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

I was in depot last night and checking out the toro riders they have now.   Imagine the shocked look on my face when the Toro matched the cub cadet almost part for part. 

Did MTD buy the toro name?  Or is MTD buying Toro???  This would explain the toro quality going downhill in the snowblower market.

Here are some links:

http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_14101_10227_33810_-1#

http://www.toro.com/home/tractors/lx/500lx.html

My understanding is that toro contracted MTD to build their lawntractors. The reason being that 50% of the lawn tractor sales are under $1800 and TORO's previous XL series was higher priced than that market.   

Reduce quality and sell more or keep quality and sell less.

My 20 year old wheel horse will probably still out last these new tractors. But everyone has them, John Deere, Cub etc. I see why they are doing it but, but that doesn't mean I like it.