What changes can we make to our lives to deal with the economic and energy crises ahead? Have you already started making preparations? Got tips to share?
Tricity Bendix washing machines have been recommended to me. Apparently they are made by Zanussi to the same quality standards, but are cheaper as they have fewer features.
XUD7TE diesel engine too has a great reputation for longevity.
I have a pair of Loake suede chukka boots that have had a LOT of wear in all sorts of conditions over the last 10 years, and are still in good condition, albeit on their second pair of soles.
I think it's sometimes down to luck whether electric appliances last well.
We have a cheap Beko fridge/freezer that was moved around the UK a few times, then dragged half way across Europe, and that seems to have coped well, but I wouldn't assume all Beko products are so robust. I've heard direct drive washing machines (as made by LG) are supposed to be good because they don't throw themselves around as much as conventional machines, and our old Intellowasher that we stupidly gave to a friend in the UK before we left seemed pretty tough. In fact, we buy LG at every opportunity because we've never had a problem with any of their products.
You can generally feel if clothes, bedlinen, etc are good quality and going to last, and as for shoes for every day use ... I don't think you can beat Doc Martens. I also have a theory that specialist running shoes would be good if you want shoes to do a lot of walking in, although I haven't tested it yet. The soles are designed to last for hundreds of miles of hitting tarmac at 3 times your body weight, so they should be good for a lot of years of walking, although the mesh uppers on most running shoes might be a bit fragile.
Generally, I figure that heavy is better. Heavy pots and pans, heavy wood furniture ... my parents bought a set of Kerry Ironstone crockery when we lived in Ireland, which handled all the abuse a young family could give it.
I'm loving my WMF Perfect Plus pressure cooker (as recommended on this very forum). I have a feeling it's going to last a long time.
Kitchen Aid small kitchen appliances. I have a stonking Kitchen Aid toaster that's been going for centuries. Weighs a ton, very simple (manual rather than spring action), well built, difficult for it to go wrong.
British hi-fi components: I still have BBC monitor Rogers speakers (purchased late 70s - my first grant cheque!) in perfect working order, and likewise Arcam/A&R amp etc. purchased in the 80s. Linn stuff also brilliant and lasts forever, though expensive: can be bought more cheaply on ebay in perfect working order.
I'd welcome any suggestions for good brands on mauls and on chainsaws. The opportunity to acquire part-trees has arisen (yay, in south London) and I figure I need to be able to make the most...
For mechanical tools - brushcutters, chainsaws, etc.. - I recommend Komatsu Zenoah (http://www.zenoah.net/node4094.aspx) stuff. With minimal maintenance, they've provided me with no problems whatsoever.
For bigger machinery, I used Diesse, which is a local company. They are bomb-proof. However, if I was buying a rotavator for example in the UK, I'd look for a British maker as if there are any problems, parts would be easier to get hold of. I think those Briggs & Staton engines you have over there are a) reliable, and b) able to run on WVO/ethanol without much modification.
Oh crikey yes! I still have a Wharfedale amp from a set my Dad got in 1971, a turntable (might be Brit or Swiss I can't remember) and speakers (Wharfedale Laser 80) from the eponymous 1980. All still in working order though not being used at the mo in case needed some other time a la Archdruid Report.
woodpecker wrote:I'd welcome any suggestions for good brands on mauls and on chainsaws. The opportunity to acquire part-trees has arisen (yay, in south London) and I figure I need to be able to make the most...
I asked a similar question on an arborists forum, looking for a lightweight pro-saw suitable for coppice work and firewood. Many people recommended the Husqvarna 346xp, I bought one and I'm very pleased with it.
I reckon that looking at the brands the tool-hire companies use is a good start, they always buy tough, reliable kit because failures cost them money and lose them customers. For example, look at hiring a big rotavator and you'll most likely see Camon ( now re-named BCS ), they're big, strong machines with Honda engines.
I've got an American Acoustic Research turntable from about 1971. I had the AR speakers that my brother bought about the same time, until a few years ago. I also had a pair of American Infinity speakers for about 25 years. My British Rogers Ravensbrook amp bought around the same time wasn't the best I've ever had, and didn't last long.
leroy wrote:you can't go far wrong with the German manufacturer
I think that says it all. If possible I always try to buy products made in Germany/Switzerland/Scandinavia/UK.
For outdoor gear I don't think you can beat Alpkit for good value.
leroy wrote:you can't go far wrong with the German manufacturer
I think that says it all. If possible I always try to buy products made in Germany/Switzerland/Scandinavia/UK.
For outdoor gear I don't think you can beat Alpkit for good value.
Agreed.As a gardener I use Swiss made Felco secateurs and folding pruning saw which is only on it's third blade in nearly 20 years.
people don't change when they see the light,only when they feel the heat.
Chinese small tractors, the 25bhp ones, Benye, Jinma etc., they all seem to have the same motor but with different body styles. I have found them ultra reliable, very cheap to run and cheap to buy new.
I have a Benye 254 with front loader, and attach a 5' topper, various trailers and back hoe as required. In 4wd in goes anywhere, but most of the time 2wd only used. Doesn't have a fag lighter mind.
I know chinese products get slagged regularly, usually deservedly so. These little gems are the exception to the rule.
leroy wrote:For strimmers, brushcutters and the like you can't go far wrong with the German manufacturer Stihl.
You can add chainsaws to that. I have a couple, an MS230 and a 290. Need nothing more than regular servicing. They start, they cut, they make me fear for my body parts - what more could you ask of a chainsaw?
Need to consider these days that companies may be using cheaper materials and/or labour to maximise profits, and also hide inflation in raw materials (item built with cheaper materials but still sold for the same price).
So recommendations of things built to last may come from people who've had them for years (when the build quality was better), or haven't had them long enough to know if they'll last a long time.
