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Steve_Cebu

Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888

Dealer Servicing vs Independant Servicing- Which is best?
Original Message Oct 26, 2010 8:32 pm

I just had my Toro serviced by the local dealer who charges like their oild was made out of solid gold. Grand total was $164.95 which included them picking it up and bringing it back. The service itself was a special and $99.95.

The thing is that seems like a lot of dosh for a $2 spark plug and a couple of quarts of oil.

So I'm thinging ahead for next year. How can I find an indepenant guy who is reliable to service the Toro? Where should I look and How can I find out if they are any good? Or should I stick with the dealer?

I really don't want to pay stupid money for what little work they did.

Any ideas?

Thanks

"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England." "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."

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Steve_Cebu

Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888

Re: Dealer Servicing vs Independant Servicing- Which is best?
Reply #10 Oct 27, 2010 5:28 pm

Bill_H wrote:

Steve, I totally understand about not having the time, but you'll have all summer to do it next year. If you think about it, you can pay yourself $75/hr for the work. But, IMO, the biggest advantage is getting to know your machine when everything works. That way when something does go wrong - and it will eventually - you'll at least know what is supposed to be happening inside there. You're in MA? Doesn't trouts2 have a shop in central MA? If you really don't want to tackle it yourself, that would be a great alternative.

Nope, Central New Hampshire, problem is I don't have a way to transport my machine anywhere so someone has to come here to work on it or pick it up. I remember the last thing I worked on a snowmobile. Very expensive and after I was done with it it was worth it's weight in scrap metal. making parts is one thing, fiddling with all the bits is another. Guess I'm stuck with the dealer for now...

snowmachine

Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268

Re: Dealer Servicing vs Independant Servicing- Which is best?
Reply #11 Oct 27, 2010 6:03 pm

Do any of your vehicles support the installation of a Class I hitch? Some of the really small trailers are only like 300lbs and many cars are rated to tow 1000lbs.

Some boards, tie down straps and a wiring harness to connect to your vehicle and you would be set.

Maybe something like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-capacity-40-inch-x-49-inch-heavy-duty-utility-trailer-with-8-inch-wheels-and-tires-42708.html

This message was modified Oct 27, 2010 by snowmachine

HTTPs://ouppes.com

Steve_Cebu

Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888

Re: Dealer Servicing vs Independant Servicing- Which is best?
Reply #12 Oct 27, 2010 6:49 pm

snowmachine wrote:

Do any of your vehicles support the installation of a Class I hitch? Some of the really small trailers are only like 300lbs and many cars are rated to tow 1000lbs.

Some boards, tie down straps and a wiring harness to connect to your vehicle and you would be set.

Maybe something like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/870-lb-capacity-40-inch-x-49-inch-heavy-duty-utility-trailer-with-8-inch-wheels-and-tires-42708.html

Good idea, I actually had thought of that. I drive a Honda Fit and the dealer was very clear that if I towed anything it would void my warranty. The car just isn't rated to tow anything. It's not very powerful. But it's almost big enough to put a snowblower in it.

Funny thing is I did Tow things with my Miata at least my tires and equipment when I used to Auto-X it.

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