Dealer Prep Time on New Tractor

[orezok]

Seems like they would check bolts etc. BEFORE putting it on the lot like the OP's.

From the dealers perspective the sooner it’s on the lot, the sooner it will be sold. Thats money in HIS pocket. Unfortunately, your time is not his first priority.

 

[rScotty]

One thing I forgot to add to my post is that over here, the importer does all the assembly and prep necessary once they receive the tractors on their lot. From there, it goes to the dealers to get sold pretty much ready to go.

The only thing the dealers will do, is do a final once over and take care of any requests by the costumer, like swapping to R1 Radials, filling tires, install an extra set of remotes, send the tractor to the loader manufacturer to have a loader installed or install a loader themselves, install SMV sign, license plate and beacon, etc.

I don't know if it's a better system or not but very rarely hear about loose bolts or nuts, even after thousands of hours. Honestly, it baffles me constantly reading on this forum about loose bolts with hardly any hours on the tractors. It does show very little care or attention during this process.

US dealers vary. One day one might order a specific tractor to be built at the factory - or he might buy a group of disassembled tractors in crates from one distributor and crates of option kits from another. Making deals is what dealers do. Options can be added at any point in the process.

"Prep work" at a dealership is not the best job in the house. Some shop foreman use the threat of prep work to motivate lazy mechanics, while I've known others who use prep work as their own after-hour relaxation.

I worked with one shop foreman who had fingers like vice grips. When a kid got done with a prep job the foreman would go over the machine using only two fingers - small nuts removed cost the assembler a dime and large ones a quarter. Proceeds went into a beer fund.

However it gets done, hopefully the dealer is responsible for final assembly and checklng.

rScotty

 

[Paystar]

It isn't really unassembled. Just needs fluid levels checked, nuts and bolts checked, and lotsa plastic thrown away..
Guess it's not as uncommon as I thought on dealer prep time. Or maybe just a sign of our times?

SWEET!!!

 

[arrow]

Seems like they would check bolts etc. BEFORE putting it on the lot like the OP's.

Doesn't work that way.
They come off a trailer and parked on the lot.
If they get sold, then they get pdi'ed.
The bigger the tractor, the more stuff to do on it.

 

[arrow]

One thing I forgot to add to my post is that over here, the importer does all the assembly and prep necessary once they receive the tractors on their lot. From there, it goes to the dealers to get sold pretty much ready to go.

The only thing the dealers will do, is do a final once over and take care of any requests by the costumer, like swapping to R1 Radials, filling tires, install an extra set of remotes, send the tractor to the loader manufacturer to have a loader installed or install a loader themselves, install SMV sign, license plate and beacon, etc.

I don't know if it's a better system or not but very rarely hear about loose bolts or nuts, even after thousands of hours. Honestly, it baffles me constantly reading on this forum about loose bolts with hardly any hours on the tractors. It does show very little care or attention during this process.

Your first sentence is true...to a point.
It's like that "one in a million" where an employee of a manufacturer "forgets something".
but we're dealing with human beings here and all the conditions of the species so lackadaisical attitudes will not do on the sales end.

Loose bolts, missing air filters, loose oil filters, low fluids top off, low tire pressures or too high, disconnected wires, poor greasing if at all, lighting checks, implement checks, incorrect assembly, etc, etc.
What takes time is not only the "checking " itself, but where something needs addressing or additions can also cut into an alacrity of delivery.

So now there is a bit of complaining going on but if any of you were responsible for the safety, reliability, viability and customer service quality of a product you were letting go with your name on the line, how careful would you be with the products you sell?

The actual "help" situation or trying to get employees is another issue entirely but a person "fresh off the street" is not qualified to do proper pdi's.

And if anyone thinks we've "cleared" the lost time of covid, I've got news for ya.

 

[arrow]

. Unfortunately, your time is not his first priority.

Of course it is and a bunch more.
The customer is the ultimate priority and if "time" were the only aspect of importance, where do you think we'd all be?

 

[arrow]

"Prep work" at a dealership is not the best job in the house. Some shop foreman use the threat of prep work to motivate lazy mechanics, while I've known others who use prep work as their own after-hour relaxation.

.

rScotty

I am at a loss when people make statements like this.

"Prep work" or as you state that includes pdi, is an "essential" part of the job and is far from the "prepping" done at auto dealerships where a car simply gets washed and waxed by a lot boy and what we do at our place in regard to pre delivery, has no other purpose than to create the best viability of the product.

You best know your stuff if you're going to be inspecting a tractor for delivery.

