Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

[cliftonbros89]

Take a 500L or 1000L cage tote and cut off the top of the metal and the tote plastic leaving about 6 or 8". Then go get some scrap steel to make a frame to go through the pallet holes on the bottom of the tote. Then get some casters and weld them onto the frame so its portable. Now you've got a large collection tank that you can easily move around the floor. And with the 2" valve on them you can empty them pretty fast. It won't be the prettiest thing but it works pretty well.

I’ve considered something like that. Just not sure how I want to do it.

 

[bugnut]

All that yellow stuff made me think you hit gold. Not fun searching for a problem.
As for the oil and fluids, a mortar mix box or an atv sled on a creeper works wonders!

 

[cliftonbros89]

All that yellow stuff made me think you hit gold. Not fun searching for a problem.
As for the oil and fluids, a mortar mix box or an atv sled on a creeper works wonders!

Too bad it’s not gold. Might need some to pay for this repair.

Another good idea. I’m really going to have to come up with something.

 

[cliftonbros89]

So yesterday morning I removed the pump from the tractor.

I had to remove two more lines in order to get to the upper back bolt on the pump. But I got it off. The shaft still seems to be solid. But there must be something more internal going on with it.

The drain plug for the rear had build up from draining of more metal.


I did remove the screen from the transmission to check it as well.

There was a bit of material on it. Fortunately, it at least appears to be very minimal. So I’m hoping there wasn’t much else they managed to get into the primary pump or the rest of the system.

I decided to flush some parts cleaner down in a little to at least wash out what was left at the plug hole.

Just that little bit flushed out quite a bit.

The gold is brass but it must have cleaned something else out with it cuz some of it will stick to a magnet.

I did have one good chunk flush out when I poured in the parts cleaner.

I’m assuming I got it maybe come from the internal part of the secondary pump I removed. But I just stopped there for the day. I’m planning on calling the service department tomorrow just to double check that it may not becoming from someplace else. But I’m going to definitely have to go through things some more. I don’t want anymore going through and breaking anything else. Even though it’s brass it definitely can’t be good on anything.

 

[oldmxracer]

That does not look like a cheap fix, kind of reminds Me of Our motocross clubs dozer ! Just $19,000 later it was good to go !

Good Luck !

 

[cliftonbros89]

That does not look like a cheap fix, kind of reminds Me of Our motocross clubs dozer ! Just $19,000 later it was good to go !

Good Luck !

Well so far counting the new pump, going to have to replace the filter and the oil we’re already at about $3,000. That’s not counting the hour that I had the dealer come tell me it was likely the pump.

 

[cliftonbros89]

If you remember me having a picture of some boards I cut for a home project this is it. Just 2 little corner book shelves. Not convinced I like them yet. The girlfriend likes it. Books for detecting finds references, favorite books from elementary school, high school, after high school. All from days when I actually had time to read a book. There’s more I just thought I’d put some of them out.

 

[cliftonbros89]

So we know tools is what brought me to GJ to begin with. I’ve got my fair share of Snap On as you may know. I used to be a big Snap On fan. But then I found other options.

Im still a big fan of Snap On ratchets and picks the most. I’d definitely recommend those two things. But obviously other tools I’m fine with other brands.

We had a Snap On guy in town and he was great to work with. But he quit. Then we didn’t have a guy for quite awhile. Then we got a new one. I can’t stand the guy.

Back in August I broke a tap. I text the Snap On guy immediately. He almost immediately text me back that it was on back order.
Now that things have slowed down some I remembered this broken tap. I’d still not heard anything about a warranty replacement yet. I know how it goes. A ton of stuff is on back order, everywhere, for everything.

I text the Snap On guy again. Immediately, I got no it’s back ordered. I asked him if he knew when he might get it. He said it’d be at least January.

I’ve not been very fond on this guy, to be honest I’ve heard from plenty of other guys that don’t care for him either. So I thought I’d just call Snap On customer service. So I did.

