Raven 46-in Hybrid Riding Lawn Mower

[bwdbrn1]

I think any of the companies making ATVs, general purpose engines and outdoor power equipment could produce a really quality example of something like this. Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki come to mind first to me. I'm not that familiar with Polaris equipment, but they could too, I'm sure. There's probably others, but I prefer red.

 

[metz12]

I think any of the companies making ATVs, general purpose engines and outdoor power equipment could produce a really quality example of something like this. Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki come to mind first to me. I'm not that familiar with Polaris equipment, but they could too, I'm sure. There's probably others, but I prefer red.

i was thinking honda since they make all 3 (quads, generators and lawn mowers) but there stuff is really expensive. personally i like yamaha and polaris stuff, and i olso like craftsman so this is why i would think they could team up and make one solid unit.

 

[bwdbrn1]

It does seem to be the sort of thing Sears would market.

 

[Texas Bear]

Just a bit....

I checked at two of my local Lowes stores yesterday. Neither of them had the Raven sitting out on display, but at the one in Davenport, IA, I found a catalog that showed many of the out door power equipment products they sell, and the Raven was in it. I asked at the customer service desk and they told me that they had gotten two of them in, but they were told not to sell them as there were some issues of some kind that the lady was not completely familiar with, but it had to do with the Raven, or Raven company.

From that guy's videos, I would guess it has something to do with that switch or lever under the seat that he zip tied.

Anybody know for sure? I'm liking the idea of this machine.

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the site and was just searching for any information on the new Raven, which I bought a little more than a month ago. The Raven has performed exceptional except for the seat safety switch. The metal on the switch seems to be a tad inferior (soft) as I have to constantly lift the seat and bend the switch up in order for the spring to actuate in order to start the engine. This is the reason Lowe's has issued the temporary "sale stop" on the Raven. I'm trying to decide on whether to return it for a Husqvarna or a Cub Cadet, but it's a tough decision as the Raven has a lot of features that are great. One of my decisions for returning it is because I believe if the Quality Control from Raven let this seat safety switch pass, what else could potentially go wrong in the future! I know they (Raven) had to know about this issue before releasing the product out to the public for sale. It makes me think that if they knew about it, they just wanted to make their money and then deal with the problem later; not a company that I would like to be partners with if I was Lowe's.

 

[metz12]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the site and was just searching for any information on the new Raven, which I bought a little more than a month ago. The Raven has performed exceptional except for the seat safety switch. The metal on the switch seems to be a tad inferior (soft) as I have to constantly lift the seat and bend the switch up in order for the spring to actuate in order to start the engine. This is the reason Lowe's has issued the temporary "sale stop" on the Raven. I'm trying to decide on whether to return it for a Husqvarna or a Cub Cadet, but it's a tough decision as the Raven has a lot of features that are great. One of my decisions for returning it is because I believe if the Quality Control from Raven let this seat safety switch pass, what else could potentially go wrong in the future! I know they (Raven) had to know about this issue before releasing the product out to the public for sale. It makes me think that if they knew about it, they just wanted to make their money and then deal with the problem later; not a company that I would like to be partners with if I was Lowe's.

welcome to lmf! there is alot of great info on here. but did you watch the videos earlier in this thread? the guy has the same problem and he bypassed the thing with a zip tie. watch all of that guys videos on his channel.

 

[jklowe48]

The Raven is assembled in Lincolnton, NC.....the parent compay of Denver Global Products(Raven maker) also owns Generac generators. They also make ATVs and motorcylces over seas in Japan I think....Btw I also work at Lowe's in Lincolnton and we sold our 2 in 3 days after they arrive.

 

[Texas Bear]

welcome to lmf! there is alot of great info on here. but did you watch the videos earlier in this thread? the guy has the same problem and he bypassed the thing with a zip tie. watch all of that guys videos on his channel.

Thank you Metz12. Yes, I reviewed all 8 videos; he seems to have had quite a few problems with the Raven. I stopped by my local Lowe's today and expressed my concerns about the seat safety switch. They informed me that hasn't been the only problem the Raven has been experiencing. One came in because the mower blades started to run all by itself without the PTO being engaged first and another came in for front end problems. I think I have made up my mind on whether to return it or not! :thumbdown:

 

[jklowe48]

I would guess the Raven is like a fish ski combo boat.....You don't see one at the Bassmasters tourney!

 

[Texas Bear]

I would guess the Raven is like a fish ski combo boat.....You don't see one at the Bassmasters tourney!

Maybe that's why I bought the Raven; I also own a 21' fish/ski deck boat! :laughing:

 

[jklowe48]

Maybe that's why I bought the Raven; I also own a 21' fish/ski deck boat! :laughing:

I would love to have a deck boat and fish/ski has been around a long time:smile:....Btw Lowe's will take that mower back, the last thing we want or need is an unhappy shopper!