ComplaintsforKing Kutter, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  04/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased this back blade on 2-3-24 on or about 3-15-24 the blade broke at the welds. I called the warranty department and filed a claim on 3-20-24 on 4-15-24 I was told they were not going to warranty the defect. I have only used it probably 5 hours there is no way this should have broke. I have owned several blades in the past years and have never seen anything like this. I am very disappointed with their decision not to honor the warranty. I asked to speak to someone over the parts man. I was informed there was no one to speak with and said there was nothing they could do.

  

  Business response

  04/24/2024

  
  April 23, 2024
  Subject: Better Business Bureau complaint # ******** response
  Dear BBB of *************,
  I am writing in response to the warranty claim filed by the complainant regarding the King Kutter rear blade, model TRB-84-YK, serial number **********. The blade was manufactured on 04-05-2022 and sold by Big R in **********, ** on 2-3-2024.
  As the manufacturer, King Kutter **** stands by the quality and durability of our products. However, after careful examination of the evidence provided, including images of the welds, we regret to inform the complainant that we cannot honor the warranty claim.
  The King Kutter rear blade is rated for a horsepower range of *****. The complainant states that it was used on a Branson 5520R tractor,which has a horsepower of 55. The excessive force applied during use *** have contributed to the welds ripping.   We recommend using the rear blade within the specified horsepower range to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Furthermore, the complainant states that he has owned various blades in recent years.  This *** suggest that the complainant was not using the blade for its intended purpose or as it is designed to be used. 
  While we understand the complainants frustration, King Kutter **** respectfully declines the warranty claim. If the complainant wishes to return the blade to its original retail location, we are unable to prevent this action.
  We appreciate the opportunity to address this matter and remain committed to providing high-quality agricultural equipment. If the complainant has any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  Respectfully,
  King Kutter ****
  

  Customer response

  04/25/2024

   
  Complaint: 21576367
  
  I am rejecting this response because: First off I have had several blades because I have had several tractors each with different HP and different size blades. No where have I found they are rated for 50 HP. I have attached the product info from their web site. The store has nothing listed they are rated for 50 HP. I tried to return it to the store they have a 30 day return policy the are the ones that gave me King Kutter's contact info and told me I would have to file a warranty claim. I have since had the blade repaired best as possible the repair man told me it was poor welds and it should have bent or broke in several other places before it broke here if it broke at all. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

  

  Business response

  04/29/2024

  4-25-2024  

   

  This is to inform you that King Kutter will not be responding to the complaint follow up. If customer is making changes, repairs prior to satisfactory solution, then customer has accepted the product and solutions.

   

  Respectfully,

   

  Randar Luts

  King Kutter Inc.

  Customer response

  04/29/2024

   
  Complaint: 21576367
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the customer has no choice when the manufacturer will not warranty the item I did not buy it for it to sit here I bought it to use if you cannot honor your warranty I have no choice but to get it repaired so that at least I can use it I have not changed anything except for the fact you were not going to hold up your end of the deal I purchased this item in good faith and found out that that had nothing to do with it I purchased this item because it was made by an **************** but apparently that makes no difference I have been waiting for 2 months I did not buy this to be sitting here not being able to use it that is a very unfair statement at the least
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

