Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Manufacturers have lost the meaning of “Professional Grade”.
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Paul7
 
Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Points: 452
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Original Message Jan 3, 2009 4:21 pm |
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I think that the marketing folks have completely diluted the meaning of Professional/Commercial grade. A few years ago it meant something. Four years ago I purchased two Ariens 21 inch walk behind lawn mowers. One was their standard consumer duty machine and the other was commercial duty. There are MAJOR differences between the two. The consumer model came with a 6hp Intek engine and weighs around 110 lbs. The commercial model came with a 6hp Robins chain driven OHC engine that as smooth as butter. This machine weighs 130 lbs. Where ever a plastic part was used on the consumer machine a steel part was used on the commercial model. And where steel was used on the standard model, heavier gauge steel was used on the commercial one. The list goes on...Friction drive vs heavy duty gear drive; spin off oil filter...etc. I’m troubled when I see Simplicity market their “Pro Commercial” line of Snow Throwers. (Yeah...they use both words). Their 28” Pro Commercial machine weigh exactly the same as their 28” non-Pro consumer machine. The only difference I can see is channel handlebars and Power Boost...which is a feature, not a beefed up design. My 2006 Ariens 11528LE non-Pro machine weighs 289lbs while the 2006 Pro model 11528 weighs 293...virtually the same. Maybe I’m delusional but I think that for the premium charged for a Pro/Commercial machine it should be built noticeably beefier than consumer models and with appropriate maintenance work all day long, seven days a week without a hiccup. Now I’m seeing the term “Prosumer” being used to designate snow thrower grades. It seems like the marketing folks have even confused themselves.
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pgill
Joined: Dec 29, 2008
Points: 23
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Reply #4 Jan 3, 2009 6:48 pm |
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I agree that watering down the build quality of commercial machines is misleading. Particularly in the case of Simplicity putting cheap press fit components in critical application areas of their flag ship line of snow throwers. It's a dumb thing to do just to save a few bucks. When I see that stuff starting to happen, it erodes my confidence in their commitment to quality. It makes me wonder if B&S are beginning to influence the construction of Simplicity/Snapper machines to make them cheaper to build and price mark them to compete with the other leading brands that have already gone that route. Out of curiosity, I just bought a Simplicity signature Pro 28" because I felt it was potentially more durable than what the competition has to offer. Where has this machine been "cheapened up"?
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pvrp
Joined: Nov 14, 2008
Points: 151
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Reply #7 Jan 3, 2009 9:47 pm |
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I agree that a professional model should be cable of being used all day long by something like a snow removal company. Sure the machines in such a setting require regular and frequent maintenance but they shouldn't break down with anything major during the season. If machines are no longer capable of this, and it looks that way, then we have a real problem. Paul
This message was modified Jan 4, 2009 by pvrp
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pgill
Joined: Dec 29, 2008
Points: 23
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Reply #8 Jan 4, 2009 5:47 am |
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I would tend to agree that many products have gone downhill in ways as companies search for a better bottom dollar. I see this in areas like digital cameras, but that is another discussion. As far as snowblowers go, it seems evident in some models offered in the big box stores. However, not sure on models like the Simplicity. The "Pro model" that I bought this year seems identical to the one I considered buying a number of years ago. I may be wrong, I haven't kept that up to date on any changes, but I don't see where Simplicity has down graded anything on the machine. If it was considered "Pro" then, why not now? Because it has not been significantly updated? (The only new thing I've noticed is the electric remote chute rotation.) Is it not as good because there other large frame blowers have improved to a level to near the Pro model? (Really don't know what changes have been made in that line, never looked at them before.) |
mml4
Snow is good,
Deep snow is better!
Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544
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Reply #9 Jan 4, 2009 9:25 am |
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Wonderful thing about the Simplicity brochure is that the units are lined up in columns next to one another and you can see what you are getting for the price differential. Marc
SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
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Tubby
Joined: Dec 5, 2007
Points: 78
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Reply #10 Jan 4, 2009 9:49 am |
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I would tend to agree that many products have gone downhill in ways as companies search for a better bottom dollar. I see this in areas like digital cameras, but that is another discussion. As far as snowblowers go, it seems evident in some models offered in the big box stores. However, not sure on models like the Simplicity. The "Pro model" that I bought this year seems identical to the one I considered buying a number of years ago. I may be wrong, I haven't kept that up to date on any changes, but I don't see where Simplicity has down graded anything on the machine. If it was considered "Pro" then, why not now? Because it has not been significantly updated? (The only new thing I've noticed is the electric remote chute rotation.) Is it not as good because there other large frame blowers have improved to a level to near the Pro model? (Really don't know what changes have been made in that line, never looked at them before.) Well one difference that I have been made painfully aware of is that they *used* to connect the drive disc to the spindle using threads. Now it's pressed on. But I'm not bitter.........really.........well, maybe just a little.
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