Unbelievable
 

Went to my local Cub Cadet Dealer to buy a Air Filter for my 1450. I usually go in there with part numbers of what I want, but this time I didn't. I figured they couldn't screw up a simple air filter.

I told the supposedly experienced mechanic what I wanted. The first clue that I was in trouble, was that when I told him the model (1450) he had that blank look on his face. None the less, he did go to his Computer and started looking it up. I told him the model number of the Tractor plus the model and spec number for the Kohler motor.

Second clue that I was in trouble, was he made the comment that the air cleaners for all the K321's were the same. I politely told him....not so.

Third clue that I was in trouble, that it took about ten minutes to look up a part. I asked if he had access to the internet so he could go to either Cub Cadet's or Kohler's Website to look up part number. He said he did.....but I doubt that he went there. I am assuming, that he was using a Cub Cadet Dealer Parts Look-up program. So he had five (5) look up sources - 2 Internet sites, his CC program, paper parts manual, plus a Tune Up guide.

He came back with an air cleaner (Stens equivalent) and something told me that it wasn't right. But I took it and thought to myself, I better check this before I pull it out of the plastic bag. My suspicions were right........WRONG part. With five (5) lookup resources, he couldn't get the right part (too small). Now I have to go back and exchange the part for the correct filter.
:bash2:

Note to Self.........Never go to that Dealer without part numbers in hand.

I am going to venture a guess, that this is like a lot of Cub Cadet Dealers. They only know the newer models.

Yup, when I walk into our local dealership, the guys (and gal) at the parts counter don't even ask any more, they simply turn their monitor around and slide the keyboard and mouse over to me.

I think what REALLY aggravates them, is when I bypass that step altogether and walk around the counter, and get the parts I want off of the shelf myself.

I can only imagine what kinds of things they say about me after I leave.

You think that's bad I went to a cub dealer and said I need a drive shaft for my IH cub cadet 129. The parts guy looked at me all funny and said " what do you mean IH? They don't make lawn mowers?"

Same thing with my dealer. They only know the newer Cub Cadets.

My dealer knows I know more than them, too...I just bring the part numbers and get what I need. The have actually started stocking maintenance items for the older ones, like carb kits and clutch parts.

I've had the same problem. The problem these days is american is becoming a throw away society these days. It doesn't really matter what your trying to fix these days It is almost always a problem trying to get parts. They will sell you new, faster than the speed of sound. A few months ago I was talking to a customer of mine that repairs electronics and he said that due to the high cost of parts and then adding time and labor that is was cheaper for his costumers to throw it out and get new. He closed up shop! Rich

I had that happen at a JD dealer once. I was looking for parts for a JD Model L, he told me JD didn't make a L tractor. I told him to turn around and look at his calendar on the wall, that month had a picture of a L.

The CC Dealer I use has always had the parts I needed in stock, they are a newer dealer, but I have had good luck with them.

unfortunately my local dealer doesn't know much about IH or about new MTD... Last year when I got my 2544 my dealer had just received a new 3000 series and admitted he'd never saw one before. I've went in a couple times trying to get some things for my Original and he's always said he can't find an 'Original' I need the model number, which leads to the "The originals didn't have a model number....."

There's a mom and pop lawn and garden center in my town too, the guy there is pretty good about knowing or at least able to cross reference/look up. The only problem is that you are going to pay a decent amount more for anything than what you can get it on the web.

I guess I've gotten pretty lucky with my dealer, although I usually have part numbers ready too just in case. They have been a family business since 1935, and surprisingly the grandchildren of the original owner are pretty good at getting the right parts. I tell them the model of the tractor and they usually run right back and grab the part, only double checking the computer if I ask them too, or they are really usure, which rarely happens. And if they do have a minor screw up, they are very forgiving about it. Once they ordered the wrong seal for me, and they admitted it was their fault, so they ordered me the right one free of charge...its hard to find sevice like that anymore. They also have barns full of cub parts from complete parts tractor, to piles of rear ends, engine, you name it. I made arrangements with one of the owners (brothers) to buy the hydro lift components from a parts 1811 they had in the barn. He told me I could bring the tractor home, strip off what I need from it, and bring it back to him for $100...this would be the rockshaft, lift cylinder, valve, hydro pump, dash..and pretty much anything I wanted except the engine.

Guess I've gotten spoiled....

Jeff (teet)

That's a great dealer!

My local cub dealer is about as friendly as a wall and talks about as much as one. Now on the other hand he has a picture of himself sitting on his dad's 70 and his prices are pretty good.

I agree, with Duke. You are very lucky, Jeff. :beerchug:

My dealer actually has an Original on display. :ThumbsUp:

Gosh,sounds like some dealer staff can mess up a free lunch. When you walk on to my local dealer's showroom floor, not only do you see all of todays latest stuff, but over in the corner you will see a IH Original that looks like it may have never left the building. Then I move to the service desk where a old-timer is sitting waiting to help you.......and thats when I know I'am in the right place. I think some of these dealers should hire folk who have a bigger intrest in their jobs and hobbies.

Our dealer also has an Original on the showroom floor. He used to have Wheel Horse fenders on it...lol. The last time I seen it, they were gone. :biggrin2.gif:

Thanks Duke and Allen, Its nice to have a knowledgeable, friendly dealer so close to home. Check out their website for a little history.

http://www.blazeyinc.com/


Jeff (teet)

Cool link, Jeff! Looks like you have a great dealer.

