DURA-GRADER Problems

[blueriver]

Not bad....... only two years to straighten things out.

Yep, I agree and sure would like to hear the other side as to what the issue's were!

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

Well after all the hassle it took to finally take delivery of this product (a fellow TBN member picked it up for me) I must say it is very good implement. This could certainly be good for our members if this guy gets his act together. The other side of the story is certainly welcome!

 

[blueriver]

Well after all the hassle it took to finally take delivery of this product (a fellow TBN member picked it up for me) I must say it is very good implement. This could certainly be good for our members if this guy gets his act together. The other side of the story is certainly welcome!

Did they give any explaination? I just can't imagine the time it took.

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

After contacting the local Sheriff's office they paid these guys a visit. It must have worked because I got a call back stating I could come and pick up my duragrader. A fellow TBN member from Jacksonville made routine trips through this area and picked it up. My story is that I did not give up exhausting every resource to try and get my order. Calling local law enforcement was pretty much a last resort long shot but it worked out. I was convinced that this guy had no intention of shipping my order eventhough I had paid in full including delivery. There has never been an explanation so I would certainly like to hear one.

 

[blueriver]

After contacting the local Sheriff's office they paid these guys a visit. It must have worked because I got a call back stating I could come and pick up my duragrader. A fellow TBN member from Jacksonville made routine trips through this area and picked it up. My story is that I did not give up exhausting every resource to try and get my order. Calling local law enforcement was pretty much a last resort long shot but it worked out. I was convinced that this guy had no intention of shipping my order eventhough I had paid in full including delivery. There has never been an explanation so I would certainly like to hear one.

Wow, persistance pays off! So basicly you lost the delivery fee? And I agree I didn't make the deal but would sure like hear the explanation. Glad you got it. Thats great that another from TBN assisted.

I think I read you got some extra cutter blades, that must have offset the shipping. I don't know how long they last, you may want to place that order today

 

[sandman2234]

I got the extra blades, as I paid for them when I was there. The extra blades were nothing to do with Wayne's order. I figured since I was there, and he was willing to sell them to me for cash, I would buy a couple just in case I decided it was something I just had to have.
The explanation I was given by the young man that loaded it (after midnight on a Sunday night) was that they were having a rough time getting back into operation after Katrina as most of their welding machines and tools got stolen during the period of time that they weren't able to get to the shop due to restrictions of law enforcement. I know what a normal shop should look like, and what it takes to fabricate things in steel, and it was obvious to me that something had happened to the stuff that would be required to run a business such as that. I would probably have taken his word on that part, as it seem very plausible. History has had similar shops that got "drank away" and more recently "snorted away" but having Katrina roll thru could very easily have done the same thing.
Wayne was out more than his shipping costs, as he drove from S.C. to the middle of Georgia to meet me, and gave me a nice tip to offset some of my gas expenses.
David from jax

 

[blueriver]

I got the extra blades, as I paid for them when I was there. The extra blades were nothing to do with Wayne's order. I figured since I was there, and he was willing to sell them to me for cash, I would buy a couple just in case I decided it was something I just had to have.
The explanation I was given by the young man that loaded it (after midnight on a Sunday night) was that they were having a rough time getting back into operation after Katrina as most of their welding machines and tools got stolen during the period of time that they weren't able to get to the shop due to restrictions of law enforcement. I know what a normal shop should look like, and what it takes to fabricate things in steel, and it was obvious to me that something had happened to the stuff that would be required to run a business such as that. I would probably have taken his word on that part, as it seem very plausible. History has had similar shops that got "drank away" and more recently "snorted away" but having Katrina roll thru could very easily have done the same thing.
Wayne was out more than his shipping costs, as he drove from S.C. to the middle of Georgia to meet me, and gave me a nice tip to offset some of my gas expenses.
David from jax

Very well put. I do remember news stories about luting and law enforcement restrictions. I can imagine the ordeal that they went thru. I quess it just took time, heck there are still folks in that area that are not even in their homes, let alone back in business. I am glad he got his equipment and you got the blades, Wayne doesn't have to place a blade order. By the way that was great you got helped out!

