JD Lawn Tractors (was Re: [AT] Cockshut, Oliver, Coop etc.

[Ronald L. Cook]

One of our local Deere implement dealers had a very nice separate lawn, 
garden, and utility vehicle store before the cheap mowers came to town.  He 
has now closed that facility.  I have no idea what became of the 
employees.  Hopefully most were pulled back to the implement dealership, 
but I doubt there was room for all.  I see none at the parts counter.  I 
own a 325.  It was way overpriced. ( I bought a gas 4020 for the same 
money.)  I shopped until I found a new one that was a year old.  I don't 
like the idea of the Kawasaki engine, but time will tell.  It is the only 
thing that has given any trouble.  As far as I can tell, it is built by 
Deere at the Horicon Works.

Ron Cook
Salix, IA

>Before we get too bound up in this, the problem is that Dean, Walt and Guy 
>are all correct! There are two John Deere lawn tractor product lines. One 
>is made by JD and sold through JD dealers, and the other is made by MTD, 
>painted green, and sold through mass market chains like Lowes and Home 
>Depot. It is a serious problem for John Deere dealers, as the cheap 
>machines give the whole company a bad reputation. I don't pretend to 
>understand JD management's strategy, but I don't think the long run 
>results will be beneficial.
>
>Mike
>
>Guy Fay wrote:
>>Having had relatives who worked at Horicon Works, and having toured the 
>>plants in Horicon, and even once spent a Mother's Day in the Rock River 
>>Tap next to the plant, I can guarantee that Horicon produces John Deere 
>>garden tractors. That non-Wisconsin STX junk might be a different 
>>question......
>>Dean VP wrote:
>>
>>>Walt:
>>>
>>>I think John Deere Horicon Works might have an disagreement with you on
>>>this.
>>>Dean A. Van Peursem
>>>Snohomish, WA 98290
>
>
>
>--
>Mike Sloane
>Allamuchy NJ
>mikesloane at verizon.net
>Website: <www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
>Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>