• Initial Complaint

  08/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On June 1, 2022, I purchased a King Kutter Gear Drive 72" Tiller from ******* Farm & Fleet in Chippewa Falls, WI. The entire purchase cost was $2531.99. The tiller was purchased to till my wife's vegetable garden. The area had been previously plowed three times and disced the next three years. The last year, our neighbor used his Bobcat with tiller attachment. There were absolutely no problems with any of these previous soil preps. I prepared to assemble the tiller and discovered the drain plug was stripped out on the side cover. I had to redrill and tap a larger plug in place. I used the tiller behind my six month old Massey Ferguson tractor with auto shutoff feature. For 20 minutes, the task was uneventful until I hit a rock approximately the size of a softball. The resistance was not significant enough to shut off the tractor or the tiller slip clutch. One of the main arbor plates bent at such an angle the tines were hitting the housing. I brought it back to the house to pressure wash it and assess the damage. That is when I discovered that the manufacturer had painted directly over rust and some of the paint blew off. I contacted King Kutter after ******* refused to rectify the problem. After a month, I was told King Kutter would send me a new side cover plate (from the original defect prior to use), but would not compensate the damaged parts in any way. I have several other King Kutter attachments that have maintained integrity to tackle the jobs they are designed for, and that is exactly why I felt confident buying this tiller. 20 minutes of use for more than a $2500 investment is not acceptable. Tillers naturally come into contact with underground debris. If this tiller is that fragile, it should be communicated to consumers so they can make an informed purchase decision. The 1 year warranty promises defective product repair, free of charge. At bbb.org It says: KK stands behind their products 100% for warranty if a claim does not appear to be misuse.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2022

  King Kutter, Inc. cannot issue a refund directly to Mr. ***** due to the fact that his transaction took place with ******* Farm and Fleet Supply. 

  Since Mr. ***** refused the parts sent to repair the tiller, King Kutter has reached out to ******* Corporate Office and discussed the matter.  In turn, the corporate office has made the Chippeaw Falls, WI store aware of Mr. ****** and that his tiller, should he return it, is to be refunded.
  

  
  

  Customer response

  08/16/2022

  I am rejecting this response because:

  #1. The very first thing that I did was go talk to ******' Farm and Fleet.  They told me they could not provide replacement parts nor accept it as a return.  Furthermore any compensation would need to come directly from King Kutter. 

  #2.  Regarding the side side cover.  I specifically contacted King Kutter because of the tine and arbor damage.  I merely mentioned the stripped drain plug as an indicator of an imperfect product from the start.  And unless that box that was sent to me contained all the parts needed to repair the machine, it wasn't much value to me.

  #3.  As a consumer, it seems reasonable that a farm implement can can handle a rock the size of a softball as fields often contain them.  I bought this tiller upon recommendations from several of my friends who have owned and used this exact product for years.  We all live within a 15 mile radius with the same soil composition.  Naturally, they have all had experiences hitting rocks, and their tillers have responded by bouncing out of the ground with no damage whatsoever.

  The bottom line is I take care of all of my equipment.  I intentionally buy what I believe are quality products.  As you can imagine, I was dismayed with the damage caused by standard operating conditions.  King Kutters response is unacceptable.  The retailer has already stated they cannot provide anything as far as compensation.  And I am certain that any reasonable company knowing the circumstances would have to agree that the product either should have  performed as advertised or the manufacturer should stand behind it.  

  My primary goal is not to return the tiller. I am willing to fix the tiller on my own if all the damaged parts are delivered to me, not just a side cover.  And ****** Farm and Fleet has already told me they cannot supply the parts.
  

  

  Business response

  08/24/2022

  King Kutter, Inc. cannot issue a refund directly to Mr. ***** due to the fact that his transaction took place with ******* Farm and Fleet Supply. 
  Since Mr. ***** refused the parts sent to repair the tiller, King Kutter has reached out to ******* Corporate Office and discussed the matter.  In turn, the corporate office has made the Chippeaw Falls, WI store aware of Mr. ****** and that his tiller, should he return it, is to be refunded.

  Customer response

  08/25/2022

  I am rejecting this response because:

  I am not trying to be difficult.  I am not interested in a refund because I purchased this tiller on sale.  If I take a refund, and go buy the same tiller at another retailer in our area, it will now cost me an additional $400. for the same model.  My first choice would simply be to exchange this tiller for a new one at ****** Farm and Fleet.  If not that, then I would accept replacement parts to make the repairs myself.

  Initially this evening, a manager at ****** left me a message saying they would be able bring in another one and I could do a return and exchange.  They then called back within 5 minutes after receiving an email from King Kutter saying that King Kutter will not allow ****** to replace the unit.  Seems to me that ****** is doing everything they can, but their hands are tied.

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