Beware of Husqvarna Garden Tractors!

I got my frame back and had the great idea to paint it myself in the hot Florida Humidity,

This is why after a bang up job and 3 days work, I recommend Powder Coters from the beginning, and pay the $100.00.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0795.JPG
    IMG_0795.JPG
    201.9 KB · Views: 29
  • IMG_0796.JPG
    IMG_0796.JPG
    138.7 KB · Views: 28
  • IMG_0797.JPG
    IMG_0797.JPG
    217.3 KB · Views: 25
  • IMG_0798.JPG
    IMG_0798.JPG
    96.8 KB · Views: 25
After the powder coat, and waiting for build, this is my current position now.
 

Attachments

  • 001.JPG
    001.JPG
    255.1 KB · Views: 38
  • 002.JPG
    002.JPG
    164.4 KB · Views: 38
  • 003.JPG
    003.JPG
    127.4 KB · Views: 38
  • 004.JPG
    004.JPG
    142.2 KB · Views: 39
  • 005.JPG
    005.JPG
    104.3 KB · Views: 43
  • 006.JPG
    006.JPG
    107.8 KB · Views: 44
This is the Husqvarna Response, I erased names as promised for privacy, my colorfull commentary is left out to be easier to read, I will put the colorful commentary in the next posting-what I think at the top of my head for each reason they give; Here you go!

"Husqvarna Technical Services"





“180620-004017-Bent frame [Incident: 180620-004017]”





“Recently you requested personal assistance from our on-line support center. Below is a summary of your request and our response. If this issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may reopen it within the next days. Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.”





180620-004017-Bent frame”





Response By Email” Name erased for privacy,





The TS series does indeed have the plates as you have shown, but it is a different generation of machine as well. There were a number of the design changes on the new generation that have not been on previous model units, but does not reflect a problem on the previous generations for the use they were designed for.”





The reason for denial of your warranty is the use of multiple non-authorized implements. To make note of each and why:”





* The sleeve hitch you have attached to your machine is not a Husqvarna sleeve hitch, and is built to utilize much heavier implements than our sleeve hitch is designed for. Our sleeve hitch is used for our implements which are light duty and have been fully tested on our full range of tractors.”





* The tires on the machine are not factory style tires and are very aggressive in nature. Husqvarna does not equip our tractors with such equipment at the suggestion of the transmission manufacture amongst other reasons.”





* The wheel weights equipped are not for our machines. We still carry wheel weights for our machine that can be equipped on 2005 and prior, but new machines utilize weights that attach to the rear frame of the machine.”





The culmination of all these parts, especially the very aggressive tires couple with weights, caused damage to the frame while you were likely using a scoop. Instead of slipping when the unit experienced extreme stress as would be possible when equipped with lawn and garden tires as it is manufactured with, instead traction was maintained and the full force of the impact and power of the transmission engaged to the ground buckled the frame.”





Husqvarna guarantees our implements and accessories as sold for our machines, but 3rd party implements are not guaranteed by us and may cause damage to the machine as you have experienced here. This is not a manufacturing issue and will not be covered by warranty.”





Sincerely,”





name ecluded for privacy





Consumer Support Supervisor”
 
this is the first half,

180620-004017-Bent Frame


Response By Email (I’m protecting this person’s privacy) (06/22/2018 01:04 PM)


Mr. and Mrs.

The TS series does indeed have the plates as you have shown, but it is a different generation of machine as well. There were a number of the design changes on the new generation that have not been on previous model units, but does not reflect a problem on the previous generations for the use they were designed for.


Here it is for those of you that purchased the TS and don’t have the reinforcement plates, use this to hopefully get Husqvarna to take care of you if it is “at their convenience”.

Design changes? Yes,

1) more holes were drilled in the same pan chassis.


2) What was the “use” they were designed for?


3) Reinforcing an area that has a known problem to buckle with the attachments they designed for the GT/TS, and being so creative as to call it reinforcement in the name of the part? Yeah I can see the fuzzy logic!


4) A different Generation Machine….sounds so complicated and advanced when you say it like that. So when putting the 2018 TS together did you change some of the standard bolts to metric? Did you put a sportier sticker on the side? Did you rename a gadget or put a revolutionary type of instrument on it that so changed the tractor for the “new age?”.


The reason for denial of your warranty is the use of multiple non-authorized implements. To make note of each and why:

The sleeve hitch you have attached to your machine is not a Husqvarna sleeve hitch, and is built to utilize much heavier implements than our sleeve hitch is designed for. Our sleeve hitch is used for our implements which are light duty and have been fully tested on our full range of tractors.


