Sears lawn mowers have long been associated with reliability and quality, becoming a trusted tool for homeowners across the U.S. for decades. However, the story of who manufactures these lawn mowers is not as straightforward as it may seem. Over time, Sears has partnered with various companies to produce its mowers, from producing them in-house to outsourcing to other trusted brands. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Sears lawn mowers, their current manufacturer, and how the brand has evolved over time.
Current Manufacturer: Who Makes Sears Lawn Mowers Today?
As of today, the lawn mowers sold under the Sears brand are produced by MTD Products. MTD, or Modern Tool and Die Company, is an Ohio-based company that manufactures outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers, snow blowers, and garden tractors. MTD became the manufacturer of Sears lawn mowers when it acquired the rights to produce Craftsman tools, including lawn equipment, after Stanley Black & Decker purchased the brand in 2017.
MTD is a well-known name in the lawn equipment industry, producing a wide range of mowers under different brand names, including Toro, Cub Cadet, and Remington. Their expertise in lawn equipment makes them a reliable manufacturer for Sears lawn mowers, ensuring high-quality products for consumers. With Stanley Black & Decker’s backing, MTD has continued to improve its lawn equipment designs, which are now sold under the Craftsman and Sears labels.
Historical Context: The Evolution of Sears Lawn Mowers
Sears, Roebuck & Co. initially entered the lawn mower market in the mid-20th century. Back then, Sears produced its own lawn equipment under the brand name Sears Lawn-Boy and Sears Craftsman. Craftsman was already known for its hand tools, power tools, and other home improvement products, but the brand eventually extended its reach into outdoor power equipment like lawn mowers.
Throughout the years, Sears formed partnerships with several manufacturers to produce its lawn equipment. One of the most significant manufacturers was Husqvarna, a Swedish company known for its expertise in outdoor power products. In fact, for many years, Husqvarna was responsible for manufacturing Sears’ Craftsman lawn mowers. Husqvarna’s involvement with Sears lasted until the early 2000s when the production of Craftsman mowers shifted to other companies.
Another key player in the history of Sears lawn mowers is American Yard Products (AYP). AYP, a division of Electrolux, was known for producing high-quality, budget-friendly lawn equipment. They manufactured Sears lawn mowers for many years before MTD took over. AYP’s mowers were popular for their affordability and durability, making them a top choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Brand Evolution: From In-House Production to Outsourcing
In the early years, Sears had its own manufacturing facilities that allowed them to produce many of their products, including lawn mowers. However, as the company grew and sought to streamline operations, they began outsourcing production to trusted partners who had the expertise and capacity to meet demand while maintaining quality standards.
The shift from in-house production to outsourcing began in the 1970s and 1980s, as Sears sought to expand its product offerings without needing to build its own manufacturing plants. The company’s long history of collaboration with renowned manufacturers, like Husqvarna and AYP, allowed Sears to provide high-quality lawn mowers without having to handle production themselves. By leveraging these partnerships, Sears was able to focus on its core business while ensuring customers received top-notch products.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the relationship between Sears and its manufacturing partners continued to evolve. At the time, lawn mower production was handled by multiple manufacturers under different agreements, with some models still produced by Husqvarna and others by AYP. However, when Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand in 2017, a significant shift occurred. Stanley Black & Decker signed an agreement with MTD, allowing MTD to handle the production of Craftsman lawn mowers.
This marked the beginning of MTD’s involvement in producing lawn mowers under the Sears and Craftsman brands. Today, MTD manufactures nearly all of the lawn equipment sold under the Sears name, offering both gas-powered and electric mowers, as well as riding lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers.
Quality and Standards: How Reliable Are Sears Lawn Mowers?
The quality of Sears lawn mowers has evolved over the years, and much of it depends on the manufacturer behind the product. Sears worked with reputable companies like Husqvarna, AYP, and MTD, all of which have long-standing histories of producing reliable outdoor power equipment.
