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All of you that love your country and captialisms freedoms please I beg of u STOP SUPPORTING TH E BOX STORES. Your local dealers are your neighbors and friends. The idiots at the box stores are lucky they have jobs and will not be there when u need further guidance. Much of the equipmebt you buy at the box stores is low end junk just to get you there for the price. I sell many machines with the same brand names u desire and the are the "good stuff". Our dealership delivers all equipment fully gased and oiled and ready to go. And we even deliver to a large area for free. We service what we sell as well as everything else. Lowes, dosent tractor supply dosent etc......... we file ur warranty for u. We are trained and very experianced in sales and service. Just think 75 bucks for a triommer at walmart and when it breaks u bring it to me to fix not walmart. I get to tell u it'll cost more to fix than u payed for it. Buy a brand I carry or you local dealer carrys and uve got quality and reall tangable warranty not a piece of worthles paper with a m.anufacturer number that get you nothing. Oh and 9 out of 10 times we are cheaper................. box store .means junk and no help........

ALSO try to buy made in USA

Made in USA, Made in America, US, American-Made :thumbsup:

I would like to comment here.

Not all of us can afford a piece of equipment that costs more than our car, and pay $45 or more an hour for 'service'. Some of us are plenty qualified to do our own repairs.

As for warranties, many of them cover parts only, or they try to get out of it because you didn't have the dealer service them, or you swore at it, or something.

Decent paying jobs are harder to come by every day. Please don't chide us for doing what we can afford.

The more i think about this thread, the angrier i get.

The "idiots" working in places like walmart and home depot ARE my friends and neighbors. If you are angry at "the big box stores" for kicking your butt at the very capitalistic game you open your post with, fine. Why pick on their employees with your broad-brushed stereotypes? They usally can't help you because their managerial slavedrivers have them doing 15 things at once to 'earn' their minimum wage.

As far as the" good stuff" , I have 3 names to drop: JD, Cub Cadet, and Honda. That's just 3, and HD sells them.

I have no problem with your opinions, just how you expressed them. When you call someone an idiot, you usually mean it. That kind of sanctamonious, elitist contempt is exactly why i won't come within a country MILE of a dealer.

IMHO, the opening post is trolling, and i am deeply and personally offended.

I don't know what set off Small Engine Mechanic or why he started the thread. I understand why some people decide to buy some things from the Big Box stores and sometimes I can't do anything else myself, if I need something. I do think that if it is possible everyone should try to Buy American. Making statements about whole groups of people is usually done in "the heat of the moment" and should be taken "with a grain of salt".

Everyone - take a breath and take it easy.

If we all do our best as individuals, that is all anycone can ask !

BKBrown said:

I don't know what set off Small Engine Mechanic or why he started the thread. I understand why some people decide to buy some things from the Big Box stores and sometimes I can't do anything else myself, if I need something. I do think that if it is possible everyone should try to Buy American. Making statements about whole groups of people is usually done in "the heat of the moment" and should be taken "with a grain of salt".

Everyone - take a breath and take it easy.

If we all do our best as individuals, that is all anycone can ask !

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As much as I cry "Buy American" I cannot dismiss the opening post as trolling...freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of what makes our nation great.

"While I may not agree with what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it".
(Attributed to Voltaire)

JDgreen said:

As much as I cry "Buy American" I cannot dismiss the opening post as trolling...freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of what makes our nation great.

"While I may not agree with what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it".
(Attributed to Voltaire)

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I don't say "trolling" either - just seems like something set him off and he needed to vent.

It isn't always possible to "Buy American".

Another way to support your neighbor is to buy local via CraigsList or other similar markets for used equipment. I believe that it's much better to buy a quality brand (Stihl, for example) used than pay the same or more for a new product of a lesser brand. You also get to have fun working on the product right away -- which you will need to learn to do eventually.

I have nothing against the "Box" stores. For some types of things they offer good value for the money on quality products. The key is to be an informed consumer so you know where to shop for any given item.

To say in your first post in a forum "The idiots at the box stores are lucky they have jobs", it is deliberately trying to get somebody to go off. That's a troll. That's not just someone venting. If he were here for awhile, I really wouldn't have reacted so bad. But, your first post? Bet he's grinning ear to ear right now.

AS I SAID - I have NO PROBLEM with his opinions, just the way he said it was why I didn't like it. Besides, there are plenty of threads here posted just in the last few days about buying something, and suggestions were made to buy from a 'big box store' if you want to. Seems like troll fodder if you want to get people going.

