What is with Planned Obsolescence?

[DanGraves]

I hate it when I get a product that you know isnt made worth a crap. I now am on my 3rd Craftsman tractor. Bought the first one and it had a Kholer motor. 1st time I used it I parked it in the carport and in the morning a large oil pool. Called Sears and they wanted 75.00 for a service call because I did not buy a warranty. I told them to come get it and give me my money back. Well then it was another story. Came out and fixed it. It lasted 4 yrs. I changed the oil etc. #2 tractor had a briggs and stroton engine. From Sears. Lasted 5 yrs. Now I am on my 3rd tractor from Sears and after a week it busted the magneto keyway key. They came out and replaced it. Busted another one before the guy had his tools packed up. He replaced 2 more that broke. They were aluminium keys. He finally said to heck with it and put in a steel key. It is working at present. I think of all the stuff I buy that I know is not going to last IE coffee maker, toaster etc. Are we the only product left that is made with the intention that they last a lifetime. Here is a fan I cleaned up and did replace the sleeve bearings (It ran before I did anything to it). Will run all day and barely get warm. It was made in 1901. I hate planned obsolescence.

 

[blindhogg]

Brother I feel your pain.
Chris

 

[C.Edmondson]

Funny you mention this, While trying to fix my bosses craftsman once he asked for my help to remove a refrigerator out of his barn, said it was his Grandparents, It was a GE brand, very,very old, We plugged it up and it started to get cold, no joke. Before I left we drank a few cold beers out of it. I am sure it had set up for atleast 20 plus years, from the last I heard it was still running

 

[Fletch Helical]

I know where you're coming from. Unfortunately things just aren't built to last anymore. It's sad really, almost makes you wonder why some people like "brand x" over "brand y" when it comes to almost anything we buy... They're all made to basically have a finite lifespan and then crap out. The old saying "they don't make them like they used to" isn't just a joke or cliche... It's the truth. Maybe knife makers are really the only ones left who make a tool designed to last a few lifetimes.

 

[kc custom]

Take a look at an old fishing reel from the late 50's or early 60's and compare it to one made today.
Ken.

 

[Dmitry.M]

They make the limited lifespan for the reason. They need to make a profit and they need the market. So they make stuff that goes bad in 3-5 years or less, but will survive the warranty period+. People will HAVE to junk the old stuff and buy new.
That's how they fool us all.
Unfortunately there are very few companies that make things that last.

I also do not buy the tools that are made in China anymore. It is not easy to find "made in USA", but it pays off in most cases.