L.T Rich + Z-spray......they never call back

[americanlawn]

LTRich, please return my emails & phone messages. LTRich is always closed when I start my day, and they are always closed when I return to our office in late afternoon.

I'm extremely interested in purchasing one or two of their units, but if this is what I have to endure, I won't buy one. Plus..........LTRich does not seem to offer a test drive?????? :hammerhead:

Also the above raises questions for me as a business owner, cuz I have never heard back from these guys -- ever???? If I owned a Z-Spray, how would I get parts if they never returned my phone calls or emails??? :nono:

Anybody else experience this from LT Rich???:nono:

[Albery's Lawn & Tractor]

Yep, tried contacting them about buying a unit and they never emailed or called me back. So I'll spend my money elsewhere.

[Runner]

Try this. These guys call you right back, and have any needed parts on your doorstep th next day. http://ride-onspreader.com/ .

[gregory]

when i emailed them it took a few days for them to get back to me..but i have never had a problem with the calling me back....couldn't you call them with a cell phone during the day?

[rcreech]

when i emailed them it took a few days for them to get back to me..but i have never had a problem with the calling me back....couldn't you call them with a cell phone during the day?

My feeling is....if I am going to spend 7 or 8 grand with them...they can call me back!

American,

Had the same thing happen about six months ago when I was thinking about looking at a Z.

Do you run any Magnums at this time?

[indyturf]

I just called them last week, had no problem. but I do use my cell phone and call during the day while I'm out working. I have only heard good things about their service. The guy I talked to on the phone even knew who I was and right where we're located. they are only about 20 miles from me!

[yardprospraying]

LTRich, please return my emails & phone messages. LTRich is always closed when I start my day, and they are always closed when I return to our office in late afternoon.

I'm extremely interested in purchasing one or two of their units, but if this is what I have to endure, I won't buy one. Plus..........LTRich does not seem to offer a test drive?????? :hammerhead:

Also the above raises questions for me as a business owner, cuz I have never heard back from these guys -- ever???? If I owned a Z-Spray, how would I get parts if they never returned my phone calls or emails??? :nono:

Anybody else experience this from LT Rich???:nono:

I thought I was the only one with this problem. I tried to email the sales guy 3 weeks ago about some info on their units........and no return email. I, like you, am interested in their unit, but it sure makes you wonder about service after the sale. I'm not yet sold on the pg's, but hey, I can drive 1 1/2 hours to Oklahoma city and get service or parts when I pick up fert, I just have seen too many "in the shop".

John...

[rcreech]

I thought I was the only one with this problem. I tried to email the sales guy 3 weeks ago about some info on their units........and no return email. I, like you, am interested in their unit, but it sure makes you wonder about service after the sale. I'm not yet sold on the pg's, but hey, I can drive 1 1/2 hours to Oklahoma city and get service or parts when I pick up fert, I just have seen too many "in the shop".

John...

Were they Magnums in the shop....or older models?

I have had not problems with my Magnum!

[TSM]

contacted them (by phone) couple years ago. All I was inquiring about was if they had planned on attending the New England Grows show in Boston that year because I wanted a first hand look at their product.
I was told "yes, they would be there"

In fact they followed up with a phone call to me a few days before the show started.

Spent two days at the show....walked the floor several times looking for them

As I was leaving...I'm navigating my way out of the parking lot and lo and behold I see them in the corner of the parking lot with an enclosed trailer selling their machines

I stop and tell them I'd been looking for them INSIDE...guy tells me they dont want to spend the $$$ it takes to rent a booth at the show

So instead they pay the $10 fee to park and set up shop in the parking lot! Kinda cut throat in my opinion.


But hey....we use PG's and we have had difficulty getting them to answer our call in the past....we use Real Green software (they are the worst for returning calls)...Lesco, forgetaboutit never return calls...Turfco, yeah they return our calls, they just dont follow through with what they tell us on the phone

Pretty aggravating

[yardprospraying]

Were they Magnums in the shop....or older models?

I have had not problems with my Magnum!

I've seen both. I'm not nocking PG, I just think I would like the zero turn capabilities. We have one hps unit, and it is kinda hard to get in tight spots. I also like the idea of booms, I feel you get better herbicide coverage, especially in our windier conditions. I have heard pg had problems with older models, but have got most problems fixed now. I guess I need to test drive one.
I would think that the z-spray salesman would monitor this website and chime in! O well, we will probably end up spending 8k somewhere else!!

John...

[TLS]

Does LT Rich have dealerships?

Or do they simply ship direct from factory?

Everyone (here and locally) that has used both (PG & LT Rich) swear by the LT Rich. As if the PG is useless as tits on a bull.

But then you have the people that use PG's and are as happy as a pig in crap.


Both units scare me as to what happens when there is a MAJOR problem while under warranty? My LESCO scares me as they don't have a mechanic. I realize both are relatively simple designs, but both machines would be NEW to me, and without a dealer or someone with experience to show me what to look for.....?


This is a big step for me ($6-8K for a single purpose machine that I will likely only use 100hrs a year) but something I will need as walking what I already have now is just crazy.

[indyturf]

Does LT Rich have dealerships?

Or do they simply ship direct from factory?

Everyone (here and locally) that has used both (PG & LT Rich) swear by the LT Rich. As if the PG is useless as tits on a bull.

But then you have the people that use PG's and are as happy as a pig in crap.


Both units scare me as to what happens when there is a MAJOR problem while under warranty? My LESCO scares me as they don't have a mechanic. I realize both are relatively simple designs, but both machines would be NEW to me, and without a dealer or someone with experience to show me what to look for.....?


This is a big step for me ($6-8K for a single purpose machine that I will likely only use 100hrs a year) but something I will need as walking what I already have now is just crazy.

If your only going to use the machine 100 hrs a year I would go with the PG magnum, they are very simple to work on, I do all the work on mine myself.

[dcgreenspro]

I called yesterday and got a call last night. The dealer is local and even offered to bring a zplug to a BIG job that I just picked up yesterday. I really hope this thing lives up to the hype.

[TLS]

If your only going to use the machine 100 hrs a year I would go with the PG magnum, they are very simple to work on, I do all the work on mine myself.

Do/have you used both the PG and LT Rich?


I'm not knocking either product, but I see a lot of PG's around, and not so many LT Rich's, but when I do and talk to them, they usually say it's WAY better than their PG's.

[americanlawn]

Andy with L.T.Rich returned my call today -- thanks Andy. Our two Permagreen Ultras are 2004 models, so I don't want to take the chance of them shelling out next spring -- we've had them repaired many times. I'm interested in either a Z-Spray, Magnum, or something similar. Rumor has it a new ride-on sprayer w/Spyker spreader will come out next March??? I don't know if it's a Z-Spray, Permagree, or another brand.

[scweedman]

I had the same problem with LT they wouldn't return my calls to set up a
test for the z-spray. They would apologize and do the same thing again
I finally gave up a went with PG.

[turfsolutions]

Not sure why you guys are bashing there service. I have owned 2 z sprays and own a z plugr and have never had a problem with service. The only time I had a break down on the z spray is when I clipped a fence and tore off the valves on the sprayer. I called them on the spot and they shipped the parts I needed out to me that day.

They don't have dealers. They ship directly. If you want a test drive, they will help you find someone in your area that has one and will demo it for you. I tested a PG and a z spray and went with the z spray years ago. Buy what you want though. No skin off my back.

[americanlawn]

That's what I'm gunna do ------- even if it means driving 500 miles to Indianapolis.

[Tscape]

I will demo mine any time!

[Forever Green Lawn]

American,
I'm about 150 miles closer than Indianapolis. You can look at my z-sprays/z-plugr any time you want.

[t rich]

As the owner of L.T Rich, and at the risk of getting thrown off this site, I can tell you we man the phones from 7:30 AM to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday. We take great pride in customer service and go the distance to provide excellent support. I personally answer most of the e-mails. We do have server issues from time to time but our phone lines are open. I go direct because we have not found dealers who can support the type of equipment we manufacture. Spray equipment is not mowing equipment. As this niche in the market matures, dealers will a must but will require considerable training.
P.S. I do occasionally watch this site and appreciate your comments. Both good and bad.

Thanks.

[indyturf]

Do/have you used both the PG and LT Rich?


I'm not knocking either product, but I see a lot of PG's around, and not so many LT Rich's, but when I do and talk to them, they usually say it's WAY better than their PG's.

I have 3 PG's and just bought 2 used zspray max's ( I havn't picked them up yet) but they are 2 totally different machines. the PG is great for the lawns from 5000k to 1ac. but the Z is much better on larger properties. I wanted the Z so I can pull an aerator and use it on some of my larger properties. The Z is built much better than he PG (maybe overbuilt) but the PG is a good simple design, you just need to get familiar with it and most repairs are an easy fix, and if you keep it clean it will perform better. if your company's large enough I see a need for both PG and Zsprays!

[bntt68]

I have only had excellent business from L.T.RICH. I bought a unit off them 2 years ago, I was in a pinch and going on vacation July 5th and they agreed to have me meet them at their Factory on the Morning of the 4th of July!!!! I said sure!!! Met with them on the 4th of July and got a tour of the facility.Sold. Very stout machines!! American? Did you get much a history on their units when you talked to them? If not ,P.M. me.

[yardprospraying]

Not sure why you guys are bashing there service. I have owned 2 z sprays and own a z plugr and have never had a problem with service. The only time I had a break down on the z spray is when I clipped a fence and tore off the valves on the sprayer. I called them on the spot and they shipped the parts I needed out to me that day.

They don't have dealers. They ship directly. If you want a test drive, they will help you find someone in your area that has one and will demo it for you. I tested a PG and a z spray and went with the z spray years ago. Buy what you want though. No skin off my back.

My appologies for anyone thinking that "I" was bashing their service. It can sometimes be frustrating when we want info about a product and it takes several emails/calls to get anyone to reply. I know we all get busy, and forget to email/call customers back. We try not to let one email/call get buy us, but hey, we are human!

I am glad Mr. Rich decided to comment. I know they probably have an excellent machine, its just sad that you just cant drive to a local distributor and test one. I guess that is what makes them so unique. I have never seen one locally or even in Oklahoma before. I'm sure someone has one, just have to try and contact them again and see.

I know that we are going to purchase some type of ride-on sprayer/spreader this fall, and to me from the many posts I've read, the z is the one to have. We use the prolawn on a zturn for most of our bigger properties, but would like to get away from "gunning" the small ones. I feel the z-junior or pg would be the best investment we could make. I just really like the zturn capabilities along with hydrostat drive.

John...

[gregory]

the dealer in my town let me take it for a test ride.....

[Mowingman]

The excat same Lesco unit will be available at Cub Commercial dealers any time now. Some dealers may already have them in stock. Cub/MTD has made these for Lesco, but will now be making them for Cub dealers.










Both units scare me as to what happens when there is a MAJOR problem while under warranty? My LESCO scares me as they don't have a mechanic. I realize both are relatively simple designs, but both machines would be NEW to me, and without a dealer or someone with experience to show me what to look for.....?


This is a big step for me ($6-8K for a single purpose machine that I will likely only use 100hrs a year) but something I will need as walking what I already have now is just crazy.

[TLS]

The excat same Lesco unit will be available at Cub Commercial dealers any time now. Some dealers may already have them in stock. Cub/MTD has made these for Lesco, but will now be making them for Cub dealers.

Are you referring to a Permagreen?

[Mowingman]

Anything that Cub/MTD made for Lesco, in the way of ride on Spreaders, spray rigs, etc., will now be available at Cub Commercial dealers. I am not sure what all items Cub was making for Lesco, but I know they made the ride-on Fert. spreader. I have not seen the exact details of which machines, besides mowers, this includes.

[Runner]

You're referring to either the Lesco Z-2, or the Lesco "High Performance" spreader which are whole different creatures in theirselves. This was not the Permagreen (which oddly enough also technically carries the trademark name of ride on spreader).

[TSM]

As the owner of L.T Rich, and at the risk of getting thrown off this site, I can tell you we man the phones from 7:30 AM to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday. We take great pride in customer service and go the distance to provide excellent support. I personally answer most of the e-mails. We do have server issues from time to time but our phone lines are open. I go direct because we have not found dealers who can support the type of equipment we manufacture. Spray equipment is not mowing equipment. As this niche in the market matures, dealers will a must but will require considerable training.
P.S. I do occasionally watch this site and appreciate your comments. Both good and bad.

Thanks.

just curious...will you be at the New England Grows in Boston this winter (I mean inside the building at a rented booth?)

[sprayboy]

I bought a junior in 2003 and upgraded to the new z-max this season. I wanted the extra liguid capacity the new unit offers. I have called Tom or Andy at different times and they always return my calls. I have ordered spare parts at different times and they are always shipped out that day. The machines LT Rich builds are very reliable and well built. These guys have it together as far as i'm concened.

Keep up the good work guys.