Customer service did confirm that taps have indeed been on back order but the woman I talked to was able to immediately confirm the this tap I needed was in stock and available. She did state that their supplier was running low on material. So she sent one out right away. It arrived to my mail box Saturday.

This was what I got. Notice, no rebrand stamped on it. Also, I see no USA. I’m sure it all has to do with the supply and demand issue. But I just found it interesting.

Maybe I’m a jerk for going to customer service after I asked the dealer to replace it for me. But I’m honestly done with that guy. My bill is paid off I’m just ordering direct from Snap On if I need anything. He only seems interested in helping you out if you want to immediately finance $15,000 worth of tools or a brand new tool box. So I don’t feel bad.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Not a lot going on today. Had some pretty good thunderstorms move in last night. Brought 2” of rain and tornado warnings again. No damage though.

Had to fed some hay today. Do the daily stuff. Had to file some end of the year paperwork on the trailer trucks. Also had to finish up some figures to settle up with a landlord.

Called the dealership about the 8400. They said the brass is likely from the pump and/or the brakes. But the brakes were working fine. I even took the cover off the old pump and didn’t see any significant damage or excessive amount of shavings in it either. I flushed more out of the back this evening. Have to look into it more.

 

[cliftonbros89]

It was a chilly one today! Clouds all day long. A cold breeze, lower 30’s. I didn’t enjoy it. Started the day with the usual duty.

We loaded up the old cows to haul to the cattle barn for auction tomorrow.

Seed guy came by to finish up booking beans for next season.

This afternoon I looked back into the pump situation. I borrow an inspection cam from my Matco guy.

I tried to scope things out some to make sure there wasn’t more brass shavings stuck to everything.

I feel like I’d have minimal use, especially for the price tag on this thing. It’s pretty pricey. But it’s pretty cool. Small cam. Great lighting. Great picture. It’s nice for sure.

I checked the transmission. It looked clear. So I rear end. Just found that little bit in a pile. So I got the last of it cleaned out.

So I think I’m going to call it’s good and mount the new pump. I found a fitting bent on it.

I’m getting a replacement tomorrow for it.
Don’t want it leaking or breaking off.

I cleaned up the mess of floor dry, oil, and parts cleaner off the floor. Now I’ll be able to actually roll around on the creeper to put the new pump on.

I quit there for the day. I had to meet up with 2 tool customers this evening. Sold some Wilde stuff. Going to be selling some more before the week is over.

 

[XJSuperman]

I have a camera tool that pairs to my phone via wifi. It works great for the little I use it and it doesn't cost anywhere near the price of the tool manufacturers' prices. Depstech is the brand.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have a camera tool that pairs to my phone via wifi. It works great for the little I use it and it doesn't cost anywhere near the price of the tool manufacturers' prices. Depstech is the brand.

If figured there would be some type of camera that could pair up with a phone. But I had not searched for one yet. If Flir had an infrared camera someone had to have a scope.

Matco guy said that the one I’m borrowing has the smallest camera he’s see on one. Said he’s sold several. I had originally asked him about the Milwaukee M12 camera. He said he’s sold maybe 1 or 2 but said the guys who got it weren’t very impressed with it.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I managed to get a little bit more done today than I did yesterday.

Did the feeding and checking on all the cattle. Slightly warmer than yesterday.

I got a late start today. Did a few things around the shop. Then had to run back to town to pick up that fitting for the hydraulic pump. Plus, I had to run a few errands and deliver some tools to another customer today.

But this afternoon I was back in the shop.

Since it looked like I things cleaned up I finally got the new pump on the 8400. Got all the lines and hoses hooked back up. Got everything back in place I had to move to take it off. Got all the screens and plugs back in as well. Spun on the new filter as well.

But I held off on putting oil back in just yet. There’s a few jobs that I need to do before I do that part.

One job is replacing this oil seal that’s on the back on the transmission. I noticed it last fall and it was worse this spring. It came out easier than I’d expected.

Putting the new pump on went a little better than expected too.

