Fletcher-Terry 5100 V-Lock underpinner

[Butch and Myra]

We bought a Fletcher-Terry 5100 V-Lock underpinner in 1998. Last week we had to send the main driver assembly back to Fletcher for major repair. The problem not being caused by something we did or did not do. Fletcher called today to say the repair, parts, and labor would be around the $300.00 range. This doesn't include shipping and lost of use for a couple of weeks. We would like some opions from the Grumbles if this is what we should expect from Flether or should they stand behind this procuct better.

Thanks Butch and Myra

 

[JRB]

Someone else, can't recall who, made a post about a year or so ago, that stated that machine was junk and offered it for free, just to get it out of their storage.

As far as I know, all of Fletchers other products are outstanding. I'm in big trouble if they are not, I'm getting a 6100 mat cutter in a few days.

I personaly think you should try to find anyone who can say good things about that joiner. I don't think I've ever heard anything better than junk about it.

You may have legal recourse against Fletcher for dumping a lemon machine on the marketplace. That's assuming that you can not find a satisfied user of that machine.

This is something you could possibly take to small claims court and get a full refund if you can prove it is a lemon.

On the other hand, if there are a lot of satified users and the general consensus is that it is a good machine, then you should pay the $300.00. Paying for upkeep on equipment is just part of doing business.

You did not say how long you have had the machine or if you purchased it new or used.

If it's a new machine, less than a year old, Fletcher should fix it for free and pay the shipping charges.

John

 

[katman]

Fletcher has been a great company for me. They are not inexpensive, but most of their products are excellent as is their support. Unfortunately, their underpinners gained mixed reviews and they decided to back away from that segment of the market. They know there were problems with the machines so you should talk to them to see if the repair will be a long-term fix or something likely to require service again. My experience indicates they will be pretty honest with you. I have several pieces of Fletcher gear. I bought a 6100 in October. I was so pleased with the shipping, installation and support that I asked them to let me know if any of their distributors had an underpinner left in inventory. Got a very honest phone call back and was told I should probably look for another brand.

 

[Elaine]

I have the underpinner - the biggest problem I have had are the vnail cartridges. I do know that they monitor The Grumble, because after I posted in regards to the vnails, I got a call and they have been very customer service oriented in getting me new nail cartridges to test, etc. After I bought my machine, I thought it was funny that I received a letter stating that I had a full 3 year warranty - extended from the original. I was concerned when I went to order vnails from United and they no longer carried them in the catalog - my first indication that they were not selling the underpinner anymore. I was disappointed to not hear that from Fletcher-Terry directly. My underpinner is working fine (knock on wood), but I will be very upset if there has to be major repairs - If there are, I would probably bite the bullet and buy a different brand - any and all recommendations would be welcome for future needs!

All of my other Fletcher-Terry equipment is of Top Notch quality - the reason I purchased the vnailer; with a little more R&D, they could have a top of the line vnailer too.

If you have any other questions, you can contact me offline.

 

[John Ranes II CPF GCF]

Originally posted by Butch and Myra:
...........The problem not being caused by something we did or did not do. Fletcher called today to say the repair, parts, and labor would be around the $300.00 range. This doesn't include shipping and lost of use for a couple of weeks...............

Butch & Myra,

It sounds like the machine may have been out of warranty.....unfortunately these things happen. (If you bought this in 1998, hopefully you registered the purchase/warranty, so dig out the invoice. Perhaps you're close enough that Fletcher might honor it.

Talk to your customer service rep again. You didn't describe what the damage was...."Not being caused by something we did or did not do"....the damage happened somehow, under usage, so determine exactally what broke.

"Loss of use" I'm afraid is not under warranty by any manufacturer of equipment that I'm aware. There are a good number of these machines in the field. It was discontinued as it didn't meet company expectations. Contact the Fletcher CSR who called, and see what can be done.

John (at Decor Expo - New York)
Consultant to The Fletcher-Terry Co.

 

[jaybee]

This one hits home for me, but we've had better experience than yours.

My impactor breaks once every 6 months, without fail. The last time was 3 days before Christmas!

I LOVE this machine, with the exception of this problem. However, Fletcher has always replaced the impactor and FedExed it to me right away. This has been at no charge ever! I wonder if this is because it breaks for me so often (heavy use) that it's not out of warranty? They always ask for the date on the sticker.

Once I inquired about buying an extra impactor so that they could cycle (like saw blades!) I was quoted a price of $1000 so I declined. I want to talk to them in NYC to see if they'll reconsider the price now that the product is discontinued.