Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Sharaj
John Deere manufactures lawn maintenance equipment, forestry machines, and many other tools widely used in construction and agriculture. But, some of these appliances use a diesel engine made by a different brand.
The motor might look like a Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki or Yanmar, but the logo says – John Deere. Do you think that the brand outsources all the engines from other manufacturers?
Let’s change the question, who makes John Deere lawn mower engines? Deere & Company manufactures engines for its machines, especially for commercial grade tractors.
However, the brand also has a habit of outsourcing from brands like Kohler, B&S, Yanmar and Kawasaki. So, John Deere produces its engines, but the brand also outposts.
About John Deere engines
Founded in 1837, John Deere started manufacturing diesel engines in 1949. The brand has made more than 5 million engines till now. All these engines are innovative, durable and can be serviced across 4000+ centres across the world.
John Deere engines made at multiple manufacturing sites in the USA, India, Argentina, Mexico and France. The brand makes some of the best heavy machines and power tools. Its engines are powerful, efficient, and performance-oriented. John Deere’s company logo comprising a deer and taglines – Nothing runs like a Deere!
Who else makes John Deere lawn mower engines?
As we discussed earlier, John Deere is one of the oldest and reputable diesel engines manufacturers. The brand makes engines for its commercial-grade tractors. But, John Deere small scale tractors and mowers come with engines produced by other brands.
John Deere outsources its engines from 4 brands, including Yanmar, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler and Kawasaki. Yanmar deserves a special mention because it has assisted John Deere for around 30 years now. Most of the compact and sub-compact tractors by John Deere use Yanmar engines. Not only the engine, but Yanmar has also manufactured entire tractors for John Deere.
Things are somewhat different now because John Deere tractors draw power from their own engine. But, Yanmar was extensively supplying engines to John Deere in the past. You will find a Yanmar engine on several compact tractors produced by John Deere. The brand also uses machines made by Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki.
None of these two companies is partners with John Deere. But, both of them manufactures engines according to the standards set by John Deere.
What is the cache?
Lots of users believe that John Deere is compromising with the built quality of its machines. They think that other brands’ engines might not be as efficient and durable as John Deere drivers. So, instead of worrying about the engine, lawn owners prefer to invest in an affordable machine. It’s fitting because John Deere asks for a premium price, but the brand is not selling its in-house engines.
The brand is just adding its name and selling the machine at high prices. So, some users have confidence that it is making more money by using cheap parts from other manufacturers.
John Deere adds certain modifications to the engine manufactured by Briggs & Stratton or Yanmar. So, you cannot replace the engine with any other standard ones. In other words, you can purchase replacement parts only from John Deere, which will again add to the operational cost of lawn or agricultural tractor.
John Deere has made agreements with all its engine manufacturers. The bond states that none of the users can buy any replacement parts directly from the original equipment manufacturer. So, you have only one option – purchase John Deere lawn mower replacement engines from the brand itself and keep paying the high prices lifelong.
Want to know the worst part?
You cannot claim anything in such a situation because John Deere is not crossing the wires here. The brand is offering high-quality engines built explicitly according to the current requirements.
Plus, John Deere is not hiding the outsourcing process from anyone. We agree that the US-based brand uses Yanmar and B & S engines in its machines. However, John Deere clearly states about it in the description.
Things are different when we talk about John Deere commercial machines because the brand itself manufactures them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MTD make John Deere mowers?
MTD used to manufacture some of the lower-end John Deere tractors.
Are John Deere tractors made in the USA?
John Deere lawn tractor engines are manufacture in Horicon, Wisconsin. Its agricultural tractors are crafted in Waterloo, Iowa. Talking about the utility tractors, they are made in Grovetown, Georgia. The brand also has a manufacturing site in Pune, India.
Which is better, John Deere or Husqvarna?
John Deere machines more reliable and durable when compared to Husqvarna. Hence, the maintenance and repair cost is lower when you have a power tool manufactured by the former. However, the initial price of John Deere tools is high. On the other hand, Husqvarna makes some of the most powerful machines, but their maintenance cost is higher.
Which is better, John Deere or Cub Cadet?
John Deere wins the comparison because of its reliable and performance-oriented machines. If you are using a dedicated tool, then the working experience and outcome will be better. However, John Deere tools are expensive when compared to Cub Cadet.
Final Talk
John Deere manufactures multiple products that are helpful in lawn maintenance, agriculture, forestry and much more. The brand has set high standards by providing efficient and durable engines.
However, only the commercial John Deere riding mower engines are built by the brand itself. Apart from that, B & S, Yanmar, Kohler, and Kawasaki are the other companies that make diesel engines for John Deere.
