When it comes to reliable and affordable lawn care equipment, Yardman riding lawn mowers were once a popular choice for homeowners. But who made these well-known machines? If you’re curious about Yardman’s origins, history, and why they’re no longer available, this article will provide a thorough overview. We’ll cover the manufacturer behind Yardman, its history, product range, and other important information.
Manufacturer Information
Yardman riding lawn mowers were manufactured by MTD Products, a company that has been a leader in the outdoor power equipment industry for several decades. Founded in 1932, MTD Products specializes in a wide variety of lawn and garden equipment. This includes everything from push mowers to snow blowers, and of course, riding lawn mowers. MTD is well-known for its commitment to innovation, performance, and providing consumers with quality products at affordable prices.
MTD is an acronym for Modern Tool and Die Company, which hints at the company’s early roots in manufacturing tools and equipment. Over the years, MTD has grown into a global player in the outdoor power equipment market, with a variety of brands under its umbrella, such as Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Bolens.
While Yardman mowers are no longer in production, the legacy of MTD continues through other popular brands, with the company still remaining a major manufacturer in the industry.
Brand History
The Yardman brand originated in Jackson, Michigan, around 1933, making it a long-established name in the outdoor power equipment market. Yardman became a trusted choice for homeowners looking for affordable and reliable lawn equipment, especially during the mid-20th century.
In 1975, the Yardman brand was acquired by MTD Products, which saw the potential to expand its product line by incorporating Yardman’s reputation for durability and affordability. This acquisition allowed MTD to increase its market share and reach more consumers, as Yardman’s range of products was added to the company’s growing portfolio.
As a result of this acquisition, Yardman mowers were manufactured and distributed by MTD. Under MTD’s ownership, Yardman continued to produce a variety of outdoor equipment, including riding lawn mowers, push mowers, and snow blowers.
However, in 2015, MTD made the decision to discontinue the Yardman brand. This meant that new models of Yardman mowers were no longer produced. The decision to phase out the Yardman brand was part of MTD’s strategy to focus on its other brands, which had gained more recognition in the market.
Product Range
During its years of production, Yardman offered a wide range of outdoor power equipment to suit homeowners’ varying needs. The brand was well-known for producing high-quality riding lawn tractors, push mowers, and snow blowers.
Riding Lawn Tractors
Yardman riding lawn mowers were designed to be affordable and user-friendly, making them a popular choice for homeowners with medium to large-sized lawns. These lawn tractors were known for their robust engines, comfortable seating, and easy maneuverability. The riding mowers were built to handle various terrain and grass types, ensuring an even cut across the lawn.
Some of the features of Yardman riding lawn tractors included:
Multiple Cutting Heights: Adjustable cutting decks allowed users to customize the length of their grass.
Durability: The mowers were built with a sturdy frame and reliable engines to ensure long-lasting performance.
Comfort: Comfortable seating and ergonomic controls made them easy to use for long periods of time.
Push Mowers
In addition to riding lawn tractors, Yardman also offered push mowers, which were suitable for smaller lawns. These push mowers were available in both gas-powered and electric models. They were lightweight, easy to maneuver, and relatively low-maintenance, making them a great option for homeowners who wanted a simple, no-fuss lawn mower.
Snow Blowers
Yardman also produced snow blowers, which were popular in colder climates. These machines were built to clear snow from driveways, walkways, and sidewalks. They came in various models, including single-stage and two-stage snow blowers, to handle different snow conditions.
Other Outdoor Equipment
In addition to its core product offerings, Yardman produced various other outdoor equipment items such as garden tillers, hedge trimmers, and other lawn maintenance tools. These products further contributed to Yardman’s reputation as a trusted brand for homeowners seeking affordable, durable outdoor equipment.
Discontinuation
MTD made the decision to discontinue the Yardman brand in 2015. As a result, no new Yardman models have been produced since then. This decision was part of MTD’s effort to focus on its more established and recognized brands, such as Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt.
The discontinuation of Yardman left a gap in the market, especially for homeowners seeking affordable and reliable lawn care equipment. However, MTD’s other brands still offer similar products that continue to be popular among consumers. Despite the end of the Yardman brand, many loyal customers continue to use their Yardman mowers, which are known for their reliability and durability.
