Improve,
You must be joking
Add unnecessary features that don't help the mowing one little bit , use cheaper thinner steel and more sub assemblies from China that don't quite fit to bring the price down.
#5
Hammermechanicman
Just like the automotive industry mowers are more and more adding electronic bells and whistles that are useless to the real operatuon of the machine but improves the marketing BS. Electronics from Asia are relatively cheap and increase the "cool" factor for sales. But as we are finding out they are a serviceman's nightmare due to all the unserviceable modules and such costing ridiculous dollars to replace when bad.
When a company comes out with an improved model it is for one of 3 reasons
1. They fixed a known problem with a previous design.
2. It reduces manufacturing costs.
3. Marketing thinks it will improve sales.
Companies don't spend dollars looking to improve a design if it is working and selling. That way cool electronic control center on your new mower is not so cool when it fails out of warranty and the mower is just $7000 lawn art without it.
#6
ILENGINE
And that whole aspect really applies to all the battery operated trimmers, blowers, push mowers, and riders. Batteries not available for replacement 6 months to a year after replacement. So the whole unit ends up in a landfill, or the new Troybilt/Cub Cadet electric 56 volt riding mower that sells for $2550 and a set of batteries is pushing $2000.
#7
Hammermechanicman
My Ferris IS3100Z has a throttle, choke, key switch, pto switch and an hour meter on the operator station. No bells or whistles or electronics, only what i need to mow grass. Just the way i want it for a mower i plan to use for 20 years. My stihl FS80 and MS170 are 20+ years old. My IH184 tractor is 45 years old. My Bunton walk behind is around 50 years old. Quality equipment well maintained lasts a long time. Manufacturers today are more into marketing cool features to homeowners than focusing on durability and reliability because that is what the marketing department wants.
Improve,
You must be joking
Add unnecessary features that don't help the mowing one little bit , use cheaper thinner steel and more sub assemblies from China that don't quite fit to bring the price down.
I am using a 2021 CLASSIC 3572 on my lawn, I love it. Dixie is now owned by The ALAMO GROUP and Warren Evans (inventor Art Evans son) is running it under the RHINO AGI Company. I have been talking with Warren weekly. I told him to build the Quality machines his father built. AND HE HAS! As always - not the cheapest machine- But quality machines the commercial customers want. I have 14 machines in stock with 8 more on the way. BURKHEIMER EQUIPMENT ABERDEEN Maryland