First, it’s best to use the word “correct” when asking or confirming that the customer or the salesman is “right” when describing the orientation of your machine. It’s a small change, but it can avoid a lot of confusion. A lot of parts are “side-specific”, meaning the same part on the left-hand side of your machine will not fit the right-hand side of the same. For example, engine side covers are cut differently to fit the left or the right side. You can likely imagine the way your machine tapers from the back to the front of the hood. The right-hand cover will not fit the left side unless your tractor is perfectly square.
Think about your automobile. If a tire is flat, and you needed to describe which one, you would use the words front, rear, driver’s side, and passenger side. As you well know, most heavy machinery and tractors are not passenger vehicles (unless you count a kid taking a ride on grandpa’s knee). In this case, you need to know which side is left and right.
The easiest way I’ve found over the years is to ask our customers to picture themselves in the operator’s seat driving the machine forward. I intentionally avoided saying “sitting in your seat”, because nearly all backhoe seats swivel or flip over, so the operator is facing the digging bucket.
With that in mind, imagine you’re in the seat AND driving forward. Your body AND your backhoe are now facing the same direction. Your right is the right-hand side of the machine, and your left is the left-hand side of the machine. This is the orientation that you need to use.
The answer is yes UNLESS you are operating an excavator or another machine that swivels on its frame. In this case, everything above the swing bearing is still oriented the same way your body is, BUT the frame and undercarriage may be the complete opposite if you are not facing the “front.” In this case, I will ask the customer to swing the machine so that the drive motor and gears are behind them.
In an excavator the “front” of your undercarriage is where the idler wheel and track tensioner are, the “rear” is where your final drives and sprockets are.
UPS is the most common carrier for ground shipping in our industry. They will NOT accept shipments exceeding 150 pounds, and more than 5’ in length, depth, or height.
Most orders for tractor or excavator glass are not shipped via UPS, because you are more likely to receive a bag of tempered glass shards than an intact windshield. For the same reason, some parts that are not made of glass and weigh less than 150 pounds will also not be shipped on a UPS truck. When parts arrive damaged, it creates a headache for everyone involved, and we avoid them at all costs.
As I mentioned above, most glass MUST ride on a freight truck, but some will brave the UPS journey. Anything over 150 pounds, or with too many delicate components on the outside will have to ride freight. If any part has to ship via freight, it will be noted in the part description, and you will not be able to place the order online.
Typically freight shipments take 1-2 business days longer than ground shipping, but you are often given the option to pay for a quicker lead time. Once the product has been picked up from wherever it is shipping, we will send you the name of the freight carrier and a PRO number. You can search that number just like a UPS tracking number on the carrier’s website.
Just like any package you mail or send via UPS or any other ground carrier, the price depends on distance, weight, and dimensions. It also depends on where it is coming from. We get regular freight traffic at our office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but some of our parts ship directly from our vendors who ship so much, their costs are even lower. Either way, we are able to shop several major carriers, and can offer some of the cheapest freight shipping in our business.
For example, a 4-cylinder Cummins 4T390 engine weighs about 500 pounds and will fit on a standard 40 x 40 x 6 inch pallet. Freight shipping to business with a loading dock, or a forklift to unliad the truck in the lower 48 States, within 100 miles of a metropolitan area averages $300.
That’s a lot of qualifiers, which brings you to your next question:
If you do not own a physical building in a commercial zone with a loading dock or a forklift, find someone who does and will let you have your parts shipped there!
In all seriousness, that’s the most effective way, because the freight company will charge $80 or more to deliver in a residential area, assuming the semi and trailer can get to the address, and at least another $80 to lower the part onto your driveway using a lift-gate. Of course, if the tractor-trailer can get to your location and you’re willing to pay for those additional services, we can have your parts shipped to your house, or directly to your job site.
No, but we highly recommend it! Someone has to sign for the delivery, and if it’s best if it is you. We realize your time is essential, and we can’t always offer you a tight time frame, but we can request that the driver contact you approximately 30 minutes before they will arrive. If you can be on-site, it will save you a lot of potential headaches, and here’s why:
If you or someone who knows what they’re looking for are not there when the truck is unloaded, there may be damage to the parts or packaging, and entire pieces of your order may be missing. While we and our vendors do our best to package and prepare freight to make it to you in good order, issues do happen. If there is a problem with your order when it arrives, the absolute best time to take care of it is before you sign the paperwork on the driver’s clipboard. If we are open, call us! We may have you return the item on the very same truck if necessary. If we are not open, and there is a problem, refuse the shipment and call us the next business day so we can tell you exactly how we will proceed.
