Warranty question

[QwikDraw]

OK here's the deal.

My Takeuchi was called in for a recall on the Kubota motor. When they opened it up a couple of the gears were half gone and it took 3 1/2 weeks to get my machine back....no loaner...no rental help...nothing. I went out and rented a Deere out of my own pocket.

SO...I go to pick it up and the mechanic shows me a paper coffee cup half full of metal chips and chunks that came out of the oil pan..

I say "wow....what did the pistons look like?" He hesitates and says the warranty wouldn't cover the cost of opening up the head.

I say something like WTF!...or something and he agrees and says he doesn't have much faith in the motor lasting......I say WTF again. The owner shows up and agrees.....the next week the Takie rep is at the shop and they show him and he says WTF...they should have replaced the whole motor.

So now I'm working 2 hours from home and just waiting for the thing to blow up a mile in the woods so I can drag it out get it to the shop and wait another 2-3 weeks while they fix it....WTF

I thought about calling my lawyer but will that help...

I'm at a loss here...any advice?

 

[KYDan]

Have you read and understand the complete warranty terms? If not, and/or if you don't think you can fully understand what the warranty truly covers then you can take it to your lawyer for interpretation. Unfortunately, that is the way of the big business world.

 

[Martian]

OK here's the deal.

My Takeuchi was called in for a recall on the Kubota motor. When they opened it up a couple of the gears were half gone and it took 3 1/2 weeks to get my machine back....no loaner...no rental help...nothing. I went out and rented a Deere out of my own pocket.

SO...I go to pick it up and the mechanic shows me a paper coffee cup half full of metal chips and chunks that came out of the oil pan..

I say "wow....what did the pistons look like?" He hesitates and says the warranty wouldn't cover the cost of opening up the head.

I say something like WTF!...or something and he agrees and says he doesn't have much faith in the motor lasting......I say WTF again. The owner shows up and agrees.....the next week the Takie rep is at the shop and they show him and he says WTF...they should have replaced the whole motor.

So now I'm working 2 hours from home and just waiting for the thing to blow up a mile in the woods so I can drag it out get it to the shop and wait another 2-3 weeks while they fix it....WTF

I thought about calling my lawyer but will that help...

I'm at a loss here...any advice?

Wow, they wouldn't even open it up to take a look at it?? Seems as though a dealer would do that out of common courtesy - if they want to keep a client. If the Takeuchi rep is on the record saying the motor should be replaced, they should replace it. You may want to say something to your lawyer as showing him a copy of the warranty and what the Takeuchi rep said, not sure how much he could really do.

Put you out there with a bad motor is not the right thing to do on anyones part. A dealer should take care of his customer. Even if it means $100 in labor just to take a look that he has to eat.

 

[jamesn]

unreal, i would trade it in asap

 

[QwikDraw]

I tried to get a new Takeuchi but they aren't sure when they can get one...and what other brand to buy? I don't have much confidence in any of the CTLs

 

[Martian]

I tried to get a new Takeuchi but they aren't sure when they can get one...and what other brand to buy? I don't have much confidence in any of the CTLs

Not sure about for brush hogging applications such as yours but I know I had a lot of work done last year with a Case skid steer. I think it was an older model but they spread somewhere around 800 yards of dirt to slope a hill a little less and put in a stamped concrete pad. Did a lot of work fast. I've always had good luck with Deere equipment too. Really like their skid steers. Actually sat in a new one today. Felt really nice. Didn't get to actually operate it though.

 

[Heavyduty]

Sounds like you need to step up to a full time mulcher. I know it's alot of $$$$$ but if your busy, it will make life easier, in the long run. I never heard of a TAK giving problems like that while being under warrenty. I would demand another engine, talk with the regional TAK man, so he atleast knows they are trying to patch you up.

It sucks when your making payments and getting the run around on warranty work. Good luck.

 

[CurlyDave]

Document, document, document.

Take pictures of anything you can. Write down the history of what has happened so far, while it is fresh in your mind. Keep a file with every repair ticket, estimate, and every other scrap of paper they give you.

The day may come when you have to fight these guys in court over warranty coverage, and documentation will be your best friend.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

you have a case for a new motor and maybe a new machine. They owe you something for your downtime and rental. they dropped the ball, plain and simple. Start posting on here and on other sites and mention names and you will get some help.

That is incompetence at the very least and gross negligence in my opinion. You have a 2010 machine with chunks of metal in the oil pan? Kubota has a 3k hour on their motors unless Tak has a separate deal with them. Unless you were extremely busy in 2010, I think your motor qualifies for warranty work.

