Author Topic: I'm so handy......:-)  (Read 552 times)

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Offline skarke

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I'm so handy......:-)
« on: August 28, 2009, 03:54:14 PM »
This week I replaced two carbs, one on a Honda and the other on a Briggs (of course, small engines).  I also replaced a bearing that wore out on my snapper self propelled drive system (what a piece of dung, it only lasted me 24 years ;D), and a drive ring on the same mower.

I have two snappers, both I've had half my life, and both are freaking indestructable.  Too bad ethanol killed the carbs (one on one of the snappers, the other on a sprayer).

I also have an Echo blower, weedeater, and edger.  The weedeater is 16 years old, still starts on the first pull.

I bought this stuff after watching what the pros use around here.  Seems to be pretty good equipment.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.  Ronaldus Maximus

Offline slim rem 7

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2009, 04:16:14 PM »
you are rite...of the makers of small engine equipment echo was one that didn t make two versions ,,homeowner an pro version... they just made equipment that last...

Offline crustaceous

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2009, 06:08:52 PM »
Here's a good story about Snapper and their decision to go for quality not quantity

http://www.fastcompany.com/node/54763/print

Online gypsyman

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2009, 07:45:42 PM »
Skarke, good for you. I like to hear story's like this. We have a throw away society, and when somebody tells me that they got 15+ years out of a piece of equipment, gives me faith in American products. Just today, took the gas tank off my log splitter and tightened the bowl up, got new gas lines and filter,plug, to get it ready for this fall. Bought it off an ex-next door neighbor 5-6 years ago, I had borrowed it from him since the late '80's. My riding mower is 25 years old or so, still cutting, smokes a bit, go thru about 2 qts. of oil a summer, but alot cheaper than a new one. Anybody tells me that Briggs or Kohler makes shoddy stuff, I've got several example's otherwise.  gypsyman
We keep trying peace, it usually doesn't work!!Remember(12/7/41)(9/11/01) gypsyman

Offline williamlayton

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2009, 01:21:02 AM »
I have, for years, tried to support my local small business dealers. I have also, many years ago, given up on cheap.
I like things that work and things that do what they say they are susposed too do.
I like Honda Mowers and dang near bought a Snapper this last time. I stuck with what had served me best for the last fourteen years. I gave up on a running and in good repair--well except the rubber was coming off the wheels--Honda because I wanted a new mower---unlike youse guys, I can't repair anything mechanical-- and too have it repaired....well, I could get it jacked up and a new one run under it.
I like Echo.
I like things that work,, correctly.
Blessings 
TEXAS, by GOD

Offline Land_Owner

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2009, 02:04:05 AM »
My 48" Husqvarna riding mower w/25 HP Kohler engine had its mower deck go kaput after only 150 to 200 mowings around this 2.9 acre dirt patch I own.   That is the equivalent of 800 mowings of a typical 1/4 acre yard in a subdivision.  Not too bad I think.  Engine still runs real well, but the sheet metal of the mower is "used".

It got used hard.  Blades got dull in three cuttings, the kids rode it like an ATV, got water in the transmission, all bearings in the mower deck were shot after Tropical Storm Fay last year as the kids rode it through the waterfilled ditches towing one another on a knee board...pretty good video right there, but expensive. 

So my professional lawn care neighbor recommended a Scagg...and the rest is history.  What a Lawn Charriot! 

Now, if I could keep string on the trimmer, which runs pretty well, this place might look better one day.

Offline highwayman

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #6 on: August 29, 2009, 02:42:29 AM »
my snapper was 25 years old when i had to replace it this year with another snapper!!!

Offline skarke

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2009, 03:47:21 PM »
Crustaceous,

That's a great story.  makes me feel good about America.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.  Ronaldus Maximus

Offline bilmac

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2009, 04:35:15 PM »
Remember Skarke, "If the women don't find ya handsome they ought to hind you handy.

Offline williamlayton

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2009, 01:14:50 AM »
As the years roll on---I would rather them find me handy. :o ::) :P :-X :-*
Blessings
TEXAS, by GOD

Offline JBlk

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2009, 01:50:14 AM »
Most of the mowers manfactured in the US today are  made by MTD  ( machine tool and die)  reguardless of what name they use.They continue to use the names of the companies they have purchased to get the repeat customers. Most of those machines do not have the same quality control standards as the original had.

Offline bobg

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2009, 02:03:01 AM »
  JBLK is correct. The local lawn mower repair man said no matter the name it is still an MTD.
      bobg

Offline skarke

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Re: I'm so handy......:-)
« Reply #12 on: August 30, 2009, 04:07:40 AM »
Don't want to digress, and you Georgia boys can verify, but Snappers are made by Snapper in McDonough, Georgia.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.  Ronaldus Maximus