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Don’t purchase a Downeaster insert w/ spreader

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hlntoiz

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
It amazes me that companies put products out on the market like this one. This unit as a whole, is probably the worst engineered and fabricated product I have ever purchased since I became a contractor. Now everything always needs a little tweaking here and there but today was the last draw.

2 summers ago I decided to cut back and make some changes with the business. After selling my 02' F450 dump and my 06' 2500HD pickup I purchased a 6.7 DRW Ram 3500. This truck would do double duty as my everyday driver plus towing etc. Anyway, after going a few months last winter with the 2yd "V" box downeaster spreader (which I loved) in the back of the pickup I wasn't crazy about it in the bed all the time. This truck was my everyday driver now. I wanted more functionality out of the truck. I wanted to be able to put my tool box on the truck and also be able to haul and dump a small amount of aggregates during the summer months.

I decided the best purchase (at the time) was a SS Downeaster dump insert with Spreader. This will give me the greatest flexibility. For summer and winter months. I chose a downeaster instead of Truck craft because I liked their “V” box spreaders so much as I felt they where well engineered and designed. I went with a 6' dump so I can still put my toolbox in. Also a full 6’ insert holds just enough for the GVW of the truck. I ordered the insert and spreader for about $7,500.00 witch was a little much but was worth it in flexibility. It all starts with Downeaster sending me an 8' unit. Then after they told me it would be another few weeks because they never had anyone order a 6' unit with the spreader. (hard to believe, IMO) They informed me they had to make the dumping cylinder dual acting. so the insert would come down when the load was all the way to the back. 3 months later I finally got it and go to install it.

1. After installing the dump it looks noticably crooked. After grinding about 3/4 of an inch off one support it finally was straight.

2. Now that I have the insert installed I go to install the controller, The controller they sent me was used. not a big deal but when you pay $7500 for something you aren't buying used.

3. The lifting solenoid fails about the 6th time I used it. I had to drive it to my dealer with the dump bed stuck up so I can diagnose the problem. I lost a half days work because of it. Stole one out of the 8’ insert that downeaster wouldn’t take back from my dealer

4. About the 15th time I used it I noticed a leak, hydraulic fluid was dripping on my customers new driveway from the bed of my truck. I notice the problem was where the fitting of hydraulic hose connects to the cylinder. It was so new I thought it was loose. So I tried to install it. With closer inspection the fitting is cross threaded, and a whole new cylinder is needed. Now I am out of commission for 2 weeks waiting. The reason the fitting was cross threaded was because of the positioning of the hose and fitting on the cylinder and the lack of a proper fitting

Just a bad fabrication process and design IMO. With the help of my great local dealer I got this addressed. ASAP

5. Lastly the Tailgate functionality was an absolute joke not even going to go into it. Minor common sense issues.

Doesn’t sound like much but Almost everything could have been avoided. All these things add up. At this point I haven’t even used the spreader yet.

To Be continued............
 
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Discussion starter · #2 ·
Now for the Spreader.

In the spring I got everything hooked up and going but never got a chance to try it out. Immediately after installing the spreader I noticed it only worked at one speed. So I call Jerre and ask him about it (my dealer never installed one). He says I need a different controller for speed adjustment on the spinner. So fine I order a $350 controller omg though downeaster. Ends up being an Omega and I am sure I could have got it much cheaper direct. Why wouldn't this come standard with the unit? Who spreads materials at the same rate all the time? OK So I install it, now that I finally get a chance to use it the past 2 weeks. Now the controller only slows down the spinner, the auger stays at the same speed. See a problem with this? I don’t know about you but it isn’t safe to go speeding though parking lots and private roads especially with speed bumps.

I spread some salt about a week ago and though out the day I felt that I just had to get used to it. But after this morning I am realizing that this thing is not really user friendly.

