first maintenance on new tractor

Jordanbear · Aug 3, 2004

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 · Aug 3, 2004

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 · Aug 3, 2004

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 · Aug 3, 2004

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 · Aug 3, 2004

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 · Aug 3, 2004

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 · Aug 4, 2004

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 · Aug 4, 2004

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 · Aug 5, 2004

( but the hours list starts at 100, then 250, 500 and 1000. )
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 · Aug 5, 2004

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

KiotiJohn · Aug 5, 2004

( Made it sound like a dealer MUST perform the service. )
Well, I'm in a heap of trouble then. I've been doing all of mine, buying the parts from my dealer. He never mentioned a thing about it. The book also doesn't say it's required that I noticed. John

MadDog · Aug 5, 2004

"Made it sound like a dealer MUST perform the service."

BS!! You have every right to perform warranty service (or any other service, for that matter) yourself or by anyone else you choose. The only question that arises is how you document that the service has been performed and performed correctly.

I did my own 50 hour service on my Kubota B7800. I kept the invoices for filters, fluids, etc. I also document performance of each item in the owner's manual service matrix by checking it off and noting the date performed. That (unless I am found to have concocted it all) will be sufficient evidence that the service items were in fact performed on the dates recorded.

As for "properly" h*ll, how do you know that the dealer did 'em properly.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bottom line: I wouldn't have any hesitation in performing ANY service yourself that you are confident you are competent to perform, so long as you document it carefully at the time.

Just my $.02

yoyo · Aug 6, 2004

Now that we're talking maintenance, I tried to make a spreadsheet maint. log based on things the manual said to do. Has anyone else done this?

Yoyo

Soundguy · Aug 8, 2004

Should be easy to pop out in excel.. or even with a pencil, ruler and paper.

I've seen some manuals with maintenance matrix's in the back of them too. I know there was one floating around onthe yanmar sub.. perhaps you could find it.. modify it and print it?

Soundguy

PineRidge · Aug 8, 2004

If you would like to experiment with a software based maintenance log then I suggest Chris' Auto Recorder. I have been using it for some months and it prints out service reminders due on my tractor as well as my SUV. Pretty neat stuff! Check it out click here

dmnsmith2 · Aug 9, 2004

Maddog,
I also have a B7800. What all did you change and how much did you pay for parts? I am getting close to 50hrs.

Thanks much!!

MicroPilot · Aug 9, 2004

I just did my 50 hour maintenance this weekend. Changed all filters and replaced all oils (over 12 gallons!). This went a lot smoother than I thought it would and I didn't have any problems. There was a surprising amount of metal in the hydro/transmission suction filter, but my dealer had told me to expect this on the first oil change.

I asked my dealer about self service and warranty and he said there would not be any problems.

It took me about 2.5 hours to do all this, but I was moving slow and had to locate all the plugs, get the right wrench sizes, etc. I would say that on the 100 hour service I will get it done in less than 1 hour now that I know where everyhting is and how to do it.

Jordanbear · Aug 19, 2004

To answer half of my own question - the parts and oils run about $250. Haven't done the work yet, so I can't say how long it's taken (that would be the Saturday project), but let's say they run at $60/hour for labor (thats a standard mechanic rate around here) that's 6 and half hours of work if the job really costs $625! Hmmmm

MicroPilot · Aug 20, 2004

( ...the parts and oils run about $250. ...)

WOW !!! How much oil does this tractor take? Are they/you going to put synthetics in? My filter costs from the dealer were/are:

air filter @ ~$43
Hydro @ ~$27
oil filter @ ~$15

grease @ ~$4
Spent ~$70 on dino oils.

Thats ~$159 total and 2.5 hours of my time and I greased EVERYTHING.

Jordanbear · Aug 20, 2004

The filters were $123 - four of them One was $59, can't remember the others and they're in a box not here.

Apparently draining the entire hydraulic system is part of this - Ineed to call and really make sure this is necessary. That was the oil charge 13 gallons of hydraulic fluid.