Such slander....

[wshytle]

I was just reading some consumer reports online about MTD Cub Cadets. It sort of broke my heart to read all of the things owners are of these "machines" are experiencing. The real heartbreaking part is the fact that the words cub cadet are being used. These words deserve better. They stand for quality, overkill, endurance, etc. In my opinion MTD has simply bought another American product and ruined it. They have ruined the machine and the name to a lot of people and this is a shame.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/cub_cadet.html

This website shows several examples of what I am trying to convey.

I'm not trying to hurt MTD in any way; they have done a pretty good job for themselves.

 

[aaytay]

Wayne-
I agree that this is a sad state of affairs for CC. Keep in mind that MTD is building what sells, and what sells is "cheap".

I think it's a very telling part of the situation when after a year of ownership, the first owner listed on that page is still convinced that he ownes a "Club" Cadet.

It seems as though the American public doesn't want a machine that will last for 30-40 years. They want something "inexpensive". Until that changes, I think we're going to see this process continue.

 

[dmull]

I hate to say this, but I had a similar incident. I bought a new CC500 bagger/mulcher push mower in July of this year. I mowed my little 150'x75' lot and the next week when I went to start it, the recoil start broke.

Now mind you that I paid twice for this Cub Cadet pushmower what I would at Lowe's, Menards or Walmart for something else made by MTD corp.

I took it to the dealer expecting it would be replaced in a day or two, and the estimate was 7-10 days. And that is how long it took to replace the recoil assembly on a brand new off the showroom floor pushmower.

I was so aggrivated I wrote MTD corp, and was very disappointed by their response. I let them know I had owned several, including 3 at present time, and faithfully purchased parts from my local Cub dealer whereever I may be living at that point.

They basically didn't care about my situation, and said local warranty repairs were a local dealer issue, not their problem.

I bought a Grasshopper 725A several years ago instead of the brand new 5000 series, and I am VERY glad. I probaby won't ever buy another Cub Cadet new. And I am beginning to rethink those two John Deere diesel tractors I sold.

 

[jhokinson]

the mtd cub cadets dissapoint me so much. not only the brand new ones, but the ones from the early days of the mtd buy out. my moms 1981 model 680 hydro is in worse shape then the 2 1961 CCO tractors i had combined. that shows quality. 20 years newer and worse than two put together.(shakes head)

 

[mgonitzke]

Justin-

I'm going to have to disagree with you. That 680 is essentially an IH design and has a LOT of improvements over the original. Just because YOUR 680 is in worse shape than YOUR two Originals does not mean that ALL MTD-built Cub Cadets are poorly built. I have an Original, and it's in much worse shape than every MTD-built tractor I own. I personally think that MTD did a great job with the garden tractors until 1989, and then a halfway decent job after that. After 1997, I'm not so impressed though. The 1000 series are particularly cheap-looking, and even the 3000 series tractors have some kinda chintzy features.

 

[bbrigham]

I know, the whole deal sucks, but "we" as a country are to blame for most of this throw away mentality BS. I will never buy anything New that needs to last. We're much better off restoring old equipment whether it be garden tractors, lawn mowers or even trucks if we want to expect it to last more that 2 years. Sometimes 2 years is pushing it.

 

[jdiederichs]

Matt and Brendan,

Very well stated! I agree 100%; with today's buyers everything has become disposable for the majority. It is rare to find units built with the focus on longevity anymore.

The competitive nature of the industry went from durability to price. Example:Take a look at the old Sears garden tractors from the 60's and 70's; they were relatively tough, now look at the offerings they have today, see any true "garden tractor tough" tractors? Me either.

Why? Who buys them? Not many anymore. Same with CC. Once they committed the name to the big box guys, the philosophy changed from lower volume, high quality units to massive volume cheap to make tractors and mowers. Yes, 1997 was a landmark year for all the dealers and CC buyers.

It is amazing how few owners even sharpen their own blades, change their own oil nowdays, a vast majority use a dealer for these simple tasks (about 65%+ in a recent report)and often these big box buyers rely on dealers for this, even though the dealer wasn't "worth a visit" for the purchase.

Matt, whose engine was on that mower? Likely made in China as most are now. Don't get me started on that subject

 

[agitch]

If I have my way I will repair my 1980's over and over again for as long as possible to prevent buying today's garbage. Even then I probably wouldn't even buy cub cadet. Probably a Kubota or a CaseIH garden tractor.

 

[edale]

Here is my 2 cents, (and that's probably all it's worth)

I work in a big box retail store (it's orange) and I see this happen every day.

Customer: I need a Crescent Wrench.

Me: Ok, here is my line of Crescent tools. Which one would you like.

Customer: (Picking up an 8 inch adjustable wrench) This one is about the size I need. How much is it?

Me: $15.00.

C: That's a lot, got anything cheaper?

M: Sure, Heres one. Same size, it's $7.00.

C: Looks fine. Wait! This is made in China, is it crap?

M: I've never tested them side by side, I really don't know. It has a lifetime warranty though.

C: Got Anything made in America?

M: Yes, that first one you were looking at.

C: Oh got anything cheap made in the USA?

M: Not really.

C: I'll buy this piece of crap Chinese tool. It better work.

M: Ok, the checkout is over there.

It happens like this all the time. I used to try to figure out why. I would try to explain that US factory workers make more money and that cost is reflected in the price. Chinese labor is a lot cheaper. I would try to get them to "buy American" but that seldom worked. Now I just hand over what the customer wants and don't worry about it.

I buy the best tool for the best value I can. I will pick up the Chinese tool from time to time but I try to buy American when I can. I try to buy what will last longest. But in reality very few things are made to last anymore. I think it is because companies don't stay in business without repeat customers so I guess it's better to sell 5 cheap tractors that wear out in three years then to sell one that lasts 50 years.

I have a well built Cub Cadet 982. I don't see myself ever needing another garden tractor ever. Cub Cadet has a customer for life with me. I just don't need to spend any more money with them. Sad but true.

-everettdale

 

[kide]

There is still well made American (made in Wisconsin) equipment going for the same price as 1960 (based on the calculated rate of inflation). A $900.00 tractor in 1960 would sell today for $6000.00. I paid a little more than that for the (OT) ZTR that I bought in 2005. I am satisfied that the equipment I bought was built as good (if not better due to modern engine and pump design) as my 129 and 149.. At the same time, I was not impressed with the CCC ZTR that was going for the same price......

 

[dmull]

We tested out a Cub Cadet TANK M60...we bought a Grasshopper G2 drive instead. It mowed faster, and much better ride. I liked the idea I could get other attachments if desired, but ended up never getting a cab or snowblower for it.