[t rich]

Just so you know TSM, we were actually in the show and I can provide the booth# if you like. My rep did show a unit to a customer in the parking lot because he didn't have enough room in the booth. Also, it was 2 yrs ago when we did that show. I not sure if we will be doing the show this year. Hope that answers it. (man this is a tough crowd)

[americanlawn]

Thanks to all of you guys for shedding light on my dilema. Forever Green Lawn, Tscape, and t rich, and everybody else...Andy sent me a list today of many many operators of Z-Spray units in my state so I can contact them and ask for a demonstration. At first I was interested in the junior model, but after I explained our needs to Andy, he recommended a 40" or 46" unit. We'll see after I test drive one "someplace". Not sure where yet.

I'm pretty sure I'll buy one or two, but I'm still deciding, and I want to test a 40 or 46 inch unit before I buy.

I think Z-Sprays are probably the best (not for sure), but I am confident with the integrety of L.T. Rich and their personel >>> Midwestern values which count for a whole lot in my opinion.

Thanks LT Rich -- I'll be in touch (probably with my checkbook).

[TSM]

Just so you know TSM, we were actually in the show and I can provide the booth# if you like. My rep did show a unit to a customer in the parking lot because he didn't have enough room in the booth. Also, it was 2 yrs ago when we did that show. I not sure if we will be doing the show this year. Hope that answers it. (man this is a tough crowd)

thanks for the reply.
tough crowd, maybe...me personally, I like the truth

KEEP YOUR BOOTH #

You are correct you were there one year (the first year they moved into the new trade center there. See, I pay attention

Now, the following year I called you and asked if you'd be there again and when my call was returned I was told you would indeed be there


AND yes you guys were there...NOT on the floor dude....in the parking lot!! I can provide several others who were ALSO looking for you guys and really supprised to find you IN THE PARKING LOT. One of those guys is a BIG supporter of you and your products located in CT (even though he says his first machine was a lemon...but you made things right).Yeah its a big building but I walked every inch of it several times.


no big deal, but dont get uppidy with me, okay Telling me you can 'provide booth #" in my opinion is getting uppidy

[turfsurfer]

Put me in the camp of never having had anything but a great experience with the folks at LT Rich.

[americanlawn]

Put me in the camp of never having had anything but a great experience with the folks at LT Rich.

Ditto --- I'm glad I'm not paying for an expensive booth.........I never go to those shows anymore, cuz I'm always out making money instead. If LT Rich can cut costs, I'm all for it. As a business owner, I do the same thing.:usflag:

[morturf]

Ok, Here goes. I own 4 Z-Spray units in various forms. I have been with this company since he built a different machine entirely. He is a stand up guy. All the people that work for him are good people. I have always had my calls returned and my parts delivered as if I was the only customer they ever had. The machine itself is truly one of a kind and the best the niche has to offer. I was after a machine like this when he came out with it. You will not find a more durable, maneuverable, usable and valuable tool on the market today. If you need a machine for a few accounts that are small by all means get a less expensive machine. But if you are in this business for the long haul, want to cover ground in a timely fashion, and not have to wonder what is wrong with the machine today....get a Z-spray. Tom, you know who I am....am I am with you for the long haul!!

[americanlawn]

Ok, Here goes. I own 4 Z-Spray units in various forms. I have been with this company since he built a different machine entirely. He is a stand up guy. All the people that work for him are good people. I have always had my calls returned and my parts delivered as if I was the only customer they ever had. The machine itself is truly one of a kind and the best the niche has to offer. I was after a machine like this when he came out with it. You will not find a more durable, maneuverable, usable and valuable tool on the market today. If you need a machine for a few accounts that are small by all means get a less expensive machine. But if you are in this business for the long haul, want to cover ground in a timely fashion, and not have to wonder what is wrong with the machine today....get a Z-spray. Tom, you know who I am....am I am with you for the long haul!!

Hi morturf .... thanks for the info -- nice post. What's your opinion>>>>>> We treat 3000 lawn accounts. Some are huge, and some are small. Out of those, I figure we have maybe 800 intermediate-sized accounts (9000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft) that we can judiciouisly use a ride-on sprayer/spreader. Of these, probably one in 15 have small gates (too big for a 40/46 inch unit).

Andy recommended a 40 or 46 inch unit for our needs. Mainly cuz they will take hills better than the "Junior" unit, plus better spray capabilities.

