Technician General ULGE
New User
This is in response to the post by Jerry Beeney (10-04-2004)and the follow-up posts by Nathan in OK (10-05-2004), Jerry U (10-05-2004), leeab (03-12-2006), lucas boy (10-04-2004), PA parts (10-04-2004), Jamesdub (06-20-2007) and James305 (09-11-2007).
I have worked on Tecumseh equipment since 1964. I have had my own shop since 1987, and have been a Tecumseh Master Technician since 1994.
Peerless introduced the MST 206-545C transaxle in November of 1998. In November and December of 1998, they produced almost 24,000 206-545s. Their total production of 206-545s from November, 1998, through December, 2006, is over 1,140,000. Yes, this is just 206-545Cs! Any warranty issue with this transaxle - or any transaxle, for that matter - is properly handled within the warranty timeframe and guidelines. They even bend over backwards and honor "questionable" warranties within the warranty period just to keep customers happy. AFTER the warranty expires, usually for a few months and especially in the case of a known low-hour unit, they will handle a warranty as a "policy adjustment" even though it isn't technically warranty - again, to keep the customer happy. So you will have to forgive Tecumseh if they don't agree to doing a "warranty" repair three years AFTER the warranty has expired.
Keep in mind, also, that most if not all of the 206-545s went to American Yard Products (AYP) and that many of these AYP units were marketed under the Sears/Craftsman label. I used to be a Sears Contractor and Sears handles ALL warranties on anything that has a Sears nameplate. When Tecumseh sells an engine or transaxle to Murray, MTD, Snapper or other name-brand manufacturer, the agreement is for Tecumseh to provide warranty service if and when it is needed. When AYP buys a Tecumseh engine or transaxle to put on a unit with the Sears/Craftsman nameplate, SEARS AGREES TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WARRANTY ISSUES. Any complaint on anything with Sears' name on it should not be held against Tecumseh.
So...even though NO ONE likes to be the one who has a problem with a piece of equipment, you have to admit that with over a million-plus 206-545 transaxles manufactured in the last almost-10-years, a handful of 3-5 year-old units "self-destructing" is a micro-microscopic percentage and cannot be used to bad-mouth the manufacturer. And let's be honest - have you NEVER driven over a curb or done ANYTHING else that, at some point, might have weakened the part that broke??
Now, for particulars --
Jerry: the standard MST 206-545C IS still available - Tecumseh P/N 794691; MSRP $336.12, FOB Wisconsin. See your local Authorized Tecumseh Service Center.
Jamesdub: Yes, there is a complete 206-545 being sold on eBay. It is mine and until 10-02-2007, it is Item #320162799461. After that date, you will need to use eBay's Advanced Search to enter that Item Number and view the particulars. Note that I have upgraded this 206-545 with the heavy-duty needle-bearing option on the axle-shaft ends for better durability and longevity. I can sell one of these direct for my Opening Bid plus shipping.
Also, Jamesdub, the "recall" was an internal recall - Tecumseh found a problem and the problems were fixed before the units reached the public.
I hope this helps.
I have worked on Tecumseh equipment since 1964. I have had my own shop since 1987, and have been a Tecumseh Master Technician since 1994.
Peerless introduced the MST 206-545C transaxle in November of 1998. In November and December of 1998, they produced almost 24,000 206-545s. Their total production of 206-545s from November, 1998, through December, 2006, is over 1,140,000. Yes, this is just 206-545Cs! Any warranty issue with this transaxle - or any transaxle, for that matter - is properly handled within the warranty timeframe and guidelines. They even bend over backwards and honor "questionable" warranties within the warranty period just to keep customers happy. AFTER the warranty expires, usually for a few months and especially in the case of a known low-hour unit, they will handle a warranty as a "policy adjustment" even though it isn't technically warranty - again, to keep the customer happy. So you will have to forgive Tecumseh if they don't agree to doing a "warranty" repair three years AFTER the warranty has expired.
Keep in mind, also, that most if not all of the 206-545s went to American Yard Products (AYP) and that many of these AYP units were marketed under the Sears/Craftsman label. I used to be a Sears Contractor and Sears handles ALL warranties on anything that has a Sears nameplate. When Tecumseh sells an engine or transaxle to Murray, MTD, Snapper or other name-brand manufacturer, the agreement is for Tecumseh to provide warranty service if and when it is needed. When AYP buys a Tecumseh engine or transaxle to put on a unit with the Sears/Craftsman nameplate, SEARS AGREES TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WARRANTY ISSUES. Any complaint on anything with Sears' name on it should not be held against Tecumseh.
So...even though NO ONE likes to be the one who has a problem with a piece of equipment, you have to admit that with over a million-plus 206-545 transaxles manufactured in the last almost-10-years, a handful of 3-5 year-old units "self-destructing" is a micro-microscopic percentage and cannot be used to bad-mouth the manufacturer. And let's be honest - have you NEVER driven over a curb or done ANYTHING else that, at some point, might have weakened the part that broke??
Now, for particulars --
Jerry: the standard MST 206-545C IS still available - Tecumseh P/N 794691; MSRP $336.12, FOB Wisconsin. See your local Authorized Tecumseh Service Center.
Jamesdub: Yes, there is a complete 206-545 being sold on eBay. It is mine and until 10-02-2007, it is Item #320162799461. After that date, you will need to use eBay's Advanced Search to enter that Item Number and view the particulars. Note that I have upgraded this 206-545 with the heavy-duty needle-bearing option on the axle-shaft ends for better durability and longevity. I can sell one of these direct for my Opening Bid plus shipping.
Also, Jamesdub, the "recall" was an internal recall - Tecumseh found a problem and the problems were fixed before the units reached the public.
I hope this helps.