It has been reported in the U.S that Textron Specialized Vehicles has ceased production of Dixie Chopper and Jacobsen zero-turn mowers and Jacobsen Truckster L/M series utility vehicles.

American trade magazine Rural Lifestyle Dealer reported on a Decemeber 5th memo to dealers from Rachel Luken Thompson, vice president of golf & turf international and outdoor power equipment for Textron Specialized Vehicles, which says, “This was a difficult decision, but market pressure and a change in the economic circumstances of the business made it necessary.”

The company says it will continue to provide sales, warranty, parts, and service support to their US dealers and end-user customers, and plan to do so well into the future. Rural Lifestyle Dealer reports the manufacturer will maintain a team of employees in Greencastle, Indiana, to provide service, support and fulfil parts and accessories orders. 

It is also said that the memo states Textron Specialized Vehicles will honour all factory warranties on new units, whether the unit is currently in a dealer’s inventory, or is purchased by a dealer from their remaining factory stock.

In addition, the company will continue to work with financing partners on dealer floorplan and retail financing programs, to help U.S dealers manage and sell existing inventory. All remaining stock of Dixie Chopper and Jacobsen units in the company’s possession will be sold.

Textron acquired Dixie Chopper in February 2014.