Who Makes Grasshopper Lawn Mowers? Full Brand Guide

Who Makes Grasshopper Lawn Mowers? The Complete Brand & Manufacturer Guide

Grasshopper lawn mowers are made by The Grasshopper Company, a privately held American manufacturer headquartered in Moundridge, Kansas. Understanding who builds these machines — and how the company has evolved — helps buyers evaluate long-term parts availability, dealer support, and resale value before committing to a purchase.

🟩 Expert Summary

• The Grasshopper Company has manufactured zero-turn and out-front mowers in Moundridge, Kansas since 1969.
• Grasshopper is an independent, family-founded American brand — not a subsidiary of Husqvarna, Deere, or any conglomerate.
• The company produces commercial-grade zero-turn mowers sold exclusively through a dealer network, not big-box retailers.
• Grazer lawn mowers were a separate line produced under contract; many were built using Grasshopper platforms or components in the same regional manufacturing ecosystem.
• Grasshopper mowers use engines sourced from Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton (Vanguard), and Kohler — not proprietary powerplants.

Step1: Understand Who Actually Makes Grasshopper Lawn Mowers

The Grasshopper Company is the sole manufacturer of Grasshopper-branded mowers. There is no parent conglomerate, no offshore outsourcing of core assembly, and no badge-engineering arrangement with another brand.

The company was founded in 1969 by theIves family in Moundridge, Kansas. It remains privately held and Kansas-based, which is unusual in an industry where most brands have been absorbed by large holding companies.

Why This Matters for Buyers

An independent manufacturer controls its own quality standards, parts continuity, and dealer relationships. With Grasshopper, you are not buying a rebranded product from a rotating supply chain.

This independence also means parts are sourced through authorized dealers rather than a national retail network — something to factor into your long-term service plan.

Step 2: Learn the Company’s Manufacturing History

Grasshopper’s history spans over 55 years of continuous American production. That’s a longer independent run than most commercial mower brands.

The out-front mower design — where the cutting deck sits ahead of the front wheels — was pionered by Grasshopper, not copied from competitors. This design gives better visibility under obstacles and is still their signature engineering choice.

Manufacturing Location

All primary assembly occurs at the Moundridge, Kansas facility. The company employs local workers and maintains a relatively small, focused production operation compared to mass-market brands.

This is not a high-volume commodity manufacturer. Grasshopper builds to commercial spec in lower quantities than brands like Husqvarna or Deere, which contributes to their higher per-unit price point.

Step 3: Identify the Engine Suppliers Grasshopper Uses

Grasshopper does not manufacture its own engines. Like virtually every mower brand, they source powerplants from established third-party engine suppliers.

Current and recent engine sources include:

• Kawasaki – Most common in gas-powered models; known for reliability and wide service availability
• Briggs & Stratton Vanguard – Used in several mid-range commercial models
• Kohler Command Pro / EFI – Used in select models, including EFI variants for better fuel efficiency
• Kubota diesel – Powers the heavy-duty 900D series diesel models

This matters for long-term ownership because engine parts are serviced independently of Grasshopper’s own parts network. A Kawasaki engine on a Grasshopper can be serviced at any Kawasaki-authorized shop.

Engine Selection Guide by Use Case

Step 4: Clarify Who Made Grazer Lawn Mowers

Grazer lawn mowers were a separate product line, not the same as Grasshopper — though the two brands share regional roots and some platform overlap in the commercial mower space.

Grazer was produced primarily for the commercial and municipal market and was distributed through overlapping dealer channels in the Midwest. The brand is no longer in active production under its original identity.

Key Differences: Grasshopper vs. Grazer

If you are researching who made Grazer lawn mowers because you own one and need parts, your best path is contacting regional dealers who carried both brands, or sourcing through commercial mower parts aggregators like Jack’s Small Engines or Messicks.

Step 5: Evaluate Grasshopper’s Software & Firmware Support History

This step is critical for buyers of newer EFI (electronic fuel injection) models. Grasshopper’s EFI models use engine management systems tied to Kohler or Kawasaki EFI platforms.

Unlike consumer electronics, mower firmware is not frequently updated. However, EFI diagnostic capabilities matter when troubleshooting:

• Kohler EFI models can be diagnosed with the Kohler Command Pro EFI diagnostic software, available through dealers.
• Kawasaki EFI models require Kawasaki dealer diagnostic tools.
• Grasshopper itself does not publish independent firmware or software updates — the burden falls on engine manufacturers.

What This Means After 18 Months

After18 months of use, software support concerns are minor for most users. The real concern is dealer proximity and parts lead time, not firmware.

If your nearest authorized Grasshopper dealer is more than 60 miles away, factor in service logistics before buying.

Step 6: Calculate the True Annual Cost of Ownership

Grasshopper mowers cost more upfront but are enginered for lower long-term cost per hour of operation. This is the core value proposition — and it holds up, but only under specific conditions.

Upfront Cost Range(2026)

Annual Ownership Cost Breakdown (Estimated,700Series)

For a commercial operator mowing 500–1,000 hours per year, this translates to roughly $0.75–$1.70 per operating hour in maintenance costs — competitive with comparable Scag and Feris models.

Step 7: Assess18-Month Durability — What Actually Wears Out

After 18 months of regular use, specific components show predictable wear patterns. Knowing these in advance helps you budget and inspect proactively.

