3 WK OLD GT 2554 ENGINE - NO OIL, DLR lol

[JSharp]

Was this mower sold as new by an authorized Cub Dealer? The reason I ask are a few things -

There were hours on the unit.
The motor mounting bolts were loose.
Low oil.
The statement about getting them from "somewhere in south Florida"
The fact that they knew nothing about the hood recall.

None of those things sound like something a real Cub dealer would do nor do they sound like something you'd see on a new unit.

I suppose that doesn't matter though. Unless the unit has over 150 hours or is over 3 years old, the warranty is valid.

You could always try another dealer but it might not help. A letter from an attorney to the dealer might do more good than anything.

Did you call Cub Cadet? The number is in your manual. Mine lists 877-282-8684 as a contact number but I'm not sure it's current.

 

[Fordlords]

Yes, this one has me wondering after you mentioned that JSharp. It was stated the dealer was "new." Is this an actual authorized Cub Cadet dealership, or just some mower shop selling screwed over defective Cub Cadets they are finding somewhere and attempting to fix up and sell? If the latter is the case, I'm vey safe to say there will be no recourse with Cub Cadet and the warranty. By what this dealer is saying so far, I have no reason to believe they are even a place authorized to do warranty repairs.

If all else fails, a few other places to contact are the Better Business Bereau, or the state attorney general's office.

-Fordlords-

 

[JSharp]

Good points about the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney generals office. I really think she needs to call Cub first though. If nothing else they can certainly tell her if she purchased from an authorized dealer and possibly recommend a decent one.

I wonder if there's anyone here on the board from FL that could recommend a good one for her?

 

[JTKub]

Hmm.. Yes. Given the sequence of events and problems you've had, maybe it would be best to call CC directly. They could at least identify this so called dealer and possibly track your machine by it's model & serial number. I'd explain the goings on with your selling dealer and explain that transporting to another dealer at your expense is not an option now. It can't hurt to see what CC advises. If that's all fruitless, go the BBB, local news and/or legal route.

Joel

 

[GreenQuality]

I hope this might help you! it has helped me in the past.CUB CADET no#188-848-6038 Ext NO# 2727 (scott) or 5354(JIM) these guys take it to heart, so lay it on them. take names and file a complant against the dealer.

 

[redlinefever]

Well here's the latest on this disaster.

JSharp, the phone number you list just puts you through the automated system of "push one for .... " and never gives you a real person.
I managed to find the number for service manuals, figuring they could supply me with a SERVICE BULLETIN to prove to the dealer it was a Cub Cadet issue with the hood.

Interesting, she put through to service repair rep Their phone number is 1-800-800-9448 and like anywhere else nowadays, you get whoever answers, so be sure to get a name and extension or you could be in the typical runaround of service techs.

The gentleman at Cub Cadet I spoke to seemed rather irritated with me and then this dealer. I was shocked he was so terse with me. I informed him I did not spend this kind of money to receive a sub-quality machine and that I had spent over an hour with his rep before making my purchase! I am the victim of this situation, please be nicer to me. He lightened up a smidgeon.

He called the dealer and of course they claim that I didn't close the hood properly so that is why it broke! What a bunch of compost pile material, there is only one way to close a hood and latch it and it certainly would not stay closed if it were not latched, considering how strong the lift cylinders are at the pivot plate!

The Cub Cadet guy also inquired about the engine issues. The dealer claims I didn't have the dipstick properly inserted in order to check the oil level. It only goes down as far as the cap shoulder touching the o-ring on the tube, which in my opinion does not seal the cap very well when the o-ring is hard as a rock. Given the improper sealing surface, this allows dust and dirt to enter the internal lube system of the engine via the oil dipstick tube, right?

Now I have to get my pics together and send them to the Cub Cadet guru. The dealer is sending his pics too. This shall be interesting. I'll take it back and mow it till she blows. But I want a written guarantee they will replace, not rebuild my engine. My trust factor in their knowledge of engines is ZERO! And I didn't buy a rebuilt POS and I don't expect to get a rebuilt in return. My old 16hp B&S still runs like a champ after ten yrs. of two sons! Kohler certainly should last that long!

What ever happened to the day's of customer service after the sale? I used to sell small engine equipment and we gave many a customer another product and took care of the issues with Honda. Never had an engine issue, usually just wheels, brackets, cables etc. On something less than a month old, it was better to keep the customer happy. And they came back for the other things we sold (new auto parts and auto paint) for many years. Even when I moved onto auto salvage, they remained my customers.

Guess those things don't count any more.

Thanks guys.

 

[art]

The engines on a lawn mower are normally warranted thru the manufacturer not the retailer of the end product. It is a shame that you are having the problems you are and at this time I wonder if you will ever be happy with it.
Most dealers do work with other dealers when inventory is needed to fill sold orders and from time to time a dealer may go out of business and their inventory will be available. We do from time to time get disappointed in the condition of another dealers inventory when transfering and don't use them if it persists.

 

[redlinefever]

Oh I forgot to add ...
Yes this is a NEW piece of equipment... supposedly. And the dealer is now listed on Cub's dealer service listing. LOL!

On the legal thing ....

Called VISA ... was told that by law:

ANY ITEM YOU PURCHASE THAT HAS AN ENGINE ONLY HAS TO CONTAIN ENOUGH FLUIDS TO GET IT IN YOUR POSSESSION. That applies to cars, trains, trucks, mowers, etc. If it'll run on minimal fluids, then so be it. Once you purchase it, it is your responsibility to make sure all fluids are full. Now how many people do that, especially with a car or truck? Do you immediately pull over in the parking lot and check everything from the engine to the axles? I can just picture a little old lady doing all that ....

Interesting to say the least .... may have to find my lawyer buddy before this over to discuss my rights under FL law. Good thing we spllit up on good terms - LOL!

I filed a complaint with the CPSC http://www.cpsc.gov concerning the hood and heat dangers. Attorney General will be next on my list if I don't get some decent answers.

 

[redlinefever]

I'd be happy with another Cub Cadet unit. I just want one that is right, not a lemon!

Isn't it 5 o'clock somewhere? I think I need it to be 5 o'clock to get throught this aggravation! LOL!

 

[Fordlords]

I really hope you can get something worked out, it's too bad this new dealer is starting off on the wrong foot. I really think it's just hit or miss with dealers nowadays. Where I have heard of quite a few initial defects with the Cub Cadet products right here at TBN, in most instances the customers were treated respectfully and the issues resolved to the best of the dealers' abilities. I guess that is what distinguishes if a dealer is reputable or not, and a new dealer of course has no reputation and should be most interested in building one. If not, they are not going to hang around long in the equipment business where service is of utmost importance because everything is going to break down or need parts eventually. And especially in the tractor/mower business, word of mouth basically means everything.

I recently purchased a new Toyota pickup, and was a little shocked the first time I washed it to find a minor factory defect in the paint. So minor in fact I thought that if I approached the dealer with it I would be laughed at. That was not the case. The body shop manager was very concerned, and even a little shocked to see a flaw like mine on a new Toyota. He immidately scheduled an appointment to repair it, along with promising me a loaner car for the two days he needs it. Now THAT is service, the kind that will keep me returning to that dealership for new vehicles. For what some of these mowers cost, I don't think it's absurd to expect that sort of service from a dealer too especially as when you are without the mower, the grass keeps on growing.

Hope everything works out for you, I know how it feels to be a victim of major BS and how much it helps to vent sometimes.

-Fordlords-