dixie chopper is a cult

[peewee]

not really but I have a grievance to air. I am from Ontario and I have never seen a dc and it seems to me from my time on lawn site that they are an elite type of machine. I checked out the web site and man.... they're ugly! But in a cool kind of way..sort of like Harleys used to look a little archaic but cool. Anyway I checked the dealer directory and it wouldn't give me a dealer in ontario so I e mailed them to please let me know where a dealer is. No reply in over a week. So I e mail another adress they have on their website, been 3 freakin days now and no response. I get the feeling this make is more cult than substance. I read about other manufacturers going out of their way for lco's. Does dc do this for any of you? :p

[1MajorTom]

We do not have a dixie, and only know about them thru what is posted here.

But I did go to their website, and I was able to find two dealers that are listed in Canada.

Click on dealers, and where it says to type in a two letter abbreviation, just type in the whole word Canada.

Two dealers come up. One in Quebec, and the other in Markham Ontario.

[geogunn]

pee wee--dixies are real. I saw one in NASHVILLE a few weeks ago.

but there is not a dealer within 100 miles of me either!

GEO

[bubble boy]

the dealer in markham is on Hwy. 48 (walker equiment ltd.) probably an hour from you. they dont seem to have many around in shop but they do apparently sell them.

really good dealer(i use him for summer and winter), they carry exmark, ferris, and snow equip so the drive might be worth it.

ill see if i can dig up the web site

[Lawn DOG]

If you go to Dixie Choppers home page it say's

"If within 30 days of your purchase, you find a machine of equal cut and horsepower, that will outperform the Dixie Chopper for full out production mowing, we'll gladly refund your money".

Try one day.

I called Dixie Chopper back one day after purchase and they
said "it's yours now".

That would be ok. if this thing wasn't such a POS.
Your right, there is a sort of fan club that loves the Chopper. Henry Ford also loved the model "T" Ford.
He refused to make any changes and it became obsolite.

Dixie Chopper stands by there product. What a joke!
Do yourself a favor and the good people of Ontario and keep this type of crap out of Canada.

I have purchased alot of equipment and have never had such an experience.

Sorry, Just couldn't stand hearing any more BS about how great Dixie Plopper is.

For those of you that feel the need to defend DC, please don't.
I just wanted to share my feelings and don't want to turn this into a debate. I realize this will be hard for you DC lovers.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[cantoo]

I looked at buying a Chopper last Spring and my wife wouldn't even look at it twice. I gotta agree with her, it isn't the best looking mower out there. The final deciding factor was too new here and no parts supply if needed. We also cut back on the number of lawns we do and didn't really need that mower.

[vipermanz]

i'm suprised eric hasn't closed this one yet:cool:

[David Gretzmier]

I have heard others say the same about any mower lawn dog- maybe you need a dealer to fix some problems? most chopper folks do seem to worship thier machines, and honestly, If they perform like folks around here say, I'd love them too. Dave g

[Eric ELM]

Why should I? As he said, he is venting. ;)

There are bad machines in every brand if you read all the posts here. I know I didn't get the only good ones and I've had several DC's and no lemons.

[Lawn DOG]

I may have been a little harsh.
The mower is an awesome machine but not for the type of mowing I encounter. I am more upset with the way Dixie Chopper handled my situation. This does not make the mower a POS. Just the people I dealt with.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[Eric ELM]

Originally posted by Lawn DOG
I may have been a little harsh.
The mower is an awesome machine but not for the type of mowing I encounter. I am more upset with the way Dixie Chopper handled my situation. This does not make the mower a POS. Just the people I dealt with.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Email me and maybe I can help you figure out your problem so you will like this machine. :)

[AltaLawnCare]

dixie chopper is a cult

Does this mean DC worships the devil??

:confused:

[Administrator]

Originally posted by AltaLawnCare


Does this mean DC worships the devil??

:confused:

Do you see anything about the devil? Use a bit of common sense before you reply.

cult (klt)
n.

A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
The followers of such a religion or sect.
A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.

Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
The object of such devotion.
An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.

[awm]

okay the machines have made believers out of quite a few tha have used them for a long time. this tells me id probably be the same if i had one. dixies problem is there just not enough outlets.
ive been looking for a yr or so and have seen one on a trailer and one behind a chainlink fence. it was sold when i went back.
in any case i got lucky and got a excellent lazer used.
somebody looking after me an helping me do what im trying to do. later nowTM

[AltaLawnCare]

Sorry if I offended anyone. Only meant it as a joke. - maybe a bad one.

I certainly WOULD NEVER post anything here to purposely offend anyone. Especially questioning if a member has any common sense.
I'll just unsubscribe to this thread.

BTW thanks for the definition.

[rdh]

i never owned a dixie they look good exsept for that out door carpet that should be stainless steeel. the ones around here dont seem to stripe like the members here .but i would trade my dane chariot for one .

peewee
maybe they think you are the book store peewee .
just kidding.:D

[Richard Martin]

rdh wrote:
.............................
i never owned a dixie they look good exsept for that out door carpet that should be stainless steeel.
.............................

