Happy but somewhat Disgruntled New Ferris owner

[brin]

I'd disagree with that, Bob. It might mean leaks, but it's far from sure. In fact, I think the odds are far in the other direction. And if they do leak, that should show up during his warranty period. And a new engine, less than 6 months old is no quarantee of no leaks.

Hi Bird,

I just meant it bothers me that when we buy something and it is stated it is a 2012 model or whatever...it ought to be that model...I mean what is the limit...? can the engine be 5 yrs. old....10 yrs. old....? Sorry...there should at least be a disclosure at the point of purchase explaining the engine or transmission etc. were manufactured years earlier...Just sayin'

 

[rjohnson82]

Thanks for all the thoughts. Still not sure how I feel about this. Part of me is saying that its still a new engine and to just get over it but the other part of me is sayin that you just spent almost 10 grand on a mower that has a 3 year old engine that ferris seems to just wanna pawn off on some poor guy that didnt notice!
I finally got a response back from my dealer, this is the official explanation he receieved from his sales rep. He had no idea and was shocked when i told him the age of the engine......
his response: I just heard back from my sales rep. The engines were purchased by ferris to be used on evolution mowers which they are not making as many as planned and so they had an excess of the motor still. They put them on this unit with the suspension seat and they are selling them cheaper than a 2000 with that motor and no suspension seat. They have increased the engine warranty on all models to 3 years now so the warranty is better than if that same motor was purchased in 09. They have sold a good amount of these with no issues and they assure me the motor is just as good as in 09 since it had oil in it and is stored properly. Call me or email me and let me know what you are thinking. I am sorry for the confusion. My sales rep and I had no idea that this was the situation. I understand your being disappointed.

If i were doing commercial mowing with this machine and I was planning on burning through it in 2 or 3 years, I wouldnt worry....but.....I plan on using this on my 6 acres for 10, 20 years or so so longevity is what Im looking for and I already have 3 years against me, motor wise.

 

[rjohnson82]

Does anyone know how to use the serial # to see if this is indeed a 2012 model and not a 2011 model? If its a 2011, ***** really gonna hit the fan!!

 

[beppington]

All I know is, now I know I'm not gonna go lookin' around on my Kubota - Wouldn't really care to learn something like this!

 

[Carl_NH]

Does anyone know how to use the serial # to see if this is indeed a 2012 model and not a 2011 model? If its a 2011, ***** really gonna hit the fan!!

Call Ferris - thats what I did and didnt get a run around from them - ask the date of Mfg and they will tell you.

Mowers are a seasonal business - high demand for 6-8 months then little in Nov-Feb for example, so a manufacturing operation starts making 2012 models in Sept/Oct 2011 so Ferris is likely is "leveling production" then getting dealers to "floor plan" these units over the winter at higher discounts/possibly no carrying costs for 6 months so dealers take delivery and ownership.

Mine was a 09 leftover and I paid $7K (IS2000/25HP Kawa/52") in June 2010 includinig 140 mile one way delivery and it has the deluxe high back seat. Still if yours is a leftover 2011 model then you definitely have a case with the dealer and Ferris (and rebate say $1K). That would be my position. You might also go check the dealers other stock and see what those motor dates are.

One of the TBN members here - I think its RobertinNY is a Ferris dealer (among other brands) and he might be able to shed some more light on this. Ferris makes these in Munnsville NY and I travel to that area and am planning a visit to the factory this spring/summer.

Carl

 

[bigsnowdog]

I already have 3 years against me, motor wise.

No, you don't. If the engine had been on a machine and run for three years, you would have three years against you, as you put it.

The engine has been sitting in storage. Given today's seal lip material technologies, it has not hurt seals or gaskets to sit for that time. We don't analyze how long threaded fasteners or deck weldments have been in inventory. You are making too much of this.

It's a new machine with a new warranty. Use it and enjoy it. You have lost nothing.

 

[CHDinCT]

No, you don't. If the engine had been on a machine and run for three years, you would have three years against you, as you put it.

The engine has been sitting in storage. Given today's seal lip material technologies, it has not hurt seals or gaskets to sit for that time. We don't analyze how long threaded fasteners or deck weldments have been in inventory. You are making too much of this.

It's a new machine with a new warranty. Use it and enjoy it. You have lost nothing.

My thoughts exactly. You're going to give yourself a coronary over this, and there's just too many bigger issues to worry about in life than this. As long as the motor was never put in service, it's new. My $.02 anyway. Good luck either way.

 

[stihlman]

There was a lawsuit several years ago about this same issue. The lawsuit was specifically over motor home RV units. The manufacturer of the RV body mounted them on Chevy, Ford, or Dodge chassis. They were sold by the RV maker according to the year of the RV body not the chassis which could be several years older. I forget the details but I am sure they can be found on the net

Steve