My Montana post was pulled?

[Bud Soda]

I carried my Montana tractor in to the local Dealer here in NC to have a few things repaired that should have been covered under warranty. I have only had the Tractor seven months. I told the guy that works there that if the problems were not covered under warranty do not do the repair, as I could do it myself. After two weeks I went to check on my tractor and was told that I owed $ 1.84 for a parking brake spring that was missing and $32.50 for a 1/2 hour labor to install the spring. This is just wrong. The spring should have been covered under warranty because it broke with less than 30 hours on the tractor. If it was not covered I should have been told before they put it on and charged me. I could have just picked up a spring at a hardware store and it would have taken me less than one minuet to put it on. I told your employee when I dropped the tractor off, to NOT make any repairs that were not covered under warranty!
When I went to pick up my tractor they had it locked behind a fence and I was told that I couldn't get it until I paid the bill, so I had no choice but to pay it. This will be the last tractor I buy from them.

The main reason I took the tractor (T2734) in was the muffler had broken loose. No big deal I could have welded it myself but I only live about 1/4 mile from the dealer and the tractor is under warranty so I just drove it there and dropped it off. I told them that the parking brake no longer worked so if they could fix it under warranty then do so, if not I would repair it. Only need a small spring. The reason the said that I had to pay the labor is that because the spring was missing and they didn't have a bad part to return to Montana for labor credit. I think that is total BS. I cant help the spring broke and fell off. You would think that because I bought the tractor from them and plan to buy a bigger tractor in the future that they would just have put the spring on for no charge. They had less than $1.00 in it and took about a minuet to put it on. I ended up picking up an oil filter while I was there too $11.44 I thought was a little high but I didn't complain about that. Now I also need a hydro filter so i can do the 50 hour maint. I will not set foot back in there so do you know where I can order one and have it shipped to me?



Well it was not handled in a timely manner to begin with but I was not using the tractor much at the time so I wasn't concerned about that. From the time I told them I needed some warranty repairs and they ordered the parts, until they repaired the tractor and I picked it up took about two months. I continued to use the tractor while they waited for over a month for the parts to come in then it took them almost two weeks to repair the tractor after I dropped it off. But that is not a big problem with me because I don't use the tractor all that much this time of year.

I know one thing, If I was in their shoes and sold a $15000 tractor to a person that was going to buy another tractor within three years I would do everything I could to keep him happy, even if it meant giving him a $1.00 spring and putting it on for him. That would just be good business.

As I said I will never set foot in their business again. I will try to mail order any parts I need, take it to the next nearest Montana dealer (100 miles away) for warranty repairs, fix it myself or let the local Kubota dealer repair it.

 

[Egon]

Are you a Canadian?

It is alleged they do not complain loudly but tell many others and never go back.

From a recent news posting!

 

[Texasgreen]

Did you sign any papers when you took your tractor in for service? If you did, did you read the fine print on the bottom of the paper stating their repair policy? If you did sign, chances are you gave them, the dealer, the right to work on your tractor. I am not too sure if this is why they worked on your tractor and charged you, but its worth a look.

 

[blueriver]

Sounds like to me its more than just a simple spring and a small dealer labor charge! Whats the real problem? I may be reading between the lines but you are down right mad!

 

[Robert_in_NY]

If it makes you feel better I took my 7710 in to my NH dealer for a $5k repair and got a bill for $13k. I told my dealer to do the engine work and if they found anything else that needed repaired to call me and let me know the cost ahead of time and for approval. I have not talked to a lawyer as I am trying to get something settled between me and the dealer to maintain the peace.

You see, it could be worse. I do not have $13k to hand my dealer which is what I need to pay the bill as there is no payment program so

 

[BruceR]

Sounds like to me its more than just a simple spring and a small dealer labor charge! Whats the real problem? I may be reading between the lines but you are down right mad!

It's not the charge, it's the matter of principle. I'm pretty sure I would feel the same way.

Bruce

 

[Bud Soda]

Sounds like to me its more than just a simple spring and a small dealer labor charge! Whats the real problem? I may be reading between the lines but you are down right mad!