Actually the in/out carpet lifts right off to reveal the stainless floor pan. The carpet is to protect the stainless and provide a non-slip surface.

Eric ELM wrote:
.............................
I know I didn't get the only good ones and I've had several DC's and no lemons.
.............................

I didn't get a lemon either. Since I live 60 miles (a long distance here with the 2nd worst traffic in the nation) from the dealer I bought it from I wanted to get a DC because of their reputation for not breaking down. I have had zero problems with mine. The last time I saw the dealer who sold it to me was the day I picked it up.

[John DiMartino]

My experience,while not the same as lawn dog's,it was similar with Magic circle corp,the makers of Dixie Chopper.This company does not do business the right way.As for my Dixie,I feel it isnt all that they are hyped up to be,but if everything is right,the grass is thick,the deck is pitched right,and clean,and the moon is just right,it will cut great ,even at high speeds.Most of the time,mine still leaves a missed strip of grass,right where the trim side castor wheel rides in the grass.IMO the company exaggerates everything,from the mowing speed,to the HP,and the capabilit/reliabilty of the mower.They took so long answering my questions,and fixing my deck problems,that by the time, they got to it,I was just about out of warranty.I spent at least 2 hrs on the phone,5 minutes at a time leaving messages for tech to call me,it tokk months to get call backs.I now know I will never purchase a new mower from this company,lesson learned.

[Administrator]

I just don't want to associate any MFG with the devil :)

Chuck

[1st Class Lawns]

I took Altalawncare's response as a joke. I didn't think he was really suggesting that DC was in any way related to the devil.

Some people should lighten up and take his response for what it was.........A JOKE!!!!!!!!!

[Island Lawn]

LOLOL

Like walking on satanic eggshells!

:blob2:

[Nick]

People who say a lawn mower doesn't look good have problems. They are not made to be fashionable. I know tons of people around here with DC and most of them can't cut grass. They either don't sharpen the blades, don't have their deck pitch right, or had one to many before they started. Before you blame the machine try checking yourself out first. :D

[bubble boy]

so i shouldn't match my boots to my mower??:D

i know what your sayin. its what the mower does that makes it "look" impressive, regardless of brand. "it can cut X acres in an hour? thats an awesome looking machine!"

i really should get someone to check me out, about this time of year i aint all there.;)

[Lawn DOG]

John,
Ah yes,
We can't forget the moon must be positioned just right. LOL:laugh:

[gorrell]

John, I'm not trying to be cynical, but you seem to have more problems with your DC that all the other DC owners combined. I've contacted DC several times by phone and have received help and answers to all my questions I've had for them. I'm sorry if you have a machine that's not what you expect, but that will happen with any piece of equipment. I, personally, have 3 suburb'n turb'ns and a flatlander and would not trade any of them for any other mower at this time. I hope you can get your machine straightened out.............Lynn

[Eric ELM]

My Chopper cuts like crap. It keeps leaving these stripes all over the lawns and they look like a checker board. It's only lasted 3,623 hours so far and I don't know what to do. Can anyone help me?

http://www.elmlawnsite.com/images/010829-021.jpg

[gorrell]

Eric, AMEN!!........................Lynn

[SLS]

Eric:

I fell your pain. My crappy Lazer Z did the same thing...dumb 'ol lines everywhere.

I saw a guy on a Murrey going in circles and he did not leave these awful lines...so I tried his technique too.

It really helped getting rid of those eyesores...maybe you could try it to?

Good Luck! ;)

[peewee]

Wow, this is fun! Hey bubbleboy I do know of walker equipment, but I have never seen them mention dc in any of their many ads. I will go there one day soon and see what they have. Hey gorell, did you say Eric, AMEN!! sounds like more of that cult stuff again. Eric these lawns you do are absolutely exceptional and that is one of the reasons I checked dc out. It has been interesting to see the replies and maybe magic circle should read these and learn a thing or two from their bread and butter. ;)

[Ricky]

Nice work Eric. I have one of those ugly mowers too, but I can't do that.

[Fine Lines Lawn]

Yes, we are a cult. We meet at 7 every Thursday at Eric's house wearing our stainless steel oven mits.


LOL

[cclllc]

Originally posted by geogunn
pee wee--dixies are real. I saw one in NASHVILLE a few weeks ago.

but there is not a dealer within 100 miles of me either!

GEO


I thought there was a dealer in chattanooga.we have 2 in the nash. area.i,m going to be honest.knowing what i know about dc's i would buy one again if if lived150 miles away.they are just that good.my blood runs stainless steel.:blush:

[olkeith]

It's true that Dixie Choppers are not the best looking mowers on the market but if you are the one resposible for doing maintenance on the machine the design is excellent! Consider how much sheet metal must be removed to service some mowers, the extra time required may mean that regular maintenance is not performed. Machines that are designed to accomodate maintenance procedures last longer and perform better simply because the maintenance is performed. Sometiimes a simple design can be elegant...in this case it's the mechanic who works on the machine who appreciates the beauty. The reason so many people are so satisfied with DC's is that when they are properly maintained they are reliable and awesome machines that outlast many of their competitors.

