Call 4 Action helps get reimbursement for Cattaraugus County man after lawnmower fire

HINSDALE, N.Y. (WIVB) – After a Cattaraugus County man’s riding lawnmower burst into flames, he hit a dead-end while trying to get it replaced. That’s when Call 4 Action stepped in.

Tony Sokal’s riding lawnmower went up in flames from a mechanical malfunction earlier this year. Luckily, no one was hurt. However, a very frustrating ordeal commenced in getting that mower replaced.

“There it goes, my $3,000 tractor,” Tony can be heard saying on cellphone video.

The incident occurred in May. Tony stepped back and filmed it, citing the proximity of the flames to the gas tank for his caution.

The Craftsman rider ended up burning right down to the frame. He eventually called the fire department to have the fire put out.

“It was like $3,700 dollars out-of-pocket, I’m not poor, but I don’t have 30-something hundred dollars to throw away unexpectedly,” Tony said.

His saving grace — the mower was just two months away from its warranty expiring. However, trying to collect on the warranty wasn’t easy.

“It was like a classic ‘hey man it ain’t my job,'” Tony said.

Tony contacted Lowe’s where he bought the mower, Craftsman and the manufacturer of the rider, MTD, but got nowhere.

“As my son said, dad they’re dealing with the wrong guy because you have nothing to do since you’re retired but make trouble,” Tony said.

So he called his local senator’s office — Senator George Borello and Call 4 Action — WIVB News 4 contacted Black and Decker which owns Craftsman tools about Tony’s situation. That’s when Tony says Lowe’s got on top of his case.

“So, I sent them all of my purchase receipts and ultimately, they paid me, but it was a three month exercise,” Tony said.

That reimbursement went to buying a new rider for Tony and his two miles of trails.

“If you have something dire happen, remember contact Channel 4 and your state reps too because they both can help,” Tony said.

If you have a Call 4 Action complaint, you can call our hotline at 716-879-4900.

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Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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