I had to use dad’s creeper to hold everything I needed to put everything back on. Saved me from rolling in and out and up and down. Lot of stuff just to replace a pump. But I had to take a lot of stuff loose just to get the pump off. I need a few sizes of creepers just to hold tools when I’m rolling underneath stuff. A small, medium and large. Different sizes for different jobs would be nice. Plus, I like being able to keep everything together so nothing gets lost or rolls under a tire and takes 15 minutes to find it again.

Got the new seals ready that I took out. But I decided to call it quits for the day. Doing that part tomorrow.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I got some new tools that arrived today. A little bit of a Merry Christmas to myself from KC Tools’ Black Friday sale. Files, file brush, 1/2” insulated wrench (great for battery terminals in tight spots), Wera ratchet, an interesting Geodore chisel I thought I’d try. Plus, two different 46mm wrenches. Could’ve used one earlier this year. So I thought I’d give myself some options. Even though I did buy a 46mm 3/4”‘drive socket earlier this year. Still could be handy.

I also decided to get a new bottle opener as well.

I’ve really been expanding my bottle opener collection. I thinking of coming up with something to sort of display the Wera openers.

 

[cliftonbros89]

A bit more of the same today.

Got the new transmission seal and v-ring installed on the 8400.

Which gave me a chance to use the big, fancy, expensive seal driver I got from Deere awhile back.

That part is almost good to go.

I’m waiting for new o-rings for this shaft that on there. Didn’t have them on hand. But they should have them at the drop box for me tomorrow.

I drained the engine oil and filter.

I took this aggregating cover off the fly wheel to get to another leaking seal.

^this seal started leaking rather noticeably this summer. I don’t think it would be too difficult to replace.

^After removing the flywheel cover I also discovered that it appears the seal on the crank may be leaking as well. I don’t quite have the stuff to replace that. Not sure what I’ll do with that yet.

I thought I was going to make some progress on the 8400 today. Had to do a few other things around the shop. Like clean up all my buckets from draining all the hydraulic oil, clean up all the brass out of everything. Plus I cleaned up the old pump and boxes it up so I can turn it in for a core.


But then a chance of plans.

I had to go to some brush hogging. It was finally somewhat dry today after the heavy rain we had Sunday. Try enough to mow anyway. Luckily, dad did some of it today. But he insisted on topping to deer hunt again this evening.

The reason I took over was so we could finish up this evening. There’s still just a bit to do. But what’s left isn’t a big deal if it isn’t finished up. But we wanted to finish what did get mowed today because we have another good chance of rain tomorrow. Almost record high for tomorrow ending with a cold front rapidly approaching. There’s talk of some thunderstorms coming in tomorrow evening. Could be severe stuff again. Guess we’ll see what happens.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Not much of a change in things today. Much warmer today. But it was a cloudy, dreary day for the majority of the time.


Made sure all the cattle were fed and had hay. Strawed the barn well for the recently weened calves since due to the change of rain. A few of them already have snotty noses.

Had to grind a few batches of feed this morning too.

One batch for the tank to bucket feed.

The other for the feeder for the big calves.


This afternoon is did a little bit in the shop.

I go to the seal for the input shaft on the transmission to the engine. It needs to be replaced. I had to order it. One of the dealer locations had the seals in stock, but rather than make the one way 40 minute trip today they’ll have it in town for me Monday.
Probably need to address the rear crank seal while I’m this far as well. But I’m going to have to call the service department on that one.

That was about it for the day. Didn’t get too carried away today. Dad took the day off. So I decided to quit early myself. Also, had to drop some more tools off to a customer today as well.

More storms moving through the area. So far the worst has avoided here for once. If you’re close to the midwest you may know the lines I’m talking about. There’s already been some very damaging storms and a tornado in Arkansas that’s part of that same line. There’s another line on the way. It’s due to hit later tonight. Nothing like a tornado watch in December. Good times.

I’m not sure what will be on my agenda tomorrow. Guess we’ll have to see what the weather does. I know it won’t be a full day of working though.

