Top 10 Lawn Mower & Garden Equipment Manufacturers in the USA

The U.S. lawn and garden equipment market is one of the largest in the world, supported by a deep ecosystem of domestic manufacturers with centuries of combined engineering experience. Whether you are a homeowner looking for reliable lawn care tools, a landscaping professional building your equipment fleet, or an international buyer researching U.S. suppliers, knowing the major American manufacturers — their histories, specialties, and brand portfolios — helps you make a more informed decision. This guide profiles the top 10 lawn mower and garden equipment manufacturers in the United States, with practical information for buyers and industry professionals.

Top 10 Lawn Mower and Garden Equipment Manufacturers in the U.S. — Quick View

Note: Companies are listed alphabetically, not by rank.

Top 10 Lawn Mower and Garden Equipment Manufacturers — Detailed Profiles

1. John Deere

Overview

Founded in 1837 in Moline, Illinois, John Deere is the largest agricultural and turf equipment manufacturer in the world by revenue, employing over 80,000 people globally. In the lawn and garden segment, John Deere produces riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, lawn tractors, compact utility tractors, and a full line of attachments and accessories. The company operates one of the most extensive dealer networks in the industry — over 1,800 locations across North America — making parts and service accessible in virtually every U.S. market.

Key Strengths

• Largest dealer and service network in the industry
• Strong resale value compared to smaller brands
• Extensive product range from residential lawn tractors to commercial ZTRs

2. Husqvarna Group

Overview

Founded in 1689 in Huskvarna, Sweden, Husqvarna Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of outdoor power equipment by revenue, according to the company’s annual reports. While headquartered in Sweden, Husqvarna has major manufacturing and distribution operations in the U.S., serving the North American market through multiple brands. The Group’s main lawn and garden brands include Husqvarna (riding mowers, zero-turns, robotic mowers, chainsaws), Gardena (irrigation and garden tools), and Flymo (lightweight electric mowers popular in Europe). Products are sold in over 100 countries.

Key Strengths

• Broadest outdoor power equipment portfolio in the world
• Leader in robotic mower technology (Automower and CEORA platforms)
• Global distribution network spanning 100+ countries

3. MTD Products Inc.

Overview

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Valley City, Ohio, MTD Products is one of the world’s largest outdoor power equipment manufacturers, employing over 10,000 people. MTD’s brand portfolio spans residential and commercial segments: Cub Cadet (premium residential and light commercial lawn tractors and ZTRs), Troy-Bilt (value-focused residential mowers, tillers, and snow blowers), Robomow (robotic mowers), and Yard Machines (entry-level mowers). The company also manufactures private-label equipment for major retailers, making it a behind-the-scenes giant in the lawn care industry.

Key Strengths

• Massive manufacturing scale with competitive pricing
• Multi-brand strategy covering every price tier from entry-level to semi-professional
• Strong retail presence through Home Depot, Lowe’s, and independent dealers

4. Toro Company

Overview

Founded in 1914 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Toro Company is a global leader in turf maintenance and outdoor equipment with over 10,000 employees. Toro owns several of the most respected brands in the lawn care industry: Exmark (consistently rated the #1 commercial ZTR brand by professional landscapers in industry surveys, according to the company), Toro (residential and commercial mowers, irrigation systems), Spartan Mowers (zero-turn mowers with distinctive styling), and Lawn-Boy (entry-level residential mowers). Toro’s dual-brand strategy with Exmark means the company dominates both the premium commercial segment (Exmark) and the broad residential-to-commercial market (Toro).

Key Strengths

• Exmark + Toro combined dominance of the U.S. commercial ZTR market
• Turbo Force cutting deck technology — industry benchmark for cut quality
• Strong presence in golf, sports turf, and professional landscaping

5. Briggs & Stratton

Overview

Founded in 1908 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Briggs & Stratton is one of the world’s largest producers of small gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Beyond supplying engines to many other manufacturers, the company owns several lawn and garden equipment brands: Ferris (commercial ZTRs with patented independent suspension), Simplicity (premium residential lawn tractors and ZTRs), Snapper (residential mowers known for the iconic rear-engine rider), and Billy Goat (specialty outdoor cleanup equipment). Briggs & Stratton also produces standby generators, pressure washers, and lithium-ion battery systems.

