A Bit of a RANT

[fluidp]

I have a BX2680, bought new in Jan of 18 from a dealer. I Love this little tractor. We have the loader, drive over mower, rototiller, front mount snow blower and pallet forks and we use them all. It was maybe 8-10 months old and I noticed that the coolant level was low. I checked oil, and it looked good, so I topped up coolant and called dealer and told them, They told me to monitor and if it gets low again to let them know.
So this past summer it was low again, I called them and they set up a service call as I wanted this thing fixed befor warrantee was up. So like late in July service guy comes out, does some tests and finds the block heater was leaking. So he goes away and about 4 weeks later he came back, installed new heater and all is good.....
Just today, I get a letter from dealer with a invoice saying I owe them just about $500 for the block heater and service calls as Kubota Canada said block heater is only warrantee for 1 year... Like this has me kinda wound up...... Any opinions out there please...

 

[Saxman]

The block heater was installed by the dealer when you purchased the tractor? Technically Kubota is correct as it is a Kubota approved accessory and they probably have a 1 year warranty. The dealer should step up especially since you reported the leak well in advance of the final fix. If the installation of the block heater was the cause of the leak it is another strong reason for the dealer to replace the heater to keep a happy customer


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[fluidp]

Yes the block heater came with the tractor, whether the dealer installed it, I don't know. It was a faulty heater as coolant was leaking into the electrical plug.
From the time the service guy determined the problem, to the time they fixed it was 3-4 weeks. One would think in that amount of time they would have determined if it was covered by warrantee. If it wasn't and I was told that I would have got them to sell me the heater and I would change it myself.
For them to come to me now, nearly 3 months later and bill me is freakin retarded... I think..

 

[Saxman]

Not a good way to keep customers. Have a word with the owner, not a peon in the shop. Give them a chance to do the right thing. Document In writing the facts, dates, times, names before your sit down


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[fluidp]

Not a good way to keep customers. Have a word with the owner, not a peon in the shop. Give them a chance to do the right thing. Document In writing the facts, dates, times, names before your sit down


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Thank You, I will be seeing them tomorrow

 

[Saxman]

Let us know what you find out


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[orange crusher]

Sounds like you need a BETTER dealer

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Email Kubota Canada with CC: to dealer.
Explain the situation, especially that it STARTED before the 1yr warranty ran out. Even then it was a KNOWN problem.
They've been good to me. BOTH front tires had sidewall blisters.The 'solution' was for me to buy new tires/rims( chepaer than tires only...hmm...) A simple email to KubCan and they gave back my $250.
I'd STILL like to buy some KENDA tires but no luck finding them up here in the great white north.

Jay

 

[Gene Blister]

Yes, even with the terrific folks from whom I bought Bessie II, when it comes to who's responsible for something, I always expect and plan for the worst. Then I can only be pleasantly surprised.

Check, recheck, reconfirm and then go to the guy who signs the checks, not some staffer or hired hand, and get a clear commitment. No assumptions.

Generally they'll be surprised but ultimately respect your thoroughness and professionalism- and know that they'll be held accountable. Keeps everybody honest.

 

[eserv]

I have a BX2680, bought new in Jan of 18 from a dealer. I Love this little tractor. We have the loader, drive over mower, rototiller, front mount snow blower and pallet forks and we use them all. It was maybe 8-10 months old and I noticed that the coolant level was low. I checked oil, and it looked good, so I topped up coolant and called dealer and told them, They told me to monitor and if it gets low again to let them know.
So this past summer it was low again, I called them and they set up a service call as I wanted this thing fixed befor warrantee was up. So like late in July service guy comes out, does some tests and finds the block heater was leaking. So he goes away and about 4 weeks later he came back, installed new heater and all is good.....
Just today, I get a letter from dealer with a invoice saying I owe them just about $500 for the block heater and service calls as Kubota Canada said block heater is only warrantee for 1 year... Like this has me kinda wound up...... Any opinions out there please...

Most Kubota accessories, loaders, mower decks etc. have only one year warranty!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

For them to come to me now, nearly 3 months later and bill me is freakin retarded... I think..

Yea that's way over the top, and $500 parts and service call...that's insane for a block heater repair.

 

[Saxman]

I think when I bought my L3830 in 2006 a block heater was $50. The dealer installed it prior to delivery. The most time consuming part is draining the coolant and refilling. I know, I know some don’t drain it, just leave the cap on and do it fast. I know the mess I would make so I drain it on the ones I’ve done.


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[Kurtee]

I think when I bought my L3830 in 2006 a block heater was $50. The dealer installed it prior to delivery. The most time consuming part is draining the coolant and refilling. I know, I know some don’t drain it, just leave the cap on and do it fast. I know the mess I would make so I drain it on the ones I’ve done.


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Or do it using a shop vac on the radiator neck. Tape the vac nozzle tight and run vacuum to keep antifreeze in. Remove old heater and install new one. We used this on a Cummins 855 and worked well. My brother said he did the hydraulic line on the bottom of the tank on his JD combine and did not loose fluid there either.

 

[rlcotter]

That sounds like robbery to me. I bought the BX23S in April 2019 and had the dealer add the block heater before delivery. They charged $100.00 CAD installed.

Good luck sorting this out. Hopefully, the dealer comes to his senses or Kubota Canada comes to the table.

Les.

 

[motorhead]

You reported a problem BEFORE the year was up. It should be covered.
I bought new a 2001 Dodge diesel pickup. About 6 months before the warranty was up. I was getting a cracking noise in the rear driveline. Of course They couldn't hear it. I reported it was still making noise again before my warranty was up. I was 3 months out of warranty and the driveline really got noisy. I PERSONALLY showed the service manager the noise. They replaced a $265.00 driveline for free BECAUSE I reported it BEFORE the warranty was expired.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Must have an abnormally high shop rate....lol

 

[whitetiger]

You need to talk to your dealer and remind him that you reported the problem and to whom it was reported within the first year. Warranty does not cover service calls or transportation. That is the customer's responsibility so the dealer is going to charge for the 2 service calls.

Depending on how far the tech had to travel for the two service calls would make a huge difference in the billing amount. Also the cost of the new heater and coolant that was added. Your heater should be a screw in so R&R time would be minimal.

The dealer is selling the Techs time whether it is on an aged $5,000 B, BX or an $80,000 SVL. One hour is $xxx.

Again, talk to the dealer.