Not good, I own Gravely's and SCAG's and I honestly think the fabrication on the frame of the Gravely is second to none. With that being said, I would imagine that Gravely will take care of you, it is only 5 months old. Whatever happens, I would make sure it is taken care of, welds do not fix themselves, or get better with time.

I wish you the best of luck getting it taken care of in a satisfactory manner!

 

I would expect my dealer to replace my mower. I had multiple problems with a new mower this year with about 50 on it and my dealer replaced it.
This is why he get all of my business.

 

I would assume that falls under lifetime frame and deck warranty. Gravely is great to work with so I wouldnt expect any problems getting it covered.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Thats not the deck that is up in front of the foot platform. You can see from the pictures that 95% of the weld was on the frame not making good contact with the second piece of metal. These machines are hand welded so somebody must have been having a bad day or not paying attention. I don't believe that is structural. Still I wouldn't worry to much. Gravely has great customer service and will get you taken care of. I would want a new machine simple on the basis of the fact even if it is sanded down and rewelded then painted you will be able to see where the repair was done. That plus the fear in the back of my mind wondering if other weld joints on that machine are the same way.

 

This is the response I got from Gravely. "Dealers have been notified if this situation would happen there is a kit to weld in to reinforce this area. This repair the dealer will do and file with us for warranty."
I then emailed the following statements and questions. "Will you please go into detail on what the kit will do for me. Will the area be powder coated so the paint does not flake and rust in the future? What will it look like when they are finished? It sounds like this has been an issue in the past if there is a kit to fix the problem. Can you assure me that there are no other shotty welds from the welder on that particular day?
The next reply from them was this:"The kit consists of the plate that needs to be welded as reinforcement, primer for the plate and spray paint to paint the plate once it has been installed." That is all they sent. Do the people of Lawnsite think this is fair solution to the problem? I still have not taken it to my local dealer to see what they say. I plan on doing it on the weekend.
Thanks

 

PDC paint coating will be compromised as if they have a weld on kit, the paint will be ground down to weld, then touched up with spray paint. There is no way on earth to re-powder coat it without stripping it down.

One of the few drawbacks of PDC, touch ups are filled with fail.

Whats funny is people like to bag on companies like Bad Boy for robotic welding, but this is the reason why robotics is superior.....the car industry went to robots for the same reason. Humans can not be relied on to do repetitive welds perfectly every time. "Hand Made" is nice to say and all, but in this guys case, it failed, and even if the dealership fixes it, his paint job is compromised from here out. So don't always hate on the robots.

 

PDC paint coating will be compromised as if they have a weld on kit, the paint will be ground down to weld, then touched up with spray paint. There is no way on earth to re-powder coat it without stripping it down.

One of the few drawbacks of PDC, touch ups are filled with fail.

Whats funny is people like to bag on companies like Bad Boy for robotic welding, but this is the reason why robotics is superior.....the car industry went to robots for the same reason. Humans can not be relied on to do repetitive welds perfectly every time. "Hand Made" is nice to say and all, but in this guys case, it failed, and even if the dealership fixes it, his paint job is compromised from here out. So don't always hate on the robots.

Good to know that I'm not the only one that realizes this. I've actually seen a post saying robotic welding was inferior to hand welding. Guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, it's just odd that anyone could actually believe that.

 

With all of the good publicity Gravely has had lately here on LS (largely due to GMLC), it just goes to show that any manufacturer can have problems from time to time. The thing that matters most, is how the problem is handled.

I myself wouldn't be happy with a repair that used regular paint instead of powder coat. The paint will not last as long as the original PC will.

 

Your going to have to go over the entry level csr's to have them take care of you on this one. The csr's are simply there to answer questions and give general information.

I would use consumer relation sites like face book ect if I had to. These company's have dedicated reps that focus their attention on these kinds of things and can make something happen or get you in touch with someone who can.

Trust me.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

With all of the good publicity Gravely has had lately here on LS (largely due to GMLC), it just goes to show that any manufacturer can have problems from time to time. The thing that matters most, is how the problem is handled.

I myself wouldn't be happy with a repair that used regular paint instead of powder coat. The paint will not last as long as the original PC will.

I tend to agree, but, being it is not a major structural weld, you are talking a tremendous cost to re PDC it.....so hopefully they have some kind of rustoleum like paint that matches and will be pretty resiliant.

 

I tend to agree, but, being it is not a major structural weld, you are talking a tremendous cost to re PDC it.....so hopefully they have some kind of rustoleum like paint that matches and will be pretty resiliant.