Common18-Month Wear Points on Grasshopper Mowers

• Deck spindle bearings — High-impact component; inspect at every 200-hour service interval
• Drive belts — Typically last 300–500 hours; replace proactively, not reactively
• Caster wheel bearings — Often overlooked; worn bearings affect cut quality and tracking
• Hydraulic filter — Replace annually or at 200 hours, whichever comes first
• Seat foam and armrests — Cosmetic but affects operator fatigue over long shifts
• Fuel filter (gas models) — Annual replacement regardless of condition

⚠️ Pro Tip: The Spindle Test

At the18-month mark, grab each spindle housing and check for vertical play. Any detectable woble means the bearing is on its way out. Replacing a bearing early costs ~$40. Waiting until it fails can destroy the spindle housing, turning a $40 fix into a $300+ repair.

Step 8: Determine If Grasshopper Is Still the Best Choice at Its Price Point

For first-time buyers in 2026: Grasshopper remains a strong choice at its price point for commercial and semi-commercial users, but it is not the automatic best pick for every buyer.

Grasshopper vs. Key Competitors (2026)

Who should buy Grasshopper in 2026:

• Buyers mowing around trees, fences, and obstacles (out-front deck is a genuine advantage)
• Commercial operators who prioritize cut quality and U.S. manufacturing
• Buyers within 30–45 minutes of an authorized Grasshopper dealer

Who should look elsewhere:

• Budget-conscious buyers who can accept step down in build quality
• Buyers in areas with poor dealer coverage
• Buyers who primarily mow open, flat fields (mid-mount mowers like Scag may be more efficient)

Step 9: Choose the Best Replacement If Your Grasshopper Is Approaching Failure

For current Grasshopper owners whose machines are approaching end of life, the best replacement depends on what you valued most about your Grasshopper.

Replacement Path Decision Tree

If you want to stay with the out-front design:
→ Grasshopper 700 series or 900D — the most direct replacement, with familiar controls and dealer relationship already established.

If you want to upgrade comfort on long mowing days:
→ Feris IS700Z or IS 3200Z — suspension system significantly reduces operator fatigue versus Grasshopper’s traditional frame.

If you want maximum commercial durability and parts availability:
→ Scag Turf Tiger II or Scag Freedom Z — industry benchmark for flat-terrain commercial mowing; extensive dealer network.

If budget is the primary driver after your Grasshopper’s failure:
→ Husqvarna MZ61 or Cub Cadet Pro Z — meaningful step down in build quality but significantly lower upfront cost with broader service access.

Replacement Comparison Table

Pro Tips for Grasshopper Mower Buyers and Owners

• Buy from a stocking dealer, not a transfer dealer. A dealer who carries Grasshopper parts on the shelf will get you back to work faster after a breakdown.
• Register your machine immediately after purchase to establish your warranty start date and ensure recall notifications reach you.
• Request the full service manual from your dealer at purchase — Grasshopper dealers can often provide this, and it’s invaluable for owner-performed maintenance.
• Track your hours religiously. Grasshopper’s service intervals are hour-based, not calendar-based. A $10 hour meter saves you from guessing.
• Store with a stabilized fuel tank or empty tank if the machine will sit more than 30 days. Ethanol-blended fuel degrades fast and causes carburetor issues on gas models.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming big-box availability. Grasshopper is not sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply. If you see a Grasshopper at a non-dealer retailer, verify authenticity and warranty coverage.
• Skipping deck leveling at setup. An unlevel deck causes uneven cut and accelerates blade and spindle wear. Spend 20 minutes getting it right at first use.
• Using wrong hydraulic fluid. Grasshopper specifies fluid type for their drive systems. Using a generic substitute can void the drive system warranty and damage pumps.
• Confusing Grasshopper withzer when ordering parts. The model numbers look similar in some catalogs. Always confirm by chassis serial number, not model name alone.
• Delaying belt replacement. A snapped belt mid-job costs you a customer or a day of work. If a belt is cracked or fraying, replace it during scheduled maintenance, not after it fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns The Grasshopper Company?

The Grasshopper Company remains privately held and is not owned by Husqvarna, Deere, or any public conglomerate. It was founded by the Ives family in Moundridge, Kansas in 1969 and has maintained independent ownership throughout its history.

Are Grasshopper mowers still made in the USA?

Yes. Grasshopper mowers are assembled at their Moundridge, Kansas facility. Engines are sourced from Kawasaki, Kohler, and Kubota — which are not U.S.-manufactured — but the core assembly and fabrication remain domestic.

Who made Grazer lawn mowers?

Grazer mowers were produced by a separate manufacturer from Grasshopper, though both brands overlapped in the commercial mower market in the Midwest. Grazer is no longer in active production. Parts sourcing for Grazer machines requires aftermarket suppliers or regional dealers familiar with the line.

How long do Grasshopper mowers typically last?

A well-maintained Grasshopper commercial mower can last 3,000–5,000+ operating hours, which translates to 15–25 years for a homeowner or 8–12 years for a commercial operator running 400+ hours per year. Engine replacement or rebuild is typically the limiting factor, not frame or deck failure.

Where can I buy a Grasshopper mower?

Grasshopper mowers are sold exclusively through an authorized dealer network. Use the dealer locator at grasshoppermower.com to find your nearest stocking dealer. Avoid purchasing through unauthorized online marketplaces, as warranty coverage may be void.

Conclusion

The Grasshopper Company is a privately held, American-made manufacturer with over 55 years of continuous production in Moundridge, Kansas. They pionered the out-front zero-turn design, source engines from Kawasaki, Kohler, and Kubota, and distribute exclusively through a dealer network.

For first-time buyers in 2026, Grasshopper earns its price for commercial operators who need out-front visibility and U.S.-made build quality — provided a qualified dealer is nearby. For owners whose machines are failing, the choice is straightforward: stay with Grasshopper for continuity, switch to Scag for pure commercial durability, or step to Ferris if operator comfort is the priority.

Ready to buy or replace? Use the Grasshopper dealer locator, confirm parts stocking levels before committing, and request a demo cut on terrain similar to your own.