Interesting Cub News

gamble77 · Jun 10, 2005

Had a customer come in today and was telling me about how John Deere will be in Lowe's stores next year and Cub will not. I didn't really pay him much attention, plus we were slammed today and I didn't have time to do anything.

Anyway, after we closed I was thinking about it and decided to call my rep who confirmed this news! I was shocked to say the least.

I'm not sure how I feel about this yet. On one hand its good for us independent dealers who now won't be competing against Lowes...but at the same time those volume sales through Lowes allowed Cub to afford other programs that only independent dealers had access to (Cub Commercial, etc.). I'm sure this will be an interesting topic over the next few months and especially at the dealer meeting this October.

Spiffy · Jun 10, 2005

I'm cynical....but I think there is some logic there:

They can walk away from the mess a few overzealous or inept sale people have made with Cub; by the time they've completely destroyed the JD name, they're hoping that guys like you will have restored Cub's name then switch! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JTKub · Jun 10, 2005

Did your rep indicate why SLowes axed the CC line? I'm thinking the imitation JD's with their inflated prices must be more profitable for them.
G/luck
Joel

viking65 · Jun 10, 2005

I'm sure Home Depot is excited about this.

gamble77 · Jun 11, 2005

Not sure why they have decided to switch. Cub and Lowes have been having some "words" about warranty issues and what-not but I'm sure John Deere and Home Depot have the same issues. Just seems that customers that buy from these big box stores dont really understand the warranty part of the agreement...bottome line...don't buy something new that has a motor and a seat from somewhere that can't work on the darn thing!!

Mojoman · Jun 11, 2005

Well, IMHO I think Lowe's is looking at it from a marketing standpoint, green sells. It doesn't matter that those machines are not the same caliber as a GT series or their fathers' JD's.

Name recognition is king when it comes to your everyday consumer. I would say the majority are not like the ilk that frequent these forums, or like myself. e.g. I just had windows and siding put on my house....I know more about replacement windows than my installer did (private subcontractor) and more than a sane person should know about them. Insulated glass spacer types, argon loss, true u-factor ratings, solar heat gain coefficients....ugh....must....stop /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

JTKub · Jun 11, 2005

( ...bottome line...don't buy something new that has a motor and a seat from somewhere that can't work on the darn thing!! )

Good point & well said /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. People want the price, convenience, credt, etc... that big box stores have, but you have to get the whole picture for this type of purchase.
G/luck
Joel

aagitch · Jun 11, 2005

I think Lowes will help in giving John Deere a bad name. Those JD's at Home Depot are junk. With most of the workers at Lowes and Home Depot not actually knowing what they are doing when it comes to lawn tractor repair and assembly, consumers are going to blame the maker of the lawn tractor. I've heard through some dealer friends that Lowes has given the Cub Cadet low-end line a bad name because they don't know what they are doing. I'm glad CC won't be at Lowes anymore.

IH 682 w/hyd lift

GreenQuality · Jun 11, 2005

Here is the deal! CC IS pulling out of lowes.because the true life line of CC is the dealer and he is hurting, not very happy with lowes as a competitor! bottom line.mtd used lowes to get the CC name out there,IT's like fishing for sharks you have to chum the **** out of them,once you get them in your ready to fish! so get ready for higher prices from your local dealer with a /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cactus · Jun 12, 2005

( Those JD's at Home Depot are junk. )

I beg to differ on that....I have a 130 with and this is the second season I have had it and I have had no problems with it....It is a lot better than my old Craftsman. For strictly yard mowing it has been excellent.