LS or Massey

[Tennsawdust]

At the homeowner/consumer level, MTD = practical, functional, affordable, disposable. But I'm not sure I'd call them junk. On any level where you need to make money with a tool, that may be a different matter.

Everything is built to a price point. I've owned MTD's and Murrays and haven't had one fail to give it's worth in service. If it keeps the grass cut for 6 or 7 years it has more than been worth what I paid for it. It has to run a few hours a week for 8 or 9 months of the year. That is the purpose they were built for. If someone wants more they should buy a higher grade mower. I also own a commercial grade JD that is over 30 years old and still works well. Yes, it has given 3 or 4 times the service of a MTD, but it also cost 3 or 4 times as much.

 

[mcfarmall]

You clearly dont know what you are talking about. Are you familiar with Fendt tractors?- one of the best in the world. How about Challenger? Again...one of the best made. How about Valtra?- again...one of the best, though mostly used in Europe. Massey Ferguson has always built a tank of a tractor. Until about 8 years, they were more primitive, but since AGCO purchased Fendt and Challenger, they have become a world contender. Their commitment to their customers since about 2012 is second to none.

Blanket statements like yours are ridiculous.l, though you are entitled to your opinion. Do your research. I think you may change your opinion.

AGCO=maker of many various tractors and equipment sold under a variety of brand names
MTD=maker of many various tractors and equipment sold under a variety of brand names.

Nowhere in my original comment did I berate AGCO or claim they made inferior products, yet I was labeled as "silly and ignorant", that I don't know what I'm talking about, ridiculous, et al.

Several respondents made assumptions that AGCO was being painted as offering inferior products.

The equation was simply this and nothing more...large holding company=large holding company.

 

[TSO]

AGCO=maker of many various tractors and equipment sold under a variety of brand names
MTD=maker of many various tractors and equipment sold under a variety of brand names.

Nowhere in my original comment did I berate AGCO or claim they made inferior products, yet I was labeled as "silly and ignorant", that I don't know what I'm talking about, ridiculous, et al.

Several respondents made assumptions that AGCO was being painted as offering inferior products.

The equation was simply this and nothing more...large holding company=large holding company.

MTD manufacturers mainly consumer entry-level disposable products that sell under many different brand names.

AGCO owns or oversees other companies that manufacture mainly high quality manufacturing products.

There's a big difference between the two in the comparison.

 

[Trillium Farm]

MTD manufacturers mainly consumer entry-level disposable products that sell under many different brand names.
AGCO owns or overseas other companies that manufacture mainly high quality manufacturing products.
There's a big difference between the two in a the comparison.

Well Said!

 

[Bigpuddie]

MTD manufacturers mainly consumer entry-level disposable products that sell under many different brand names.

AGCO owns or oversees other companies that manufacture mainly high quality manufacturing products.

There's a big difference between the two in the comparison.

Agreed. I think the interpretation was there

 

[Paystar]

Calling something the "MTD" of anything is a negative. MTD is known for churning out massive amounts of entry level junk that gets "rebranded" as a myriad of different names and colors, generally available at big box stores. I have never known or heard anyone referring to anything from MTD as quality, or "best in the world.". When you refer to MTD, is it possible you are confusing them with someone else?

Well then let me be the first to enlighten you, LOL. Here is my 1982 MTD (behind the Allis) that mowed the 2 acre finished lawn part of my yard for 18 years before I bought my Kubota in 2013. Other than changing engine oil I have not done a thing to it. Never touched the transaxle or anything. My friend I bought it off of did put tubes in the tires though. And gave it an awesome paint job with flames and an OCC emblem and Harley key chain as a joke when he knew I was coming to get it.

 

[TSO]

Calling something the "MTD" of anything is a negative. MTD is known for churning out massive amounts of entry level junk that gets "rebranded" as a myriad of different names and colors, generally available at big box stores. I have never known or heard anyone referring to anything from MTD as quality, or "best in the world.". When you refer to MTD, is it possible you are confusing them with someone else?

Well then let me be the first to enlighten you, LOL. Here is my 1982 MTD (behind the Allis) that mowed the 2 acre finished lawn part of my yard for 18 years before I bought my Kubota in 2013. Other than changing engine oil I have not done a thing to it. Never touched the transaxle or anything. My friend I bought it off of did put tubes in the tires though. And gave it an awesome paint job with flames and an OCC emblem and Harley key chain as a joke when he knew I was coming to get it.

Congratulations to you, it's always nice when something like that works out. Seems like an exception rather than the rule... Based on my own experiences, and the experiences of people I know and have read about. Obviously, not every MTD product will be a disappointment. But, I would suspect that a significant amount of people that have owned MTD equipment have some kind of horror story about their ownership experience.

 

[Paystar]

In all fairness this one is an 824 Classic. It's all steel with a B&S engine, so not much to go wrong with it. I can't comment on new ones. But from 1989 to 2013 I have only had three tractors. Two Craftsmen and this MTD. The Craftsmen had snow blowers but the years I used the MTD I plowed with my atv.

My only complaint was the over 4 hours of mow time and the disgusting amount of gas I used compared to what my B2620 can do, LOL.

Took the deck off it and still use it once in a while to pull the dethatcher, dump cart and small wood splitter. Just to give it something to do.

 

[fried1765]

In all fairness this one is an 824 Classic. It's all steel with a B&S engine, so not much to go wrong with it. I can't comment on new ones. But from 1989 to 2013 I have only had three tractors. Two Craftsmen and this MTD. The Craftsmen had snow blowers but the years I used the MTD I plowed with my atv.

My only complaint was the over 4 hours of mow time and the disgusting amount of gas I used compared to what my B2620 can do, LOL.

Took the deck off it and still use it once in a while to pull the dethatcher, dump cart and small wood splitter. Just to give it something to do.

I still have, and mow with, my dad's 15HP Briggs powered 1972 Sears 42" rider (built by Roper).

 

[daugen]

I still have, and mow with, my dad's 15HP Briggs powered 1972 Sears 42" rider (built by Roper).

They are all just made of parts, you have to grease them and replace the parts. And when it smokes too much, finally put some new rings on.
That's assuming it's worth rebuilding, some of the new stuff is so lightweight I wonder. Blocks can't be sleeved, basically disposable engines.
But as long as the belt pulleys aren't out of alignment, which I think is the cause of a lot of problems on less expensive machinery, everything else is pretty much a relatively inexpensive wear item. Except for rust. If the deck has rust holes, it's a big job. Rebuilt/refabricated an old Gravely deck last summer off a rare wing mower
I bought to fix up. Almost no metal left in spots, areas literally torn off. So even the good stuff gets wrecked. For MTD's, I think it's more how the machine was taken care of. And if it was used moderately. I see ads with push blades on the front of 1500 dollar riding mowers and I just
think to myself good luck friend. Let's watch the frame bend.

I don't believe the beancounters were as much in power in the 60's and 70's as they were later on.
Now it's MTD vs American Yard Products I think.

I watched a Youtube video on the ten worst tractors, or some such nonsense. And it was pretty stupid.
Tractors may have their flaws, but generally get the job done.