Tractor Parts Yesterday

[rScotty]

OK, we did need some tractor parts - and wanted to get out and see the countryside for a few hours yesterday anyway. So that was all the excuse needed to take a nice afternoon trip to look in on some old tractor dealers we've bought from years ago. John Deere (green) and Kubota both.

To my surprise, both dealers were well-stocked with new tractors and bling. Not so much so with spare parts, but from what I had been reading on TBN I hadn't expected to see that many new tractors on dealer lots.

The JD dealer sure had changed though. They had mostly new people with uncaring attitudes and no knowledge of what they had or not. They actually got rude when I handed them an invoice from a previous year and said I'd like to buy all the same maintenance parts & here are the part numbers...said all those part numbers were old and couldn't be cross referenced.
So JD was a disappointment. I used to love to window shop there, & maybe drive the new models around the lot...but today couldn't get out fast enough. Bought 4 gaskets, vowed to myself to do all my JD parts shopping online, and don't expect to ever go back.

Next stop was the Kubota shop - which was also well supplied with new tractors as well as some old faces that I remembered from 20 years ago. Friendly shop. It turns out that although there are lots of new tractors on their lot, they don't actually have many tractors for sale. Every time I pointed to another new one it was sold and either waiting for optional parts or for credit approval. Maybe that was the case at JD, too. Anyway, at Kubota they didn't know how long it would take to get another. "Several months at least", was their estimate.

Got back home and realized I'd bought $25 worth of parts and burned more than that in gas. Nice way to spend an afternoon, but sure made me realize the value of online shopping.
rScotty

 

[Tx Jim]

rScotty
My having many yrs experience looking up JD parts I seriously doubt the JD parts list you presented that the part # couldn't be cross referenced. Post the part #s & I'll be glad to check the part #s for you. Another thing you can do is Goggle your so called outdated part # to determine if it's recognizable by Google. I think all brands of equipment dealers have experience with uncaring/not very brand knowledgeable employees.

 

[rScotty]

Thanks for the offer Jim. Yes, you've helped me find things in the past and I appreciate it. Also I recall some diagnostic work you did that sure helped.

It wasn't that the parts guys (an old guy and a new guy) couldn't cross reference the parts. It was the way they acted like it was my fault that bothered me. I didn't share all of the story. I don't care why they acted that way; I'll not give them the opportunity again.

All I did was hand them their own invoice printed by them on their own company stationary and with my old order and their part numbers printed right on it. I simply wanted the same parts again. The problem was apparently that some parts were AxxxxR traditional JD part numbers and others were JDSxxx - like the JDS950 kit.

Yes, it has become easy to look parts up online. As you say, Google will cross reference them for you and even recommend several sources. But having done that, why should I not just save the gasoline, time, and irritation by simply ordering online?

The crazy thing is I went out there specifically to do my part supporting a local dealer. That's something else I can save time by not doing again.
rScotty

 

[Smokeydog]

Our Kubota dealer has changed. Slick car dealer like showroom for new equipment. Poor customer service access and accommodations. Ever changing service people. I think a knowledgeable service manager and good parts support personnel can be the best new equipment sales staff but rarely get the credit. Building relationships with current customers. Service after the sale is important to me. Now finding a shop with good mechanics is a problem.

Been buying parts and some oils online for years. Saves my time and money.

 

[WranglerX]

ITs became like on TV, you know VROOM and Car Gurus.... Its like when I bought my MF GC1715, salesman did not even know model existed until I requested it...

And then it came back from dealer for its first service with lug nuts loose on side where they had to remove wheel to get access to hydraulic strainer... Seem they did not care about little guy but could fall over backwards for the guy who spent $250,000 of huge tractor... And shop manager was probably very unhappy with email message he received from me...

 

[Tx Jim]

JDS950 isn't a JD part #.

 

[two_bit_score]

I can relate to the experience walking into a tractor dealer and being looked at like you are an alien from outer space.

I have been considering the purchase of a CTL with a brush cutter for awhile. Id like to rent or lease one for a month or so before dropping $75,000 to $100k.

