Author Topic: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.  (Read 9695 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline TerraHertzTopic starter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3958
  • Country: au
  • Why shouldn't we question everything?
    • It's not really a Blog
Quote
Edit to add background: I've been looking for a large 3-phase 415V UPS for around 8 years. Has to be very cheap due to my circumstances. Twice in those years I've just missed out on one. Mentioned to make it clear this UPS purchase wasn't just some whim. It's part of a long term plan.

In Oct last year I mentioned I won a large (30KVA) UPS in a Pickles auction for $1. Lucky me I thought.
This has turned into something of a drama. In my opinion because those still in control of the facility being gutted, are upset about the UPS sale price. Though they pretend their various ridiculous objections have nothing to do with that.

My writeup of the saga is here: http://everist.org/NobLog/20180317_ups_drama.htm

I'd like to hear any suggestions for how I can get these guys to drop their extortionate obstruction, and just let me come and pick up the unit.

Probably the police in Albury would not be interested in turning up with me and instructing Benson Machines to just get out of the way. But I'll be phoning to ask them anyway.

Oh and yes, every detail in that article is true. Not making anything up.

(Previous mention: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/what-did-you-buy-today-post-your-latest-purchase!/msg1321392/#msg1321392 )

It's a Poweraware PW9305-30I-N-O.  Web: https://powerquality.eaton.com/products-services/legacy/9305-info.asp?act=smtc&id=&key=&Quest_user_id=&leadg_Q_QRequired=&site=&menu=&cx=22&x=15&y=11
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 01:41:58 pm by TerraHertz »
Collecting old scopes, logic analyzers, and unfinished projects. http://everist.org
 

Offline Rerouter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4694
  • Country: au
  • Question Everything... Except This Statement
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2018, 10:18:18 am »
I strongly doubt any of the people that will reply are lawyers,

The strongest case you can place for it is that if a reserve was not set, any price is acceptable.

I would say you would have to follow it up with the auctioneer as I presume they accepted your money for there services, (there would probably have been a $30 fee on top of your dollar) As it was auctioned, you won the auction, and would have paid the fee under the assumption the item could be collected.

Its never a case of an item not being as described, or not being functional, and you would likely have to read the terms and conditions of the auction house, but I suspect that if an item is auctioned, with no reserve, there is an assumption they want it gone.
 

Online nctnico

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 26682
  • Country: nl
    • NCT Developments
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2018, 10:27:17 am »
IMHO their requirement that a licensed electrician with insurance is doing the disconnect is a very valid one for many reasons. In this case I'd probably hire an electrician myself and go along to move the UPS. Their offer to arrange that for you includes some profit for them ofcourse. They just don't want people making a bigger mess of the building and damaging the building.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 10:31:31 am by nctnico »
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 

Offline TerraHertzTopic starter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3958
  • Country: au
  • Why shouldn't we question everything?
    • It's not really a Blog
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2018, 10:27:55 am »
I strongly doubt any of the people that will reply are lawyers,

True.

Quote
The strongest case you can place for it is that if a reserve was not set, any price is acceptable.
I would say you would have to follow it up with the auctioneer as I presume they accepted your money for there services, (there would probably have been a $30 fee on top of your dollar) As it was auctioned, you won the auction, and would have paid the fee under the assumption the item could be collected.

You really need to read the (rather long, I'm afraid)  article to understand the nuances. The auction was not like ebay, but is not in question. I definitely own the item. But am not being allowed access to pick it up.

Really I'm asking what others think of the excuses Benson Machines are making, for why not. I think they are utter rubbish, verging on extortion, ie illegal. Others may think them reasonable - or disagree and suggest what I can do to get them to stop this bullshit.

Anyone who hasn't read through the article won't understand the situation, so won't be able to usefully comment.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 11:09:54 am by TerraHertz »
Collecting old scopes, logic analyzers, and unfinished projects. http://everist.org
 

Offline Harb

  • Regular Contributor
  • *
  • Posts: 244
  • Country: au
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2018, 10:40:28 am »
If you got it cheap, just hire a sparky and get it out.
I would not let anyone that's no qualified pull anything out of my property......the risk of litigation these days is way to high
Give them reasonable notice, and if they don't comply, take your paperwork to the court and start the ball rolling for recovery of the item/s you now own.
 

