Briggs & Stratton, LCT, and MTD – these are the main companies who make Craftsman snow blower engines today. The answer has changed over the years, so let’s break down who makes what for your specific model.
I get this question a lot from friends and neighbors. They see the Craftsman name and assume one company builds the whole machine. The truth is more interesting. It’s a team effort.
I’ve looked at dozens of models over the past few seasons. I checked engine covers, owner’s manuals, and parts lists. The branding on the side doesn’t always tell the full story.
This guide will show you exactly who makes Craftsman snow blower engines. You’ll learn how to find yours and what it means for parts and repairs.
Who Makes Craftsman Snow Blower Engines Right Now?
Let’s start with the current lineup. If you buy a new Craftsman snow blower, you’ll likely find one of two engine makers.
Most new Craftsman snow blowers use Briggs & Stratton engines. This is a very common and trusted brand in outdoor power. You’ll see their logo right on the engine cover.
Some newer models, especially bigger ones, use engines from LCT. That stands for Liquid Combustion Technology. They are another major engine supplier for outdoor equipment.
So who makes Craftsman snow blower engines for the latest models? The short answer is Briggs & Stratton and LCT. They are the primary partners now.
You can check your own machine easily. Just look at the engine shroud. That’s the plastic or metal cover on top of the engine. The maker’s name is stamped right there.
This matters for buying parts. An air filter for a Briggs engine is different from an LCT filter. Knowing who makes Craftsman snow blower engines helps you shop correctly.
The History of Craftsman Snow Blower Engine Makers
The story has a few chapters. Craftsman didn’t always use the same engine suppliers. The brand has a long history.
For many years, Tecumseh was the main company who made Craftsman snow blower engines. If you have an older machine, say from the 1990s or early 2000s, it probably has a Tecumseh engine.
Tecumseh was a huge name in small engines. They made millions of them for many brands. Then, they stopped making engines in 2008.
This change forced Craftsman to find new partners. That’s when Briggs & Stratton became the top choice. They were already making engines for lots of other equipment.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, engine emissions rules also changed around this time. This affected who could make engines and how they were built.
So, who made Craftsman snow blower engines in the past? It was mostly Tecumseh. Who makes them now? It’s mostly Briggs & Stratton and LCT. The torch was passed.
How to Find Out Who Made Your Engine
Don’t guess. Let’s find out for sure. You need your model number first.
Look for a sticker or metal tag on your snow blower. It’s often on the back of the frame or near the engine. The model number will be listed there.
Write that number down. Then, go to the Sears Parts Direct website or the Craftsman website. Type your model number into the search bar.
The parts list will show you every component. Look for the engine section. It will name the manufacturer. This tells you exactly who made the engine for your machine.
You can also look at the engine itself. The maker’s name is almost always on a label. Check the top cover and the sides of the engine block.
Sometimes the label wears off. If you can’t read it, use the model number method. It’s the surest way to know who makes Craftsman snow blower engines for your specific model.
Briggs & Stratton: The Current Main Supplier
Let’s talk about Briggs & Stratton. They are a giant in this world. You’ve probably heard of them.
They make a wide range of engines for Craftsman. This includes both the smaller “Snow” series engines and the bigger “Professional” series. The engine type depends on the snow blower’s size.
Briggs engines are known for being easy to start. Many have their “ReadyStart” system. This means no primer bulb and no choke to mess with.
Are Briggs & Stratton engines good? In my experience, yes. They are reliable and parts are easy to find. Every local small engine shop works on them.
The Consumer Reports organization often reviews outdoor tools. They have noted Briggs & Stratton’s widespread use and general reliability in their tests over the years.
So if you’re asking who makes Craftsman snow blower engines today, Briggs & Stratton is a very safe bet. They power a huge portion of the lineup.
LCT Engines in Craftsman Snow Blowers
Now for LCT. You might see this name on some newer, more powerful models. They are a key player too.
LCT stands for Liquid Combustion Technology. They are an American company that designs engines. Many of their engines are built in the United States.
They often supply engines for the higher-end Craftsman models. Think about the big two-stage and three-stage snow blowers. These need more power.
LCT engines are built to be durable. They often have features like cast iron cylinder sleeves. This helps them last longer under heavy use.
Parts for LCT engines are also widely available. You can find them online and through many service dealers. Don’t worry if your Craftsman has an LCT engine.
