[PPBART]

Who actually manufactures Craftsman, John Deere, Cub, other mowers?

And, how would you rate what you have?

 

[PPBART]

Personally, I have 2016 Toro 42" ZTR that is fun to drive and cuts fast, but gets stuck way too easy.

I also have a 2011 Craftsman YT-4000 42" cut, 24-HP B&S engine that has been virtually beat to death but keeps on running thru just about anything. It still starts easily, doesn't smoke, but the deck is pretty beat up and the seat is coming apart. I'm shopping for a replacement tractor now (figure I can sell the old one pretty easily).
.

 

[3onthetree]

For mass market brands, the ones I can think of is MTD, Deere, Ariens, Husqvarna, Stihl, Snapper.

Then there are subbrands which each manuf owns and makes for different price lines, like MTD makes CubCadet, Troy-Built, Bolens. Licenses Craftsman name. And other manufacturers outsource some of their product lines, like MTD I believe makes the push mowers for Toro (which may mean Lawn-Boy too since Toro owns them) but not their heavier equipment, not sure about ride-ons.

Engines for each vary, even within a subbrand. Kohler, Honda, Briggs&Stratton.

So it's hard to keep track of. Need a geneology tree. Ratings will be different for push vs. ride vs. commercial.

 

[Gymschu]

Not sure who makes Yard Machines, but, I got my money's worth out of it. Bought it on the cheap at Walmart 10 years ago. It's a push mower btw. Kept up on the maintenance but it has been through the wringer. I mean it has had stuff fall on it. I transported it between two homes to keep up on the mowing at both places. Parts have fallen off, the wheels are nearly without tread and that thing keeps mowing like a trooper. I've been wanting to replace it, but, to honor its longevity, I'm going to keep it going til it dies.

 

[Gymschu]

P.S. Any truth to the story that the big box stores sell rejects of the major lawn mower manufacturers? I've had several people tell me not to buy a riding mower at the big boxes as those machines are rejected at the factories that make them. Minor issues, I'm told, but they are not the same quality as those purchased at stores specializing in Lawn Care.

 

[660catman]

P.S. Any truth to the story that the big box stores sell rejects of the major lawn mower manufacturers? I've had several people tell me not to buy a riding mower at the big boxes as those machines are rejected at the factories that make them. Minor issues, I'm told, but they are not the same quality as those purchased at stores specializing in Lawn Care.

Years ago when I bought my green Sabre made by John Deere, Home Depot was selling their orange Scott brand which was made by Deere. However they didn’t share models. I bought a 17/42 hydro but HD only sold a 17/42 manual. HD had a 16/42 hydro. Not sure about the reject theory now.


Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada.

 

[3onthetree]

P.S. Any truth to the story that the big box stores sell rejects of the major lawn mower manufacturers? I've had several people tell me not to buy a riding mower at the big boxes as those machines are rejected at the factories that make them. Minor issues, I'm told, but they are not the same quality as those purchased at stores specializing in Lawn Care.

I'd say unfounded because the models sold at big boxes have to hit certain price points for the mass market, so some lines are specifically created for them (and private label). Where specialized shops do not need those lines because of more commercial work and maintenance.

But if its say a Deere E120, they still have a warranty and brand association to worry about no matter where it's sold.

 

[Colbyt]

The Craftsman rider I bought at Lowes is clearly made by Troy-Bilt. They make no attempt to conceal that fact. Only the decal is different.

 

[PPBART]

The Craftsman rider I bought at Lowes is clearly made by Troy-Bilt. They make no attempt to conceal that fact. Only the decal is different.

Hm... I just read that Craftsmans are made by Husquevarna (sp?)

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Mostly assembled by illegal immigrants using foreign made parts.

 

[Colbyt]

Hm... I just read that Craftsmans are made by Husquevarna (sp?)

Different models may be made by different people.

 

[jbfan]

I have an EX Mark zero turn, light commercial. I hope I never have to buy another mower ever again.

 

[ktownskier]

I have owned Lawn Boy (when they were their own company), Husqvarna, Murray and others, but primarily I have been a Toro owner for walk-behind mowers. When it comes to riding mowers, I have had Toro, John Deere, and Cub Cadet. My first tractor was a John Deere 60 which was a 6 horse power mower in the late 60's early 70's. When it died, we did our 1/2 acre back yard by a walk behind mower or when we could talk a neighbor into doing it with a tractor. When I bought the house from my Mom, I bought a Toro tractor with hydrostatic drive. I think I abused it by hauling rock from my house to my Mom's house a half mile away. The hydrostatic drive wouldn't pull it up the hill after a couple of years. I then bought a John Deere tractor from HD. It had a 21 HP Kohler engine V-twin engine and it was a beast. Loved it. Sold it when I sold the house.

Here is what I found out, you can read the article here:

In summary: Husqvarna, MTD, and Briggs & Stratton make most of the riding mower and lawn tractor brands sold by retailers here in the United States. John Deere still makes all of their lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers. Toro is also another huge, worldwide corporation like John Deere, but they mainly market lawn care products. They have Homeowner, Commercial, Golf, Irrigation and Sports Field Divisions. They currently do not make a lawn tractor for the U.S. – Canada market.

If you want to see a list of Lawn Mowers, Riding Lawn Mowers and Lawn Tractors you can read a list of them and who owns them here.

 

[Gymschu]

@ktownskier, wow, what a thorough, insightful article. Who knew the complexities of the lawn care manufacturing business? I mean, there's a lot of "players" in the making of mowers! I guess my push mow MTD is towards the bottom in terms of affordability, very cheap. I have always admired my neighbor's Toro Zero turn riding mower. He makes quick work of his acre and a half lawn and it always looks beautiful.

 

[ktownskier]

It's the same for tool manufacturers and appliance manufacturers. There are about a half dozen main owners who own a bunch of companies who own a bunch of smaller companies.

For example, GE appliances are now owned by Haier, a Chinese company. But, they are made in GE appliance factories. At least for now.

 

[Windows on Wash]

Spartan

 

[Herring Impaired]

Years ago when I bought my green Sabre made by John Deere, Home Depot was selling their orange Scott brand which was made by Deere. However they didn’t share models. I bought a 17/42 hydro but HD only sold a 17/42 manual. HD had a 16/42 hydro. Not sure about the reject theory now.
Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada.

I bought one of those Orange Deere's, and it's still running strong. I believe it was 2001. The only thing I have had to do to it was weld the deck supports on after tearing off for some reason. I also raised the seat up and back to suit my height better....
The very next year, all the Deere's were green....

 

[Old Thomas]

I use a Ferris commercial zero turn mower. It was very expensive but I got my son to pay for it. It was built by Ferris who is now owned by Briggs and Stratton.

 

[u2slow]

20yo Craftsman 21" 6.0hp (Tecumseh) here. Its the big-rear-wheel model you push. Love it... but the deck is rusting out.

Looks like people are throwing gas mowers away nowadays just because of old gas or a bad spark plug. Maybe I can find a good deck now

 

[lenaitch]

1980 Lawnboy with aluminum chassis. I think back then they were a stand-alone company. I use it for around trees, edges, small spaces so appreciate it for the reduced weight, plus it doesn't rust. Starts second pull every time.

My lawn tractor is a 1988 14-hp JD with the Kawasaki engine. Looks rough but runs like a top.