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Stihl Dealer rant

guido

guido

Well-known Member
Hello,
I went to the Stihkl dealer to see if I could get a chain for the pole saw that I traded for some work.
I posted the picture of the setup. I told him that the chain i neede was a 3/8 pitch, and the bar was a 12". I have no way to cross reference the chain as it is not a Stihl. What would have taken him to get a piece af chain and see if I was right? Can't help you he said.
To make a long story short I got the chain right off the shelf from my local hardware store.
Here is what got my goat!!! Look at the picture of the box it came in! OH yea....I did buy a back pack blower from this dealer.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Guido.
a52485.jpg
 
Did he recognize you as a previous buyer? The independent Stihl dealers are plenty P.O.'ed at Stihl, for announcing that john deere dealers are Shihl dealers, all of a sudden. Mine wouldn't do that to me, cause every piece of Stihl equipment I own (almost) I have bought from him.
 
When the Deere dealer took over Sthil here a few years ago, the prices seemed to go up right away.
 
we have an ace hardware that is now a stihl dealer, and big r's farm store also sells stihl. was in arkansas over the summer and the stihl dealer there was a true value hardware store.
 
I got one of those Stihl dealer rants myself. Received a string trimmer as a birthday gift. From day one it was hard to start. This spring got it out and roped on it until the rope broke. Might have had 2 hours use at this point. Took it to my Stihl dealer (where it was purchased) and told him my woes, left my number and the trimmer to be fixed. Before I was out of sight he called my cell phone and told me the repairs would not be covered under warrenty because I didn't purchase it. I told him that was alright I didn't expect the broken rope to be covered anyway. Just fix it so it would start. Got a call come pick it up, went to get it, paid for it,(50 some bucks) then asked him to start it for me. He kinda looked at me like I was crazy and said he wasn't starting it in the store. So I said "let's go out and try it" He didn't want to do that either. So I took it out and tried it. After about 30 pulls I took it back in and told him it wouldn't start I would leave it and let him try again. At this point he told me He wasn't working on it anymore, that he lost money already. After a discussion I told him I really wanted to shove it up his azz at this point but just my money back would satisfy me. He gave me my money back and I left. Later I contacted Stihl. Told me to take it to another dealer about an hour away. Nice gentleman, but he wouldn't even attempt to fix it. Finally sent it back to them and received a new one at no charge. I paid shipping. Wouldn't buy another Stihl anything unless I ordered it online.
 
Hello GaryinKs,
The local john deere dealer is no better.They swll Stihl now.
My deere snowthrower lost a bolt less then 5 hours of operation.
It cost me 85 cent to replace it, and was not the exact replacement.
2 weeks later when the snow melted, found the old one a put it back in.
Guido.
 
Hello GaryinKs,
The local john deere dealer is no better.They now sell Stihl also,2 miles from the stihl dealer.
My deere snowthrower lost a bolt less then 3 hours of operation.
It cost me 85 cents to replace it, and was not the exact replacement.
2 weeks later when the snow melted, found the old one a put it back in.
Guido.
 
Well here we had a brand new Kubota dealer come to town. They set up right beside the Deere dealer and also were given a Stihl franchise. Then Stihl sold out to Ma Deere before they ever had the first Kubota or Stihl in the building. So no we have two half arsed Stihl dealers 35" apart, LOL. I still drive 20 miles futher to a real Stihl dealer,,aka a SAW SHOP.
 
I have no gripes with "my" Stihl dealer. But they are 45 miles away.

Our "local" Stihl dealer would be likely to give you the same hassles.

I won't tell you the ones I am less than happy with, neither will I tell you the name of "my" dealer. But they are a Stihl ELITE dealer in Mount Sterling, IL. DOUG
 
LOL. Sounds like the dealer I USED to go to. That was one reason I quit going there... The last chain I bought from him... I had to give him the part number.... series, pitch, drivers and gauge. He told me it wouldn't fit my saw. Only difference between it and the chain I was using was the series/cutter type.... but they didn't list it in the book for 'my' saw.
I know how you feel...

Rod
 
I abhor going to dealers in general.

I've been the one using the machines for 30 years, but they consider themselves the experts.

Strange world.
 
