Sage advice needed re JCB backhoe and the dealer support

Need advice here, i bought a 2012 JCB 3CX with 2300hrs backhoe over two years ago from big brand rental auction, the machine has worked well and hard. Lost 2nd gear fwd a while back from too much abuse uphill underload, so eventually decided to pull the box, rebuild it and refit it, but I did mess up one seal housing. There was another issue showing itself in that the solenoids were not actuating correctly and I couldn't figure it out. To save time, I sent the machine to the dealer in NC(100 miles away), they started troubleshooting and said the whole master loom needed replacing at $7k, and they pulled the tranny and fixed the damage I did(wasn't complicated). Three months go by, they call me to say the transmission is back in the machine but they cant get most of the gears and its electrical. By now the tab is $13k, I have to pay. Shop manager basically asks if I want to pick the machine up(its not running and I have zero for my money and three months lost). I told them they need to find a proper electrician and fix this pronto, but it doesn't seem to concern them. I found the JCB a fantastic machine, but I have extremely low confidence in the local dealer. If I buy another machine I am jaded against getting another JCB(which would be preferable then I have an expensive parts machine), or do I cut and run and get a Cat where im more likely to get better support? Im pretty frustrated as this is my private machine used on my property and dont have endlessly deep pockets for the dealer to dip into with no results and be blase about it.

Did you have them replace the loom as they recommended? If so and you are still having 'electrical' troubles as they say they should be on the hook to get it going.

I agree it's on them if the loom didn't correct the problem. That was their diagnosis not yours. Guessing they haven't worked on this issue much and/or JCB can't provide much help or bulletins on similar problems. 13K and you're worse off than before you took it in.

Jcb dealers won't repair a wire harness. They only will replace the whole harness, which seems absurd.

You are going to need someone else to fix the real problem.

As far as the dealership goes I would suggest you start climbing the management ladder and find someone authorized to say yes to fix the problem or negotiate some kind of settlement on repairs that didn't get done. You might also consider contacting someone at JCB directly and inform them of the issues. In the meantime get the machine out of the dealer's hands anyway you can or find an attorney to start legal proceedings.

Yes, They diagnosed the main loom, replaced it, all new solenoids/valves etc, then told me the elctrical is all good, pulled the tranny to check it to find some damage I had caused, fixed that, reassembled, then they called to say the problem is still electrical. I told them that as a dealer they need to resolve this and be accountable. I do see myself going up the ladder to ask some real questions. The service management seem non-plussed.

Do you mean non-pleased? Too bad, they can't charge you that kind of money and not have fixed anything when it was their diagnosis.

JCB makes a good machine. Their dealer support is what kills them. If you can get a factory rep involved you will go much further.

3 Months and $13K and now it won't run or move? Lawyer time.
If they knew how to fix it they would, so that's out.
Joe H

An update thus far, sent definitive letter to manager of branch, got an email to say that they found a problem with the new loom that very day i emailed them and the machine was working. I had it picked up next day and it failed within 20min of driving to my shop from offload point. Strong worded email to the dealer, they sent out managers and tech en-force the next morning(was impressed with this response), they test drove it and said all good, I said let me drive and one minute later it failed, I said give all my money back or fix it, and they sent a truck to pick it up a few days later(1.5hr one way trip), lets see where this goes after Xmas

Different country but seems like same dealer incompetence.
Called JCB state Dealer at 4pm on 23rd December asked for parts section. Backhoe boom swing ram was leaking and wanted to see if they had a seal kit in stock, if so i would truck the machine down to my shop and fix it over Christmas, 6hr drive so wanted to confirm parts in stock before leaving.
Was told can't find anyone in parts can they call me back, asked when, replied don't know they will send them an email.
Waited till 5pm for a call, didn't happen. Decided to leave machine and drive home.
Was going to inlaws for Christmas, route happened to go right past state dealer. Checked website, they were open 9-5 on the 24th December. Called in at 2pm everything shut.
Don't mind them shutting down early on Christmas eve but don't mislead on your website, same as parts guys on the 23rd, don't care if they've knocked of for Christmas or are drunk at a Christmas party just be honest about it.
Just annoying that I'm trying to buy parts and they couldn't be bothered to sell them to me.
Sorry for the rant, just seems to be a pattern with JCB.

Pony , don't waste your time with them .I could fill a book with their bad service .
I use Rouse Hill tractors , They are great to deal with and they know what they are talking about .