So I bought a used multi-purpose CAT branded bucket. Nice right? Not so fast.
First they sent it inside a trailer on some chintzy pallets. I figured it would have been sent on some sort of flatbed. The pallets were destroyed and we had to hook a chain to the bucket and I drug the thing out with the boom, fun times. Got the thing unloaded and later went to try it out, go to hook up the hydraulic lines and find the bucket has different quick attach couplings (one was smashed). No biggie I guess. Go to order some more, that turns into a 3 day fiasco which we'll just gloss over. Finally get the couplings/adapters on the new to me bucket and when I go to operate the clamshell/jaw action whatever you call it, I see the cylinders trying to move but they can't get it open. I sit there scratching my head for a bit trying to figure out if there is some sort of interlock button I need to push and I finally get out and decide to give everything another once over. I'm looking at the hydraulic lines, looking for anything bent, and what in the world....
THE BUCKET IS WELDED SHUT....
I'm a slightly uncouth old construction worker and I like to swear. I don't do it around everyone, but when the situation calls for it in my estimation, I go on ahead and let loose....whatever you are imagining I said, probably just about covers it.
I got this bucket from Portland Tractor. The guy I spoke with said it was a brand new bucket. When I saw the pictures I said to myself, well it ain't brand new, but it looks pretty good and is fairly new, so I'll give him that one. I spent the better part of a day working on this dang thing. Had to drive over to the place we are still renting to get my cordless M18 grinders I use for welding (little stuff). Then after I went through a ton of batteries I gave in and went to the farm store and bought a decent corded Dewalt grinder and a bunch of 6" skinny wheels. Like I said, it took me just about all day with all the driving and what not.
I'm not as mad as I was, but I'm still annoyed. I wanted to use it this weekend and I didn't want to lose a week or 3 trying to order one from somewhere else so I went ahead and cut the welds out. Otherwise I'd a just sent it back to them.
If there is an actual point to this rant it would be my question should I even bother talking to these guys? My time is worth a whole helluva lot more than the hassle I just went through. I would have gladly paid an extra $1500 for a brand new bucket from CAT. I'd like some cash for my troubles or I'd like to punch someone's lights out. I don't think I'm likely to get satisfaction. How would you handle it?
