Lawn Care
Who Makes Craftsman Riding Mowers? OEM & Parts Guide
The Corporate Web: Stanley Black & Decker, MTD, and Husqvarna
When homeowners ask, 'who makes Craftsman riding mowers,' the answer requires unpacking a complex web of corporate acquisitions and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnerships. The Craftsman brand is currently owned by Stanley Black & Decker (SBD), which acquired the brand from Sears in 2017. However, SBD does not manufacture every component in-house. Instead, they rely on established OEMs to build the tractors, zero-turns, and lawn equipment that carry the iconic red and silver badge.
Historically, Husqvarna (and its parent company Electrolux) manufactured the higher-end Craftsman garden tractors and zero-turn mowers, while MTD Products handled the entry-level and mid-tier lawn tractors. Following SBD's acquisition of the brand, and their subsequent complete acquisition of MTD Products, the manufacturing landscape shifted. Today, MTD is the primary manufacturing backbone for the vast majority of Craftsman riding mowers, though some legacy Husqvarna-designed frames and fabricated decks still influence the premium tiers of the 2026 lineup.
Insider Tip: Knowing the OEM of your specific Craftsman model is not just trivia; it dictates which replacement spindles, deck belts, and transmission components will fit your machine. Ordering Husqvarna-sourced parts for an MTD-built chassis will result in immediate fitment failure.
Decoding Your Model Number: The Prefix Matrix
The most reliable way to determine who manufactured your specific Craftsman riding mower is by examining the model number located on the serial tag, usually found under the seat or on the rear frame rail. The first three digits of the model number act as an OEM identifier.
| Model Prefix | OEM Manufacturer | Typical Equipment Type | Parts Sourcing Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 247 | MTD Products | Lawn Tractors (T100/T200 series), Entry Zero-Turns | Use MTD parts diagrams; widely available at big-box stores. |
| 917 | Husqvarna / Electrolux | Garden Tractors, Premium Zero-Turns (Z500 series) | Cross-reference with Husqvarna GT models; requires specialized dealers or Jack's Small Engines. |
| 137 | MTD Products (Legacy) | Older compact tractors and yard tractors | Discontinued direct support; rely on aftermarket OEM equivalents. |
Engine and Transmission Sourcing: Beyond the Chassis
While MTD or Husqvarna may stamp the frame and assemble the deck, Craftsman does not build the engines or hydrostatic transmissions. Understanding the secondary OEMs is critical for routine maintenance.
The Engine Suppliers
- Briggs & Stratton: The most common engine found on Craftsman T110 and T210 lawn tractors. Specifically, the 19 HP to 22 HP Intek series. These require 48 oz of SAE 30 small engine oil for standard changes.
- Kohler: Reserved for the premium Craftsman garden tractors and zero-turns (like the Z530). The Kohler 7000 series V-twins offer superior torque for hilly terrain but demand stricter maintenance intervals, including valve lash adjustments every 300 hours.
- Kawasaki: Occasionally found on top-tier commercial-residential crossover models, offering the highest longevity but commanding a $400+ premium in replacement costs.
Transmission Realities
Most Craftsman riding mowers utilize hydrostatic transmissions manufactured by Hydro-Gear or Tuff Torq. A common failure mode in the Tuff Torq K46 transmission (found in many 247-prefix MTD tractors) is internal pump wear when pulling heavy tow-behind aerators. If your mower loses drive power when hot, the Tuff Torq unit likely requires a $350 replacement or a rebuild kit, rather than a simple fluid top-off.
2026 Buying Framework: Selecting the Right Craftsman Tractor
Knowing the OEM allows you to align your purchase with your actual property needs. Here is a decision matrix for the current Craftsman lineup.
MTD-Built Lawn Tractors (T-Series)
Price Range: $1,799 - $2,499
Pros: Stamped 13-gauge steel decks are lightweight and affordable to replace. Parts are ubiquitous at Lowe's and local hardware stores. Excellent for flat, suburban lawns under 2 acres.
Cons: Stamped decks warp if you strike hidden rocks. MTD-style CVT and basic hydrostatics are not rated for heavy ground-engagement towing.
Husqvarna-Heritage Garden Tractors
Price Range: $2,899 - $3,899
Pros: Feature heavy-duty fabricated decks (10-gauge steel) and robust Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 transmissions. Locking rear differentials provide traction on 15-degree slopes.
Cons: Heavier footprint can cause turf tearing on wet grass. Replacement fabricated deck assemblies cost upwards of $1,200 if severely damaged.
Expert Maintenance Protocols for MTD-Built Craftsman Tractors
If you own a 247-prefix Craftsman, follow this OEM-specific maintenance schedule to prevent premature chassis and deck failure:
- Spindle Greasing (Every 25 Hours): MTD-built decks often feature grease zerks on the spindle housings. Use a lithium-complex grease. Pump exactly two strokes per zerk; over-greasing will blow the internal seals and allow moisture into the bearings.
- Deck Belt Routing Verification: When replacing the primary drive belt on a 42-inch MTD deck, ensure the belt is routed on the inside of the idler pulley keepers. Routing it outside causes the belt to derail when the PTO clutch engages.
- Front Axle Pivot Lubrication: The MTD center-pivot front axle uses a large plastic bushing. Apply dry graphite lubricant here annually. Wet grease attracts clippings and grit, creating an abrasive paste that destroys the pivot bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Craftsman and Cub Cadet the same mower?
Both Craftsman (247-prefix) and Cub Cadet are manufactured by MTD Products. While they share identical chassis frames, engine options, and hydrostatic transmissions, they use different deck stampings, seat ergonomics, and steering column assemblies. You can often cross-reference MTD part numbers for internal mechanical components between the two brands.
Who honors the warranty on a Craftsman riding mower?
Warranties are honored through Stanley Black & Decker's authorized service network. Because SBD owns MTD, the supply chain for warranty replacement parts on 247-prefix models is highly integrated, generally resulting in faster turnaround times for transmission and engine replacements compared to legacy Sears-managed warranties.
