SO HOW RELIABLE IS MY NEW TRACTOR?

[nwut05]

So How Long does it take a new tractor to become a reliable tractor? This is the question i find myself asking every day. Now it seems that it does not matter the color or the brand, and from what i hear they all have some sort of issues right off the lot, and we have a warranty for that. But what happens when warranty is gone? Now if you have a "new to you" used tractor, this post really dosen't apply to you, that's not to say you do not have an opinion and maybe an experience to speak about. But what i am really looking for is the Brand New Tractor owners in the 30 to 80 hp range. These seem to be the tractors that are offered in the "Economy"/ "Utility" sizes and price range for most of us general part time farmers. SO, How many trips to back to the dealer can i stand before i feel this new tractor is or is not, a reliable tractor? And will it last for the amount of time i plan to own it? I have had my year old Workmaster 60 back to the shop twice already and it's going back for the third time as soon as haying is done. First problem was a computer upgrade/blown turbo hose clamp, second, a complete hydraulic system front to back, and now it needs another computer update to fix the throttle, hopefully. I have already been through one Workmaster due to similar problems and now the 60. And with the other tractor and with this one my dealer really has/is trying to make me happy and has told me many times that it is not like buying a new car, and it takes a while to get the bugs worked out. I understand this but how long? and how many trips can i stand? I'ts not the dealers fault they are getting faulty machines. And how much do these computer updates cost without warranty? did you use the same brand hydraulic parts that failed within 6 months of me owning it? You see reliability for years to come is my question and it's hard to answer.

 

[Einthewoods]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

With my tractor, I would be pretty steamed if in your shoes right now. The time to work out the bugs is in pre-production during testing. Will things slip through that need to be addressed, sure. But it sounds like more than that in your case.

I use my tractor pretty hard with a lot of pushing trees over and hauling more than I should with the FEL. So if something goes wrong that I can attribute in someway to my use of it, fine. But the issues you are having seem to be different.

I will have owned my tractor a year this coming November. I will have probably 80 hours on it by then. At this rate, I would hope to not see my dealer for another several (6-8) years. I do the maintenance on it as I should and will continue to.

 

[4570Man]

I think the dealer is giving you a line of BS even if the problem isn’t his fault. Sure if you build enough tractors a few will be flawed, but it’s not a multi trip back work the bugs out deal on every machine. A tractor is more likely to be abused and broken than a car but neither should be making multiple trips back for problems.

 

[CalG]

So How Long does it take a new tractor to become a reliable tractor? This is the question i find myself asking every day. Now it seems that it does not matter the color or the brand, and from what i hear they all have some sort of issues right off the lot, and we have a warranty for that. But what happens when warranty is gone? Now if you have a "new to you" used tractor, this post really dosen't apply to you, that's not to say you do not have an opinion and maybe an experience to speak about. But what i am really looking for is the Brand New Tractor owners in the 30 to 80 hp range. These seem to be the tractors that are offered in the "Economy"/ "Utility" sizes and price range for most of us general part time farmers. SO, How many trips to back to the dealer can i stand before i feel this new tractor is or is not, a reliable tractor? And will it last for the amount of time i plan to own it? I have had my year old Workmaster 60 back to the shop twice already and it's going back for the third time as soon as haying is done. First problem was a computer upgrade/blown turbo hose clamp, second, a complete hydraulic system front to back, and now it needs another computer update to fix the throttle, hopefully. I have already been through one Workmaster due to similar problems and now the 60. And with the other tractor and with this one my dealer really has/is trying to make me happy and has told me many times that it is not like buying a new car, and it takes a while to get the bugs worked out. I understand this but how long? and how many trips can i stand? I'ts not the dealers fault they are getting faulty machines. And how much do these computer updates cost without warranty? did you use the same brand hydraulic parts that failed within 6 months of me owning it? You see reliability for years to come is my question and it's hard to answer.

Just in asking the question, you have revealed the problem,

We see the enemy, and it is us!

 

[Turbys_1700]

I would HOPE that the third time is a charm. What is frustrating is the inconsistency of issues. I had zero issues with my WM 50. Still does not make matters better for you. The 50/60/70 WM are the same tractor sans programming. Does not make sense to me. I wonder what the percentage of warranty claims are per unit sold? That would be an interesting fact to know from all manufacturers. Good luck and keep us posted. I really liked my WM 50.

 

[RandyT]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

With my tractor, I would be pretty steamed if in your shoes right now. The time to work out the bugs is in pre-production during testing. Will things slip through that need to be addressed, sure. But it sounds like more than that in your case.

