They don't build them like they used to??

[Gio]

Everything is made cheaper and cheaper. Higher labor costs, raw materials, etc, etc. Nothing lasts. I am only 41 but I am always bothered by the declining quality of today's goods.

Remember when Red Wing shoes lasted for years? How about Craftsman tools? Ever pop the hood on an old slant six dodge? Ever read the manual for a Ford 8n? Kirby vacuum anyone?

Shoes were made to be resoled, Cars could be fixed in your driveway. TV broke? They used to repair those things now they toss them in the trash.

Our landfills are filled with crap and the young eco-friendly hipsters should take a long look in the mirror before they blame past generations for waste. What is more wasteful then building items engineered to self-destruct?

As far as Tractors and Lawn Mowers, exactly the same issues. Do you really think you are going to see any 2011 Green, Red, Blue or Orange tractors on Craigslist in 2060? There are plenty of 50 year old Tractors out there breaking ground and selling for more then the original owners paid for them.

Sorry about the rant......

 

[5030]

It's still my opinion that tractors, both compact and full size and ag related implemets are made better today than in years gone by.

It's the operators that aren't built like they used to 'make them', not the machinery.

 

[JB2]

Here is my two cents,

Yes the Deere mowers of today, as well as other brands as well have really cheapen up in the build quality. The L100 - D100 series sold through Home Depo, have really ruined Deere's name in mowers around here, and even the local Deere Dealer does not really like taking them in on trade.

In all honesty, if your going to buy Deere, skip over the D100 series as well as the X300 series and go right into an X500 or X700 series. In my case, I would go straight to the X700 series. I have an 07 Deere X744 AWS with 48" Deck, and have not had any major issues with it, and the Yanmar Diesel is very fuel efficant and reliable. I have about 846hrs on the X744 now, and has treated me very well.

But like others said, there probably won't be many 2011 mowers on Craigslist in 50 years. Nothing lasts forever.

Jason