Craftsman LS3000

Kevin_in_VA · Jun 29, 2006

Just put a Craftsman LS3000 on order from my local store for $899. It was advertised for $999, but to get me to buy the service plan the salesman took another $100 off the price. This has a 20HP B&S Intek Plus OHV engine with a 6 speed fender shift and 42 inch cut. It should be in on Monday (7/3/06).

I actually have 2 weeks in which to pick it up or change my mind. I figured at the price I got I couldn't go wrong, but since I have some time I figured I'd check and see if anyone has any positive or negative experience with the LS series Lawn Tractors from sears. I put a link below to the tractor on the Sears website. I'd appreciate any feedback.

Click Here

Thanks,

Kevin

awlchu · Jun 30, 2006

Kevin,

If you take care of the unit it will give you many years of service. Pay attention to any loose hardware.

Before you begin using it, go over the entire unit and look for loose hardware.

Tighten as necessary.

Gatorboy · Jun 30, 2006

Kevin_in_VA said:
It was advertised for $999, but to get me to buy the service plan the salesman took another $100 off the price.

That's good, for with a Craftsman, it will need a lot of service.

MrJimi · Jun 30, 2006

We are getting this one this weekend and if your a vet? you get 10% off this fourth of July weekend and they are only $1099 with a 46 inch deck! at HD

http://www.yardmachines.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10451_18503_89516_36254_-1

Jim

Kevin_in_VA · Jun 30, 2006

Gatorboy said:
That's good, for with a Craftsman, it will need a lot of service.

Yeah, that's what I hear, but I have never had any issues with my other Craftsman riding mower. In fact I am just now replacing it after 15 yrs, without so much as a service call. I am replacing it because it just doesn't have the oomph to get up some of the grades on my property and only has a 3ft cutting width.

Gatorboy · Jun 30, 2006

When a quality 21-inch pushmower costs over $1000, you can only imagine how cheaply made a riding mower for the same price must be.

Kevin_in_VA · Jun 30, 2006

Gatorboy said:
When a quality 21-inch pushmower costs over $1000, you can only imagine how cheaply made a riding mower for the same price must be.

Well, truth be told, I haven't seen any $1000 - 21 inch pushmowers, and cannot justify buying one. And while I agree that you basically get what you pay for, we are not talking about running a commercial operation here. I have about a 1.5 acre combined front & back yard, and a 400 x 40 foot stretch of road frontage that has a 20 to 25 degree slope in some places that is a killer for a pushmower and I do not feel safe driving my TC30 up or along those grades. The riding mower will see limited use only in these areas. I maintain the rest of my property using the TC30.

Do you have any specific faults with the Craftsman? or just a history of bad experience?

Gatorboy · Jun 30, 2006

Kevin_in_VA said:
Well, truth be told, I haven't seen any $1000 - 21 inch pushmowers ...

Honda HRC216HXA

I guess you the old saying, "You can pay me now, or pay me later" is appropriate. If you purchase a quality lawn tractor or 48/60-inch walkbehind, it will most likely last you for life (for the average homeowner), but you can buy low quality products every few years and end up paying more in the end.

Bird · Jun 30, 2006

Kevin, I think those Craftsman riding mowers are a lot like many other things; it just depends on how you use it, maintain it, and store it. I know a fellow who had used his for over 20 years the last time I talked to him. He may still be using it. I also know a guy who had lots of problems within 2 years. Of course that one was left sitting out in the weather all the time; seems the grandkids left the gas cap off and that really isn't too good for them when it rains. And of course the grandkids liked to ride around on it when they weren't mowing. Yep, you can buy better quality, and pay a lot more. Personally, I prefer a hydrostatic drive, but some of those gear machines have been around for years, so I think you're getting a bargain and bet you'll be happy with it.

ejtaylor822 · Jun 30, 2006

Kevin,
Those new FS series are nice - I have been eyeing them myself. Think you will really it. I work with a guy that bought one a month or so ago and he loves it.

As Bird mentioned, and sure you already know, just take good care of it and it will last a long time - it's just like anything else. I am on my second Craftsman mower and have no complaints whatsoever. Is it commercial quality? I do not think so, but, I don't care either! I am just a homeowner that just wants to keep my yard neat. All I care about is that it starts, runs and performs the task that I am doing (cutting, dethatching, aerating, spreading, etc.) in a reasonable amount of time without hassle. For the last three years it has done that and then some. When it stops performing and/or doing what I need, and it will, I will go get another one. Just like with an automobile.

Congratulations! Post some pictures when she shows up and enjoy.

Eddie