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

I bought this machine because I needed a rugged machine that would last me. I would rather purchase a "Tim Taylor" machine rather than fuss with an inferior one. This beast has 13hp, 36" wide, locking diff, heated hand grips, light, elec start, ect.... I have a 100 foot paved driveway. It has snowed 4 times since I purchased it, and it has broke down on me 3 times.  everything from a factory recall that i wasnt notified of, so it burned belts (4)!!, to nuts & bolts falling out, chute breaking, auger stops turning, wheels stop driving, etc.... The dealer has a special place for it in his shop that they dont fill when it is at my place. I believe this machine would last forever,  if i dont use it. The dealer stood behind me 100% when I told them enough is enough I wanted something done, money back, or a replacement. Now it has snowed today, 20", I have a bad back and have to shovel while the ariens company sits on my $3000.00. Anybody else have this problem?

iLikeOrange wrote:

Pecan pie, rum, and vanilla ice cream.  Yummm. 

My mother-in-law can't cook anything well.  I had to eat the same thing everytime I come to visit.   I eat it with a big smile and compliment.  She keeps putting more food on my plate. 

I know, should have kept my mouth shut. 

Knee_Biter wrote:

Happy thoughts.  Happy thoughts.

I was thinking about getting a Tacoma or the new Jeep Rubicon.  I thought those Tacomas were bullet proof, so to speak.  I don't keep them around long for rust to matter.   I put so much miles on them that rust doesn't have a chance to stick.

aa335 wrote:

I'll tell you what aa335, I know plenty of guys who switched to Tacomas.  Every one, to a man, said it was the best move they've made.  Considering the number of people employed in the N.A. vehicle manufacturing sector, you can rest assured that there will be representatives participating in the forums.  It is unlikely they would present a case for the competition.  If you have any concerns regarding vehicle quality, get yourself a copy of Consumer Reports Magazine and compare the repair records for whatever you're thinking of buying.  I'm certain that you're astute enough to do your research and analyze your results to make the best choice.  Let us know how it goes.    

I've been driving a 1989 Ford F150 for 20 years now. Is this a good truck?

iLikeOrange wrote:

I can't say ... I had to replace the battery on my 95 F-150 when it was only 12 years old :( 

Rumors are that the new ones aren't as good but we won't really know for another 10 years. I think they discontinued the 5L (302) which is a shame cause they run forever.

iLikeOrange wrote:

I don't own a truck.  I dont know you, but I know you your subtraction is right on target.  :)  . 

It may be good, may be bad.  What's your standards and expectations?

Drive it another 20 years and let us know what you think of it.  Some of us might be interested to know if it makes a good lawn ornament.

Bill_H wrote:
I don't care if that truck is a Ford, Chevy, or whatever.  What's the name  brand of that battery?  :)

iLikeOrange wrote:

Well that all depends.  If that truck hasn't cost you a lot in repairs, it may very well be a good truck.   Either that or it hasn't been driven very much.

However, being a previous owner of a very similar truck (86' F150), I know from my experience and experiences of others who owned similar vehicles,  that repairs were frequent and expensive.  Let me ask, if you have the 302 c.i. engine, how many times have you had the intake manifold replaced?   I had mine replaced three times in less than five years.  Anyone who claims to have owned a mid '80s F150 and didn't have problems with their 302 engines was a very, very rare owner.  That '86 F150 cost me at the very least, $500.00/yr, every year from day one (right after expiry of the warranty).  How many water pumps have you replaced,?   How about fuel injectors, any of them?   How did your emergency brake hold up?  What about your ball joints?  Any issues there?   It only 50,000 miles on it when I dumped it.   You're reading that right.  Fifty thousand miles!!      That Ford was the last North American vehicle I owned and will ever own.  My  '96 T100 has provided me with twelve years of uninterrupted Toyota bliss.  That, my friend,  is a hard habit to drop.    Not to mention the thirty years total of excellent Toyota reliability my wife has enjoyed.   

Proponents of N.A. vehicles keep telling me that the quality has improved considerable in the last ten years.  Sorry.  Not buying it.   

borat wrote:

4.9L engine. 4WD  165K miles. driven like an ol man or lady I guess. Well cared for (obsesssive waxing)

>>How many water pumps have you replaced,?    One.

>>How about fuel injectors, any of them?    None.

 >>How did your emergency brake hold up?  Crapped up due to non-use.

>>What about your ball joints?  One, maybe two.

Amzoil oil changed once a year since day one. To this day does not burn oil. Not a drop.

Yeah there were some issues along the way, but I think I got my $11,800's worth.

I was trolling a bit with my non-response replies as of late. This forum has gotten a bit off focus. Fun to read I guess if you like the tabloid newspapers.

You've been very fortunate. 

I forgot to mention I replaced two rear main bearing seals as well and it was leaking again when I dumped it. 

Quite possibly the worst vehicle I've ever owned.  I do not miss that  p.o.s.  one bit.   The only things good that I have to say about it was that it did have a nice ride and wasn't too bad on fuel.