Manufacturing Location
MTD Products, the parent company of Yardman, is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. However, MTD operates manufacturing facilities in multiple locations worldwide.
Although Yardman mowers were primarily produced in the U.S., MTD has expanded its production to other regions to serve international markets. Over the years, MTD has made strategic investments in manufacturing facilities in various countries, including Mexico, China, and Europe, to increase production capacity and reduce costs.
Brand Reputation
Yardman was known for its affordable pricing and reliability, which made it a popular choice for homeowners. The brand was often chosen by those seeking budget-friendly lawn care solutions that didn’t compromise on quality. Yardman mowers, especially the riding lawn tractors, were recognized for their durability and ability to handle various terrains.
Despite being discontinued in 2015, the Yardman brand is still remembered fondly by many homeowners who appreciated the value it offered. Customers appreciated the brand’s simplicity and ease of use, making Yardman mowers a great option for first-time lawn care buyers or those who didn’t want to break the bank on high-end models.
Comparison with Competitors
Yardman faced competition from several other well-known lawn mower brands, including Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman. While Yardman offered excellent value for the price, some of its competitors provided higher-end features and performance for homeowners with more specific needs.
Cub Cadet: Known for offering premium riding mowers with advanced features, such as hydrostatic transmissions, larger cutting decks, and more powerful engines.
Troy-Bilt: Known for its affordability and ease of use, Troy-Bilt mowers offered similar features to Yardman but with a slightly different focus on versatility and comfort.
Craftsman: Known for its long history and reputation for quality, Craftsman mowers were often seen as a reliable choice, especially for DIYers.
While Yardman was a great option for those on a budget, other brands such as Cub Cadet and Craftsman often provided more advanced models that offered greater cutting power, smoother operations, and better overall performance.
Warranty & Customer Support
MTD Products provides warranties on all of their outdoor power equipment products, including the Yardman mowers produced while the brand was still active. Although Yardman is no longer in production, MTD still offers customer service for Yardman mowers and provides parts and repairs through their network of authorized service centers.
The standard warranty for Yardman riding lawn mowers typically covered:
Limited Warranty: Covering the frame, engine, and other major components for a set number of years (often 2-3 years).
Engine Warranty: Engines usually came with a separate warranty, often longer than the mower warranty itself, depending on the manufacturer of the engine (Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, etc.).
If you’re still using a Yardman mower and need assistance, MTD’s customer service team is available to help with parts, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where to Buy & Pricing
Since Yardman mowers are no longer in production, you’ll need to purchase used models if you’re interested in owning one. Online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can be great places to find pre-owned Yardman riding lawn mowers. Additionally, some local dealerships and used equipment retailers may have Yardman mowers in stock.
When shopping for a used Yardman mower, be sure to check for:
Condition: Make sure the mower has been properly maintained and is in good working order.
Price: Prices for used Yardman mowers can vary depending on the model, age, and condition. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500 for a used Yardman riding lawn mower.
Parts availability: Ensure that replacement parts are readily available through MTD or third-party suppliers.
Alternative Brands
Since Yardman is no longer available, you might want to consider purchasing a mower from one of MTD’s other well-known brands. These brands provide similar products and are still widely available.
Cub Cadet: Known for its high-performance riding mowers, Cub Cadet offers a wide range of models suitable for all lawn sizes and budgets.
Troy-Bilt: Another budget-friendly option, Troy-Bilt provides reliable mowers that are easy to use and maintain.
Bolens: Bolens is a more affordable alternative for those looking for a simple mower for smaller lawns.
These brands continue to provide high-quality outdoor power equipment, ensuring that homeowners still have access to reliable and efficient lawn care solutions.
Conclusion
Yardman riding lawn mowers were once a popular choice for homeowners seeking an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use mower. Manufactured by MTD Products, the Yardman brand has been discontinued since 2015, but it remains a memorable name in the lawn care industry.
If you’re still interested in Yardman mowers, there are plenty of used models available on the market. However, for those looking for a new mower, it might be worth considering other MTD brands like Cub Cadet or Troy-Bilt, which continue to offer high-quality outdoor equipment.
Whether you’re in the market for a new mower or just want to learn about Yardman’s legacy, we hope this article has provided you with helpful information!
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