[geogunn]

Originally posted by cclllc



I thought there was a dealer in chattanooga.

there is a dealer in choo choo. just as I said, 100 miles.

and 150miles wont get me to nashville either.

with respect, a dealer 150 miles away is a 300 mile trip and gonna take about six hours to do business with. I don't need it.

but all of this is a moot point to me because I am not in the market for a new machine. now a good used machine for the right money and I may get on the hook!

BTW ERIC--are you sure that's STRIPES are not the american version of crop circles?:alien:

GEO

[Eric ELM]

GEO, one customer calls me a Lawn Artist. :)

I do enjoy my job and try to do my best. Now one of my competitors could almost be considered making crop circles. Check out his stripes in the below picture and also check out all the clippings he has too. ;)

http://www.elmlawnsite.com/images/010830-006.jpg

[geogunn]

Originally posted by Eric ELM
Check out his stripes in the below picture and also check out all the clippings he has too.]

YIKES looking at those lines! here in ROCKY TOP we'd be on that lawn with a hay rake and a bailer just for the HAY!

GEO

[cclllc]

If that guy who mowed that lawn cared about his business he would have went back and double cut to remove the clippings.:blush:
I bet John Delorian is proud of Magic Circle.

[Evan528]

Was that lawn cut with a 36 inch mower? I dont think Id double cut that big lawn either if i had a 36inch mower! ;)

[customcut]

I've never seen a D.C. and i cant see what purpose getting worked up over one would serve.My oppinion what ever machine can make you money is the right one. I'm a Gravely user here and i havent lost a day to breakdowns .Everyone has thier own way of doing things.This is my first post and i am really glad i found a place to talk to other professionals. thanks for your time.:D

[Eric ELM]

customcut, Welcome to Lawnsite :)

You mentioned your Gravely, how long have you had it and how many hours are on it?

I have not missed any mowing with my old Chopper in the past 3635 hours either. I did take it in to get worked on at the end of the day twice though. It was minor motor related things both times and I did have the bearings replaced on 1 spindle the last time I had it in.

Since you have not seen a Dixie Chopper, here is the XWD2600 diesel model.

http://www.elmlawnsite.com/dixie_6.jpg

[customcut]

My gravely only has like 500 hours so its hard to tell if it is goin to stand the time test.I'm a newbie to this buisness and wished i would have found your site before buying a mower i am learning alot on this sight.thanks for the picture .....i dont think shes that ugly. Bet she makes some real dough.;)

[geogunn]

eric--are you really sure you cut grass with that chopper? I got more mud on my wife's car tires from driving on the street than you got on that DC!

GEO!

[Eric ELM]

Geo, it was new in that picture, here is one after about 500 hours on it and it's dirty. Grass all over it. ;)

http://www.elmlawnsite.com/img23.jpg

[laserman]

:confused:
Is it just me Eric or are all of your pictures taken at the same house?

[strickdad]

cult huh? eric i guess that makes you the high priest!! lol. in all seriousness. eric you need to be working for dc. you and your work alone will be there very best salesman. that i guarntee!

[Eric ELM]

Originally posted by laserman
Is it just me Eric or are all of your pictures taken at the same house?

Did I forget to mention I mow the same lawn each day? Just kidding. :laugh:

I do have my favorite lawns to take pictures of and I have a total of 55 lawn pictures on my website. I'm sure you will find several different lawns. A lot of the houses do look alike, since they are brick and about the same color brick and design.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

As with any mower there are good ones and there are bad ones.
Same goes for areas the mower is cutting in. let say you are in Fla. and you have a Chopper it's not going to perform the same way in Chi town different types of grasses and different climates. One mower cuts better at 2” than one at 4”. And so on and so forth. And yes DC is a cult and they are so ugly they are cute, kind of like Harley’s.


LGF:blob1:

[Richard Martin]

Well, some people would think this frivilous and wastefull but this winter I will be doing a few mods to my Chopper. I have already polished up the aluminum air cleaner housing and replaced the stock muffler cover with the stainless cover.

The plans are to buff out the rest of the stainless on the mower, replace the chains with stainless chain (I got a really good deal on a lot of it) and maybe even get a set of mags for the rear.

[peewee]

:laugh: bang, bang, chitty chitty bang bang.........

[SpringValley]

Once again, the dealer support is the key factor to purchasing a commercial mower. There are so many out there now and each one has its advantages. I prefer the front deck and therefore due to dealer support I own a John Deere (plus I am partial to green). My Deere dealer also sell Hustler and Dixie Chopper. He reiterates the same opinion as other posts here in that the factory is a pain to deal with. He has this experience first hand. But if I were to purchase a mid mount, the Hustler Z would get serious consideration (again due to dealer support) as from what I have seen it is a great machine.

Matt:blob3: