Need help on riding mower and car tires...

[lspencer534]

It's been a bad luck week for me. I took my Poulan 42" riding mower to the shop for repair; it needs a new transmission. The shop (an authorized Poulan repair place) says that the Poulan transmissions are a POS because they're plastic. They're going to replace the transmission with one just like what they're replacing under warranty. The mower has only 4.5 months of use.

BTW, the repair shop says that lots of mowers, including John Deere. Carftsman, Husqvarna, etc. use plastic transmissions, and that they're all worthless. They also say to count on a replacement transmission every 4-5 months.

My lawn mower history: First was a 38" Murray that lasted 9 years cutting 3 acres every other week. (I take care of my equipment.) Next was 42" John Deere that lasted 5 years. Next was Poulan 42" cut that lasted 6 years, finally the current Poulan 42" that I bought in August, 2016.

I'm headed to Home Dept to demand a replacement or refund; otherwise, they can replace the transmissions as I need them.

Question: What's a decent 42"-46" cut rider? I don't want to spend over $2K if that's possible.

Second problem: Yesterday I replaced both front tires on my Jaguar; they were completely worn out with steel showing and dry rot after only 18,000 miles. They're Michelin Pilot Sport Plus, 245/40 RZR19 with a treadwear rating of 500, the highest rating there is. I bought these tires two years ago.
Cost installed was about $300 each.

After looking at the old tires, the guy started his spiel: "First of all, those tires have only a 20,000 mile rating...". I interrupted and said, "Hold on. You told me when I bought those tires that they had a 45,000 rating. I doubt that a tire is made for a Jaguar with a 20,000 mile rating. The previous set lasted 55,000 miles. I'm not going to listen to your BS, and I want a prorated cost."

I left and when my car was ready he very kindly offered me a $50 discount. I told him, "I'll pay you under protest. Then I'm going to sue you, your shop, and Michelin. Put my old tires in the trunk, and give me a printout of my previous tire purchase showing the date and mileage on the car. I think you dug your hole deep enough that this is going to hurt. To you I'm a grouchy, old senile fart. In reality I'm a lawyer...and damned good." When that was done, I left.

On second thought, I don't need your help on the tires; I know what to do.

[DAB]

what's the rating on the sidewall say?

[lspencer534]

Treadwear rating is 500, speed rating is 149.

[OddBall]

I'm sure Red can fix ya up. Where is he anyway?

[6spdC6]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

It's been a bad luck week for me. I took my Poulan 42" riding mower to the shop for repair; it needs a new transmission. The shop (an authorized Poulan repair place) says that the Poulan transmissions are a POS because they're plastic. They're going to replace the transmission with one just like what they're replacing under warranty. The mower has only 4.5 months of use.

BTW, the repair shop says that lots of mowers, including John Deere. Carftsman, Husqvarna, etc. use plastic transmissions, and that they're all worthless. They also say to count on a replacement transmission every 4-5 months.

My lawn mower history: First was a 38" Murray that lasted 9 years cutting 3 acres every other week. (I take care of my equipment.) Next was 42" John Deere that lasted 5 years. Next was Poulan 42" cut that lasted 6 years, finally the current Poulan 42" that I bought in August, 2016.

I'm headed to Home Dept to demand a replacement or refund; otherwise, they can replace the transmissions as I need them.

Question: What's a decent 42"-46" cut rider? I don't want to spend over $2K if that's possible.

Second problem: Yesterday I replaced both front tires on my Jaguar; they were completely worn out with steel showing and dry rot after only 18,000 miles. They're Michelin Pilot Sport Plus, 245/40 RZR19 with a treadwear rating of 500, the highest rating there is. I bought these tires two years ago.
Cost installed was about $300 each.

After looking at the old tires, the guy started his spiel: "First of all, those tires have only a 20,000 mile rating...". I interrupted and said, "Hold on. You told me when I bought those tires that they had a 45,000 rating. I doubt that a tire is made for a Jaguar with a 20,000 mile rating. The previous set lasted 55,000 miles. I'm not going to listen to your BS, and I want a prorated cost."

