Great Dane Mower History
I'm particularly smitten with the Great Dane mowers, especially the super surfer model. It zips around my yard like a ninja on roller skates (well, almost).
A lot has changed with Great Dane mowers over the years, and I find their history fascinating. I think you might, too.
Great Dane went out of business years ago. The history of Great Dane mowers dates back to the mid-20th century. Here's a brief overview of their history:
FYI: Some LRFIX calculators and charts also work with vintage lawn mower builds, like the 2-cycle oil mix calculator and our bolt size chart.
Early Years
The Great Dane brand was founded in 1969 by Dane Scag, who started the Scag Power Equipment company with the goal of producing high-quality commercial lawn mowers.
Great Dane initially gained recognition for its innovative design and high-performance mowers.
Zero-Turn Mower
Great Dane played a significant role in popularizing zero-turn mowers, which are known for their maneuverability and efficiency in cutting grass.
The company introduced some of the earliest zero-turn models in the industry, which helped establish the brand as a leader in the commercial lawn care market.
Innovation and Expansion
Over the years, Great Dane continued to innovate and improve its mower designs.
The brand focused on developing mowers that were not only efficient but also durable and user-friendly.
As a result, they gained a reputation for producing reliable equipment that could handle the demands of professional landscapers.
Acquisitions and Changes
In 2000, Great Dane was acquired by John Deere, a well-known manufacturer of agricultural machinery.
This acquisition helped Great Dane expand its market presence and benefit from John Deere's resources and distribution network.
Modern Times
Great Dane continued to refine its mower designs and technologies to meet the evolving needs of lawn care professionals and homeowners.
They offered a range of mowers, including stand-on mowers, walk-behind mowers, and zero-turn mowers, catering to various segments of the lawn care market.
Many Great Dane mowers designed by Dane Scag are still in use today.
Can You Still Get Parts?
If you're looking for parts for your Great Dane mower, I recommend the following steps:
- Contact Dealerships: Reach out to authorized John Deere dealerships in your area. They might be able to assist you in finding the parts you need or suggest alternatives that are compatible with your Great Dane mower.
- Online Retailers: Check online platforms specializing in lawn mower parts and accessories. Make sure to provide detailed information about your mower's model and the specific part you need to ensure compatibility.
- Aftermarket Parts: Explore aftermarket parts manufacturers that produce replacement parts for a wide range of mower brands. These parts might be compatible with Great Dane mowers.
- Lawn Care Forums: Join online forums and communities dedicated to lawn care and mowers. These platforms could provide valuable insights and recommendations for finding parts for older Great Dane mowers.
- Official Resources: Check the official website of John Deere or Scag Power Equipment (since they acquired Great Dane) for any information about parts availability, support, or guidance on obtaining parts for older models.
- Used Parts: Consider exploring salvage yards or online marketplaces for used mower parts.
Be cautious when purchasing used parts, you may not get a refund, and triple check all part details.
I can tell you from first hand experience that many parts LOOK the same, until you need to line up bolt holes and find they aren't EXACTLY the same.
It happens with old or obscure mowers that underwent yearly design changes.
Who Bought The Great Dane Company?
John Deere, the well-known manufacturer of agricultural and lawn care equipment, acquired the Great Dane brand in 2000.
This acquisition allowed John Deere to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence in the commercial and residential lawn mower market.
What Company Owns Scag Now?
Scag Power Equipment is owned by Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc. Metalcraft of Mayville is a company that specializes in residential lawn mowers and debris/turf management equipment.