With so few hours on the machine, I would try to work out a deal to swap for a new mower and pay some (reasonable) boot (for the time he's used the mower). The repaired mower could then be sold at a reduced price (maybe for what Gravely actually had in it). This way no one is really hurt and the customer is happy, and hopefully will buy more Gravely products in the future. I would at least try this first, he can always fall back and accept what I would call an "inferior repair".

We all know that things like this are going to happen, but the customer shouldn't have to suffer for the manufacturer's faulty workmanship....that's just not right....after all, these are not 2 or 300.00 machines we're talking about. Personally, if I couldn't get anything more than a "botched repair" I'd never buy from Gravely again....but that's just me.

 

If it was mine I would be fine with the repair. I know it's nice to have a new looking mower forever, but the fact is after a while the mower is going to show signs of wear. The repair area is going to be small, just make sure that they match up the paint. If they use a spray can tell them to give you one to keep in case you ever need to touch it up.

 

I would have welded that up and been done with it.

 

By the time we're through talking about it here and with the manufacturer and the dealers I would have already had the guys at the trailer place grind those spots down, weld it back up and spray painted it myself all for $30, life is too short, things to do.

I would have welded that up and been done with it.

That's what I'm talking about.

 

By the time we're through talking about it here and with the manufacturer and the dealers I would have already had the guys at the trailer place grind those spots down, weld it back up and spray painted it myself all for $30, life is too short, things to do.

That's what I'm talking about.

BS.

On a used machine that is out of warranty, I'd do the same thing, but this one is too new to cobble it up further. A 10k machine should be repaired correctly under the waranty. That's what it's for, and yea, we all pay for our warranty when we buy a new machine. It's figured into the overall cost of them by the manu's.

 

^ Amen. If they have a kit out for it - it is a known issue.....to make a kit, there must have been a lot of these happening.

Another issue I would have is having the dealer fix it/weld the kit on......you are telling me a local dealer can weld better than they did at the factory in the first place lol? Really?

Worst case scenario - I would take it to a real welder and let them do the welding.

But regardless, they are going to have to grind the PDC off in a 4" radius around where they will weld (otherwise the heat from the welding melts it and it is a toxic fume), thats a lot of real estate that will be rusted up in a few months after it gets spray painted.....

 

Thank you for your responses..After reading them, I feel the kit is not the answer. I paid a lot of money for this product and for something like this to happen not exceptable. Some of you have said reweld it. I am all for that if it could be PDC again but spray paint will not hold up to 2500 hours worth of use. Is it better not to get it fixed? I go to the dealer tomorrow. I will let you know what they say.

 

^ Amen. If they have a kit out for it - it is a known issue.....to make a kit, there must have been a lot of these happening.

Another issue I would have is having the dealer fix it/weld the kit on......you are telling me a local dealer can weld better than they did at the factory in the first place lol? Really?

Worst case scenario - I would take it to a real welder and let them do the welding.

But regardless, they are going to have to grind the PDC off in a 4" radius around where they will weld (otherwise the heat from the welding melts it and it is a toxic fume), thats a lot of real estate that will be rusted up in a few months after it gets spray painted.....

So you lack confidence in your welding ability? Or don't you know how to weld?

BS right there. I ground the paint off my Scag V+ deck and put "rear" outside anti-scalp brackets and wheels on it. I welded the brackets in place and painted them. They STILL have yet to start to rust after countless times in the rain over the last 5 years.

 

^ Amen. If they have a kit out for it - it is a known issue.....to make a kit, there must have been a lot of these happening.

Another issue I would have is having the dealer fix it/weld the kit on......you are telling me a local dealer can weld better than they did at the factory in the first place lol? Really?

Worst case scenario - I would take it to a real welder and let them do the welding.

But regardless, they are going to have to grind the PDC off in a 4" radius around where they will weld (otherwise the heat from the welding melts it and it is a toxic fume), thats a lot of real estate that will be rusted up in a few months after it gets spray painted.....

Very good point Brules.

So, in the midst of all of the praises that have been sung lately regarding Gravely, a fairly serious lack of quality control rears it's ugly head. And as Brules points out, since repair kits have been developed, it appears to not be an isolated case.

I can't help but imagine what the posts would be if this happened to another, younger and less established brand machine. A machine like....oh, I don't know....maybe "Bad Boy"?

The posts would be something like:
1. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm.......
2. That's why they can sell them cheaper.
3. This is the difference in USA steel and cheap foreign steel.
4. This is why I don't like (hand / robotic) welders
5.That's why I pay more to own a (Brand X) mower.
6. You now see the lack of quality quality control in (Brand X).
7. Now how important is that money you saved by buying (brand X)?
8.The list goes on and on.