Of the 10 people employed at the dealership I work at, only two are qualified for pre delivery inspection of tractors: our best mechanic and myself and believe me, there is nothing relaxing about it.
It is a dead serious entity.

 

[K5lwq]

I am at a loss when people make statements like this.

"Prep work" or as you state that includes pdi, is an "essential" part of the job and is far from the "prepping" done at auto dealerships where a car simply gets washed and waxed by a lot boy nor is it used for any other purpose than to create the best viability of the product.

You best know your stuff if you're going to be inspecting a tractor for delivery.

Of the 10 people employed at the dealership I work at, only two are qualified for pre delivery inspection of tractors: our best mechanic and myself and believe me, there is nothing relaxing about it.
It is a dead serious entity.

How do you check the bolts from the bell housing to the engine on a cab tractor? I could see a time when I would find one that I could get to loose and then have to pull the cab to check the rest. Yeah, I would not find that very relaxing.

 

[Torvy]

My tractor took two weeks, but only because I wanted a model they did not have on their lot. If I wanted one of the tractors on the lot, it would have been 1-3 days (I wanted 3rd function installed).

 

[rockinbbar]

I am at a loss when people make statements like this.

"Prep work" or as you state that includes pdi, is an "essential" part of the job and is far from the "prepping" done at auto dealerships where a car simply gets washed and waxed by a lot boy and what we do at our place in regard to pre delivery, has no other purpose than to create the best viability of the product.

You best know your stuff if you're going to be inspecting a tractor for delivery.

Of the 10 people employed at the dealership I work at, only two are qualified for pre delivery inspection of tractors: our best mechanic and myself and believe me, there is nothing relaxing about it.
It is a dead serious entity.

I agree that it's important. And you have to know your way around several different models, if not makes of tractors.
I know the prep guy at my dealership, and he's pretty good. More importantly, he takes pride in his work. While I do my own checks a few hours after running the tractor, I really don't worry that this guy missed anything much.

I had bought a 100hp tractor and 15' cutter together some years back. (Another dealer and brand)

The two bolts or pins that hold the drawbar in the center position were missing, or swiped... That caused sway in the batwing cutter, but it wasn't noticeable from the cab. It wasn't long before the CV joint in the main driveshaft that hooked to the PTO started clattering. I mentioned it to the service mgr when I had it in for an unrelated issue. He went to the back of the tractor with me, and after a few minutes said the CV joint was shot, and started looking for the cause, and discovered the missing bolts.

I asked him what they were going to do about it, and he said they would order a new driveshaft assy. They did. It cost the dealer $1500, as they don't sell just the CV joint side of the shaft. You had to buy the whole thing from the PTO to the middle gear box splitter.

 

[rScotty]

I am at a loss when people make statements like this.

"Prep work" or as you state that includes pdi, is an "essential" part of the job and is far from the "prepping" done at auto dealerships where a car simply gets washed and waxed by a lot boy and what we do at our place in regard to pre delivery, has no other purpose than to create the best viability of the product.

You best know your stuff if you're going to be inspecting a tractor for delivery.

Of the 10 people employed at the dealership I work at, only two are qualified for pre delivery inspection of tractors: our best mechanic and myself and believe me, there is nothing relaxing about it.
It is a dead serious entity.

I'm glad you enjoy the prep work. I always found it enjoyable myself. Just a machine, a tool box, a check list, and time to spend doing it the right way. It might be a tractor, implement, race bike, or machine tool. It doesn't really matter. Basically a way to make a few extra bucks and unwind from the pressure of the day job.
If you haven't yet, you might want to give it a try in the evenings when nobody else is around. That was always my favorite time.
rScotty

 

[arrow]

I'm glad you enjoy the prep work. I always found it enjoyable myself. Just a machine, a tool box, a check list, and time to spend doing it the right way. It might be a tractor, implement, race bike, or machine tool. It doesn't really matter. Basically a way to make a few extra bucks and unwind from the pressure of the day job.
If you haven't yet, you might want to give it a try in the evenings when nobody else is around. That was always my favorite time.
rScotty

I think you're under a false pretense as it comes to tractor delivery. I do not find pdi's "enjoyable". I find them "necessary".
Let me repeat: "there is NOTHING relaxing about a pre delivery inspection of a tractor" and inspections are most certainly part of the "day job" and are not considered "pressure release valves"
If you are considering this part of my job as a "walk in the park", that's fine, but consider the "park" to be in the Yukon wilderness. You might confront a grizzly who is also taking a relaxing stroll.
A tractor "split" is less stressful because you at least know that you "need" to find something, that will appear quite evident.
An "inspection" is like exploratory where you do not know what you'll confront and yes, we once had to split a brand new tractor during covid because I heard a slight "whirring" sound that should not have been there coming from the drive train.
That was caused by a failed bearing race caused by an improperly bolted inner support plate that was put on backward..
India was hit very hard by covid so who knows who they had to hire as replacement.
I hope never to confront something like that again so excuse me for not feeling "relaxed".

