Trading under the name Agrison in outer Melbourne, AA Machinery Pty Ltd allegedly began breaching Australian Consumer Law from at least August 2017.
Agrison promised online, in print and on social media that its tractors were fully supported by a five-year nationwide warranty, a national after sales network and timely service.
In reality the family-owned business did not have a service network throughout Australia, the warranty was a limited ‘parts only’ warranty, and spare parts were not available in a reasonable time frame, if at all.
A number of Agrison customers contacted the ACCC about the alleged breaches in consumer law, reporting their Agrison machinery had serious defects such as failing brakes and leaking hydraulic systems which Agrison was unable to repair.
Other customers were unable to get correct spare parts to repair their machinery.
ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said tractors were a substantial expense for farmers and it was important they work properly and promised support is available.
“We allege that, when deciding to make the significant purchase of an Agrison tractor, consumers may have taken into account the false and misleading claims Agrison made regarding the warranty offered and the availability of service, repairs and spare parts,” Mr Keogh said.
The ACCC is seeking orders including: declarations, injunctions, pecuniary penalties and costs.
In addition to Agrison agricultural tractors, the business sells wheel loaders, construction equipment, diesel generators, farming implements and portable buildings.
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