This morning I reached my boiling point with the entire unit. :headwall I loaded up the insert with treated salt last night. Got to the first account this morning and turn on the spinner and pull the switch for the auger and NOTHING omg . I am seeing that it is drawing amps from my volt meter on the truck so I know the motor is getting power. I worked fine the other day. I double check the connections and still nothing. Thinking that it may be jammed. I unlatch the bottom pins of the tailgate and open it up from the bottom. A bunch of material is wasted on the ground at this point. I clean it out some and put it back. Pull the switch again and it starts working. Apparently the treated salt was too much for the motor to start spinning. This is NOT A GOOD thing and The motor inefficient and could be a major problem.

There are 2 other major issues I see with the unit. Their tailgate spreader idea is good but needs to be fine tuned. Until they fix these 2 things don’t buy one.

The biggest issues is being able to control the electric motors. (see pics) The controllers need to be synchronized. The auger speed should work in tandem with the spinner speed. With a separate switch for the auger on and off. (to control material flow) The current setup with the large pull switch (for auger) and the omega controller for the spinner just doesn’t make sense. Maybe it is just because I don’t like the feel of the pull switch for the on and off. It just feels awkward. And to be a little pick I wish the spinner control “clicked” from each setting. This way you have a better feel and don’t have to look to see what speed it is at. Basically a new controller set up needs to be developed to for easier wiring and to make it much more user friendly. I have my ideas. Just don’t have the electrical know how.


The other issues is the material drop hole. The material doesn’t drop in the center of the spinner it drops on the edge so most of the material spreads to one side of the truck. The spinner has to be where it is because of clearance issues with the bumper. so to compensate the drop whole needs to be back a bit further. This will allow for a much better spread and coverage at any speed.

I ask this: Do these companies use their products. If not and they have others Beta test them where do they get these guys from. To me all these issues can be easily fixed in the design process. I am not sure how the electrical works but I am sure something can be developed. Maybe if they had a better professional beta testing they would have better results.

I just am just fed up with this unit. When you spend close to $8000.00 for a product you expect that it works and functions properly. One shouldn’t have to make so many minor adjustments and corrections to make a product work effectively. But then again there wouldn’t be guys out there like Jerre.

:soapbox
 
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#3 ·
You can buy a omega that will be variable speed for both. I don't know about the motor power, but I thought the omegas had a auto reverse to avoid jamming? Either way, I'm sure J can chime in and help get this thing the way it needs to be!
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Bugthug said:
what is it caveat emptor
Click to expand...
What? laymons terms?

Lilweeds. I spoke to Jerre when I was having the issues. Nothing out there as far as he knows. There may be now. But wasn't earlier this year.
 
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#9 ·
Matt, Karrier (Omega ) has come out with a dual control for the auger and the spinner. Worked with them on amp draws this spring and they finally put it into production a while back. Contact Bob Church about it.

I know what you mean about the matl drop and the spinner and bumper issue. I wish they would move it out farther or make an adjustable mounting bracket for the spinner assembly.

As far as the other issues. Most of the units are very well put together. We do see some issues with them from time to time but no more than on other products. I know that they are working to fine tune production on many of the units. I'm going to link this in an email to the guys up there to review.

Jerre
 
#10 ·
Matt,

I've got a short box version and have a few issues as well. 1st of all the until is very slow and I dont even know why you want to slow the auger if anything it needs to be faster to dump more material out onto the spinner. 2 tons go a loooooooooooooong way in that thing. 30mins to lay half a ton.

I have a Omegea controller but it don't look as pre historic as yours does.

If its windy out and Im on the Hi way look out the wind lifts it up and then it slams hard back down.

Dump bed is handy salter is crap. Needs to be tweaked.
Salter Motor came pre filled with water. That was there beta testing of motor coolant. They no longer fill them with water as it tends to cause the motor to self destruct just after you load up with salt and begin to spread.

