LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY
Important: This policy is intended for warranty administration in a B2B context. It does not replace the applicable product manual, written quotation, certification documents, purchase terms, mandatory legal requirements or safety obligations.
1. Scope and Eligibility
Vulcan Hoist ("Vulcan") provides this limited warranty exclusively to authorized distributors who purchase products directly from Vulcan (each, a "Distributor"). Vulcan sells its products through its authorized distributor network. This limited warranty is not transferable or assignable to end users or any other party without Vulcan's prior written consent.
Warranty coverage applies only to new products purchased from Vulcan, bearing an intact model number, serial number, date code or rating plate, and used under normal use and service conditions, within the product's rated capacity, rated duty cycle, environmental classification, electrical characteristics and published product instructions.
Distributors designated by Vulcan as authorized service centers ("ASCs") are also subject to Section 10 of this policy. No Distributor or ASC may approve, extend, modify or settle a warranty claim on behalf of Vulcan without Vulcan's prior written authorization by email through info@vulcanhoist.com.
2. Definitions
- "Authorized Service Center" or "ASC" means a Distributor or service provider expressly approved in writing by Vulcan to perform warranty repair work on designated products.
- "Covered Failure" means a failure caused by a defect in materials or workmanship that occurs during the applicable warranty period and is not excluded under this policy.
- "OEM Parts" means original equipment manufacturer parts or replacement parts expressly approved in writing by Vulcan.
- "Parts" means pre-authorized parts reasonably required to correct a Covered Failure, subject to the exclusions, preauthorization requirements and freight rules set out in this policy.
- "Written Authorization" means a written return material authorization issued by Vulcan through info@vulcanhoist.com before any product or component is returned for warranty evaluation.
3. Warranty Coverage by Product Line
Subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions set out in this policy, Vulcan warrants that each product line listed below will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the applicable warranty period. Warranty periods begin on the date of shipment from Vulcan to the Distributor, unless expressly stated otherwise in writing by Vulcan.
Product / Product Line | Warranty Period |
|---|---|
Vulcan Electric Hoist and Electric Trolley | 2 Years |
GIS Electric Hoist and Electric Trolley | 2 Years |
Vulcan VS1 Electric Hoist | 2 Years |
Vulcan Electric Winches | 2 Years |
Nova Chain Block, Lever Hoist, Trolley and Clamp | 1 Year |
Nova Cronos Chain Block and Nova Plus Lever Hoist | 2 Years |
William Hackett Hoists, Lever Hoists, Trolleys and Slings | 2 Years |
Vulcan Max Chain Block | 2 Years |
Mini XT Chain Block and Lever Hoist | 2 Years |
XTS Stainless Steel Chain Block | 2 Years |
Super Clamps | 2 Years |
SpanSet Lifting Clamps | 5 Years |
Repairs, replacements, credits or refunds provided under warranty are warranted only for the remaining portion of the original warranty period and do not restart, renew or extend that period. Replacement parts installed after the original warranty period has expired are not covered, unless expressly agreed to in writing by Vulcan.
Products sold as used, rebuilt, repaired, demonstration, clearance, non-standard or special-order products are covered only if Vulcan expressly states the applicable warranty in writing at the time of sale.
4. Vulcan's Obligations and Exclusive Remedies
If Vulcan determines that a product has a Covered Failure during the applicable warranty period, Vulcan will select, as its sole obligation and at its sole discretion, one of the following remedies:
- Repair the defective product or component at no charge to the Distributor for covered parts and approved labour;
- Replace the defective product or component with a new, repaired, refurbished, factory-reconditioned or functionally equivalent product or component;
- Issue a credit memo or refund up to the original purchase price paid by the Distributor for the affected product or component, if Vulcan determines that repair or replacement is not commercially practicable.
The remedies above constitute the Distributor's sole and exclusive remedies for any Covered Failure. Vulcan's decision to accept or deny a claim will be made after reviewing the claim information, returned product or component, inspection results and any additional information reasonably requested by Vulcan.
Vulcan may deny reimbursement for any field intervention, customer concession, replacement, repair, labour, travel, freight, inspection, troubleshooting or other cost that was not pre-authorized in writing by Vulcan.
5. Warranty Claim Procedure
To submit a valid warranty claim, the Distributor must strictly follow the procedure below. Failure to comply may result in denial of the claim.
- Remove from service any product that may present a safety risk and preserve the failed parts and relevant evidence until Vulcan authorizes their disposition.
- Notify Vulcan in writing at info@vulcanhoist.com or through the distributor portal within seventy-two (72) hours after discovery of the alleged defect and, in all cases, during the applicable warranty period.
- Provide a complete claim file, including the product model, serial number, Vulcan sales order or invoice number, shipment date, installation date if known, description of the failure, photographs or videos where useful, application details, operating environment, maintenance and inspection records, and any troubleshooting results requested by Vulcan.
- For electrical products, provide available electrical measurements, supply voltage and frequency, control panel information, fault codes, parameter files, wiring information, and evidence of proper grounding, protection and installation when requested by Vulcan.
- Obtain written authorization from Vulcan through info@vulcanhoist.com before returning any product or component. Products returned without valid written authorization may be refused or returned at the Distributor's expense.
- Ship the product or component to the facility designated by Vulcan, freight prepaid, properly packaged to prevent shipping damage and clearly identified with the printed written authorization and original purchase order number.
- Return the product or component within thirty (30) days following the written authorization, unless Vulcan grants a written extension.
Vulcan may request additional documents, photographs, failed parts, diagnostic data, maintenance records, inspection reports or use history before accepting or denying a claim. The Distributor must not discard, dismantle beyond reasonable troubleshooting, modify or repair the allegedly defective part without written instructions from Vulcan.
6. Warranty Exclusions
This limited warranty applies only to defects in materials and workmanship. It does not apply to the following items, and Vulcan assumes no obligation with respect to them:
- Normal wear and tear, routine maintenance, adjustments, lubrication, inspection, calibration or service items;
- Wear, consumable or replaceable items, including without limitation load chains, wire ropes, hook latches, brake linings, brake pads, friction discs, rope guides, chain guides, springs, contactors, relays, fuses, push buttons, seals, bearings, travel wheels, batteries, lamps, labels and similar items;
- Damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, improper handling, improper storage, improper installation, improper commissioning, improper maintenance, unauthorized repair or unauthorized modification;
- Failure to install, operate, inspect, test or maintain the product in accordance with the applicable product manual, Vulcan's written instructions, OEM instructions, inspection requirements and applicable laws, codes and standards;
- Overloading, side pulling, shock loading, off-center loading, excessive jogging or inching, use beyond the rated working load limit, use beyond the rated duty cycle, or use after a visible defect or abnormal condition is known or should have been known;
- Corrosion, contamination, moisture ingress, chemical exposure, abrasive exposure, washdown exposure, outdoor exposure, marine exposure, extreme temperatures, explosive atmospheres or any other environmental condition for which the product was not expressly designed and rated;
- Damage caused by deficient or incorrect electrical supply, phase loss, voltage imbalance, overvoltage, undervoltage, transients, harmonics, improper grounding, inadequate shielding, wiring errors, incorrect control voltage, incorrect frequency, improper variable frequency drive (VFD) parameters, unsuitable braking resistor or control equipment supplied by a third party;
- Failures caused by supporting structures, runway beams, overhead cranes, rigging, below-the-hook attachments, building conditions, third-party controls, third-party accessories or any other equipment not supplied or approved by Vulcan;
- Products on which the original model number, serial number, date code, warning label, certification marking or rating plate has been removed, modified, altered or made illegible;
- Products repaired, modified, dismantled or altered by any party not authorized in writing by Vulcan;
- Use of non-OEM parts or components not approved in writing by Vulcan;
- Cosmetic defects, paint damage, coating wear, discoloration, minor finish variations or packaging damage that do not affect the safe function or performance of the product;
- Software, firmware, radio-control settings, VFD programming, parameter changes, integrations or updates, except where Vulcan determines that a covered product defect exists;
- Shipping damage or loss. Claims for shipping damage or loss must be filed by the Distributor with the carrier at the time of delivery;
- Any defect, non-conformity or cost resulting from incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable information provided by the Distributor, end user or any third party;
- Any product for which the Distributor has not paid Vulcan in full, unless prohibited by applicable law.
7. Freight, Inspection and Costs Not Covered by Warranty
The Distributor is responsible for inbound freight, proper packaging, insurance, duties, taxes, brokerage fees, incidental charges and all risk of loss or damage for products or components returned to Vulcan for warranty evaluation, unless Vulcan expressly agrees otherwise in writing.
For an accepted warranty claim, Vulcan will pay standard outbound freight for the repaired or replaced product or component, using the carrier and shipping method selected by Vulcan. Expedited freight, special handling, jobsite delivery, crane rental, access equipment, removal, reinstallation, overtime, travel, lodging, meals, production loss and downtime costs are excluded, unless expressly approved in writing by Vulcan before they are incurred.
If Vulcan determines that the product or component does not have a Covered Failure, is outside the warranty period or is excluded under this policy, the Distributor will be responsible, as applicable, for inspection, troubleshooting, testing, repair, replacement, storage, disposition and return freight costs.
8. Distributor Responsibilities
To maintain warranty eligibility and reduce warranty risk, each Distributor is responsible for the following:
- Providing customers with complete and accurate product documentation, operating manuals, inspection instructions, maintenance instructions, warnings and safety information in the language(s) required by applicable law;
- Ensuring that customers are advised that products must be installed, operated, inspected, tested and maintained by qualified persons in accordance with the applicable manual, Vulcan instructions, applicable laws, codes and standards, and site requirements;
- Storing products before resale in clean, dry, safe and appropriate conditions that prevent corrosion, impact damage, contamination, condensation, UV damage or deterioration;
- Conducting a reasonable pre-delivery inspection and confirming that products are free from visible shipping damage, missing parts or obvious defects before delivery to the customer;
- Maintaining accurate sales, shipment, installation, service, inspection, maintenance and claim records sufficient to support warranty eligibility;
- Promptly reporting to Vulcan any safety-related incident, uncontrolled load movement, dropped load, brake failure, structural deformation, electrical fire, injury, property damage or other serious event involving a product;
- Not making warranty commitments, credits, replacements or concessions beyond this policy without Vulcan's prior written authorization through info@vulcanhoist.com.
9. Third-Party Products and OEM Warranties
Certain product lines distributed or represented by Vulcan are manufactured by third parties. Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing by Vulcan, Vulcan's obligations with respect to third-party products are limited to the warranty actually provided to Vulcan by the applicable OEM or supplier, together with the warranty administration support that Vulcan elects to provide under this policy.
Vulcan does not independently warrant third-party products beyond the applicable OEM warranty, if any, and assumes no responsibility for the OEM's design, manufacturing, documentation, certification, software, firmware, spare-parts availability, service bulletins, recalls or warranty decisions. Vulcan will use commercially reasonable efforts to assist the Distributor in administering valid OEM warranty claims where applicable.
In the event of a conflict between this policy and an applicable written OEM warranty for a third-party product, the OEM warranty will prevail to the extent that Vulcan's own warranty rights against the OEM are more limited, unless Vulcan expressly confirms broader coverage in writing.
10. Authorized Service Centers - Special Provisions
This Section 10 applies only to Distributors or service providers designated in writing by Vulcan as authorized service centers. ASC status may be limited by product line, territory, technician qualification, training level or written agreement.
10.1 Prior Authorization
All diagnosis, repair, replacement, field service, labour, travel and use of warranty parts must be pre-authorized in writing by Vulcan before work begins. Work performed without prior written authorization is not eligible for warranty reimbursement and may void the product warranty.
10.2 Repair Instructions and OEM Parts
All warranty repair work must be performed strictly in accordance with the applicable product manual, OEM repair manual, service bulletin, Vulcan written directions and applicable safety requirements. The ASC must use only OEM Parts. Use of non-OEM parts or unapproved substitutions may void the warranty and expose the ASC to liability.
10.3 Technician Qualifications
Warranty repair work must be performed only by technicians who are trained, competent and, where applicable, currently certified or authorized for the product and work performed. Vulcan may require proof of training, experience, certification or authorization before approving reimbursement.