After seeing a video of a Kubota CTL brushcutter combo I decided to drop in at a local Kubota dealer known to have an active rental inventory to see about renting one.

When I walked in the door there were 3 employees standing nearby in casual conversation. None bothered to speak as they all looked at me like I was a space alien. I made a common greeting like “good afternoon” Which went completely ignored. I asked where the rental guy was and one of the 3 pointed to the guy behind the counter at the rear of the showroom. No spoken word from any of them to me.

Now, I’ve looked around a bit and while I’m partial to JD I’ve considered Kubota, NH, CAT, etc. and I was looking to spend around $4k or so for a month of CTL rental all up. If they had one ready to go that day I would have had It delivered.

Walked back to the counter where the rental guy seemed to be struggling to put a safety guard on a string trimmer. Asked him I’d he was the rental guy and if he had time to talk. He never stopped his struggle with the string trimmer to reply ”sure, what’s you need”.

I asked about renting a CTL with a brushcutter and was told very tersely that “we don’t do anything with brushcutters on the front”. No interest shown on Offering anything else or helping in any way. Never stopped struggling with that string trimmer safety guard the entire time. I thanked him and walked out.

As I drove off I wondered if the dealership owner would have approved of a Sales employee prioritizing putting a string trimmer together over a potential customer who drove to the dealership to do business and was interested in spending $4k immediately and was a potential $100k customer later.

 

[RickB]

What sort of a substitute do you think he has for a rental CTL with a brush cutter? They have good reasons for not being in that market, I suspect. It's not a good fit for many rental outfits. If they aren't in that space they aren't. They apparently do sell string trimmers.
The last guy he talked to was probably 5 minutes out to pick up his new string trimmer. Bottom line, you don't know what the job responsibilities were of the guys in front and you don't know what promises the "rental guy" was trying to fulfill.

 

[rScotty]

JDS950 isn't a JD part #.

Well, that's the number right they put on by the JD dealership right on the official JD dealership invoice for the parts that I ordered before. Those are the parts that our oldest local dealership is selling, and that's where I shop. I'm not making this up. You may have seen their letterhead with all the pretty pictures of JD tractors done as a watermark.
Nice stationary they have there....

Jim, google that number if you are curious. Nothing else, just google search on "JDS950". Look at how many hits you get from JD parts houses. Including dealers.
They sell JDSxxx parts all day long.
rScotty

 

[Williy]

rkScotty check this out! You may need​

Bank support its $17.95

JDS950 - FUEL FILTER REPAIR KIT - Steiner Tractor Parts​

https://www.steinertractor.com/JDS950-Fuel-Filter-Repair-Kit
https://www.steinertractor.com/JDS950-Fuel-Filter-Repair-Kit
https://www.steinertractor.com/JDS950-Fuel-Filter-Repair-Kit

willy

 

[rScotty]

Willy, you're yelling again....

 

[RickB]

Well, that's the number right they put on by the JD dealership right on the official JD dealership invoice for the parts that I ordered before. Those are the parts that our oldest local dealership is selling, and that's where I shop. I'm not making this up. You may have seen their letterhead with all the pretty pictures of JD tractors done as a watermark.
Nice stationary they have there....

Jim, google that number if you are curious. Nothing else, just google search on "JDS950". Look at how many hits you get from JD parts houses. Including dealers.
They sell JDSxxx parts all day long.
rScotty

So being the curious type that I am I did a google search on JDS950. I got exactly zero results from any sites associated with John Deere or any Deere dealers. The part number is clearly an aftermarket part. Now that doesn't mean some Deere dealer doesn't sell it, but if so they don't appear to source it from Mother Deere.
Which aligns with my experience in recognizing common and customary Deere part number configurations and TX Jim's conclusion.

 

[rScotty]

So being the curious type that I am I did a google search on JDS950. I got exactly zero results from any sites associated with John Deere or any Deere dealers. The part number is clearly an aftermarket part. Now that doesn't mean some Deere dealer doesn't sell it, but if so they don't appear to source it from Mother Deere.
Which aligns with my experience in recognizing common and customary Deere part number configurations and TX Jim's conclusion.

