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

Hi,

Just wanted to ask a quick question.  Someone asked me for advice on a snowblower, in their price range considering all dealers within the region most brands were out except those by MTD and AYP.  The exception towards the upper end at the price limit was the John Deere 1028E and a Craftsman professional.  So Ariens, Honda, Toro, Snapper, Simplicity are all out and the used selection is quite poor at the moment.

I don't know what is available for options in the U.S. compared to Canada but this Craftsman professional from the picture looks like it could be a Snapper/Simplicity blower?  It has the B&S engine with a cast iron gear case, steel chute and many other features.  The chute looks very similar but the bucket is 27" wide with a height of 18.75".  I can spot the MTD and AYP one's easily by looking at them by Craftsman.

Spec was similar on both with the same B&S engine (305 CC 14.5 trq) with the exception the Craftsman Professional was regular price quite a bit more and on sale for the same price and comes with more options (heated handles, power chute,.....)

Anyone have insight on who makes that particular line of Craftsman professional blowers?  Any thoughts on the 1028E by JD/F as compared to this craftsman model? 

"They would come to the home and pick it up or service it on site" I believe there was a thread here last year by some poor guy who was told there was something like a 3 week wait for service. Then the part needed wasn't on the truck so it would have to be ordered THEN schedule another appointment to get it installed. Break down in January, all fixed by spring!

sscotsman wrote:
Guess we shouldn't be surprised.  I wonder who's going to make the JD blowers in the future?   I'm trying to imagine the design changes that may come with the change.  It will also be interesting to see what the Briggs/Craftsman models will look like.  This only leaves Simplicity, Snapper, and Murray brands under the Briggs umbrella.

coasteray wrote:

No one is going to make JD blowers in the future..after this year, there will be no more new JD snowblowers..

JD dealers are going to sell Honda snowblowers instead.

Scot

sscotsman wrote:

I have to wonder if John Deere approached Honda and say they would like to sell Honda snowblowers since B&S is pumping out ho hum machines.  Every one now knows that JD doesn't make snowblowers, and it's uncertain who makes JD branded snowblower year to year.  Doesn't bode well for customer confidence in JD.

Or is it the other way around.  Maybe Honda approached John Deere and ask them to sell Hondas since only customers with deep pockets come to JD dealers.  :)

aa335 wrote: Perfect match for JD - nowadays you have to spend $6000 & up to get anything decently made