Difference between Big box store Z traks and Dealer Z traks

[Red Horse]

I have a neighbor that is about to buy aZtrak. I have an old 655 that in my mind is much more solid then what I see at HD, Lowes etc
Any opinions?

 

[Topzide]

When I worked for a lawn and garden sales and service shop, the box store stuff had differences in how they were put together. Sometimes, it was a different motor or deck size. We had the right to refuse warranty work on box store purchases, as we had our own customer base to take care of. Was always fun to see them when they were told it would be 8 - 12 weeks before we could look at it when in season! Had several call manufacturers to complain. They were told to call where they bought it! Had a few that returned them back to the box store and came right back and bought from us! For the same price and no interest for a year if they qualified! So yes, there is some difference between them.

 

[sklunk]

There is no difference between the box store and dealer models components (at least for Deere), but note these things:

• Box stores will only sell the "lower" series models. You can get these at the dealer too, but they also carry the higher-level models. In your example, the 655 is levels above what is sold by the box stores so you can't really compare the two.
• The biggest thing is SERVICE! As Topzide said, no box store services the name-brand models. They send you back to the dealer, and the dealer doesn't want anything to do with it (why would they when you could have bought the same thing, for the same price, directly from them??)

Tell you neighbor if he wants a Deere model that is at a box store, go to his closest JD dealer. They will always match the price on those models, then you get on the good side of the dealer since you bought directly through them. There is absolutely no reason to buy from a box store if the same model is available at the local dealer (people usually assume the box store is cheaper without ever checking with the dealer).

 

[Red Horse]

There is no difference between the box store and dealer models components (at least for Deere), but note these things:

• Box stores will only sell the "lower" series models. You can get these at the dealer too, but they also carry the higher-level models. In your example, the 655 is levels above what is sold by the box stores so you can't really compare the two.
• The biggest thing is SERVICE! As Topzide said, no box store services the name-brand models. They send you back to the dealer, and the dealer doesn't want anything to do with it (why would they when you could have bought the same thing, for the same price, directly from them??)

Tell you neighbor if he wants a Deere model that is at a box store, go to his closest JD dealer. They will always match the price on those models, then you get on the good side of the dealer since you bought directly through them. There is absolutely no reason to buy from a box store if the same model is available at the local dealer (people usually assume the box store is cheaper without ever checking with the dealer).

Thx "T" and "s" good info-and logicalwhen the quesgion of service comes up

 

[3Ts]

My experience with Deere is mixed but isn't all that favorable. I bought a backhoe from them so they do have me down as an existing customer. When I went to buy a ZTR they told me the one I wanted was still in the crate and they had to put it together and would call me as soon as they did. Nope! I checked two days later and they no longer had it. Ended up buying it from the Big Box store. I get my parts from Deere or Amazon, but I do all my own work on it, so I consider their service as questionable.