If I use a bunch of cuss words, it'll offend someone. That's why I don't do it. Well, if what he said was deliberate - as it appears it was - then that kind of attitude offends ME. In addition, to make that your first (and thus far ONLY) post in a forum sure does look like a troll to me.

That's ducky - I'm the one offended, and HE'S the victim.

His ID is small engine mechanic, but there are no posts in small engine repair by him. There was no "hello", no nothing. Just something to incite people - and it did - ME. That is a troll.

(and BK, he really wasn't talking about buying American. He was talking about buying from a DEALER vs. buying from a 'box store'. Most lawn mowers are made in the USA anyhow. Most trimmers aren't)

well HELLO everybody,how are you doing in 'happyland':biggrin: ...er...i mean 'ope land' the weather is great outside, so get outside and fire up you equipment wherever you bought it:laughing:....anyway,i support my local dealer because he is my friend and neighbor, AND i support my local big box store because they are my friends and neighbors (just dropped a grand at lowes last week)...ANYBODY can start and run a business and expand it as they wish . menards did it and home depot did it (just read their bio's) i have seen a lot of businesses over the years scream at the big guys for taking away customers when in fact the big guys actually STARTED out much much smaller than they are now:thumbsup: " DO NOT FOLLOW WHERE THE PATH MAY LEAD BUT GO INSTEAD WHERE THERE IS NO PATH AND LEAVE A TRAIL" i have seen the small mom and pop stores turn into bigger operations so growth opportunity is what you make of it. yes, i still have my mower from menards that i bought years ago and still runs good and cuts even better:wink: see ya everyone, peace. p.s. suppers waiting:licking:

twall said:

To say in your first post in a forum "The idiots at the box stores are lucky they have jobs", it is deliberately trying to get somebody to go off. That's a troll. That's not just someone venting. If he were here for awhile, I really wouldn't have reacted so bad. But, your first post? Bet he's grinning ear to ear right now.


(and BK, he really wasn't talking about buying American. He was talking about buying from a DEALER vs. buying from a 'box store'. Most lawn mowers are made in the USA anyhow. Most trimmers aren't)

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I too get angry when someone tells me how too spend my money.
I makes my blood boil when someone tells me to buy american, when the products they are referring too are merely assembled in this country to cut down on shipping costs. All of the parts are made in other countries because they work for nothing.
Automobiles....sorry, I buy what's best for me. I will not support the UAW in any way other then what suites me, I happen to drive a Ford, but only because I think it's a good design and the best value for the money so this is completely irrelevant.
This is the primary reason why we will soon be unable to compete in this market. Before the economic collapse Toyota became the largest car maker in the world. This because American car makers are quickly becoming unable to compete as the unions insist on more money and more benefits and a pension to boot. I spent my life in an industry that if you don't work, you don't get paid, sounded fair to me, after all this is America, if "I DON'T LIKE IT I CAN START MY OWN BUSINESS".
Try and find a tractor that is made in the US.
Have you noticed that the "buy american" theme is going the way of the pay phone? It's because it cannot be accomplished. Everything of value at the consumer level is manufactured, of parts made in other countries or completely by foreign hands, this because of corporate greed and trade laws that favor corporations, not the people that fought for and died this country. Why is British Petroleum drilling in the gulf of Mexico? BP in our back yard...thats my oil, MINE.
You say most lawn mowers are made in this country.... It's only because China is not interested in the lawn mower market. Chinese can't waste land on a lawn. They use it to grow their lunch. The same is true for just about everywhere but here.
Thank you twill for opening this thing up, we as americans have to get a better understanding of where we stand in global markets. The turmoil we are seeing globally now is indicative of our own future. You represented yourself well in my opinion, changed my opinion (of you) if you will.
As a consumer I implore all of us to use the tools you have to educate yourself. Understand, what is important and what is your country and your countrymen. Do not settle, for what has been dubbed "main street", is willing to offer.
And by all means.... stop letting people put Their hands in your pocket.
Buy from a dealer? When it makes sense for me, I'll buy from a dealer...it's called free enterprise and it works both ways!

Now i'm done

Well SAID, RobertBrown!