So, in all fairness, I think we should all keep this in mind when a post concerning a problem with a newer, less popular brand appears. It's a fact that it happens to ALL brands! It's how the problem is handled that's important.

OK....I feel better. :laugh:

 

Very good point Brules.

So, in the midst of all of the praises that have been sung lately regarding Gravely, a fairly serious lack of quality control rears it's ugly head. And as Brules points out, since repair kits have been developed, it appears to not be an isolated case.

I can't help but imagine what the posts would be if this happened to another, younger and less established brand machine. A machine like....oh, I don't know....maybe "Bad Boy"?

The posts would be something like:
1. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm.......
2. That's why they can sell them cheaper.
3. This is the difference in USA steel and cheap foreign steel.
4. This is why I don't like (hand / robotic) welders
5.That's why I pay more to own a (Brand X) mower.
6. You now see the lack of quality quality control in (Brand X).
7. Now how important is that money you saved by buying (brand X)?
8.The list goes on and on.

So, in all fairness, I think we should all keep this in mind when a post concerning a problem with a newer, less popular brand appears. It's a fact that it happens to ALL brands! It's how the problem is handled that's important.

OK....I feel better. :laugh:

Stan I'm happy your finally having your day! And your right, lets just sit back and see how this gets handled.

We all know how BB problems get handled. You wont see Gravely reps arguing on a public forum with customers, you won't see emails/phone calls not getting returned and you wont see Gravely owners trying to get this thread deleted or reacting to bashing.

What you will see is a professional company that has already been in contact with a customer and the machine hasn't even been to the shop yet. A problem that will be resolved and Gravely wont make a public spectacle of it. And in the end a happy customer. All over cracked welds that hold a Gravely emblem to the top of the frame. I'm sure the "kit" will add more welding area and fix the "serious" quality control problem.

Stan If I were you I would be more concerned about Gravely's introduction of an entry level Pro-Turn ZTR in the $6000 range which will be in direct competition with BB.

To the OP. I would suggest at least looking at the kit before you disregard it. It may be much less invasive to your machine than stripping it all down to re-powder coat it. I have painted complete mowers with self etching primer and factory spray paint and had wonderful results that lasted many many years.

 

Stan I'm happy your finally having your day! And your right, lets just sit back and see how this gets handled.

We all know how BB problems get handled. You wont see Gravely reps arguing on a public forum with customers, you won't see emails/phone calls not getting returned and you wont see Gravely owners trying to get this thread deleted or reacting to bashing.

What you will see is a professional company that has already been in contact with a customer and the machine hasn't even been to the shop yet. A problem that will be resolved and Gravely wont make a public spectacle of it. And in the end a happy customer. All over cracked welds that hold a Gravely emblem to the top of the frame. I'm sure the "kit" will add more welding area and fix the "serious" quality control problem.

Stan If I were you I would be more concerned about Gravely's introduction of an entry level Pro-Turn ZTR in the $6000 range which will be in direct competition with BB.

To the OP. I would suggest at least looking at the kit before you disregard it. It may be much less invasive to your machine than stripping it all down to re-powder coat it. I have painted complete mowers with self etching primer and factory spray paint and had wonderful results that lasted many many years.

Maybe my post wasn't clear. Not only was I not bashing Gravely, I believe that Gravely is a very good mower. My son owns a 252 that I use every now and then, and I think it's a great mower. As for my opinion of Gravely's customer service, our local Gravely dealer can't be beat. I've known him for over 50 years. I went thru school with him, lived close to him growing up, and I deal with him on a regular basis for power eqp.

My (intended) point was, that (in a lot of cases) when a more established company has a problem, the talk is mostly about how good the company's customer service is, while a newer, lesser name company will be bashed like every aspect of the entire line of eqp. is terrible, just on the basis of that one particular problem. And this happens in some cases regardless of how good, or bad, customer service was.

GMLC, you have to admit that this happens on a regular basis. If Bad Boy had this very same problem, you can't tell me with a straight face that the reactions wouldn't be different....MUCH different!

And since you brought up BB customer service, our local BB dealer has a great reputation for taking care of problems. And what about "Retrodog"?...don't know how customer service could get any better.

One other little thing, since you mentioned it, is "reaction to bashing". We BB owners aren't allowed to defend against, what I consider to be, frequent and unfounded bashing. If we do, we are accused of working for BB or some other ridiculousness.

In some of your other posts, you say that you "couldn't care less what people have to say about Gravely". But if you read your reply to me, that really isn't the case at all...your reaction is obviously defensive.

