Need a Reliable Onsite Dozer Mechanic in Bonners Ferry / Sandpoint ID

SOS Sam's onsite service
He has mobile truck and has done good work for me in the past. He's on hiway 2 between 3 mile and moyie
208 610 5813

[quote="d2gary"]SOS Sam's onsite service
He has mobile truck and has done good work for me in the past. He's on hiway 2 between 3 mile and moyie
208 610 5813[/quote]

Gary,

Thank you for the recommendation. I would like to know more about what he has done for you.

Unfortunately, I have had several people clearly say to stay away from SOS, so I have some reluctance to use them.

If I could get more details around the work they have done, costs, results--it would better inform my decision.

Thank you

-Rolf

I can tell you what he did for me as a statement of fact.
I have a jd 410b backhoe that he removed the injection pump and sent out for rebuilding. Replaced the pump and got it running again. Was quoted $1500-$1800 for the work including pump rebuild and about a week and a half to complete. Work was done in a week and price was around $1200.

I took my tractor to him so no truck charge.

You can decide from your other interactions and my experience

I will say the world turns a little slower in North Idaho, customer service is probably going to be a little different than you're used to

Last time I checked Western States Cat mobile truck was $125 an hour starting in Hayden so $250 Just to get them here and back

If hauling your tractor to a shop is an option ,Dave's truck and equipment repair in Sagle is very good and price is very fair

Don't know how mechanically inclined you are but I would spend money on tools and manuals.

Hope this helps good luck

Now I don't know SOS at all, but I do know the area and people there to some degree. In addition to d2gary's comments:

Who did you ask for recommendations? The number of new people moving into the area, they bring with them expectations of where they came from. Lord knows, if they come from S.Cal, they have no realistic expectations. Ask someone who has lived there 30 years, if this SOS has been around a decade or better, he is probably decent. I have seen so many negative comments, not just mechanics, but any other service over the years by people newly moved to an area. As d2gary points out, things are different there, just like any other place.
If you want other recommendations, ask any gyppo logger, many don't have a wrench on the payroll, so they have to contract wrenching out. Down time to a gyppo is not acceptable, so you might find some good mechanics there, but expect to be down the waiting list as your machine may not take precedence over a yarder or shovel that is keeping a dozen men or more working.

[quote="jumbo"]Now I don't know SOS at all, but I do know the area and people there to some degree. In addition to d2gary's comments:

Who did you ask for recommendations? The number of new people moving into the area, they bring with them expectations of where they came from. Lord knows, if they come from S.Cal, they have no realistic expectations. Ask someone who has lived there 30 years, if this SOS has been around a decade or better, he is probably decent. I have seen so many negative comments, not just mechanics, but any other service over the years by people newly moved to an area. As d2gary points out, things are different there, just like any other place.
If you want other recommendations, ask any gyppo logger, many don't have a wrench on the payroll, so they have to contract wrenching out. Down time to a gyppo is not acceptable, so you might find some good mechanics there, but expect to be down the waiting list as your machine may not take precedence over a yarder or shovel that is keeping a dozen men or more working.[/quote]
That's what i thought

Folks,

I appreciate your perspectives, but I did speak to long-time, local folks to gain their understanding.

First, I spoke to local tractor dealers who referred me to people with 'service trucks'. This lead me to a gentleman who is local, who had been the 'go to' man in Boundary/Bonner for dozer repairs and his his own truck, but alas, he is now retired, sold his truck and tools as well. This gentlemen then referred me to several people, all of which have gone out of business, with the exception of SOS, whom he recommended to stay away from.

SOS may be a fine outfit for diesel repair, but I need someone to tear open the bevel gear compartment and replace what I assume are leaky bearing/seals between the RS/LS clutch/brake compartments. My tranny fluid is doing down, it appears to be ending up in where the 'dry' clutch and brakes are, while leaking out through the bottom of both side of my tractor.

I'll call SOS--let's see if they have the right tools to even remove the press-fit bearing/seal on the bevel gear compartment--it's not like floor press can be used on this job.

Again, I am looking for a dozer mechanic with the 'right' tools on their truck.

Thanks again!

-Rolf

I imagine if the repair people were to read your posts they would tell you where to go !!

The guy with the necessary training and the "Right Tools" on his truck says CAT on the side of it! :eyebrows: