Repair times.

[5030]

I've got a couple of Kubota's that have been to the dealer for repairs. They say up front - first come, first serve. And the "first come" doesn't start until the tractor is in their shop Which seems a terrible way to run a business. A tractor can need service but still get work done. But the dealership takes it out of service by requiring it be in their shop in order to get in line for repairs. I tell them, when I bring the tractor in, that I know their policy. That my tractor is from a working farm, and I need it back speedily, to make money, to pay them. I do it lightly, nicely, but in a businesslike manner. There's no agreement, but I get the tractors back sooner than they indicate on the phone, when I call in to learn waiting time.
There is no issue getting parts from Kubota. They ship next day, and dealer gets the parts two days later (UPS service standard from Georgia).

Only if in stock that applies. I work at a Kubota dealer part time and not all parts are in stock in Georgia. In fact I ordered a few items and waited 4 weeks for them.. and, no dealer will just jump on your issue with other customers ahead of you. That is not only unfair to the other customers, it's not good business practice.

 

[EddieWalker]

A good friend owns a local auto repair shop and he told me that some car manufactures that make their parts overseas are not expecting to get the parts they need for over a year. Apparently, there have been some changes made to the Ports in California in unloading the cargo ships that's causing this. If you own one of those brands of car, do not expect it to be repaired in less then a year. I think Honda is one of the worse affected.

It does not surprise me at all that at tractor will spend months at the dealer for a repair because they cannot get the part to make that repair.

 

[rScotty]

The whole world of mechanical things has changed remarkably in the last decade.

It used to be that most employees could fill in by doing mechancal work if required, but now it has become difficult to find or hire people with even the most basic mechanical skills - & even harder to keep them.

Parts are no longer dependable. Finding parts ranges from easy to impossible with no reasonable explanation as to why. Quality varies. Basic engine & tranny machine shop work is simply unavailable.

I think if i had a farm or business that depended on any machine I would have a spare. At least for now that is easily done with tractors. The spare doesn't have to have AC and all the conveniences; it just has to work. Most any older pre-emissions/pre-computer tractor will do what is required.

rScotty

 

[BufordBoone]

The whole world of mechanical things has changed remarkably in the last decade.

It used to be that most employees could fill in by doing mechancal work if required, but now it has become difficult to find or hire people with even the most basic mechanical skills - & even harder to keep them.

Parts are no longer dependable. Finding parts ranges from easy to impossible with no reasonable explanation as to why. Quality varies. Basic engine & tranny machine shop work is simply unavailable.

I think if i had a farm or business that depended on any machine I would have a spare. At least for now that is easily done with tractors. The spare doesn't have to have AC and all the conveniences; it just has to work. Most any older pre-emissions/pre-computer tractor will do what is required.

rScotty

I've got a "spare" but it takes 2x as long with just me cutting than it does when my wife can help. I'm also left with that feeling after replacing a blown trailer tire:

"Wow, so glad I was prepared...wait, the other 3 are just as old as that one and I don't have another spare".

 

[ultrarunner]

Only if in stock that applies. I work at a Kubota dealer part time and not all parts are in stock in Georgia. In fact I ordered a few items and waited 4 weeks for them.. and, no dealer will just jump on your issue with other customers ahead of you. That is not only unfair to the other customers, it's not good business practice.

Being around the auto side it was first come first serve but exceptions made for folks traveling far from home...

One of the big AG Deere Dealers has signage we reserve the right to serve AG customers first.

I found this especially true when I asked for a quote on a new Deere TLB and told it would be 3 weeks because it was harvest time.

Almost 4 weeks later I did get a very cordial call saying how can I help you and just starting to catch up as harvest is winding down.

I thanked the gentleman and said my new Kubota was delivered 2 weeks ago.

The Deere dealer came recommended as a Doctor I work for also runs a boarding horse operation and said he makes a call to his guy and whatever it is is taken care of...

Often it comes down to who you know and relationships built over time