Why do we never learn?

Oldoug really hit it well.  It is such an unforgiving job some days.  During the noon hour I run the counter while everyone else goes for dinner.  Not a big deal, but its amazing what can happen in 20-30 mins.  I have seen it go from a ghost town to one customer walks in the door, then a phone rings, you excuse yourself from the customer to grab the phone and try to look up the counter customers part while on the phone(depending on the call).  Finish the phone call, get the customer at the counter the part, two more guys walk in, other phone line rings, guy on the phone is trying to replace that belt he got from you for his combine, wants a detailed description on how to change it, meanwhile your finishing up the customer at the counter.  You say hello to the other two at the counter letting them know you know they are there.  While trying to give the phone information, you finish the ticket with guy #1 as well as write a number down.  Approach customers #2 and 3.  2 Just needs a filter, 3 is wondering what your asking for the tractor in the front row, phone rings again, someone you left a message for is calling back, you get #2s filter while on the phone, you give #3 the keys and tell him to check it out and you finish the phone conversation, #3 likes the tractor but the price is way out of line for what he is looking for, 12:30 its a ghost town and your replacement is back from dinner. 
I'm not complaining at all, I'm just showing how at times someone could forget to write something down to order, or to bill out a part correctly.  Human error, what more can I say?  But if your local dealer isnt helping you out, or giving you an attitude for what your business with them is, then it it time to jump ship.  Every dealer seems to have their own specialty as well.  I have customers that drive over 40 miles and past two other AGCO dealers simply because we have the common parts on hand.

Jim

Yep Jim, if you can't multitask then you can't be a parts person.

Have purcased many parts from the Agco dealer in Parkers Prairie Minnesota and they have been very impressive. They rarely usually have what I need on hand. They even had parts for my 904 mower conditioner on hand!

I'm with the rules that Dave set out. I happen to have parts books and a fisch so do my own research and go to the dealer with a part number. On this older stuff we will most likely know more about it then the parts guy so we need to be all the help we can.

dean ag and mr.danforth at ok tractor are top of my recomendations as for parts,dean ag especially for 45 diesel parts..

I have a good AGCO dealer real close and if I go for parts they know and let me know if available and what it costs and if I want it and they dont have it they will have it in a couple days. Have no complaints, North Star Hardw. & Imp.. Fred

A good buddy of mine is an Agco Heritage parts dealer, I get all my parts from him. He is learning the AC stuff since he mostly specializes in MM, and Oliver parts. I guess it helps that I used to work there with him several(15)years ago. R.C. Ohda Farm Equipment Repair, Walnut Illinois, 815-379-2377, ask for Rob Ohda. Ed.