Does anybody know this models shipped from Amazon are the new metal gearboxs or the old plastic ones? I'm planing to buy this model, just want to make sure whether they are the new ones or not?
710525
To all those who are concerned about the gearbox issue - some clarification: The problem in some earlier models of K'Aid mixers was not realted to the gears themselves, so the statement on the box that the mixer has all metal gears is beside the point. The all metal gears on the mixer remain meshed thanks to the GEARBOX COVER or housing. For a while, K'Aid had moved to a plastic gearbox cover to hold their METAL gears together. What then happened was when the mixer was used for tasks that generated some heat (kneading doughs, mixing heavy cookie dough), the heat within the gearbox caused the plastic gearbox cover to soften and distort. This caused the metal gears to become disengaged and actually grind each other up. So, this issue at hand is not whether your mixer has all metal gears, but what the gearbox COVER is made out of. KitchenAid tried to take a shortcut, and then found that they received few complaints from users who whipped up a cake or two, but users who tasked the mixer with heavier use (for which it is advertised) ended up with non-functional machines. K'Aid first denied the problem, but then decided to bite the bullet, and go back to a metal gear housing. They have been trying to recover their valuable reputation by offering very cooperative customer service and a website forum where KitchenAid mixer users can dialogue and bond with the K'Aid reps. In short, they made a boo-boo and have now fixed it. The question is, did you get one of their boo-boo machines, or not? If you're one of those people who believes that you'll be passing down your mixer to your children, I think it would be prudent to ensure that you have a metal gearbox cover on board. After all, you may task the mixer with only Angel Food cake batter, but your "heirs" may actually try to make bread and find that the machine is not up to it. Bob
1249643
I now own the Drive Medical #10273, which has the exact same pedals/handles as this model. Those two plastic parts have no ball bearings, not even any bushings; just a sloppy fitting through-hole to clear the 7/16" dia steel crank that they "spin" relative-to. Consequently the excessive play produces a click-clack noise.
1325312
I had an issue with the shifter. Amazon sent out a new one with no problems whatsoever. Keep the original box .
396546
It looks like the model that came up with your question is indeed the steel bb version. I had a heck of a time sorting out the airsoft plastic bb version from the steel bb one before I placed my order. The descriptions on the webpages don't always make it clear which one you're looking at, so you have to be really careful before ordering.
2005758
I just recently replaced my motor and have not had any issues so far. My initial motor still works, however, it was the gear box that crapped out .... lasted about five years and begin screeching and grinding (gears wore out ... unfortunately you can't find a kit to just replace the gears). So, I have a backup motor now.
1712004
From my research, it appears that the new product that Norelco has started selling, and that everyone hates, is made of plastic rather than metal and results in a much less smooth shave. I haven't purchased my replacement head yet as I'm still trying to decide what to buy but am leaning towards the more expensive, older version just based on everyone's comments. You should be able to find the expensive, older model for probably ½ this price, even on Amazon.
241785
Yes, I checked the model number on the bottom and this is model #1113. I use it about twice a month for about 10 pounds of meat each time. It has performed better than I ever expected with ease, speed, and dependability. My daughter owns the same model and it has performed well for her for almost 3 years of heavy use. Neither of us have had any trouble with the gears, however they do include a spare in case it is needed.
305027
I read somewhere that the ser number 14 and above have the metal transmission housing and the 13 and below have the plastic housing. This information came from a KA rep in answer to a customer inquirie about this issue.
1352084
Mine is the same as JT's, wooden except for the plastic gears and the plastic window. I have seen models with wooden gears, but they may have been an older version.
1792551
The gearbox housing is plastic and I think I saw an online discussion concerning the fact that it has plastic gears. Mine works, but it won't drag the hose but about 25'. But I kept it because it looks cool.
1630854
Just "chatted" with Longevity and they don't know if the units on Amazon are the updated models or not. Also, they don't sell the wire feed carriers to update it yourself! So to me that says they don't have parts available to service the machine if it breaks and are not too concerned about you getting their best product!! They may be a decent company, but their products are still made in China from Chinese manufactured parts, so warrenty issues will be a problem. Probably best to stick to American made units even if some of the innards are out sourced IMHO!
1246384
I haven't bought this model yet, but I can answer your question. This one has ALL metal gears. Older models(like mine, I have the Classic) have all metal except one, which is nylon. The nylon is intended to give out if you subject the mixer to too much torque or if it overheats. The idea is supposed to be that instead of burning out the whole motor, you just replace the one fairly inexpensive gear.These newest high-end models have specialized control and sensor circuitry, which handles all of that, and only lets the motor generate a safe amount of torque and/or heat. So, the gears are all metal in these. I haven't bought this model yet, but I can answer your question. This one has ALL metal gears. Older models(like mine, I have the Classic) have all metal except one, which is nylon. The nylon is intended to give out if you subject the mixer to too much torque or if it overheats. The idea is supposed to be that instead of burning out the whole motor, you just replace the one fairly inexpensive gear.These newest high-end models have specialized control and sensor circuitry, which handles all of that, and only lets the motor generate a safe amount of torque and/or heat.... » Read More I haven't bought this model yet, but I can answer your question. This one has ALL metal gears. Older models(like mine, I have the Classic) have all metal except one, which is nylon. The nylon is intended to give out if you subject the mixer to too much torque or if it overheats. The idea is supposed to be that instead of burning out the whole motor, you just replace the one fairly inexpensive gear.These newest high-end models have specialized control and sensor circuitry, which handles all of that, and only lets the motor generate a safe amount of torque and/or heat. So, the gears are all metal in these. « Show Less
1538071
Purchased this item last year. Mine does not have metal gears. They are plastic , i took the plastic gearbox apart. You wouldn't want metal since they would rust with the water. The body is cast iron and painted so its protected. Well worth the cost for this item.
1761140
Not sure which gears you are talking about. Part of this is plastic, and most of it is stainless steel. The wheel that tightens the parts that get attached, is plastic. It works very well, whatever the parts are made of.
1475298
Mine came with the metal gear box. Usually seller will give the description of the product. Read it carefully and making sure it says "metal upgrade". Mine is for sale. It has metal upgrades and painted. Been on display only. Its in perfect shape.
666724
Now that's a good one..I went and looked..the housing (for the gears) is plazdic..and (without taking it apart) I suspect the gears are too..Mjr
1346888
Would like some one to jump in here At this time Considering the 1.4 Read,The 1.4 has a motor made from plastic,cant be a good thing...Is the 1.8 usm made the same??? Love sum help here...Paul Flynn