Tires Got my tires loaded today came home with a three inch gash

[ficord]

Brought my tires in to get loaded with rim guard. I asked the kid filling them how he plans to get them back on the truck. He said the fork lift through the rim. I told him I wax those rims and don't want them scratched - he said he would use a nylon strap.
As he is filling the first tire I said I would be back to help him load the tires back on the truck, and went to get pricing on a Kubota snow plow for my B3030. When I got back the first tire was back on the truck and he was filling the second tire. I asked how he got it back on - he said a fork lift came by. When he was done with the second tire he went a got a fork lift I helped him put the second tire on by rolling it on the forks of the lift and then rolling off the fork lift once on the pickup.
When I got home there was a 1/4 inch deep by 1/4 inch wide by 3 inch long gash in the rubber lug of my R4 tire, the tire that was first put on the pickup. Clearly stabbed with the fork lift either picking the tire up or pulling the forks out once on the truck.
Pisses me off because I take very good care of my tractor and because I told the kid I was concerned about the fork lift.
and now I have to call tomorrow and tell the salesman I want the 2300.00 plow - he has nothing to do with the tire filling.
The gash is cosmetic and certainly does not warrant a new tire and I don't want to act like I'm still trying to get the price of the plow down any more.
but still the way I use the tractor it would take a lifetime and still wouldn't have a gash like that in the tire.
Should I say something or just forget it?

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

You are very upset about it. Say something. They owe you a tire.
You will be very upset down the road if that thing blows out under a load. Your tractor will down and you will have to take it off and get it fixed and you can't say then it was because of what just happened.

I say this but then I piss myself off because I let things go like this just pass. Then I regret it.

Tom

 

[skipro3]

you can bet I would say something! If you still have it loaded on the truck, that would be best; bring it back to them. If off the truck, then take a few photos and print them and bring in. Just tell them what you think happened, how you explained it to us should do, and then wait and see how they react. If they value their customers, they will offer to make it right. If they value their own greed, they will make excuses and might even accuse you of doing the damage. In either case, you will know who are dealing with better than you did before. At the very least, they should offer you a full refund on filling the tires. A credit towards future work or product should be added as well; 25% off next purchase up to a fixed amount for example. Maybe a guarantee for free flat repair for the life of the tire. Lots of ways they can add to sweeten that pot. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

BTW, I've had similar things happen. I just stated my case, and let them talk. The longer I just kept my mouth shut, the more they kept sweetening the pot. I've never been successful coming in all pissed off and insisting on anything; just waited them out to see what they would do.

 

[jk96]

Wow, a new tire or free fill for a qtr inch gash on a lug?

If it would make you feel better I would just mention to the manager that the kid was careless even after you made your concerns known. Let him know that your particular about your tractor and some added caution would be appreciated in the future. You'll feel better about getting it off your chest and hopefully the shop will be more carefull next time.

 

[Shantycoke]

Hi ficord,
Jeez, you even pissed me off when I read your post. I feel that the fact you told the kid you didn't want the forklift to put the tire on the truck warrants you saying something to the manager. He knew better because you told him no forklift, and you were ignored. I'm like you, I use and abuse my equipment, but I also baby it. That would irritate the **** outta me. I would definately say something. Just my 2 cents.
Pat

 

[skipro3]

Not only was he ignored, that employee tried to hide the damage and didn't come forward to let the customer know what he did. That should get that kid fired if he worked for me. I can tolerate someone making a mistake, but to cover it up... time to terminate that liability.

 

[Skyco]

The kid may not have known he damaged the tire.
But- I agree damaging the tire would make me mad too, especially after ficord expressed concern in advance....

 

[Bedlam]

I agree if it bothers you like this they need to know.See where they offer to go with it.It might be some negotiating between you and the dealer, perhaps they will offer to give you a better deal on the plow,Depending on the dealer, they might at least want to make a notation in your customer file so in the future they can do something to your advantage. seems a waste to replace the tire if its not structurally gone.

 

[stupakmike]

You told the kid to wait and he didn't. Remember the customer is always right.
If it were me I would be calling the owner. I'm like you very picky about my tractor keeping it clean and maintained. No way would I let this go by.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I am really surprised at the apparent fragility of the tire. Ive always been impressed by how little damage accrued from use in very abusive situations on the tractor [like spinning in rocky soil with ags]. That kid must have really screwed up to gouge a lug with a fork tip.
larry