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

This is what Husqvarna says:

The deflectors vary in size by brand. Does their length make a difference?

DavidNJ wrote:
I would say that Toro beats its drum louder and faster in that regard, IMO.  They have closed drum auger (discontinued) , pivoting scraper, powershift models (discontinued)  which moves the wheel axle rearward to put more weight on the front bucket, and their PowerMax auger system.  Just to name a few out of the box innovations.

The problem I have with Husqvarna product is the dealer network.  Around here, finding a dealer who carries Husq products is harder than a BMW dealer in Detroit.  You can get some valued priced Husq products at Home Depot, but not the higher models.  While Husq webpage shows quite a few products, I can only find 10% of those locally.  They are the Peugeot of snowblowers.

aa335 wrote:

Peugeot has dominated the World Rally Championship:

The local Ariens dealer is also a Husqvarna, the others are about 30 minutes away. They are much more common for mowers than snowblowers. Porsche was once a similar boutique brand.

In the Deere/Husqvarna one seems a little better designed in the details, a little higher quality components, maybe a much faster impeller speed, has left/right freewheel steering and hydrostatic drive with both its advantages (low speed, moisture tolerance) and disadvantages (astronomincal maintenance costs). The other is appears more rugged, has a limited slip differential, very slick electric chute controls, and is $400 cheaper.

Peugeot may dominate WRC, but they're extinct in the US market.  Hence, my reference.

My point is that Husqvarna products are not well supported in the US.

It is made in South Carolina, the US is their largest market, they OEM many models for Sears, and it is used as commercial lawn maintenance gear. It may be weaker in some regions. As you set, it can be regional. In the US Sears lists the low end Husqvarna's as Husqvarna. In Canada they OEM a custom configuration as a Sears: http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-md-snowblower-with-165-torque-power/671-000202721-52070

From a sales standpoint, MTD with its major Sears OEM, Lowes, and dealers for Troy-bilt and Cub Cadet has the most presence.

In NJ the Husqvarna seems fine from an availablity and service perspective. Establishing whether it is a superior machine or not is a bit harder. Note: I don't find the base model compelling although at its near MTD price point it may be worth considering. The 30" base model has left right steering and comes with a 414cc LCT to compete against a similarly featured MTD about about $100 less expensive. For comparison, the less expensive Ariens Sno-Tek line seems less expensive, but well built. Like a 1996 Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, back in the day when they were basic, solid, machines.

That may well be.  However, I could not find local dealers that had the Husqvarna branded products I was interested in.