cubex batch not so good. update

That number is placed on the bag when it is printed. They have two plants so the number can be very different and be from the same day. They really do not have any relevance to cubex lot number or day produced.

Meneillys said:

That number is placed on the bag when it is printed. They have two plants so the number can be very different and be from the same day. They really do not have any relevance to cubex lot number or day produced.

Click to expand...

Was not aware they had 2 plants. Figured the number would at least be a general indication but so much for that.

I'm pretty sure I got the bad stuff too. 3 tons of it. I should be able to go a ton before emptying the ash pan, and I have not been able to do that yet, not even close.

I don't think I'm going to bother him with it actually. They're already stacked inside my shed and they're heating my house just fine. Now that I think about it I'd rather just deal with it. So I can only burn 1/2 of a ton without emptying ash, and I have to give the burn pot a quick scrape 2 or 3 times a week instead of once or twice... big deal, I'll just buy something else next time.

The Granules LG were cheaper by $0.50 per bag anyways

I think we need to make sure every one with this high ash problem lets Cubex know so they understand what people will except or turn away from. So far only three of my customers have had a complaint on the Cubex all reported good heat just high ash about 3-4x more than last year. The thing that bothered me was they pay more for the Cubex because they are known for being a high heat low ash pellet. All three were spring buy so this year I am going to get them a couple bags from a lot number to try before it gets warm so they know they have the normal Cubex if they buy again.
I think pellet users might see more problems with pellets with the lack of raw material. Mills are sourcing in material that can be questionable at times causing pellets to become questionable. Guess the old "Try before you buy" is the only way to know.

Meneillys said:

I think we need to make sure every one with this high ash problem lets Cubex know so they understand what people will except or turn away from. So far only three of my customers have had a complaint on the Cubex all reported good heat just high ash about 3-4x more than last year. The thing that bothered me was they pay more for the Cubex because they are known for being a high heat low ash pellet.

Click to expand...

I agree, Keep them on their toes. We spend good money on them and expect getting what we pay for. If there is an issue it should be passed on. If we remain silent it will only continue and possibly get worse. Give em an inch they'll well you know what i mean.

PFI should be doing there spot checks to assist our woe's. But as far as I am concerned we our the best as seeing and reporting issues with product. I'll be the first to point at a brand that's out of spec and just as quick to praise the brands doing a great job at providing excellent product.

Just out of curiosity, what seems to be the going rate for Cubex? My dealer charged $7/bag, which is the most I have paid for any pellets. I only bought 6 to try and, as per above, was disappointed. Even if they were great I am not sure the differential from Great Americans at $5.18/bag is worth it.

$275 per ton in my neck of the woods.

No wonder I thought $7/bag was RIP!

$265/ton up here

$242 here. We had them at $237 for the fall but Cubex did a $5 increase on the 1st. It appears that Cubex and some others are still low on stock so I am starting to wonder if we will see a spring price drop this year.

$270 here. I hope there's a drop in price this spring.

I have just started using a pellet stove, the Quadra Fire Mt Vernon. I purchased two tons of Cubex pellets. The first ton was great but the second ton has had problems with ash build up. I get ash on the baffle plate and in the firepot. Very messy and a pain to keep clean.

I wrote a note to Cubex pellet manufacturer Lauzon but have not received a response.

Joe

Joe Parrette said:

I have just started using a pellet stove, the Quadra Fire Mt Vernon. I purchased two tons of Cubex pellets. The first ton was great but the second ton has had problems with ash build up. I get ash on the baffle plate and in the firepot. Very messy and a pain to keep clean.

I wrote a note to Cubex pellet manufacturer Lauzon but have not received a response.

Joe

Click to expand...

I hope someone from Lauzon/Cubex checks these boards, I have sworn by Cubex for 7 years (4 Tons a year) that is almost $8,000 but if they produce the amount of ash I produced this year I will move on!They will get one more shot next season.

I will post my response from Lauzon. If they do not offer me some kind of discount I will be moving on soon. That first ton was great and had the second ton been the same I would continue using them.

Joe

Yes I cleaned it good including my chimney, even did it a second time.

I will probably go with PWI as my local dealer has those on sale. The Oakies are too expensive just looked $319 where PWI on sale at $259.

It seems Cubex is not consistent on their product and I hate to spend $289 for an inferior product.

Joe

My response from Lauzon Limited


Hi Joe,
Since your email to us on Wednesday, we are sorry that we have not been fast enough to resolve your problem. We like for our dealers to be aware and involved in certain situations as we still value you as their customer. Also, it gives us the opportunity to understand particular circumstances, helps us to determine delivery dates and associate potential underlying problems we may have had at any given time.

We are still not clear when you received these pellets, but we did have an issue with a particular Raw Material Supplier in November. We quickly caught the issue and can assure you that since this time we have not been taking any of this product. From what you have described, it sounds like your issues stems from this batch.

It sounds like you have found a solution for your pellet problem in a very short period of time and we are glad. Although, we are disappointed that we could not maintain your confidence in our brand by proving our commitment to quality.

So, one issue still remains and that is your stove. Please accept a credit in the sum of $150 for maintenance to your stove. Also, return any leftover Cubex Pellets to Southern Maine Renewable Fuels for full credit plus 25%.

Thank you for directing us to Hearth.com as we take all matters seriously. The numbers on the forums are simply the plastic manufactures stock number.

Unfortunately, there are inconsistencies in the nature of wood pellet production and isn’t uncommon for pellet manufactures to experience such occurrences.

Sincerely,
Stewart McIntosh

It seems that they would like to make things better. The proof would be in the product.

Joe

This is the first I have heard of Lauzon excepting fiber from the outside sources. They used to be inhouse AFAIK. No wonder they had some quirks. They have been around a long time and will figure things out.

I have also heard a few other mills are adding log chippers to their operations to help limited fiber supply. With building trades being low, And pellet sales doing well. It just logical for them to figure out ways to increase pellet sales and keep their employee's working. Might not be as high quality as the dust/planer chip pellets. But pellets we will have come winter.

A few posts above I complained about Cubex Pellets like a few others on this topic. That ton of pellets was just terrible. Bob at Maine Renewable Fuels was great and gave me a few bags for my troubles. He also stuck in a few new Cubex. The new Cubex burned fine. This year I was going to purchase some softwood pellets but changed my mind when looking at the specs.

I ended up purchasing Cubex Pellets and am happy I did. These pellets are burning as good as the first ton I purchased. Low ash and high heat output. I am so glad they fixed the supplier issue.

Joe

jmparret said:

Bob at Maine Renewable Fuels was great and gave me a few bags for my troubles.

Click to expand...

Those guys are great. I had the same problem last year on just a few bags of Cubex that I bought, and they traded me some LaCretes no questions asked.