I know my post may be a little hard to understand now because the moderator pulled it. I had to go back and start a new post. Parts of the original post and all of the replies were left out because I had to copy and paste the only part that the moderator sent me in a pm.
But the problem was I took my seven month old Montana to the dealer here in NC where I bought it from for a few warranty repairs. I told the dealer when I dropped the tractor off that if anything was not covered in full under warranty to NOT make the repair because I would repair it myself.
When I went to pick my tractor up two weeks later I was told I owed them $1.84 for a spring and $ 32.50 labor to put on the parking brake spring. This was just a small spring that can be put on in less than a minuet. I should have just picked up a spring at the hardware store and put it on, but as the tractor was under warranty why do it.
They had my tractor locked up and I could not get it until I paid the bill.

Well I learned a $35.00 lesson. But I guarantee it will cost the dealer several thousand. I am looking to buy another tractor in about three years, It will not come from this dealer. Also a few in my hunting club are looking at buying compact tractors for food plots, ect. Good thing we also have a John Deer, and Kubota dealer here.

I just wanted the people in my area that are looking to buy a tractor to know how this dealer treated one of its customers thats all. But I guess it didn't go along with the forum rules so the Moderator removed the post.

I have nothing against Montana and would buy another one, but not from this dealer.

 

[blueriver]

Okay, I must have read more in this than I should have. Have you tryed to talk to them and explain how you feel? I would like to think that a dealer would not want $35 to stand in the way of a happy customer.

I bought mine over the net from a dealer 5-6hrs away, when I had an issue I tryed to get the local dealer to help me, they had the attitude you didn't get it here so why should we help. Long story short, with some talking, I was repaired, taken care of and got re-imbursed from the selling dealer.

 

[Maka]

I would with hold passing of judgement here. Sounds like the dealer fixed under warranty all but one small issue. If this was not covered by the factory for warranty then the dealer did not do the work.

Why would a dealer do warranty work of muffler rapair or replacement but give seemingly different service on a spring? Does the dealer have a minimum labor charge for non-warranty issues? Have your dealings with them always been honest and up front?

I just ask as this seems to be such a simple thing that I suspect is not as simple as it appears.

Maka

 

[Bud Soda]

I would with hold passing of judgement here. Sounds like the dealer fixed under warranty all but one small issue. If this was not covered by the factory for warranty then the dealer did not do the work.

Why would a dealer do warranty work of muffler rapair or replacement but give seemingly different service on a spring? Does the dealer have a minimum labor charge for non-warranty issues? Have your dealings with them always been honest and up front?

I just ask as this seems to be such a simple thing that I suspect is not as simple as it appears.

Maka

It is as simple as this. I had one main problem with the tractor, a bad muffler. It broke at about 30 hours. I knew that parking brake did not work but no big deal i didn't use it that much anyway. When I dropped the tractor off I told them of the two problems, muffler and broken parking brake.

First thing I told them was "IF warranty does not cover it DO NOT DO THE Repair" as I could do it myself. When I went to pick up I was told I had to pay the $35.00 bill or I was not getting my tractor.

Now you are a dealer. Lets just say you sold a tractor, the person has a small problem, it that should be covered under warranty what would you have done. The right thing to have done was to either call me and tell me that warranty would not cover installing a new spring or just put me on the $1.00 spring at no charge and be sure that I would buy my next tractor from them.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I do agree with you that for a $1 part that shouldn't take more then a couple minutes to install they should have just done it to keep you happy. The fact that they didn't tells you all you need to know.

I would almost think this dealer is hurting for money if they charged you like this and refused to give you your tractor until it was paid.

 

[Maka]

As a dealer and a consumer I have all transactions in writing. If it is writing either way I am covered if I do what is right.

I certainly have taken care of things that were customers fault at my expense to keep a happy customer who has been a good customer. If warranty that is warranty. Either way, I am not accusing you, just asking.

I am just pointing out that there are two sides to every story. Nothing personal towards you and I do not mean to impune you but a dealer was named and he has not had an opportunity to respond so I am just asking.