I gotta tell you, though - Murray - Ohio is called that because, last I knew, their plant was in Ohio. Modern Tool and Die (which makes Cub Cadets, and the LT series for JD, Troy-built, White, and others), last I knew, was still maufacturing in Brownsville, Tenn. Snapper/Simplicity (part of the B&S YPPG, with murray) I believe still manufacture out of the plants they always did.......

It doesn't make sense for mowers to be brought in due to emissions laws for imports/tariffs on ride-on power equipment. It works as tarrifs should, and makes the import so expensive, they can't compete with models in the USA. But once the EPA gets their way, it might START making sense.

As for farm tractors, I was alarmed at how many 'domestic' brands are from anywhere but 'domestic' sources......

Didn't know you had a low opinion of me..:laughing: but I apparently fixed that........maybe now it's even lower?

I know this person was not specifically talking about "buying American" - that was mine -- I know that isn't always possible and that sometimes not possible at all. I was also talking about all products in general and not only lawn equipment. I'm not attempting to tell anyone how to spend their $ and I always evaluate based on my needs and what I can or want to spend, but if products are close in value and price I will get the Made in USA product (at least all the money is not going out of the country).

(and BK, he really wasn't talking about buying American. He was talking about buying from a DEALER vs. buying from a 'box store'. Most lawn mowers are made in the USA anyhow. Most trimmers aren't)[/QUOTE]

BKBrown said:

I know this person was not specifically talking about "buying American" - that was mine -- I know that isn't always possible and that sometimes not possible at all. I was also talking about all products in general and not only lawn equipment. I'm not attempting to tell anyone how to spend their $ and I always evaluate based on my needs and what I can or want to spend, but if products are close in value and price I will get the Made in USA product (at least all the money is not going out of the country).

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...and if I can save a couple hundred on the same product by going to Home Depot, I will.......:wink: And I WON'T be told what a hapless boob I am!

All I can really say is that I think it's very important to support the people in your area, if that is something you can afford. I've seen a lot of stores closing down near me and it makes me feel like our money is just being spent in the wrong places. I can't stand having to drive further to get the products I want and need.

abeja_reina_1989 said:

All I can really say is that I think it's very important to support the people in your area, if that is something you can afford. I've seen a lot of stores closing down near me and it makes me feel like our money is just being spent in the wrong places. I can't stand having to drive further to get the products I want and need.

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I'm sorry, but the people working at 'big box stores' are just as local as a delaership. If Home Depot goes out of business, there are 50 or more people RIGHT HERE that'll be looking for work, too.

Look, I don't like to see little places go out of business. I like shopping at local places, and prefer to do so. But, my experience with EVERY (yes I said that) MOWER DEALER in a 100 MILE RADIUS is an elitist, snobby a-hole that DESERVES to go out of business......and a post like the OP's just seemed like the EXACT thing they'd post, if they weren't being so better - than - you to care.

Seems the MO to be PO'd at the world, and hate everyone who doesn't walk in with $100's hanging out of their pockets, begging the salesman to take them. Sorry, I may look like trash, but I like to spend, too. And, I may have more money than you think on me in CASH.

If my money means life or death to a little dealer, why don't they treat me that way, y'know? Instead, they try and guilt you, and wave a flag in your face telling you if you don't buy what they need to sell, you hate America, or something (that's a little deep - you may wanna read that a few times. Before you slam my patriotism)

No one from Home Depot or Walmart ever treated me like a snobby elitist because their stuff cost more than everyone else's. Regardless of what kind of vehicle I park in their lot, what I'm wearing, or how shaven I am: they are always nice, and treat me like a customer, not a slob. That is my litmus test.

small engine mechanic said:

All of you that love your country and captialisms freedoms please I beg of u STOP SUPPORTING TH E BOX STORES. Your local dealers are your neighbors and friends. The idiots at the box stores are lucky they have jobs and will not be there when u need further guidance. Much of the equipmebt you buy at the box stores is low end junk just to get you there for the price. I sell many machines with the same brand names u desire and the are the "good stuff". Our dealership delivers all equipment fully gased and oiled and ready to go. And we even deliver to a large area for free. We service what we sell as well as everything else. Lowes, dosent tractor supply dosent etc......... we file ur warranty for u. We are trained and very experianced in sales and service. Just think 75 bucks for a triommer at walmart and when it breaks u bring it to me to fix not walmart. I get to tell u it'll cost more to fix than u payed for it. Buy a brand I carry or you local dealer carrys and uve got quality and reall tangable warranty not a piece of worthles paper with a m.anufacturer number that get you nothing. Oh and 9 out of 10 times we are cheaper................. box store .means junk and no help........

