Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors are manufactured under license by Stanley Black and Decker, the company that has owned the Craftsman brand since 2017.
Craftsman is a long standing name among homeowners who need a tractor style mower for larger yards.
Production is handled through contract manufacturing partners that build the tractors to Stanley Black and Decker’s engineering specifications.
The company also owns Cub Cadet and Troy Bilt, two brands that share engineering knowledge across the riding mower category.
How does a riding mower built under a licensed brand name stack up against dedicated lawn tractor manufacturers?
This guide will explore Craftsman’s ownership, manufacturing process, brand history, and what makes its riding mowers a practical option for larger properties. So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Craftsman Riding Mowers
Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors are owned by Stanley Black and Decker, a global tool and outdoor equipment company.
Stanley Black and Decker purchased the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings in 2017 and now oversees its entire outdoor power equipment lineup.
The same parent company owns Craftsman garage door openers and Cub Cadet, giving the riding mower lineup access to shared research and manufacturing resources.
Craftsman riding mowers are sold mainly through Lowes stores after the brand shifted away from exclusive Sears retail.
Where Are Craftsman Riding Mowers Manufactured
Craftsman riding mowers are built through a network of contract manufacturers working to Stanley Black and Decker’s design specifications.
Many tractor style models are assembled in the United States, with certain parts such as transmissions and electronics sourced from international suppliers.
The company’s engineering teams test and refine each model before it reaches full production, following the standards outlined on the brand’s official Craftsman history and product pages.
Riding mower assembly can shift between manufacturing partners over time as Stanley Black and Decker adjusts its supply chain.
Are Craftsman Riding Mowers Worth The Investment
Craftsman riding mowers are generally a good fit for homeowners with yards larger than half an acre who want to avoid a push mower.
The lineup includes basic lawn tractors as well as higher end models with wider decks and more powerful engines.
Compared with premium zero turn brands, Craftsman tractors prioritize affordability and easy parts access over top tier cutting speed.
Buyers should measure their yard size and terrain before choosing between a lawn tractor and a faster zero turn option.
History Of Craftsman Riding Mowers
The Craftsman name dates back to 1927, when Sears Roebuck introduced it as a house brand for tools.
Riding mowers and lawn tractors joined the Craftsman lineup as suburban lawns grew larger and homeowners needed faster mowing options.
Sears Holdings sold the Craftsman trademark to Stanley Black and Decker in 2017, a deal that reports at the time valued at roughly 900 million dollars.
Since then, Stanley Black and Decker has continued updating the riding mower lineup with new engine options and wider retail availability.
Craftsman Riding Mowers Comparison
Craftsman riding mowers are often compared with Cub Cadet and Troy Bilt, both of which share the same parent company.
Against Cub Cadet, Craftsman tractors tend to sit at a lower price point but offer fewer premium features like adjustable suspension seating.
Compared with Troy Bilt, the two brands often overlap closely in specifications, so local pricing and dealer promotions can be the deciding factor.
Shoppers should compare deck width, engine horsepower, and warranty length across all three brands before making a purchase.
Are Craftsman Riding Mowers Made In The USA
Many Craftsman riding mowers are assembled in the United States, though individual components can be sourced internationally.
Stanley Black and Decker relies on a mix of domestic and overseas manufacturing partners depending on the specific tractor model.
This blended sourcing model is standard across most major lawn tractor brands sold at big box retailers.
Buyers who want to confirm assembly origin should check the specific model number, since sourcing can differ across the riding mower lineup.
Craftsman Riding Mowers Warranty And Customer Support
Craftsman riding mowers typically come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for a set number of years.
Warranty length can vary by model, and buyers should confirm current terms before purchasing since coverage is periodically updated.
Customer support is available through Lowes stores as well as through Craftsman’s own service and parts network.
Replacement parts for riding mowers are generally easier to find than for smaller specialty brands given Craftsman’s wide retail presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Craftsman riding mowers
Craftsman riding mowers are made by contract manufacturers working under Stanley Black and Decker, which has owned the Craftsman brand since 2017.
Are Craftsman riding mowers made in the USA
Many models are assembled in the United States, though some parts and components come from international suppliers.
What is the difference between Craftsman and Cub Cadet riding mowers
Both brands share the same parent company, but Cub Cadet generally offers more premium features while Craftsman focuses on affordability.
Where can I buy Craftsman riding mowers
Craftsman riding mowers are primarily sold through Lowes stores following the end of exclusive Sears distribution.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.