Items tend to be discontinued through Northern Tool temporarily when they are completely out of stock in all warehouses. If it's an option of returning, it will, or be replaced by a newer model. Your best option would be to call the 800 number on the website and get better answers there. No one from Northern typically monitors these posts through Google.
Sometimes these days they discontinue something because it last to long before needing to replace again. So I look at it as a good sign when what I already own has been discontinued. Fact IMO
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.