The battery on my 2013 Vineyard tractor died in April, and I paid for a tune-up when it was replaced. The battery died again this week, 3 months later. Turns out the alternator is shot. Should the mechanic have checked the alternator during the tune-up? I pay a service fee each time they come here to check out and repair the equipment - and they are now here twice (potentially) for the same problem. Thoughts? Excuse me if this seems like a novice question - it is. I inherited the responsibility for the farm when my husband passed, so I am on a steep learning curve. thanks for you insights.
What systems should be checked during a tune-up
- Thread starter HHV
- Start date
Around here if you paid say $500 or more for a tune up with a new battery an alternator test should be inlude.
Tune up is very broad term.
With a new battery puchase and install if less than $250 i doubt a dealer electrical diagnostic would have been made.
Now if you paid more than $1000 I would expect fluids to be changed and electrical system tested.
Can we ask how much you paid?
Ps: ask anything you want. Here there are range from newbies to experts. All should be welcome. Just ignore the oddball left field post.
Tune up is very broad term.
With a new battery puchase and install if less than $250 i doubt a dealer electrical diagnostic would have been made.
Now if you paid more than $1000 I would expect fluids to be changed and electrical system tested.
Can we ask how much you paid?
Ps: ask anything you want. Here there are range from newbies to experts. All should be welcome. Just ignore the oddball left field post.
Maybe someone else would feel differently, but it’s pretty well unheard of for someone to do an alternator function check unless it’s been specifically requested by the customer.
NCL4701
Well-known member
Equipment
L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572, Farmi W50R, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
“Tune up” is a very vague term. Before authorizing a tune up, I would require a list of what checks, tests, adjustments, parts, etc. are included in the “tune up”. Before paying for it, I would require an itemized bill stating exactly what was actually done. That’s needed for the maintenance records for the machine if for no other reason.
If you don’t have any sort of itemization associated with the tune up in question, I would still request it from the mechanic that did it. They should be able to provide that without any problem and that would definitively answer your question. Personally, I wouldn’t ask in a confrontational manner, just a “Hey, you know I’m kind of new at this. I’m getting all the maintenance records up to date on everything and need record of what all was done.” If the mechanic gets offended or won’t explain what was done, to me that would be a big red flag regarding their trustworthiness.
If you don’t have any sort of itemization associated with the tune up in question, I would still request it from the mechanic that did it. They should be able to provide that without any problem and that would definitively answer your question. Personally, I wouldn’t ask in a confrontational manner, just a “Hey, you know I’m kind of new at this. I’m getting all the maintenance records up to date on everything and need record of what all was done.” If the mechanic gets offended or won’t explain what was done, to me that would be a big red flag regarding their trustworthiness.
Dear MapleLeafFarmer
I appreciate your reply and welcoming message. I paid 400 for the tuneup; the battery was not included.
Dear NCL4701 - thank you for your reply and good advice. I do not have an itemized bill, but I will request one, as you suggested.
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
@HHV - Welcome
Please tell us what KUBOTA tractor model number you are dealing with by adding it to your profile. The model number should be on the hood of the tractor.
(I will also ask (politely) that you spell Kubota correctly or you will get a lot of teasing responses about that since it is a common mistake.)
I will also state that a diesel engine does not really require the same type of “tune up” like an older gasoline engine where you replaced the spark plugs, plug wires and similar ignition parts. But a tune up on a diesel engine might be done to replace air filter, change engine oil, change radiator fluid, adjust valve lash and cleaning the injectors.
But in a direct answer to the question asked - I would not expect a tune up to include a check of the charging system on the tractor. I also wouldn’t expect the alternator to be checked if the complaint was that “I have a dead battery that needs replacement.”. Now if the complaint was “I don’t know why the battery is not maintaining a charge and has died several times after charging it.” then the alternator definitely should have been evaluated.
Please tell us what KUBOTA tractor model number you are dealing with by adding it to your profile. The model number should be on the hood of the tractor.
(I will also ask (politely) that you spell Kubota correctly or you will get a lot of teasing responses about that since it is a common mistake.)
I will also state that a diesel engine does not really require the same type of “tune up” like an older gasoline engine where you replaced the spark plugs, plug wires and similar ignition parts. But a tune up on a diesel engine might be done to replace air filter, change engine oil, change radiator fluid, adjust valve lash and cleaning the injectors.
But in a direct answer to the question asked - I would not expect a tune up to include a check of the charging system on the tractor. I also wouldn’t expect the alternator to be checked if the complaint was that “I have a dead battery that needs replacement.”. Now if the complaint was “I don’t know why the battery is not maintaining a charge and has died several times after charging it.” then the alternator definitely should have been evaluated.
In my opinion the word "tuneup" has been obsolete for half a century. Maintenance of filters, fluid changes and valve adjustments are in the owners manual. Problems with performance should be spelled out to the mechanic so he can address that issue. As far as an alternator failing that can happen at any time and likely won't show up till it happens.
Welcome. Sorry you come to ask questions under the circumstances. Condolences offered.
All the advise given is good to follow, I would add the tractor will need very little attention from a dealer (as Russell mentioned). Not knowing the location or details I would suggest finding a friend or neighbor, or even a student at a local high school or junior college student as an assistant in various task the tractor may need. Might even look at Facebook to see if someone local works on equipment. Or ask a question there about help.
As an example, changing an alternator only requires some inexpensive small metric wrenches to remove wires on the back, and remove a couple of bolts to remove and add a new one. Very simple task. If you have the desire this forum could coach you on how to do it very easily. Even suggest to have the existing rebuilt at a nearby repair shop and save a large amount of new cost.
Your tractor will need the oil changed periodically, and check the oil level in the engine before use, check air in tires, grease every once in a while and that is about all you need to be aware of. It will literally run for years with that simple about of attention. No dealer required, which eliminates a service fee.
Keep asking any question you might think of and you'll usually get an answer quickly.
All the advise given is good to follow, I would add the tractor will need very little attention from a dealer (as Russell mentioned). Not knowing the location or details I would suggest finding a friend or neighbor, or even a student at a local high school or junior college student as an assistant in various task the tractor may need. Might even look at Facebook to see if someone local works on equipment. Or ask a question there about help.
As an example, changing an alternator only requires some inexpensive small metric wrenches to remove wires on the back, and remove a couple of bolts to remove and add a new one. Very simple task. If you have the desire this forum could coach you on how to do it very easily. Even suggest to have the existing rebuilt at a nearby repair shop and save a large amount of new cost.
Your tractor will need the oil changed periodically, and check the oil level in the engine before use, check air in tires, grease every once in a while and that is about all you need to be aware of. It will literally run for years with that simple about of attention. No dealer required, which eliminates a service fee.
Keep asking any question you might think of and you'll usually get an answer quickly.
Hard to guess on that one but trip out to farm and labour to install battery at $400 seems high unless something else done IMHO. I would complain ar least.
Some places like local auto parts store [NAPA] always check alternator when replace battery when vehicles brought to them for free. Buy a battery and free altermator / OBD check.