Might install a hydro system on the dodge this summer and power everything off that I've been told it should speed things up.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Snowboy said:
Matt,

I've got a short box version and have a few issues as well. 1st of all the until is very slow and I dont even know why you want to slow the auger if anything it needs to be faster to dump more material out onto the spinner. 2 tons go a loooooooooooooong way in that thing. 30mins to lay half a ton.

the auger definately has to go faster. I don't have time to putt around. I guess I am just used to having my "V" box.

I have a Omegea controller but it don't look as pre historic as yours does. That is what they sent me (in March) earlier this year. Pathetic isn't it with todays's technology!

If its windy out and Im on the Hi way look out the wind lifts it up and then it slams hard back down. It is because you don't have a dual acting cylinder
Dump bed is handy salter is crap. Needs to be tweaked.
Salter Motor came pre filled with water. That was there beta testing of motor coolant. They no longer fill them with water as it tends to cause the motor to self destruct just after you load up with salt and begin to spread.

If This happend to me I would be on my way to topsham, ME right now!:mad:

Might install a hydro system on the dodge this summer and power everything off that I've been told it should speed things up.
Click to expand...

Matt, Karrier (Omega ) has come out with a dual control for the auger and the spinner. Worked with them on amp draws this spring and they finally put it into production a while back. Contact Bob Church about it.
Click to expand...
J, Please get me the info. ASAP. Can I get credit for the crap I have? :rolleyes: they take returns? Only used twice!
 
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#14 ·
Wow, sounds similiar to the kind of hell I went throug with John Deere this past season. I think these days field testing is a thing of the past and all testing is done with computers and sensors. The end results is a product that works in ideal conditions, but who in the hell has ideal conditions in our line of work? I wonder if Truck craft has similiar issues?
 
#15 ·
Sorry to here the problems Matt, after being beat to death with them from Ron G i thought they were the best thing since sliced bread.

Jerre and Peter can relate to this being Alfa testers for the Buzzbox alot of frustration sets in the first year was tough and hard work when you have a engineer in Erie a Mechanic in Mich and a handy fab man in Carmel we would send in idea and they would trickle back to us . The second year unit would prove that our first year efforts were not in vain.

Example and this is one thing that makes me bust a gut every time i think about it the first year unit had a horr slow spinner speed , Jerre had made mods to his which would end up being used on the second design , at the end of the first year we all met in Mackinaw with the Neimlas to review changes were setting in the parking lot showing my stock non modded unit throwing maybe 15 feet, Jerre climbs in his truck and throws 30 ft on either side of his truck the look on the Calumet boys face was priceless.

On the way home from mackinaw me and Jerre and Thomas are cruisng down I75 Jerre lites up the spinner on his and covers both sides of a two lane highway again thes changes would go into the final production.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Fred I was supposed to meet you that weekend in Erie. But you couldn't make and and there was a finger incident:eek:

Trust me I wish Jerre could get his hands on my insert for some testing. :popcorn2
 
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#17 ·
Jerre Heyer said:
Matt, Karrier (Omega ) has come out with a dual control for the auger and the spinner. Worked with them on amp draws this spring and they finally put it into production a while back. Contact Bob Church about it.

I know what you mean about the matl drop and the spinner and bumper issue. I wish they would move it out farther or make an adjustable mounting bracket for the spinner assembly.

As far as the other issues. Most of the units are very well put together. We do see some issues with them from time to time but no more than on other products. I know that they are working to fine tune production on many of the units. I'm going to link this in an email to the guys up there to review.

Jerre
Click to expand...
Hi Jerre
You are correct about a newer controller, I bought one from Bob last winter and I can controller the auger and spinner just fine. It does throw heavy to the right side. I also had my box get stuck in the up position called Downeaster and the guy said just cut the hose! I told him no thank you drove it home about a mile and called jerre. He walk me through it, turned out it was a dirty contact in the controller. I also have a power up and power down short box unit and on the xway it does want to lift up if it is windy. then in the winter throw the spreader on the back and it is worse. If I am heading north I will somtimes put a strap to the front of it to hold it down.

Regards Mike
 
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hlntoiz
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