Wowzer, talk about markup on OEM Kubota parts

[SidecarFlip]

As a rule, if I need a part, I get it from my dealer (OEM Part) and I had a relay fail on my M9 cab, the one that controls the heater / ac blower motor so I ordered one from my dealer. The cost of the part was 54 bucks and once I got it, and looked it over, I discovered it was a Nissan relay so knowing a design engineer for Nissan I called him and asked him about the relay.

Told me to look on Rock auto using the Nissan part number (on the relay). What a shocker. The relay on Rock Auto cost $3.50. Nothing like a 99% markup.

I ordered 2, in as much as there are 2 relays, exactly the same (one controls the blower fan, the other controls the AC clutch.

I'm going to return the Kubota relay to the dealer. Might pay a restocking charge but I'm way farther ahead that way.

Moral of the story is, if you can cross a part (like a relay), do it. It will save you a bundle.

Having said that I still use Kubota oil and fuel filters. Nothing changes on that score.

 

[rentthis]

As a rental operator, I am constantly ordering parts for about anything you can imagine. The first thing I do is look for a name and part number on what I am replacing. Often, the part turns out to be "proprietary" but most times it's available using google. I needed a plastic chain for one of my lifts. The lift manufacturer wanted $291.00. The company that makes the chain charged $91.00. It's often harder to do but a 70% discount is always welcome.

 

[85Hokie]

As a rule, if I need a part, I get it from my dealer (OEM Part) and I had a relay fail on my M9 cab, the one that controls the heater / ac blower motor so I ordered one from my dealer. The cost of the part was 54 bucks and once I got it, and looked it over, I discovered it was a Nissan relay so knowing a design engineer for Nissan I called him and asked him about the relay.

Told me to look on Rock auto using the Nissan part number (on the relay). What a shocker. The relay on Rock Auto cost $3.50. Nothing like a 99% markup.

I ordered 2, in as much as there are 2 relays, exactly the same (one controls the blower fan, the other controls the AC clutch.

I'm going to return the Kubota relay to the dealer. Might pay a restocking charge but I'm way farther ahead that way.

Moral of the story is, if you can cross a part (like a relay), do it. It will save you a bundle.

Having said that I still use Kubota oil and fuel filters. Nothing changes on that score.

I agree with you 100% ....

Question for you -

YOU have to take the top of the cab off to replace the relay?

WOULD IT be possible to configure the relay in a new place by adding wire so that you can gain access to it easier?

I know this is reinventing the wheel - but sometimes with a electrical problem, easier to add a breaker than replace a fuse!

Just curious if this is even a possibility.

 

[Roadworthy]

A ninety nine percent markup would not be unreasonable. Your Kubota dealer (or Kubota corporate) had a several hundred percent markup on that relay. You are not just paying for the relay, though. Unless Kubota special ordered it for you they added a markup for storage, inventory, and whatever else they could think of. Parts made for Kubota (filters, etc.) seem much more reasonable than other things. I don't know why. Rock Auto has to warehouse this stuff, too.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

1500 % markup ( 15 x the Rock Auto price)...
Now if you posted the part number, we could look for the 'best deal', as relays tend to have 'common' shapes and pinouts. If it's a simple 12V DC relay, say SPST ( on-off), 30A I can buy them for about $1.50 though I prefer SSRs.

 

[johnjk]

I used to work for a computer graphics company. Our markup if you were not on any maintenance was to just move the decimal point over one position to the right. Your 20.00 part was now 200.00. My dealer is unusual in that if I can get the same part from an auto store for less he gives me the part# it crosses over to. Makes him my first stop every time

 

[leveraddict]

Flip your always bragging how good they take care of you! Maybe you should bite the bullet this time and let them make some money on you! You know...you got to give a little to get a little! I mean they got bills to pay too!

 

[Henro]

As a rule, if I need a part, I get it from my dealer (OEM Part) and I had a relay fail on my M9 cab, the one that controls the heater / ac blower motor so I ordered one from my dealer. The cost of the part was 54 bucks and once I got it, and looked it over, I discovered it was a Nissan relay so knowing a design engineer for Nissan I called him and asked him about the relay.

Told me to look on Rock auto using the Nissan part number (on the relay). What a shocker. The relay on Rock Auto cost $3.50. Nothing like a 99% markup.

I ordered 2, in as much as there are 2 relays, exactly the same (one controls the blower fan, the other controls the AC clutch.

I'm going to return the Kubota relay to the dealer. Might pay a restocking charge but I'm way farther ahead that way.

Moral of the story is, if you can cross a part (like a relay), do it. It will save you a bundle.

Having said that I still use Kubota oil and fuel filters. Nothing changes on that score.

Wow that's kind of crazy.