Yeah, I'm not real happy with Stihl OR the dealer. Couldn't start my Stihl chainsaw this spring. Just over 2 yrs old. Dealer said warranty was 2 years (Figures). I had traced it to no spark and told the dealer this. The guy was pretty sarcastic about me doing my own troubleshooting and said it's probably carb problem. I asked if the coil had a longer warranty. Said no. I asked them to check and left the saw. Called me back and said I was right, the coil had a 5 yr warranty IF it was the coil But.... the labor to put the coil in wasn't covered so it would be $38 to install it IF it was the coil. I told them to go ahead as I knew it WAS the coil. Every time I called them, I got the runaround. Can't get to it yet to make sure it IS the coil. Yup, ordered the coil, be here in a week, Coil is here but the shop is backed up, can't get to it. Three weeks later, I get the saw back. For the extra $15 bucks for me to order it myself and put it in (10 minute job), I should have done it myself.
 
Is .043" thick the correct chain? Just wondering. I've got two pole saws (Poulan and Makita) and both use .050" thick, 12" chain, NOT .043" thin-kerf commonly found on little Stihl saws.

I'm wondering if the Stihl dealer got confused when you asked for "3/8" chain instead of "Picco" or "3/8" low profile." Even since that junk chain came out in the late 70s, it's caused confusion.

12", 44 drive-link Oregon Bar and Chain Combo for many Echo, Husqvarna, Jonsered & Poulan saws. 3/8" pitch low profile, .050 gauge. Consists of 120GPEA041 bar and 91VG-45 chain.
Fits Echo models 280, 290, 300, 301, 302, 302S, 315, 330, 351, 3000, 3400, 3450.
Fits Husqvarna models 23, 36, 41, 34, 35, 37, 335.
Fits Jonsered models 36, 361, 365.
FIts Poulan models 25A, 180, 190, 200, 205, 210, 225, 230, 235, 255, 260, 1220, 1800, 2000, 2050, Micro 25, S25, S25AV, S25DA, Electric models 1420, 1425, 1625, 2100, 2500, 2500, 2600


I've noticed lately that the good-old full-size 3/8" chain is not often sold as .375" - just to it doesn't get confused with that low-profile small-saw stuff.
 
Hello LDJ,

The pole saw attachment is a Mantis brand.043 is the right chain. If he would have took a minute and checked with a piece of chain, he would have found out that .050 was not the size. He did not ask me how I knew, and I did not tell him. He is as dumb as i found him! The part # I was given is 90VG43. The 91VG45 is .050 rail size. One of the few places I went knew the part#, next place got it right off the shelf. This is an .043 size and it works.
Guido.
 
I've been on both sides of the counter in these situations. The dealer may have come out on the short end of the stick once too often "will fitting" a part for a customer. You may be the type of guy that may live with a decision you made but there are plenty out there that will take a dealer to small claims court because they did not want to be responsible for something unforeseen. Worse yet are the guys that were scheming to get a tool or machine replaced illegitimately and putting a will fit part on was part of the plan.
I am sure your intentions were honorable but the dealer has to be on the look out for those that are not or that dealer will soon be out of business.
 
I have a Stihl saw, and there is a John Deere dealer 3 miles from me. Their small engine man is an obnoxious idiot.

I drive 25 miles to the dealer I bought the saw from when I need Stihl dealings. They know what they're doing, and they've always treated me right.
 
Hello Guido and others. This thread raises a question. If I want to buy a chisel chain instead of a safety chain for a Poulan Pro 20" saw, what guage and number should I ask for?
 
Hello bc,
I would suggest taking a ruler with you, and measure your words. Never thought a simple replacement chain, would be such a big deal!
Good luck with yours. My suggestion would be to go to a box store, buy what fits your needs, and that will be the end of it. Unless you intend to cut many cords of wood a year, any new chain will do. The secret is to oil, and maintain it properly, and most brands will serve you well.
Guido
 
Hello NY 986,
If you ever read any of my post you would know that I have more patience then any 3 people you will ever meet. Going to court is not my thing.
If you look at the picture, that is a stocked item I bought at the local hardware store.
I was not trying to trick him, just wanted some professional help and courtesy, I was one of his customers, with the enphasis on was.
I would have gladely paid for a chain and bar combo that would nave worked. Now you know what my intentions were.
Guido.
 
A dealer that refuses to offer service certainly "will soon be out of business" if there's any competition in the area. There is no excuse for the crap.

I called a small engine shop for a Kohler part. In stock, great. I get there and they refused to sell one without my providing the serial number (he neglected to mention that over the phone). No, they would not look in the catalog to see if there was more than one part available for that size engine. I lost almost 2 hrs plus gas, live with it.