Key Strengths

• World’s largest small engine manufacturer — engines used by dozens of equipment brands
• Ferris suspension technology is unique in the commercial ZTR market
• End-to-end manufacturing capability from engines to finished equipment

6. Scag Power Equipment

Overview

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Mayville, Wisconsin, Scag Power Equipment is one of the largest independent manufacturers of commercial mowing equipment in North America. Acquired by Metalcraft of Mayville in 1986, Scag focuses almost exclusively on commercial-grade zero-turn mowers and debris management equipment for professional landscapers. Scag mowers are built at the company’s Wisconsin facility and are particularly popular in the southeastern United States.

Key Strengths

• Velocity Plus cutting deck — engineered to maintain cut quality at high mowing speeds
• 3-year commercial warranty, one of the strongest in the industry
• Purpose-built for professional use — no residential-grade models dilute the brand

7. Echo Inc.

Overview

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, Echo Inc. is a leading manufacturer of professional-grade handheld outdoor power equipment. Echo’s product line includes chainsaws, leaf blowers, string trimmers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and edgers. The company also owns the Shindaiwa brand, which serves the professional landscaping market. While Echo does not manufacture ride-on lawn mowers, it is a dominant supplier of the handheld tools that complement mowing in any complete lawn care operation.

Key Strengths

• Professional-grade handheld equipment trusted by landscaping crews nationwide
• Strong dealer network with responsive parts and service
• Shindaiwa brand extends reach into the premium commercial handheld market

8. Stihl Inc. (USA)

Overview

Stihl Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG, the German-based company founded in 1926 that, according to the company, is the world’s best-selling chainsaw brand. Stihl’s U.S. operations were established in 1974 and are headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, employing over 2,100 people. Stihl manufactures chainsaws, string trimmers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and a growing line of battery-powered outdoor equipment. Stihl products are sold exclusively through a network of independent servicing dealers — not through big-box retailers — which ensures professional-level support and service.

Key Strengths

• The world’s #1 selling chainsaw brand
• Dealer-only distribution model ensures professional service and support
• Growing lineup of battery-powered equipment (Stihl AP System)

9. Excel Industries, Inc.

Overview

Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Hesston, Kansas, Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf Equipment, one of the most recognized brands in the zero-turn mower industry. Hustler was among the first companies to commercialize the zero-turn mower, launching its namesake Hustler model in 1964 — the same era when the ZTR category was born. The company has been innovating in this category ever since. Hustler mowers range from residential models (Raptor series) to heavy-duty commercial machines (Super Z). Excel also produces the BigDog Mower Co. line of value-focused ZTRs.

Key Strengths

• Pioneered the zero-turn mower category (1964 Hustler)
• Deep legacy and engineering expertise in ZTR technology
• Strong presence in North America and growing international distribution

10. Exmark Manufacturing

Overview

Founded in 1982 in Beatrice, Nebraska, Exmark Manufacturing was acquired by Toro Company in 1997 but continues to operate as an independent brand within the Toro portfolio. According to the company, Exmark is consistently rated the #1 commercial mower brand by professional landscapers in independent satisfaction surveys. The company focuses exclusively on professional-grade zero-turn, stand-on, and walk-behind mowers — it does not manufacture entry-level residential equipment. Exmark’s Lazer Z is one of the most widely used commercial zero-turn mowers in the United States.

Key Strengths

• The most popular commercial ZTR brand among professional landscapers
• UltraCut cutting deck delivers superior cut quality at high mowing speeds
• RED Technology platform for fleet management and on-board diagnostics

How to Evaluate a Lawn and Garden Equipment Manufacturer

1. Match the Manufacturer to Your Needs

Before choosing a supplier, define your requirements. Homeowners maintaining a half-acre lawn need very different equipment than a landscaping company servicing 50 properties per week. International buyers sourcing equipment for distribution should evaluate a manufacturer’s export experience, warranty coverage in your country, and parts availability. Ask whether the manufacturer sells through dealers (Toro, John Deere, Stihl), retailers (MTD, Husqvarna), or both — this affects where you can buy and how you receive service.