Thanks,
Maka

 

[Local Montana Dealer]

Since I'm the manager of the local Montana dealer referred to by "Bud Soda" and was at the dealership when he finally came in to get his tractor, I'll be glad to, as Paul Harvey would say, "tell the rest of the story." First, I am proud to be a Montana dealer. They have always worked with us honestly and diligently with respect to customer satisfaction and, in particular, when it comes to honoring their warranty policy. Now, "the rest of the story:"
When our dealership first started dealing with ole Bud, our salesman was under the impression that he was dealing with our local county school system and originally set up his file as such. After the negotiations for a tractor with loader (both for under $15000) were completed our salesman was made aware that the sale was actually to Bud and NOT the school system. Bud, of course, was given the benefit of those negotiations and got a good deal. He appeared to be happy ... he sure should've been.
More than a month ago Bud called our location saying that he had been on the internet and saw that there was a problem with the muffler on the model tractor that he had purchased. We were unaware of such a problem and had had no complaints from any other customer. Bud informed our parts people that he was going to bring in his tractor for "warranty work" with respect to his muffler. Our parts people, as they ALWAYS do, explained to him at that time as well as in their later conversations with him, that he was responsible for any work we do; that we would be glad to file a warranty claim and assist in that regard and if same was justified and accepted by Montana that he would not be charged for the work (or parts or freight). He asked if we had the muffler in stock and was told we did not but would be glad to order one for him. He said get the muffler in and he would call back. He did call back and wanted to know if the parts were in and also whether we had a spring for his brake lever. He said he had "lost" one. We didn't have the spring but assured him we would get some. Again, it was reiterated to him about our, as well as Montana's, warranty policy. Let's face it, if he intentionally drives his tractor off a cliff, neither we nor Montana are going to buy him a new tractor even if he did only have it seven months! And he was again told about parts having to be returned before warranty could even be considered. The spring just so happened to be back-ordered. We had the muffler.
He subsequently called and wanted to know if all the parts were in that he needed. At that time we had gotten in the brake springs and he was told that everything was here. He brought in his tractor on November 28th and wanted us to assure him that everything would be covered under warranty. Again, he was told how we handled warranty claims. We also wanted to know how he was claiming a warranty claim on the spring (which he did NOT bring in) that he lost. He did say if something was going to cost him a lot he wanted to be notified in advance. We told him we would. We also told him that there was no way we could make a warranty claim for his "lost" spring.
We removed and replaced the muffler, gasket and bolts and filed a warranty claim on his behalf - it was immediately honored by Montana. We replaced his brake spring. All the work took an hour or less and was finshed by the next day.
We didn't hear from Bud the next day so Sam called him and told him his tractor was ready. We put his tractor in a secure area in the back where we keep our equipment as well as our customers' equipment. We have three secured locations for this at our dealership and all have locks. He finally called about picking up his tractor on December 10th; it had been here two weeks; it had been fixed for two weeks. Montana had even had time to fax us back with the credit for him for the muffler, gasket, bolts, freight and 15/100 of an hour labor as per our agreement with them. Bud said he was coming in to pick up his tractor.
When he came in he stated to our parts manager that "that this was all covered under warranty!" The person who helps our parts manager again asked Bud how we were supposed to have made a claim for the spring. At that time, for the first time, Bud claimed the spring broke.
He was then told that he was NOT being charged for the muffler replacement but only for the spring together with our shop's minimal charge for labor, i.e., 1/2 hour. He then asked to buy an oil filter from our parts manager and it was added to his bill.
Then he really started. He objected to our having done any of the work with respect to the spring, said that it should have been covered under warranty or given to him so he could do it. He said he was going to pay the bill but was going to talk to our owner about it, referring to him by his first name. He was then told by me that that would be fine. He then said he would not be back. Since we had never really made any money as a result of our relationship with him (except for maybe a couple of bucks on the oil filter), I don't see how we lose. No one has ever come in saying he referred them to us and he certainly had been doing everything he could (including name dropping) to avoid having to pay for anything.
At NO time was Bud EVER told that he could NOT have his tractor, regardless of whether he paid his bill or not. After he paid his bill he did ask where his tractor was and Sam, our parts manager, said he would go with him and help him get it.
In the twenty years I've been in the tractor business, mostly at the Kubota dealership he referred to, I can't say that I've EVER dealt with such an individual as this. After he left, we talked to the folks at Montana and they said even though the spring would not normally, under these circumstances, be covered under warranty, that with respect to Bud, they would cover it this time. That's how far Montana's willing to go to please their customers. Of course they did not have the misfortune of dealing with him personally