 

[arrow]

I agree that it's important. And you have to know your way around several different models, if not makes of tractors.
I know the prep guy at my dealership, and he's pretty good. More importantly, he takes pride in his work. While I do my own checks a few hours after running the tractor, I really don't worry that this guy missed anything much.

I had bought a 100hp tractor and 15' cutter together some years back. (Another dealer and brand)

The two bolts or pins that hold the drawbar in the center position were missing, or swiped... That caused sway in the batwing cutter, but it wasn't noticeable from the cab. It wasn't long before the CV joint in the main driveshaft that hooked to the PTO started clattering. I mentioned it to the service mgr when I had it in for an unrelated issue. He went to the back of the tractor with me, and after a few minutes said the CV joint was shot, and started looking for the cause, and discovered the missing bolts.

I asked him what they were going to do about it, and he said they would order a new driveshaft assy. They did. It cost the dealer $1500, as they don't sell just the CV joint side of the shaft. You had to buy the whole thing from the PTO to the middle gear box splitter.

That was a righteous thing for the dealer to do.
I could fill a bag with the "missing" pins discovered.

 

[rScotty]

I think you're under a false pretense as it comes to tractor delivery. I do not find pdi's "enjoyable". I find them "necessary".
Let me repeat: "there is NOTHING relaxing about a pre delivery inspection of a tractor" and inspections are most certainly part of the "day job" and are not considered "pressure release valves"
If you are considering this part of my job as a "walk in the park", that's fine, but consider the "park" to be in the Yukon wilderness. You might confront a grizzly who is also taking a relaxing stroll.
A tractor "split" is less stressful because you at least know that you "need" to find something, that will appear quite evident.
An "inspection" is like exploratory where you do not know what you'll confront and yes, we once had to split a brand new tractor during covid because I heard a slight "whirring" sound that should not have been there coming from the drive train.
That was caused by a failed bearing race caused by an improperly bolted inner support plate that was put on backward..
India was hit very hard by covid so who knows who they had to hire as replacement.
I hope never to confront something like that again so excuse me for not feeling "relaxed".

That's remarkable that you were able to find that bearing and replace it. Good hearing is a gift.

I knew a shop foreman with that same level of diligence. He eventually opened a shop specializing in transmissions (BMWs) and became world renowned as THE person to send a vintage transmission to when it needed the very best work.
rScotty

 

[arrow]

That's remarkable that you were able to find that bearing and replace it. Good hearing is a gift.

I knew a shop foreman with that same level of diligence. He eventually opened a shop specializing in transmissions (BMWs) and became world renowned as THE person to send a vintage transmission to when it needed the very best work.
rScotty

Well, my hearing ain't what it used to be.
It was more about a sound that shouldn't have been there.

 

[FERLING]

So I made a deal on a new Powerstar 110 New Holland last week. Good deal, and I trust the dealer.

I asked him if I could come in the first part of this week now, and pick up my new tractor?

He said that was a service dept question, as the service dept is a bit backlogged now. But to call the service mgr. and tell him what I wanted done to the tractor, and see how long the wait is.

Okay... So I called the service mgr., and he took down what tractor and what I wanted done. (Just tire sealant added, really.) I asked him when he could get that out for me?

Ummm... we have a stack of tractors to make ready that are already sold. Maybe a bit more than 2 weeks.



Really? This is the 3rd piece of equipment I've bought at this dealer. I never had to wait before. I know it's all labor related. Getting someone to work, or show up for work. Or even getting qualified help of any sort. But it's really pretty disgusting to have to deal with this. Time is money.

Anyone else having these issues? It's a first for me.

Been there and done that waiting on a loader to be installed on mine when new. Best a person can do in the purchasing of a new tractor is a percentage down and balance on delivery. Pay up front with a promise of, puts you on a dealers back burner when a problem occurs.
When I read "I trust my dealer" I knew you had let down all your defenses if a problem occured.
We are living in times were Lies are just every day interactions and reputation is something grandpa told you existed in the Good Old Days which really wasn't so good when you study the truth about them.

 

[oosik]

My M 6040 took a little longer - they installed the 3rd function. So much talk of loose wheel nuts - 3 or 4 years ago. I went thru all the wheel nuts - Blue LokTite and retorqued.

