[tdipaul]

Oh me too.

I read "Ariens and the dealer I bought it from" and thought it was purchased locally

 

[jburson250]

@Michael Smith please consider sending a USPS Registered Letter, with Return Receipt to:

Dan Ariens, CEO
Ariens Company
655 W. Ryan Street
Brillion, WI 54110

Explain the situation, i.e. the machine's model and s/n, when bought and who from (not just the shop name, but the individuals names), when the problem appeared, and a description of the problem. Include photos, if possible.

Don't waste your time with Customer Service, emails or phone calls to the company.

Provide your phone numbers and physical address and email.

Be prepared to send a second letter if you don't get a response within a couple days after they receive the first one.

Be objective, truthful, and specific. Be courteous and avoid emotionally charged, or threatening statements. No more than 3 sentences per paragraph, and as few paragraphs as possible.

Conclude by describing the actions you expect Ariens Company to take.

If it were me, I'd expect the dealer to replace the machine with a new one, immediately.

This statement is next to his photo on the Ariens web site:

" . . . putting our name on a machine is a very meaningful moment. It means we believe in that machine, we stand behind it, and we’ve put everything we’ve got into it."

So ask him for some help. It just might work.

 

[Michael Smith]

Thank you I will do that tomorrow

 

[Cardo111]

Sorry to hear this. I agree with Jburson250, a good suggestion. I would first call them again first thing tomorrow morning as they may take a couple of hours to get back to you with a decision/resolution. Contact their customer support dept. they will likely transfer you to a manager in tech support these are knowledgeable people, who understand how the machine works and how the dealer system works. We all know exceptions can always be made. No policy is set in stone, regarding the 30 days....I would let them know in a level headed professional manner this is unacceptable on a new machine and this has to be resolved ASAP. I am stuck with a 340 lb. paperweight (perhaps an authorized dealer loaner machine if they won't replace it with a new one while waiting for the repair would work). ...Advise them if there is no satisfactory resolution tomorrow, you will have to write the certified/registered letter to Dan Ariens, they don't want you to do this because it will come back to them customer/tech support. If the unit was put on a credit card you can also dispute the charge given the circumstances (you were sold a defective unit). I have gone down this road before with successful outcomes, it's a last resort but you paid top dollar for a high end machine not a paperweight. Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

[barney]

It's how companies deal with these kind of problems that separate them from the pack. It's also how they add value to their brand well beyond any expense involved.

 

[Yanmar Ronin]

Where is the blower now?

If it were me I'd be disappointed, but I think I'd give it a good once-over before *I* blew a gasket.

MAYBE there's just a loose bolt or two, perhaps the valve cover, or the drain plug, or somewhere. Maybe a gasket was forgotten... maybe maybe. It can't hurt to have a light rummage around.

What you need is use of the machine, and also the easiest and quickest path there. What you don't need is more headaches... only you can decide which is the best path, for you.

Just my two cents, good luck... and stay Cool, Brother. ccasion14:

Edit: OK I see reading back that it's at your local shop.

Maybe go and see if you can drag it home to see, while keeping your 'place in line'. They'd probably be relieved, and you might be too.

 

[UNDERTAKER]

Are you sure it is coming oot of where you say it is?????? because it could be leaking from those cheap drain pipe threads. post some pics of this problem presenting itself onto us here. so we can have a good looksee at it.

 

[alylea]

Charge Them Back1

I just spent 3000 dollars on an Ariens Hydro Pro 28 with EFI it leaks oil like a dang faucet I brought to my local dealer and am told it will be 4-8 weeks until I know anything. Ariens and the dealer I bought it from will do nothin to rplace this new machine beside fixing it under "Warranty" it is December 12th and I won't have a working machine until February!? I don't think so!!! Simply unacceptable..... Buyer Beware!!!! If customer support can do anything contact me ASAP not happy 207-415-8381

If you paid by credit card and bought it in the last 60 to 90 days, call the retailer first. If they tell you to scratch, call your credit card company. CALMLY and nicely explain the situation and ask them to charge back the retailer. You will be amazed how quickly they will react and try to fix the problem. If they don't satisfy you within reason, the charge back will stand and you won't have to pay for it.

Where did you buy it, and when?