 

[Robert_in_NY]

All we need now is Jerry Springer here to ref

But to be honest I do like it when we can hear both sides of the story.

 

[Bud Soda]

All we need now is Jerry Springer here to ref

But to be honest I do like it when we can hear both sides of the
story.

Yep

I am still mad though!

Well I glad he got the story straight. NOT! His side not mine. Although I never recieved a call as to when the muffler arrived or as to when the tractor was ready. I made all those calls myself. But no big deal just out $35.00 for something that the dealer should have taken care of in the first place.

Like I said I couldn't help the spring broke and fell off, and as far as me looking for it so it could be returned to Montana I wouldn't even know where to start. Lesson learned I should have picked up a $1.00 spring and put it on myself. I don't see why you say you did not make any money on the tractor to start with. I bought a 2006 tractor in 2007. Old inventory. If i had not have bought it back in March it would still be sitting there now. As far as buying the tractor through the school system I never tried to, I only used my work email to ask about the price of the tractor the same email I sent to other tractor dealers in the area. I was set on buying a Kioti when your salesman came to my office and talked to me about the tractor. At that time we agreed on the price.


Regardless of what happened to the spring, whether it broke, came loose and fell off, or was never installed by the factory, still the parking brake would not work and I see that as a warranty issue. If I was the dealer doing the work I would just have repaired the parking brake no questions ask. I sure it took about a minuet. That's just good business.

I see I have made my point and this is my last post on his issue.
Oh and thanks to the other Montana dealer for letting my local dealer know about my post on this site.

 

[blueriver]

YEP!! I too like both sides of the story and my hat is off to the dealer for sharing that with us!

 

[Ductape]

Now, i also agree its great to have both sides........ but for both parties involved, i gotta say... all this discontent over a $2 spring? I'll say as someone who owned a business for 11 years, i would have eaten the $2 spring if i needed to. Its just plain petty...... even if he was one of my least favorite customers. Just my 2 cents.

 

[K9trainer]

.02cts worth .. some people are cheap , some frugle ,some never happy.
NEW Tractors stored outside at dealerships rust.Rusted parts brake .Like fuses/holders rusted, light bulbs rusted, hyd.cylinder ends rusted,all my spings rusted, loader control cables rusted.......

k9

 

[tydp]

Sorry Mr. Dealer.....If ever any of my dealers (I've dealt with 3 different ones over the years) were too cheap to cover such an inexpensive part ($1 or so here) AND charged me their minimum labor charge to boot, I would spread the word and never do business with them either. None ever have done this to me. Ya'll are truley cheapskates regardless if "Bud" is a pain. You've lost a customer and he will tell everyone he knows. This was poor customer service. You also make it sound as though (since the salesman thought he was with the school district) you lost money on the deal. I suspect not.

 

[srjones]

He did say if something was going to cost him a lot he wanted to be notified in advance. We told him we would.

Doesn't $34.34 for a spring seem to qualify as costing a lot? ($ 1.84 for a spring and $32.50 for labor)

.....He then said he would not be back. Since we had never really made any money as a result of our relationship with him (except for maybe a couple of bucks on the oil filter), I don't see how we lose.

Can you see it now?

....After he left, we talked to the folks at Montana and they said even though the spring would not normally, under these circumstances, be covered under warranty, that with respect to Bud, they would cover it this time. That's how far Montana's willing to go to please their customers. Of course they did not have the misfortune of dealing with him personally

I wonder how many of your current and/or potential customers are reading this whole thing right now.