What do you think? Thanks much, american:usflag:

[Drew Gemma]

what about the z plug how efficient effective is it. right now walking our tails off we do 7,000 $ a fal in aerrations over seeds don't want more tired of walking is the machine worth it what are actual productivities. issues and options work best

[indyturf]

what about the z plug how efficient effective is it. right now walking our tails off we do 7,000 $ a fal in aerrations over seeds don't want more tired of walking is the machine worth it what are actual productivities. issues and options work best

if your doing that much aeration I would definitely check out the Zplug, or a Zspary and a pull behind aerator! thats what I'm doing, I didn't want to spend $6500 on a piece of equipment that I would only use a few weeks a year!

[morturf]

Go with the biggest one he makes. You will not be disappointed. I agree with the hill thing. Des Moines is hilly. I would rather ride large hilly lawns than small ones, even medium sized hilly lawns are better on the Z, not to mention the flat ones. You will not be sorry.

[Tscape]

thanks for the reply.
tough crowd, maybe...me personally, I like the truth

KEEP YOUR BOOTH #

You are correct you were there one year (the first year they moved into the new trade center there. See, I pay attention

Now, the following year I called you and asked if you'd be there again and when my call was returned I was told you would indeed be there


AND yes you guys were there...NOT on the floor dude....in the parking lot!! I can provide several others who were ALSO looking for you guys and really supprised to find you IN THE PARKING LOT. One of those guys is a BIG supporter of you and your products located in CT (even though he says his first machine was a lemon...but you made things right).Yeah its a big building but I walked every inch of it several times.


no big deal, but dont get uppidy with me, okay Telling me you can 'provide booth #" in my opinion is getting uppidy

What is your friggin' deal? You obviously have some axe to grind. I would be willing to bet it is not because you bought a machine from them that you were unhappy with.

[TSM]

What is your friggin' deal? You obviously have some axe to grind. I would be willing to bet it is not because you bought a machine from them that you were unhappy with.

see, this is why i dont frequent this site that much


you are right...i did not buy a machine from them. I MIGHT have....but they were not where they told me they would be.

no grinding of axes here dude

maybe Rich didnt know what his saleperson told me and what he was up too, i dont know.

I know I asked him a question...and he basicly called me a liar.

nuff said???





BTW...the NEw England Grows show is held in Feb. We aint workin in Feb. I attend the show because its close, i get to run into others i have know for years, they generally have a decent schedule of speakers (it aint just about walking around looking at all the new toys) and we pick up most of our recertification credits there (recertification required by law)


(now what is really funny is saying "i dont go to those shows cuz i'm busy makin $$$....yet one spends a whole lotta time on a message board?)

[americanlawn]

Go with the biggest one he makes. You will not be disappointed. I agree with the hill thing. Des Moines is hilly. I would rather ride large hilly lawns than small ones, even medium sized hilly lawns are better on the Z, not to mention the flat ones. You will not be sorry.

Thanks much, american:usflag:

[GrazerZ]

Love my z. Went to Ne grows two years ago just to look at it. talked to andy. they have been great to me. frankly, if you were that interested in one you would call back if necessary. you'll get plenty practice re-calling their competitors number for repairs i'll bet.:)
I hope they are there this year so I can see whats new.

[yardprospraying]

What gives! I tried to email Mr. Rich himself about a week ago and still no return email, 4 weeks ago I tried to email Andy, and still nothing. I just don't understand what the point of having a website/email and never checking it. We check email 3-4 times a day. A lot of our customers prefer to use email rather than phone. I know they have a superior ride-on sprayer/spreader, but how do they sell them? I know many of you will say just pick up the phone and call, but when you get back to the office after their work hours and leave before they get there what do you do? We do most of our sales to our customers in person. If they call, we are there. We give estimates and a handshake.

BTW, I email prolawn shielded sprayers co. 5 yrs. ago, got a reply the same day of a distributor close by, and purchased it the next day. In 5 yrs. only had to replace electric pump $75 once!!!

John..

[Tscape]

when you get back to the office after their work hours and leave before they get there what do you do?

John..

You call them when they are open, because they have what you want.

[yardprospraying]

You call them when they are open, because they have what you want.

Tscape,
Thanks for the advice, I just get frustrated easily this time of year. I have read such great reviews of their machine, and really want more info. I guess email is the easy/lazy way to do things sometimes. I know we all get busy and sometimes neglect things. I will give them a call and see what they say..

Thanks,
John..