Craftsman zero turns...... any good?

[COOLDAD1]

Don’t want to spend $4-8000 on a zero turn. Been looking at Craftmans because they are affordable. Anyone have one? Pro and cons?

[Electrican]

You can spend a little less than $4k and get a Hustler with a Kawasaki engine and welded deck vs stamped metal deck with Craftsman.

[Kbar]

Don’t want to spend $4-8000 on a zero turn. Been looking at Craftmans because they are affordable. Anyone have one? Pro and cons?

Most that they market now are made by MTD ( aka TroyBilt units).
I see them in 42 and 50". I like the older 50" because they have a better blade overlap.
Unless you are getting a special deal buying on Sears credit, go to Lowes and buy one under the TroyBilt tag and also..... buy the extended warranty where they will do your repairs an additional 1 or 2 years and pay for the pickup and delivery to the service shop.
I have 2 in my shop with regular stamped steel deck and they are in the range from 2006 on up.
Welded decks and brand of engine don't make them last. Its maintenance on the owners behalf.

[COOLDAD1]

Yes, I heard once you get into the welded decks that your in a better class of mowers.

[Kbar]

Yes, I heard once you get into the welded decks that your in a better class of mowers.

No, That's how manufactures market their product.
They sell to the consumer based on what the consumer can see.
Only an example------ brand "X" can have a stamped deck or it can have a welded deck. Makes ZERO DIFFERENCE because the spindle assemblies will wear out at the same rate.
Keep the deck clean top and bottom and a stamped deck will last.

[sailor]

I've got a John Deere.....42"
So far, I have no complaints...

[COOLDAD1]

No, That's how manufactures market their product.
They sell to the consumer based on what the consumer can see.
Only an example------ brand "X" can have a stamped deck or it can have a welded deck. Makes ZERO DIFFERENCE because the spindle assemblies will wear out at the same rate.
Keep the deck clean top and bottom and a stamped deck will last.

Thank you. I’m going with a stamped deck.

[Bowtech38]

Will they service it? Offer warrenty repair? Get a hustler

[Electrican]

Thank you. I’m going with a stamped deck.

Sounds like you had your mind made up before you started this thread. Good luck

[175gr7.62]

I bought a Husqvarna 46” from the local lawn and garden place. It has a Kawasaki engine and a stamped deck. Also has greasable spindles. I think it was about $2800 and I have no complaints. This will be the 4th year on it. I wasn’t gonna spend $5k on a mower but was tired of the Craftsman/Cub Cadet/MTD junk. You don’t have to have a welded deck if you keep it clean.

I have never understood why folks need a $8-$10k lawnmower to mow their residential yard once a week but it’s not my money either.


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[Traildust]

Sounds like you had your mind made up before you started this thread. Good luck

Yes, by all means go with the stamped deck craftsmen.

[KDinTX]

I picked up a gravely with welded deck for about the price of a stamped deck gravely, but it mows some larger rougher areas as well. Hustlers have mostly welded decks and the 42” cut was around $2500 or so a few years ago when I was looking. Look for the brands that run Kawasaki motors, or the Koehler motors.

[Mertzon Man]

I’ve got a Craftsman 54” Zero Turn with a 24hp Kohler motor and it has been very dependable for the past three years. If you get one go ahead and order upgraded blades, the ones that come on it are not that good.

[COOLDAD1]

I’ve got a Craftsman 54” Zero Turn with a 24hp Kohler motor and it has been very dependable for the past three years. If you get one go ahead and order upgraded blades, the ones that come on it are not that good.

Thank you. I been debating on which one to get. Looks like they offer a Briggs, Kohler, and a Kawasaki motor.

[Mertzon Man]

Thank you. I been debating on which one to get. Looks like they offer a Briggs, Kohler, and a Kawasaki motor.

My comment on the blades was because mine didn’t last very long. I have a very uneven yard and a lot of rocks that kick up when I turn sometimes and they get under the mower and are hard on the blades. Good Luck!