I recently purchased a Steiner 450 set up to mow some 30 degree dams. I checked all the fluids before mowing the first day. About a half hour in, I noticed it was making a whining sound, so shut it down and found the hydraulic reservoir EMPTY. Had to drive back to the shop for the proper fluid, then brought it back up to full. The second time I mowed it began making the same sound and again, not fluid in the reservoir! Topped it off again and finished the job. While unloading it from the trailer back at the shop it only had reverse!!! Furious that my $25,000 investment was broken already, I demanded the dealer pick it up and bring me a demo/loaner. The dealer called me to say the transaxle was destroyed in my 450!!!
A week or so later, I headed out with the loaner and it was the same thing all over again. Apparently, the dealer "techs" are not cycling all the auxiliary hydraulics to purge air from the system when prepping the machines after adding customer options. There must be a lot of air pockets in the system
As of today, parts are on order for my machine. My biggest fear is - assuming these guys actually know what they are doing - I will be plagued with future issues due to metal contamination in the hydraulic system. I experienced a similar reoccurring contamination problem with a Scag mower after a drive motor failure.
Finally (I know... long read) should I insist on a Factory Tech be present during reassembly? This is a MAJOR dealer in Ohio and they should know what they are doing, but I think they would rather work on John-Deere farm tractors. Should I at least call Steiner and speak with Customer Service to get on the record with my concerns?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
A week or so later, I headed out with the loaner and it was the same thing all over again. Apparently, the dealer "techs" are not cycling all the auxiliary hydraulics to purge air from the system when prepping the machines after adding customer options. There must be a lot of air pockets in the system
As of today, parts are on order for my machine. My biggest fear is - assuming these guys actually know what they are doing - I will be plagued with future issues due to metal contamination in the hydraulic system. I experienced a similar reoccurring contamination problem with a Scag mower after a drive motor failure.
Finally (I know... long read) should I insist on a Factory Tech be present during reassembly? This is a MAJOR dealer in Ohio and they should know what they are doing, but I think they would rather work on John-Deere farm tractors. Should I at least call Steiner and speak with Customer Service to get on the record with my concerns?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
