What would you do in this situation?

ulpilot · May 15, 2017

My wife of 61 years of marriage needed to have both shoulders surgically replaced. It was heart breaking to see the pain she was going through. After surgery, the hospital would send her home with a shoulder ice pack to help lessen the pain.

After research, we decided that an ice machine (cold therapy) would be of the most benefit to lessen pain.
We decided on a certain brand, but it required a prescription from the doctor to purchase this machine. The
doctor would not prescribe as it was not necessary. We decided that we wanted one anyway and thought we
might find a good used machine.

We found one on Ebay that looked to be in good condition. These machines list new for about $300 so we bid on it and we bought it for $120. The machine was delivered and we tested it out on my wife's arm twice before her surgery and it gave wonderful relief. The third time the pump began to make noise and would not
function at all.

The machine was exactly as described by the seller and showed no sign of abuse. The seller also had a 100% positive feedback for what ever that was worth. No warranty was offered by the seller and I knew buying a used item on Ebay was a gamble. I knew the risk and decided to take it.

So I am out $120 and the owner of a broken ice machine.

Now, exactly would you do in this situation? After some replies and hopefully some discussion I will let you let you all know the end result. I think you will find it interesting and maybe unbelievable!

2LaneCruzer · May 15, 2017

I would check into the availability and cost of repairs. If that works out fine; if not trash it and chock it up to experience. You might check with the manufacturer; there might be some remaining warranty or they may have an inexpensive or perhaps practical solution.

CobyRupert · May 15, 2017

It worked when you got it.
Maybe something was damaged in shipment and the refrigerant leaked out?
There can't be too many working parts. Does it have a water line to it or do you add that manually. If a water line, is there an error on your end? Is it getting water?

wawajake · May 15, 2017

After your 61 years of marriage , I would suggest you keep her , even if she is broken for now , none of us got a warranty..........or did I misunderstand the question

milkman · May 15, 2017

I had both shoulders repaired and was given what they called a "Polar Pak", looks like a cooler that I put ice in and then add water. The top with hoses go on and it pumps the cold water through a pad that is strapped to my shoulder. That thing was a great way to deal with the pain. I still have it, haven't used it in a few years, if you can't find a solution for yours, I will send this one your way for the cost of shipping. Like I said, I haven't used it in quite a while and don't know if it still works, but if you need it, I'll see if it works.
Heading out to mow now, will check back later.

bigtiller · May 15, 2017

I'd get rid of her. You'll be much happier with a couple of 40's.....

The ice machine, If I felt the seller was a friendly guy I might ask him if he had any advice about the operation of it.

Teachu2 · May 15, 2017

I'd buy an inexpensive fountain pump at HF and rig it up. 158 GPH Submersible Fountain Pump

dmccarty · May 16, 2017

Did you check if the pump was clogged. If the cooler is like the ones we have gotten, the pump is in a housing that is on the bottom of the lid. The housing is pushed down into the ice. Seems like our clogged up once or twice.

Ice is an amazing pain killer. We have a couple of the Polar Paks, well I think that was the brand name. These are nothing more than a bucket which holds water and ice. A lid contains a pump which moves cold water through tubes into a mesh. We had a shoulder mesh since the wife had shoulder surgery but I have seen them used on the knees which had a different mesh.

Later,
Dan

ulpilot · May 17, 2017

Thank you folks for your input and suggestions. First off, we are talking about a company named Breg and their top of the line ice machine Kodiak.

I decided to call the company to perhaps get some advice and parts. I did not look forward to this. As you know in dealing with certain companies you end up getting put on hold, bounced around to different people whose job is to get rid of you as soon as possible. Terrible customer service.

The call was answered by a very pleasant woman and I told her my story and asked for the parts department. She said I didn't need parts and they would send me a new machine. I emphasized that it was a used machine that I bought off Ebay. She said it didn't matter and they would send me a new machine. I asked how much that would cost. She said no cost. I I asked if it would be a refurbished model. She said no and that it would be their latest model. Just return the old machine. What about shipping. She said shipping was paid both ways Air Freight Overnight Express. She had taken my name and address and machine model number and said the new machine was on it's way to the air[port and it should be delivered sometime tomorrow.

What? I couldn't believe it. Maybe I had been talking to the cleaning lady. There has got to be a wrinkle in this deal somewhere!

The next morning FedEx rolled in and delivered my new Breg. The new machine was improved as the hose looked to be improved and more kink resistant. This was six weeks ago and I have not received a bill of any kind.

I still don't know any company would go this far to make a customer happy. I am certainly most grateful. Thank you all for your interest.