“I had a failure of a hydro on an s690, total bill was $87,000.
Machinery scope covered all of it but the deductible, very good people to work with!”
– Mike from Clinton, MN.
Summary
A 2017 John Deere S690 combine equipped with PRWD and having 2246 hours experienced a significant hydrostatic system failure during harvest. The repair required extensive labor, multiple major components, and a complete system flush due to metal contamination. Machinery Scope worked closely with the dealer throughout the process and ultimately approved reimbursement totaling $87,308.67, less deductible.
Machinery Scope aligned its reimbursement with standard job times, posted labor rate, list pricing for parts, and included allowances for travel time and mileage. This approach provided meaningful additional value for both the equipment owner and the dealer on this repair event.
Complaint, Cause, and Corrective Action
- Complaint: Hydraulic filter warning.
- Cause: Hydro pump failure with metal contamination.
- Corrective Action: Full teardown, flushing, pump and motor replacements, reservoir installation, cleaning check valves, reinstallation of shrouds/shields, system bleed, testing, verification, and retesting.
Approved Amounts
| Item | Approved Amount |
| List Price on Parts | $71,689.45 |
| Shop Labor Total | $15,123.66 |
| Travel / Hauling | $495.56 |
| Total Amount | $87,308.67 |
Additional Comments
For repairs of this scale, there can be notable differences between the reimbursement structure from warranty coverage or an extended service contract versus the actual parts, labor, and service expenses required to complete the work. These programs often rely on predetermined pricing frameworks that may not always reflect real-world repairs.
Machinery Scope aligned its reimbursement with the dealer’s posted shop rate, list pricing for parts, and the full scope of service needs, including travel time and mileage. This alignment with actual repair conditions provided meaningful additional value for both the equipment owner and the dealership, helping ensure the repair could be completed thoroughly, efficiently, and without financial pressure influencing the outcome.
Non-Covered Charges
- $175.00 — Shop supplies
- $25.00 — Environmental fees
- $297.31 — Parts freight
- $1,000 – Contract deductible paid by the customer.
These items were clearly communicated to the customer, dealer, and remain consistent with standard industry practices.
Claims Process Experience
Machinery Scope was notified of the potential claim and informed the dealer of the repair documentation that would be required. The repair was pre-approved. After the repair was completed, the dealer submitted the documentation, and payment was issued within five business days of receiving everything. The dealer never had to log in or deal with a complicated or time-consuming claims process.
Implications for Dealers
This case highlights how Machinery Scope can work alongside existing manufacturer programs by helping bridge any gaps that may occur when real-world repair costs exceed internal program allowances. Dealers benefit through:
- Reimbursement at posted shop labor rates and retail job times
- Full MSRP reimbursement on approved parts
- Coverage of travel, mileage, and hauling
- Support aligned with the actual effort required to complete major repairs
- Easy claims process without ever having to log in to the portal.
Machinery Scope’s approach aims to complement dealership operations.
Implications for Equipment Owners
For equipment owners, this repair illustrates how coverage from Machinery Scope can deliver meaningful financial value during a critical repair event. Through straightforward processes and reimbursement that aligns with actual dealer job times, posted labor rates, and list pricing for parts, Machinery Scope helps ensure repairs are handled in a practical and efficient manner.
Throughout the process, Machinery Scope maintained open and consistent communication with both the dealer and the customer, helping facilitate a smooth claim and avoid delays. This approach supports timely repairs by allowing dealers to focus on completing the work rather than navigating uncertainty around compensation. The result is a smoother repair experience, greater confidence for the equipment owner, and a faster return to the field when uptime matters most.
Conclusion
The combination of aligned reimbursement, transparent communication, and a streamlined claims experience creates a strong value proposition for both equipment owners and dealers. With Machinery Scope coverage, stakeholders can expect meaningful support that reflects real repair conditions, helping both the customer and the dealer navigate complex repairs with greater clarity, confidence, and overall satisfaction.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this summary is provided for general informational purposes only. OEM reimbursement and other comparisons are based on independent research. This summary does not represent official OEM data or guidance. Readers should verify all information directly with the appropriate sources.
