The Craftsman name is known for outstanding durability and performance, and their ride-on mowers are no exception. The LT2000 models have been known for their reliability since their introduction, but the latest models are exceeding even these high expectations.
But before you go out and buy a new (or used) riding mower, it’s a good idea to make sure that a riding mower is really what you need. First of all, is it possible that you just need a more powerful lawn mower? If your lawn is a half acre or less, you may want to save the money and use a self-propelled gas or electric lawn mower. This is also often the best solution if mowing requires navigating around obstacles and in relatively tight spots.
If you have a large area to mow and plan to haul large loads (ie hundreds of pounds) and use a variety of attachments to perform various tasks around the yard, a lawn tractor may not be enough. For heavy-duty jobs and increased durability and versatility, you may want to consider a garden tractor or lawn tractor. Although these are more expensive, they are sturdy and designed for the tougher jobs you would need to do in your garden.
For those with lawns up to a couple acres with fairly level ground and few obstacles, a ride-on mower is definitely the right choice, as long as you don’t expect it to handle the tough jobs and maintain proper maintenance. For example, riding mowers are ideal for tasks like pulling a lawn sweeper, lawn aerator, small garden cart, or fertilizer spreader. Most don’t include front-mounted attachments, like a snow blade, and usually just mow forward.
Now that you know the basics of ride-on riding mowers, let’s look at some specific Craftsman models. Craftsman offers a couple of LT2000 models: the 28884 model and the 28885 model. The main difference between the two is that the 28885 is more powerful and features a wider deck. Of course, the 28885 also costs more as a result of these improvements, so you’ll want to consider which one suits your needs best before choosing one or the other.
The 28884 riding mower features a 19.5 hp Briggs & Stratton engine and a pedal controlled automatic transmission. It can reach cutting speeds of up to 5 mph and has an 18-inch turning radius for maneuvering around obstacles. The 42-inch-wide mower deck features five cutting heights from 1.5 to 4 inches and two deck wheels. This ride-on mower is only available in red and comes with a full two-year warranty from Sears.
The 28885 riding mower features a powerful 21-hp Briggs & Stratton engine and automatic transmission. It has a slightly higher top speed of 5.5 mph and the same turning radius as the Model 28884. While its deck features the same 5 cutting heights as the Model 28884, the 28885 has a wider 46-inch deck. It also has a higher rear seat, which is adjustable like on the 28884. In addition to a full two-year warranty, it includes a five-year lifetime frame and front axle warranty. The 28885 is only available in black.
Neither of these ride-on mowers will mow in reverse, and they are also not suitable for carrying heavy loads on a regular basis. So if these capabilities are important to you, you may want to consider more heavy-duty lawn tractors, or better yet, lawn and garden tractors. However, both have plenty of mowing power and are ideal for lawns between a half acre and two acres. Both can also accommodate lightweight accessories and a bag for grass clippings.
It’s worth noting that the less expensive Model 28884 features the same engine as higher-priced riding mowers made by other manufacturers. The same is true for the 28885 model, which also comes with the best warranty and nice features like a deck wash system, an ergonomic steering wheel, and a higher, more comfortable seat.
If these Craftsman LT2000 models sound appealing to you, a good next step is to do some more research and perhaps speak with a knowledgeable Sears professional. Rest assured, however, that these ride-on mowers offer exceptional performance and durability for the price. As long as you use them the way they were designed and maintain them properly, you’ll get many years of quality work out of them.
