monkeybusiness

It happened in May - we actually also do a bit of work for the truck firm and I spoke to the director on the evening it happened and he told me it would be sorted. I sent a couple of emails to their ‘compliance’ department putting them in touch with the hire company and thought it was all sorted. The hire company had given me a repair estimate of £12500 for them to get the parts and sort it in-house - they got back in touch last week to say the machine was having to be sent back to the manufacturer as something needs reprogramming now. It was only at that point that I found out the truck insurers are refusing the claim… Farkinell!!!

I can’t prove it was or wasn’t the truck or was or wasn’t the farmer, but I know it was one of them (and all the evidence the farmer provided to me and I subsequently witnessed first hand points towards the truck). The farmer told me about the damage and said the truck did it. However it happened we were working under the farmer’s instruction, parked the machine where he told us to, and the job wasn’t quoted and hasn’t yet been invoiced. I’m not sure that it’s not something I can bill on, in the same way that the hire company are billing it in to me. But that’s a situation I’d obviously rather avoid!

I’m certain the farmer didn’t do it - he’s not like that. My other angle is where do I stand billing the farmer for the damage? It happened on his job in his yard, and the damage was caused by his supplier (who he apparently spends £250k a year with across a couple of farms(!). He is a very nice bloke and is as frustrated as I am about the situation.

I’d appreciate some hive-mind thoughts on the following situation please all! We reduced a large conifer hedge on a chicken farm with a hired in access platform (genie-type self-propelled boom jobby). One Friday afternoon after we had packed up and gone home the farmer called to say the local biomass company had reversed a wagon into the machine whilst delivering woodchip (within an hour and a half window after we had left site) and caused significant (circa £15k) damage to said MEWP. It was the only vehicle into and out of the yard within the timeframe, there were wagon skidmarks on the floor, and a freshly tipped load of chip. The wagon left without the driver alerting anyone to the incident. I contacted the firm who acknowledged their truck made the delivery within the timeframe, but their driver has denied anything happened and they reckoned they couldn’t find any damage on their truck. They subsequently passed it on to their insurers who have stated that the onus is on us to prove they did it - we have provided photos and times but they are refusing the claim. I have yet to speak to my insurers as would rather avoid a hired-in-plant claim (or any claim for that matter!). Can anyone shed any light upon where I stand? The truck driver has left the scene of an accident (even though it was on private land) - is that an angle I should consider?

Yes - exactly that. Don’t disconnect any hydraulic fittings with the bed raised unless you have it properly supported…..

I had a great time on the Friday, caught up with loads of old suppliers, drank gallons of free beer, came home with a pocket full of business cards, spent zero money!!!

Could probably still start/drive a car with keyless go!

I’ve made several glass claims across different vehicles and it’s only ever cost me the £50-£70 excess. I’d ask your insurer what the deal is personally.

Can’t you get it sorted paying a small excess on your vehicle insurance? They often have glass cover separate to the main policy and it doesn’t affect no claims.

Specimen Trees are good.

Lovely that! Don’t forget the plates that cover the track tensioners - it’s no fun clearing dried mud out of those recesses…

Farking autocorrect - thank you!

Yes and yes.

Press Heath Forest Nurseries and Heathwood Nursery are both excellent.

I was surprised that they haven’t mobilised more quickly to try and raise the whole thing, or at least set up an air-fed dive team. I suppose the scuba investigations may have fairly quickly proven that at best it is a recovery operation, with no lives to be saved.

Because of woke people with loud accusations of racism towards anyone who thinks this way sadly.

Would be good to buy you a pint mate, will sort something no doubt!

Who’s going this year? We are heading down on a bus from Nantwich on the Friday if anyone is there and fancies meeting for a pint. There are also a few places left on the bus if anyone wants to jump on - it will be a boozy affair though so bring your drinking shoes…,

I’d just use 3 or 4 loose sleepers instead of that tbh.

I’m not sure that Trump was on the job then either tbh. Defo not his fault that time either 😂😂😂

I don’t think Putin would have invaded Ukraine with Trump (or someone similarly strong/unpredictable) at the helm. He knew that NATO/Europe/the US wouldn’t get involved directly (they have supplied arms for defence but only recently sent anything that can reach into Russia as a form of attack) so he’s been able to essentially do as he pleases, as there hasn’t been any western leadership with an ounce of backbone to stand up to him. I personally think we need Trump to be the leader Russia/China/North Korea have in the back of their minds when considering their next moves.

I’m with you on this - Netanyahu and his followers are as close to Hitler and the nazis as I think we’ve seen in modern times. Hamas are terrorists none-the-less, but they are well supported and subsequently sheltered by the Palestinians because of the horrendous historic behaviour of Israel (supported by the West). The whole lot wants nuking and bulldozing into the sea….

He would (will?!) stop the war by cutting off the funding, and forcing Ukraine to accept the current front line as the new boundary. Clearly this is not something he can do if not president.

Disappointed that isn’t your starter word mate…