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I can understand your feelings towards the Big Box Stores I feel the same, I believe in supporting my dealer before them also (nothing wrong in that) and you're entitled to your opinion but that said although the people that work in BBS may not know much about the products they sell or are trying to sell they are not Idiots and shouldn't be referred to as such as they're working people just like you.:smile: I think that's hitting below the belt, Just my

small engine mechanic said:

All of you that love your country and captialisms freedoms please I beg of u STOP SUPPORTING TH E BOX STORES. Your local dealers are your neighbors and friends. The idiots at the box stores are lucky they have jobs and will not be there when u need further guidance. Much of the equipmebt you buy at the box stores is low end junk just to get you there for the price. I sell many machines with the same brand names u desire and the are the "good stuff". Our dealership delivers all equipment fully gased and oiled and ready to go. And we even deliver to a large area for free. We service what we sell as well as everything else. Lowes, dosent tractor supply dosent etc......... we file ur warranty for u. We are trained and very experianced in sales and service. Just think 75 bucks for a triommer at walmart and when it breaks u bring it to me to fix not walmart. I get to tell u it'll cost more to fix than u payed for it. Buy a brand I carry or you local dealer carrys and uve got quality and reall tangable warranty not a piece of worthles paper with a m.anufacturer number that get you nothing. Oh and 9 out of 10 times we are cheaper................. box store .means junk and no help........

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You opened this thread so please tell us why you have not returned to defend your position on your viewpoint...:confused2:

I respectfully disagree with your final statement "box store means junk and no help..."

Just because I have purchased my last several push mowers and various weed eaters, blowers, etc. at Sears or Menards doesn't mean they are junk. I didn't ask for help, I knew what I wanted and the price was fair and I didn't want to drive a half hour or spend another $10 on gas to go to a dealership. There truthfully is only one real dealership in this area that carries lawn care equipment but I do not need their aid to decide what I should buy BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING AND I KNOW WHAT IS A GOOD BUY. Is this understood?

Please return and let us know why you quoted your position as such...THANKS.

You see, JD - I didn't get mad , either at first. My first response to the OP was pretty tame. But, after it sank in for a bit, is when it really irked me.

There are, I believe two reasons the OP hasn't returned.

• He/she really IS a troll
• We scared him (or her) off, for which I'd feel kinda bad.

Yes, small engine mechanic - please come on back and tell us if you meant what you said as you stated it, or what you really meant to say. If it's the latter, we are a very forgiving bunch, and will soon forget it.

twall said:

You see, JD - I didn't get mad , either at first. My first response to the OP was pretty tame. But, after it sank in for a bit, is when it really irked me.

There are, I believe two reasons the OP hasn't returned.

• He/she really IS a troll
• We scared him (or her) off, for which I'd feel kinda bad.

Yes, small engine mechanic - please come on back and tell us if you meant what you said as you stated it, or what you really meant to say. If it's the latter, we are a very forgiving bunch, and will soon forget it.

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Who scared off Murray Furry??? :laughing:

JDgreen said:

Who scared off Murray Furry??? :laughing:

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Wasn't me......we were PM'ing abut trading tires, and the next day - he vanished.

If you remember, after he posted his pic, he got ribbed a bit for his age. Maybe he was insulted, even though it was all in jest. Self - esteem at that age is hard to come by, if you remember.

I was buying tools the other day to stock my mower shop and really would've liked to have bought Made In The U.S.A. but dang could'nt find many.I hate buying Chinese made because I consider most of what they make Junk.I don't know how many are old enough to remember but when I was a kid made in Japan was about the cheapest throw away junk you could buy.They got smart and figured out if they were to compete on the world stage then they better start making quality stuff.I have a Jap tractor that's 30yrs old and besides putting a new head gasket on it's almost bullitt proof.I've got a Grasshopper mower built in Moundridge Ks but the engine is Kubota.I buy my stuff from dealers that have what I need,be it big ,small or otherwise.The American worker is as hard working as the chinese worker or the mexican worker or those good folk in India etc. it's the Corporate owners that sold them out.American workers demand a higher wage because of the cost of living and because that's the American psyche.Good old Capitalism,however Capitalism on the Corporate level equals Greed and excess run amoke.good or bad that's what we have. russ

