Is Gravely owned by Toro?

Gravely and Toro are two well-known brands in the lawn and garden equipment industry. Both companies have a long history of providing high-quality and reliable products to their customers. However, there has been some confusion and speculation about the ownership of Gravely and whether it is owned by Toro. In this article, we will take a closer look at the relationship between these two brands and determine if Gravely is indeed owned by Toro.

History of Gravely and Toro

Gravely was founded in 1916 by Benjamin Franklin Gravely in Dunbar, West Virginia. The company started as a manufacturer of two-wheeled tractors and gradually expanded its product line to include commercial and residential lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, and other outdoor power equipment. Gravely has built a reputation for producing durable and high-performance equipment that can withstand the toughest jobs.

On the other hand, Toro was founded in 1914 by John Samuel Clapper in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company initially produced engines for the Bull Tractor Company and later expanded to produce engines for the newly emerging lawn mower industry. In the 1920s, Toro introduced its first walk-behind lawn mower, and since then, the company has become a leader in the lawn and garden equipment market. Today, Toro offers a wide range of products, including mowers, snow blowers, and irrigation systems.

Acquisition by Ariens Company

In 1982, Gravely was acquired by the Ariens Company, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. This acquisition allowed Gravely to expand its product line and distribution network, making it a stronger competitor in the market. However, in 1989, Toro acquired the Ariens Company, including the Gravely brand. This move surprised many in the industry, as Toro and Gravely were seen as direct competitors.

Despite the acquisition, Toro allowed Gravely to continue operating as a separate brand, maintaining its own product line and distribution channels. This decision was made to avoid any confusion among customers and to preserve the reputation and identity of the Gravely brand. Since then, Gravely has continued to operate under the ownership of Toro and has seen significant growth and success.

Current Relationship between Gravely and Toro

Today, Gravely and Toro are both owned by the Toro Company, but they operate as separate brands with their own product lines and distribution channels. This means that while they are both under the same ownership, they are still competitors in the market. This arrangement has allowed both brands to maintain their unique identities and cater to different segments of the market.

Gravely continues to focus on producing heavy-duty and commercial-grade equipment, while Toro offers a wider range of products for both residential and commercial use. Both brands have a loyal customer base and are known for their high-quality and reliable products. The ownership by Toro has also allowed Gravely to benefit from the resources and expertise of a larger company, leading to further innovation and growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gravely is currently owned by the Toro Company, but it operates as a separate brand with its own product line and distribution channels. The acquisition by Toro has allowed Gravely to expand its reach and continue to provide high-quality equipment to its customers. Despite being under the same ownership, Gravely and Toro remain competitors in the market, each catering to different segments of the lawn and garden equipment industry.