SHERWOOD'S POWER EQUIPMENT

For 30 years or so my family and I had purchased numerous pieces of equipment from Sherwoods...lawn trimmers, hedge clippers, lawn mowers, etc, and were always pleased by the quality of their equipment, knowledge, professionalism and courteous staff, and fair prices. Over the last couple of years I noticed that equipment was taking longer and longer to be serviced. I live in an area which had just gone through a recent boom in the reaI estate market, and I take that into account. There are also numerous landscaping companies in the area to service these new homes, and I take that into account as well. I gave up on Sherwoods last year, and this is why: I purchased a Gravely 34z from Sherwoods several years ago, which is a commercial grade zero turn mower. I paid a tad under what they were going for at the time and was happy with the price ($4300 US before tax I believe). The staff delivered it to my home and explained how to use the vehicle in great detail. That is why my family had been going back to Sherwoods year after year...they were always courteous, knowledgeable, and professional. Last year, early spring, I thought I had burned out the starter on my Gravely. I asked if they could do the 50 hour service while they had the machine. I told them that I had no way to bring it to them (I live 1.5 miles from their shop). I was advised, this isn't the best time of year, EVERYONE is bringing in there machines in to be serviced. I understood, as spring is probably their busiest season. I asked how long before you can get me in. I was told "we'll probably give you a call in three weeks or so". I gasped. Three weeks went by, then 4, then 5. On the fifth week I was advised "we can get your machine in now". I asked how long they would have the machine based on what I mentioned above, and I was advised "oh, about 3 weeks". I think I dropped the phone. I told them I'll get back to you and I never did. And I never will. Five weeks just to get the machine on their lot and another three weeks for a simple service and repair? Thank goodness I had an old push mower in the shed or the grass would have been over my head! In closing, as mentioned before, if you want great equipment and a professional staff, this place is for you. If you ever want your machine serviced, take a number and go on a trip around the world. MAYBE when you get back you equipment will be ready to be picked up (as long as its not spring).