This is non oil related, but here it goes.
I have a John Deere 725 "almost commercial" ($10,000) front mower with a 20 horse Kawasaki engine. It will be 6 years old this fall. It has only 350 hours on it, is maintained very good (fluids, filters, adjustments, etc..
The Kawasaki engine started spewing coolant all over last week. The repair bill was $840. Parts $350, rest was labor. Here is what was done/said:
New water pump - was told this one rarely lasted over 500 hours.
Associated gaskets - originals were "flimsy paper" that disinegrate often. New ones are re-designed.
NEW CAM SHAFT - original was composite (plastic) we/they recommend replacement with new metal one whenever engine is opened up - because of expected premature failure of plastic one.
Finally - PTO clutch is on the way out - moisture often gets in the "sealed" bearings and it is toast. This is not an engine part and was not replaced.
Opinions wanted. Dealer said JD corp. doesn't "assist" repair costs past five years, regardless of hours. Waiting for territory reps. ruling.
Shouldn't these parts last more than 350 hrs. regardless of age? What about the admitted bad parts? Dealer said JD often specs. out Kawasaki build. Is JD responsible for some of these repairs or am I just screwed. I wish this equipment had Tech. Service Bulletins(public access)like autos.
Suggestions or comments please.
I have a John Deere 725 "almost commercial" ($10,000) front mower with a 20 horse Kawasaki engine. It will be 6 years old this fall. It has only 350 hours on it, is maintained very good (fluids, filters, adjustments, etc..
The Kawasaki engine started spewing coolant all over last week. The repair bill was $840. Parts $350, rest was labor. Here is what was done/said:
New water pump - was told this one rarely lasted over 500 hours.
Associated gaskets - originals were "flimsy paper" that disinegrate often. New ones are re-designed.
NEW CAM SHAFT - original was composite (plastic) we/they recommend replacement with new metal one whenever engine is opened up - because of expected premature failure of plastic one.
Finally - PTO clutch is on the way out - moisture often gets in the "sealed" bearings and it is toast. This is not an engine part and was not replaced.
Opinions wanted. Dealer said JD corp. doesn't "assist" repair costs past five years, regardless of hours. Waiting for territory reps. ruling.
Shouldn't these parts last more than 350 hrs. regardless of age? What about the admitted bad parts? Dealer said JD often specs. out Kawasaki build. Is JD responsible for some of these repairs or am I just screwed. I wish this equipment had Tech. Service Bulletins(public access)like autos.
Suggestions or comments please.