Why do you hate MTD?

LBrown59 · Apr 3, 2005

( I think we are loosing sight of what is considered an MTD. Like I said in my post ealier on this subject I think this whole subject is set up to make MTD look like a mass producer of cheap inferior products and this is just not the case. They do make some cheaper, lower quality, mass produced, box store equipment. But they also make some of the finest lawn equipment on the market today. Lets not loose sight of the fact that MTD makes hundred of models of machines and lets stray away from plugging MTD as making nothing but cheap equipment. )
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 So where are they?
How about brands models and who sells them and where I can see or buy them!

gamble77 · Apr 3, 2005

Seems to me thats like saying since there is a bowtie on both the Corvett and Cavalier, the Cavalier should be an equal machine with the same performance...and we all know that just isn't true.

And people know this. They know that when you buy a Cavalier it isn't going to perform like the Corvett. If people can't figure this out about a $1500 mower compared to a $3500 mower then we as dealers, and MTD as a manufacture cannot be to blame. In other words MTD isn't liable for ignorance.

MTD has made a wise business decision by selling to "big box" stores, plain and simple. They also spend millions each year to invest money into some of the finest lawn equipment on the market.

I think there is a mower for each job, but if you buy a cavalier to go race at the drag strip on Saturday don't expect it to perform like a Corvett...

LBrown59 · Apr 3, 2005

( ( But they also make some of the finest lawn equipment on the market today. Lets not loose sight of they fact that MTD makes hundred of models of machines and lets stray away from plugging MTD as making nothing but cheap equipment. )

***Sorry, but from experience, I'm firmly convinced that MTD does exactly that; make cheap equipment.

I've never seen anything from MTD that I would confuse with a quality item. I don't mean to upset you, but I have to call it like I have seen it. It's sort of like Harbor Freight tools or Big Lots stuff. It is simply an inexpensive alternative. For the price paid, it may look like a bargain, but I have no desire to work on something every time I use it. To me, it isn't worth anything if I have to work on it and fix it constantly. )

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***I have to agree with you

No matter the badge

Bolens
Huskey
Troy built
Cub
Yardman
Wards Power Craft
MTD Yard machines
Ranch King

They're all the same

BRIGUY · Apr 3, 2005

( A $10000 car will get you there the same as an $80,000 one!

This is very true. The only difference is the level of creature comfort. )

HUMMMMM INTERESTING.

No difference in Safety ratings, Quality, longevity Or performance?

If this were the case everyone would be fighting over old Chevettes.

BRIGUY · Apr 3, 2005

Going to go out looking for a nice Pinto tomorrow.

Only difference is creature comforts right.

The Pintos had a five star crash rating right?

Don't need those cushy side curtain air bags.

I will not feel a thing when the Gas tank blows.

LBrown59 · Apr 3, 2005

(

And people know this.
1* They know that when you buy a Cavalier it isn't going to perform like the Corvett.
2*If people can't figure this out about a $1500 mower compared to a $3500 mower then we as dealers, and MTD as a manufacture cannot be to blame.
3*In other words MTD isn't liable for ignorance.
4** if you buy a cavalier to go race at the drag strip on Saturday don't expect it to perform like a Corvett... )
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1*But at least GM don't try to trick the consumer by sticking a Corvet lable on A Cavalier.
2&3*I was in the housing business for over 30 years. I built my business based on eucating and serving the consumer not by milking the consumers ignorance.
4*I bought a Cavalier (spelled Wards Power Caft by MTD)and all I got was a U-Go.
Where is the ethics in that???

gamble77 · Apr 3, 2005

I don't milk things either, I tell people like it is...but if people go to Lowes to buy a lawn mower I don't have the chance to "educate" them.

Cub, In my opinion, doesn't try to decieve the consumer. They have 5 different ranges of "lawn mowers", not one range.

I really don't think this thread is going anywhere. I understand your frustration with MTD and the lemon you had, you have a right to. I just want to get my point across that I know that MTD makes great products because I sell them everyday. They put a roof over my head and food in my mouth. I can stand behind every MTD product that I sell with 100% confidence so long as I am selling the consumer the right machine for the job.

viking65 · Apr 3, 2005

LBrown59, I thought you might want to jump on this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=71271&item=4370123173&rd=1

BRIGUY · Apr 4, 2005

Gerard

Come on, You must have started this thread for the entertainment value?

Are you really trying to convince guys who own higher end mowers that Walmart mowers are every bit as good.

Let's all face it a 900 dollar mower is much better than walking.

Will it begin to hold a candle to a 4500$+ JD, Wheelhorse, Kubota, Simplicity etc. NO WAY!

I have Used many lawn and or Garden tractors:

MTD
old Murrarys
Craftsman
Simplicity
Case
MF
Toro ZTR
Exmark ZTR
Kubota
Wheelhorse B Series
Wheelhorse C Series
Wheelhorse D Series
Lawn chief
John Deere
Bolens (Isiki)
Snapper
My (was my grandfathers) 1964 International Cud Cadet

I have done maintenance on several of the above to. So my opinion is based on experience.

To answer your origonal question

( Why do you hate MTD? )

I don't hate MTD products I just will not own or recommend them.

slowrev · Apr 4, 2005

MTD has taken the premium labels and attached them to low end products which fools folks into believing they are getting a higher quality product than they are receiving.

I just can't condone this deceptive practice.
//
Hasn't JD done the same with their bottom models ?
Green paint + Quality ?? well usually /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Ben