Offline TerraHertzTopic starter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3958
  • Country: au
  • Why shouldn't we question everything?
    • It's not really a Blog
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2018, 10:47:07 am »
IMHO their requirement that a licensed electrician with insurance is doing the disconnect is a very valid one for many reasons. In this case I'd probably hire an electrician myself and go along to move the UPS.

I would agree, except that it must already be safely isolated. Had to have been, for removal of the batteries.
Just needs an eyes-on by me, that the main supply breaker to the UPS really is locked out. And their pretending they 'need to trace wiring' is bare-faced lying - their staff maintained the factory. They know which breaker it is. To be sure, just set the UPS bypass switch on the wall in the UPS room to bypass (sending power directly to the Net server outlets in the adjoining room)  and flip the breaker on momentarily with a voltalert next to the cable.

Worst case, I could hire an electrician in Albury for half an hour, to stand there and do nothing while I remove the UPS. Or he just does the removal of the 5-wire 3-phase supply cable then leaves the rest to me.
But since it's ALREADY isolated, I don't see how they can insist on that.  The significance is, that I'm as usual poor. Just the petrol to Albury and back is a stretch.
Collecting old scopes, logic analyzers, and unfinished projects. http://everist.org
 

Online Zero999

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 19286
  • Country: gb
  • 0999
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #6 on: March 18, 2018, 10:55:20 am »
IMHO their requirement that a licensed electrician with insurance is doing the disconnect is a very valid one for many reasons. In this case I'd probably hire an electrician myself and go along to move the UPS.

I would agree, except that it must already be safely isolated. Had to have been, for removal of the batteries.
Just needs an eyes-on by me, that the main supply breaker to the UPS really is locked out. And their pretending they 'need to trace wiring' is bare-faced lying - their staff maintained the factory. They know which breaker it is. To be sure, just set the UPS bypass switch on the wall in the UPS room to bypass (sending power directly to the Net server outlets in the adjoining room)  and flip the breaker on momentarily with a voltalert next to the cable.

Worst case, I could hire an electrician in Albury for half an hour, to stand there and do nothing while I remove the UPS. Or he just does the removal of the 5-wire 3-phase supply cable then leaves the rest to me.
But since it's ALREADY isolated, I don't see how they can insist on that.  The significance is, that I'm as usual poor. Just the petrol to Albury and back is a stretch.
I would have also thought that would have had to have been stated, before you purchased it. If they realised it needs to be disconnected by a licensed electrician, they should have to cover the cost.
 

Offline TerraHertzTopic starter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3958
  • Country: au
  • Why shouldn't we question everything?
    • It's not really a Blog
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #7 on: March 18, 2018, 11:03:54 am »
I would have also thought that would have had to have been stated, before you purchased it. If they realised it needs to be disconnected by a licensed electrician, they should have to cover the cost.

Yes! I think this too. Stated in my article. The auction listing terms are binding on sale. There were no such requirements listed. While for other machines like CNC lathes they did list provisions and charges.

I'm glad someone else agrees. Now I want to see if others can see this too. Considering taking this to small claims court to get an order against Benson. No lawyers required.
Collecting old scopes, logic analyzers, and unfinished projects. http://everist.org
 

Online nctnico

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 26682
  • Country: nl
    • NCT Developments
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #8 on: March 18, 2018, 11:13:47 am »
I would have also thought that would have had to have been stated, before you purchased it. If they realised it needs to be disconnected by a licensed electrician, they should have to cover the cost.
Yes! I think this too. Stated in my article. The auction listing terms are binding on sale. There were no such requirements listed. While for other machines like CNC lathes they did list provisions and charges.

I'm glad someone else agrees. Now I want to see if others can see this too. Considering taking this to small claims court to get an order against Benson. No lawyers required.
I'd be careful because this can easely go both ways. Benson can simply agree it is your UPS but since the UPS is still connected to a building they are responsible for they require any modifications made to that building to be performed by qualified people.

