Stubby wrote:
Art wrote:
Srgnt Billko wrote:
Do you think any of the new engines will stand up as well as the old
(60's / 70's) Kohlers and Craftsman (Tecumseh) ?

Absolutely not.

Maybe. It depends on the availability of repair parts. Sears is now
down to 1 year for these. Also, the quality of service needs to be
considered. Just after my tractor/mower was delivered I discovered it
was not charging the battery. The repairman's solution was to replace
the engine!

Someone suggested viewing tractors as throw-away items which last only 5
or 6 years. That's not very satisfying but it well might be the right
approach. I'm fearing the day when the Chinese manufacturers invent
"planned obsolescence" the way Detroit did back in the '50s.

The question was regarding engines.

As for the availability of repair parts, you must be referring to the
"guaranteed availability" of equipment parts which is far different from
real life availability. Most any part that is subject to normal wear and
tear will be available for as long as there is any real demand for it.
There are many after-market parts suppliers that will supply parts when
an OEM discontinues them, /if/ there is sufficient demand. Some parts
such as frames and body panels are really only available while they are
in production. It is these parts that cause the "guaranteed
availability" to be so short. It is really more of a CYA thing.

--
Art