup and delivery. My dealer is about an hour away, and I'm never charged when it's warranty work. As far as leaving the keys in it......I don't think that was their best decision. My dealer comes with his own master key and never asks for mine. And yes country life is differnt from city life and that's changing faster than any of us would like. One last point.....remember to start your implements at the slowest engine speed possible. Good Luck!