I left and when my car was ready he very kindly offered me a $50 discount. I told him, "I'll pay you under protest. Then I'm going to sue you, your shop, and Michelin. Put my old tires in the trunk, and give me a printout of my previous tire purchase showing the date and mileage on the car. I think you dug your hole deep enough that this is going to hurt. To you I'm a grouchy, old senile fart. In reality I'm a lawyer...and damned good." When that was done, I left.

On second thought, I don't need your help on the tires; I know what to do.

Lots of manufactures build product for the big box stores that are inferior to what the designated stores sell. The big boxes order a lot and to make then sell cheap the manufactures make them much cheaper.

Go to a Toro distributor Vs a Lows, Home Depot, Wally World and you will find most time they (Company named store)are more expensive because they use more cast iron vs aluminum & plastic in their product. As I live in a very snowy area we see this with snowblowers every year. Many other products beside snowblower are built this way. Most times you get what you pay for!

[Bill]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

It's been a bad luck week for me. I took my Poulan 42" riding mower to the shop for repair; it needs a new transmission. The shop (an authorized Poulan repair place) says that the Poulan transmissions are a POS because they're plastic. They're going to replace the transmission with one just like what they're replacing under warranty. The mower has only 4.5 months of use.

BTW, the repair shop says that lots of mowers, including John Deere. Carftsman, Husqvarna, etc. use plastic transmissions, and that they're all worthless. They also say to count on a replacement transmission every 4-5 months.

My lawn mower history: First was a 38" Murray that lasted 9 years cutting 3 acres every other week. (I take care of my equipment.) Next was 42" John Deere that lasted 5 years. Next was Poulan 42" cut that lasted 6 years, finally the current Poulan 42" that I bought in August, 2016.

I'm headed to Home Dept to demand a replacement or refund; otherwise, they can replace the transmissions as I need them.

Question: What's a decent 42"-46" cut rider? I don't want to spend over $2K if that's possible.

Second problem: Yesterday I replaced both front tires on my Jaguar; they were completely worn out with steel showing and dry rot after only 18,000 miles. They're Michelin Pilot Sport Plus, 245/40 RZR19 with a treadwear rating of 500, the highest rating there is. I bought these tires two years ago.
Cost installed was about $300 each.

After looking at the old tires, the guy started his spiel: "First of all, those tires have only a 20,000 mile rating...". I interrupted and said, "Hold on. You told me when I bought those tires that they had a 45,000 rating. I doubt that a tire is made for a Jaguar with a 20,000 mile rating. The previous set lasted 55,000 miles. I'm not going to listen to your BS, and I want a prorated cost."

I left and when my car was ready he very kindly offered me a $50 discount. I told him, "I'll pay you under protest. Then I'm going to sue you, your shop, and Michelin. Put my old tires in the trunk, and give me a printout of my previous tire purchase showing the date and mileage on the car. I think you dug your hole deep enough that this is going to hurt. To you I'm a grouchy, old senile fart. In reality I'm a lawyer...and damned good." When that was done, I left.

On second thought, I don't need your help on the tires; I know what to do.

http://media.michelinman.com/content...anty_Flyer.pdf

Are you able to rotate tires on your Jag? Michelin specifically cuts their warranty in half if you have different size tires on front and back. Also, the description you gave doesn't give enough detail to match which mileage warranty may be applicable.

20K is about what I get on my c-5 tires. In contrast, my 3/4 ton pickup has 65k on this set of tires and I'm now ready for another set.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by bill_daniels

http://media.michelinman.com/content...anty_Flyer.pdf

Are you able to rotate tires on your Jag? Michelin specifically cuts their warranty in half if you have different size tires on front and back. Also, the description you gave doesn't give enough detail to match which mileage warranty may be applicable.

20K is about what I get on my c-5 tires. In contrast, my 3/4 ton pickup has 65k on this set of tires and I'm now ready for another set.

I'll answer what I can: I do have different widths on the front and rear--245 on front, 275 on rear. I seriously doubt that rotation would have extended the life of these tires: After two years and less than 18,000 miles, they were still evenly worn but had steel threads showing, and htey were so dry rotted they weren't safe.

Dealer said the tires were manufactured in 2012; I asked why would you put 3-year-old tires on my car? Also, I'm very easy on my car: Never over 80 MPH, no peel-outs, no fast corners. That's why I consistently get 45K-55K, even 65K, miles out of tires.

