How Long should Dealer Have your Machine?

[Johno Geo]

I am a NH Guy with a NH Utility tractor and a Compact NH I have owned for 20 years.
I have owned JD Garden tractors in the past, and I recently bought a 345, semingly in good condition, low hours, runs well, for a good price,from a Medical Doctor, moving to Las Vegas.
There were some issues but my issue is:
The JD Dealer in Crown Point Indiana took 1 month to return my tractor the first time in for service work. (during mowing season).
Now, they promised me (almost certain but couldn't guarantee w/o seeing the tractor one week service, for an electrical issue.
They picked it up on Monday and indignantly told me, when I called on Thur. they "have only one mechanic" and would " Let me know".
The week has come and gone and they did not "Let me Know".
I know they never looked at it, all week.
Is this typical of the kind of service I can expect from a JD Dealer?
(btw I spends lots $ and do not understand this level of service)
I know you guys know, so your input is appreciated.
Thank you

John Geo

 

[Mousefield]

I suggest that you take the time to source another shop. Sounds like they have too much business if they only have one mechanic and then get in a few machines to fix. I have waited almost four weeks to get two window screens, they came Wednesday of last week but made wrong so back they went, got called today they will be ready tomorrow. They are made in a shop only 15 minute drive away. Sad really.

 

[lilranch2001]

one of our multi line shops here in Fort Wayne (probably the largest in the area) will commonly quote 3-4 weeks repair time for anything brought in during mowing season, they are a deere dealer as well

 

[Johno Geo]

I think the Dealer is way off base!..
They were disengenuous, pretending they could do it.......
then they pretend they do not have an answer "yet" , but we know they haveN't even looked at it.
Like your supplier.. not reliable...
If they told me...... we are so busy , we probaly won't get to you this week, I would have respected that!.
I intend to to tell the Owner or service manager that their service does not meet my expectations...
(By Contrast my NH Guys treat me like Gold... maybe cause they know I spend a lot of money, but I like to think It is just a way of doing business).
I have always heard some JD Dealers were arrogant, but my Engineering opinion is that JD sucess is the result of good marketing, rather than any Product Superiority...
We shall see.... regards.. thanks for the comments

Johno Geo

Johno

 

[Don87]

one of our multi line shops here in Fort Wayne (probably the largest in the area) will commonly quote 3-4 weeks repair time for anything brought in during mowing season, they are a deere dealer as well

That is the 'key' right there. I understand your plight, as I am in the same boat as you.
The farmers that make their living off the land( and their tractors), are going to come first.
I know it's aggrevating to have your equipment tied up in a shop(I've been there), but just try to think of the people that make thier living off the land.
I personally am getting a shop manual for my machine, so I can free up the dealership to keep the farmers working.:thumbsup:

 

[Johno Geo]

So I guess the summer equip goes to the Dealer in the Winter, for spring return.... I guess if I understood what is reasonable, I could work around it.
Thank you for the reply

Johno Geo

 

[Don87]

So I guess the summer equip goes to the Dealer in the Winter, for spring return.... I guess if I understood what is reasonable, I could work around it.
Thank you for the reply

Johno Geo

Not sure if you were replying to me, but........... Farmers don't do a lot of field work in the winter, so one could expect a reasonably fast return on their machine.

 

[Johno Geo]

I totally understand! I would service the Farmers equipment first, as the Tractor is the tool they use to make a living.
When I needed well service, for other rural property I own(Wisconsin) I was told "Farmer ... out of water takes priority" which I totally agree with..
The pick up Driver for this dealer, ( in Crown Point), oggled my NH 4060 and said they only sell 1 or2 such/year, they were mostly into Garden tractors, so much for the excuse....

I will have a business discussion with the service manager and explain his service and my requirements are not compatible.
I know there are Several JD deelers in NW Indiana.. or maybe I should just schlepp the machine to my NH guys in SE Wisconsin.
I could realy use this little thing for mowing Right Now..

Frustrated

Johno Geo

 

[Don87]

I totally understand! I would service the Farmers equipment first, as the Tractor is the tool they use to make a living.
When I needed well service, for other rural property I own(Wisconsin) I was told "Farmer ... out of water takes priority" which I totally agree with..
The pick up Driver for this dealer, ( in Crown Point), oggled my NH 4060 and said they only sell 1 or2 such/year, they were mostly into Garden tractors, so much for the excuse....

I will have a business discussion with the service manager and explain his service and my requirements are not compatible.
I know there are Several JD deelers in NW Indiana.. or maybe I should just schlepp the machine to my NH guys in SE Wisconsin.
I could realy use this little thing for mowing Right Now..

Frustrated

Johno Geo

That part didn't come up in the discussion before now, or my response would have been a little different.

 

[Cat_Driver]

My dealer had mine for three years. Make a long story short, he quoted me $500.00 to fix something then called and said $750.00. I said I'm coming down and you will sign a quote stating that and that's IT!. I went to pick it up and he wanted $1,200.00. I walked out. HE wouldn't budge and neither would I. Three years went buy and when I needed work done I hired a guy to do tractor work. I sued the dealer for 5K the max. I proved my case the ( with that signed piece of paper ) dealer lost had to pay me 5K for all the work I had to contract because he held my tractor hostage, and I paid him nothing.

I think that will be that last time the dealer jerks customers around, but maybe not.