Craftsman is most commonly associated with power tools and was acquired by Stanley Black & Decker in 2018. The Craftsman product line includes many other products from numerous industries, including lawn mowers. Zero-turn mowers, self-propelled mowers, walk-behind mowers, yard tractors, and lawn tractors can all be found under the current Craftsman brand.
Who Are the Current Owners of Craftsman Lawnmowers?
Throughout the years, many companies have released lawn mowers under the brand Craftsman, and as a result, the quality of products and the types of products produced have changed. As of 2018, Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman and manufactures their American lawn mower through Modern Tool and Die Company (MTD). This is the same company that produces the powerful engines for John Deere, Cub Cadet, and other leading brands in the lawn mower industry.
MTD, originally a family-owned private company, is the mower manufacturer for millions of mowers and has been owned by several companies since its inception in 1932. Craftsman branded riding mowers with rear-wheel drive are also produced by Husqvarna and are useful garden tractors. Sears launched the Craftsman line back in 1927 to provide mid-tier tools for home use. Since then, Craftsman has grown to service most needs in the home and garden category.
History of Craftsman
| Date | Owner | Main Product |
| 1927 | Sears | Hand Tools, Power tools, Gas mowers |
| 2006 | Husqvarna | Battery Powered Mower |
| 2017 | Stanley Black & Decker | American Lawn Mower |
Sears
Sears launched the Craftsman brand in 1927 to introduce an affordable but quality hand tool and small power tool product for the DIYer. In the 1950s, Sears and Craftsman developed gas mowers for flat terrain and to cut around flower beds. More lawn and garden products were introduced by Craftsman over the following decades.
Husqvarna
A Swedish manufacturing company that focuses on electric mowers and robotic mower models. While not a popular lawn mower brand in the US, Husqvarna sells a powerful lawn mower and strives to develop the perfect walk-behind mower. Craftsman mower ratings and mower sales were less under Husquvarna than what the larger companies were able to command.
A little-known company, Husqvarna is one of the longest-running businesses on the oldest list of companies worldwide. The Husquvarna company bought the entire company Craftsman from Sears in 2006 and sold Craftsman lawn mowers to Stanley Black & Decker in 2017.
Stanley Black & Decker
Between 2017 and 2018, Stanley acquired Craftsman and other brands in the residential mower game. The mower engines and parts are sourced globally and assembled in Ohio and other US-based centers. Modern Tool and Die Company is a heavy machinery company that creates powerful mowers for major brand companies such as Craftsman, John Deere, and Cub Cadet.
The consumer ratings on Craftsman’s lawn mower range have increased since Stanly B&D became their parent company. The original parent company Sears offered cheaper products like push mowers and gas self-propelled mowers. Now Craftsman competes with battery mower brands and other commercial zero-turn mowers like John Deere zero-turn mowers.
Are Craftsman Mowers Made in the USA?
Now that Craftsman mowers are owned by Stanley and manufactured by MTD, most of the mowers are American lawnmowers. While the mowers are All-American products, some of the parts, like the mower decks, are sourced internationally. Most mowers, including the Craftsman zero-turn mower, are assembled and serviced in Ohio and other States across the midwest.
Features of Craftsman Mowers
Craftsman has a long history of supplying quality products for an affordable price. Despite a short time under Husqvarna, where they were some of the lowest-scoring tractors, most Craftsman gas mowers have been satisfactory to customers. Some of the main functions of a Craftsman American lawn mower make them fantastic products for the home lawn owner.
Craftsman riding mowers have a comfy, high-backed seat with a better ergonomic handle than conventional seats on other tractors. Complete with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and hydrostatic drive, these mowers are excellent for both hilly terrain and level terrain. An automatic blade clutch and lever controls for rear discharge can help you discharge clippings effortlessly behind you.
With numerous new battery-powered mowers, you can find electric counterparts for most residential mower needs. Gas counterparts usually have a hand-controlled blade brake and possibly a folding handle. Electric mowers can have a limited run time on hilly terrain. All products have Craftsman quality and come with useful warranty mower contracts.