1) The sleeve hitch was given as number 1. The owner of the Craftsman GT6000 that is fully capable of utilizing the “universal” sleeve hitch from Johnny buckets and all the “implements” of light duty “TOWING or PULLING” is the same tractor. No problems there.


2) The damage that my tractor frame suffered was done from an implement up FRONT ONLY! Husqvarna, You can’t be this dumb! Or you just think your customers are? The benefit of that sleeve hitch reinforces a glorified lawn mowing frame at the minimum. Nice try Husqvarna!


3) Notice that they made mention to only “their sleeve hitch” because it is designed for their implements.

Never mind that (at least in Florida) it is illegal for a company to require the use of their brand accessories for warranty compliance when there are common alternatives available (Craftsman brand sleeve hitch, Agri-Fab sleeve hitch, Johnny Buckets Universal sleeve hitch-proud to say is my sleeve hitch- a big thank you to Johnny Bucket quality products,etc.)

Which “implements” did Husqvarna solely design for use on their GT/TS machines and which ones do they ACTUALLY build? Please answer Husqvarna? I’m guessing their answer will be crickets!

Husqvarna knows that the sleeve hitch is built by Agri-Fab, Designed by Agri-Fab, for both Husqvarna and Craftsman brands with different color paint , and the Husqvarna branded is more expensive, or is the Craftsman GT6000 only capable of using a Craftsman branded Agri-Fab sleeve hitch verses the Husqvarna branded Agri-Fab sleeve hitch because this “new generation” machine perhaps knows the difference in the label on the side?

Again, laughable, hard to take them seriously with answers that have nothing to do with the warranty claim.

This answer is truly na but when they are too afraid to defend there product in public then you can expect this level of care from them.
 
part 2

The tires on the machine are not factory style tires and are very aggressive in nature. Husqvarna does not equip our tractors with such equipment at the suggestion of the transmission manufacture among other reasons.

1) Good news, the first part of the first sentence allows a person to not have to buy Husqvarna Branded or designed tires. However if someone were to put on 4ply carlisle turf tires, this might be a GREY area in their “Convenience Clause”.

2) Tractor lugs more aggressive? I should hope so! These are the same lugs that are recommended for “better performance” on a Craftsman branded GT with the Tuff Torq K66 for “Ground engagement” work! Turf tires are not designed for “ground engagement” work but lugs are! Then they go on to say that Tuff Torq (this is Husqvarna speaking on behalf of Tuff Torq) says that the lugs are not suggested for use on a Husqvarna model, leaving me to assume that they can only mean the K66 is to weak for lugs.

3) Why is Husqvarna not confident enough to give a complete answer with specifics?

4) What other “Reasons”?

5) Equipment is usually meant to describe in plural, What other “such equipment”?


Are we to believe the K66 is too weak for JDX500, JDX300, Simplicity, Cub Cadet X3, Craftsman GT series tractors (all of which allow for lugs)?

Is Husqvarna having us believe “They” are the only honest company in the business, letting their customers know, except when it comes to their authorized representatives (the dealer)?

Perhaps Husqvarna only recommends chains for “better performance” with their tractor (they do!)? Because chains are less capable of “better performance”?

I want to see the “suggestion” from Tuff Torq to Husqvarna that verified this claim, but I’m sure they will have an excuse for this also. This is too bad, I want Tuff Torq to see it too!

Please remember that the answers Husqvarna gave me have to be considered an authorized response from Husqvarna that is supposed to be an unbiased, factual response, that is without opinion, because this is in response as to the legal reason for a denial of warranty under our Country’s Consumer Protection Laws!

Don’t worry friends, I’m laughing too!

The wheel weights equipped are not for our machines. We still carry wheel weights for our machine that can be equipped on 2005 and prior, but new machines utilize weights that attach to the rear frame of the machine.

1) Oops, perhaps Husqvarna forgot to inform Craftsman of this (like a broken record, GT6000)?

2) Yep, they said it! The “new wheel weights” are higher up on the chassis, strongly increasing the height of the tractor’s center of gravity in order to be what? Safer? Please Husqvarna, please defend a higher center of gravity would be safer for this tractor and only a Husqvarna branded 2006 and newer GT/TS? So if you look up on line to purchase these weights, will it warn the rider that they can’t be on a 15 degree slope when using this? Are there ANY Husqvarna GT’s built after 2006, these (here’s a clue Husqvarna) Craftsman wheel weights designed for “Garden Tractors” with 23 inch wheels are not safe to use on the Husqvarna GT/TS? If yes please be specific, which ones? And include all years!

