Riding lawnmower RUINED by a moron - Big Big Forums

iluvmybaby · 03-31-2009, 09:45 PM

I am so angry, I had a very nice but older riding lawn mower that ran like new, it was a gift from my grandfather and was in immaculate condition. A few days ago a friend of mine approached me and said his son ((who is 44)) is look for handyman work. I am leery about things like that, but I called the guy up and he said he services lawn mowers. He had excellent references ((I called 4 of them and they had nothing but praise.)) So fine, I commissioned him to come and put my battery back in it, to change the oil and put fresh gas in and to air up the tires. I left the key in the mower in the back yard so that if I was out job hunting they could come work on it at his convienence. I came home and the first thing my roommate said was they trashed the backyard. I went to the back and sure enough, they had thrown the used burnt oil on the GROUND, as well as empty oil containers, used paper towels that were oily, as well as gas dumped near my roommates flower garden. ((Nobody was home when he did this or roommates would have stopped him)) I was in shock, just staring at the mess, I couldn't believe it.
NOW, the piece to resistance. They spilled gas and oil down my motor and fouled the inside, literally getting it into the air thingie and fouling the spark plugs. This act of kindness to help a man who was laid jobless ((just as I am)) is going to cost me out the rear end to replace all of the thing that he screwed up inside. I dont even know if the engine CAN be fixed because apparently it was almost a quart of oil because it is all over the outside, same with the gas .

Airbuswife · 03-31-2009, 09:51 PM

that sucks! did you pay him before he worked on it? if you paid him by check, maybe cancel payment? or just try to explain to him how he severely messed it up and would appreciate him at least cleaning up his mess, and if you have to, go to his dad and explained what happened and that he should be responsible for any repair costs.

ElleGee · 03-31-2009, 09:52 PM

Oh wow I'd be hella pissed

cpbaby · 03-31-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Oh wow I'd be hella pissed

Yeah, that!

And Id tell him that I expect him to pay to have it fixed. I know he is out of work, but that is no excuse to phluck things up like this.

anothersta · 03-31-2009, 10:44 PM

Never do business with friends or family.

iluvmybaby · 03-31-2009, 11:05 PM

I paid via check, I will cancel it first thing tomorrow morning, if he hasnt already cashed it yet

jasmine · 04-01-2009, 12:03 AM

what a stupid a$$

freeby4me · 04-01-2009, 08:56 AM

If you dont have a digital camera go buy a disposable one and TAKE PICTURES OUT YOUR WAZOO. Document EVERYTHING. I would tell the guy that he's going to refund that money if he's already cashed it, he's going to pay for the clean up and he's going to pay for fixing the engine. Take his arse to court if you have to cause that is absolute BS.

pepperpot · 04-01-2009, 09:10 AM

that stinks...

I'd also tell his father what happened and let him know if he keeps recommending his son...he'll lose friends....

whatever · 04-01-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeby4me

If you dont have a digital camera go buy a disposable one and TAKE PICTURES OUT YOUR WAZOO. Document EVERYTHING. I would tell the guy that he's going to refund that money if he's already cashed it, he's going to pay for the clean up and he's going to pay for fixing the engine. Take his arse to court if you have to cause that is absolute BS.

I was going to say the same thing. Take pix, document EVERYTHING!!
I am betting he gave you "fake" references. Or friends etc.
I would tell him he is now going to be paying to get your mower fixed!! Or you can take him to small claims.

atprm · 04-01-2009, 02:46 PM

I have but 3 words to tell you:

SMALL CLAIMS COURT!