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2160 LAWN TRACTOR HYDR LEAK AT AXLE

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cfd1104
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 3 North Georgia
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2009-03-17          161158


My Mother's older lawn tractor pulled out of winter storage and found leak of hydraulic fluid. Removed wheel and established it was coming from axle housing.Located exploded diagram and felt sure it was oil seal. Diagram showed case would have to be split and many parts removed to get to oil seal. Decided Dealership might be best as I have no experience on hydraulic assemblies. Dealer advised simple fix around $125, called today and it's ready for $285. Oil seal and fluid only parts, did I get gouged? Dealer aware of model, make, and year before the $125 quote with my understanding it would be more if more than seal needed. Curious as to price increase or if original quote inaccurate



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2160 LAWN TRACTOR HYDR LEAK AT AXLE

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kwschumm
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5764 NW Oregon
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2009-03-17          161159


What did the dealer say when you asked why it was more than the original estimate? ....


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2160 LAWN TRACTOR HYDR LEAK AT AXLE

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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2009-03-17          161160


Time to have a sit-down with the Service Manager and/or the Owner and get to the bottom it. ....


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2160 LAWN TRACTOR HYDR LEAK AT AXLE

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cfd1104
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 3 North Georgia
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2009-03-17          161161


advised it took three hours to repair, should he have known this at first quote? ....


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2160 LAWN TRACTOR HYDR LEAK AT AXLE

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kwschumm
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5764 NW Oregon
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2009-03-17          161164


Quote:
Originally Posted by cfd1104 | view 161161
advised it took three hours to repair, should he have known this at first quote?


Hard to tell. If the mechanic hasn't done one before, and they bill on straight time and materials and not shop rate, then maybe not. Not sure if there are shop rate manuals on every tractor made.

I'd have a friendly talk to the dealer, calmly and honestly, and ask them why the difference and where the mistake was made. Maybe they will meet you halfway on the difference between the estimate and final bill.
....


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2160 LAWN TRACTOR HYDR LEAK AT AXLE

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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2009-03-17          161177


Having performed and written time studies for the automotive industry I know the mfg.--providing it's under warranty--will only allow the dealer to use published labor times---even if they found an easier or quicker way.

HOWEVER, when it's OUT of warranty, they can use the published times as a sort of "guide"--but sometimes won't if it's in their best interest (read: charge more money). And sometimes that is understandable seeing as parts can be rusted or break off.

And you will never know how long it actually took unless someone fesses up--like the mechanic. But don't hold your breath.

I would ask to see the "labor times" or "published times" that the dealer would have used just for comparison (read: keep them honest). At the very least it will put the Service Manager on notice that he may not want to go down that road with you and settle or compromise right then.

And if there is a considerable difference of what the published time is and the time they carged you--ask them to tell you why it took longer and justify it. If they tell you, or you feel the mechanic is wet behind his ears and took longer--that is no excuse. You aren't paying for HIS education.

For reference, when it comes to an automotive labor time study, they already build into the time a technician with a certain amount of experience or skill level (not every mfg. uses the same standards). Some mfg's even add time for breaks, time to study the repair manual, get parts, order parts, and time to go get and put the car on a hoist and take it down. And some don't allow for any of that at all. ....


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