I use my tractor pretty hard with a lot of pushing trees over and hauling more than I should with the FEL. So if something goes wrong that I can attribute in someway to my use of it, fine. But the issues you are having seem to be different.

I will have owned my tractor a year this coming November. I will have probably 80 hours on it by then. At this rate, I would hope to not see my dealer for another several (6-8) years. I do the maintenance on it as I should and will continue to.

The thing is pre-production testing either doesn't exist or pre-production testing isn't performed in a real world scenario. Testing is done in a clean environment and then problems develop after the unit is put in the dirt and grime of everyday use, and then like the non tested pre-production units are fix in the field.

 

[nwut05]

Thanks for replying, and just to be clear i have 145hrs on this tractor using it for everything from dirt moving to baling hay. I also have a 2011 T1510 new holland that's never been to the shop. Regular maintenance is done on both units and i even went ahead and changed the oil on the new unit even though the manual says at the first 300 hrs to Change the oil. I did it at 100 anyway. When it's working its great but when it starts acting up it stinks. I use my equipment and sometimes overuse it but i always try to maintain it to the best of my ability. The T1510 i feel is reliable with no question, I just wish i felt the same about the Workmaster.

 

[fried1765]

So How Long does it take a new tractor to become a reliable tractor? This is the question i find myself asking every day. Now it seems that it does not matter the color or the brand, and from what i hear they all have some sort of issues right off the lot, and we have a warranty for that. But what happens when warranty is gone? Now if you have a "new to you" used tractor, this post really dosen't apply to you, that's not to say you do not have an opinion and maybe an experience to speak about. But what i am really looking for is the Brand New Tractor owners in the 30 to 80 hp range. These seem to be the tractors that are offered in the "Economy"/ "Utility" sizes and price range for most of us general part time farmers. SO, How many trips to back to the dealer can i stand before i feel this new tractor is or is not, a reliable tractor? And will it last for the amount of time i plan to own it? I have had my year old Workmaster 60 back to the shop twice already and it's going back for the third time as soon as haying is done. First problem was a computer upgrade/blown turbo hose clamp, second, a complete hydraulic system front to back, and now it needs another computer update to fix the throttle, hopefully. I have already been through one Workmaster due to similar problems and now the 60. And with the other tractor and with this one my dealer really has/is trying to make me happy and has told me many times that it is not like buying a new car, and it takes a while to get the bugs worked out. I understand this but how long? and how many trips can i stand? I'ts not the dealers fault they are getting faulty machines. And how much do these computer updates cost without warranty? did you use the same brand hydraulic parts that failed within 6 months of me owning it? You see reliability for years to come is my question and it's hard to answer.

Not difficult questions for me!
3 years ago I bought a 1000 hour 1989 model, Ford 1920 4x4 FEL.
Went through it, and now I have a wonderful, no computer, no emissions control CUT, that will last for the rest of my life, and that of my 52 year old son as well.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I can understand your frustration for sure. I've put 210 hours so far on my new tractor and it's not been to the dealer once. Had I been forced to haul it back 3 times in this 210 hours, I would likely feel a lot as you do, and I would be questioning the integrity of the equipment. I really do hope that they get you all tightened up here on this third frustrating trip back to the dealer. That would be discouraging to me.

Since I picked mine up new this past February, all I have done is maintenance and tightened a few leaking hydraulic fittings.

Good luck, let us know if you get squared away.

 

[mikester]

I feel your frustration. What model year is it? Could it be one of the early ones?

Sometimes you just have to realize you won the lottery and get more than your fair share of problems with a machine.

Best of luck getting it sorted out. Maybe your dealer will give you a good deal on a trade...

 

[nyone]

I have a 1957 for 851. It lives outside and starts at -6*f and 100* with out any adjustments. Just because there old dosnt mean there not reliable.

 

[shooterdon]

I would stomach one trip back to fix issues after 100 hours. But I would not go back for minor stuff that I could live with or address myself. To me, the whole point of buying new is to get greater reliability and a warranty. If the machine proves to be a lemon while under warranty I would likely trade it.

I am a hobby user, under 75 hours a year. A serious user will have different needs and expectations.

 

[Gem99ultra]

It appears to me that the dealer did no pre-delivery prep on your tractor except bolting on tires, etc. I don't know what you can do about their lack of responsibility now, a year after you've used it. Still, I would not be happy at all, and if possible, find another dealer for any future out-of-pocket work on it. Its obvious that their expertise is punching buttons on their cash register.