 

[sandman2234]

If I am not mistaken, the blades are standard seven foot grader blades made by Cat. I paid $5.00 a foot for them, while I was there picking up Wayne's duragrader. I thought that was a lot, but some of the other guys have mentioned that the prices are more than that for grader blades. Haven't done any research on it, as it was a spur of the moment purchase. I was considering building one, but I purchased a box blade that does most of my work, and the dirt road that I was going to use it on, is in limbo, as we don't want to improve on it any since the city is going to acess the value of it, and possibly sell it to my sister in law. Once she accepts ownership, I will probably go ahead with the project and put it to good use.
I don't think you have to purchase the replacement blades from Duragrader. What you would pay for them from CATERPILLER might make the drive to Mississippi worthwhile...
David from jax

 

[Aquaman]

It's too bad this situation had to happen. As you said, it's not any fun kicking a man when he's down. On the other hand, he was apparently able to fill your order - he just didn't do it until he was forced to. Regardless of what his situation was, there is no excuse for ducking your calls. I hope the lesson he takes from this is that good communication can overcome alot of the problems we find outselves in. A "bad" answer is almost always better than no answer at all.

 

[sandman2234]

I must have missed something, as I don't think Wayne's duragrader was ever "delivered" and it certainly didn't come with extra blades. I went by on my way to my Dad's house and "picked it up" and purchased some extra blades while I was there. Those blades never made it to Wayne, because they were purchased by me, for me and had nothing (till now) to do with Wayne's Duragrader. I hauled Wayne's duragrader around for almost 2000 miles while on vacation, and then to meet him halfway on the way to SC from jax.
The way I see it, and I have nothing to gain or loose, is if Duragrader wants to sell their product to the tractor world, easily represented by the thousands of people that will read this post he could do several things.
1) Refund Waynes shipping money ASAP.
2) Explain what happened, no bull, just the facts. (We are reasonable people, but don't leave us to speculate, as it won't go well for those in susceptible positions. \
3) Explain where the missing "extra cutter blades" went, as the ones I purchased were the only ones that were given to me at the time I picked the unit up for Wayne. The suggestion that Wayne was compensated for his time and shipping losses by the donation of a couple of blades TO HIM puts me square in the middle of a fight. I do not, and will not stand for someone discrediting my good name in an attempt to clear their own actions.
I am not perfect, but if I had wanted a set of "donated" blades that were intended to go to Wayne, then I would simply have had to ask Wayne for them. He is a very reasonable person, and would probably have just given them to me, if I had asked for them. No reason for me to become a thief and steal them from him. However, I will send Wayne a PM and explain that if there is any doubt in his mind that the blades belong to him, I will have them shipped immediately upon his statement. No way am I going to allow less than $100 destroy my reputation.
David from jax

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

Having read this post I must say that David went above and beyond to help me get my Duragrader. Having dealt with both gentleman regarding this transaction there was never any doubt who was doing the right thing. I regret that helping out a fellow TBN'r has caused David any heartburn because he was willing to do a total stranger a huge favor for nothing promised in return. The real evidence is simply the reality that this thread continues to assist other members with a lot of caution dealing with this company. And it is has been two years ongoing! If Duragrader wants to redeem themselves then how about admit your mistake, ask forgiveness, make some retribution and offer some incentives to our buyers. I bet you that will go a long way.

 

[sandman2234]

Wayne, thanks for the kind words!
I just talked to Duragrader and explained my extreme dislike for being indirectly called a liar and a thief. Their explanation and their side of the story should be posted here at my request to possibly help clear my name. Hopefully I won't have to wait very long to get to the end of this story. Since I was the one to pick up the Duragrader and actually insure that it was delivered to Wayne Freeman, I know that the time frame that is being talked about as being two years, really wasn't nearly that long. I will try and clear that up as accurately as I can, after a little research as to the actual dates. As to their side of the story, now would be the best time to sit down, and relate their side of the story to everyone that reads this posting.
As with any of my posts, if you have any questions, feel free to send me a private message, as I do like to receive them!


Duragrader, you have the floor, and it is time to let everyone hear your side of the story.


