Why do you hate MTD?

rdln · Mar 24, 2005

I agree with indy.

I think JD should give up the Frontier line, Thier is nobody out there trying to make up thier mind between a frontier and a KK BB.

Indydirtfarmer · Mar 24, 2005

( I agree with indy.

I think JD should give up the Frontier line, Thier is nobody out there trying to make up thier mind between a frontier and a KK BB. )

Not entirely what I was implying....The Frontier line WAS intended for marketing some lesser priced AG equipment. (Such as grain carts, haying equipment, ect.) Frontier ended up being a "catch-all" for a lot of homeowner level turf/landscape impliments too. I'm not sure where Deere intends to go with Frontier. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

What I was actually refering to is the "Home Depot"/low end mowers abd accesories. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

There's inexpensive, and then there's CHEAP! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

The decision to manufacture and sell low budget lawn care equipment MIGHT pad the bottom line NOW, but what happens 10 years down the road when the Deere name isn't what it once was? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

We've farmed with Deere equipment for almost 50 years. I've come to respect the quality and reliability in their products. Will the NEXT generation have the same opinion? After growing up around throw-away lawn mowers, instead of 4020's, 4440's, or any of the tractors that "MADE" John Deere the AG powerhouse they are now, I doubt it....
/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I'll NEVER question Deere's entering the "consumer products race" back in the early 60's. It was a natural fit. I do however, question their showing up at Home Depot with 3rd rate toys with their green and yellow "trademark" plastered all over them. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

It's been said there is no such thing as BAD publicity.... That may not be so accurate in this case.
/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

EastTexFrank · Mar 24, 2005

My experience with MTD products isn't extensive, 2 lower cost walk behinds, but both were pretty much junk. I do service and maintain my equipment but I couldn't keep those things running and, as you know, there is nothing worse that something that won't start, won't run and needs constant repair. I found both mowers extremely frustrating to own and operate. Therefore, I've never owned a MTD piece of equipment since. Is all MTD equipment junk? ... I don't know and I'll never find out but in general I don't like "throw away" equipment, whether it carries the MTD badge or John Deere's. I understand that the "entry level" segment of the market can be lucrative for manufacturers but you also live and die by your reputation. I hope it doesn't hurt John Deere down the road. Somehow I think their buyers will be able to differentiate between the different classes of machines. I certainly hope so.

mwood · Mar 24, 2005

I think there are a few differences here that are important to note.

1. When I buy yard equipment, I look at the engine. Too many of the cheaper brands are skimping not only on the sheet metal, but the engine as well.

2. Especially true with Mowers -- sheetmetal is a huge problem on the cheaper equipment. Mower decks are becoming weaker and weaker and are designed to be throw-away type products. I shy away from this as well.

3. Durability. Think about it. Most cheaper lawn mowers will mow a perfectly flat "Golf Course" style lawn reasonably well. However, I don't have a flat lawn and I have pot holes and other bumps / ruts in my lawn. As much as I try to fix it, animals (my dog) dig holes, rocks surface, the list goes on. I know my JD 216 has taken 20 years of abuse on this exact property and there is nothing mechanically wrong with it. Granted I've done some maintenance, but it was built to last. The frame is sturdy and the axle stout.

Some of the newer "Garden Tractors" I've seen are scary to me. They use open axles (not sure how to say this, but no axle housings), very flimsy looking front axles and tiny steering componants. Sure they work fine on the flat and level, but I'd bend the frame up in no time.

My whole point of this is that I think too many people don't understand how their machinery works and therefore, don't buy what is practical to their situation. This ends with huge frustruation and usually wasted money. If in doubt, buy as much machine as you can, even if it means going used. Personally, if I had $2,000 to spend on a new machine, I'd look for a used name brand (perhaps a JD 200 / 300 series) with a good old thick deck. Anything less and I'll destroy it. But if you have a 1/2 acre lot that's perfectly flat, many of the lesser machines will serve you just fine.

Just my $0.02...

gamble77 · Mar 24, 2005

Good points on the last few posts...

MTD controls around 70% of all small motor sales in the U.S (so were the numbers a few years ago anyway). When you control that much of the market you HAVE to cater to consumers who aren't educated in lawn care equipment and want to walk into a big box store and buy a weed eater with their new fan and light bulb. MTD has made a wise business decesion by catering to the people.

NOW...I am a Cub Cadet dealer so what is my take on the Cub/Lowes thing? Well, I try to look at the positives. We service 4 Lowes stores and one TSC store. Units need warranty work done, we get paid to go get the units and make the repairs. We also get a chance to have contact with the customer and try our best to make sure he/her comes to us first next time. We sell the same units that Lowes does (1000 series) and I am sure they steal some sales from us but that part of doing business.

Back to MTD they do make lower end equipment but they also make some of the best lawn equipment in the industry. But hey, Chevy makes Cavaliers but they also make the Corvette...

-Nate

LBrown59 · Mar 24, 2005

( I still feel that any machine, reguardless of badge or color is only 95% as good as the maintenance it is given /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

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But isn't there a difference between maintenance and constant ongoing repairs ?

LBrown59 · Mar 24, 2005

( Am I missing something? MTD products are not all that bad in my opinion. I have several different pieces of their machinery that have served me very well. General maintenance is all I've done. I just don't get it /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. Gerard )

I could give you my powercraft and then you would surely have it..

GerardC · Mar 25, 2005

Wow, for all the so called bashing that MTD gets in some of the other threads I've read, not too many people have responded to this one. Hmmmmm.

For those that have responded in regards to the B&S engine, or any engine for that matter, the engines ARE NOT manufactured by MTD. Those complaints are foul.

As far as other components go, I'd have to guess that it all depends on the quality of the VENDORS product that MTD uses for their units. This can be a very tricky part of the business.

Thanks for the responses so far. Gerard

Kiohio · Mar 25, 2005

You hit the nail right on the head Indy.

KO

slowrev · Mar 25, 2005

Gerard,
Remember human nature. If someone is wanting to build up their brand/color many have to run down another brand. and since MTD is about the largest brand it is a target to be hated and picked on.
Can good exist without evil ?

btw, I have gotten all the service I expected and more from MTD products.

Ben