Redwing Implement. Grizzly Adams and a few other AS guys were regulars there. Closed several months ago.
Really not that unsual, regardless of brand. Maybe I'll go on a little industry rant here myself. Husky and Sthl have largely created this mess by their respective dealer sign up programs. Stihl wants to be everywhere that could possible sell units. Hardware chains, all of the John Deere dealers, any big operation that can move product. Husky takes a similar approach, and of course insists that dealers be full line dealers that sell wheeled goods. And as if they didn't already have enough dealers in most markets, they have begun to target stores that aren't really in the OPE business such as Artic Cat and Polaris dealers. The days of the traditional "saw shop" are mostly gone. Most of the guys on this site are better saw techs than you'll find at the typical dealer these days.
So what you get from all that is an awful lot of dealers who have a primary focus on a lot of things other than chainsaws. Their shops and parts departments are geared towards working on sleds and tractors, not saws. Sounds kind of stupid for two companies who are known primarily for their chainsaws to do that, doesn't it? But that's the reality that exists out there right now, and that's what many of you guys are running into. The relentless drive for more sales numbers always trumps any concern for the ability to service the product. Both companies offer all the tools, technical assistance and documentation for dealers to provide competent service. But far too many dealers are too busy doing other things to bother with it.
My rep told me that out of the 82 dealers in his territory I'm one of just 4 that can/will split a case and do bottom end work. Most dealers don't have a mighty vac or any special tools, and half the dealers still cant even program an AT carb. So, we get guys who will drive hours, and pass a lot of other dealers, to do business with us. Some of those lousy dealers that frustrate many of you guys are actually great for me.
Really not that unsual, regardless of brand. Maybe I'll go on a little industry rant here myself. Husky and Sthl have largely created this mess by their respective dealer sign up programs. Stihl wants to be everywhere that could possible sell units. Hardware chains, all of the John Deere dealers, any big operation that can move product. Husky takes a similar approach, and of course insists that dealers be full line dealers that sell wheeled goods. And as if they didn't already have enough dealers in most markets, they have begun to target stores that aren't really in the OPE business such as Artic Cat and Polaris dealers. The days of the traditional "saw shop" are mostly gone. Most of the guys on this site are better saw techs than you'll find at the typical dealer these days.
So what you get from all that is an awful lot of dealers who have a primary focus on a lot of things other than chainsaws. Their shops and parts departments are geared towards working on sleds and tractors, not saws. Sounds kind of stupid for two companies who are known primarily for their chainsaws to do that, doesn't it? But that's the reality that exists out there right now, and that's what many of you guys are running into. The relentless drive for more sales numbers always trumps any concern for the ability to service the product. Both companies offer all the tools, technical assistance and documentation for dealers to provide competent service. But far too many dealers are too busy doing other things to bother with it.
My rep told me that out of the 82 dealers in his territory I'm one of just 4 that can/will split a case and do bottom end work. Most dealers don't have a mighty vac or any special tools, and half the dealers still cant even program an AT carb. So, we get guys who will drive hours, and pass a lot of other dealers, to do business with us. Some of those lousy dealers that frustrate many of you guys are actually great for me.
is only a phone call away. He gave me a incredible price on my 550xpg (less shipped than I could buy a xp here), he's sent me my parts when i need something. Hell, Bob even sourced 1 of only 3 NOS 357 wrap handles that are left for me. Any future saws I buy from husq/jonsered will come from Spike. I haven't walked into a local dealership to buy a saw since 2011. Shopping from the keyboard works for me.
Couldn't agree more
