Vermeer SC352 Problems

TreeLogic

TreeLogic

Branched out member
Location
Coastal SC
I own a 2004 SC352 with a gas engine. Bought it new and it currently has approx 470 hrs on it. Engine coolant drained out on me the other day, and after adding more water to determine where the leak was, I noticed it was running out near the upper fins of the radiator. Took it to Vermeer...

*The upper tank is broken. Needs new radiator.
*Lower gearbox is done. Needs a new one.
*And the oil is a frothy mess so somehow water has gotten in it. Probably either blown head gasket, or cracked block (which means new engine). I checked the oil prior to doing the job and it wasn't frothy. But the machine had been sitting for awhile.

I called Vermeer and asked them to put the machine back together so I could come pick it up. This was after the $2600 (not including freight) quote they gave me for the radiator and gearbox replacement, which included nothing for the engine but an oil change. Still had to pay $186 for the labor on the radiator when I picked it up. I have another mechanic working on it now.

So, I'm looking for any knowledge on warranties/recalls, and any help I can get on finding parts (radiator & gearbox).
 
Find someone to rebuild the radiator, or even ask vermeer for a price the radiator if you install it. For some reason those guys like to get a lot of money for working on equipment.

did they say why the gear box was "done"? You were using it right?

I hope it all works out for you, sounds kinda like an auto dealers shop.
 
Yeah, I'm pretty much done with Vermeer. Appreciate the advice though.

Vermeer already sent the radiator to a local shop. They're apparently, not rebuildable.

Gearbox - the cutter wheel moves laterally by hand. At least one bearing is bad. Was told gearboxes are cheaper to replace than fix.

My mechanic works for the city, maintaining and fixing their forestry equipment. He seems to know his stuff. Problem is, the city pays for everything so he just orders parts from the dealer. When he does side work from his home, he wants the customer (me) to get the parts...
 
Would be curious to know what the gearbox runs you just for comparison. 470 hours doesn't seem like all that much time and the way the salesmen push it as better than a belt makes me wonder if they are just blowing smoke.
 
[ QUOTE ]
470 hours doesn't seem like all that much time and the way the salesmen push it as better than a belt makes me wonder if they are just blowing smoke.

[/ QUOTE ]

those exact words have come out of my mouth twice this week! the gearbox helps the horsepower loss from the engine to the cutter wheel, but that's a hell of an expensive sacrificial part. right now i'm thinking i'd rather take the HP loss, and change a belt when something goes wrong. belts seem to work fine on my Bandit 200xp, which i cant say enough good things about....love that machine! anyway, would love to just fix the gearbox but everybody's telling me it's cheaper to buy new.

to be continued...
 
Whenever our 252 broke down, I would dress up in a cute little sailor outfit, like Shirley Temple in Captain January, and head out to a gay biker bar called The Bear's Den. After a night of near-rapes and heavy beatings, I would finally have the courage and psychic mettle to deal with the local Vermeer shop. For best results, the body should be loose and limber.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Whenever our 252 broke down, I would dress up in a cute little sailor outfit, like Shirley Temple in Captain January, and head out to a gay biker bar called The Bear's Den. After a night of near-rapes and heavy beatings, I would finally have the courage and psychic mettle to deal with the local Vermeer shop. For best results, the body should be loose and limber.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't even know what to say to this...except for, thanks for making me laugh and cringe at the same time. seems you've had some dealings with your local Vermeer dealer.

ps - did you wear your knee-high Wesco's with that sailor suit?
 
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