Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor
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Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor Reviews


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3.84 of 5 (by 67 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 78% of reviewers recommend (52 out of 67)

Pros
  • able to fit through gates. (2)
  • easy to mount and dismount (2)
  • tight turning radius (1)
  • easy maintenance (1)
  • number of optional accessories. (1)
Cons
  • people may laugh at your tractor. (1)
  • it could be a little quieter. (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

“After using for 2 year I'd still buy the mower.”

I have used my mower for two full  seasons and I would still recommended the mower to a friend.   It goes through narrow gates and paths.  Yes, the tires have come off the rims but is very easy to remedy.  Get a bottle of tire sealent and apply to all 4 tires. This helps keep the tire from braking...

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Posted on Feb 21, 2010
Most Helpful Critical Review

“Quality and design going downhill”

Have  to agree with Randy T of Miami. Oil changing is a mess, and the plastic inserts in the front wheels are a joke. This is my 3rd season with the mower, no problems until the beginning of the season. The wheel spindle broke off one of the front wheels. Replaced both front wheels, now after 4 months...

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Posted on Sep 30, 2009

Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 13 of 67 in total

“Not for everyone!”

I've had mine for a couple of months.  I can relate to the user who said they're fine so long as you don't care what others think.  It's a little emasculating, but so what?  My 2/3 acre lawn just didn't seem large enough to justify a tractor, so I've been cutting it with a 21" push mower for four years.  My mowing time has now dropped to about half, which was kind of a surprise since the deck is only 9" bigger than my old mower.  The difference I didn't really count on was the increased speed.  The tight turning radius is great.  The one big complaint (next to the price, which seems too...

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Posted on Sep 25, 2009

“GREAT FOR SMALL YARDS”

Bought this for a small yard and I'm very happy with it. Very sturdy and well built. Runs great and really takes the work out of cutting even my small yard. It is good for small yards because it is small itself and turns very sharp. With the wheel up front you can see where you are going. Fits in my garage better too. Took a little to get used to the speed control on a lever instead of a pedal, but I like it. No negative comments as I am thrilled with it.
Posted on Aug 06, 2009

“BEWARE JUNK MOWER”

There is no words to describe this mower. The owners that say they are satisfied with it are darn lucky. My mother bought one of these 2 years ago. She was considering this one or a snapper which was a little higher. Heard the old saying get what you pay for.My choice was the snapper but she did not like a few features on it coupled with price and got the sears. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!.She has had many of the problems I see listed by other owners. One is the starting problem which is the position of cylinder and valves when cut off. Had this happen twice had to turn crank by hand to release pressure so... read full review »
Posted on Aug 02, 2009

“1st Time”

Just used the mower for first time. I have used other, larger mowers working on them at work but this mower fits the bill for my own yard use. The adjustable speed and reverse work fine. The cut came out good when the recommended speed for mulching is used. I have always used mulching with the walk behind mower this one replaces. I was worried that I might have more trimming to do but this mower cuts up to the areas like the walk behind. Best feature is that the time for cutting has dropped by 50% or more. Engine starts quickly and is ready to cut in moments. The mower cutting level is easy to... read full review »
Posted on Jun 15, 2009

“Updated review”

I' ve had this mower since 2008. It is a good mower that needed some improvements. I changed the plastic front wheel hubs that broke every couple of months to metal...a big improvement. I also changed the mulching blade to a "gator blade." The mulch cut is 100% better. My advice - make these changes and you'll be staisfied with this mower. Randy T. from Miami

 
Posted on May 10, 2010

“This is the worst piece of power equipment I have ever owned.”

Everything that could go wrong with this did, including the leaking gas tank which is why it was recalled.  The mower happened to be the right size but I will never buy Craftsman power equipment again.
Posted on Sep 24, 2009

“solid little mower”

I have had this mower for 1 year. I have had no problems as of yet. This mower has massive power for its size. The turning radius is great. All of the controls work great. This mower turns so sharp reverse is rarely needed, but reverse works great. I added the bagger and it works well. Only a zero turn can turn sharper than this, and they are bigger and cost much more, also they will tare up sod when turning. I recommend bypassing the seat switch so you can get off the mower without killing the engine. The price is as high as some larger mowers, but in tight spaces this mower the one to buy,
Posted on Jun 08, 2009

“2 stars”

This is my first ride on mower. First, this unit does not mulch. It cuts the grass and drops it. I don't think the blade was sharp when I got the unit, Ripped the grass and not cut it. Seat is not comfortable- puts my legs to sleep. Tires lay down the grass so the tire areas are large and not cut properly. Throws out grass on the left side of the unit putting grass clippings all over the flower beds. I do like the transmission and ability to cut in reverse.
Posted on Oct 03, 2008

“worst mower”

I purchased this mower in May 2007. The first time I tried to use it the battery was dead, I had to have it charged. The next time I tried to use it the front tires fell off, it took 3 months to get new tires. I finally got to use it late fall. This year, first time I tried to use it the battery was dead again and would not hold a charge. Finally got to use it again and the tires fell off again. Used it one time and then it would not stay running, it would start but as soon as you removed your foot from the break it would die. Sears is replacing it, I am picking out a different model. When I went... read full review »
Posted on Aug 26, 2008

“Good compromise”

I bought this one because it was a good compromise for a yard like mine with 1/3rd of acre and lots of trees and other obstructions. A zero turn mower would be ideal but I could almost get three of these for the entry price of zero turn radius mower. A standard tractor would be very difficult to maneuver around the yard. The hydraulic drive is a primary selling point. A standard transmissions requires you stop, throttle down, shift, throttle up, and then get going again. The hydraulic drive lets you go forward, stop, and backwards just by moving one lever without touching the throttle or the clutch/brake... read full review »
Posted on Jul 16, 2008

“don't do it”

Cannot get replacement blades at stores. Unable to find out where blades are available. Not available on this website. My mower had plastic wheels which were substandard, the wheels cracked under normal operating use. Sears refused a call back , but continued replace the wheels with the same low quality parts plastic replacement parts.
Posted on Jun 25, 2008

“Good for 5 years”

Like everyone else I thought I had a great machine. I performed regular maintenance as suggested. Engine runs great. Its the mechanics that start to fail. Bolts and screws fell out and after 5 years all the drive belts and drive pulleys had to be replace, even after the adjustments it still does not run as it did. Its not cutting properly as well (If your not mechanically inclined have sears come out to you. However they don't guarantied they can fix it.) This was a garage kept machine. It served its purpose, however I feel it should last longer then 5 years before I had to invest more money. I... read full review »
Posted on Jun 17, 2008

“13.5 rear engine mower”

I wasn't sure this mower would cut my St. Augestine grass since it is so thick. The root system and grass is about 4 to 5 inches above my sidewalks but to my surprise this mower has no trouble cutting the grass and doesn't sink in. I'm very pleased with the product. Just make sure you read the manual before using it, there is some good info in it!
Posted on Sep 05, 2008

Reviews of Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

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