CALL OR EMAIL US! We have been shipping parts in a variety of ways to tens of thousands of destinations. We can make your freight shipping experience as painless as possible, and we are happy to answer any question you can think of to help all of us achieve that.
Simply put, your broken or malfunctioning part, typically an assembly of some kind, is the “core” in “core charge.” I’ve sold used parts since 2013, and I don’t know why it’s called a “core,” but that’s not important. Your money and your time are important, and we want to save you both.
A core charge is a deposit you pay upfront that is refunded once we receive your broken part, so long as any core conditions have been met. There are methods that you can employ to avoid a core deposit in some situations, and there are some parts that we will not sell without a reasonable guarantee of a usable core in return.
The short answer is it’s worth something to us. Your need for a working part and our desire for your broken one is mutually beneficial. For example, if your backhoe shuttle transmission is not working, it’s MUCH faster and cheaper to buy the complete assembly with the torque converter from us and have it installed in a day instead of paying a mechanic to remove it and rebuild and reinstall yours. In return, we get a rebuild-able core that we can sell as-is, have refurbished, or keep on hand.
The core charge is determined by many factors. Some parts are so difficult to find in working or rebuildable condition, that the core deposit is equal to or greater than the price of the part itself. There is no set cost for each type of part, and the charge may change over time, largely dictated by the law of supply and demand. Not all core charges are Non-negotiable, but some cannot be avoided. Some common core charges are $350 for a rebuilt torque converter to fit a Ford 555D or Case 580K Backhoe. In general, torque converters can be rebuilt by a skilled mechanic as long as the housing is not compromised. So in that case, you will pay the $350 deposit when you order the part, and once our rebuilder inspects your core housing, we refund that $350 back to you. Once all is said and done, it will cost you $0 as long as any and all core conditions are met!
Core conditions are the terms under which we will accept your broken part. In other words, there are some parts that are “too broken” for us to accept as a core. On the other hand, there are some cores we want back regardless of the condition. As with the amount of the core deposit, the core conditions are determined by a number of factors, similar to those listed above.
When there are specific conditions that your core must meet, they will be listed in the product description on our page.
Some rebuilders have a sliding scale depending on exactly what components are use-able, meaning they will inspect a core engine or transmission, and refund you in full or partially depending on what components are not rebuild-able. While it’s understandable that a company would structure its core conditions this way, we try to avoid these conditions if at all possible.
If you have ANY questions, please call us, and we will be happy to explain further. Again, cores can be complicated, and effective communication is the best way to make sure all parties involved understand each other.
For many parts, if you do not have a core, we will simply charge the core deposit with a note on the sales receipt stating that you do not have a core, and we are selling you the replacement part “outright.” In that case, the core deposit is not refunded.
There are some parts that we CANNOT sell outright. These parts are either so scarce, or we use a rebuilder that does not allow it because their business depends on being able to rebuild and re-sell them.
Some rebuilders have a sliding scale depending on exactly what components are useable, meaning they will inspect a core engine or transmission, and refund you in full or partially depending on what components are not rebuildable. While it’s understandable that a company would structure its core conditions this way, we try to avoid these conditions if at all possible.
There are some cases where we will offer partial credit if a core does not meet the conditions laid out by our sales staff. For example, we may charge a $500 core deposit for an engine. If there is a hole in the block, we may offer $300 back or we may work out another deal. Not all core conditions are inflexible.
As I mentioned earlier, some parts cannot be sold unless there is a reasonable guarantee that we will get a rebuildable core back. Of course, there are situations where a customer will buy a tractor missing some parts to fix up. That’s one way to get a great deal on it, but you should do some research into just how difficult it is to locate the missing parts before you pull the trigger. Again, in some cases, it is simply not possible to sell you a replacement part without a qualifying core, given the scarcity of the part.
I’ll give you an example, so you won’t get stuck with a great deal on a 1-ton lawn ornament. The Ford New Holland compact series, including the 2-cylinder 1500 is a powerful machine on a small frame. They will last for generations AS LONG AS you are careful not to run the engine too hot, or you will likely crack the cylinder head. If that happens, the best-case scenario is to buy a rebuilt head for $1,250 + a $750 core charge and shipping one way. If you have luck like me, that head will crack in the one place it cannot be repaired and even good used ones are either not available to buy outright, or are extremely expensive.