 

[alylea]

Charge Them Back1

I just spent 3000 dollars on an Ariens Hydro Pro 28 with EFI it leaks oil like a dang faucet I brought to my local dealer and am told it will be 4-8 weeks until I know anything. Ariens and the dealer I bought it from will do nothin to rplace this new machine beside fixing it under "Warranty" it is December 12th and I won't have a working machine until February!? I don't think so!!! Simply unacceptable..... Buyer Beware!!!! If customer support can do anything contact me ASAP not happy 207-415-8381

Call your credit card company. CALMLY and nicely explain the situation and ask them to charge back the retailer. You will be amazed how quickly they will react and try to fix the problem. If they don't satisfy you within reason, the charge back will stand and you won't have to pay for it.

 

[chargin]

I can see why you would not want to ship it back to the online retailer.

.

I believe this is against federal law once it has been fueled.

I think the CC company is the best and fastest option.

 

[AriensPro1128]

Checking with the credit card company is a very good idea. Many of the cc companies offer their own form of warrantee or extend the manufacturers for an additional time period.

 

[Michael Smith]

I have started a dispute with the CC we will see where this goes.

 

[jcam32]

in for updates as I was on the fence about purchasing a new Hydro pro 28. Keep us updated please

 

[Michael Smith]

UPDATE so I started the **** storm and got the dealer to look at it ahead of the quoted time. They found the source of the leak and "fixed" it. It is coming from the oil fill tube where it sits in the motor by pressure and an O-Ring I say "is" leaking because it is still leaking after they "fixed" it. I was also told ARIENS would not cover labor cost 1/2 hr @ 35.00 because I assembled the unit myself I say bull butter on that. Well I called Ariens and they are sending me a new filler tube and O-Ring Assembly so I will be changing the part out and praying it is over. Picture attached and circled is the leak point. You would not notice this unless you knew about it as it leaks it leaks down the valve cover gasket into the belly of the machine and onto the floor.

 

[jsup]

This is why I'm spending an extra $200 from the local guy, (tax), rather than buy on line. Everything has a price and a cost.

As far as the dealer goes, I can understand him taking care of his customers first, it's just good business.

 

[jsup]

Sorry to hear this. I agree with Jburson250, a good suggestion. I would first call them again first thing tomorrow morning as they may take a couple of hours to get back to you with a decision/resolution. Contact their customer support dept. they will likely transfer you to a manager in tech support these are knowledgeable people, who understand how the machine works and how the dealer system works. We all know exceptions can always be made. No policy is set in stone, regarding the 30 days....I would let them know in a level headed professional manner this is unacceptable on a new machine and this has to be resolved ASAP. I am stuck with a 340 lb. paperweight (perhaps an authorized dealer loaner machine if they won't replace it with a new one while waiting for the repair would work). ...Advise them if there is no satisfactory resolution tomorrow, you will have to write the certified/registered letter to Dan Ariens, they don't want you to do this because it will come back to them customer/tech support. If the unit was put on a credit card you can also dispute the charge given the circumstances (you were sold a defective unit). I have gone down this road before with successful outcomes, it's a last resort but you paid top dollar for a high end machine not a paperweight. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Why would a local dealer loan him one when he didn't buy it there?

 

[Yanmar Ronin]

PERhaps... it's time for this thread to be re-titled...?

Seems a real shame to slander an entire machine for a .20¢ o-ring. Or even if it turns out to be the fill tube... very minor stuff that any half-competent home mechanic should be able to remedy without anywhere near this amount of drama.

?

ccasion14:

 

[Cardo111]

Why would a local dealer loan him one when he didn't buy it there?

As an act of goodwill as an authorized Ariens dealer. Ariens would possibly compensate the dealer for doing it in an effort to retain their good name. Maybe the local sales rep would offer the dealer a spiff. I once had an authorized Ariens dealer in my area offer to pick-up my damaged machine it was leaking gear oil and bring it back to me free of charge. I bought the limited edition machine from another dealer that was an hour away.

Please realize that flexibility and going the extra mile is what differentiates a good business/brand from just an average one.

 

[Michael Smith]

Yea now that I know what it is. However it's not my job to remedy anything on a brand new 3000 dollar machine. It's built like crap that simple. I would buy a Honda just because of that crapy plastic fill tube that leaks oil out of the box. This being a brand new design I garantee you you will see this come up more often. If I retitled it i would say don't buy the EFI motors made in China. Buy the Briggs carborated machines.

 

[leonz]

Make sure you use some vaseline to lube the o ring to let the filler tube slide by without cutting it if there is an o ring groove in the casting.

I don't know why they do not run those things before they pack them-they could drain the oil and the gas with no issues and let the gas vapors disperse from the tank before boxing them up.