SMALL TRACTOR COMPANY

Not good

Project started in early July. First step was a retaining wall of approx. 90 feet along sidewalk at property border. This was completed on time and was beautiful and very well done. It included a tiered section with integral planting area. Cement work for parking strip (approx. 70 ft. x 20ft.) and cement patio were very well done. Patio included 10ft. x 10ft. tile insert and 6ft privacy fence with 10 ft. x 12ft. covered outdoor cooking area. This was where the project bogged down. We were told Ray had a medical issue and was unavailable for work for several weeks. Communication was very poor when Ray was ill. We went weeks without hearing from any of the employees. Person who took over for Ray during his illness was fired (according to Ray) during our project for bad decisions. That person changed our tile layout without permission and seemed to have done so because he purchased distressed or damaged tile at a discount then used it our our project. That material had to be removed and replaced with what we had originally ordered. The same person made positive suggestions on the fence, a gate and the covered BBQ area. We were uncertain as to the specifics of the issue between this person and Ray, but the communication resulting from their difficulty made our experience slow and unpleasant. After the person was let go, he contacted us several times questioning our decision to have the tile he installed removed as he apparently had paid for the tile himself and Ray refused to reimburse him (since it wasn't what we had ordered.) That was awkward for us. The cement work was done by subs and was excellent. The tile work done by Ray's employees was acceptable, but not perfect. There was a slight depression in the tiles on one end where water puddles, and one of the tiles cracked after 90 days or so. Both are indications the tile wasn't level when installed. The project wasn't completed until nearly November when it had been represented to us it would be finished by August. Ray had no control over being ill, but it was disappointing it took so long. Overall, the project came out well and we are happy with the finished product. Took too long to complete and the communication was poor. Based on other reviews indicating Ray has difficulty with his workers and they don't get paid (similar to our experience), I don't believe we would be comfortable using him again even though the work itself was acceptable.

This was the worst project I ever did. What a rip off. He never completed the job. He used sand as top soil. He never came to check on the job unless he wanted money. The underground sprinkler system doesn't work & the main control panel is hanging by a nail in the garage. The so called "fountain" never worked propertly & only turned on if the porch lights were on. Most of the plants died the first summer. The yard never had a chance to grow in the hard as cement "top soil". He didn't pay some of the workers & they would come knocking at my door. He was suppose to outline the yard with a brick boarder - never happened. He is a TOTAL RIP OFF - beaware of "Small Tractor Company" they are a "BIG RIP OFF"!!!!!