Sorry for your problems. I have had good luck with Kubotas and their warranty work but your case seems extreme and you need relief. I would have a sit down with the dealer's owner, service manager, and have your sales rep set it up and invite the local Tak rep. I have been down this path with another brand and they finally stepped up to the plate, did what was right, and now I let people know that they did the right thing even if my faith in the product was diminished.

 

[DIRTROAD]

Start posting on here and on other sites and mention names and you will get some help.

Be very careful what you post on the internet. It could open you up to a libel lawsuit.

 

[Heavyduty]

Be very careful what you post on the internet. It could open you up to a libel lawsuit.

Yes, be careful BUT if it's the truth, it's the truth.:thumbsup:

I know of someone on this board, that was having problems like you had but it was another brand, got nowhere until he posted his problems here. It does work, if its the truth. I"m not telling who it was until he says it's alright to comment. I don't want no trouble. :laughing:

 

[yellowdogsvc]

Be very careful what you post on the internet. It could open you up to a libel lawsuit.

if a machine fails and you report the facts, there isn't libel. As a consumer, you have a right to gripe and complain about a product. Misrepresenting the facts would be a different story but simply telling your story is protected speech.

 

[CurlyDave]

I think the legal doctrine is that the truth is a defense to libel.

To me, that means report the facts, don't exaggerate, and separate fact from opinion in your posts.

But go ahead and post the truth.

 

[AGGIE00]

Blast away as this is how the free market works. I say that so long as your feelings are based on facts. When Ford wouldn't stand behind the 6.0, I told anyone and everyone my experience as did many others and that is how we get a better product or the company goes away. My entire business, all three entities, is based on word of mouth and I will jump through hoops to make sure the word is good. I don't like, but sometimes can't avoid, doing business with a company that is too big to care about taking care of its customers.

 

[QwikDraw]

Thanks for all the advice.

A local salesman watches the forum and called me to suggest I get an oil sample tested to see if there is any real damage to the cylinders and bearings. At that time I would have a legitimate claim if it shows fuel in the oil or copper from the bearings. I didn't even know this was possible to find out from an oil sample but it's my next step.

 

[Heavyduty]

Oh yeah, glad somebody was looking at your post. Just goes to show, you never know who's around.:laughing: Companys have been using oil samples for years to find out what's goin on, they know what % of metal should be in your oil under normal wear/tear. If you have done all the required maintance, you should not have any problems.

 

[Martian]

Looks like your heading in the right direction! Hopefully you can get this all worked out - including rental costs!

 

[QwikDraw]

Update:

I got the oil sample kit but after only two weeks back running the Takeuchi stopped moving, engine ran fine but the controls were dead. This happened on the 19th. I moved the Daewoo up to the job and pulled the Take to the road. One week later (Monday 26th) the dealer showed up and took the machine to his shop. Got a call on the 30th and they said two of the shafts in the hyd pump had failed and it would be two weeks before I see the machine again. All covered under warranty. That will be 8 of the last 10 weeks it's been at the shop. No I didn't both asking about a loaner or rental..it would be beating a dead horse.

I did ask if he could put the tracks and sprockets (I had ordered last week)on for free for a little break and he said NO. So I lose 8 weeks of profit and he can't pay his mechanic for a few hours to help me out. WTF

I looked at a used Supertrak 140 and it may be the way I go. A little nervous about used from a larger company...looks like the didn't grease to much..some hyd leaks. Still on the fence on this one.

I decided I can't stay with a small dealer that can't provide any "dealer support".

 

[Martian]

Update:

I got the oil sample kit but after only two weeks back running the Takeuchi stopped moving, engine ran fine but the controls were dead. This happened on the 19th. I moved the Daewoo up to the job and pulled the Take to the road. One week later (Monday 26th) the dealer showed up and took the machine to his shop. Got a call on the 30th and they said two of the shafts in the hyd pump had failed and it would be two weeks before I see the machine again. All covered under warranty. That will be 8 of the last 10 weeks it's been at the shop. No I didn't both asking about a loaner or rental..it would be beating a dead horse.

I did ask if he could put the tracks and sprockets (I had ordered last week)on for free for a little break and he said NO. So I lose 8 weeks of profit and he can't pay his mechanic for a few hours to help me out. WTF

I looked at a used Supertrak 140 and it may be the way I go. A little nervous about used from a larger company...looks like the didn't grease to much..some hyd leaks. Still on the fence on this one.

I decided I can't stay with a small dealer that can't provide any "dealer support".

That's a shame. I'd expect a new machine or at least some payback for all of your troubles. Hope you can get something worked out.

 

[Heavyduty]

I would still let the regional/district manager for your area know how your being treated. You never know, he might talk to the local dealer and see whats goin on.:thumbsup: