Design Input ?

[confused]

This might be only for Walt G but I was just wondering.

Does Stihl, Husky, etc... ask for input from the professional loggers, arborists, or big dealers on new designs or for inproving current ones?

If i remember right JW said that Husky had consulted with them about the 385 XP. I was just wondering if this is a normal occurance.

time to watch the game. Go Canada 5 to 3 please.

 

[Fish]

If I understand the question, then it is no. The
manufacturers do not seek the opinions of anyone
that could give possible negative feedback to any
new or old product. If one is involved in R&D, that
is the last place one would want any input.
Fish

 

[confused]

So fish,

There is no customer input with product development? That seems rather stupid considering targeted consumers could give valuable feedback about what they like or don’t like before full production. I know the auto industry, equipment designers (CAT), and various other consumer-based companies will loan out special prototypes for consumer opinions. It gives the RD guys something to go on instead of just a hunch. Granted Chainsaws are not new automobiles or heavy equipment, but consumer input could make the difference between a great saw and an outstanding saw.

O well I guess its just one more untapped resource of information that the companies do not use.

Thank you for replying

 

[Methoss084]

Fish, your statement that manufactures don't ask for advice on improving product is, well, wrong. last time I went to a Stihl seminar in Newburgh N.Y. "Allan" the head cheese for tech at Northeast Stihl asked if anyone had any improvements that they would like to see. At all the Exmark, Gravely, Kohler, Simplicity, Tecumseh, B&S, Kubota, schools they always ask if there are any improvements we would like to see or if there were any trends that they have noticed with customers comments on equipment. All this stuff gets written down by the sales reps and the R&D people that attend the meetings. The guy that works with us has been turning a wrench on Gravelys for 45 years, Gravely calls him when they can't figure something out. These companys do listen, the ones that didn't are no longer with us, and ocassionally, they ask for help.

 

[Fish]

I stand behind my statement. There may be an
occaisional exception, but it usually goes as far
as the sales rep that pretends to listen, that's
about it. Service schools are generally put on by
the distributor, not the manufacturer. I doubt
that the manufacturers even desire much input
from the techs at the distributor.
I think that they would be wise to listen a
little, but from what I have seen they don't.
Fish