You might be better off cutting your losses. At some point the building will need to be vacated and the UPS tossed out. What might be an option is to write 'property of -your name here- and a telephone number' on the outside. Hopefully the person charged with tossing it out will call you.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 11:15:24 am by nctnico »
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 
The following users thanked this post: Richard Crowley

Online mikeselectricstuff

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 13679
  • Country: gb
    • Mike's Electric Stuff
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #9 on: March 18, 2018, 11:25:13 am »
Considering the value of the item vs. what you paid, the cost of hiring a local electrician doesn't seem like being that big of a deal.
I didn't read through all details but seems like they could easily have turned it off at the breaker to remove batteries, but if removal of the unit itself ( and leaving wiring safe) means going into an electrical box and disconnecting wires, and local laws require that to be done by a licensed electrician then seems like they are just complying with local regs.
Bear in mind that if you chose to abandon it, first check the auction terms in case there are clauses concerning storage or disposal costs.

If it's the case that at some time power to the whole building will be cut off, then just tell them to let you know when that happens and you will come and collect then.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 11:31:08 am by mikeselectricstuff »
Youtube channel:Taking wierd stuff apart. Very apart.
Mike's Electric Stuff: High voltage, vintage electronics etc.
Day Job: Mostly LEDs
 

Offline Nusa

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2416
  • Country: us
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #10 on: March 18, 2018, 12:17:43 pm »
Have you considered contacting the auction company to see what they think of the matter?
 

Online nctnico

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 26682
  • Country: nl
    • NCT Developments
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #11 on: March 18, 2018, 12:20:57 pm »
Bear in mind that if you chose to abandon it, first check the auction terms in case there are clauses concerning storage or disposal costs.
I'd like to emphasize this. It wouldn't surprise me if it turns out there is such a clause.

Quote
If it's the case that at some time power to the whole building will be cut off, then just tell them to let you know when that happens and you will come and collect then.
But any work on the wiring would still need to be carried out by a certified electrician.
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 

Offline station240

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 967
  • Country: au
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2018, 12:29:42 pm »
I'm thinking the transfer switch on the wall is the issue here, the UPS is disconnected there (or at least switched off). Removing the switch itself, means tracing all the cabling from it.
I wouldn't bother with the transfer switch, not worth the time/expense/mess.

Just tell you're coming to collect the UPS on xx/xx/2018 xx:xx with electrician (license number 1234567). And you'll both have current Workers Comp. please ensure the office door is unlocked for us.
We won't be taking the transfer switch so as to not leave any exposed wiring.

No need to write your life's story. Don't leave them an out, if he argues ask if next week would be better. Waste his time by sending him a full OHS removing UPS etc.
 

Offline TerraHertzTopic starter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3958
  • Country: au
  • Why shouldn't we question everything?
    • It's not really a Blog
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #13 on: March 18, 2018, 12:40:07 pm »
Quote
If it's the case that at some time power to the whole building will be cut off, then just tell them to let you know when that happens and you will come and collect then.
But any work on the wiring would still need to be carried out by a certified electrician.

Have you ever been inside a large industrial site under demolition? I have.
There's a point somewhere between 'working site' and 'wreckage' where such rules become moot.  I could tell an amusing story about a large establishment in Sydney, where the demolition company had just some heavy wrecking machinery and operators for them, so could not deal with things like heavy copper cables and busbars. Since these just become hopeless tangles when bulldozers are applied. But they were contractually required to not put copper in landfill. It wasn't economical to employ someone specialized to remove the copper first. And so there was a requirement for a very unofficial involvement. It was fun and lucrative.

This just makes me laugh even harder at Benson's ideas. But sadly that episode can't be used as a lever here. Ha ha, unless I can make contact with the demolition company before they begin, and they have a similar need. But that's too iffy to leave as the only path.

Have you considered contacting the auction company to see what they think of the matter?
Yes. First on my list of Monday chores.  I didn't pursue such details before because I wasn't in a position to go get it. Now I am.

I'm thinking the transfer switch on the wall is the issue here, the UPS is disconnected there (or at least switched off). Removing the switch itself, means tracing all the cabling from it.
I wouldn't bother with the transfer switch, not worth the time/expense/mess.