Are there even tires with a written mileage warranty? The only thing I have is the dealer's statement that the tires would last is at least 45K miles.

[8Up]

Originally Posted by OddBall

I'm sure Red can fix ya up. Where is he anyway?

Reds the guy you want to talk to.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

I'll answer what I can: I do have different widths on the front and rear--245 on front, 275 on rear. I seriously doubt that rotation would have extended the life of these tires: After two years and less than 18,000 miles, they were still evenly worn but had steel threads showing, and htey were so dry rotted they weren't safe.

Dealer said the tires were manufactured in 2012; I asked why would you put 3-year-old tires on my car? Also, I'm very easy on my car: Never over 80 MPH, no peel-outs, no fast corners. That's why I consistently get 45K-55K, even 65K, miles out of tires.

Are there even tires with a written mileage warranty? The only thing I have is the dealer's statement that the tires would last is at least 45K miles.

Look at the link to Michelin's warranty info I provided. They give mileage warranties for their various tires, although I couldn't find tires matching your exact description. One constant, however, is halving the warranty for tires that cannot be rotated, so even assuming the very best possible warranty of 45K, that still gets you a 22.5K actual warranty for your application. The prorate credit for, at best, 4,500 miles probably isn't that much. It's also possible that your tires' warranty was as low as 10K miles (half of 20K because of no rotation)

If the tires got close to the warranty mileage, then the fact that they are now dry rotted would seem to be immaterial. Your claim happens the day you present the tires for warranty relief.

Do you have something in writing from the dealer that promises a 45k warranty? if not, then you are basing your claim on a he said/she said verbal contract from 2 years ago.

Some vehicles come from the vehicle manufacturer with “split fitments”—
meaning different size tires on the front and rear axles. Because these tires cannot be rotated as recommended by Michelin, the mileage warranty on each rear tire will cover half the number of miles as the standard mileage warranty for that particular tire design.

[snide]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

Are there even tires with a written mileage warranty? The only thing I have is the dealer's statement that the tires would last is at least 45K miles.

The warranty is usually published. Sounds like the dealer is trying screw you over.

[Strats-N-Vettes]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

I left and when my car was ready he very kindly offered me a $50 discount. I told him, "I'll pay you under protest. Then I'm going to sue you, your shop, and Michelin. Put my old tires in the trunk, and give me a printout of my previous tire purchase showing the date and mileage on the car. I think you dug your hole deep enough that this is going to hurt. To you I'm a grouchy, old senile fart. In reality I'm a lawyer...and damned good." When that was done, I left.

do you have a print out with date and mileage of your alignment specs when the tires were put on, and a print out of the alignment specs now for a comparison?
do you have a print out with date and mileage of each tire rotation?

[Kerrmudgeon]

Two things that you probably already know: (I've had four in thirty years, the newest one is the worst! it's a 2K machine 2 years old 16.5hp 42 in. cut, paid 500$ for it)

A lawn tractor for 2K is going to be more of the same....junk. Spend 3K if you want new and buy a Deer, or a CubCadet. They used to last. Pay attention to the front suspension as a reflection of quality overall. If it's made of stamped steel with steering rods through holes in stamped thin steel with no grease nipples etc. don't bother. Look for cast iron pieces and ball joint type suspension. Buy a twin. Check the battery compartment....is it just 2 steel straps or a proper box?
I always get a good low hours USED tractor.....better quality and half the price of new.

Tires....the higher the performance, the softer the compound....= less life. Buy the normal Michelins for the Jag. They last a lot longer. You probably don't need a high performance tire either.....at your age!

[thecornerman]

Mower - I would like to know what broke or wore out to require replacement

Tires - I for one would like to see a picture of the tire, dry rot and exposed steel cords

[mrvette]

Second problem: Yesterday I replaced both front tires on my Jaguar; they were completely worn out with steel showing and dry rot after only 18,000 miles. They're Michelin Pilot Sport Plus, 245/40 RZR19 with a treadwear rating of 500, the highest rating there is. I bought these tires two years ago.
Cost installed was about $300 each.