3) So again “not for our machines” because they say craftsman? (GT6000, Huh)

The culmination of all these parts, especially the very aggressive tires couple with weights, caused damage to the frame while you were likely using a scoop. Instead of slipping when the unit experienced extreme stress as would be possible when equipped with lawn and garden tires as it is manufactured with, instead traction was maintained and the full force of the impact and power of the transmission engaged to the ground buckled the frame.


1) The “accumulation of all these parts”, especially the very “aggressive tires” “couple with the weights”. What accumulation of parts? The ones that don’t apply? The ones you can’t be specific on? The ones you are to afraid of saying? The ones that you speak for another company’s product?

2) Lawn and Garden tires? How about Turf tires?

3) I guess the GT that Husqvarna represents as capable of using a scoop, a snowblower of many sizes, a rake, etc. is only capable without the tire chains they recommend! Now I’m confused, why would you recommend tire chains with the attachments for “better performance”? I’m guessing by this response the “better performance” means the tractor goes faster? Does it mean perhaps with the snowblower that it will help to reduce slipping of the manually locked K66 axle?

4) Just when you think that's all, The new frame I purchased was buckled/bowed/ etc on the right side, in need of squaring before it could be modified, from the factory in…. You guessed it…. The very area my frame buckled! Uh Oh, I find myself getting ahead hear. This is a preview into the building part of my new thread.

5) Perhaps Husqvarna would like to be specific in informing their cherished customers the exact weight this GT is designed for? The exact static and maximum dynamic loads the GT was designed for? The exact amount of torque the GT was designed for and include the scoop? What does full force mean? Is Husqvarna afraid of giving this information out? Perhaps Sears/Craftsman is willing to give this out? I have the connections that can test the full force to see if it is in spec! Husqvarna, PLEASE answer my questions.

I’m sure the frame thing was UPS, right Husqvarna? Don’t worry, I paid Professionals to fix and properly build what you were not competent enough to do, for less money than your Husqvarna Dealer was more than willing to rip me off for!

Husqvarna guarantees our implements and accessories as sold for our machines, but 3rd party implements are not guaranteed by us and may cause damage to the machine as you have experienced here. This is not a manufacturing issue and will not be covered by warranty.



1) buy saying “Husqvarna guarantees our implements and accessories as sold for our machines, but 3rd party implements are not guaranteed by us” Are they saying that the implements must have the brand Husqvarna on the label? Because 3rd party is who builds them, and that statement might be enough to turn Husqvarna into the State (Florida) Authorities and possibly the Federal Authorities, sounds like they are refusing to cover products under warranty when it is not Husqvarna branded?????

2) How do you know it is not a manufacturing issue? I still have not had one person from Husqvarna look at the frame and the damage, not to mention the evidence of my accusation that they misrepresent their products, and that their Dealer is un ethical, and involved in deceptive business practices!

Of course, maybe Husqvarna would like a reset, or a due over, you know, like in video games? Sure, tell us what you really mean Husqvarna! Or…...

Maybe I file with the State and give a copy to the Husqvarna headquarters in Europe? If I do, I promise those interested, I will keep you informed if interested, but it will take time, and who knows if it will be something they are interested in prosecuting, I know how this goes, because I have been successful, once.
 
For now my friends, I think I've got you all up to speed. If you are interested in tech things such as dimensions and such ask, I will say that the bolts they use to bolt everything to the frame appear to be common body bolts that are to cut their thread when you drive them in, the holes on the frame have pressed sleeves that appear to be aluminum. The shop pointed this out.

Without the lab to run a metal analysis on it to know for sure, it appears to be aluminum. It works fine for cutting grass I'm sure but I figure people ought to know what they are buying with a Husqvarna GT/TS. I will be using stainless steel (304) on critical pieces.
 
At 26 lbs of frame metal and what it cost, there is not much there for the frame of a garden tractor.
How much does the tractor weigh without any attachments.
I’m kind of just jumping in to the middle of the posts and catching up.

Noel
 
At 26 lbs of frame metal and what it cost, there is not much there for the frame of a garden tractor.
How much does the tractor weigh without any attachments.
I’m kind of just jumping in to the middle of the posts and catching up.

Noel
Your right!

The frame is a pan style frame. This is the common frame for grass cutters, it has some flex and not expected to do much else, so it works fine for cutting grass. What I found out is that every other Garden Tractor built has the same guage of steel but uses channel for the frame and the higher end use more steel.

