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

I know from reading a lot of posts here that many here favor the Ariens and Toro walk behind snow blowers, and that Simplicity has a good reputation as well. Since I own older Deere tractors, I'm occassionally at my Deere dealer for parts and I have often checked out the Frontier snow blowers he has on the floor. They LOOK like they should be a decent machine, and a real plus for me is the handle bars are high enough that I don't have to bend over like I do on my brother's Honda track machine (a mighty fine machine but built for people 6" shorter than me, I'm 6'-3") I haven't used one, and didn't want to take up my dealer's time having him demonstrate one when I wasn't actually in the market, but I am curious as to why they don't get mentioned here. I know that they are built by Murray, but to Deere specs (I assume). Are they high priced junk? Good machines, but I can match the quality for less money with an Ariens? Or excellent machines that cost so much, that most folks can't afford them? I seem to remember they were pretty expensive.

Joe,

They are made by Murray.  Not great, but not bad either.  Better than MTD.  As Chris said, if you can find a comparable "Murray branded" unit, you'll most likely pay a lot less (that green paint must be pretty expensive...perhaps it's made with real money to turn it green).  If the Deere branded machine is $1,000 or more and that's within your budget, you may be better off looking at an Ariens, Toro, or Simplicity (assuming you can find one that fits).  One thing the Frontier may have in it's favor is the Deere dealer who sells it.  But like all other brand dealers, there are good and bad.

LL

lland wrote:
My Deere dealer might sell them.  But he does not stock them.  He stocks Ariens Pro and Toro.  The Murray/Deere's do have a 3 year warranty, ckearly stated and separated into an engine and chassis.

The MTD bashing officially begins Aug 2.  LL throws out the opening pitch,  just like the President.

LL I'm just joking a bit.  I do sort of like my MTD though.

robmints wrote:

LOL.....

C

When I was shopping at my Ariens dealer, who actually is a BIG John Deere dealer...(ariens is a side line for him), I was looking at the JD Frontiers.  The head small engine serviceperson just told me......."Frank......they ain't no Ariens"

He went on to say that he was not impressed with them.  Ariens used to make the JD snowblowers..they used to look just like green ariens. When they stopped, my dealer went against company policy and started being a ariens dealer.  When the frontiers came out, they had to put them in the front window. He said they are ok for the price.

The funny thing is that when the John Deere big wigs come down, they actually have to take the Ariens stuff out of the showroom.  Corporate policy says nothing but green will be seen.

Kinda funny.......

Frank D.

PS  edited for spelling

Thank you guys for a very informative post! I don't remember any of the 2 stage Frontiers at my dealer being under $1,000 and do remember a couple well over the $2,000 level, and it seems I can get a better machine for less money from at least a couple of other manufacturers, which answers my question. I wonder what the relationship between Deere and what's left of Murray will be in the future..... but that's a tale yet to be told I guess.

The Frontier ST0524 is the only snowthrower that has a Tecumseh engine and that is offered with a 2 year warranty.  All the others have a Briggs engine and have a 3 year warranty. 

Aug. 2, the official start of Abby's snowthrower season?  Can we make official dates for each season, as that would be really a great idea.  Mid-Aug is really the start of snowthrower season of you are really into it.  I still want to finish out the summer, but have this itch for blowing snow.  Seem to start around now for me.   

Not MTD bashing, just calling it as I see it.  I've often defended MTD as I believe they offer a product at  price points that appeal to many, many people,  Just saying you can do better...at a higher cost.

LL

lland wrote:

For the record LL I did not take you post as a bashing post, just your opinion and I felt that Rob was just having some fun and trying to keep the topic light. 

"Just saying you can do better...at a higher cost."

While I would agree with you when we are comparing most brands this is not always the case with all the units under the Murray name.  Many times they are as competitively priced as an MTD unit if you do some careful shopping.

C

If it doesn't say Honda, it sucks hind tit.  

Marshall wrote:

Marshall,

You're having those flashbacks to 6th grade again, aren't you?