Well, that is pretty amazing when you think about it. And has some interesting consequences....

Since I know I'm reporting what I see correctly and I assume that you are too, then the only thing that can explain the different search results is that Google search works differently on our different computers i.e. our computer-generated "metaverse" is similar but slightly different.

At one time that would have surprised me, but now it just seems normal. Especially since I've noticed that most online computers can now generate personally targeted ads as well as news story bias based on search history. That's just more evidence of the same.

BTW, I use Safari Browser on an Apple Mac Pro. I've no idea at all if that makes a difference or not.
It's a rapidly changing universe...er, metaverse.
rScotty

 

[RickB]

Well, that is pretty amazing when you think about it. And has some interesting consequences....

Since I know I'm reporting what I see correctly and I assume that you are too, then the only thing that can explain the different search results is that Google search works differently on our different computers i.e. our computer-generated "metaverse" is similar but slightly different.

At one time that would have surprised me, but now it just seems normal. Especially since I've noticed that most online computers can now generate personally targeted ads as well as news story bias based on search history. That's just more evidence of the same.

BTW, I use Safari Browser on an Apple Mac Pro. I've no idea at all if that makes a difference or not.
It's a rapidly changing universe...er, metaverse.
rScotty

Safari on an iPad here.

 

[ishiboo]

Well, that is pretty amazing when you think about it. And has some interesting consequences....

Since I know I'm reporting what I see correctly and I assume that you are too, then the only thing that can explain the different search results is that Google search works differently on our different computers i.e. our computer-generated "metaverse" is similar but slightly different.

At one time that would have surprised me, but now it just seems normal. Especially since I've noticed that most online computers can now generate personally targeted ads as well as news story bias based on search history. That's just more evidence of the same.

BTW, I use Safari Browser on an Apple Mac Pro. I've no idea at all if that makes a difference or not.
It's a rapidly changing universe...er, metaverse.
rScotty

RickB is right - not a single part returned from a Deere dealership via Google, and that doesn’t look like any Deere part number I’ve ever seen.

Appears it’s a kit made by Steiner. That doesn’t mean you didn’t buy it from a Deere dealership - just that it’s not a Deere product. If you would have given them the Deere part numbers that made up the aftermarket kit, I’m sure they might have more luck. OEM Replacement Part Numbers: 2-A4983R, 2-A4978R, 1-AA4297R, 1-C1778R

 

[two_bit_score]

What sort of a substitute do you think he has for a rental CTL with a brush cutter? They have good reasons for not being in that market, I suspect. It's not a good fit for many rental outfits. If they aren't in that space they aren't. They apparently do sell string trimmers.
The last guy he talked to was probably 5 minutes out to pick up his new string trimmer. Bottom line, you don't know what the job responsibilities were of the guys in front and you don't know what promises the "rental guy" was trying to fulfill.

I'm sure you are just trying to engage in an argument with those remarks so I'm not going to do that. But it does give me an opportunity, for the benefit of others, to elaborate a little on the poor customer relations at that particular Kubota dealer.

Its an example of very poor customer service, time management and lack of properly prioritizing. Your attempt to take up for them and excuse it doesn't change that.

Doesn't really matter the titles or job duties of the guys up front. If the dealership makes money they benefit. It won't make money if customers walk out because the guys standing around would rather do that than help. A customer is not an interruption of the work day. They are the reason for it.

Their rental department may have a good reason not be in the business of renting CTL's w/brushcutters. That is legit. But what is not legit in my business experience is to dismiss a potential customer without trying to find a way to make him a buying customer. Even without having a rental to offer Kubota does have a CTL capable of running a good brushcutter. He could have said 'hey I have to get this done for a guy on the way right now but if you can take a look at some of our used CTL's or a new one we just got ready for sale they are right out side and Ill get someone to meet you out there in justa minute. Maybe we can find something you can use to get you taken care of."

