An Overview Of Yard Machines Lawn Products

If there’s anything more challenging than lawn care, it’s picking up the right equipment for the purpose!

Naturally, you’d want nothing short of the best to keep your lawn in the best shape. But the plethora of options doesn’t make the job any easier. Even before you can choose from the range of products of a said brand, you have the difficult job of choosing the right brand.

During my years of lawn care, I have come across several brands that manufacture the most cost-effective tools and equipment. And today, I’ll be introducing you to one such name. Hi! I’m Stacy, and today, I bring you an overview of Yard Machines lawn products, complete with the brand history and product line. 

Let’s start!

Overview Of Yard Machines Lawn Products

A Brief History Of Yard Machines

Yard Machines is a regional brand owned by MTD, an American manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. It dates back to around 1932, when three German entrepreneurs Theo Mall, Emil Jacchum, and Erwin Gerhard formed a partnership to acquire the assets of the Modern Tool and Die Company.

MTD started as a tool and die maker (hence the name) but wasn’t into manufacturing gardening and lawn care equipment from the get-go. It initiated operation by manufacturing Egry registers in 1935, and a year later, in 1936, it manufactured its first automotive stamping products, i.e., grilles for the Graham Paige automobile company.

Around 1945, Theo Mall acquired the land that would become the company’s corporate office. And in 1952, MTD purchased the controlling interest in Midwest Industries and started manufacturing kiddie cars, pedal bikes, velocipedes, and playground equipment. Two years later, in 1954, the company set foot in the garden equipment industry by introducing its line of wheelbarrows. 

However, MTD announced its proper arrival into the lawn care industry by manufacturing an 18-inch power rotary motor. This formed the basis of the company’s subsequent manufacturing of self-propelled lawn mowers and garden tractors.

Acquisitions Over The Years

The company’s journey has been marked by its successful acquisition projects over the years, the first of which came in 1962, when MTD acquired the Canada-based Sehl Engineering Ltd. It became MTD Products Ltd. and MTD Canada in the later years. 

Expanding its product line, the company purchased the Cleveland-based Industrial Plastic Company to manufacture bicycles for the US market. A few years later, it launched a line of chopper bicycles (MTD SS5) and merged with the Colombia brand. But MTD cycles couldn’t maintain the market hold and faded away sometime later.

Apart from producing garden tools, the company started manufacturing snow throwers and purchased the brand name “YardMan” from Montgomery Ward. In 1981, MTD acquired the Cub Cadet product line from the agriculture company International Harvester and the White Outdoor Products Company from the White Motor Company.

With the company’s operation in its Tennessee plant in 1985, MTD acquired Arnold Corporation. A few years later, a joint venture with Lesco created the line of commercial turf products.

One of MTD’s key acquisitions was procuring the North American outdoor product business of Ryobi Ltd. This gave it the required capacity to manufacture around 1.5 million engines and many hand-held garden tools. Another significant take over was the acquisition of the Garden Way company, including brands like Troy-Bilt and Bolens.

Like any other native brand, MTD strived for success in international markets. That’s why it began producing lawn equipment as Massey Ferguson for catering to European markets. Then, there was the purchase of the Brisbane-based (Australia) Rover Mowers.

At the same time, it focused on creating products to keep up with crucial competitor brands like Toro. For this, MTD indulged in the manufacturing of low-end lawn and garden tractors.

Among its most recent takeovers is the acquisition of Advanced Turf Technology in 2016 and Robomow or “Friendly Robotics” in 2017.

What Product Does The Brand Manufacture?

When it comes to the product range, the brand’s diversity is beyond impressive. Starting with lawn care equipment, you will find everything from riding to walk-behind lawn mowers to hedge trimmers, string trimmers, and edgers. Moreover, many of them are available in electric or cordless versions to suit varied user requirements.

I love how the brand includes other utility tools like blowers and chipper shredder vacuums. Not only that, but it also has a variety of different power tools like chainsaws and log splitters. And if you’re a tech-lover, don’t forget to check out the line of Robomow robotic lawn mowers. 

MTD has a diverse collection of equipment parts and accessories like belts, blades, spark plugs, filters, tires, wheels, lubricators, engine parts, and a lot more.

Is Its Quality Worth The Price?

Although Yard Machines isn't a popular name like some of its competitors, the quality of its products makes it worth considering. In fact, many users have praised this brand for the longevity and durability of its equipment, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on power. Long story short, I won’t mind spending my money because of the quality on offer.

I like how the official website has a “shop by machine type” drop-down list, where you can search for parts according to the particular equipment. You can also search for products by entering the exact model name. 

Design-wise, most products have an all-black or black and red color scheme and are made for storage in compact spaces. As a US-based brand, all of Yard Machines’ products are made in the country, with its headquarters in Valley City, Ohio.

Final Words