 

[cliftonbros89]

If you’re interested in the metal detecting I haven’t had the chance to do much. I’m hoping to do some more soon though.

But with a little bit of research. Asking some questions. As well as following an abundance of detecting Facebook groups I did manage to find out what a few of my finds are.

The first is a brass snap button I’d found. Said “made in France” and had a partial patent number on it.
Had a neat design on it. So I thought anyway. I didn’t have any luck searching the patent number. But I asked on a Facebook page and got some help. Turns out it’s a snap off of a WWII era German canteen cover.

As seen here on a reproduction. I found this snap button back in June right in my parent’s front yard. Not exactly sure how it may have gotten there. My grandpa was deployed during WWII. However, the war ended as he was on his way to wherever they were taking him. I’m not sure if it’s something he brought back as a sovereign or not. I’m not sure if any of my uncles would remember it or not.


Another interesting find I had was back in August. It was actually at the retirement farm. That place has been there for quite awhile. It’s been detected before though. So I wasn’t sure if I’d find anything very old or not.

I dug this piece up one afternoon. At first I wasn’t able to tell it was brass. It was all crumbled up. I thought it was just an old scrap piece of tin. But after I got home I cleaned it up a little bit. I noticed there seemed to be some sort of design on it. I carefully unfolded it and brushed it up a bit. I thought it was interesting. But I really had no clue what it might be. I was stumped. I asked the owners. They had no clue either.

So awhile back I came across a picture somewhere. Not sure if it was in a magazine or online. But I managed to put together a connection.

Turns out it is actually part of a mid to late 1800’s brass powder flask. It’s hard to date exactly. Apparently, this “shell” design was a rather popular choice of design. Several manufacturers used a very similar design for their flask. With out a maker’s mark or very define design it’s hard to tell the maker or close to an exact date of when it would’ve been made. But a very interesting find none the less.

Nothing super special. But I think they’re kind of neat. Definitely some of the tops finds from the summer.

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Great finds! I agree with you those are neat items.
My first thought "what stories they could tell".

 

[jollygreengiant]

The input shaft on that transmission, is it supposed to be missing part of a tooth?

 

[cliftonbros89]

Great finds! I agree with you those are neat items.
My first thought "what stories they could tell".

I wish I could know for several of my finds

 

[cliftonbros89]

The input shaft on that transmission, is it supposed to be missing part of a tooth?

NOPE! I didn’t notice that right away either. I noticed that when I was going through deleting pictures off my phone.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well my weekend was fairly non-productive. I didn’t do anything at the farm. I had errands to run. Things like that. Did a few odd jobs at home. But didn’t really get anything accomplished. Kind of a failed weekend.

Today I really didn’t get anything done either.
Our Agri-Gold seed dealer took us across the river for a Pheasant hunt today. The dealer and an Agri-Gold rep took dad and I and a few other of the farmers from the bottom.

Just a tame bird hunt. The AG rep has his own bird dogs we took along. We got 21 of our 24 birds between the 7 of us.

Two hour trip one way. Spent most the day hunting. Stopped at a little bbq joint for a late lunch on the way back. Managed to sell a few small tool items to one of the guys. Dropped off a few more tools to sell this evening when I got back.

Didn’t get much accomplished today. But back to normal tomorrow.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Really not much to talk about from the past week. I’ve got a bit of an update. But not much. But there is some news coming.

…I’ll just leave this here…

 

[cliftonbros89]

To catch up. Not a lot going on last week. After Monday’s pheasant hunt it was back to work. We spent Tuesday cutting and loading up wood.

I didn’t get all the pictures. But we actually cut two wagon loads worth of blocks to be split. But we just put them in the barn after they were loaded. Cut two loader buckets full of small stuff they we dumped right onto the pile by the wood stove right away too.

Found out my uncle twisted the front of the loader again too.

Neither the bale spear or the bucket will go on and lock itself properly. I guess one of his days of playing bull dozer did it in.

Wasn’t a whole lot going on. Took care of the cattle every day. By the end of the week into the weekend we had a lot of rain. A little over 3” all together.