173abn said:

I was buying tools the other day to stock my mower shop and really would've liked to have bought Made In The U.S.A. but dang could'nt find many.I hate buying Chinese made because I consider most of what they make Junk.I don't know how many are old enough to remember but when I was a kid made in Japan was about the cheapest throw away junk you could buy.They got smart and figured out if they were to compete on the world stage then they better start making quality stuff.I have a Jap tractor that's 30yrs old and besides putting a new head gasket on it's almost bullitt proof.I've got a Grasshopper mower built in Moundridge Ks but the engine is Kubota.I buy my stuff from dealers that have what I need,be it big ,small or otherwise.The American worker is as hard working as the chinese worker or the mexican worker or those good folk in India etc. it's the Corporate owners that sold them out.American workers demand a higher wage because of the cost of living and because that's the American psyche.Good old Capitalism,however Capitalism on the Corporate level equals Greed and excess run amoke.good or bad that's what we have. russ

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Well stated...got a question however, you are still buying tools at your age? :confused2: I quit buying them about 5 years ago, since I don't have any kids I really don't know what I am gonna do with all the ones I have when I kick the bucket. Have so many right now I cannot keep track of them anyway.

I've just read through this thread and confess I had to smile a little, as I'm sure all of you will do if you re-read. The original poster obviously did want to get you going and seems he succeeded, but it's a cowardly thing to just throw something out there and leave it!

pollyannasmum said:

I've just read through this thread and confess I had to smile a little, as I'm sure all of you will do if you re-read. The original poster obviously did want to get you going and seems he succeeded, but it's a cowardly thing to just throw something out there and leave it!

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:thumbsup:

JD ,I'm an addict.My brother came out yesterday to see my little Evenrude run and he had to laugh at my collection.I can't help myself. russ

173abn said:

JD ,I'm an addict.My brother came out yesterday to see my little Evenrude run and he had to laugh at my collection.I can't help myself. russ

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Russ, I am worse than you...have a 24X36 basement workshop, two sets of mechanics and one set of carpentry tools in the garage, full sets of mechanics and carpentry tools on BOTH floors of my small barn, mechanics tools in garden shed and big barn, good size set of mechanics tools in kits in 3 cars, my truck, and motorhome...

Don't laugh but maybe now you know why I stopped buying tools.

JDgreen said:

Well stated...got a question however, you are still buying tools at your age? :confused2: I quit buying them about 5 years ago, since I don't have any kids I really don't know what I am gonna do with all the ones I have when I kick the bucket. Have so many right now I cannot keep track of them anyway.

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jd please forgive but i couldn't resist if you don't have any kids and you still have all your tools that means you don't have any friends or kin folks close by i only have a daughter that knows nothing about tools but that don't keep them from getting gone that said most time they make there way back just takes awhile :ashamed:

jd335 said:

jd please forgive but i couldn't resist if you don't have any kids and you still have all your tools that means you don't have any friends or kin folks close by i only have a daughter that knows nothing about tools but that don't keep them from getting gone that said most time they make there way back just takes awhile :ashamed:

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No offense taken...I have two nephews and my brother and three brother in laws and my dad in law and several neighbors and friends they do borrow them sometimes I don't mind at all...

Hey wish I had a daughter who would borrow my tools it would mean I did something right cause my wife can't even thread a nut on a bolt....:laughing::laughing:

JDgreen said:

Who scared off Murray Furry??? :laughing:

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Maybe he's back under a new user name -- remember he meant to be "Fury" but typed in "Furry" when he registered.

Two-Stroke said:

Maybe he's back under a new user name -- remember he meant to be "Fury" but typed in "Furry" when he registered.

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Or maybe he is too FURRYOUS at us to want to come back.....:laughing:

I buy what I can, Where I can, at the price I can, and that is why I was able to Retire at 38
I worked hard and save my money by buying at the right time & right place, I have some high dollar thing and some low doller things and they all seam to do what I need done, The Chief

Nice collection, chief!

What's that trike? A custom Gold wing ?

Chief Ben said:

I buy what I can, Where I can, at the price I can, and that is why I was able to Retire at 38
I worked hard and save my money by buying at the right time & right place, I have some high dollar thing and some low doller things and they all seam to do what I need done, The Chief

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That's a really cool photo -- thanks for posting it. I like the dog on guard.:thumbsup: