I bet, there are a myriad of tests and QC proceedures that DEERE for instance does, that are totally absent with some brands. Does this affect the end product? Probably.
I know I can buy a shiny new Indian Lister Knockoff, that are reported to have sand still in the castings and scrap carboard shims in various places to make the thing run. That can hardly be compared to an original Lister Engine. But hey, they look EXACLTY the same!
For the record my JD was at the shop for repairs 6 times in the first 5 years of ownership from new. On the other hand My Kioti has not been to the shop for repairs at all in he same time frame and has been used a lot more.