Just wanted to post a few lines and let you all know about a valuable lesson I've recently learned. For a few years now I've been going to farm shows, fairs, stopping by the side of the road, doing internet research, etc., trying to determine for myself what the best OWB brand is. I've looked at more than 10 brands personally,including Wood Doctor, as well as research on about 15 or so others. I've talked to dealers, company owners, boiler owners, factory reps, as well as a few of you folks. I came to the conclusion that the Wood Doctor brand was one of the best built boilers out there. I stand by that conclusion where build quality is concerned. It has been brought to my attention recently, however, that I have allowed myself to be misled where warranty issues are concerned. I am the type of person who ALWAYS tries to see the best in people. There have been a few times in my life where this has really came back to bite me in the butt. This is one of those times. My perception of Wood Doctor management was entirely wrong. I'll relate to you folks what is going on with a dear older lady and WD management right now.
An older couple from Stockbridge Mi bought a Wood Doctor 8000 gasifier in the fall of 2008. It worked flawlessly through the '08-'09 season. It developed a leak towards the end of the '09-'10 season. They notified their dealer. He was to get it replaced in the summer of '10. He went out of business in the interim and never got it done. They were able to use it for the '10-'11 season, but had to add water very often. It is now leaking so badly it is unusable. They had been working with Wood Doctor and their agents for well over a year now to get their OWB either replaced or repaired. In the last few months they've not been able to get a hold of anyone who represents Wood Doctor. Corol (she told me to use her first name) called me about six weeks ago. She remembered me from last spring when I came to visit and look at her 8000. She told me how much she liked it, but in our brief conversation neglected to tell me about the leak, as she knew in her mind that Arthur would keep his word and get it fixed before the '11-'12 heating season. She knew that I've had many lengthy conversations with Rick and asked if I might be able to help. I've recently made 3 calls to his phone and left messages and I've not received any reply. Winter will set in on our state very soon, and this older couple's means of heating their home is not functional. Neither Arthur or Rick will return her calls.
I'm not here to try to"bash" any manufacturer, or demean anyone's character. I'm here to state some facts that are currently happening, as well as humbly apologize to anyone who may have recently bought an OWB from Wood Doctor based on my some of my older posts. I firmly believed that I had a friend in Rick based upon our numerous lengthy conversations. I firmly believe now that I was being deliberately misled just to make a sale.
I didn't play a role in Carol and her husband's decision to purchase a Wood Doctor boiler, but it sure puts a heavy burden on my heart when a senior calls with tears in her voice and asks for my help in getting her OWB functional before the snow flies.
Carol has promised to keep in touch with me concerning her progress with getting her boiler either repaired or replaced. I will keep you all updated. I'm hoping some of you good folks might know someone associated with Wood Doctor who might be able to help her out.
Once again folks, if what I said in my older posts pertaining to the content of the character of Wood Doctor management persuaded you in your decision to purchase one of their OWB's. I am sorry. I stand by my quality of construction statements.
Marty