It has the same K66 as a JD, simplicity, MTD built Craftsman pro, etc. the Kawasaki motor is the same as JD, the front axle is as strong as JD, but then they put all that on a grass cutter frame and call it a GT. That's like taking a 500 hp Porsche motor and installing it in a smart car. It will scream and be awesome to hear but on the road will put you in the first ditch. Or a beautiful house on a plywood foundation, good luck!
 
Well sorry to hear about your issues. The redo of your frame is impressive. I hope that the rest of the parts prove to be better designed and built tougher.

You have succeeded in one thing: I am warned and will never consider a GT built to such minimal standards. Frankly even for mowing. I don't think that frame would last 2 years if stored outdoors. Thanks also for pointing out that it is multiple brands as well.
 
Supposedly the tractor weighs 609-630lbs depends where you look. When I rebuild the tractor, I will be weighing it for actual final result with chassis mod to include front axle weight and rear axle weight.
 
This is the oil out of the K66 after 63 hrs and less than a year. Husqvarna says it is maintenance free, the Dealer got a bit upset at me when I asked about the maintenance interval and Tuff Torq's recommendations for the K66. When I bought the tractor I picked up 3 Kawasaki oil filters and was going to buy trans oil too.

Anyway, Tuff torq says the first 50 hrs and then every 200 hrs. I think by looking at this, it's every 50 hrs.

I noticed this too, the K66 on the GT's with power steering have the means to add an external oil filter. I have the outlets but I will be calling Tuff Torq on Monday to ask if there is a kit, now would be the time to install.

also I figure I would show my Areins, still working fine, cuts grass, not great, but right now, better than the GT. If you look close enough at the axle area they are a black wrinkle finish. I did that when I resealed that trans.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0715.JPG
    IMG_0715.JPG
    84.9 KB · Views: 33
  • IMG_0578.JPG
    IMG_0578.JPG
    199 KB · Views: 32
  • IMG_0582.JPG
    IMG_0582.JPG
    232.8 KB · Views: 29
  • IMG_0584.JPG
    IMG_0584.JPG
    115 KB · Views: 28
  • IMG_0588.JPG
    IMG_0588.JPG
    161.4 KB · Views: 26
Update,

The Husqvarna answer army site, Husqvarna official site, has disabled my log on. They don't like customers asking the wrong questions, huh?
 
You cant expect much for customer service these days.

I feel like thickness isnt the issue. More like the design. Stamped. Not welded. Ect.

Deere x500 series are 1/8" frames. Deere allows for 8 of the 42 lb. Suitcase Weights. 4 on each end. Plus attachments. 10 gauge isnt much under 1/8"
 
So I looked up this tractor. Says 630 lbs. But it looks to me that includes the mower deck. If so, the tractor is only about 550 lbs or so. Again not much for a garden tractor. Glorified grass cutter, that maybe could haul a plastic cart with grass clippings in it.

Noel
 

Attachments

  • C3081ABA-78C6-43FB-9B3E-13E770482BE7.png
    C3081ABA-78C6-43FB-9B3E-13E770482BE7.png
    77 KB · Views: 13
  • 3120865A-5325-4657-9A67-01271C4D7348.png
    3120865A-5325-4657-9A67-01271C4D7348.png
    78.3 KB · Views: 12
Update,

The Husqvarna answer army site, Husqvarna official site, has disabled my log on. They don't like customers asking the wrong questions, huh?
I can't help to think that one day 10-20 years from now somebody is going to buy your tractor not knowing what you went thru and say.
"Look how good Husqvarna made these back then..." ;)

You are repairing it how Husqvarna should have built them.
Nice job.
 
Update,

The Husqvarna answer army site, Husqvarna official site, has disabled my log on. They don't like customers asking the wrong questions, huh?

Customers feel that squeaky wheel gets the grease.

They didn't want to give you a frame so sure as heck not going to give you grease !!!!
 
Craftsman pulls that same "maintenance free" nonsense. (Made by Husqvarna)
It's only maintenance free if you want it to last only 500 hours.
I found a different weak spot on my Craftsman.
Behind and just In Front of the rear wheels, (both sides) where the tranny attaches. First, wild speed changes, then lost reverse
Have a plated for now, eventually getting a well and more steel.
 
So I looked up this tractor. Says 630 lbs. But it looks to me that includes the mower deck. If so, the tractor is only about 550 lbs or so. Again not much for a garden tractor. Glorified grass cutter, that maybe could haul a plastic cart with grass clippings in it.

Noel
It always fascinates me to see that the deck is fabricated. Is this as apposed to grown from seed? Don
 
Back
Top