Craftsman RIDER 3.80 star(s) (5)

13.5 HP Rear Engine Rider
Model Year: 0

I purchased this mower used in 2013. It is a 2007 year model I believe. I bought it a back up when my JD 300 mower deck needed restoration. My lawn is really an old pasture. The mower is reliable, easy to start hydraulic tranny drive. The mower is made for a lawn not a rough pasture yet it mows quite well. The mower is small so I can get into small places and make tight turns. The height of cut has fewer options. The lowest will scalp the lawn while the highest is about 3 inches. I may need to adjust it. I would recommend this mower in a suburban environment. Many people would not like the bagger that has been designed for the mower. It is a dump type bagger made for composting the clippings rather than placing in a dumpster for off site removal. If that is your method of disposal, I suggest you purchase the later version that has a typical bagger system. This actually is a EU design. I like it.

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to drive, tough.
Cons: Bagger, small wheels.

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Craftsman Companion II
Model Year: 1990

The companion is the best Craftsman II tractor out of all of them. I use a plow for snow with this tractor and has no problem pushing it.

Pros: 18 HP Different hood than the sliver II headlights.
Cons: None.

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Craftsman CTX9000
Model Year: 2012

I've only mowed one time, but the tractor performed without a flaw, but only time will tell if I have a Cadillac or a lemon or somewhere in between. The CTX models were being sold last year as Craftsman professional models and based on what I've been told by Sears they were manufactured by Briggs & Stratton. My model has a 20 HP V-Twin engine which seems more than adequate for the smaller 42" deck.

Pros: I like the electronic raising and lowering of the deck for a more variable grass cutting height.
Cons: Haven't found one yet unless it's the deck size of 42".

Craftsman LTS 3000 Lawn Tractor
Model Year: 2010

This is a piece of junk. The tractor has been a problem from the start, and SEARS will not do anything about it. First, it burned up the drive belt and pulley in the first use. Sears did make good on that. Second, it kept throwing the drive belt of the transmission pulley. That was caused by the bolts coming out of the transmission that hold it to the frame. Also broke the rear mounts on the frame. Third, something in the Briggs & Stratton engine broke and got caught between the crank shaft and the casing, cracking it and causing the replacement of the engine. Sears did nothing!

Pros: Would never buy another Sears tractor!
Cons: Sears did nothing. Their product is junk!

Durable
Model Year: 1997

I was given this Craftsman along with 20 acres of land, I used this tractor to mow down bush and Canadian thistle 3-4 feet tall. The tractor performed better than I thought. This unit is the only piece of equipment I own. Since then I have been considering the mode of my next purchase when the time and finances are right. This is a 19 HP, my grandfather bought it between '92-'99

Pros: Durability.
Cons: The dealership (Sears) and the length of time for maintenance.