Member Since: 15 Jan 2014
Location: The Cotswolds
Posts: 1384
Car Ramp Problems
Got out from under the D3 last week and subsequently inspected the ramps to find one had started to give way as you can see in the photos. The middle support has buckled and as a result the whole ramp has twisted. I took them back to Machine Mart who insisted on sending them back to the manufacturer for testing to rule out 'user error'. Now waiting for results.
I bought the ramps in July and they have been used perhaps 10 times since, always for my D3. I must admit to being a bit shocked by the state of them. Machine Mart will only offer a replacement *if* the tests show a materials / manufacturing issue but I must admit I'm a little reluctant to get back under a car supported by the same type of ramps.
These are the CRW25, 2.5 tonne ramps which should be more than capable of taking a D3. Just curious if anyone has seen anything similar.
Click image to enlarge
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11th Jan 2015 11:12 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
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Not man enough, steel looks way to thin and only one upright each side no wonder they buckled.
machine mart are best avoided
11th Jan 2015 11:19 pm
Allan_T
Member Since: 10 Sep 2012
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The weld quality is rather poor. The words 'death' and 'trap' spring to mind.GAP IID Pro Multi Vehicle Defender L316 2007-2015 - Discovery 3 - Discovery 4 - Discovery Sport L550 - Freelander 2 - Range Rover Evoque L538 - Range Rover L322 - Range Rover L405 - Range Rover Sport L320 - Range Rover Sport L494 Electrical Fault Diagnostics
11th Jan 2015 11:23 pm
Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
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Difficult to see but it looks in the first post that the weld has parted on the bottom of the upright, is that correct?MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
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11th Jan 2015 11:23 pm
MikeO
Member Since: 15 Jan 2014
Location: The Cotswolds
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I think the weld was still intact but the rail had canted over by quite a way. Thr result was a very skewed ramp.
I'm pretty sure I bought them as I'd seen them recommended by a few members on here. Seems like I got a Friday afternoon set...2016 Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
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11th Jan 2015 11:40 pm
Robbie
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I'd expect my money back just for the poor quality welds and I am rather surprised that Machine Mart did not beg for forgiveness there and then.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
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"User error" ..... Not sure how you can get it wrong. It's a ramp, you drive up it. Sounds like monumental amount of BS being spouted by Machine Mart. I also agree that they do not look anywhere near robust enough for a car weighing the same as a Disco. Personally, I'd be requesting a refund and purchasing something a bit (a lot) more sturdy. Hope you get it sorted fella My17 Volvo XC90 Inscription
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12th Jan 2015 8:44 am
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I'd give them another go just to buckle them some more ( obviously don't get user the D3!) so their tst show them as faulty for sure!
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12th Jan 2015 9:02 am
fishinmad
Member Since: 30 Jan 2012
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I would never rely on just ramps (nor a jack for that matter).
I have always been taught to use a back up i.e. jack and axle stands.
The danger with ramps is if they fail 'sideways' axle stand won't help.Club Narpy Torch
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12th Jan 2015 9:04 am
MikeO
Member Since: 15 Jan 2014
Location: The Cotswolds
Posts: 1384
steveraspberry wrote:
"User error" ..... Not sure how you can get it wrong. It's a ramp, you drive up it.
My thoughts exactly.
I asked that - he replied "..being used outside their operating range, ie for something too heavy." Which I suppose is fair enough but I don't have access to anything heavier than a D3 and I doubt my wife's Polo could do that sort of damage (it's never been on the ramps in any case).
I doubt I'll get a refund - they were pretty clear on that but I will be looking for something of better quality.2016 Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
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12th Jan 2015 11:35 am
MikeO
Member Since: 15 Jan 2014
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Robbie wrote:
I'd expect my money back just for the poor quality welds and I am rather surprised that Machine Mart did not beg for forgiveness there and then.
Not quite the attitude I encountered when I visited...
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<gone>2015 BMW 520D SE (not my favourite car)</gone>
<gone>2009 D3 HSE Galway Green</gone
Out of interest, which branch was it? Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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12th Jan 2015 11:42 am
MikeO
Member Since: 15 Jan 2014
Location: The Cotswolds
Posts: 1384
Some better quality images. Looks like they are made by these folks http://www.cougardevelopments.co.uk/ramps.html and sold through a number of retailers, many selling them for a lot less than I paid at Machine Mart.
I presume from a legal perspective I don't have a leg to stand on. They are at liberty to replace if they find fault rather than refund. Will just have to write it off to experience, buy a decent set and avoid Machine Mart in future...
2016 Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
<gone>2009 FF Vogue TDV8 Buckingham Blue</gone>
<gone>2015 BMW 520D SE (not my favourite car)</gone>
<gone>2009 D3 HSE Galway Green</gone
12th Jan 2015 11:47 am
MikeO
Member Since: 15 Jan 2014
Location: The Cotswolds
Posts: 1384
Lost for Words wrote:
Out of interest, which branch was it?
Sunny Swindon.
Just to be clear, they weren't rude to me or anything like that. Neither did they display any sort of concern about the potential consequences or entertain any idea of a refund. He simply called someone (presumably the store manager), had a quick chat and told me they'd need to be sent off for testing to confirm there was a manufacturing defect.2016 Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
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Last edited by MikeO on 12th Jan 2015 12:04 pm. Edited 1 time in total
I've had the very much "couldn't care less" attitude at Bristol. It really shows the difference between a large chain and a smaller family run business. Even then, plenty of chain stores have very helpful staff.Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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Previous: FL2 56 reg SE Manual Black (written off )
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Disco 2 TD5 Y reg ES Manual Blue - Chipped
Several Discovery 300 TDis
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My thoughts exactly.
Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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