I recently needed a fuel l cut off solenoid for my BX 2200 and thought Kubota charging five times aftermarket price was excessive.

Live and learn...

 

[Kurtee]

It appears to me you could have removed the old relay and taken it to an automotive store to cross before ordering in an over priced one from the dealer. You special ordered it so you should use it marking the cost as tuition. I would explain it to the owner tho. Don't worry even if you return it you will pay for it somewhere.

 

[Pau7220]

Always do your research before ordering.
Case in point....

L3650 Shutdown Timer T0070-31410

Just as a FYI to save someone else some time and money. This part is a direct replacement for the above Kubota part number... at less than half the price. Pulling up the picture on the Messicks page is the Denso part # 061700-3770. This is the supersession in a full solid state version. More...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[BruceP]

BEWARE: Many of the 'equivalent' parts are inferior.

For example, I installed an aftermarket waterpump.... The impeller actually had interference with the housing. (would not spin by hand when installed) I had to spend over an hour with dremel-tool to modify (grind) the impeller and test-fit several times before it would spin freely when installed on engine.

I have to wonder how many people have purchased these waterpumps and did not do a hand 'spin test' before starting the engine. The resultant damage to the aluminum timing-gear cover could be expensive.

Personally, If I were to do it all over again, I would GLADLY pay double for a replacement part that bolts right on and works out of the box.

 

[Pau7220]

BEWARE: Many of the 'equivalent' parts are inferior.

Absolutely agree!! What the Wuhan Gang considers an equivalent can be dangerous. But, when you're referring to a Japanese made Denso or Nissan relay that's an exact part number match, you can save yourself some $$$$$ if you can do without the big orange K on the box.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Well, the relays I got from Rock are exact duplicates of the Nissan relay I got from Kubota, even made in Japan like the Nissan relay. The even say Nissan on the top so I have to assume it's one in the same. I'm sure I'll pay a restocking fee but will be less expensive than eating the full price and.... I didn't know the stock number on the relay because I had not removed the roof prior to getting the relay.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Engine parts and filters for me are all Kubota. Has to replace a fuel cut solenoid myself. Kubota part 90 bucks. Flea Bay part 50. Bought the Kubota anyway.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Flip your always bragging how good they take care of you! Maybe you should bite the bullet this time and let them make some money on you! You know...you got to give a little to get a little! I mean they got bills to pay too!

I may just forget about it and call it good. Not decided yet. They make plenty of money from me, they get all my tractor business.

I jut thought 3 bucks versus 53 bucks was a bit excessive.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Flip your always bragging how good they take care of you! Maybe you should bite the bullet this time and let them make some money on you! You know...you got to give a little to get a little! I mean they got bills to pay too!

They do. Does help being shooting buddies with the lead mechanic too.

 

[ki4dog]

Deere is the same way. Just nature of the beast when dealing with parts that are not unique to a particular manufacturer or model.

 

[drewzee87t]

I have a modified nissan 300zx. I have a whole bag of various nissan relays from different project z's over the years. They are super high quality and I use them for everything. They are practically free at the junkyard.

 

[Daren Todd]

As a rule, if I need a part, I get it from my dealer (OEM Part) and I had a relay fail on my M9 cab, the one that controls the heater / ac blower motor so I ordered one from my dealer. The cost of the part was 54 bucks and once I got it, and looked it over, I discovered it was a Nissan relay so knowing a design engineer for Nissan I called him and asked him about the relay.

Told me to look on Rock auto using the Nissan part number (on the relay). What a shocker. The relay on Rock Auto cost $3.50. Nothing like a 99% markup.

I ordered 2, in as much as there are 2 relays, exactly the same (one controls the blower fan, the other controls the AC clutch.

I'm going to return the Kubota relay to the dealer. Might pay a restocking charge but I'm way farther ahead that way.

Moral of the story is, if you can cross a part (like a relay), do it. It will save you a bundle.

Having said that I still use Kubota oil and fuel filters. Nothing changes on that score.

There are only some many relay configurations. First place i head it to the autoparts store.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: There are only some many relay configurations. First place i head it to the autoparts store.

You must have some real humans at your store ! Up here, they ask( need to know) make/model/year/ dang COLOUR of the car BEFORE they can help, well, try to help... it's GOTTA be 'in the computer' before they even KNOW what 'gizmo' you need...

As for relays, the quickest way to find it, ask google 'numbers on relay'. Odds are real good , it'll find it. Then goto Digikey, largest disti in the USA. If I order before 7PM tonight, I'll get it by NOON tomorrow, for $10 'service charge'. Dk is in MN, I'm in southern Ontario. If I order locally( 40 miles away) , it'll cost me $25 AND 3-4 DAYS.

If you think you'll need that relay again... order more and duct tape next to the 'real' one.