In 1988, Lawn-Boy acquired Gilson Brothers Co., a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of very well built outdoor power equipment that had made equipment for Montgomery Wards for decades. Using Gilsons design they offered a 4 wheel front engine ride on mower as well as a rear engine ride on mower. Gilson/Lawn Boy also produced the same machines in blue and badged as a Ford LGT, LT, and RER mowers. The largest LGT18H Lawn-Boy came with a 18 hp twin engine and hydrostatic transmission and optional rear PTO, snowblower, rotavator, and 3 point lifts were available.