Tiller Problem with "NEW" 6 FT King Kutter Rotary Tiller

[Charles Billings]

The serial number plate, an aluminized paper composite, had been nearly scrubbed off. All I could read was -72. Apparently, it is common practice for auction houses to remove these. I would think that practice should be made illegal, if only to guard against auctioning of stolen merchandise or to make sure of getting the correct replacement parts. But, they missed the Omni Gear serial plate which said the side gear box was manufactured 03/22/2008. It that got into production in 2008 the machine is about a year old. There is some sod on some of the tines, so someone used it for a little while, probably until the gear retension pin fell off. It didn't look to me like the gear cover had ever been removed. I did slide the top gear back in place, and it fits up snugly to groove in the pinon shaft. It just occured to me that there might be a right and wrong way to install the gear, guess I need to have another look at it.

 

[IslandTractor]

It is a bit odd and suspicious that the serial number was scraped off on a virtually new tiller. If it was a warranty replacement you'd think KK would have taken steps to get the defective unit back or at least insure it was taken out of circulation.

 

[Charles Billings]

IslandTractor, I think it not odd, because it is apparently a common practice, at least among auction houses. In fact, when I spoke directly to KK they acknowledged the existence of this practice, particularly among the aucion businesses. Regardless, I would like to see how others at Tractorbynet feel about it. I hope we could start a modest drive on this forum to eliminate this practice. I wonder if we have some legal people that share Tractorbynet that could provide their views. Regardless of where the sale happens, or when it happens in an equipment's life, why shouldn't the serial number remain part of the equipment's history. There are muliple reasons for that to be the case, and I think we can all add to the list. My short list is that the Serial Number is at least one defense against selling stollen property. Another, is the fact that we need that number every time we ask for a replacement part. Hope others will weigh in on this.

 

[IslandTractor]

They cannot remove the VIN when they auction cars and trucks why should they remove serial numbers from other equipment? What I don't understand is what their rationale is for doing it other than to hide stolen goods or equipment that the factory has ordered to be destroyed (in lieu of warranty repair). Seems an altogether nefarious and sleasy practice.

 

[MarkV]

Charles and others, is that common practice everywhere? Not may auctions around here so this is the first time I have heard of that. I assume it is on "new" items to avoid warranty claims on items the factory has disposed of. If a dealer were to go under and auction off new equipment would not the manufactures warranty still be valid?

MarkV

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Charles and others, is that common practice everywhere? Not may auctions around here so this is the first time I have heard of that. I assume it is on "new" items to avoid warranty claims on items the factory has disposed of. If a dealer were to go under and auction off new equipment would not the manufactures warranty still be valid?

MarkV

I'd say its not a common practice around here...at least in my experiences.

My first thought (being this was a supposed demo type tiller) was the SN# was removed to "void" the warranty....Just like Blemished or "Scrubbed" tires...I've bought some before with any distinguishing marks/DOT markings scrubbed off...the purpose of that was to void the warranty... Not really fair to the MFG if you paid 1/10th of the original MSRP on a blem tire just to run down the road to another shop and get it warrantied....OR to knowingly run a Blem tire which was for "off road use only" on your daily driver and get into an accident because of it and then want to Sue...

I think removal of Serial Numbers is only for the "As Is/Where Is" type stuff when its newer/in production items...

 

[Ford850]

I'd say KK removed the numbers, and have a deal with auction houses to dump their returns.

 

[Ductape]

My first thought (being this was a supposed demo type tiller) was the SN# was removed to "void" the warranty....Just like Blemished or "Scrubbed" tires...I've bought some before with any distinguishing marks/DOT markings scrubbed off...the purpose of that was to void the warranty... Not really fair to the MFG if you paid 1/10th of the original MSRP on a blem tire just to run down the road to another shop and get it warrantied....OR to knowingly run a Blem tire which was for "off road use only" on your daily driver and get into an accident because of it and then want to Sue...

I think removal of Serial Numbers is only for the "As Is/Where Is" type stuff when its newer/in production items...

Got to agree that its most likely to void any warranty.

 

[IslandTractor]

Got to agree that its most likely to void any warranty.

That does make some sense but you'd think that if warranty claims required documentation of the serial number that the company could just keep a list of "invalid" serial numbers. Don't dealers need to get approval for warranty claims anyway?

It's also hard for me to understand why KK would simply dump a new $1500 piece of equipment without having anyone check to see what was wrong with it. In this example a non professional was able to localize the problem pretty quickly and in all likelihood the issue is a missing 50 cent retainer clip. If that is how KK and other US manufacturers do business I'm even more concerned for our nations manufacturing future.

 

[Charles Billings]

There seems to be a consensus here that the purpose for removing the serial number was to permanently void the warranty. And, that is probably the case. I did speak to someone running the auction and they commented that the equipment had come from the South, very likely a KK facility in AL. Still, I am thinking that it is a poor practice because of the other problems that it can cause, and agree that KK or any other manufacurer could easily enter a voided warranty into their database rather than mechanically scrub the warranty. Afterall, the comanpy's name is still on the equipment and it will have a lasting impact on their reputation for reliability and service. I assume that they build up an inventory of relatively new "problem" equipment beyond their ability to restore it, so they send it out to auction. Still, I would lobby to keep the serial number on any piece of equipment, because it is important for ordering replacement parts and tracking ownership.