It sure is! To me anyway. I'm not getting the UPS just to play with, I have an application. And will need such an isolation switch.
Btw, it might be an actual switch as in the diagram, but is more likely some contactors and control logic. Makes no difference to the external wiring.
Don't want to even think of what it would cost to buy a new one.
Also it's actually easiest to disconnect just the supply cable at that point, since that must be done as 'potentially live'. After it's removed, and a quick visual check that all the other cables do just go to wall outlets in the adjoining room, everything gets much quicker.
See pic below of how I think the setup almost certainly is. To be checked onsite.

Quote
Just tell you're coming to collect the UPS on xx/xx/2018 xx:xx with electrician (license number 1234567). And you'll both have current Workers Comp. please ensure the office door is unlocked for us.
Problems: HOW to arrange one day (hour?) workers comp for myself? I am not having much luck in finding out how to do that.
Not that I would be able to afford it I'm sure, or that I intend to do this anyway. I refuse, it's too stupid. Unless it was like $20.

This one thing I'm hoping to hear from someone who's done this before. How does one get short term, minimal 'workers comp'?

As for the electrician - I likely can't afford this. I'm retired, I currently live on less than $100 a week. Temporary situation, not easily fixed. You don't want to know the details, and it's absolutely certainly not like anything you've ever heard of before. Unless some Albury electrician would give half an hour for $50 (unlikely) it's not possible.

Quote
No need to write your life's story. Don't leave them an out, if he argues ask if next week would be better. Waste his time by sending him a full OHS removing UPS etc.
I don't know what that would look like. But I think I would be wasting a lot of my time, writing it. And he'd just bin it.

« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 01:50:42 pm by TerraHertz »
Collecting old scopes, logic analyzers, and unfinished projects. http://everist.org
 

Online mikeselectricstuff

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 13679
  • Country: gb
    • Mike's Electric Stuff
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #14 on: March 18, 2018, 02:02:06 pm »
Bear in mind that if you chose to abandon it, first check the auction terms in case there are clauses concerning storage or disposal costs.
I'd like to emphasize this. It wouldn't surprise me if it turns out there is such a clause.
Although if it turns out that it was abandoned due to terms being imposed/disclosed after the auction was won, it's unlikely anyone would persue it as you have a reasonable basis on which to cancel the contract

Youtube channel:Taking wierd stuff apart. Very apart.
Mike's Electric Stuff: High voltage, vintage electronics etc.
Day Job: Mostly LEDs
 

Online nctnico

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 26682
  • Country: nl
    • NCT Developments
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #15 on: March 18, 2018, 03:02:00 pm »
Quote
If it's the case that at some time power to the whole building will be cut off, then just tell them to let you know when that happens and you will come and collect then.
But any work on the wiring would still need to be carried out by a certified electrician.
Have you ever been inside a large industrial site under demolition? I have.
There's a point somewhere between 'working site' and 'wreckage' where such rules become moot.
Probably but until then the building has to stay a safe work environment. BTW I did not get to the part of the story where it says the building is going to be demolished.

Don't you have any friends who might want to help you out?
There are small lies, big lies and then there is what is on the screen of your oscilloscope.
 

Online rsjsouza

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 5974
  • Country: us
  • Eternally curious
    • Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #16 on: March 18, 2018, 03:06:45 pm »
In an auction I participated last year, the terms mentioned a very specific timeframe for removal of winning items under the penalty of having to pay disposal fees that were quite hefty.

I am not entirely sure if there is such thing in this auction, but since your initial discussion was opened by asking for an exception, that may not have helped smooth your case. I am not sure how Australia operates, but in the US it wouldn't be too difficult (nor expensive) to rent a truck and collect the item. They are most probably holding you on to that and want to release the item on their terms.

The terms don't seem to specify the requirements for removal, therefore you have a case there, especially given it seems to be sold as an individual item. However, if there is a more general terms and conditions that states any fixed installation item must follow any local regulations for disconnection and removal, they will have a strong case here - especially due to the fact the item is still connected to a breaker switch with potential risk of fatality.

In this particular section of your text there are lots of "should", "would", "likely", which also don't help much your case, especially since you were allowed to look at the item in situ before the auction and (supposedly) had access to the employees responsible for the maintenance of the item. A statement from the employees about the requirements for removal would have been great, but that is gone now.

