The first three digits of the model number on a Craftsman Lawn Tractor is a manufacturer's code that tells you who made the product. Sears does not manufacture its own lawn tractors. The lawn tractors are outsourced to many different manufacturers, some in the USA and some in foreign countries.
YOu can go to the follwing website to see reviews on the craftsman lawn mowers and which one sare good http://community.craftsman.com/Walk-Behind-Lawn-Mowers
Most blade bolts on lawn mowers are reverse threaded. The bolts on the Craftsman brand lawn mower are also reversed.
I'm not positive, but I think it is Craftsman.
Murray?
Ariens
MTD
the tractors are mtd, push mowers not sure
Who made Tempo riding mowers
MTD
they were bought out by Briggs
MTD
MTD