first maintenance on new tractor

[Jordanbear]

Not sure if this goes here or in the oil section but here's the question.

When we bought our tractor we were told that it should have all the filters/oil etc. changed at 50 hours, to get rid of any gunk created by the breaking in process.

We hit 50 hours in the middle of hay season, so now it's just over 100 hours. Manual doesn't say anything about maintenance at 50 hours, but several things should be done at 100 hours.

Our warranty/service doesn't cover this check and at $625 I am very much inclined to do it myself. Plus I don't have to give up the tractor for a week. That was a bit of sticker shock (especially since we were under the impression that it was covered, but that's another story)

OR, is this a crucial thing that the shop really should do?

 

[DavidJ]

Let us know what type of tractor you have. I'm sure someone here will more than gladly help if you'll supply us with enough info.

At first glance I don't know of any reason that you can't do it yourself. A lot of people here have done their maintenance. I am kinda suprised that there was no maintenance at the 50 hour mark. Then again without knowing what unit you have I'm just stabbing in the dark.

Let us know what you have and what the book recommends and you'll have more advice than you can shake a stick at. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

Like David said, tell us what that tractor is. I'd consider the 50 hour service to be pretty important, but I'd definitely do it myself, assuming it's anything like my Kubotas were.

 

[normde2001]

Unless you have a $300,000 combine, I can't imagine paying $625 for service. Actually, I see that you have a MF 451 and can't see what the big deal is, oilchange, filter, air filter, fuel filter, grease fittings, general maintenance.

 

[Henro]

Until you provide more specifics it is hard to answer for sure...

But I can say on my two Kubota tractors the initial 50 hour service was little more than oil and filter changes...nothing technical at all and something that a home owner who has changed his auto oil and filter certainly could accomplish without much pain at all...

All depends on what you bought though...more info please! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

I agree with the others, do it yourself. I bought hydrualic fluid, fuel filter, transmission filters and oil for very little and did it myself in a short time. There's nothing magical or critical about any of the necessary work for that change, and $625 is robbery. John

 

[Jordanbear]

We have a MF 451. The price did include them picking up and returning the tractor, the dealership is about 20 miles from my place.

The book lists several things that need to be done "variably", but mostly of the "check the oil before you start the tractor" variety. but the hours list starts at 100, then 250, 500 and 1000. It did list one thing at 2000 for the dealer to do, and I think it was a hydraulic flush.

 

[SPIKER]

ok good

I'm not sure about the MF, but on SOME tractors, they require a head re-torque at the 50 hr mark, which is more involved but for fluids ect that is a no-brainer.

but some dealers will go extra steps and pull covers and clean INSIDE resiviours for first service manitenance too. it would be best to ASK the dealer what he would do for the money!

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( but the hours list starts at 100, then 250, 500 and 1000. )</font>
It seems that most tractors have a 50 hour break in period in which you don't run full out, and try to take it easy on the loads. This to help the parts to fit together. During this time much new metal wear can occur and will end up in your oils. Kioti states the oils and hydro fluid and fitlers be changed at that time. I wouldn't want that metal running around in there as they are very detrimental to hydro pumps etc.
With 100 hours on it now, definetly change everything you can, but you can do it yourself. I can't imagine the dealer doing anything more important, and for that price, WHAT? John

 

[KiotiMutt]

My DK55C is getting close to the 50 hour mark. My dealer told me it would be $125 for the service and that it is required by the warranty. Made it sound like a dealer MUST perform the service.

KiotiMutt