So, should I accuse you of working for Gravely? The dealings you've had with them lately could be taken (or mistaken) as you being in their pocket...but no one I'm aware of has made any accusations of that. Can you imagine what the posts would be if mine and BB's relationship was exactly like yours and Gravely's?

And, as for your statement of "me having my day".... no that isn't my intent. My statement of me "feeling better now" wasn't to gloat, it was made because I felt like I was on the borderline of a "rant". I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. Although, I am happy to hear that Gravely now considers BB to be "competition"!

I was just making a point that things are sometimes unfair...but that's "life". *trucewhiteflag*

Stan

 

Maybe my post wasn't clear. Not only was I not bashing Gravely, I believe that Gravely is a very good mower. My son owns a 252 that I use every now and then, and I think it's a great mower. As for my opinion of Gravely's customer service, our local Gravely dealer can't be beat. I've known him for over 50 years. I went thru school with him, lived close to him growing up, and I deal with him on a regular basis for power eqp.

My (intended) point was, that (in a lot of cases) when a more established company has a problem, the talk is mostly about how good the company's customer service is, while a newer, lesser name company will be bashed like every aspect of the entire line of eqp. is terrible, just on the basis of that one particular problem. And this happens in some cases regardless of how good, or bad, customer service was.

GMLC, you have to admit that this happens on a regular basis. If Bad Boy had this very same problem, you can't tell me with a straight face that the reactions wouldn't be different....MUCH different!

And since you brought up BB customer service, our local BB dealer has a great reputation for taking care of problems. And what about "Retrodog"?...don't know how customer service could get any better.

One other little thing, since you mentioned it, is "reaction to bashing". We BB owners aren't allowed to defend against, what I consider to be, frequent and unfounded bashing. If we do, we are accused of working for BB or some other ridiculousness.

In some of your other posts, you say that you "couldn't care less what people have to say about Gravely". But if you read your reply to me, that really isn't the case at all...your reaction is obviously defensive.

So, should I accuse you of working for Gravely? The dealings you've had with them lately could be taken (or mistaken) as you being in their pocket...but no one I'm aware of has made any accusations of that. Can you imagine what the posts would be if mine and BB's relationship was exactly like yours and Gravely's?

And, as for your statement of "me having my day".... no that isn't my intent. My statement of me "feeling better now" wasn't to gloat, it was made because I felt like I was on the borderline of a "rant". I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. Although, I am happy to hear that Gravely now considers BB to be "competition"!

I was just making a point that things are sometimes unfair...but that's "life". *trucewhiteflag*

Stan

I try not to get sucked in but it's tough as you know...

I'll tell you what, if retrodog was a dealer around here he would have my business in a heart beat! He goes out of his way to help people he has never meet and I respect him for that.

I consider all my reviews honest and wouldn't have it any other way. I try to list the good and bad, as well as post a ton of pics hoping others can make their own judgment. I'd be happy to review any equipment sent to me by any company. Not all my Gravely/Ariens reviews were good(LM21)!

 

Well if you buy a 50000$ car that has a paint problem I can assure from experience you wont get a new car.

Fixing the broken weld and blending in the paint work is an acceptable repair and will stant up in court. You wont get a whole mower.

Just let them fix it an cut some grass.

If the valve cover was weeping a touch of oil would you expect a new motor?

 

First let me say, I did not intend this to be my mower is better than your mower post. I was looking for some honest background knowledge to gain knowledge myself. I like to be informed to make the best decision for the situation.
I went to the dealership this morning. The owner or supervisor I bought the mower from were not there. One of the workers came out and took a look at the issue. He said they may replace the frame. I said that will take a long time to do. He said you will use it until the end of the season, bring it in and we will fix it.
I would be happy with that decision and I plan on calling the owner/supervisor on Monday. We will see what Monday brings.
Thanks everyone,
BR

 

First let me say, I did not intend this to be my mower is better than your mower post. I was looking for some honest background knowledge to gain knowledge myself. I like to be informed to make the best decision for the situation.
I went to the dealership this morning. The owner or supervisor I bought the mower from were not there. One of the workers came out and took a look at the issue. He said they may replace the frame. I said that will take a long time to do. He said you will use it until the end of the season, bring it in and we will fix it.
I would be happy with that decision and I plan on calling the owner/supervisor on Monday. We will see what Monday brings.
Thanks everyone,
BR

BigRed2, I hope your problem is taken care of to your satisfaction, whatever that may be. It's good that you can continue to use the mower while you need it, and then take it in to be repaired later on.

As GMLC and I both agree, it's been my experience that Gravely's customer service is among the best, so unless your dealer is an exception to the rule, (which I doubt) I'm sure things will work out just fine.

Keep us posted! Stan