Well, This is what I've found so far. In a MFG vs Brand discussion on another forum, 1) it was mentioned that MTD makes mowers for quite a few brands other than their own Yardman, Yard Machines, Bolens, etc. and 2) Toro had MTD do their HD and Ace-sold mowers beginning 2007.
Looking at IPB diagrams, 2007 versions of MTD-made mowers have many interchangeable parts. The deck attach points are the same. The deck stamping is the same. Some may have a different bracket, but in many cases the attach points welded to the deck are the same. A Yard Machines spindle is $110 whereas a TroyBilt spindle is $124, even though it is the same part number.
My interest is not so much the pricing. It is the interchange and compatibility. Pricing falls into place with more readily available, and plentiful, parts. The perfect example is blade selection. Not many Toro blades at the local HD, Lowes, or W-mart. But there are plenty of other brands that are a perfect fit IF you know the part number.
