Is MTD the Same as Craftsman? (Solved & Explained!)

MTD Products is a manufacturer of various outdoor power equipment brands. They have acquired many popular outdoor brands, including Craftsman. This means that MTD makes Craftsman, as well as other lawn mower brands, but they are not the same. Both MTD and Craftsman are owned by the same parent company.

This article further looks at MTD and Craftsman to determine if they are the same, how they differ, and more. Scroll down to learn about these topics.

Are MTD and Craftsman the same?

MTD and Craftsman are not exactly the same, but MTD produces Craftsman mowers. MTD Products is a manufacturer that specializes in outdoor power equipment. As a leading manufacturer, MTD is responsible for producing a number of well-known brands.

One of the more popular brands MTD is responsible for is Craftsman. Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black and Decker, which was a minority shareholder for MTD until recently. As of December of 2021, Stanley Black and Decker has acquired all of the ownership stakes in MTD. This means that Stanley Black and Decker now owns MTD, but MTD is still responsible for producing Craftsman.

What is MTD?

MTD Products is a manufacturer of power equipment located in the United States. MTD stands for “Modern Tool and Die Company.” They are headquartered in Valley City, Ohio, and they date back to 1932. Only 20% of the brand was owned by Stanley Black and Decker until 2021, but they now own MTD outright.

MTD is a leading manufacturer of outdoor products. As a result, it has acquired many brands, including Troy-Bilt, Bolens, Yard-Man, Cub Cadet, and even Craftsman. These are just a few examples of the brands MTD is responsible for since the company sells so many brands worldwide.

What is Craftsman?

Craftsman offers various lines of tools, lawn equipment, and workwear. Craftsman was originally Sears’ house brand, but it is now owned by Stanley Black and Decker. Stanley Black and Decker was a minority shares partner of MTD up until 2021. Now, Stanley Black and Decker owns MTD, which means Craftsman is owned by the same parent company as MTD.

Even before this acquisition, MTD was responsible for producing Craftsman products, such as the riding lawn mowers. Today, MTD manufacturers are still responsible for manufacturing Craftsman, even though MTD is now owned by Stanley Black and Decker.

Does MTD make Craftsman?

Yes. MTD makes Craftsman, but they do not own Craftsman. Instead, both MTD and Craftsman are owned by the parent company Stanley Black and Decker. MTD is responsible for manufacturing the Craftsman brand, though.

What brands are made by MTD?

MTD is responsible for a lot of brands. Some of the most popular include the following:

  • Craftsman
  • Cub Cadet
  • Troy-Bilt
  • Rover
  • WOLF-Garten
  • Columbia
  • MTD Genuine Parts
  • Robomow

In total, MTD manufactures, distributes, and sells to more than 20 countries. This means that the MTD products are typically sold towards the mass market.

What company owns MTD?

MTD Products was owned by MTD Holdings, Inc. until recently. In 2021, there were discussions of Stanley Black and Decker acquiring the remaining 80% of stake in MTD holdings, Inc. This would make Stanley Black and Decker the owner of MTD since they already owned 20%  of the stake.

In December of 2021, this acquisition was completed. Thus, Stanley Black and Decker is the current parent company of MTD.

What company builds Craftsman riding mowers?

MTD is responsible for building Craftsman riding mowers. Still, some of the products are distributed to other manufacturers. For example, Bobcat builds all of the Craftsman zero-turn tractors. The reason for this is that certain factories and manufacturers are better suited for individual products.

Even though other brands sometimes build Craftsman riding mowers, MTD is still responsible for overseeing the general manufacturing. This means that MTD delegates and ensures that all Craftsman manufacturing goes over smoothly.

Are all MTD riding lawn mowers the same?

All riding lawn mower brands produced by MTD are typically made in the same facilities. Regardless, each brand has its own unique appearances, factors, and abilities, which means that not all MTD riding lawn mowers are the same, even though they are produced in the same facilities.

Still, there isn’t a ton of difference among riding lawn mowers, especially if they are approved by the main manufacturer. That’s because they are all produced in the same place and have access to the same sorts of manufacturing sources. Plus, they have the same parent company.

Where does MTD produce their Craftsman lawn mowers?

MTD is an American manufacturer that produces most of its products within the United States. As a result, Craftsman lawn mowers are typically made in Ohio, where the MTD manufacturing plants are located. This makes Craftsman an American brand.

Still, MTD has production facilities all around the world. MTD has factories in the United States, Mexico, Europe, and China. Typically, MTD will produce the lawn mowers in each facility based on where they’re being shipped to. For example, MTD lawn mowers being sold in America will be made in American facilities, whereas mowers being sold in Europe will be made in European facilities.

The idea behind this is to save as much on transportation and similar costs as possible. Like any other brand, some products are manufactured in one country but shipped to another. For example, small parts are sometimes manufactured overseas and shipped to America, even though the entire mower is actually built in the States.

Are MTD Craftsman mowers good?

MTD is responsible for a number of well-respected mower brands. The vast majority of their brands are built with durability and efficiency in mind. As a result, most MTD mowers are very good, especially for residential or personal use.

The Craftsman brand is just one brand belonging to MTD. Craftsman has long been considered one of the top mowers for residential use. Even though Craftsman mowers are not durable or efficient enough for professional use, they are good for mowing your lawn. If you need a professional mower, we recommend more luxury brands instead.