Ouch!

[Fastball]

Just got an estimate from our dealership for a front-to-back fluid/filter change on my dad痴 L2900. I was expecting 6 or 700 dollars....but I almost threw up in my mouth when I was quoted 1160 dollars. Mind you...considering NOTHING担 been done to that thing since 2011, I guess it pro-rates out OK, per year.
I知 not totally useless at maintenance, it痴 just that I致e never seen tractor maintenance done before. Trust me, I値l be watching like a hawk and writing EVERYTHING down for future DIY purposes.

 

[4570Man]

Changing oil is pretty straight forward. There's no chance I'd pay that. Btw a Napa engine oil filter for my L3800 is less than $10

 

[Fastball]

15 for the oil filter, 37 for the air filter. 40L Premiun UDT was 195. Not entirely horrible.
It’s the flippin’ 450 bucks for the labour and the 190 for the service call that caused me to snort my coffee out my nose.
But dad has sheepishly volunteered to cough up half...since he’s neglected any maintenance on it for 7 years.

 

[Peter 315]

Just get the parts and do it yourself I paid $10.24 for a kubota oil filter on a l3800

 

[TimberHole]

If I pay that kind of money, something better be getting overhauled!

 

[Fastball]

Just get the parts and do it yourself I paid $10.24 for a kubota oil filter on a l3800

That’s the plan going forward. But I wasn’t confident enough in my newbie knowledge of tractors, hydraulics, to risk messing something up. See, I haveREAD about how to take out an appendix...but I ampretty sure that you don’t want me to pick yours my first time out.

 

[Peter 315]

That痴 the plan going forward. But I wasn稚 confident enough in my newbie knowledge of tractors, hydraulics, to risk messing something up. See, I haveREAD about how to take out an appendix...but I ampretty sure that you don稚 want me to pick yours my first time out.

Everybody here will walk you through it , Do you have a book on the tractor

 

[EarPlug]

Just an observation - $1160 Canadian equals about $918 USD

 

[George2615]

Using your numbers in post 3 I come up with $887. What cost the other $273. Or is the 1160 in US dollars?

 

[Ortimber]

Really, there's nothing difficult in doing fluid and filter changes on that machine. I would just ask here for some guidance and do it yourself.

 

[Fastball]

Oh heck, no....there’s engine oil and 2 oil filters and a fuel filter. There’s V-belts, antifreeze, gear oil, etc...about $380 worth of stuff. (300 US$)
Once I see how to do this all - that’ll be the last time I see him. I just wanted everything to be checked over so I can start with a clean slate. Just was seeing (moaning) if almost 900 dollars US was the going rate for a full 800 hour check.

 

[Wagtail]

I understand where you're coming from Mate, especially after 7 years/800 hours of 'zero' maintenance.

Yes, as practically everyone has suggested, you can purchase all of the parts & fluids and do it yourself... I've learnt to do it myself by following the Owners Manual and putting thought to what tools (including where/what the fluids are going to drain).

That being said, there is nothing wrong to having a Service Mechanic come out and perform all of this with you taking notes. You'll learn the procedures + 'tricks of the trade'. You'll learn what tools are truly required to do all of this in the future and, therefore what to buy yourself. You'll learn where every grease nipple is and where to apply lubricant to places that don't have them.

So, basically, you'll be paying for a full service, the mechanics time AND knowledge.

Nothing wrong with that. Money well spent... especially for a 'house call' where you can follow the bloke around and ask questions, which is something you wouldn't be allowed to do at the dealership's workshop.

 

[Bird]

So, basically, you'll be paying for a full service, the mechanics time AND knowledge.

Nothing wrong with that. Money well spent... especially for a 'house call' where you can follow the bloke around and ask questions, which is something you wouldn't be allowed to do at the dealership's workshop.

Paying for a full service AND a warranty that the work was done right; something you don't have if you do it yourself.

 

[oosik]

If you aren't prepared to do this work or just not sufficient experience - having full service is the way to go. For Lords sake - if you are qualified & have the time - do it yourself or pay to have it done. Don't get the shade tree mechanic - down the lane - to do it. He may be fantastic on cars - tractors can be a tad different.

 

[AndyM1]

If you aren't prepared to do this work or just not sufficient experience - having full service is the way to go. For Lords sake - if you are qualified & have the time - do it yourself or pay to have it done. Don't get the shade tree mechanic - down the lane - to do it. He may be fantastic on cars - tractors can be a tad different.

As a Newby owner I had the 50 hr service doneby the dealer. I checked the oil and day later and found it had been OVER FILLED by about 750 ml!
I can only hope there was no damage done in the day before I caught it. Do it yourself as I now do and know it's done right.

 

[Thomas]

About the same rate here plus tad more if pick up and return...all fluids,filters,air filter,belt,frontend gear oil, even wash.

 

[RjCorazza]

There is nothing about a full service that is not in the owners manual. If you don't have one, they are usually available on the internet or Kubota. Look at it like you're paying yourself maybe $400 to learn the basic maintenance stuff.

 

[stingray1]

Does this include a kiss?because you are getting screwed.

 

[medic1050]

That isn't a major job. I have a comparable size JD tractor. Invest in the maintenance manual and you'll quickly see that it is usually undo a couple bolts and then a drain plug. You'll be able to get filters gor under $100 for every one on the tractor. And all the fluids for under $200. Well worth the investment.

 

[Fastball]

Yup, that’s the plan. Watch the guy and figure out what’s where.