2. Consider the Brand Portfolio

Many of the largest manufacturers own multiple brands at different price and quality tiers. If you are evaluating a Cub Cadet mower, you are ultimately buying from MTD Products. If you are comparing Exmark vs. Toro, both are Toro Company products. Understanding parent company relationships helps you assess whether differences between brands represent genuine engineering differences or primarily marketing positioning.

3. Evaluate Dealer Support and Parts Availability

For professional users, dealer quality often matters more than brand prestige. A nearby dealer with a well-stocked parts department can save days of downtime during peak season. Brands with the largest U.S. dealer networks include John Deere (1,800+ locations), Toro/Exmark (5,000+ combined), and Husqvarna (1,000+ in North America). Before purchasing, confirm that the dealer carries common replacement parts (blades, belts, filters) in stock, not just “available for order.”

4. For International Buyers: Verify Export Capability

Not all U.S. manufacturers sell directly to international buyers — many operate exclusively through regional distributors. If you are sourcing from outside the United States, confirm whether the manufacturer offers direct export, what warranty terms apply internationally, and whether CE, UKCA, or other regional certifications are available. For buyers seeking OEM/ODM manufacturing partnerships with Chinese robotic lawn mower factories, a different set of criteria applies — see the related guides below for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the largest lawn mower manufacturer in the United States?

John Deere is the largest by revenue and market share in the riding mower and commercial ZTR segments. MTD Products is the largest by unit volume in the residential segment, manufacturing millions of walk-behind and riding mowers annually under its own brands and through private-label agreements with major retailers. Toro Company (including Exmark) is the largest in the professional landscaping segment.

2. What is the difference between a residential and a commercial lawn mower?

Commercial mowers are built with heavier-duty components designed for daily, all-day use: fabricated (welded) steel decks instead of stamped decks, larger displacement engines with longer service intervals, serviceable hydraulic transmissions, and reinforced frames. Residential mowers use lighter materials and are designed for 1-2 hours of use per week during the growing season. Commercial mowers typically cost 2-4x more than comparable residential models but last significantly longer under heavy use.

3. Are U.S.-made lawn mowers better than imported ones?

U.S. manufacturers dominate the riding mower and zero-turn segments globally, with brands like John Deere, Toro, Exmark, and Scag setting the standard for quality and innovation. For walk-behind mowers and handheld equipment (chainsaws, trimmers), Japanese and European brands (Honda, Stihl, Husqvarna) are strong competitors. In the robotic mower segment, European and Chinese manufacturers lead in volume and technological adoption.

4. What should I look for when buying from a manufacturer for my business?

Key factors to evaluate: warranty terms and what they actually cover (some exclude commercial use on “prosumer” models), dealer proximity and parts availability, total cost of ownership (fuel, maintenance, depreciation — not just purchase price), and whether the manufacturer has a history of discontinuing models and parts support. Test at least 2-3 comparable models from different manufacturers on your actual properties before committing to a fleet purchase.

5. How is the lawn mower industry changing?

Three major trends are reshaping the industry: the shift toward battery-electric equipment (mowers, trimmers, blowers), the rapid growth of robotic mowers for both residential and commercial applications, and the consolidation of brands under large parent companies. For buyers, these trends mean more choices but also more complexity in evaluating long-term support and parts availability. For a detailed look at the robotic mower segment — including how traditional brands compare to emerging Chinese manufacturers — see our related guides below.

Related Guides from Altverse

• Top 10 China Robot Lawn Mower Manufacturers & Suppliers — Compare Chinese robotic mower manufacturers by technology and OEM capability
• Top 10 Zero Turn Lawn Mower Manufacturers & Suppliers — Detailed profiles, pricing, and specifications for ZTR brands
• Top 10 Commercial Lawn Mower Brands — Compare commercial mower brands by specs, pricing, and reliability
• Complete Guide to Robot Lawn Mower OEM/ODM in China — How to customize and source your own robotic lawn mower brand