Senator Saland To Introduce Farm Equipment Lemon Law Legislation

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that he will be introducing legislation which will establish a lemon law for farm equipment costing more than $1,500. The state presently has lemon laws for new and used cars, new motorized wheelchairs, new motor homes and pets purchased from pet dealers.

New farm equipment would have a one-year express warranty covering all material defects. Consumers would be responsible for reporting any problems they encounter with the farm equipment and the supplier or dealer would be required to correct the problem free of charge. If the problem cannot be repaired after four or more attempts, the equipment is out of service for repairs for 30 days during the warranty period, or the manufacturer refuses to make repair within 20 days after written notification the consumer would be entitled to a refund of the purchase price (minus a use allowance).

"I am pleased that this legislation would shield farmers from the potentially devastating consequences of purchasing faulty equipment," said Senator Saland. "These sizable investments will now be properly protected."

"We commend Senator Saland for once again standing up for farmers," said John Lincoln, president of the New York Farm Bureau, which has more than 35,000 members throughout the state. "This bill would go a long way to help protect the huge investment our members make in farm equipment, which traditionally has been one of the biggest expenses for our agricultural operations."

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