In the great majority of cases, we will pay to get your core back to us. For small parts, we can simply have UPS pick it up from you, or we can send you a pre-paid label through the mail, to your e-mail, or in the box with your replacement. Freight gets a little more complicated because we have to schedule a time for pick up and get a copy of the bill of lading over to the pick-up location via email or fax, but it’s not prohibitively inconvenient.
In some cases, you are responsible for the cost to get your core to us. IF YOU ARE, we will make sure you are aware of that before you make the purchase, and there are ways that our shipping and freight discounts can lower your return shipping costs.
We will often ask you to write an RMA (Returned Goods Authorization) number on the outside of the box, directly attached to the core itself, or on a copy of the invoice that we send you. These instructions are essential and will be communicated clearly to you. The time it takes to process your core refund depends on it, which brings me to your next question.
Once again, I don’t have a one-size-fits-all answer for you, but I will give you a good idea. As always, our sales staff can give you the most accurate lead times on a case-by-case basis.
Some cores are picked up from you and sent back to our rebuilders. We regularly tack these and follow up with our vendor to check the status of your return. It can take several business days once the core is received to be inspected, depending on the volume.
Cores shipped directly to us tend to be processed much quicker. We are able to inspect the cores and process your refund within one business day.
We can refund your core deposit directly back to your credit or debit card, but keep in mind that once the refund is done on our end, your bank or lender may take additional time before the funds are available to you. That is beyond our control. We are also happy to mail you a company check if you prefer.
Yes. You absolutely can, but you will need to get your core to us before we can ship your replacement part. In this scenario, you are responsible for the cost to get that core to us or our rebuilder. In that case, if your core meets all conditions, you will not be charged when we ship your replacement part to you.
If you do not see the answer to your question in this article, please call our sales staff at 1-800-462-8118. We are always happy to answer any of your questions before you make your purchase. We believe an ounce of prevention prevents a pound (or in our business, TONS) of headache. Give us a call today!
Spring has sprung all over your property, and it’s time to bring order to the chaos. The temperature is just right, and there is not a single cloud in the sky. In a matter of hours, you’ll be enjoying the satisfaction of another job well done. You check your trusty Ford tractor fluid levels, fill the tank, grease some spindles, and sharpen your bush hog blades before you head out to take on the lawn. You couldn’t have asked for a better day, but if you’re like me, you could use some better luck from time to time.
It’s two hours later, you’re not headed inside for a well-deserved shower after a job well done. Instead, you’re covered in dirt and grease and bleeding through an oily band-aid you keep in your wallet, holding the thief of the perfect day in the palm of your hands: your right-hand front spindle. It’s older than you, and it shows in the deep grooves where the now mangled bearings once sat upon it for a lifetime of good, honest work.
Even after that whole ordeal, you remain optimistic. You’ve changed a spindle and bearing kit or two in your life. Your dad always kept extra on hand but ordering a replacement should be a piece of cake. Over the years, you have seen dozens, maybe hundreds of the same color, shape, and size Ford tractors in fields, barns, and even parades. You bet you could order that part on your phone, and you’re right (mostly). Five minutes and an internet search later, you find a picture of a spindle that looks identical to the one standing between you and a mowing job that’s the envy of your street. You notice the words “Please Call Us to Make Sure This Spindle Fits Your Tractor” just as you tap the “Add to Cart” button. In less than a second, the next page prompts you for your credit card and address, and before you have a moment to reconsider that one tiny sentence, you have a date with the UPS driver on your front porch in 3-4 days, and your bank account is $50 dollars lighter. $68 lighter, if you add the shipping.
(Some of you know what’s coming next, but don’t spoil it for those who have a chance to learn from our mistakes).
The day has arrived, and it’s another Chamber of Commerce, County Fair Blue Ribbon winner! Your jack stands have been in place since the night before last, and you hear an unmistakable thump outside your front door. Your trusty pocket knife makes quick work of the reinforced packaging tape, and you slide the lower bearings down the spindle and install the bushings in your axle knee. The second you slide the spindle through the underside of the axle knee, that sentence flashes in your mind’s eye. It’s at least two inches too short, and has a good half-inch of play in the axle! How could this be?
You quickly find the invoice in a small sea of shredded paper packing material and confirm what you already knew. In plain English, the item description reads “NCA3106B Front Right-Hand 2wd Ford 2000 4cyl Spindle, New Aftermarket.” The next thing you see is the phone number in the heading. As the phone trills, you’re thinking “they must have sent the wrong box. Do they have the right one? Can they ship it to me by Saturday? I need a label for the wrong part they sent,” all the while becoming more and more agitated that you are missing another perfect day, and dreading how much worse your yard will look by the time this company rights their wrongs.
