Thanks Rick, that is the one I am targeting. The dB level advertised seemed lower than the next size down and I figured I wouldn't grow out of that but noise is always a concern. Thinking of trying to isolate it somehow to save my sanity a little longer.
I agree though I get the impression their quality control is steadily improving. Certainly you want to put any HF device into use immediately and hang on to the receipt. Generally things that are poorly put together will break within the first month. As you note, there is virtually zero customer service or spare parts available for anything they sell. Their idea of customer service and spare part supply is to sell you an extended warranty which as we all know is simply a trade out replacement program.
Yes poorly put together is one thing. With machinery, the dimensional tolerances are extremely important (moving parts). Tightly held manufacturing is key to quality. As cutting tools dull the hole sizes changes. If someone isn't watching tolerances and taking care of production tools (common problem with knock off companies trying to cut corners to sell cheaper) then bad apples come out the door from time to time. Customer squawks and then the copycat manufacturer figures out what particular dimension to hold is important and maybe tweaks their process. Usually the brand manufacturer has this already figured out in part of their production process hence the higher price for quality.
My wife waits in the car because of the new plastic smell in the store. She can't handle it.[/QUOTE said:
I'd be surprised if this thing isn't pretty reliable. Their generators using the same engine are reliable. The main reason to walk back to the house is because your arms are so sore from having the thing manhandle you. The DR is a real workout when cutting brush. I'm pretty sure the HF would be too.
I'll take the bet. My Honda wood splitter motor has several hundred hours and still starts on the first or second pull. It doesn't have a hour meter on it, but it has split about 500 rick of wood. We have 3 more Honda motors 2 on pressure washers and the push mower. Those also start easy, but they have minimal use since I hate pressure washing and push mowing. The Kohler motor on the Dixie chopper has 820 hours and still starts on the first revulsion. The Kawasaki motor in the Mule has 475 hours and starts on the first revulsion.
The Honda motor is the cheapest motor Honda makes at about $250. The other two motors fit the brand you specified.
Yes the DR belt drive will slip if necessary. Not as necessary as on a tractor though as you are mowing at walking speed with a clear view and unlikely to not see a stump or big rock. I did a lot of mowing with my DR and don't recall ever needing to rely on slipping the belt.
