It is a MTD manufactured engine in China. MTD has been using a factory in china for engines They oversee the quality control, and assembly, etc. First engines were used on push mowers around 2005, now used on Troybilt, Murray, Cub Cadet, push mowers, tillers, riders, etc. There had been an EFI version since 2015 on select Troybilt, and Cub Cadet riders.