After the rain came quite a bit of wind and some much colder temperatures.
By today we had slightly warmer temperatures and actually had some sun. Had to do more feeding too.

Rain really made the creek at the retirement farm jump up. Friday and Saturday morning I was missing two cows out there. Walked around for over an hour Saturday morning searching for them. No sign. Then mysteriously on Saturday afternoon they appeared again.

Did a few things besides that. But didn’t get much accomplished last week. Dad had to do several things. I also had to file a few things online for the trailer trucks again. As well as be tech support for dad. He switched cell phone providers, is trying out wifi and trying to figure out all of that stuff. It’s an experience for us both.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I did get a little time to get back to the 8400. On and off at least.

I had the o-rings for the transmission shaft to be installed again. I had to take it out to replace that seal.

So I was finally able to pop on the new filter and fill the system with all new hydraulic oil. Good thing is no leaks so far. Although I haven’t actually been able to run it yet.

The dealer is supposed to come sometime to do that rear main seal so I wanted to start on the other job to be done.

Which was the crankshaft dampener. Seems easy enough.

So I got to that this evening finally.

I took the fan belt off to allow me to get a puller on it. I didn’t need Deere’s fancy/pricey puller. Had to take a few other things off.

I was hoping I’d be able to just shimmy it up out from behind the fan. But of corse it wouldn’t be that easy. Why would it be? I had to take off the belt tensioner. Then the fan belt pulley.
Hard to see or explain in this picture. But the big cast green chunk that holds the fan is going to have to be taken out to get the dampener out. I think I’m also going to have to disassemble the fan to do so. So I’m thinking new bearings for the fan while I’m at it. But I’ll have to get that. I’ve already got the dampener and the new bolt though.

I’m sure dad will be thrilled I’m getting even more parts that he doesn’t think need to be replaced. He wasn’t too excited when I told him about the rear main seal.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I actually stopped a little early two evening last week to do a little detecting too. Went back to an old house back in the woods. It not actually on our property. But we’re allowed to go back there. Not sure on the age of the place. I’ve been going to it my whole life but I really don’t know much on the history of it. Early 1900’s I believe. Did have electric at some point. I think it was lived in til maybe the 60’s. It’s in rough shape now.
Didn’t find much the first evening. Some junk mainly. Old hinge, broken splitting wedge, old shotgun shells, chunk of lead, bras piece, brass rivet, spoon bowl and a 40’s wheat penny.

Second day not much either. More junk. Old jar lid with the glass seal in it. A plate that looks like it may have been off the thermostat for possibly an egg incubator, I say that because it had a certain temperature range marked and says “for hatching”. Also an aluminum tag with a name stamped in it which may have been from one of the previous residence.

Took a little time for myself while the ground was soft and the temperature was nice.

 

[Sifan]

Nice 4650! use little paint on the muffler

 

[XJSuperman]

That 4650 might be just what you were looking for to pull that new planter up the hills. Looks nice, where's it coming from?

 

[Andy8430]

Really not much to talk about from the past week. I’ve got a bit of an update. But not much. But there is some news coming.

…I’ll just leave this here…

I don’t recall seeing this in your posts, does this mean a new addition to the farm?
We added a 4650 a couple years ago as our tillage tractor and appreciate the extra power/weight over our 44.

 

[jollygreengiant]

What's the soundguard going to be used for? I'm kinda surprised you guys would get one of those and not a 7xxx/8xxx series.

Does your uncle have an appropriate nickname? Maybe "wreck it ralph" ? Lol

 

[cliftonbros89]

I don’t recall seeing this in your posts, does this mean a new addition to the farm?
We added a 4650 a couple years ago as our tillage tractor and appreciate the extra power/weight over our 44.

It’s going to be on the way. Hopefully, today! We thought it would be what we need for that new planter since the 4440 doesn’t quite have the power.

That 4650 might be just what you were looking for to pull that new planter up the hills. Looks nice, where's it coming from?

