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John Deere Complaint - John Deere Does Not Stand Behind Its Expensive Products - Lawn Mower
Lawn Mower - Complaint
My mother and her husband were lawnmower shopping. They could have bought a $2,000 lawn mower. But, they decided to spend $5,000 on a John Deere, because they thought Deere and Company had high quality products that wouldn't have problems down the road. They already owned a John Deere gator, chain saw, and a few other John Deere products.
They have kept up the mower very well. Yet, the motor stopped working on it. They went through hell trying to get any type of resolution. John Deere said to call the motor company. My mother did not buy the motor. John Deere bought the motor, so why should she have to contact the motor company? In the end, she had to spend over $600 for a new motor. The motor company finally agreed to chip in $200.
Either John Deere or the motor company (can't remember which) tried accusing them of cloging a part of the motor and that the part should be cleaned out every so often. The repair said that part was clean. He also said the consumer cannot get to that part to clean it anyway.
John Deere owes them for the additional $400, but they won't pay up.
After all the weeks of hassle, I definitely recommend staying away from John Deere products.
They have kept up the mower very well. Yet, the motor stopped working on it. They went through hell trying to get any type of resolution. John Deere said to call the motor company. My mother did not buy the motor. John Deere bought the motor, so why should she have to contact the motor company? In the end, she had to spend over $600 for a new motor. The motor company finally agreed to chip in $200.
Either John Deere or the motor company (can't remember which) tried accusing them of cloging a part of the motor and that the part should be cleaned out every so often. The repair said that part was clean. He also said the consumer cannot get to that part to clean it anyway.
John Deere owes them for the additional $400, but they won't pay up.
After all the weeks of hassle, I definitely recommend staying away from John Deere products.
Comments:
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-10-30:
What model tractor?
The fact that the motor company paid for part of the cost tells me that in fact that company was the one that warranteed the part, not JD. This isn't uncommon - I had a lawn product a few years back that came with one owner's manual for the product, and another for the motor.
You say that JD owes for the amount over and above the $200 received from the motor company. Is there something in the JD warranty that pertains to this, or are you saying this because it was a cost incurred?
You don't seem to know all the details here, which are important. What company found fault with the maintenance, and what part was said to need maintenance?
Seems to me your mother's complaint is with the motor manufacturer.
The fact that the motor company paid for part of the cost tells me that in fact that company was the one that warranteed the part, not JD. This isn't uncommon - I had a lawn product a few years back that came with one owner's manual for the product, and another for the motor.
You say that JD owes for the amount over and above the $200 received from the motor company. Is there something in the JD warranty that pertains to this, or are you saying this because it was a cost incurred?
You don't seem to know all the details here, which are important. What company found fault with the maintenance, and what part was said to need maintenance?
Seems to me your mother's complaint is with the motor manufacturer.
Posted by Anonymous on 2011-10-30:
Very good commentary. I would certainly expect quality and longevity from a lawnmower purchased from a company with a stellar reputation.
Thanks for warning us to stay away. Welcome to m3cents.
Thanks for warning us to stay away. Welcome to m3cents.
Posted by At Your Service on 2011-10-30:
I agree a lot with what trmn8r has already stated. One of the biggest questions on my mind is what the warranty coverage was on the Deer and how long the mower had been owned. If it was out of warranty, either by the engine manufacturer or by Deer, and you didn't purchase any form of additional warranty coverage, I fail to see where anything would be owed.
Posted by Old Timer on 2011-10-30:
I have a Coleman 5,500 watt generator with a Yamaha engine. The engine was starting to stall out so I called Coleman. (who does not sell them anymore) Coleman put me in touch with Yamaha, Yamaha had one of their service centers fix the issue. They even gave me a $40.00 credit for the diagnostic fee. Took a few phone calls but it all worked out OK. You just have to keep bugging them until you find someone that will step up to the plate. That being said, it's time to move higher on the food chain until you find someone that will help you out.
The first no, or we can't do anything for you is just a starting point.
The first no, or we can't do anything for you is just a starting point.
Posted by fast327 on 2011-10-30:
I am a big John Deere fan! I have had John Deere mowers(2) since 1985 and never had a problem with them. They have performed flawlessly and are very dependable. I do keep them up well and make sure that upkeep and maintenance are up-to-date. My neighbor has been through 5(1-2-3-4-5) Craftsman so-called mowers during the same time.YOU make the call!
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-10-30:
fast327 - John Deere isn't necessarily the same as it used to be. And the stuff found in home centers isn't necessarily the same quality as your 1985 models.
I have a 1975 Simplicity tractor that will run circles around most of the stuff with 18hp and 22 hp labels on them. I got it from a guy that used to fix and resell them. He changed to John Deere because people (consumers) went gaga for "green". He was the one who told me that green is good for green (making money) but not necessarily quality.
Our neighbor in the 70's had a big old JD tractor that was built like a tank.
Sears issues a contract every 3 years to have its mowers made. Cub Cadet and MTD have gotten it in the past, I believe. Cub Cadet is another one that made great stuff in the past - don't know about their current offerings. You need to be very suspicious of anything you see at a home center, regardless of the label or color.
I have a 1975 Simplicity tractor that will run circles around most of the stuff with 18hp and 22 hp labels on them. I got it from a guy that used to fix and resell them. He changed to John Deere because people (consumers) went gaga for "green". He was the one who told me that green is good for green (making money) but not necessarily quality.
Our neighbor in the 70's had a big old JD tractor that was built like a tank.
Sears issues a contract every 3 years to have its mowers made. Cub Cadet and MTD have gotten it in the past, I believe. Cub Cadet is another one that made great stuff in the past - don't know about their current offerings. You need to be very suspicious of anything you see at a home center, regardless of the label or color.
Posted by fast327 on 2011-10-30:
Trmn8r
You mis-understood me. I have only one 1985 John Deere mower( which is still operating well). My additional one is a 2008 which I Did Not buy from a big box store,which only buys cheap second rate discount ones;rather I bought from a reputable dealer who carries authenic John Deere products and will not compromise on quality. My point is to know what you are buying and from whom you are buying.
You mis-understood me. I have only one 1985 John Deere mower( which is still operating well). My additional one is a 2008 which I Did Not buy from a big box store,which only buys cheap second rate discount ones;rather I bought from a reputable dealer who carries authenic John Deere products and will not compromise on quality. My point is to know what you are buying and from whom you are buying.
Posted by Venice09 on 2011-10-30:
Old Timer, that's my theory, too. If at first you don't succeed...
Great info, trmn. I learned something about tractors today.
Great info, trmn. I learned something about tractors today.
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-10-30:
fast -> sorry, I missed that you own a recent one too. I wish we knew what model the OP's mother has.
I don't know what "authentic" means though - are you implying that all those green ones outside Lowes or HD say JD on them are made by another company? I never considered that could be, but it seems possible.
I agree with your sentiment about buying from a reputable dealer.
I don't know what "authentic" means though - are you implying that all those green ones outside Lowes or HD say JD on them are made by another company? I never considered that could be, but it seems possible.
I agree with your sentiment about buying from a reputable dealer.
Posted by ok4now on 2011-10-31:
I have a two year old J.D. lawn tractor which has had no problems. The maintenance is very important to keep it running properly. For example there are a total of 7 grease fittings that need to be lubed every 25 operating hours. My neighbors all have Sears tractors that are constantly breaking down. J.D. is the better product.
Posted by clutzycook on 2011-11-02:
Oh honey, you think $5K on a JD product is expensive? That's dirt cheap. Try buying a brand new combine. THOSE puppies will run you $200-300K just to start!
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