10.4 Testing, Load Testing and Documentation
Upon completion of warranty repair work, the ASC must perform all functional tests, inspections and load tests required by the applicable manual, Vulcan written directions, applicable laws, codes and standards, and site requirements. The ASC must document the results and submit the completed repair report, inspection report, test record, photographs and parts list with the warranty reimbursement claim.
10.5 Reimbursement
Vulcan will reimburse ASCs only for pre-authorized warranty labour and approved OEM Parts. Labour reimbursement will be based on the applicable ASC agreement, approved flat-rate time schedule or written authorization issued by Vulcan. Unless approved in writing, reimbursement excludes travel, overtime, waiting time, administrative fees, customer concessions, rental equipment, site access costs, expedited freight and non-standard labour.
A complete ASC warranty reimbursement claim must be submitted within thirty (30) days after completion of the repair. Late, incomplete or unsupported claims may be denied.
10.6 Failed Parts and Denied Claims
Failed parts replaced under warranty become the property of Vulcan, unless Vulcan directs otherwise. The ASC must tag, protect and retain failed parts until Vulcan authorizes their disposition or return. If a claim is denied, Vulcan may invoice the ASC or Distributor for replacement parts, inspection, testing, freight and related costs.
11. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranties
THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS VULCAN'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, VULCAN DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS AND CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, DURABILITY, QUALITY, TITLE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, VULCAN WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF PRODUCTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE, DOWNTIME, COST OF SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT, REMOVAL OR REINSTALLATION COSTS OR THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, WARRANTY, EXTRA-CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY, STRICT LIABILITY, NEGLIGENCE OR ANY OTHER THEORY, EVEN IF VULCAN HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, VULCAN'S TOTAL LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY PRODUCT, WARRANTY CLAIM OR THIS POLICY WILL NOT EXCEED THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY THE DISTRIBUTOR TO VULCAN FOR THE AFFECTED PRODUCT OR COMPONENT.
Nothing in this policy is intended to exclude or limit liability to the extent that such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable mandatory law.
12. General Provisions
12.1 Non-Transferability
This limited warranty is provided solely for the benefit of the authorized Distributor and is not transferable or assignable to any third party, including any end user, without Vulcan's prior written consent.
12.2 Compliance with Standards and Local Regulations
Products are designed, manufactured, tested, labelled and/or certified only to the standards, directives, codes, certifications and classifications expressly stated in the applicable product documentation, quotation, rating plate, declaration, certificate or written confirmation issued by Vulcan or by the applicable OEM. This policy does not create or imply any certification or compliance representation not expressly stated in those documents.
Compliance with local laws, installation requirements, inspection requirements, operator qualifications, maintenance requirements, language requirements, occupational health and safety rules, electrical codes and periodic testing requirements is the responsibility of the Distributor, installer, owner, user and/or end user, as applicable.
12.3 Product Changes
Vulcan may make changes at any time to product design, materials, manufacturing, software, firmware, suppliers or specifications, provided such changes do not materially impair the intended function of the product. Product changes, service bulletins or improvements do not create any obligation to modify previously sold products and do not extend any warranty period.
12.4 Modifications and No Authority
No modification, correction, extension or waiver of this policy is binding on Vulcan unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Vulcan. No Distributor, ASC, sales representative, employee, agent or service technician has authority to create any warranty, remedy or obligation beyond this policy, unless expressly authorized in writing by Vulcan.
12.5 Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This policy is governed by and must be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Quebec, Canada, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Subject to any contrary mandatory law, any dispute arising out of or relating to this policy will be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Quebec, Canada.
12.6 Severability and No Waiver
If any provision of this policy is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law. Vulcan's failure to enforce any provision of this policy does not constitute a waiver of that provision or of any other right or remedy.
12.7 Entire Agreement and Conflicting Terms
This policy constitutes the entire warranty policy between Vulcan and the Distributor with respect to the products covered by this policy and supersedes all prior representations, drafts, communications or warranty agreements relating to the same subject matter. In the event of a conflict between this policy and any purchase order, acknowledgement, distributor document, end-user document or other external document, this policy will prevail, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing by Vulcan.