Valid warranty claim?

[rignerd]

I've been brush hogging a bit of heavy brush and managed to snag the wires for the third function. I've looked around and can't see where to plug it back in, but in the same general area there is a relay under heat shrink and tywraps, so I assume there are similar parts missing. Before I take it into the dealer I wanted to ask if this a valid warranty claim, or "user abuse?" For the record my dealer has been very good with the two problems (failed hoses) I've had in the past, so I don't expect a fight unless it is not really a valid claim.


Kioti CK4020SE, Countyline 4' rotary cutter. Land is 23 acre pine plantation with about 5 acres of fence lines and trails and feed plots that haven't been mowed in 2 years.

 

[ning]

I've been brush hogging a bit of heavy brush and managed to snag the wires for the third function. I've looked around and can't see where to plug it back in, but in the same general area there is a relay under heat shrink and tywraps, so I assume there are similar parts missing. Before I take it into the dealer I wanted to ask if this a valid warranty claim, or "user abuse?" For the record my dealer has been very good with the two problems (failed hoses) I've had in the past, so I don't expect a fight unless it is not really a valid claim.


Kioti CK4020SE, Countyline 4' rotary cutter. Land is 23 acre pine plantation with about 5 acres of fence lines and trails and feed plots that haven't been mowed in 2 years.

I don't want to sound accusatory by saying "user abuse" but unless the wires were in the wrong spot - demonstrably so even now - I don't think this is a warranty claim; you do need to be mindful for what you're driving over and around.

 

[Jstpssng]

I wouldn't call it abuse, but would call it operator error.

That last is something I am WAY too familiar with.

 

[bearthebruce]

I wouldn't call it abuse, but would call it operator error.

That last is something I am WAY too familiar with.

Aren't we all?

My gal is way past warranty so when this operator makes a boo boo, he just has to find a way to fix it! Most in this community can relate me thinks.

I do have a rule however, all fixes must be done right. No rube solutions to go wrong a second time. Maybe a rube to get her back to the barn but then she gets fixed by correct means - new parts bought from the dealer network.

 

[rignerd]

I don't want to sound accusatory by saying "user abuse" but unless the wires were in the wrong spot - demonstrably so even now - I don't think this is a warranty claim; you do need to be mindful for what you're driving over and around.

I guess I'll be ready to pay. One reason i think it should be a warranty claim is the wires and hoses are slung low underneath. It looks like it would be pretty easy to tie them up out of the way, once it's fixed I plan to cut all the tie wraps and reroute them. Also I'm going to order a service manual so I can find the part numbers and order parts for myself.

 

[dstig1]

They'll probably say something like "it's a tractor, not a forestry skidder". I understand your annoyance and you are certainly not the first with this complaint, but compact tractors really don't come properly equipped for work in heavy woods/brush like this, no matter how much many of us think they should. If you want to use it in conditions like that, then you are going to need to do something on your own to armor/protect the vulnerable bits like radiator, fan, wires, hoses, etc

 

[Too many Kubotas]

One reason i think it should be a warranty claim is the wires and hoses are slung low underneath. It looks like it would be pretty easy to tie them up out of the way, once it's fixed I plan to cut all the tie wraps and reroute them.

I'm surprised you didn't notice that when first getting the machine, and checking fluid levels and things in general.

Which you did, right?

 

[CliffordK]

I assume this is standard equipment, and not an aftermarket accessory.

Talk to the dealer and see what they say.

My Ford has a clutch sensor wire that hangs down a bit, and usually gives me problems if the engine is ever shut off in the middle of a blackberry patch (causing the tractor not to restart).

Anyway, if you have wires or parts that are snagging on brush, or falling off during normal use, then I'd consider that to be a design flaw, and it should be brought to the attention of the manufacturer, whether that is a warranty claim, or something else.

 

[oosik]

Never had to have any work done on the M6040.

However - exactly ten months after purchase. Came home - note stuck on door. It said.......

"We were here - you were not. As per manufacturers recall - put a new, reinforced step system on your tractor."
"Your local, friendly Kubota dealer".

Now - that's what I call good service.

 

[bearthebruce]

It looks like it would be pretty easy to tie them up out of the way, once it's fixed I plan to cut all the tie wraps and reroute them.

You might also get some spiral wrap (https://www.amazon.com/spiral-cable-wrap/s?k=spiral+cable+wrap) to wrap the wires and protect them a little more.

I don't understand why wires are just run over the frame of a machine without some extra protection. Especially when running underneath a machine intended to go into fields and woods.

As an electrical engineer, I just don't get why the accountants get to decide what is right for a design!

 

[mikester]

I wouldn't call it abuse, but would call it operator error.

That last is something I am WAY too familiar with.

If you can't learn from your mistakes then I would call it abuse!

Neglect is just another form of abuse...neglecting to pay attention, neglecting to do your circle checks,...

To the OP, good luck on trying to call that a warranty issue. At least the OP is asking the question before, hopefully, going to scream at the dealer and make demands for free service.

 

[rignerd]

I assume this is standard equipment, and not an aftermarket accessory.

Talk to the dealer and see what they say.

My Ford has a clutch sensor wire that hangs down a bit, and usually gives me problems if the engine is ever shut off in the middle of a blackberry patch (causing the tractor not to restart).

Anyway, if you have wires or parts that are snagging on brush, or falling off during normal use, then I'd consider that to be a design flaw, and it should be brought to the attention of the manufacturer, whether that is a warranty claim, or something else.

It is the dealer installed third function. They routed it with a larger bundle of wires and hoses, which i assume were factory routed.

 

[rignerd]

They'll probably say something like "it's a tractor, not a forestry skidder". I understand your annoyance and you are certainly not the first with this complaint, but compact tractors really don't come properly equipped for work in heavy woods/brush like this, no matter how much many of us think they should. If you want to use it in conditions like that, then you are going to need to do something on your own to armor/protect the vulnerable bits like radiator, fan, wires, hoses, etc

Yeah, I probably should have looked it over a little closer before I started working it. I thought it was all hydraulic hoses, until the third function stopped closing. I see somebody has posted a link to spiral wrap, I hole it's better than the one I have in my cart.

 

[rignerd]

You might also get some spiral wrap (Amazon.com : spiral cable wrap) to wrap the wires and protect them a little more.

I don't understand why wires are just run over the frame of a machine without some extra protection. Especially when running underneath a machine intended to go into fields and woods.

As an electrical engineer, I just don't get why the accountants get to decide what is right for a design!

Thanks for the link. I've been looking at this too. Reading another manufacturers specs they say it will bundle up to two times the stated ID, and amazon carries it up to two inch ID. I am going to wait until i get it back and measure the bundle diameter and see if that's big enough, if not I'll see if I can separate the wires and hoses and bundle them in smaller groups.
2 inch spiral wrap

 

[Bentrim]

Warranty = Defects in material and workmanship. If you can classify it under one of those then it is warranty. If wires were routed incorrectly or not connected properly then you may have warranty. Best advice is to read your warranty statement to see what is warranty and what your responsibilities are.