David from jax

 

[JSeal]

I must have missed something, as I don't think Wayne's duragrader was ever "delivered" and it certainly didn't come with extra blades. I went by on my way to my Dad's house and picked it up and purchased some extra blades while I was there. Those blades never made it to Wayne, because they were purchased by me, for me and had nothing (till now) to do with Wayne's Duragrader. I hauled Wayne's duragrader around for almost 2000 miles while on vacation, and then to meet him halfway on the way to SC from jax.
The way I see it, and I have nothing to gain or loose, is if Duragrader wants to sell their product to the tractor world, easily represented by the thousands of people that will read this post he could do several things.
1) Refund Waynes shipping money ASAP.
2) Explain what happened, no bull, just the facts. (We are reasonable people, but don't leave us to speculate, as it won't go well for those in susceptible positions. \
3) Explain where the missing "extra cutter blades" went, as the ones I purchased were the only ones that were given to me at the time I picked the unit up for Wayne. The suggestion that Wayne was compensated for his time and shipping losses by the donation of a couple of blades TO HIM puts me square in the middle of a fight. I do not, and will not stand for someone discrediting my good name in an attempt to clear their own actions.
I am not perfect, but if I had wanted a set of "donated" blades that were intended to go to Wayne, then I would simply have had to ask Wayne for them. He is a very reasonable person, and would probably have just given them to me, if I had asked for them. No reason for me to become a thief and steal them from him. However, I will send Wayne a PM and explain that if there is any doubt in his mind that the blades belong to him, I will have them shipped immediately upon his statement. No way am I going to allow less than $100 destroy my reputation.
David from jax

Mr. david I am very sorry about the quote had had made regaurding the
cutting edges. I must have had you confused with another person that had picked up a unit. The only reason I posted anything on this site to begin with
was to let everyone know Mr. Wyane recieved his unit about 6 months after
the storm hit. Also if you claim you paid for the cutting edges, you are telling
the truth and I'm very sorry for the mistake. I can't remember since this took
place a good while back. The only thing I can do is say I'm sorry to you, and
as far as Mr. Wyane goes I will try to get him an extra set of cutting edges
next time we are making a delivery close to him.
Thank you and GOD BLESS!!!!!

 

[sandman2234]

Jseals,
Thank you for clearing that up. I did not want the board to assume that I was not to be trusted with any of my dealings. A simple mistake like yours can go a long way to ruin a good reputation.
If you have a delivery near Gulf Breeze, Florida or Jacksonville, Florida advise Wayne and sandman2234. I can pick up the blades at either city and make sure they get to Wayne Freeman. I am sure that there are other trusted people on this forumn that Wayne_Freeman would allow to accept delivery of the blades on his behalf. Check with him on your next delivery schedule via Private Message or by emailing me at
sandman2234@comcast.net
I will be happy to help make any arrangements that would make delivery of Waynes's blades to him easier. I am sure there are people all over the south that Wayne knows that could be trusted to get the blades to him, but very few of them get as close as Savannah (I go regularly) which isn't too far from him.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

Blueriver,
If you need a duragrader prior to January, 2010 just let me know. I can pick up one on my next visit to Daddy's and you can meet me for coffee (your treat) in DeQueen, Arkansas. Probably save you a bunch on shipping.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

Jseals,
Use the "post reply" button at the bottom left instead of the quote button next to the edit button at the bottom of each post.
Most of us understand learning to deal with something new on a computer can be trying to say the least. Hang around, it will get easier.
David from jax

 

[EddieWalker]

Interesting thread, and I'm glad to see that it got worked out in the end to the point he got his grader. It seems that most companies the go out of business start out with a good product, but run it into the ground by poor managment. Not keeping in touch is a HUGE issue. Not making it right when things go wrong is even BIGGER.

I wonder what would have happened in David hadn't have gotten involved and made it all happen? He wasn't part of this, but because of his generosity, it was worked out. It's people like him that keep my faith in humanity and the good that is out there.

Eddie

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

The timeline is something like this:

August 2005 Placed order and paid in full by check.
September 2005 Katrina hit.
December 2005. My first post seeking help since two promised delivery dates
had passed and owner would not answer my phone calls.
April 2006 Sherrifs office in Kiln paid Duragrade a visit upon my request.
May 2006. David picked up my Duragrader in Kiln, La. and we met on I-95 in
Georgia to exchange.

As you can see my first post started two years ago therefore why I said this had been going on in conversation for two years. I have corresponded with various TBN members about this as they shopped and searched. It has certainly cost some business and helped some members. That is what these boards are all about right? This is a very good product and has a lot of potential. I would like to see them get straightened out.

 

[JSeal]

I am sorry about the quote that was nothing but letters "xfffffxfffff"
or something like that it was a mistake. I have kids that were playing
around my computer when it happened.
Thank you and happy NEW YEARS to all.

 

[MLinOleMiss]

EddieWalker,
I would suggest going fishing first, there's plenty of time for the rest of the list after the kids grow up (way too soon).