The next shop didn't mind opening the catalog, only one part for all Kohlers that size. The first shop is long gone, and not missed. No service kills sales. If you're going to be suspicious of all your customers, you won't have any.
 
Hello VaTom,
Amen to that!
I got the part # from a hardware store #1, went to the next one and got the part right off the shelve? The first hardware store could not get the part, but he cracked the book open and got the part#. You know where I'm going from now on.
Did not no me but took care of me.That all I was asking from the Stihl dealer, no freebe or charity....................Enough already!
Guido.
 
If you had read my post you would know I never was calling you out personally. I am saying from the dealer's standpoint he does not know you and may not have been willing to take a risk without something in print to back him up in case the transaction goes sour. I doubt it was a personal thing.
I've been around the dealership business enough that the personnel have to be careful in their dealings. Whether you and I see it personally does not matter but a lot of businesses take unwarranted losses because they took a chance to satisfy someone and lost. In the end being too loose costs the customers of the same business in the form of increased prices. Having said that I am not defending anybody that refuses to crack a book because they are too lazy or more worried about bedding the lady book keeper.
I should note that shortly after college that I went to interview at a farm equipment dealership for a sales position. At the interview the dealer made mention that "You do know wrapping a combine unloading auger around a tree does not constitute a warranty, don't you?" I knew at that point why the last guy was being replaced.
 
Hello NY 986,
My respomse was an explaination, no harm done.
As the saying goes, you cannot fix stupid.
One person does not mean that all are the same but, on the other hand, my money spend well everywhere I go,
Have a good day.................Guido.
 
Hello DH in Carolina,
Thanks for the info, But if everybody in Carolina are like Bob Goodson, I'm moving dowm there. What a breath of fresh air! Business done with a hand shake.
Guido.
 
Poulan Pro with 20" bar takes a .325" full-profile chain with .050" gauge drive-links (78 of them). Many stores now sell by silly colors and codes instead of the actual chain specs. Your"s is "H78."

In regard to "saftey" and "chisel" . . .they are not mutually exclusive. Many chisel chains ARE safety chains. Personally, I hate safety chain and it"s a pain to sharpen when the cutters get worn and those stupid "safety ramps" have to be ground down.

I"ve been using Woodland Pro and love it. It"s been every bit as good as any Oregon or Stihl chain I"ve had. Bailey"s sells it reasonable. Your saw takes - 20" WoodlandPro Chainsaw Chain Loop (20RC-78 Drive Links). I suspect it"s not legal for sale to non-pros in Canada since Canada has "saftey" requirements for chain, last I heard.

Oregon 20BPX is "safety" and semi-chisel.
Oregon 33SL is "safety" ahd full-chisel.

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=WPL+20RC78&CAT=
 
Hello DH,
North or south? I like both states but the North Western portion of North Carolina would be my first pick. Not set in stone mind you.
Give me some place to look.
I would be looking for some space as in a few acres, even if it would be for the winter months only to start with.
Guido.
 
I live in Lowgap,NC. 4 miles off I77 at exit 100. 13 miles south of Galax, VA. We call it the "Front porch of the Blue Ridge". Love it here. Still some land available. I will try to find some acre for sale and let you know. Not too many jobs left in this area but getting better. DH
 
The chains you buy from the big "box stores" have 1/3less cutters than chains bought from a dealer, the ones from a box store are also a lower grade of steel in the cutters, so they do NOT hold an edge as long. that is why they are almost cheaper than a real chain from a dealer, ya get what you pay for.
The guy you went to must not know his product well, most all the little low end Stihl products us the 61PMN chain. .043 gauge, 3/8 lowprofile
 
LOL, where I work at, we sell the 3/8" lo profile .043 AND .050 gauge 44 drivers Stihl chains for $11.49.
 
Stihl did not sell out to Deere. They have a marketing agreement. Deere also has a marketing agreement with Honda. So, using your reasoning, that must mean Deere bought Honda also.
 
Hello JT,
You are right about the chain, as i was told by the other store that i stopped in.
I don't know what his problem was that day. He was chewing something as I walked in. I must have interrupted his break time. By the way he is one of the people that run the store, and one of the owners.
Guido.
 
Hello DH,
That would be appreciated. very kind of you to do so. I will put My email address on this post, and maybe we can communicate that way. Never had much luck doing it that way though. I may have to ask the moderator how to do that.
I have not been able to add my e-mail to this post, other then posting it here.
I have been able to find work anywhere I moved so far. Hoping to be able to do so down your way as well.