Focusing on the current situation, I would then focus my attention to actually who pays for the licensed electrician.

Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 

Offline station240

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 967
  • Country: au
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #17 on: March 18, 2018, 04:57:51 pm »
Afraid you may have painted yourself into a corner here.
a) Mentioned illness (bad cold and bacterial infection) - now they wonder if you are 100% well enough to manhandle this thing.
b) Complaining about getting your Subaru and trailer capable of the trip - now they wonder if you are going to show up

Reading between the lines, they could just be saying "please send someone else to collect this".

As for the insurance stuff, all I can suggest is to ask your bank. My searching on google just shows insurance as one of those "tell us what you need, and we'll look up the price". One information site said it starts from $200 a year, so $20 for a month might be possible.
You'd still need an electrician, given the factory put a lot of people out of work, maybe you can get a local cheap.

Let me know if you need advice on how to get this mass o' metal into a trailer, that I can help you with.
 

Online mikeselectricstuff

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 13679
  • Country: gb
    • Mike's Electric Stuff
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #18 on: March 18, 2018, 06:00:55 pm »
To be quite blunt I think the primary issue is that the way you have communicated with them makes you look unprofessional - mentioning stories about car problems, details of illnesses, comments about the selling price etc. 
They are used to dealing with professional equipment dealers, movers etc. who know what they are doing and can be trusted to get the job done without killing themselves or damaging the building. Your communications will have put them in "better cover our asses in case this guy's an idiot" mode.

I'd bet that if you'd have just shown up there promptly with a truck and electrican's tool belt, you'd have been able to go in, disconnect and get it moved before anyone had a chance to check anything.

Bottom line is they want to clear the site with minimum hassle to them. If you're physically there with the means to get the stuff out the door it's unlikely they'd do anything to prevent it.

It's easer to ask forgiveness after than permission before.

TBH I think you should just cut your losses now, citing their failure to notify conditions prior to the sale, and not enter into any further communication.
 
Youtube channel:Taking wierd stuff apart. Very apart.
Mike's Electric Stuff: High voltage, vintage electronics etc.
Day Job: Mostly LEDs
 
The following users thanked this post: nctnico, Electro Detective

Online rsjsouza

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 5974
  • Country: us
  • Eternally curious
    • Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #19 on: March 18, 2018, 06:41:38 pm »
Quote
If it's the case that at some time power to the whole building will be cut off, then just tell them to let you know when that happens and you will come and collect then.
But any work on the wiring would still need to be carried out by a certified electrician.

Have you ever been inside a large industrial site under demolition?
Well, the site is not yet under demolition and the auctioner was tasked to empty the building before the demo crew shows up, therefore this is moot at this point as you don't know if there is a penalty associated with leaving one piece of equipment behind.

I'm thinking the transfer switch on the wall is the issue here, the UPS is disconnected there (or at least switched off). Removing the switch itself, means tracing all the cabling from it.
I wouldn't bother with the transfer switch, not worth the time/expense/mess.

It sure is! To me anyway. I'm not getting the UPS just to play with, I have an application. And will need such an isolation switch.
In your situation I would forget the switch, unless you can get in good terms with the auctioner. You auctioned for one item and may be perceived as trying to get something else for nothing.

Quote
Just tell you're coming to collect the UPS on xx/xx/2018 xx:xx with electrician (license number 1234567). And you'll both have current Workers Comp. please ensure the office door is unlocked for us.
Problems: HOW to arrange one day (hour?) workers comp for myself? I am not having much luck in finding out how to do that.
Not that I would be able to afford it I'm sure, or that I intend to do this anyway. I refuse, it's too stupid. Unless it was like $20.
That is the point you seem to be missing. You will have to look professional and "trouble-free" to the auctioner, otherwise I suspect the barriers will keep mounting and you will have to cut even higher losses.
Vbe - vídeo blog eletrônico http://videos.vbeletronico.com

Oh, the "whys" of the datasheets... The information is there not to be an axiomatic truth, but instead each speck of data must be slowly inhaled while carefully performing a deep search inside oneself to find the true metaphysical sense...
 