That’s exactly what it’s going to be for! Decent amount of hours on it. But looks to be in good shape. It’s going from across the river. Few hours away. Saw it in an ad in a magazine on an auction this past weekend. We only looked at it online Abe decided to go for it. Should work a little better on the grain cart than the 4440 does too.

Nice 4650! use little paint on the muffler

I noticed that too.

 

[cliftonbros89]

What's the soundguard going to be used for? I'm kinda surprised you guys would get one of those and not a 7xxx/8xxx series.

Does your uncle have an appropriate nickname? Maybe "wreck it ralph" ? Lol

4650 will be taking the place of the 4440 on the planter. With it being bigger it may be able to fill in a few other spots. We went with this cuz it’s a more affordable purchase than a 7 or 8000’s series. There were two 8310 at this same auction. One had over twice as many hours as the other. One went for $102,000. The other for $122,000. We got the 4650 for $51,000 and it had the same amount of hours as the $102,000 8310. I think we can make it work for that difference. Plus, an 8310 would be over kill on an 8 row planter anyway.

I think it’s going to have to soon be “senile old man”

 

[cliftonbros89]

Also, just a quick little rant. I was looking up some parts cody this morning. Decided to check a few invoices out. I checked the invoice from having the 8400 pump checked out.

When I got back to the shop the mechanic was already here. But he couldn’t have been here long. He was reading in the diagnostic manual what to check. He hooked his set of gauges up to the tractor. I started it up for him. He hooked up another test gauge at 2 different test ports. I started the tractor and ran it for him. He checked his gauges. He read up in the manual every time before doing something. Then he used my socket to remove a valve from the hydraulic pump. He checked the spec on it. It was out of spec therefore further determining that it was indeed the pump that was the problem. He checked a few more specs in the manual to make sure he wasn’t missing anything.

We went over the issues I had a third time. Referred to a few more things in the manual. Then we discussed the options on getting a new or remanufactured a pump. He said he’d take care of talking to parts for me. I briefly mentioned my tool sales to him, gave him my card, we were done. I’d say at the most he was here just over an hour.

I checked the invoice today from that trip. It cost $115 in mileage just to get him over here. The rest was $493.32! What! It was maybe over an hour. Half of which he spent educating himself, one of the 4 tools he actually used was mine. It was a quick diagnostic check. That’s crazy.

I guess I’ll use this as yet another reason why I need to further educate myself so that whole situation can just be avoided. But I also feel like I’m these situations the should have to investigate a little before they get to the customer and it’s on the customer’s dollar. I understand it’s different when you’re right there. But when literally over half of the time was him reading through the manual to read what to do next, that shouldn’t be on us. That should not qualify as labor cost.

 

[jollygreengiant]

Also, just a quick little rant. I was looking up some parts cody this morning. Decided to check a few invoices out. I checked the invoice from having the 8400 pump checked out.

When I got back to the shop the mechanic was already here. But he couldn’t have been here long. He was reading in the diagnostic manual what to check. He hooked his set of gauges up to the tractor. I started it up for him. He hooked up another test gauge at 2 different test ports. I started the tractor and ran it for him. He checked his gauges. He read up in the manual every time before doing something. Then he used my socket to remove a valve from the hydraulic pump. He checked the spec on it. It was out of spec therefore further determining that it was indeed the pump that was the problem. He checked a few more specs in the manual to make sure he wasn’t missing anything.

We went over the issues I had a third time. Referred to a few more things in the manual. Then we discussed the options on getting a new or remanufactured a pump. He said he’d take care of talking to parts for me. I briefly mentioned my tool sales to him, gave him my card, we were done. I’d say at the most he was here just over an hour.

I checked the invoice today from that trip. It cost $115 in mileage just to get him over here. The rest was $493.32! What! It was maybe over an hour. Half of which he spent educating himself, one of the 4 tools he actually used was mine. It was a quick diagnostic check. That’s crazy.

