Broken machine, customer damage?

[Plantandcrane]

Hi Guys,
New to plant hire as ex building so loads of knowledge about machines etc.
I’ve set up a small plant hire Co mainly smaller micro stuff, use CPA terms and conditions for hire etc.
Just had a break down call, con rod through the side of the engine, what’s my options as the machine been well maintained and was running great when dropped off.
I’m thinking customer has not checked oil, or tipped machine and ran it.
legally what can I do under the T&C’s ?
any help and advice appreciated!!

 

[Smiffy]

Probably nothing you can do now
But some plant hire companies have tip over indicators on small plant as proof for the future.

 

[Danny]

Do you have pictures before the hire any tell tell signs it's been on its side?

I had a 13t machine a couple of years back that had £8-10k worth of damage on a week's hire. But when he phoned up for it, he seemed like a know it all so I made sure he took out insurance and emailed proof before I sent the machine out

 

[Plantandcrane]

I’ve not seen the machine yet as only got the call this afternoon, my question is a suppose can I charge for this damage if it has been tipped or neglected?

 

[DaveDCB]

If it’s tipped and ran while on its side then yes, maybe…., if not I don’t see how you can.

 

[CPS]

If it’s tipped and ran while on its side then yes, maybe…., if not I don’t see how you can.

Agree, if you can prove its been tipped or something you may have a case. If its just a case of the engine has gone then it I'm afraid its on you

 

[Regy53]

What machine is it? I doubt you have a great deal to go on unless you can see signs of tipping. Thwaites would bend a rod if not more when tipped on side... Terex would not do anything

 

[JD450A]

To be blunt I'd be surprised if tipping resulted in that damage..... Normally they just hydrolock and at worse will break rockers/valves

 

[hiluxman]

What machine is it? I doubt you have a great deal to go on unless you can see signs of tipping. Thwaites would bend a rod if not more when tipped on side... Terex would not do anything

You mean yanmar bend a rod and kubota don't

 

[Bri963]

To be blunt I'd be surprised if tipping resulted in that damage..... Normally they just hydrolock and at worse will break rockers/valves

Ever seen the results of a runaway?

Also it depends how long it ran after being tipped. An engine will splash feed for a time and survive, but in a mini/micro where they normally end up on one side, the “top” piston and bore will get starved, and end up with a damaged main and big end, scored bore and knackered piston.

 

[Plantandcrane]

It’s a Kubota k008-3. It’s in a long garden down a hill so recovery will be a nightmare

 

[doobin]

It’s a Kubota k008-3. It’s in a long garden down a hill so recovery will be a nightmare

Plumb it into a beaver pack.

 

[diggerjones]

It’s a Kubota k008-3. It’s in a long garden down a hill so recovery will be a nightmare

Perhaps a hydraulic power pack plumbed into machine

 

[doobin]

Perhaps a hydraulic power pack plumbed into machine

Too slow mate!

 

[hiluxman]

It’s a Kubota k008-3. It’s in a long garden down a hill so recovery will be a nightmare

Assume they booked a micro because its awkward access.

Would it be just as easy to lob a lump in it in situ? If it's thrown a leg out the bed then it's new lump time anyway.

Send a bill in for it. If they are honest and guilty they will pay, if they aren't they won't pay but either way you need to get machine back running and onto next hire

 

[JD450A]

Ever seen the results of a runaway?

Also it depends how long it ran after being tipped. An engine will splash feed for a time and survive, but in a mini/micro where they normally end up on one side, the “top” piston and bore will get starved, and end up with a damaged main and big end, scored bore and knackered piston.

I've seen several small machines tipped and haven't seen one take off yet

 

[Bri963]

It’s a Kubota k008-3. It’s in a long garden down a hill so recovery will be a nightmare

Can you winch it up on boards?

 

[Bri963]

I've seen several small machines tipped and haven't seen one take off yet

I have stripped engines out of several micros that have tipped and done that much damage.

 

[JD450A]

On a serious note if you need to get the machine out and are scratching your head drop me a PM.

 

[bobthebuilder]

hasnt a machine ever "just blown a rod"?