Offline Harb

  • Regular Contributor
  • *
  • Posts: 244
  • Country: au
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #20 on: March 18, 2018, 09:59:33 pm »
Not sure why they would isolate it to remove the batteries...........anyway whatever happens now if you walk away from it , you will be up for the cost of removal, which includes the quoted fee they told you about.
I deal with Pickles all the time and have never found them difficult to deal with, but you have to read the terms and conditions of the sale in the catalogue completely and if there is any doubt, ask.
There is a passage in the Cat about removal of electrical goods, and you may need a sparky to disconnect the item.
For the record, I have seen this exact thing happen before with a purchaser that tried to abandon there purchase of an old lathe they also won for 1 dollar.......which is fair enough.....they could have sold it to someone else to pick it up or include it into the next lot to get rid of it.....
Sorry mate, IMHO you are sunk.  :-\
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 10:01:20 pm by Harb »
 

Offline Electro Detective

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2715
  • Country: au
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #21 on: March 18, 2018, 10:52:14 pm »
I don't know if it's already been mentioned, but have you considered to ask Pickles if their preferred electrician can be contacted to do the job and at what price?

If it's not too expensive, organize to be there on the day

and ask the electrician beforehand what's the best method to get the item out and away from the premises,
he may have an easy way to do it from experience,
and you can take your time with it outside loading it up properly


FWIW I scored a 300 kilogram monster a while back,

agreed on a pickup day and time,

confirmed it first thing on the day again, then rocked up with a hired 3 ton truck with 500kg rated rear lifter thingie, 

and yes I could have done it with a trailer and risked all sorts of unforeseen hassles along the way with such a cumbersome heavy load,
but a one day truck hire is not that expensive, especially if you pre-plan to use it for other stuff too

Anyways, when I turned up they had simply cut off both electric feed cables at the switchboard and left about 2 metres still connected to the device and cable tied them to the sides
= good show, someone was thinking about the next install!     :clap:

one of the gents helped me heave it on the lifter, I did a quick tie down to secure it and slowly and gently -rolled- the truck out of their driveway and onto the street,

there I took my time securing the load properly for the long drive back

It can be easier than you think with large PITA gear, just don't let it go south when dealing with OHS clipboard flexing heros...  :palm:
 


 
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 10:59:23 pm by Electro Detective »
 

Offline Cyberdragon

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2676
  • Country: us
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #22 on: March 19, 2018, 07:11:26 am »
Quote
Anyways, when I turned up they had simply cut off both electric feed cables at the switchboard and left about 2 metres still connected to the device and cable tied them to the sides

Yep, in the US, they would have cut the cables with limb loppers, hacksawed any bolts, then moved it with furniture straps and dumped it outside. People don't always treat things nicely...be careful what you wish for...

Trust me, I've seen stuff that's obviously been brutally removed from it's location because they want it gone and don't care.
*BZZZZZZAAAAAP*
Voltamort strikes again!
Explodingus - someone who frequently causes accidental explosions
 

Offline Halcyon

  • Global Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 5614
  • Country: au
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #23 on: March 19, 2018, 08:10:23 am »
Probably the police in Albury would not be interested in turning up with me and instructing Benson Machines to just get out of the way. But I'll be phoning to ask them anyway.

You can ask however you can already probably guess their response. It's not that they aren't interested, rather your issue is a civil matter. Police don't get involved in civil matters such as disputes over property or money.

Personally, if it's a simply matter of picking up the unit (no disconnection required), I would completely disregard anything Pickles have told you, arrange a date to pick it up and just go and do it, deal with any issues that arise in person.
 

Offline donotdespisethesnake

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 1093
  • Country: gb
  • Embedded stuff
Re: Having some trouble retrieving my property. Request for comments.
« Reply #24 on: March 19, 2018, 08:33:53 am »
The way site clearances work is that it would cost the owner $500 to remove and dispose of an item. If they auction it for $1, it's not because they are trying to make money, but save themselves $500, because removal is now the responsibility of the new owner. If you buying an item "ex works", you are responsible for additional costs, you can't expect the seller to throw in extras just because you are a nice guy.
Bob
"All you said is just a bunch of opinions."
 
The following users thanked this post: Electro Detective


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf