The Green Industry's Resource Center

mefast · #1 08-08-2012, 07:43 PM

Hey everybody new to the site and love it....Here is my problem.I purchase 920 in Oct 2011 .When the grass started take in off was in June had a lot of rain since then and i have notice the mower would not have the balls my other 2010 920 did and i thought that the 2011 has a 60 inch deck compared to the other with a 54 inch deck so more weight less power.Well then it started take longer to start maybe 2 sec longer or so .Also notice small backfire after it would turn off.I took a compression test on it.62 on one side and 80 on the other..wtf..........I did a test on my 2010 and 122 both sides.... so i thought head gaskets ...I bring it to John Deere and he writes on the form Low on power 60-80 lbs compression..they call me 3 days late tell me it is fix....I was happy drove to pick it up there guy puts it on my trailor while i am inside.I ask the mechanic what did he do to fix it WAIT FOR IT he says i tighten the belt......can u beleive that......?I go inside and tell the service guy he says those engines hav a compression release but when i told him the compression on the older machine was 120 each side he had nothing to say but leave it or when i can get time bring it back well take care of it.Took it to them last thursday said i need it fix .I call mon they are pulling the cam to check compression release .I said the machine had 136 hrs on it i would like a new engine instead of that one he says that gonna be hard to do.I call today and they tell me that pulled both heads off and he says that both intake valves will not sit in the seats rite and the cylinder has some scratches on it he took pictures and sent to John Deere and will let me know...I have brought 3 757 and 2 920a and this is how John Deere takes care of there customers?

ztman · #2 08-08-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mefast

Hey everybody new to the site and love it....Here is my problem.I purchase 920 in Oct 2011 .When the grass started take in off was in June had a lot of rain since then and i have notice the mower would not have the balls my other 2010 920 did and i thought that the 2011 has a 60 inch deck compared to the other with a 54 inch deck so more weight less power.Well then it started take longer to start maybe 2 sec longer or so .Also notice small backfire after it would turn off.I took a compression test on it.62 on one side and 80 on the other..wtf..........I did a test on my 2010 and 122 both sides.... so i thought head gaskets ...I bring it to John Deere and he writes on the form Low on power 60-80 lbs compression..they call me 3 days late tell me it is fix....I was happy drove to pick it up there guy puts it on my trailor while i am inside.I ask the mechanic what did he do to fix it WAIT FOR IT he says i tighten the belt......can u beleive that......?I go inside and tell the service guy he says those engines hav a compression release but when i told him the compression on the older machine was 120 each side he had nothing to say but leave it or when i can get time bring it back well take care of it.Took it to them last thursday said i need it fix .I call mon they are pulling the cam to check compression release .I said the machine had 136 hrs on it i would like a new engine instead of that one he says that gonna be hard to do.I call today and they tell me that pulled both heads off and he says that both intake valves will not sit in the seats rite and the cylinder has some scratches on it he took pictures and sent to John Deere and will let me know...I have brought 3 757 and 2 920a and this is how John Deere takes care of there customers?

Its not John Deere, its the John Deere dealer. I had a similiar run around with a dealer, review, submit to deere, get district manager involved,or so they said, and then they didnt want to do anything. I was suprised based on what i viewed the quality of deere, so i jotted a note to the ceo of deere and asked him his thoughts on the situation. They are a public company, ceo address is listed on yahoo finance. Got a nice letter from his assistant, saying the ceo is busy but wanted to let me know they take quality issues seriously. About two weeks later, the dealer that couldnt do anything was bolting on new parts.

mefast · #3 08-08-2012, 08:30 PM

Ya I think your dead on .It is a shame when you have to stress and fight over stuff that is under warrenty.looks like i will try your idea....thanks

Herrick · #4 08-09-2012, 10:28 AM

After a run around on a motor issue with my exmark, I was told by my dealer, who is also a Deere dealer, that THEY get to make the call on what parts/service the machine needs. My understanding was that they don't have to talk to a rep or corporate... My service guy said he could order a new engine for one of their big sprayers if that's what he thought best, no questions asked.... I'd start by contacting Deere customer relations, and work your way up.

michael1107 · #5 08-10-2012, 03:36 PM

If the dealer is giving you the run around, the first call you should make is to the John Deere Customer Contact Center (800-537-8233)

Their function is to address customer issues that are not being resolved at the dealer level.