Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I was recently looking (ok I was actually drooling) over some new lawn equipment, and noticed that Parker sweepers are not the pale blue and gold paint colors that my 1970's vintage sweepers are. They now appear to be red and black, although the Parker logo seems to be the same. Were they bought out by another company? or go through a merger? Since the new units look VERY similar to my 30 year old units. I'm assuming I can still get spare parts if I need them? I bought my first Parker back in 1979 +/- for around $350, and used it weekly for over 6 years in my lawn maintenance business. There are a couple of small holes in the fabric basket, but it is still very usable. My second Parker was bought used, but in very good condition last summer for $10 and it is the commercial 42" wide unit with the galvanized metal bottomed basket (a model that appears to not be available anymore according to what I could find on the web). The seller had no idea what he had, and was more concerned about gaining space than anything else. I was MORE than happy to help him out. He got his $10 AND he helped me load it in my truck. I felt a little guilty as I drove away, but I DID drive away with it in my truck. I was just hoping someone here might know what the history of the company was between say 1980 and now.

I think I like the newer design better.