I've owned my Kubota L3400 for 9 years now. Only trip back to the dealer was for the 50 hr and 100 hr service. Anything else other than routine maintenance, which is near to nothing as possible, I do myself.

 

[The Fred]

You can't be too far from their HQ.

Drive that puppy right through their glass doors and onto the main floor and walk away.

You WILL get their attention.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Sorry to see you're having so many issues.
It does and will continue to happen. It's a percentage issue out of XX number of units built. You should spend a few minutes reading the travel trailer forums!...lol...

I took mine back with less then 15 hours. it had a hyd. leak. It was in a location where only a tech with a specific home made wrench would fit. The O-ring was the feed line to the rear remote and was MM from the rear body panel. It got tested while root plowing and had worked the machine hard for over an hour.
The dealer told me it should not have failed ( i was up front and told him what I was doing). After that it is a solid machine thus far.

So these things will happen. QC controls, and the basics of Dr. Deming's TQM principles have taken a back seat to the globalization of corporate take overs and greater profits.

If you're dealer is working with you great keep that rapport. If not then it will be a case of bite the bullet and find another dealer.
Once all the weak points have been addressed you'll get your durable long term investment working for you.
When I was shopping for a tow rig I really had my heart set on a cummins I6. After months literally of reading the many issues. Went with 'need' vice wants heh.
But forums being a great place to learn, help and share we mostly hear the bad and negative. Of course that's why we're here to help each other.

Just trying to encourage you not to get too down and out.

 

[atsah]

So How Long does it take a new tractor to become a reliable tractor? This is the question i find myself asking every day. Now it seems that it does not matter the color or the brand, and from what i hear they all have some sort of issues right off the lot, and we have a warranty for that. But what happens when warranty is gone? Now if you have a "new to you" used tractor, this post really dosen't apply to you, that's not to say you do not have an opinion and maybe an experience to speak about. But what i am really looking for is the Brand New Tractor owners in the 30 to 80 hp range. These seem to be the tractors that are offered in the "Economy"/ "Utility" sizes and price range for most of us general part time farmers. SO, How many trips to back to the dealer can i stand before i feel this new tractor is or is not, a reliable tractor? And will it last for the amount of time i plan to own it? I have had my year old Workmaster 60 back to the shop twice already and it's going back for the third time as soon as haying is done. First problem was a computer upgrade/blown turbo hose clamp, second, a complete hydraulic system front to back, and now it needs another computer update to fix the throttle, hopefully. I have already been through one Workmaster due to similar problems and now the 60. And with the other tractor and with this one my dealer really has/is trying to make me happy and has told me many times that it is not like buying a new car, and it takes a while to get the bugs worked out. I understand this but how long? and how many trips can i stand? I'ts not the dealers fault they are getting faulty machines. And how much do these computer updates cost without warranty? did you use the same brand hydraulic parts that failed within 6 months of me owning it? You see reliability for years to come is my question and it's hard to answer.

I'm reading a lot of threads like this one as of late. Pretty sad IMO, I have not had any luck with NH tractors, I had a TC35DA and a TC45DA a few years ago, I didn't own very long due to me getting sick of bringing them back to the dealer for repairs. It happens with all brands from what I read. The more electronics they put in these things the more issues they will have.

 

[sd455dan]

You can't be too far from their HQ.

Drive that puppy right through their glass doors and onto the main floor and walk away.

You WILL get their attention.

Kind of the (Discount Tire) warranty program

If you are ever not satisfied with 1 of our tractors please feel free to bring it back:laughing:

 

[nwut05]

I totally agree with the bring it back attitude! AS a Matter of fact, I Already Done that, last year, with a Workmaster 50, 9 trips to the dealer in 3 months..Tha'ts how i got the 60. He gave me full price back on a trade and i got the 60, So i took it, because no other dealer was willing to give me anywhere near that money in trade...... ONE IN A XXX number... I figured the same!!! Whats the chance that 2 in a row could be bad?..... Went great the first 118 hrs and 6 months. AND now this is where i am at.

P,S, Both tractors are/were 2017's

 

[TheMan419]

I have a nh Boomer 24. Nothing near the trouble you cite.

One trip out from the dealer to replace a leaky fitting.

Second trip out to replace some parts in the joy stick that controls the FEL.

The problems you describe.... ugh. Would be tough to stomach.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Three month old Max26XL, 50 hours, and no problems so far. Did make a slight adjustment to the hydro and brake pedals. No electronics on the tractor. Didn't want any.

Hopefully your troubles are over soon.