You have every right to be peaved. This is a hell of a way to run a business. You would think these companies would show some concern about their image in the marketplace but their market is so big, they must not really care if they upset some along the way. I have never been a fan of Toro. In general, I think most of the products Toro offers are of fair quality at best. That may generate alot of controversy, but not intended too. Just a general feeling I just beleive is true.

Write a latter, to dealer,CC the president of Toro/and the state attorney. notifing them of a deceptive sale, to say the least. Think i would return it anyway, even if inconvient.

I suggest you contact the dealer and calmly express your disappointment about this situation. Rather than have an unhappy customer, he may decide to give you the part or at least a discount on it. This sounds like unusually poor service by Toro, contrary to my experience which so far has been good. What I find hard to understand is why both the factory and the dealer would let the machine go out the door without this necessary part. Let us know what happens.

AZ

what is the purpose of the heat shield, beyond the obvious meaning?

The purpose is to prevent any possible injury due to burn(I'm more concerned for my teenage son)But what I'm really mad about is that toro advertises the machine with the heat shield in place with no mention of an "option".

jim

I have seen this and not just on Toro. Some jurisdictions require certain devices under liabliity laws that are optional in others. The manufacturer only installs them where necessary to cut costs but one manual covers the complete line. Catalytic converters are a good example.
We in Canada also run into this because CSA and UL standards differ. The Honda EU1000 generators come with a provision to hook two together in parallel to double current output. The American EU2000 units also have this feature, ours do not.

I think the entry in the manual is a litigation device, in other words, if you get burned then it is not their fault. Not only did they warn you but offered an optional extra for your added safety. Take it back. The Ariens is a better tool get that instead, Home Depot has an equivalent model for a similar price.

Yes Toro really does suck, I have had my Toro snowblower 5-6 years now, I had problems from day one, called, called and called again their customer service, never a reply. E-mailed customer service several times, no reply, called and obtained the name and e-mail of their president, e-mailed him, guess what no reply from him but he did pass it on to his customer service who gave me a half ass answer. Yes deffinitely do not bother with Toro, move on, you will get far better service from companies such as MTD who's products are no worst or no better than Toro but less intial purchase expense with far better service. You will not obtain anything from Toro after your purchase and have layed out your cash.

Take it back sell it buy the Ariens 926 DLE, throws snow 45-50 feet turns on a dime and most City crews use them.

I don't have an issue with the way it was sold. I for one would rather have the option of paying less money and doing without the safety features that protect idiots and frustrate adept folks.

tahclep:

I agree...

Bad service, no return calls would be enough for me to return the machine.
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You have Ariens, Simplicity and Honda who all make great machines. Honda is a bit on the expensive side though.

I have dealt with Ariens which has excellent customer service. I called them twice on two different occasions. They answered all of my questions and pointed me in the right direction when I needed an engine part and an accessory. Their warranty covers Tecumseh/Briggs engines for 3 years. They really stand behind their product.

I have not heard anything bad about Simplicity service either.

I've owned and worked on a lot of mowers and snow blowers in my days. That being said,I would never buy a Toro product. You can't beat a Honda. Period. Pry a few more bucks out of your wallet and save yourself a ton of grief.

Toro is equal or better than any other Blower Manufactured Period !