Google it...in 2 minutes I found this...
click the link to read the entire story but the fifth paragraph states:
To avoid alienating existing dealers and please the wants of the box stores many lines have created
specific low-cost product for the box stores. John Deere and Cub Cadet are both prime examples. Both companies offer a line value tractors that are specifically engineered to meet the required price points of mass merchants. These models
are of far lesser quality than the core product that these companies built their reputation on. Independent dealers still sell the better, longer lasting product in addition to the price point tractors.
One common myth is that because of their size the box stores are selling at lower prices. In most cases this is not true. Independent dealers sell both the quality models, and the inexpensive tractors at the same price points as the super stores. Infact your more likely to get a deal at an independent dealer because many do not charge any setup or delivery fees which are levied by all box stores.
http://www.backyardboss.com/articles...tChainSaw.aspx
BT