Hiding in Plain Sight

[seschlanger]

In August of '18, I purchased a "Heavy Duty Tree Puller" from Titan Manufacturing and Distribution for use on a John Deere CT322. As with most attachments, it sits more than it is used. Prior to the catastrophic failure shown in the pictures, it was in use approximately 40 hours. I had installed zerk fittings on rotating parts as added insurance against wear and tear, to no avail. I had owned the attachment for 16 months, four months out of warranty. Emailing Titan, I was told "he has seen this kind of issue before", "your JD CT322 is not overpowering it". After looking up the appropriate part number, I spoke with "Barbara" at Titan regarding a replacement part. She needed to speak to her higher team leader and would call me back. The following day, after not hearing back, I contacted a rep who had her call me. It was quickly noted that they had used a wrong part number. Then it was "we do not stock that part", finally, it became "you are not able to buy the part from us or anywhere else".
It is now better than two weeks and seven emails, later. I have spoken with Barbara, emailed with Hezron, Paul, Cameron, and anyone else that would respond. Curiously I am unable to post a verified purchase review on their website.This morning,I was told "the system is down for maintenance", "don't know when it will be back up", "check back later next week".View attachment 643009View attachment 643014
Look closely at the base metal: I measured thickness at 1/8" or less. As a former welding instructor, the failure of the base metal at the edge of the weld metal in this case is not at all surprising. You be the judge. I question the use of "Heavy Duty" used in their advertising. As it is, I am now the proud owner of a 300 lb. powder coated boat anchor.

 

[Peter 315]

That's crappy maybe you can make a new base for it:confused3:

 

[seschlanger]

That's crappy maybe you can make a new base for it:confused3:

You know, when I purchase things like this knowing full well it is a knock off, it shouldn't surprise me when it fails. In this case, being the only one who used it, I am surprised at how little it took to have it fail. Perhaps they could re-think their "rating" and classify it as "Lawn and Garden". Live and Learn.

 

[Peter 315]

You know, when I purchase things like this knowing full well it is a knock off, it shouldn't surprise me when it fails. In this case, being the only one who used it, I am surprised at how little it took to have it fail. Perhaps they could re-think their "rating" and classify it as "Lawn and Garden". Live and Learn.

I would get a new 1/2 plate and 3x3x 3/8 tube and do it over .

 

[seschlanger]

Will be picking up the material tomorrow. Unfortunately 4 sq. ft. of 1/2", 1 sq. ft. of 3/4" plate, and 114" of 4" sq. tube steel .250 wall thickness, is just North of $300.00 here in St Louis. Throw in 10 lb. of 6010 and the same or more of 7018, couple hours on the plasma torch, some flap disks and a coat of paint and I'll be back in business. No idea how I ever had time to work for a living.
How's the weather up there?

 

[TractorGuy]

Is this from Titan Attachments or Titan Implements?

I have heard that Titan Attachments doesn't supply or sell replacement parts for anything they sell.

 

[stuckmotor]

I had a similar experience with a dual hay spear. DON'T REMEMBER WHAT BRAND IT WAS.
Shipping was very cheap or free and I fell for it. Now, I believe it was made out of light gauge metal so it would ship by one of the parcel delivery companies. I should have ordered a couple of spears and built my own frame to begin with.

 

[4570Man]

It’s a Titan. Titan sucks. My experience with them was similar and my Titan ownership days are over.

 

[kthompson]

Is this from Titan Attachments or Titan Implements?

I have heard that Titan Attachments doesn't supply or sell replacement parts for anything they sell.

I agree, we MUST be totally clear on which company it is and not use the single title "titan". Other wise being ill-responsible.

 

[seschlanger]

This was from Titan Attachments. They are a "division" of Titan Manufacturing and Distributing with their main office in Memphis TN. You heard right.

 

[ovrszd]

Bummer. I'd be disappointed just as you are.

I built my own puller to avoid buying something that wouldn't hold up. A puller is under tremendous stress. Mine has held up to a Bobcat T300 and my M9540 so far. Don't wanna jinx myself.

Welcome to TBN. We had a dusting of snow this morning north of Bethany.

 

[seschlanger]

OVRSZD; Couldn't agree more with your quote. Plasma cutter is gonna be busy tomorrow!

 

[ovrszd]

OVRSZD; Couldn't agree more with your quote. Plasma cutter is gonna be busy tomorrow!

Yep. You seem to be handling it well mentally. Look at it as a fabricating challenge.

 

[Peter 315]

Will be picking up the material tomorrow. Unfortunately 4 sq. ft. of 1/2", 1 sq. ft. of 3/4" plate, and 114" of 4" sq. tube steel .250 wall thickness, is just North of $300.00 here in St Louis. Throw in 10 lb. of 6010 and the same or more of 7018, couple hours on the plasma torch, some flap disks and a coat of paint and I'll be back in business. No idea how I ever had time to work for a living.
How's the weather up there?

Warm for this time of the year not really any snow on the ground....

 

[arkydog]

is the metal store quality metal or steel i think down on natural bridge?

 

[seschlanger]

arkydog: You are close; Shapiro: Nat Bridge between Union and Goodfellow. Sam and the boys are good guys, it is really an eclectic bunch there.
ovrszd: All the !#@$*&)(> in the world won't fix the thing. Do not be fooled, I am not at all happy about it and I am still beating the drum on their end.
Peter 315: No snow? Bummer.

 

[kneedeep]

I picked one up at a equipment auction for $400.
POS is built wrong for SSQA and the pivot arm broke off first time used.
I will repair and correct the bad fit, still not worth the cost.

 

[bullbreaker]

Reminded me of the old "Dark Horse" chinese steel implements TSC tried to sell for a brief period of time .

 

[seschlanger]

I picked one up at a equipment auction for $400.
POS is built wrong for SSQA and the pivot arm broke off first time used.
I will repair and correct the bad fit, still not worth the cost.

Not at all surprised. "Lawn and Garden, not over 15 hp" would seem to be a more reasonable rating for this puller.

 

[trctr155]

This speaks VOLUMES about this company. Thanks for posting, we need to hear these things.