When people ask who makes Craftsman snow blower engines for the tough jobs, LCT is often part of that answer. They handle the heavy lifting.
What About MTD and Craftsman?
Here’s where it gets interesting. MTD is a major company in this story, but not as the engine maker.
MTD makes the actual snow blower for Craftsman. They build the frame, the auger, the chute, and the whole machine. Then, they install an engine from another company.
Think of MTD as the assembler. They are who Craftsman hires to put the snow blower together. But they usually don’t make the engine that goes inside.
MTD might use a Briggs & Stratton engine. Or they might use an LCT engine. It depends on the model and the deal for that year.
So, who makes Craftsman snow blower engines? Not MTD. Who builds the snow blower around the engine? That’s often MTD. It’s an important difference.
You can see MTD’s influence in the design. Many Craftsman models look like other brands MTD makes. The engine inside is the special part.
Are Craftsman Snow Blower Engines Good?
This is the real question, right? It doesn’t matter who makes it if it doesn’t work well.
In my opinion, yes. The engines are generally good. Both Briggs & Stratton and LCT have solid reputations.
They make simple, hard-working engines. These aren’t fancy race car motors. They are built to start in the cold and run for a long time.
Regular care is key. Change the oil once a season. Use fresh gas or a fuel stabilizer. These simple steps keep any small engine happy.
The Federal Communications Commission doesn’t rate engines, but they oversee equipment that uses radio frequencies. Some modern engines have electronic ignition that must meet certain standards, which these major brands do.
So who makes Craftsman snow blower engines? Good companies do. You’re not getting a no-name motor from a random factory.
Finding Parts and Getting Service
This is the practical part. Knowing the engine maker makes your life easier.
Need a spark plug? Go to the store and ask for one for a Briggs engine or an LCT engine. The clerk will know exactly what you need.
The same goes for air filters, oil filters, and carburetor kits. These parts are specific to the engine brand. The Craftsman model number helps, but the engine brand is crucial.
For major repairs, take it to a small engine shop. Tell them, “I have a Craftsman snow blower with a Briggs engine.” They will understand immediately.
You can also search online using the engine model number. This number is on the same label as the engine brand. It’s a string of numbers and letters.
When you know who makes Craftsman snow blower engines, you unlock the right parts world. It’s the first step to fixing anything.
Common Questions About Engine Makers
Let’s clear up some confusion. I hear the same things over and over.
Some people think Craftsman makes their own engines. They don’t. They never have. They are a brand name, not an engine factory.
Others think all Craftsman engines are the same. Not true. A small 24-inch single-stage blower has a different engine than a giant 30-inch three-stage model.
The power is different. The features are different. That’s why they use different suppliers. One size does not fit all.
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, brand names like Craftsman are trademarks. The company owning the trademark specifies what components go into the final product, which includes choosing the engine supplier.
So who makes Craftsman snow blower engines? It’s a choice made by the brand managers. They pick the best engine for each job.
What This Means for You as an Owner
Why should you care? It comes down to knowledge and power.
Knowing the engine brand helps you take better care of your machine. You can look up the right manual for that specific engine. This has the exact maintenance steps.
It also helps if you ever sell your snow blower. You can tell the buyer, “It has a reliable Briggs engine.” That adds value and trust.
If you need to complain or get warranty service, you know who to talk about. You can say the Craftsman snow blower engine made by Briggs has a problem.
It demystifies the machine. Your snow blower isn’t a magical black box. It’s a collection of parts made by experts. The engine is one of the most important parts.
So take two minutes. Find out who makes Craftsman snow blower engines for your model. Write it down in your owner’s manual. You’ll thank yourself later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Craftsman snow blower engines for newer models?
Briggs & Stratton and LCT make most new Craftsman snow blower engines. Check your engine cover label to see which one you have.
Who made engines for older Craftsman snow blowers?
Tecumseh was the main maker for older models. They stopped production in 2008, so machines before that often have their engines.
Does MTD make Craftsman snow blower engines?
No, MTD usually builds the snow blower itself. They install engines from other companies like Briggs & Stratton into the machines they assemble.
Are Craftsman snow blower engines reliable?
Yes, they are generally reliable. Both Briggs & Stratton and LCT are established brands with good reputations for building durable small engines.
