Tractor demo

[Katarina]

I had a tractor demo a few weeks ago from a dealer with the intention of buying it if liked it. Had it for 4 days where on the 4th day I took it to get a load of straw bout 40 miles away from our farm . Tractor broke down on the farm where I was picking straw up. Electrical problem . Dealer had to pick tractor up as gearbox and lights would not work . Goes with out saying I didn’t buy the tractor and dealer didn’t ask anything more about it.
Yesterday I get a bill from the dealer for £600 for hire of tractor. He told me I could have it on demo . What’s everyone’s thoughts ?

 

[RAF]

Er I d just pay it and put it down to experience . 80 Mile round trip

 

[Katarina]

So a demo is not regarded as a free trial? It ended up being a 40 mile one way trip .

 

[Sharpy]

I would tell them to ram their bill up their arse if it was a demo.

 

[CPF]

How did the load of straw get back?

 

[Martyn]

What tractor? Will put you off for life!

 

[Chae1]

Was it a new tractor? Or used as in several years old.

Either way I wouldn't pay unless it was made clear before demo.

 

[Sid]

Ask for the hire documentation with your signature on it and the quoted rate.

 

[DaveGrohl]

Just ask them if they are interested in doing business with you in future.

 

[Ramrod]

Send him return invoice for £600 for time lost, phone calls and cost of recovering the load of straw

 

[Katarina]

How did the load of straw get back?

I hired a 6030 New Holland from someone else . Had two loads from the farm with it. Worked a treat.

 

[Katarina]

What tractor? Will put you off for life!

It was a Class. And yes it was no class act .

 

[Mur Huwcun]

Unless it was a brand new tractor that has now got 25 hrs on the clock then it’s a very steep bill for a S/H hire tractor even. Is it worth falling out over it though? Have you given them a ring to express your feelings that you’re very dissapointed and coukd some agreement be sorted out? It could even be a clerical error as said demo tractor would have to be booked out anyhow to keep things above board, maybe it was booked out as hire and not demo? Unless you’ve had a chat with them give them a ring first see what happen.

 

[Sid]

I hired a 6030 New Holland from someone else . Had two loads from the farm with it. Worked a treat.

Why not use your own tractor?

 

[Lofty1984]

I’d ring them and offer to pay half of the bill bit of a pee take going 40 mile on it just my opinion, at least help with the cost of going to lift it with a wagon that seems fair doesn’t it?
I know you say you were intending to buy it if it was suitable but way to many take the Micky and demo stuff they have no intention of ever buying

 

[wanton dwarf]

Unless it was a brand new tractor that has now got 25 hrs on the clock then it’s a very steep bill for a S/H hire tractor even. Is it worth falling out over it though? Have you given them a ring to express your feelings that you’re very dissapointed and coukd some agreement be sorted out? It could even be a clerical error as said demo tractor would have to be booked out anyhow to keep things above board, maybe it was booked out as hire and not demo? Unless you’ve had a chat with them give them a ring first see what happen.

Given the fact they sent this bill I'd say they don't have a relationship worth anything.

Unless a contract was agreed before the "Demo" which included monies they have no right to send a bill.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

I would tell them to ram their bill up their arse if it was a demo.

Defo...sounds an absolute joke

 

[Brisel]

Unless it was a brand new tractor that has now got 25 hrs on the clock then it’s a very steep bill for a S/H hire tractor even. Is it worth falling out over it though? Have you given them a ring to express your feelings that you’re very dissapointed and coukd some agreement be sorted out? It could even be a clerical error as said demo tractor would have to be booked out anyhow to keep things above board, maybe it was booked out as hire and not demo? Unless you’ve had a chat with them give them a ring first see what happen.

This

There has been a lack of communication here.

 

[Katarina]

Was it a new tractor? Or used as in several years old.

Either way I wouldn't pay unless it was made clear before demo.

It was an 09 class . It was discussed as a demo trial.

 

[HolzKopf]

Ask for the hire documentation with your signature on it and the quoted rate.

Correct - there's a world of difference between a demo and a hire.

Only you know what was agreed and in what circumstances you got the tractor 'on demo'. Was it delivered to your farm on the back of a trailer, did any paperwork change hands, are you known at the dealers, do you know the salesman. Who insured it during the demo and do you have proof. All these are key questions.

I would write or email to the salesman or dealer principal stating that it was your understanding or agreed understanding that the tractor was yours on demonstration. You ought to do this further stating that you did not expect to be charged and that had the tractor proved satisfactory, you would have bought it.

Maybe on reflection an eighty mile road trip is a bit excessive - different if you had it for a few days ploughing, harrowing or round the yard. Maybe they think you are taking the pi*s. Your past relationship with them is key for me. But in any event some paperwork is important. I can't believe, unless you were borrowing something from a mate, that the deal came with no agreement

HK