(Ok. I think just about everyone can see where this is headed now but bear with me).
The salesman greets you, and you launch off into the questions bouncing around in your head. You give your full name and invoice number and wait patiently while the person on the other end of the phone pulls up your information. “Do you have a 3 cylinder or 4 cylinder 2000?” the agent asks. A bit flummoxed as to why this guy is asking about the engine when your problem is the front axle, but you answer “3.” “Ah! That’s it!” the salesman exclaims. “You ordered a spindle for late model 2000, made after 1965. That will fit some of the old 600, 800, and NAA Ford tractors, but yours is much newer. Do you have the old spindle and a tape measure handy? I can help you find which spindle fits your tractor.” he says.
“What do you mean find me the right spindle? You just said I have a 2000 model Ford made after 1965, anyway?” you ask, remembering how long it took to work the broken spindle out of the aged axle knee. “About twelve, depending on the style of your front axle” is the response. “Twelve?! Wow. I’m going to have to call you back.” you reply. “Sounds good. Ask for me when you call. I’ll have your receipt in front of me. My name is Joe.” is the last thing you hear before you put your phone in your pocket to tackle the task of removing the “good” spindle.
By the time you pull the spindle and search the house to find the tape measure that’s never in the last place you left it, and retrieve your phone, it’s after 5 pm, Joe has left the office, and another day has gone by with your trusty Ford in as many pieces as you still have questions.
The next morning, you browse your call list from the day before and find the 800 number to get this problem fixed once and for all. Another voice comes over the phone and asks you to hold for Joe. A minute later, you’ve reintroduced yourself and you turn the speaker on in order to free up both hands to measure from the top of the elbow to the top of the vertical shaft, the width of the keyway, the horizontal shaft from the elbow to the end, and the outside diameter of the thrust bearing. Again, you wait patiently after contorting yourself to take the measurements and wiping the grease from your hands.
Finally, Joe speaks up. “I can get you a new aftermarket spindle coming. You’re looking at $125 for the parts and I can get that to you by Monday for $18.” Your Mama raised you not to say anything at all when you don’t have anything nice to say, so you pause for a moment before responding. Once you gather yourself, you say “The spindle I ordered was $50. Why is this so much more? I really need to get my lawn done this weekend. I can’t wait until Monday. How do I return this part? Can I just pay the difference? How are you going to make this right?”
Promptly but politely, Joe replies “Unfortunately, you ordered the wrong part off of our site, and we encouraged you to call us to make sure the spindle would fit before ordering. You can absolutely return that spindle, and get your money back for it, less the $18 for shipping to you. You will also need to pay to ship it back to the correct warehouse, and there will be a 20% restocking fee. Once I get confirmation that the warehouse has processed your return, I can refund directly back to your bank. Once that’s done on my end, it can take a couple of days before your bank processes the refund. As for the correct spindle: you have a high-clearance axle, and the one you ordered is much more common. That’s why your cost is higher. I’ll have to charge you for the second order separately, since you can’t wait for the return to arrive at our warehouse first. Also, If you need the new spindle by Saturday, it has to go 2-Day Air with Weekend Delivery. That will be $135, and we can’t be held responsible if UPS doesn’t meet their delivery time.” “I have to call you back” is all you can muster without losing your cool before you hang up the phone.
Once you process all of the charges you will incur, and murmur a few choice words under your breath, you realize you have three choices. You can let the yard go until Monday, drawing the ire of passers-by, you can borrow a buddy’s tractor, or you can spend the money for the expedited shipping. After considering the jungle you’ll inhabit by the time UPS ground gets your spindle out, and the dozens of things that can and likely will break if you borrow your friend’s tractor, you come to the only logical conclusion.
Joe is happy to take your call a third time. Wisely, you’ve decided to purchase the left-hand spindle, and another bearing kit since your old spindles are now both removed. He takes your payment information, and emails you the second receipt and tracking number. Now you’ve spent $250 for the parts, $135 for shipping, and you are out the original shipping charge, whatever UPS wants to charge to send it back, and a $10 restocking fee. Joe signs off the call saying “Please give us a call if you need anything else for that Ford. Thank you for your business.” As you hang up, once again, you remember that short sentence that could have saved you so much time, money, and headache: “Please Call Us to Make Sure This Spindle Fits Your Tractor.” You’ve always been a “glass-half-full” type of person, so you think to yourself “At least I won’t make that mistake again.”
Will you?!
Gulf South Equipment Sales, LLC
8409 Hooper Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70811
Toll Free: (800) 462-8118
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