Nor did they adjust to survive apparently...Those companies were not built to build the cheap sh*t apparently so many want....
Nor did they adjust to survive apparently...Those companies were not built to build the cheap sh*t apparently so many want....
I've been on this earth 5+ decades. Not long by some standards, but been around to see bad mgmt and inability to adjust to the market take down more than 1 company. I understand that the best product doesn't always win, but blaming customers or competitors doesn't usually go far in business.Were you there when they went down? I was. Thought you were younger? The bottom line was the companies were not built to compete with cheap imports that this country is now addicted too. They made quality machines...
Last I read Toro was contracting out to them. And just why would that be? Maybe because people prefer to buy throw away crap from China sold at big boxes instead of quality.
Show me the community enhanced with big box stores and their part time low pay jobs...
Toro is not an MTD brand. Sorry.
Brands
MTD’s family of brands offers a range of lawn and garden products to inspire people all over the world to care for and enjoy the outdoors.www.mtdproducts.com
I know that I get Toro and Troy-Bilt, which IS an MTD brand, confused in my head a lot.
Toro: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toro_(company)
THAT said - the lower end Toro equipment sold at Home Depot does appear to be made by MTD on contract. (from the Wiki link)
Guess that means that it all depends on if any particular Toro implement is MTD or not. But keep in mind that even if a sub contractor makes a "thing" then that thing still must meet exacting specifications.
Maybe I was thinking of Troy-Bilt, but as you said, MTD does make the lower end Toro stuff, but as you also pointed out, under contract.
Bought my Bad Boy ZTR from a dealer. I actually looked at more than 1 dealer, and researched both the brand a bit and the dealers.
I actually would have spent more and bought a Hustler, but the only dealer in my area for those had a very bad reputation, with many people saying they experienced shady business practices. There was no way I was going to buy there.
So I went with my second choice of manufacturer/model to go with a dealer in the area I preferred with a good reputation. (There was more than 1 dealer in the area as well as big box availability but went with the dealer who had good reviews and seemed like a great guy when we spoke). Will get it serviced there this winter and see how they do.
Before that I had a self propelled mower I bought at a different dealer who did me well and always put purchasing customers first in line for service when needed. He just didn't have anything in the same class of manufacturer when I was looking for a ZTR.
When spending fairly substantial money, I definitely look for a reputable dealer to stand behind the product. That said, not everyone can afford to do that, and how other folks spend there money is up to them.
I've been on this earth 5+ decades. Not long by some standards, but been around to see bad mgmt and inability to adjust to the market take down more than 1 company. I understand that the best product doesn't always win, but blaming customers or competitors doesn't usually go far in business.
Just read any given thread.So what have we learned here?
I learned that there are a bunch of cheapskates, that to save a buck, are happy to buy from a big box store rather than a local dealer that hires full time employees, offers service, and local parts. (Although due to the cheapskates buying online dealers now cannot afford to stock what they once did.)
So are you saying there is no quality out there? I'm trying to make sure i understand your point. I'll give you that there is a lot of junk out there, but there is still some quality products.Fu** the market, that is not the subject, it is quality that idiots shunned for cheap shiny junk. Our corrupt government and globalist corporations made it so cheap throw away products were the norm and put American workers out of work for the graft they could get...
I'm pizzed I cannot buy quality products because the dumbmasses want junk...
So are you saying there is no quality out there? I'm trying to make sure i understand your point. I'll give you that there is a lot of junk out there, but there is still some quality products.
Also, I understand there were companies who made good quality product, that went out of business. They failed to adapt to a changing market in one way or another. That said, there are companies that still make good quality product, and did adapt.
People put their $ where they find value. For some that is a well built mower, and for others that is a higher end firearm, etc.
There is definitely stratification in the market, but for example everyone that wants a gun can't afford a higher end, American made, firearm. There are options in the market that range from finely built custom 1911's to fully functioning plastic, fantastics out there. Is there some junk in there as well? Definitely. Do some folks buy the junk rather than either the fine quality firearm, or the lower $ mass manufactured firearm that would have served their purpose as well? Of course.
I'm just not sure I can buy into the argument that there is no quality in the market and everything is dictated by the lower end of the spectrum.
I will say that buyers need to research and make educated decisions, and look to buy from reputable dealers, etc where appropriate, and where it makes sense to do so.
Yes, but for other reasons.I bought my Cub Cadet at TSC...got it $500 cheaper versus the same model at a dealer. Service it myself...am I a baddie?
Why do you hate America??I bought my Cub Cadet at TSC...got it $500 cheaper versus the same model at a dealer. Service it myself...am I a baddie?