Update buyer beware

[daservices]

Update to Buyer Beware. Make sure before you purchase a Summit Tractor check if there are any local authorized repair people nearby your area in case you need warranty work performed. Also if there are, call them and make sure those repair people actually perform service on Summit tractors. As the Summit tractor owner if any warranty work is needed, you are responsible to transport the tractor to the repair person at your own expense. Here is my experience. I have an issue with my tractor which is covered under warranty. I live in a fairly large city. I went on Summits website and saw there were three authorized repair people listed within 75 miles of me. I called all three and the closest one said that they do not work on Summit tractors, they are a lawn mower repair shop. The second one said that they never finalized a contract with Summit to repair their tractors and could not perform the work until that was completed. The third one never returned my calls after multiple tries. All three were 1 hr-1.5 hrs from my home. I called and talked with a Summit rep and he was unable to help me any further and just told me to look out further from my house. I do not understand why Summit's list of authorized repair people on their website but are not reliable sources for warranty repairs. Summit apparently expects the customer to search for a repair person from their list and also we are expected to make sure they actually repair Summit tractors. After researching my tractor issue online, I told the rep that the issue probably is a minor problem / easy repair and that I could attempt to perform the repair myself however he implied that if I do the work myself it may void my warranty on that portion of the tractor because I did not use one of their authorized repair people. My tractor issue is part of my power train warranty. So I am hesitant to jeopardize my power train warranty. Summit puts me in a bad spot. I either have to find and transport my tractor 2-4 hrs away for a minor repair or do it myself and risk voiding my warranty. Unfortunately I did not do my due diligence before purchasing this Summit tractor. Overall I am satisfied with the tractor itself but, Summit is lacking in finding people to repair their tractors for warranty repairs. Especially if they are being sold in areas where they have not established service providers.

Since I posted this message, I have not heard back from Summit or their reps for a solution.

My repair issue was as follows: My front right hub started to leak differential fluid where the hub goes into the housing. After removing the tire, the hub had a lot of in/out, up/down, side/side play. I decided to remove the short axle/ bevel gear assembly off the tractor. After removal the unit was held together with a bolt and tab washer between the bevel gear and the hub. During manufacturing the tab washer was never bend enough to stop the bolt from getting loose. I re-tighten the bolt and bend the tab washer enough to stop the bolt from loosening again. Luckily the seals were not damaged and re-installed the hub unit.

Interestingly, unless I am mistaken, the manuals show a different assembly, different than what I have.

 

[ruffdog]

During manufacturing the tab washer was never bend enough to stop the bolt from getting loose. I re-tighten the bolt and bend the tab washer enough to stop the bolt from loosening again. Luckily the seals were not damaged and re-installed the hub unit.

It sure looks like the "tab washer" is mismatched to the size of the bolt head. It is as if the tabs are too far from the flats on the bolt so it is just the top of the tab doing the work. The equipment I have worked on had the bottom of the tab bent tight against the bolt flat.

 

[isleview]

Sorry to hear about your experience.

This was a consideration when I bought my TX25 because I’m in the middle of “nowhere” with no dealer or approved service reps.

That said, I’ve had a solid experience with 330 hours on the clock so far. Any issue I’ve had I’ve received great service from Summit. Any warranty issue has fallen within my ability to do the repair and the parts come very quickly.

All in all, I would do it all over again.

 

[daservices]

Yeah, I just bent the existing tab washer tighter to the flat of the bolt. Hopefully I was able to bend enough. I guess time will tell. Have to keep an eye on it.

 

[daservices]

I guess if you have a tow trailer and a means to tow, towing hours away may not such a big deal. Is just frustrating when you know it's an easy fix and weigh doing yourself or towing and being out of commission with your tractor use for how many weeks. Also I've heard Summit has some travelling repair people, but they were never offered to me. Summit is hoping everyone will fix themselves I suppose.

 

[ArlyA]

Its to Summit sales advantage to show many dealerships......

 

[MotorSeven]

Better check the tab on the other side too.

 

[Chewwy]

Its to Summit sales advantage to show many dealerships......

I looked at the Summit Tractors website showing “dealers” near my location. Googled them all; none of the websites indicated they either sold or serviced Summit Tractors.

 

[daservices]

I did pull the left front wheel, and the hub was firm for now. Got to keep an eye on both. Perhaps other owner should do the same. I saw the leak quickly. Probably if run to long loose the seals would be damaged or worst. My tractor hours 125.

 

[daservices]

Yeah, it's disappointing Summit list authorized service repair people that are not truly service people for Summit. Hopefully Summit over time can rectify this because overall for the tractor price you get a lot for your buck. Plus, so far, all my issues were minor that most people with some skill could fix themselves, "knock on wood".

 

[daservices]

Isleview, would you be able to share the reps name you dealt with at Summit? I am happy you have had a good experience with Summit. That encouraging information.

 

[WM75Guy]

That is too bad they don't have reliable service centers. The Atwoods price near me is down to $17,499 with a free 54" grapple. Would make a good deal for a small homeowner.

 

[daservices]

That is too bad they don't have reliable service centers. The Atwoods price near me is down to $17,499 with a free 54" grapple. Would make a good deal for a small homeowner.

Does it still come with a front loader too?

 

[sd455dan]

That is an interesting design, am I seeing things or is all of the shaft support in the outer hub?

Most bevel gear front hubs also have an inner bearing that supports the shaft. Maybe has a double/ stacked outer bearing set like some front wheel drive cars use.

Anyway at least Summit uses an actual threaded nut to retain the stub axle instead of just a circlip like some TYM designs do.

 

[RayIN]

That is part of the investigative process when buying anything expensive; Check out the support process for warranty work and afterwards.
You can buy the best machine in the world, but if support is not readily available, knowledgeable, and reliable, when the machine has problems you're up the proverbial creek.

 

[daservices]

That is an interesting design, am I seeing things or is all of the shaft support in the outer hub?

Most bevel gear front hubs also have an inner bearing that supports the shaft. Maybe has a double/ stacked outer bearing set like some front wheel drive cars use.

Anyway at least Summit uses an actual threaded nut to retain the stub axle instead of just a circlip like some TYM designs do.

I believe it does have inner bearings. I did not dissemble the unit. The manuals Summit provided online does show Circlips and no bolt thats why I was suprise to see something different.

 

[daservices]

Sorry to hear about your experience.

This was a consideration when I bought my TX25 because I’m in the middle of “nowhere” with no dealer or approved service reps.

That said, I’ve had a solid experience with 330 hours on the clock so far. Any issue I’ve had I’ve received great service from Summit. Any warranty issue has fallen within my ability to do the repair and the parts come very quickly.

All in all, I would do it all over again.

Isleview, would you be able to share the reps name you dealt with at Summit? I am happy you have had a good experience with Summit. That encouraging information.