The leaf vacuum we purchased two years ago is falling apart. The ignition switch broke right away, so we had to use the pull start. Tried to get a part for months, but to no avail. The pull start finally broke. The hose broke multiple times and the engine is making noises.
SB
Stephen B.
D R Brush Mower failures
BRUSH MOWER REVIEW
A while back I received an email asking me if I was satisfied with my purchase (DR BRUSH MOWER PRO XL30 17.5 HP BS ES). The short answer is no, I am not satisfied. In fact "not satisfied" doesn't begin to cover the depth of my dissatisfaction.
We also own a DR brush hog purchased in 2002. That machine, although held together with bailing wire and spit at this point, still works. Fragile, but functional. It was obviously well made.
Whereas our new DR, supposedly bigger and badder, blew up within the first hour of its use. I realize that the engine that blew up was made not by DR but by Briggs and Stratton. Nevertheless, it doesn't seem like asking too much to have such things checked out before shipping. As it was, although the replacement was covered by warranty, we lost the use of the machine during the critical time in the Spring when we needed it most.
In addition, since the new engine was installed, the machine has been plagued by a succession of minor problems--minor, but still exasperating, and still limiting its usage. Given that the machine is specifically designed for rough use, the flimsiness of some of the parts is hard to explain. One of the brake cables failed. Part of the gear shift linkage broke. The belt gets thrown on a consistent basis. Even the maintenance package that DR sent was defective: the air filter was for another engine entirely.
When I voiced these concerns to a company representative, I was told that simply reversing the drive-pulley would make the machine perform "like new." Since when the machine was in fact new, the crankshaft was defective, as was the brake cable and the shift mechanism, this advice rang hollow. Subsequently, upon its latest return from the repair shop, the entire driveshaft assembly broke loose from the deck, endangering the operator. Photo attached.
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I have other photos documenting the other failures.
Stephen Brown
Buffalo Farm LLC
RL
Richard L.
DR PILOT XTSP Walk Behind Leaf & Lawn Vac
I bought a DR Pilot XTSP and received shipment on 10/14/24. The item arrived damaged and not from the transport company. The cover w/Labels, Bag Top (28) was cracked, and Handle Latch (30) was severely bent at a 45-degree angle. the right-hand side Mount, Front Wheel (8) was also bent. After the first or second use two of the lower handlebar Hex Bolts (37) became loose and fell off. I replaced them with stainless steel hardware and used a lock and flat washer. The original design does not use lock washers. The normal operation of the handle loosened the HW. I can't believe there were no lock washers. Terrible design practice. Then the day before Thanksgiving when I was closing the cover w/Labels, Bag Top (28) onto the frame both bolts on the Ring Bag Clamp (26) sheared and BROKE. The HW in the Ring Bag Clamp is a soft metal bolt pressed into the assembly. There should be a bolt that goes through the assembly, so repair is easy. It will now cost me $48.74 to replace the part. The reason why the Ring Bag Clamp broke is because of the torque it takes to close the cover w/Labels, Bag Top (28) on the Ring Bag Clamp (26). It does not latch easily. It may have been damaged at the factory along with the other damage. To say I am frustrated is an understatement. I spent about $1,800 on the unit with the hose attachment etc. The unit needs redesign. In particular how the top cover closes over the bag. Also, the unit is loaded with zinc plated HW which is not good for outdoor use. Unlike other reviews I read, I had no problems with the electric start. When the unit runs, it does a good job. I called customer service when I had the first problem with the broken top cover and handle and new parts were shipped. In retrospect, I should have insisted on getting a new unit. I am now thinking the subsequent issues I had were because the unit sustained fall damage at the factory and was boxed and shipped to me. So much for quality control. I can't tell you how disappointed I am with the company. I would give them ZERO stars if that were possible.
KK
Kris K.
Great produce better than I expected I…
Great produce better than I expected I bought a 4x4 drag. Very heavy duty! Ordered it had it in a few days. Free shipping. I drug my 2.5 acre horse pasture in about an hour. Behind my quad. Great price for the quality of product.
BW
Brian W.
Awesome communication with quick…
Awesome communication with quick feedback! Very helpful & good customer service!
BA
Barry
Calm, patient, very helpful agent. Wonderful service!
I have an older Trimmer Mower and thought I would have trouble getting a replacement flat groove idler pulley. Of course, I didn't have a part number and I expected the worst.
I had the serial number and in a short time the agent found what I needed. I am very pleased with the help I received.
WL
walter L.
DR leaf and lawn vac.
I purchased the DR EZ bagger electric start leaf and lawn vac. on 10/31/2024 it has saved me time and money the only regret is the I did not purchase the One that has the reusable bag. Thinking about buying the walk behind blower. No problem so far. Happy customer.
TS
Timothy S.
Beware if you need to return
I returned a defective power washer that would not start. I returned the item on 11/7/24 - it was delivered on 11/12/24. As of 11/19/24 the Company will not issue credit. I have to dispute charge with Amex