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)