Cub Cadet (MTD)

Below is the e-mail I sent to find a part for my mower and the response I received from Cub Cadet. I found after researching this that a company named MTD had purchased Cub Cadet and it is apparent that the quality is not what it once was. MTD owns the "names" Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Bolens, McCulloch and White Outdoor. I would be hesitant about buying any of these names if you are expecting a long lasting well-built product from the previous company's good name and history.

Customer (Thomas Hunt) 03/28/2005 10:32 PM

I was told by my local Cub Cadet dealer, that the part I need for my 800 rear engine mower is no longer available. The part # is 703-1913 and the description is "shift cam with handle". Since the shift handle is broken off the cam I can no longer put the mower into gear therefore my mower is now useless. I bought a Cub Cadet because I wanted a mower that would last. Why would you quit making parts for a mower that is supposed to be high quality. I am now asking myself why I spent so much for a mower that would be rendered useless because a part is "no longer available". What should I do? Your help would be appreciated.

Response (Cub Service) 03/29/2005 09:15 AM

Thank you for contacting Cub Cadet.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Unfortunately, we do not manufacture parts for your unit anymore.

Check on EBAY or Tractor Message Boards, see if anyone is selling parts for this unit.

You can also try this company's website for older unit parts.

http://www.depotparts.com/SellingParts/SellingParts.html

Comment On This

I was very interested to read your assessment of MTD/Cub-Cadet.

We bought a 'new' MTD Cub-Cadet 1050 in May 2008. It was delivered late, and arrived with a detached steering-arm, used rear tyres, a melted plastic steering-gear cover, steering geometry that was miles out of line, but worst of all, a Date of Manufacture of over 14-months ago!

MTD Ohio (including its CEO, Mr Curtis E Moll) refuse to help as I now live in the Czech Republic (British ex-pat) & had the unit shipped from the US via MTD Germany.

MTD Germany refuse to acknowldge my correspondence or do anything about the tractor.

Garland S.R.O (the Czech Distributor of MTD) have promised to exchange the delivered item for a 'new' item, but numerous excuses, delays, and broken promises later, it is now August 2008 and I still don't have the promised item.

Would I buy another MTD product? I would rather stick pins in my eyes, and would advise anyone else to do the same.