FEL control, install error by dealer

[azhfl56]

I was looking for some advice. I am new here, thought I have been lurking for some time. At any rate, I just purchased a brand new Kubota 4330 Cab model. When the dealer installed the controller for the front end loader, it would seem they did not use the supplied template for installation. In order to install the fel control they must drill through the fender. Now the fel control is in the wrong place. It hits my knee and does not allow the rear lift control to go all the way down, because the lever for the rear lift control hits the fel control. There is no hope of adding draft control because there would be hardly any clearance for the second lever. The installer also managed to seperate the seam bonding the fender to the cab body. The inside of the fender is now bent and seperating, the spot welds have been popped.

Up until this point the dealer has been great. What do I do? In order to fix it the right way, in my opinion they would have to order a new fender. However, what is saying that the same careless bloke or his co-hort don't do worse? I am really confounded on what to do. I know that if you just bought a brand new car and the dealer installed something that had to be drilled and drilled the holes in the wrong location, the item they drilled would be replaced.

I don't want a bunch of extra holes, but I don't want to be mean either. I know mistakes happen. I am just a little irked because Kubota supplies a template and the installer decided not to use it.

Any advice appreciated

Regards,

Bryan

 

[MadReferee]

Have the dealer correct HIS mistake. You shouldn't have to suffer because his technician screwed up.

BTW, please fill in your profile so that we can at least see where you are from. Sometimes location makes a difference in the response you might get.

 

[azhfl56]

Thanks for the reply, went back and added more info to my profile.

I want them to fix the mistake, but my concern is what is reasonable. Simply re-drilling more holes and re-locating the fel control? Is that reasonable? Is it reasonable to expect a new fender? I know I tend to be too easy in this department and then regret it later. My concerns are rust and factory integrity. Part of me says, ok, fine do your best and I will live with it, and the other part of me says, get it right as per the instructions from Kubota with no 'extra' or get me another tractor. So I imagine somewhere in between lies reality. What would you expect?

B

 

[MadReferee]

I want them to fix the mistake, but my concern is what is reasonable. Simply re-drilling more holes and re-locating the fel control? Is that reasonable? Is it reasonable to expect a new fender? ... What would you expect?

I would expect, then demand, nothing less than a new fender with the cutout made correctly. There is no excuse whatsoever for shoddy workmanship.

 

[hsvhobbit]

I think in this case you need to sit down with the dealer and explain all the issues you've seen with this shoddy install. Then tell him what it will take to make you satisfied. Don't fall for the trap of believing he's a 'friend' such that you don't want to cause hard feelings. Remember this is a BUSINESS deal. It's just business. You have popped spot welds. How SHOULD this be corrected?

If the same jerks screw up again? Then they get to FIX it again...this is BUSINESS, not friendship.

 

[bigjohnkub]

As a dealer, and service manager of the year for six years(toot my horn), I feel if you are not satisfied, I'm not. No matter if its an economy model or the deluxe edition. Go see your dealer, and if not satisfied, ask to see service rep. On the back of your operators manual is the phone number for every regional division of Kubota. Call them. Squeaky wheel gets greased.but, start at your dealer.

 

[Berniep]

I am very forgiving and easy going when it comes to stuff like this I used to be a mechanic. In this case, from what you describe, I wouln't expect anything less than a new fender and the install done right. Heck if I wanted a scewed up mess with a bunch of extra holes I can do that myself.

 

[KennyV]

This must happen more than you’d think with cabs… My L4200. See attached pic. As you can see I have short bolts in the extra holes, not a real problem… may even think of something to hang on there. On my fender it was only 3 holes easy to fix, no welds were broken. KennyV.

 

[DickS]

You are obliged to tell the dealer of the poor installation not only for your benefit, but for his and everybody else who purchases from him. Management is responsible to ensure their people are properly trained. You have already paid for that training in the price you paid for the tractor. To settle for anything less than satisfaction is irresponsible.

There is no need to be reluctant to address your grievances. Simply state that which you expect to be corrected and ask when you can expect the work will be properly completed.

 

[project]

Bryan, I've worked with men and women that have been arrested for violence for many years. Part of our teaching is the use of diplomacy when dealing with issues. When people become forceful trying to solve problems always leads to more problems and alienates those that can actually help us. Try to include the dealer to resolve this by getting them on yourside. This doesn't mean manipulation. You have a legimate problem..... Give them the opportunity to take care of it. (no threats or intimidation on your part. ) Most of what we assume will happen never does. let us know it this fails. I have further steps. Tony

 

[azhfl56]

Wow, what an awesome group.

I am waiting to hear back on what they are going to do. I hope things work out and honestly, I just want it done right. If I bought a used tractor and knew the problem up front, well then that was my choice. I bought a new tractor and don't feel I should have to just 'settle' for good enough.

I am curious though, KennyV, what fel control do you have? It looks much different than mine. Were those hole there when you bought it? Or were they too a mistake?

At the very least I expect the fel control put in the proper place. The interior panel would then need to replaced and the fender would need to replaced. One guy I talked to said they could simply bend the position control lever so it doesn't hit the fel control. Well, that would sort of work, but then I am still hitting my knee on my fel control box due to its placement and on top of that I would never be able to install draft control, unless of course the lever only stuck out 1 inch. It appears that at some point the installer may have realized that something was wrong because the fender is dented outward about 1 to 2 inches, as if someone tried to force the mounting area further outward. At this point I hope they take care of it correctly, I don't look forward to fighting about this. As I have said before, the dealership seemed really great. People make mistakes, I make mistakes, but when I make a mistake, I fix it or replace it. So I will let everyone know.

Thanks

Bryan

 

[KennyV]

Bryan,
My remote is a Model L2076, on my 1998 L4200. I believe that it was mounted too low initially.
I don’t think you can actually mount a remote lower than it was intended because the control cables are a fixed length… if it is set too low you will have a large loupe in the cables under the cab…
Another problem if mounted too low, you want the top of the control lever (knob) to be at a comfortable level for your arm… I would not want to be reaching down to operate that control… I don’t see how the installer could have broken welds on the fender and figured it would be OK??

I think you will get it to your satisfaction. What dose the dealership have to say? KennyV.

 

[gordon21]

You just paid for a brand new tractor. It should look like one. This is not some 20 year old tractor you bought beside the road. If it does not get fixed like new (new fender), then a certified letter to the mfgr regional office would be in order.

Part of the cost of any business is covering their employees mistakes. Tractor dealers are no different. If you order a rare steak and it comes out well done, the answer is simple. You send it back and get what you ordered. You ordered a new tractor with professional dealer installation. make sure you get it.

 

[ELMO67]

"I don’t see how the installer could have broken welds on the fender and figured it would be OK?? " He didn't figure anything, he just (obviously) didn't give a *****.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

Go get a new fender and new controller mounting plate/bracket, re-drilling holes and having it look like dog doo is wrong, incase you have forgotten.

How much did you pay for the tractor?

Whatever it was it was a bunch, make them get it right, be polite, but emphasize you are worried that it will be done wrong again, and how disapointed you are in what you received, they let it out of the shop like that. What they hoped you would not notice?

When all is said and done I would write to Kubota and let them know all of what happened, up to this point and if the dealer made it right, or hose it up again.

steve