Minelab service issues?

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Does anyone have their 600 or 800 stuck at the PA ML service center? My 600 has been there since December 23rd. They informed me last week then again today that they are waiting on ML to restock them with parts. Once they receive the parts they are going to replace my stock coil again and also my head unit.

Back in March I had the same problem “lost hightones” (suddenly silver quarters would read up a scratchy 12-15 and only at a 2”) and they replaced the coil in less than a week.

Aaargh, getting frustrated.

[Treasure_Hunter]

Sounds like they are out of parts needed. Parts come from plant in Malaysia so they are waiting on shipment..

[smokeythecat]

I think Treasure_Hunter is correct. Maybe most than normal got broken due to the fall digging season, with more folks out digging, or they just plain didn't order enough spares to begin with. Inventory in just the nick of time is normal these days, lots of companies just don't keep much of a stock of anything anymore.

[cudamark]

It may also be that in some states (or federal?) that they want to reduce inventory for tax reasons, and therefor waited until after the new year to restock.

[smokeythecat]

Yeah, I forgot the end of year inventory thing!

[Treasure_Hunter]

When repair center was at Kellyco they were always waiting on Minelab parts from Malaysia and when they arrived half were back ordered.

[AARC]

I cannot help but notice since the release of these reading many "repair" stories.

Does this seem to be "more than normal" to anyone else ?

Perhaps they are out of parts is due to the AMOUNT of repairs talking place.

In theory... a solid detector would only warrant anticipated amounts of repairs.

SO... hence,,, the amount of parts needed obviously has exceeded the anticipated stocking amounts.

Seems this detector has been plagued with "issues".

At least it seems that way.

[Treasure_Hunter]

I cannot help but notice since the release of these reading many "repair" stories.

Does this seem to be "more than normal" to anyone else ?

Perhaps they are out of parts is due to the AMOUNT of repairs talking place.

In theory... a solid detector would only warrant anticipated amounts of repairs.

SO... hence,,, the amount of parts needed obviously has exceeded the anticipated stocking amounts.

Seems this detector has been plagued with "issues".

At least it seems that way.

Problem is you eventually run out of parts and when that happens you are stuck waiting on parts to be restocked from Malaysia, the wait can be 6-8 weeks at times and parts may be back ordered or only received half of what was ordered.

[DeepseekerADS]

This is reminiscent of 3 or 4 years ago when Kellyco was doing the repairs for Minelab - and couldn't get replacement parts.

Kellyco took an absolute ton of abuse for Minelab's shortfall - undeserved grief for a good company (Kellyco).

[Rick K]

They only need to order 3 parts. Control head, rod, coil - nothing is repaired - all replaced - how hard could it be - unless the failure rate is way beyond what they planned.

[smokeythecat]

Getting to know the failure rate is like trying to predict the outcome of the 2028 presidential election. For a comparison, I never had this problem with my White's Garrett, or Tesoro machine, may Tesoro RIP. I haven't been able to break the Deus yet. Plus I will probably be retiring it soon anyway, so we'll never know if I could break it or not.

[AARC]

They only need to order 3 parts. Control head, rod, coil - nothing is repaired - all replaced - how hard could it be - unless the failure rate is way beyond what they planned.

This is exactly what I am saying.

[AARC]

So... possibly...

MineLab made a first down on the field of tech advancements...

But fumbled the ball before reaching the goal line of quality.

[smokeythecat]

AARC, that's probably closer to the truth than anyone wants to admit.

[AARC]

AARC, that's probably closer to the truth than anyone wants to admit.

You know the old saying "they don't make things like they used to".

Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come from them... where profit is goal over quality... riding a "name".

Well... IF they produced a "lemon" it will come back and haunt them with the repairs...

which would... essentially... turn those profits into dust in the wake of repair / replacement / man hours and costs.

Not to mention a mark / scar on the name itself.

The nox came out of the gate like a screaming cheetah wheelie in sales.