MTD and Craftsmanship
MTD’s reputation for quality is well-established in the outdoor equipment industry. As one of the largest manufacturers of lawn mowers in the world, MTD has built a reputation for durable, easy-to-maintain, and user-friendly products. Customers often praise the reliability of Sears lawn mowers produced by MTD, noting that they are durable and perform well over time. This is particularly true for gas-powered mowers, which tend to be robust and provide a reliable cut.
Husqvarna and AYP Legacy
Before MTD’s involvement, Sears’ collaboration with Husqvarna and AYP set high standards for quality. Husqvarna, in particular, is known for producing high-end, professional-grade mowers, and its influence can still be seen in the design of some Sears mowers. AYP’s models were often praised for their affordability and reliability, making them ideal for homeowners looking for budget-friendly options.
Though quality may vary slightly between models, Sears’ long history of working with top-tier manufacturers has allowed them to maintain a reputation for reliability and craftsmanship.
Popular Models: Well-Known Sears Lawn Mowers
Several Sears lawn mower models have become popular over the years, thanks to their dependable performance and features. Here are some of the most well-known models:
1. Craftsman M105 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower
The Craftsman M105 is a popular choice for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards. It features a 140cc engine, 21-inch cutting width, and 5 adjustable height settings. Its compact design and ease of use make it an excellent option for those looking for a straightforward, no-fuss lawn mower.
2. Craftsman CMXGMAM201105 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower
This mower is known for its reliable engine and easy-to-push design, offering great value for its price. It is ideal for homeowners who want a basic, no-nonsense mower for smaller lawns. It comes with a 21-inch cutting deck and offers a variety of cutting heights to suit different grass types.
3. Craftsman T225 Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
The Craftsman T225 is a riding lawn mower designed for larger yards and lawns. It features a 19 HP engine, a 46-inch cutting deck, and multiple height adjustments, making it perfect for homeowners who want to tackle larger lawns with ease.
4. Craftsman CMXGRAM113004 Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower
This model features a 20 HP engine and a 42-inch cutting deck, making it ideal for residential lawns of medium to large size. With its comfortable seat, ergonomic controls, and durable construction, the CMXGRAM113004 provides a smooth and efficient mowing experience.
These models are just a few examples of Sears lawn mowers that have become well-loved by homeowners. Each one is designed to offer a balance of performance, affordability, and ease of use, making them suitable for various lawn sizes and needs.
Comparison with Competitors: How Do Sears Lawn Mowers Stack Up?
Sears lawn mowers, particularly those made by MTD under the Craftsman brand, are often compared to other well-known lawn mower brands like Honda, Toro, and Husqvarna. Each of these brands has strengths and weaknesses, and when comparing them to Sears, there are several factors to consider:
Price
Sears lawn mowers, especially those produced by MTD, are generally more affordable than some higher-end models from brands like Honda and Husqvarna. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who need a reliable mower without breaking the bank. While Honda and Husqvarna mowers may offer more premium features and construction, Sears mowers are known for providing great value at a lower price point.
Quality
Honda and Husqvarna are often regarded as some of the top brands in the lawn mower industry, with a reputation for premium quality and long-lasting durability. However, Sears lawn mowers, especially those made by MTD, have earned a reputation for reliability and solid performance. While they may not have the same high-end engineering as some premium brands, they are still known for being dependable and offering good value.
Features
In terms of features, Sears lawn mowers offer a solid range of options for homeowners. From gas-powered mowers to electric models, they provide different types of power and cutting systems. While other brands like Toro or Honda might offer more advanced features like electric start or self-propelled systems on higher-end models, Sears provides a good selection of mowers that fit most residential needs.
Conclusion
The question of who makes Sears lawn mowers is one that has evolved over time. Currently, MTD Products is the primary manufacturer of Sears lawn mowers, producing reliable and affordable products under the Craftsman brand.
Today, thanks to its relationship with MTD, Sears continues to offer dependable and high-quality lawn mowers for homeowners. While other brands like Honda, Toro, and Husqvarna may offer premium options, Sears mowers are an excellent choice for those looking for good performance at a more affordable price point.
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