What is a good dealer service

M31 · Jul 21, 2007

For the new tractor buyers, they really don't know what is the good dealer suppose to service. For an example, so far all my the experience from car dealer. Within bumper-to-bumper warranty, within powertrain warranty. Sometime they said this part is not covered, you are hard to say no because you lack this kind of knowledge. If people here can help us to build up a simple self check list, will be easy let us to follow. Like:

1. Entire feeling: Pro-->Hardwork, Knowledgable, Quick Response,.....
Con-->Excuse, unKnowledgable,......

2. In bumper-to-bumper warranty:
(1) Onsite help? (Charge service fee or not? Which Rate?)
i. average hours waiting
ii. Charge service fee or not? if yes, which rate ?
.......

(2) Common Issues: (Cover or not?)
i. Hydro oil leak
ii. PTO not engage or fail
.......

3. In powertrain warranty:
(1) Onsite help? (Charge service fee or not? Which Rate?)
i. average hours waiting
ii. Charge service fee or not? if yes, which rate ?
.......

(2) Common Issues: (Cover or not?)
i. less the oil pump
ii. including the intake and exhaust manifolds
.......

4. over or not covered by warranty:
(1) Onsite help?
i. average hours waiting
ii. Which Service Rate?
iii. Parts price same as MSRP?
.......

(2) Common Issues:
i. break something...
.......

5. In xx hour service:
(1) What is minumize xx hour service change required, and fee.

(2) What is maximize xx hour service change required, and fee.

or any other format you can suggest.

Thanks,

LarryRB · Jul 21, 2007

I think I would go on line to the various tractor mfg's, that you like and read each and every one of their warranty/guarantee's posted. What they will or will not do, and the time frame for each.. One may be bumper to bumper complete, 3 years, and another may have prorated service 5 or 6 years,., Start a chart of each tractor company then use your own chart to compare,,
Tractor dealers I believe would be much harder to "pin down".. How many times does a dealer come out to the farm and make a small fix. And they don't charge because you are a good customer,, Or vise versa. I think here, you would have to ask each dealer whatever they represent, and ask what they are willing or not willing to do., There are so many variables in this dealer question that again, make your own chart, then compare,,

M31 · Jul 21, 2007

Thanks, Larry. But if it is said 2-year-bumper2bumper, then everytime I have to use trailer to send, that is equal no warranty to me.

Local dealer suppose to be much easier, but totally depense.
No decision yet.

LarryRB said:
I think I would go on line to the various tractor mfg's, that you like and read each and every one of their warranty/guarantee's posted. What they will or will not do, and the time frame for each.. One may be bumper to bumper complete, 3 years, and another may have prorated service 5 or 6 years,., Start a chart of each tractor company then use your own chart to compare,,
Tractor dealers I believe would be much harder to "pin down".. How many times does a dealer come out to the farm and make a small fix. And they don't charge because you are a good customer,, Or vise versa. I think here, you would have to ask each dealer whatever they represent, and ask what they are willing or not willing to do., There are so many variables in this dealer question that again, make your own chart, then compare,,

LarryRB · Jul 21, 2007

Hard for me to answer this as, what is the dealer required by the mfg to do? Does the big 3 "demand" of the dealer fist pick up is free and all others are charged? Some dealers charge, some don't, under their requirements, others might mix charges for hauling, road service, and others not, depending on each individual situation.,. Again,, so many variables, I believe if you call Kubota/NH/Deere/Mahindra/Kioti, other named brand dealers, each will have their own system and whatever they tell you they're willing or not willing to do, make a chart, so you can compare dealer services available, compare tractor specs and what will meet your needs,, Some throw in filter kits for the first 50 hour service, others may not,, Just too many variables to give you guidance.. Really, you should call each dealer that you may buy their product from and chart what each offers,,, Then decide from your chart, what may fit you best,

jbrumberg · Jul 21, 2007

M31:

LarryRB is right. There is a lot of variability between dealers and what they will do. You really have to ask each dealer with whom you are interested. You should make a spreadsheet with your format. You might be surprised at the dealer responses especially if you let them know you comparing them against the competition with your spreadsheet. Dealer attitude and product knowledge is also extremely important. Good Luck- Jay

M31 · Jul 21, 2007

Looks our NE team getup early than others.

Thanks, I will go back and ahead to ask about detail services with each brand dealer I am interesting. Don't have experience, forgot to ask some important questions before. :

jbrumberg said:
M31:

LarryRB is right. There is a lot of variability between dealers and what they will do. You really have to ask each dealer with whom you are interested. You should make a spreadsheet with your format. You might be surprised at the dealer responses especially if you let them know you comparing them against the competition with your spreadsheet. Dealer attitude and product knowledge is also extremely important. Good Luck- Jay

jbrumberg · Jul 21, 2007

M31:

You are already asking a lot of well thought out questions

. What you are going through is all part of your learning curve

. You are going in the right direction. Good luck and keep us posted. Jay

Kendrick · Jul 22, 2007

Please add questions if you oltimers know of em

we newbies need the help

jbrumberg · Jul 22, 2007

If you live in a colder region: Heavy duty alternator and installed engine block heater.

Compatibility with Bio-diesel (what mix will be warranteed)

What size attachments and what attachments do you really need (should be based on a frank talk with the dealer).

Tractor operation and attachment orientation

Immediately come to my mind

. Jay

M31 · Jul 23, 2007

jbrumberg:
"Heavy duty alternator and installed engine block heater. " what's ballpark range and price for these?

looks you are happy with you 5' tiller. 29DA only has less 25hp PTO, right? Feel tough or easy to pull that 5' tiller. How about a 2 btm plow?
thanks,

jbrumberg said:
If you live in a colder region: Heavy duty alternator and installed engine block heater.

Compatibility with Bio-diesel (what mix will be warranteed)

What size attachments and what attachments do you really need (should be based on a frank talk with the dealer).

Tractor operation and attachment orientation

Immediately come to my mind . Jay