As it was that particular dealership missed a great opportunity. I will rent and/or buy a CTL w/brushcutter at some point but it won't be from that Kubota dealership chain or that salesman. I'll also make it a point in my dealings with others in that market to find out more about the guys who work there and the owner. He may become a customer of mine because I could sure help him with his customer service.

 

[Williy]

A little more info as its not JD
The diaphragms are made from Fairprene WFP-B2N1, which can withstand the ethanol in blended gasoline. O-ring made from Viton.

willy

 

[RickB]

I'm sure you are just trying to engage in an argument with those remarks so I'm not going to do that. But it does give me an opportunity, for the benefit of others, to elaborate a little on the poor customer relations at that particular Kubota dealer.

Its an example of very poor customer service, time management and lack of properly prioritizing. Your attempt to take up for them and excuse it doesn't change that.

Doesn't really matter the titles or job duties of the guys up front. If the dealership makes money they benefit. It won't make money if customers walk out because the guys standing around would rather do that than help. A customer is not an interruption of the work day. They are the reason for it.

Their rental department may have a good reason not be in the business of renting CTL's w/brushcutters. That is legit. But what is not legit in my business experience is to dismiss a potential customer without trying to find a way to make him a buying customer. Even without having a rental to offer Kubota does have a CTL capable of running a good brushcutter. He could have said 'hey I have to get this done for a guy on the way right now but if you can take a look at some of our used CTL's or a new one we just got ready for sale they are right out side and Ill get someone to meet you out there in justa minute. Maybe we can find something you can use to get you taken care of."

As it was that particular dealership missed a great opportunity. I will rent and/or buy a CTL w/brushcutter at some point but it won't be from that Kubota dealership chain or that salesman. I'll also make it a point in my dealings with others in that market to find out more about the guys who work there and the owner. He may become a customer of mine because I could sure help him with his customer service.

There's little doubt your customer experience was less than stellar.
I'm still confused as to why you claim the dealership missed such a lucrative opportunity when they have already made a conscious decision to not provide the service you were seeking that day. They have disagreed in advance.
Additionally I looked at 3 major regional equipment rental outfits and 30 day rental of a large CTL with a bucket costs between $3500 and $4500 in my area.
Sumbelt did offer a large list of attachments including a 6' wide brush cutter with 4" capability. Their CTL with cutter 30 day rental rate is $5800 using a random Texas zip code before adding taxes and their environmental fees and the optional insurance and mobilization which you may or may not need.
So from where I sit it's not terribly likely there's a ton of money to be made by renting out the same equipment for an amount that meets your $4000 budget.

 

[Tx Jim]

I can't remember JD ever offering a kit with diaphragms,screen & gasket BUT they certainly don't offer that kit today listed by a regular JD part #. What part # your JD dealer parts personnel put on an invoice has no bearing on if part # is an original JD part #.

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/63614/referrer/navigation/pgId/224573

 

[rScotty]

I can't remember JD ever offering a kit with diaphragms,screen & gasket BUT they certainly don't offer that kit today listed by a regular JD part #. What part # your JD dealer parts personnel put on an invoice has no bearing on if part # is an original JD part #.

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/63614/referrer/navigation/pgId/224573

My point was simply that buying tractor parts has become more difficult at the dealer than it is online.
That surprised me, and I thought I would share it. Yes, I know that it bothers some people to find that out. Frankly it bothers me a bit too.

As we've proven in this thread, Jim - you and I and several others here can find those parts on the web in two minutes or less. We can find what model they fit, where they are in stock, and what the original JD part numbers are. And we aren't professional part guys - except for Jim. But we can even find out something about the material and improvements re: Willy said, "Viton & ethanol resistant"

However, at the dealership they couldn't find any of those things using their own system even when given all the in house advantages including their own invoice, and a JD parts book. They finally gave up.

And that's exactly my point. It's not to establish blame.
It used to be I would go to the dealer first and do parts research online only if the dealer couldn't help. Now the world of parts has changed. It has become more efficient for me to go online than to the dealer. To me, that's a big change - and I wonder where it takes us.
rScotty