Roland, I feel your pain... The first (and last) time I went to the local cub "dealer" they did not know what a 682 was. I then specified that is was one of the all metal ones, and he replied "sorry that's too old, we can't get parts for those anymore"!

My "dealer" sales CC along with Stihl and Gravely... they pretty much only care about the later 2. I don't think I would admit to a customer that I had never saw something before, especially if it's supposed to be in your lineup.

In southern WV any kind of old GT is hard to come by. I don't know if that's why a lot of people don't know about them or what... Going by what the prices were back then and factor in the majority around here were coal miners, I guess a lot just couldn't afford them....

I am pretty lucky with my CC dealer. Mr. Bishop actually worked at the factory in Louisville, and knows everything about all of the models. Parts and history stories are not a problem around here. Love going up and just hanging out and talking with him.

The Gravely was built in WV, at least the old models were.

that was back in the 20's and 30's.... right?

I believe most of the Model L walk behind were made there. They stopped making the Model L's in the 70's.

My local dealer is pretty useless too. They were a JD dealer until about 3 years ago.

I have a few Cub Cadet dealers in my area. I don't use them unless I have to. They have great service. The majority of the time they have to order part(s) I need.

I will go to my local Napa dealer for air filter, gas filter and spark plugs. Cost (cheaper) is one of the main reason I go there. My local Napa dealer happens to have the automotive machine shop that does my machining work to my Kohler motors. My other Kohler source is a local ACE hardware store that works on lawn mowers, chain saws, weedeaters, and leaf blowers. McMaster-Carr is another good source for pins, material for disc brakes, o-rings and tie rods.

When I go to local dealer I have the part number wrote down and handed the part number to the person behind the parts counter. I will take my parts manual when I go to the Cub Cadet dealer.

Another good source is the sponsors at the top of the page. They were good enough to spend their funds to help support this site. We need to help support them.

I guess I am one of the lucky ones also. Our CC dealer has two older people working in the parts dept. One is a lady about 60 years old the guy is about 70 years old. Sometimes they know the part #s without looking them up. If they do look them up they always go straight to the correct diagram and get the # asap. I usually take the part # with me, but if I don't there is no worry and I have never come home with the wrong part. They are very friendly and take all the time they need to service whomever they are waiting on, and all this with a smile. They have been training a couple of younger guys and they do a good job to, takes a little longer but they get it right.

I guess most of the old parts guys are retired. There's a Kohler dealer close to me that has a "GAL" who works the parts counter. Her dad retired from Kohler and she grew up with the K series. She knows every part number by memory!! Hope she's around for a long while!!

I don't even go to a Cub Cadet dealer anymore, unless I absolutely have to. There's this guy close by that runs a small engine repair shop out of his home. Has everything I need from oil and air filters to hydro fluid. Can't beat him and a real nice guy to.:beerchug:

Ive had my fair share of dealers. At first the only CC and Case IH dealers i knew of were at my grandparents house in illinois. I ended up blowing the head gasket out of my 123 and knowing that the old deeres had used kohlers i went to the JD dealer, (they were lots closer than the last dealer i found). so i took the busted gasket and went for broke. the guy behind the counter gave me a funny look, (i think i was wearing an IH cap) took my old part, flipped it round a few times in his hands then disappeared for twenty mins! when he came back my old gasket was bent and broken worse than it had been. then he told me kohler never made this gasket and tried to push the sale of a new deere mower. when i told him i wasnt interested the guy basicly gave me the finger and said not to come back. I have recently found a CC/ Case IH dealer here in Nashville with supreme service and span of old and new parts. will never set foot in a deere dealer again!

I know where you guys are coming from with all the frustrations with parts guys & dealers. Not to defend them...but flip the coin over. I worked in the parts department for 3 1/2 years for a New Holland dealer. If I had ALL of you guys come in with the info and the knowledge you have - my life would be a dream! You wouldn't beleive the IDIOTS that come in looking for parts for some machine you sometimes wonder if they even own it, let alone drive it! Common question..."What model of tractor do you have Sir?"....I don't :banned: know, its blue!" Ummmm....yep! Think this is going to go well? The old guy I worked with had a really bad day one week, guy comes in to get parts in a crappy mood, did't know anything in the way of model numbers or even year of tractor. He wanted a fuel filter, after a few exchanged words, Dan gave him a fuel filter just to shut him up..... :biggrin2.gif: I told him as the guy walked out the door, "That wasn't the right filter". He said "I know, the crusty old :banned: :banned: :banned: :banned: :banned:, I don't care! Lets see if he can make that fit his tractor" It wasn't even close, and the best part...the fool customer showed up the next day in a better mood and actually had a model number of his tractor. :biggrin2.gif: Dan said he would gladly exchange his filter for the correct one and gave him a big grin as he left the store, even went as far as to wish him a good day and thanked him for coming in to see us. :LMAO1: I was waiting for Dan to hand me back the salt shaker after that guy left, it was really hard NOT to laugh while he was wishing him a good day.

But seriously....there are A LOT of dumb people in the world - on both sides of the counter. But if your going to sell something, at least have a clue about it, otherwise don't even try to sell it. Ever notice that of all the people that are in business these days....only about 65% of them really should be in business! The others are a JOKE!