HayDR
Veteran Member, Approved Advertiser
We have noticed this fall a reduction in weight for tillers and finish mowers and other implements from some European MFG's. It seems as if the machines have less steel in them but from the pictures they look the same. But when we inspected them in person we just had to say "Where is the beef?" Thinner sheet metal and bracing means these units will not have the frame to last. The European MFG's must do this to compete against the world market. What is funny some of the well known PTO MFG's are using Chinese yokes and cross bearings but stamping on the outside plastic shields made in Italy. It seems as if increasing steel prices and oil prices are putting a squeeze on the products coming from Europe and sold in the USA. Ask for the current machine weight not some old specifications. It is just like the potato chip guys selling more air in the bag. What used to be a good choice has now become a poor choice in selection of implements.