After looking at the old tires, the guy started his spiel: "First of all, those tires have only a 20,000 mile rating...". I interrupted and said, "Hold on. You told me when I bought those tires that they had a 45,000 rating. I doubt that a tire is made for a Jaguar with a 20,000 mile rating. The previous set lasted 55,000 miles. I'm not going to listen to your BS, and I want a prorated cost."

I left and when my car was ready he very kindly offered me a $50 discount. I told him, "I'll pay you under protest. Then I'm going to sue you, your shop, and Michelin. Put my old tires in the trunk, and give me a printout of my previous tire purchase showing the date and mileage on the car. I think you dug your hole deep enough that this is going to hurt. To you I'm a grouchy, old senile fart. In reality I'm a lawyer...and damned good." When that was done, I left.

On second thought, I don't need your help on the tires; I know what to do.[/QUOTE]

Dry rot in 2 years?? check the date code...bet they old as hell, not no two years...more like 12......

given the attrition rate on tires, no way in hell I pay for Michelin prices....

[Black94lt1]

My next mower will be a cub cadet, from what I've read they still build a pretty good machine

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by Strats-N-Vettes

do you have a print out with date and mileage of your alignment specs when the tires were put on, and a print out of the alignment specs now for a comparison?
do you have a print out with date and mileage of each tire rotation?

Yes, I do have those specs. It didn't need an alignment then, and it doesn't need one now. I have never rotated a tire because they simply did not need it: All were wearing evenly, which is what you usually get if you're a careful driver and the car is in alignment.

Here I have a car in alignment, always has been, tires worn perfectly even, and Michelin wants to cut my warranty in half because I didn't/couldn't rotate the tires when rotation wouldn't have made any difference? I think I can convince a Court/jury otherwise.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by Kerrmudgeon

Two things that you probably already know: (I've had four in thirty years, the newest one is the worst! it's a 2K machine 2 years old 16.5hp 42 in. cut, paid 500$ for it)

A lawn tractor for 2K is going to be more of the same....junk. Spend 3K if you want new and buy a Deer, or a CubCadet. They used to last. Pay attention to the front suspension as a reflection of quality overall. If it's made of stamped steel with steering rods through holes in stamped thin steel with no grease nipples etc. don't bother. Look for cast iron pieces and ball joint type suspension. Buy a twin. Check the battery compartment....is it just 2 steel straps or a proper box?
I always get a good low hours USED tractor.....better quality and half the price of new.

Tires....the higher the performance, the softer the compound....= less life. Buy the normal Michelins for the Jag. They last a lot longer. You probably don't need a high performance tire either.....at your age!

The tires on the Jag are the "normal" tires for it, or at least that's what came on it from the factory.

[lspencer534]

Originally Posted by bill_daniels

Look at the link to Michelin's warranty info I provided. They give mileage warranties for their various tires, although I couldn't find tires matching your exact description. One constant, however, is halving the warranty for tires that cannot be rotated, so even assuming the very best possible warranty of 45K, that still gets you a 22.5K actual warranty for your application. The prorate credit for, at best, 4,500 miles probably isn't that much. It's also possible that your tires' warranty was as low as 10K miles (half of 20K because of no rotation)

If the tires got close to the warranty mileage, then the fact that they are now dry rotted would seem to be immaterial. Your claim happens the day you present the tires for warranty relief.

Do you have something in writing from the dealer that promises a 45k warranty? if not, then you are basing your claim on a he said/she said verbal contract from 2 years ago.

Please see my reply #16.

[thecornerman]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

Yes, I do have those specs. It didn't need an alignment then, and it doesn't need one now. I have never rotated a tire because they simply did not need it: All were wearing evenly, which is what you usually get if you're a careful driver and the car is in alignment.

Here I have a car in alignment, always has been, tires worn perfectly even, and Michelin wants to cut my warranty in half because I didn't/couldn't rotate the tires when rotation wouldn't have made any difference? I think I can convince a Court/jury otherwise.

Unless you have a dash cam to prove every mile was straight and smooth you have no case consouler

[Kerrmudgeon]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

The tires on the Jag are the "normal" tires for it, or at least that's what came on it from the factory.

That's what I mean....you don't need a hi-perf tire like they installed at the factory for ultimate adhesion. You just need a good road tire.
But if you want factory tires then you have to pay for it in short lifespan. Same as a Corvette guy.