I guess I’ll use this as yet another reason why I need to further educate myself so that whole situation can just be avoided. But I also feel like I’m these situations the should have to investigate a little before they get to the customer and it’s on the customer’s dollar. I understand it’s different when you’re right there. But when literally over half of the time was him reading through the manual to read what to do next, that shouldn’t be on us. That should not qualify as labor cost.

Sadly this isn't the first time I've heard of this. You need to talk to the dealership and explain that this is unacceptable. Even if nothing comes of it you need to let them know. This is what happens when dealers can't retain good employees and try to pass off training to the customer so that it becomes billable hours in order to keep their costs lower. And unless they get pushback from customers they will keep doing it.

 

[Andy8430]

4650 will be taking the place of the 4440 on the planter. With it being bigger it may be able to fill in a few other spots. We went with this cuz it’s a more affordable purchase than a 7 or 8000’s series. There were two 8310 at this same auction. One had over twice as many hours as the other. One went for $102,000. The other for $122,000. We got the 4650 for $51,000 and it had the same amount of hours as the $102,000 8310. I think we can make it work for that difference. Plus, an 8310 would be over kill on an 8 row planter anyway.

I think it’s going to have to soon be “senile old man”

Machinery value keeps rising. How many hours does this 4650 have?
With your maintenance routines, I’ll bet you’ll get along well with that tractor.

 

[Andy8430]

Here’s a picture of our 4650. IIRC it has around 9,000 hours, but we’ve only owned it for last couple years.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I

Sadly this isn't the first time I've heard of this. You need to talk to the dealership and explain that this is unacceptable. Even if nothing comes of it you need to let them know. This is what happens when dealers can't retain good employees and try to pass off training to the customer so that it becomes billable hours in order to keep their costs lower. And unless they get pushback from customers they will keep doing it.

I know it. This isn’t the first time I’ve had this happen either. It’s ****! I haven’t made a call today. But there will be one this week for sure. That’s ridiculous.

Another thing that aggravates me is how much money we spend with them anyway. They’ve made a few service call for us this year. We’re planning on them inspecting the combines again this winter. They inspected the combines the last 12 years. I’ve even taken a few things to them for repairs as well. Damn near all of the parts for anything with a Deere emblem comes from them. I don’t want to even say how much we spent on parts through them this year. It’s crazy. So why do they insist on sticking it to us that much more.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I

Sadly this isn't the first time I've heard of this. You need to talk to the dealership and explain that this is unacceptable. Even if nothing comes of it you need to let them know. This is what happens when dealers can't retain good employees and try to pass off training to the customer so that it becomes billable hours in order to keep their costs lower. And unless they get pushback from customers they will keep doing it.

I know it. This isn’t the first time I’ve had this happen either. It’s ****! I haven’t made a call today. But there will be one this week for sure. That’s ridiculous.

Another thing that aggravates me is how much money we spend with them anyway. They’ve made a few service call for us this year. We’re planning on them inspecting the combines again this winter. They inspected the combines the last 12 years. I’ve even taken a few things to them for repairs as well. Damn near all of the parts for anything with a Deere emblem comes from them. I don’t want to even say how much we spent on parts through them this year. It’s crazy. So why do they insist on sticking it to us that much more.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Machinery value keeps rising. How many hours does this 4650 have?
With your maintenance routines, I’ll bet you’ll get along well with that tractor.

Yeah it’s getting crazy. Dad watched the whole sale online Saturday morning. We said most everything else went for a deal. But when the tractors were up for sale they went crazy.

This 4650 is supposed to have just over 5,200 hours. Should have a lot of life left in it. But it’s to the point where there will be things to look out for and do if something hasn’t already been done. I plan on it being pulled in the shop as soon as it gets here. Let it run for awhile and get things warmed up. Then shut her down and let her sit on the concrete. See how many leaks we may have.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Here’s a picture of our 4650. IIRC it has around 9,000 hours, but we’ve only owned it for last couple years.

Looks like it’s in good shape. This one has right around 5,200 hours. I’m interested to check it out. The 4440 is over 9,000 now.