Why a Craftsman LT2000 Lawn Tractor May Be Right for You

The Craftsman name is known for its excellent durability and performance, and its riding 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 buy a new (or used) riding mower, it’s a good idea to make sure 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 half an 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 getting around obstacles and in relatively tight spots.

If you have a large area to mow and plan to haul large loads (that is, hundreds of pounds) and if you use a variety of attachments to multitask in the yard, a riding mower may not be enough. For heavy duty work and increased durability and versatility, you may want to consider a garden tractor or garden tractor. Although they are more expensive, they are resistant and designed for the toughest jobs you would need to do in your garden.

For those with lawns of up to a couple of acres with fairly level terrain and few obstacles, a riding mower is definitely the right choice as long as you don’t expect it to handle the toughest jobs and keep it properly maintained. For example, riding mowers are ideal for tasks like pulling a lawn sweeper, a lawn aerator, a small garden cart, or a fertilizer spreader. Most do not include front-mounted accessories, such as a snow blade, and generally only cut in the forward direction.

Now that you know the basics of riding mowers, let’s take a look at some specific Craftsman models. Craftsman offers a couple of LT2000 models: the 28884 and the 28885 models. The main difference between the two is that the 28885 is more powerful and has a wider platform. Of course, the 28885 also costs more as a result of these improvements, so you’ll want to consider which one best meets your needs before choosing one over the other.

The Model 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 ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches and two deck wheels. This riding mower is only available in red and comes with a full two-year warranty from Sears.

The Model 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 28884. While its deck features the same 5 cutting heights as the 28884, the 28885 has a 46-inch wider deck. It also has a taller rear seat, which is adjustable like the 28884. In addition to a full two-year warranty, it includes a five-year frame and a lifetime front axle warranty. The 28885 is only available in black.

None of these riding mowers will reverse mow and none are suitable for hauling heavy loads on a regular basis. So if these capabilities are important to you, you may want to consider sturdier lawn tractors or, better, lawn and garden tractors. However, both have a lot of power for mowing and are excellent for lawns between half an acre and two acres. Both can also accommodate lightweight accessories and a grass clippings bag.

It’s worth noting that the less expensive 28884 has the same engine as the higher priced riding mowers made by other manufacturers. The same goes for the 28885 model, which also comes with the best warranty, as well as nice features like a deck wash system, ergonomic steering wheel, and a higher, more comfortable seat.

If you find these Craftsman LT2000 models appealing, a good next step is to do some more research and perhaps speak with a knowledgeable professional at Sears. However, rest assured that these riding mowers offer exceptional performance and durability for their price. As long as you use them the way they were designed and maintain them properly, you will get many years of quality work with them.