Craftsman Professional Lawn Mower 33 In. Self-Propelled 12.5 HP Non CA Reviews

I have had this mower for about one month. I have used the mower three times for a total of about 30 minutes -it broke down within 10 minutes of use each time. Maybe a lemon, but it was very light duty mowing. So far Sears service (mostly through the 800 line) has been poor. People were nice, but gave misinformation. Most critically, I was told that I had 90 days to return item for a full refund so I wasn't worried about trying to get it fixed a few times. Now that I am experastered and wanting to return it, however, I hear that the return window is 30 days (naturally, this info is provided just...

After years of dealing with 20-22" mowers of all makes and models, when the last one died, I vowed to never again have to cut grass with one. I cut a 1/3 acre lot and before purchasing this mower, it would take over 6 hours to cut and trim the entire yard. Probably closer to 8 hours total. When the last lawnmower died, I'd had it. I informed the wife that the lawnmower had died and I was off to buy a new one. She forgave me later. LOL

I picked it up and had it ready for operation very quickly. Gave it a good shakedown run. In fact, the back yard was over a foot high and had standing water in places...

Returning this mower...I have a lawn care business and just like the other review this mower is not for commercial use.  Drive pulley belt continues to slip off.  Mows great when all is working well but you can't make sharp turns or hit bumps at any speed or the belt will pop off.  It's not an easy task to put it back on either especially when it's hot and you're in a hurry to finish your jobs...Starts up ok never had any problem with that and again it makes a great cut.  Don't like the idea you have to keep both hands on the mower to make everything work and the type of handles that are required...

This mower is a cub cadet with the sears name on it.  The only difference is sears specified a slightly higher power engine (same Briggs and Stratton 344 cc model, just 12.5 HP vs. 11.5 HP on the cub cadet), and sears added a light for evening use, which works great.  I've used the mower several times and it performs wonderfully.  Cuts heavy tough grass with ease and the cut is clean and even. The drive system is very easy to use and far superior to ordinary self-propelled walk behind mowers.  I used to own a ********** 48" comercial walk behind, and this unit is far easier to handle, and...

We bought one May 09, it has been in shop more than inuse. Luckily I bought the 3yr warranty.  I am going to be able to get a new one or in my case a riding mower I just have to pay the difference. Would not recommend and buyer beware and make sure you buy the extended warranty.

much better then my riding mower. closer cut on borders and around trees, gardens etc. Love the turning radius.can pretty much turn on a dime. Just wish you could take one of your hands off the controlls without having to stop the drive or blades. Great cut, nice and even. Nice wide deck. After my old craftsman rider died, went to Toro personal pace till the drive died on that.  Now cut my lawn in 1/2 the time as compared to Toro AND it's even faster than the rider beacuse of the above mentioned ease of operation which eliminates having to use trimmer more on tight clean ups.

Have only had it...

This mower is NOT for commercial use. After 40 hours cable broke to engage movement, new cable arrived 7 days later. After 50 hours drive belt continuely pops off. Pulleys grind against the guides, due to chasis flex, while cutting across a slope. After 60 hours battery died, Sears replaced with no hassle. After 80 hours, frame cracked clean through above the rear axle on BOTH sides. Only thing holding the trans in place was the lever to change gears. Sears replaced the mower with a new unit, with little time and no hassle. Again, I will stress this mower is NOT for commercial use. This mower is...

At first I thought this mower was a bit tough to handle but after a few times I can use it with much greater ease. You just have to adjust compared to a 22 inch mower,its alot beefier.   Perfect for resendtial use,I would'nt use it like a commercial unit,those type are more expensive,they shred grass better and are intended for everyday use all day,this is specific to the homeowner with alot of obsatcles and a desire for some excercise.

I cuts nicer on the discharge then mulching IF the grass gets to long,otherwise,doesn't matter.   Its fun in my opipnion to cut grass with it,tractors are easier...

I have 3/4 acre of grass broken up with trees, shrubs, stone walls etc. This mower cut my work way down, and I can cut more often, presenting a better looking lawn.

It does what is is supposed to so no need to repeat the obvious.

Some unexpected pluses. The large wheels take it over soft (even wet muddy) areas easily and without leaving wheel marks. At the slow speed, I can even manuever it in and out of the irregular shape of my stone walls, dramatically cutting down on trimming.

The only problem I have had is the battery discharging (sometimes) to 10 volts between runs, and that is not quite...