Plainfield Equipment, Inc.

My tractor was overheating and I called Plainfield Equipment (5/4) for service. During the call, I told them that I was going to need a new radiator on my tractor and maybe some other shop work completed. I was told the tractor could be looked at within 2 weeks and roundtrip transportation would be between $80-150 depending on how far away my home was from the shop. On 5/11, my tractor was picked up and taken to shop. On 5/27, I hadn’t heard anything and called the shop. I was told that they had been busy and it would definitely get looked at within the next few days. On 6/3, I hadn’t heard anything and called the shop. I was told that they had been busy and it would definitely get looked at within the next few days. On 6/8, I hadn’t heard anything and called the shop. I was told that they had been busy and it would definitely get looked at within the next few days. I responded that I’d already been told that multiple times and I needed my tractor back. I was called and told that I needed a new radiator (this was a known), but it was obsolete, so they would have to call around and see what they could find. On 6/10, I was called and told that the radiator was impossible to get and that they couldn’t find one that was just close, because they are a dealership and have to put the exact one in. This could have been checked by them BEFORE they even picked it up to begin with! Since, I was already paying for transportation I had them do an oil change. On 6/11, I was called and my total was $346. Yep, that is correct. On 6/12, I got my tractor back with a $346 oil change and still overheating. $150 of the $346 was for transportation (5 miles.) Added: I sent this review to them and gave them a chance to “make it right” before I posted it. Rex Jr. called me and explained to me that the pandemic created these issues and I actually got a deal. If you are reading this review: I highly suggest you take your business and your hard-earned money elsewhere!

Took in a tiller yesterday and asked the mechanic to look at it. The guys acted like it was a huge imposition that they have to actually do a little work. They said they would call us but didn't tell us that it would be two weeks. We go and get the tiller back and got snide remarks from the guys because they were "busy" yet they were all making time to lean all over the counters talking about things other than work. So disappointing. Word of advice, take your business somewhere else, unless you like being treated like dirt and talked to like your a baby and don't know anything. If that's the case, then this place is for you!

On or about August 8th, while mowing with my Cub Cadet rider, I kicked up a rock. Visible damage observed was both mulching blades damaged. Mulching plug damaged. Timing belt damaged. I unhooked the mowing deck from the mower and loaded it in my car and drove it to Plainfield Equipment for repair. They called me back days later and said the repair bill would be $550.00 to $600.00 dollars. Shocked at the high estimate, I asked why it was so much. I was told that in addition to the things I knew to be wrong, both my spindles on the deck needed replaced and also a deck pulley. Needing my mower back, I told them to go ahead and order the parts, but not the mulching kit, that I had the old blades and would have them install those. A day or so later I brought the blades in and asked them to explain to me what parts had to be replaced and why. Their mechanic showed me that the spindles were dry. That was true. it was my fault, I hadn't kept them greased. he showed me the pulley. I didn't see anything wrong with it but I didn't want to second guess the mechanic. They told me they couldn't put the old blades back on because one of them was nicked. I told them to go ahead and get the mulching kit. Still upset at the high repair cost, I told them I had had my pickup truck for 7 years and the only time I had spent 600.00 dollars on it was when I bought new tires. One of the workers there, who was not involved with my repair piped in "that's a truck, not a mower". My point was that a whole truck was more complicated then a mowing deck. I didn't appreciate the remark. I also looked up the parts being replaced and found out that the spindles could come apart and the bearings alone could be replaced, saving me some money. I called Cub Cadet to verify this. When I picked up the deck after repairs, I asked them about this. At first I was told that they were "sealed". I gave the man a questioning look, and then he said that a lot of times there was "internal" damage. They also had told me that the mulching kit was back ordered, so I had them put a new set of regular blades on. They also replaced the deck pulley belt. I don't remember them mentioning that in the estimate, but in the back and forth of the transaction, maybe they did. I can't be sure. But the old belt was not broken and may have been worn, but still worked.

Maybe they were just trying to be exact. But it would have been better if they asked me if I wanted to replace certain parts instead of giving me the impression they had to be replaced.

I'm going to find another mower mechanic. Preferably one that's more sensitive to my wallet.