[jaqueslebatard]

Hi! Just bought an early 90s 318 from a neighbor. The neighbor suggested that I "have it tuned up." So I called a nearby JD dealer who quoted me $600 for a tune up, lube, cleaning, etc. For an additional $150 he would pick up the machine and drop it back off.

This seems crazy expensive. Any advice on service in the Gaithersburg, MD area?

 

[sreynolds]

DIY

Buy the manual or get your specs from this site. Adjust the valves and change the fluids. Filters. I assume these use ignition points/condensor?

Strip off the sheet steel and spray it off. If you only have cold water, there are commercial solvents available to degrease the thing.

I have stopped entirely washing my tractors. I get more water inside the engine than I do on the outside. I use an air hose and wipe what I can off with solvent rags etc.

 

[greenmotorman101]

Find a dealer that is not out to gouge you. It's obvious by those prices that they think you are an idiot and don't want your business. Sadly, some dealers have taken on the attitude that they don't want to work on or support older equipment.

In fact I think I would go in and have a face to face conversation with the manager/ owner.

You need to either find a better Deere dealer or an independent shop or learn how to do these chores yourself.

Can you tell that I really hate hearing these kinds of prices and stories. It really makes me angry that our society has spiraled down to a point where a business and/or government would consider treating a consumer this poorly

 

[knottyrope]

if you can turn a wrench you should be able to do this yourself with the manual

change oil and filter on engine and hydo
change air filter and fuel filter
lube the drive shaft and pivot points
remove side and engine tins and wash
adjust neutral and brakes
change plugs

 

[jaqueslebatard]

I can turn a wrench. The issue, KnottyRope, is time and know-how. I'll call a couple of other dealers and see what kind of quotes I get. I understand that pick-up and delivery costs time and money. But honestly, the tune-up itself should not cost that much.

I suppose part of the joy ownership may be in knowing how to care for my equipment.

 

[deereman84]

Jack-
I just sent you an email that I am sure will help.

 

[woodpecker41]

Jack I would ask them for a list of what they are going to do for the tune up. It could include many things you might or might not want done. Do they change the transmission fluid. Adjust the front axle tightness. Adjust the steering box. Adjust transmission linkage. There are a lot of things you could do on a tune up that would increase the price a lot. The dealer near me gets $100/hour flat rate on everything so that would leave them about $200 for parts and $400 for labor. Ask what your car/truck dealer gets for the 60,000 mile checks and you can easily get close to $600 or more. When I had my Nissan pickup for example %600 was about what the 60,000 mile check up cost at the dealer. Not saying it is right but just the way it is in 2014. Also welcome to WFM. Roger

 

[jaqueslebatard]

Thanks Roger. I spoke with another local dealer and got a quote of $249 + 170 for pick up and drop off. Now I'm going to call them each back and get a full list of what what intend to do for that money! It makes sense to compare apples to apples.

I should just add that this baby has 790 hours on it, runs nicely, but has just been maintained intermittently.

 

[woodpecker41]

Jack at that many hours and that age it should at least have for example the transaxle oil and filter changed. In general the whole tractor should be looked over. All that takes time. At least my dealer only gets $90 for pick up and delivery. Roger

 

[bo2009]

$150. - $170.00 for pickup & return. Whew!

Dealership shop\labor costs wouldn't shock me too much anymore I guess but that...........

It's been 4 yrs. since last time but the nearest JD dealer to me charged $45.00 (3 times), about 20 miles round trip, & they used one of those tilt-bed recovery type trucks hauling my 318 2X, my 111 & 116 1X (round trips).

Since I don't have a trailer I'll check on their transport (if needed) fees next time. Bobo

 

[gzec]

If your really going to keep and us a 25+ year old tractor, you need work on it your self. The minor issues will kill you, paying a dealer for everything that comes up.