 

[moblemech]

So I made a deal on a new Powerstar 110 New Holland last week. Good deal, and I trust the dealer.

I asked him if I could come in the first part of this week now, and pick up my new tractor?

He said that was a service dept question, as the service dept is a bit backlogged now. But to call the service mgr. and tell him what I wanted done to the tractor, and see how long the wait is.

Okay... So I called the service mgr., and he took down what tractor and what I wanted done. (Just tire sealant added, really.) I asked him when he could get that out for me?

Ummm... we have a stack of tractors to make ready that are already sold. Maybe a bit more than 2 weeks.



Really? This is the 3rd piece of equipment I've bought at this dealer. I never had to wait before. I know it's all labor related. Getting someone to work, or show up for work. Or even getting qualified help of any sort. But it's really pretty disgusting to have to deal with this. Time is money.

Anyone else having these issues? It's a first for me.

Lucky you. I purchased a new L series kubota. It’s been 20 days and still waiting on it to be delivered. About ready to cancel my order

 

[rockinbbar]

Been there and done that waiting on a loader to be installed on mine when new. Best a person can do in the purchasing of a new tractor is a percentage down and balance on delivery. Pay up front with a promise of, puts you on a dealers back burner when a problem occurs.
When I read "I trust my dealer" I knew you had let down all your defenses if a problem occured.
We are living in times were Lies are just every day interactions and reputation is something grandpa told you existed in the Good Old Days which really wasn't so good when you study the truth about them.

LOL. I DO trust my dealer. And I know from walking around his service dept that they are completely swamped right now.

They couldn't sell tractors when Covid had the world shut down, so lots of people ordered tractors...and they are just beginning to hit now. Lots of others just rode out the slump by keeping their old tractors going until they could get a new one...That's happening now too.

As far as trusting my dealer, he beat the nearest competition price by like $8k. And I'm trading him my 2015 Case 95c, which is immaculate, and he'll be able to get top dollar for on the used market.

Here's the trade in:

Another reason to trust him is that beyond the small town atmosphere, he does the right thing when he doesn't have to.. Just yesterday I was checking on a tractor in his shop being worked on now, and there's a part they had to buy as an "assembly", that's pretty expensive. He told me right out that he wasn't charging the usual parts dept price, but that it would be installed at cost.

When that tractor was brand new, it had an issue that nobody could diagnose. The factory rep was down several times over 2 months, and they were at a loss. I was losing money because I couldn't use a tractor that was in their shop. My dealer offered to dealer transfer a brand new tractor in for me, and I could take it, and he would take any loss on the one needing repair. Well, the next thing I knew, the service mgr. went against warranty authorization and removed the heads from the engine (You have to get warranty authorization, or they won't pay the dealer for work performed) He found a faulty rocker arm assembly, and replaced it and fixed the tractor. But my dealer said I could still have the choice of taking my tractor back, or he would get me another new tractor at no additional cost. I told him as long as mine ran good, I didn't want his new tractor.

So, yes. I trust my dealer on a more personal level than most tractor owners will ever know.

They are just swamped with repair work and new make ready's right now. That he won't bump me up the line in front of other customers tells me that he is principled. I know I'd not want to be bumped when I am in line for work done.

 

[johneking]

So I made a deal on a new Powerstar 110 New Holland last week. Good deal, and I trust the dealer.

I asked him if I could come in the first part of this week now, and pick up my new tractor?

He said that was a service dept question, as the service dept is a bit backlogged now. But to call the service mgr. and tell him what I wanted done to the tractor, and see how long the wait is.

Okay... So I called the service mgr., and he took down what tractor and what I wanted done. (Just tire sealant added, really.) I asked him when he could get that out for me?

Ummm... we have a stack of tractors to make ready that are already sold. Maybe a bit more than 2 weeks.



Really? This is the 3rd piece of equipment I've bought at this dealer. I never had to wait before. I know it's all labor related. Getting someone to work, or show up for work. Or even getting qualified help of any sort. But it's really pretty disgusting to have to deal with this. Time is money.

Anyone else having these issues? It's a first for me.

Here's my take on this -- go sit down eye to eye with the owner/owners and being as nice as possible, let them know your position i.e. -- I paid good hard-earned money for this tractor and even a little more than from another location due to have done business with you three other times.
Is there ANY way to get this working sooner than ANOTHER couple of weeks?
If not, either take it and set an appointment to get the work done you want at a later date, forget those "add-ons" -- or ask for your money back and let them know you won't be back.
Although the "work force" in this country isn't what it used to be {WAY too much FREE STUFF!} there are still people who will work and the dealership has a responsibility to get what you paid for to you!