Where to service advice.

[MikePA]

Any thoughts on whether I should stick to trying to go to a Kubota dealer or go with the used tractor dealership?

To answer your question, I'd go with the used tractor dealer. However, you didn't mention if you had called him and scheduled an appointment. Hopefully, he doesn't have the same poor customer service skills as the other 2 dealers.

Try him out on the 50 hour service and if he does OK, ask him if he'd install the remotes, if you buy them from the dealer. You can buy the hydraulic top link from CCI right here on TBN.

 

[daTeacha]

50 hour service can differ a lot between brands. With my Case, it was just a matter of changing oils and filters, greasing some things and checking tightness on others -- no big deal and something anyone owning a tractor should be able to do. The manual helps you find everything, but that's about it. Other brands seem to want more things changed, checked or adjusted, at least from what I've read here from time to time.

 

[MarkV]

Could be that Kubota dealer number 2 is taking care of the customers who bought their tractors from him first and looking for a slow day to take care of yours. I can’t blame him and would expect the same if I had bought from him. The remotes would be a good sale for him but many people use that type of inquiry in hopes of better or cheaper service. If you want to establish a relationship with a Kubota dealer for future work it may be worth the wait. Other wise the used dealer should be able to do your routine work and save the pick up and delivery fee.

MarkV

 

[canoetrpr]

I appreciate all the responses very much.

Today was the day that the Kubota dealer said he would get me in. No call. I have no problem understanding that a dealer may not be able to predict how busy they will be, the need to prioritize other tractors over mine etc. I do have a huge problem with not being kept informed. It's just courtesy.

An improvement in the story is as follows:

I have been pondering what I would have done had I bought again. I think I might have sprung for a Grand L, gotten remotes and hydraulic top link installed. I decided to call a third dealer to get an idea of whether trading in was worth thinking of for me. I was very upfront that in all likelyhood it would not be worthwhile for me to trade in at this point but if they were willing to spend the time going through the numbers with me, I would consider it.

They worked me some great numbers on a new Grand L... unfortunately, I would just loose too much on the trade. Realistically I really like my tractor and I should hang on to it.

The good thing was that I was very very happy with the dealer. I dealt with the owner on the sales front. He did all the things that the dealer I bought from should have - went through the details of the choices, suggested loading tires and getting a block heater, suggested getting the LA723 loader... basic stuff that you soule expect someone informed of their product to do.

As a result I have found myself a new dealer for service. The owner's younger brother runs the service department. Unfortunately he's not going to be able to pick it up for a week and a half but I imagine that my tractor won't self destruct as I have 51 hours on it and my put on another 5 by then.

 

[Soundguy]

Good deal.. Glad you found the silver lining in that dark cloud.

Soundguy

 

[canoetrpr]

While I'm still waiting around for the dealer to get my machine in, I decided to check all the 50 hour work out using my owners manual.

I have to say, it does not look that bad after all. All filters etc. seem accessible.

I've decided I am going to wait to hear back from the dealer on whether or not he is going to address a PTO CAM fix under warranty. Some dealers are doing it, others are giving owners a hassle. I am expecting the latter.

If the CAM change is not going to happen, I've decided that I will just cancel the service appointment, go buy the filters and fluids from the dealer and give it a shot myself. .... hopefull with some help on TBN if I get stuck!.

 

[canoetrpr]

Only special tools were oil pans (2 large ones as there is 6-7 gal that will come out), filter wrench, adjustable wrench (metric) and said filter. A filter with a long hose on the end is needed to fill the front axle.
jb

Hi John: Don't think I located where to fill the front axle from. Are you suggesting something like a siphon pump to fill the front axle fluid? Is it just hard to get to where the fluid goes in? I'll try to locate it tonight.