Why are manuals not available for free download?

[Bedlam]

If the Manual contains and Safety Warnings, then when new, they are obligated to provide you with one of these.Otherwise they sure would be Liable.
To just say its available on line in any for sure doesn't provide everyone with one, although it is a good alternative if one agrees.
My dealer used to take all the manuals from the plastic case that they were shipped in with and marked a number on them that co-incided to the number on the piece of equipment.This way the manual and all paper work would follow it. Good idea..
During a recent repair, I had to go twice to pick up a seal I had to order, and the clerk was able to click and print out a page of the electronic service manual that was for the section of the tractor I was working on.So that was a big plus..
I know its a big profit thing for them, but maybe even have a computer in the showroom that had these on them ,where people could come and look at the service book online, they could of course also have sales literature , and video promos on it.
Although this might also infringe on the copywrite aspect.
but imagine all that info at your fingertips, and possibly even a ball part price for what you want.No more waiting around and having to ask.

 

[Tractor Factor]

Sorry, but it's unbelievable that here in 2008 Kubota doesn't have PDF manuals available for download. Guess it's not too surprising for a company that hasn't even managed to post any information about the BX25 on their website.

One huge benefit of being able to download a PDF manual is that you can email it to Staples or Office Max and next day pick up a spiral bound, laminated copy of your manual instead of one that will get trashed by rain, snow, mud and grease every time you use it.

 

[radioman]

One huge benefit of being able to download a PDF manual is that you can email it to Staples or Office Max and next day pick up a spiral bound, laminated copy of your manual instead of one that will get trashed by rain, snow, mud and grease every time you use it.

Very good point indeed!!!

 

[rox]

Aw c'mon guys,

Kubota gives the first owner an operator's manual and that is enough.

If the tractor is resold, the manuals should go with it and not end up buried in a filing cabinet.

Besides, this is another sale at your Kubota dealer's part counter - do you give away what you do at your work for free? I don't think so!

The reason a manufacturer would offer thier Owners Manual on line is simply becasue it enhances their customer's experience with their products. I will always buy Stihl products because #1 They have good products #2 I love their website, it is packed full of good information. Even though I have the owners manual it is soemtimes int he barn and when I am working over by the house I prefer to jsut go on line and download it rather than hunt around to find where my husband put it. Likewise with my camera, if I cna't readly find where I put the manual I jsut go on line. These online resources really enhance the way I feel about a company and their products. I also agree that all companies should provide thier service manuals on line.

 

[rox]

Sorry, but it's unbelievable that here in 2008 Kubota doesn't have PDF manuals available for download. Guess it's not too surprising for a company that hasn't even managed to post any information about the BX25 on their website.

One huge benefit of being able to download a PDF manual is that you can email it to Staples or Office Max and next day pick up a spiral bound, laminated copy of your manual instead of one that will get trashed by rain, snow, mud and grease every time you use it.

Tractor factor, that is a good idea about e-mailing it out and getting it laminated and spiral bound. That there is a REAL good idea!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Great idea on the laminated pages. I have a laminator that I hardly ever use and a bunch of lamination sheets. Will make copies of hourly maintenance pages and laminate them.

 

[RobJ]

It's a money grab!!

 

[dmacneil]

I made the service manual part of the deal when I bought my BX.

I like the idea of being able to download the owners manual, but not the service manual - I'm ok with them charging for that, but not $500 - I'd be pretty upset with that.

 

[RobJ]

I made the service manual part of the deal when I bought my BX.

I like the idea of being able to download the owners manual, but not the service manual - I'm ok with them charging for that, but not $500 - I'd be pretty upset with that.

Wow $500? I got mine from Kubota for about $80. It was a printed PDF file from Kubota. No binder. No color.

 

[dmacneil]

They weren't going to charge me $500 - sorry, I was referring to someone's early post in this thread. I think it was about $100 - but that included a nice orange binder too!