Thanks again..........Guido.
 
Some got it, some don't.

About ten or twelve years ago, I acquired a old used Snapper riding mower. The deck was rusted out in the middle (they all do, its a clippings/moisture trap). I went to a mower shop in a nearby small town, been in business quite a long time. Asked for a 30" deck for a Snapper rider, but no data plate on the mower. Got a long and winding story on how it was impossible to get the deck without that data plate, etc, etc.

Went to another Snapper dealer, also in biz a long time, the only question the parts counter lady asked was "does it have bicycle handle bars, or a bow tie handle bar?" I told her "bow tie" and she came out sliding a box with a deck in it. Said there were only two part numbers to choose from..............

First dealer I went to, went out of business a couple of years ago, I guess he "didn't get it".

Charles
 
I bought a Stihl pole saw from a dealer. Pretty soon I bent the smaller extension tube, cut a limb, saw dropped, limb fell on saw, bent tube. Went back to dealer, asked him to order a new part, called later, no part, went by later, "oh, forgot to order it" several more trips and phone calls I finally got the part.

Stihl needs to light a fire under some of their dealers. They protect them by not allowing internet sales of their parts (so I was told) but I think they need a little competition to get them going.

Charles
 
I run three different stihl saws, 16", 18", and a 20" bar on two 028s and a 026, I just walk into the stihl dealer and grab what I need off of the shelf, pay for it and go on my way..If you know the saw you should know the proper parts to keep it maintained..two of mine, one of the 028s and the 026 take the 325 pitch chain, and the other is the 3/8 pitch, Went in there yesterday, first thing when I went in the door, can we help you find anything? Nope I say, just gotta get a chain for my saw I say..any questions just ask they say..so I get it and go to the counter to pay for it, the lady behind the counter is like o you found what you needed, had many people come in and say we need a chain for such and such saw, well it don't work that way, not when the sprockets are changeable and people upgrade them to a different drive pitch..say right on the bar what pitch they are, and how many drive links it takes, all you gotta do is look and grab what you need, I'll never buy anything other than genuine stihl parts for any of my saws, that includes bars and chains..and the drive sprocket should be changed every other time you replace the chain..
 
You agree with what? All "box stores" sell inferior chain for a low price? That a silly sweeping concept. I've bought Oregon and Carlton chain at times from Tractor Supply, Walmart, and Home Depot that is exactly the same chain that many dealers sell. Most chain has the type number stamped on it. Regardless of where you buy a certain type # chain, it will be the same hardness and same cutter configuration if those numbers match.

If you disagree . . . then please post even one example of a type chain that differs when sold in a "big box store."

I'll also comment that I rarely find chain cheaper at the local "box stores." It's usually a little higher then if I go to a small shop or buy on-line. I used to buy all my chain in 50 foot reels but now find it cheaper to buy premade loops on-line from places like Bailey's. Just about always cheaper then Home Depot or TSC, and with more choices.
 

Down at the bottom of each person's message is a pm on a box. Click on that. You can sent them a privet message (pm), And send them your a-mail address there, and no one else will see it.

Dusty
 
Hello Charles (in GA),
A couple of things got me. One was the fact the the chain I bought IS a Stihl chain.
The dealer also is a rental place. You know how many different type of equipment they get into?
Most mechanic would give anything to get that kind of experience.
They also handle Honda, and I saw billygoat blowers among other things.
Its his loss.
Guido.
 
Hello Dusty MI,
Thanks for the info. Never done it before that way. I'll give it a go.
Guido.
 
Lotsa hate for Stihl, I thought everybody that had a Stihl got painted orange ;)

I've got a Husky saw and trimmer, both are great. Dunno if the dealer is worth anything, neither has ever needed repair. The saw is new but the trimmer is nearly 20 years old...
 
I have two Echo trimmers and a chainsaw. The saw is fairly new. The trimmers, one big, the other smaller, are nearly 15 years old and were used commercially for three years. I rebuilt the carbs a couple times and they still run great. They have trimmed miles of fence. I use Tanaka or Amsoil when I can get it.
 
Hey Charles, afraid I missed that, but it's truly amazing that people relying on customers would abuse them with refusal of service. Makes you feel satisfied when they go belly up. More room for those who want to help, and profit in the process.

Just got word that they're pouring concrete for a new house I helped with near Newnan, Ga. Underground like mine, or I wouldn't have been involved. He's excited, and a little scared.
 
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