Husqvarna exiting the low end consumer market

[KE4AVB]

Now back to the subject at hand.

It appears the industry is headed down the path of becoming near monopoly by MTD and TTI when it comes to consumer end of the lawn care equipment. Of course on the commercial front we got OEMs like John Deere that think just because you own one their ZTR's you should pay more for the parts. I just recently needed a couple idlers for a 830A last year they were $45 ea, this month the same idlers are now $85 ea. The comment from parts counter was if you can afford a 830a then you can afford to replace the idlers at their price. Luckily I found an aftermarket supplier (probably their source for this particular idler pulley) that shipped me a pair for $31 ea + $6 SHC

[KE4AVB]

Well I asked Husqvarna directly about this and here is their response:

There's a bit of miscommunication in the wording. It's not Husqvarna. It's Husqvarna Group in North America that is existing the low-end market. Husqvarna brand will still be a player and we're working to drive better quality even in the lower end mass consumer market. And of course we will still support parts to existing lineups. Hope that clarifies a few things.

So I am still wondering just what will happen...

[bgsengine]

Husqvarna Group = formerly Poulan/Weedeater/AYP

As opposed to Husqvarna with their own higher-end commercial stuff (big-ticket ZTR's, Handhelds, etc)

Not a hell of a lot of clarification unless people paid closer attention to the manufacturing labels and owner's manuals (Husqvarna Group vs Husqvarna AB)

[KE4AVB]

That what I was thinking myself it is as clear as mud. Only time will tell where things settle.