When you buy a new tractor, typically it will come with warranty coverage. This warranty package is provided by the
manufacturer and serviced by dealerships associated with the manufacturer. Although it may sound simple at face value,
there are many factors you should consider ahead of time that will affect your tractor’s warranty and service.
What is a Warranty Agreement
A warranty agreement
is typically a multi-page legal document (typically more than 10 pages) outlining your warranty
privileges as a buyer and the terms of the coverage by the manufacturer. This is a legal agreement between you and
the manufacturer stating that the manufacturer agrees to cover certain costs for parts, service and labor
(“qualified expenses”) to ensure the reliability of the machine over a specified term.
The agreement specifies responsibilities required for both the manufacturer and you as the buyer. The manufacturer
typically agrees to cover costs to ensure the machine is productive and meets a certain level of performance over
a given term, while the buyer typically agrees to take care of the machine as specified by the manufacturer.
Warranties are meant to instill confidence in buyers so they are comfortable making the purchase — they know they can
expect a certain level of performance and life from the tractor.
Reality of Warranties
Farm equipment warranties are not large profit centers for dealerships. This may be surprising since the common belief
is warranties are big profit pools for other products such as automobiles and consumer electronics. Warranty
maintenance is done to ensure a healthy working relationship with customers and keep their equipment running.
Typical Warranty
When you buy your tractor you will get a warranty sheet listing what is qualified and not qualified,
as well as the terms and conditions. Warranties often have two levels of coverage:
- Base Warranty: Everything excluding the powertrain.
- Powertrain Warranty: Basically everything that oil touches (engine, etc). Engines tend to have
many moving pieces and are subject to more wear and tear than the rest of the tractor, so they have their own coverage category.
Read more about powertrain
As a buyer, you must follow the manufacturer guidelines to maintain your warranty in good standing. This
usually includes using specified oil, fluids and filters. Using cheap or non-branded products can void
your tractor warranty. It is common for the manufacturer and dealer to check that the proper parts and
fluids were used when you make a warranty claim.
A typical base warranty may last for two years and exclude maintenance, parts, belts, oil and filters. Often the other
tractor components are covered. Manufacturers typically offer separate powertrain warranties — such as a three-year
extension above the two-year base warranty.
Making a Warranty Claim
When you make a warranty claim make sure you have a copy of your warranty agreement ready. It helps to have receipts and
purchase records related to prior service for the tractor as well. It is best if you can have the warranty
serviced at the dealership where you purchased your tractor. Often all manufacturer dealerships will
honor your warranty, however, it can be beneficial if you have the service done at the place where you bought your tractor.
You can find dealers near you using our Dealer Directory.
Two categories are typically not covered by warranties:
-
Transportation costs to and from
the dealership -
Collisions, accidents and natural disaster damage are not covered by warranties. These are separate
issues that an insurer covers (see
insurance vs warranty claims
).
5 Tips for Getting The Most From Your Warranty
#1 Maintain your tractor as required. Use branded fluids and filters. Follow manufacturer instructions
to keep your tractor warranty in good standing. Using cheap parts and not following guidelines can void
your warranty and cost you money down the road.
#2 Keep fresh fuel and treat it. Old fuel can cause problems in injection systems. Speak with your
dealer to understand how to properly treat your fuel, and buy fuel treatment if your dealer
recommends it. Low sulfur fuel can be tough on injection systems.
Learn more about maintaining a healthy fuel system.
#3 Talk with your dealer. If you are having a warranty issue, then talk with dealer service people via email or phone.
Remember your dealership is your friend and wants to maintain a long-term healthy relationship with you.
Give your dealer the opportunity to take care of you. Dealers are there to help you.
#4 Record warranty end date and set a reminder. Set a reminder in your calendar 30 to 60 days
ahead of the warranty expiration so you can remind yourself to check your tractor and let the
dealer know if there are any items you want to be addressed before the warranty expires.
#5 Keep diligent records. Save purchase and service receipts and related paperwork. These are
important if you need to make a warranty claim down the road.
Summary
Your tractor warranty keeps your machine healthy and running. It’s important that you understand how
a warranty works, as well as your responsibilities as a buyer to ensure you get the most from your
warranty. It is also important to remember that your dealership is your friend, and you should
communicate with the service people and give them the opportunity to help you.
Resources
The team at Vahrenberg Implement
created this helpful
video
below:
Look at OEM vs third-party filter quality
(video link)
Caring for your tractor’s fuel system
(video link)
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