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

I heard from a store clerk that it was announced that Toro was out of the snow thrower business.  So many times rumors are just that.  Anyone else here this same information?

Clay wrote:

Maybe the store clerk is an inside trader with access to privileged information.  I looked around on the INTERNET and couldn't see anything.  I also looked at Toro's financial statement for 2008.  In the report, they made specific reference to strong snow thrower orders which contributed considerably to their income. 

Sooooo, unless the store clerk has mole at Toro, I'd say he might just be wrong. 

Is there any chance that he might have been trying to sell you an Ariens?

I did the same thing.  Looked at their latest SEC report and investor update...everything would indicate they were happy and committed to their snow thrower franchise. 

Maybe just electric leaf blowers?

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09062.html

Looks like they re-announced a previous recall back in December for a recall on 900K electric blowers.

My bet is that either you or the store clerk is either or both: a) misinformed, and b) confused.

Toro had increased demand for snowblowers last winter and did this winter too (selling out of most models where I live by mid-to-late October), so if there's one product segment they're not likely to dump, it's this one!

The guy at the store likely heard that:
1) Tecumseh (engine manufacturer) has closed down their engine manufacturing plant (true)
2) Toro (and other manufacturers such as Ariens) were caught out with an engine shortage due to #1, and were left scrambling to produce enough units to meet demand. Due to engine shortages, many models sold out for the season early. (also true).

It remains to be said what engine manufacturer(s) Toro will use next year (and in their lawn equipment this spring/summer). But they have an existing relationship with Briggs & Stratton and I'm sure Briggs & Stratton isn't going to complain if Toro wants to use them exclusively (or for the bulk of Toro's needs).

Let's hope that they go with B&S.  Otherwise, we all know what the likely alternative will be. 

OK, I'll admit when I am wrong.  I called the store clerk that told me what I thought that he told me and asked him to say that again in so many words.  First, he wasn't even talking about Toro but rather Troy Built.  Second, he didn't say that they were going out of the business but rather that they were done building snow thrower for just this season.  I don't know how I screwed that up so badly, must be all of those years listening to my wife and blocking out portions of what she tells me.  Again, sorry,

Rick

Clay wrote: