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LockedThe 2009 Craftsman Lawnmowers

posted on April 16, 2009 at 04:02PM Inappropriate?

So, who's seen the new 2009 Craftsman lawnmowers?

I'm pretty impressed at the thoughtful changes that have been made: redesigned decks to increase airflow and improve cutting performance; double-trigger EZ-Walk; more mowers with Smooth Start; improved deck height adjusters; bagger guides; bigger bags; the redesigned Briggs & Stratton 700+ series engines; a Limited Edition mower with a Honda engine (that will get a lot more people into Honda engines!); and the dethatching blades (which, by the way, we sold out of in a day).

And, as a side note, I was pleased to see the new Husqvarna mowers with the Kohler engines. I've seen several years of mowers, and this is a really big change for the better. The L&G buyers and Craftsman engineering team really put a lot of thought and work into this year's line-up. We really have a great selection of new mowers to fit everyone's wants and needs!

replies: 21 latest post: May 13, 2009 at 11:34PM by madgolfer
Displaying posts 1 - 20 of 21 in total
posted on May 08, 2009 at 06:17AM
 

There is a color code theme this year grey, red, and black. Good, better, best.

The increased torque going across the new series is the most obvious delineation.

However, the degree of lubrication of system components also increases as you go toward black.

One handy hint we all got at the Power Rama training event this year was, when using any mower with a "deck wash" feature... take off the rear bag, with the cover snapping down.

That heavy/ wet lawn mower bag, full of wet grass is NO FUN to empty.

posted on May 08, 2009 at 09:55AM
 
In response to BlueCrewGuyInMA's post from April 16 2009 04:02PM

Good luck selling the Honda engines, already being returned because that automatic choke is iffy at best. You get one pull to start it. The OHC Honda on my old pressure washer has a manual choke and starts every time. As for the Kohlers... didn't last year's Craftsman Professional mower feature a Kawasaki engine? Best to stick with the Briggs and Stratton engines and even there the models with reusable foam air filters have to be serviced right out of the box or all that greasy oil on the filter goes right into the carburetor. Best to stick with B&S 6.5 to 8.75 ft.lb. series.  And lastly about the Honda... how come the Honda air filter costs $3 more than the identical Briggs & Stratton one?

 

posted on May 08, 2009 at 01:05PM
 

Apparently because the Honda air filter is better!  Yes, I've seen the new 2009 Craftsman Lawnmowers...I just bought one for $3,000.......it's seven hours old and it won't start!!! One "Thoughtful change" they could make for me would be to give me a refund or .....AT LEAST....GET SOMEONE OUT HERE TO FIX THE DARN THING!  I WANT MY MONEY BACK!

posted on May 08, 2009 at 04:15PM
 
In response to madgolfer's post from May 08 2009 09:55AM

The 2008 Craftsman Pro Zero-Turn mower had a Kawasaki engine. This year's model has a big Briggs engine, improved caster wheels (they actually lock into place now!), and has key start.

The Kohler engines are only on the Husqvarnas. They're 7 ft. lb. torque rated, which is pretty beefy, and they've got a really big profile, which will give the Tim Toolman Taylors of the world something to grunt about.

The low-end Briggs engines are junk, unfortunately. The gas tank is 1/2 the size, and only runs to 1/2 full, meaning you're filling it 4x as often. There's less power, a metal gas tank (rust), just all in all not worth the money when you can spend $20-30 more and get a paper-filter Briggs engine that will actually last.

As for the Honda filter******ned if I know. I've always thought that was odd. Maybe it's got a finer weave? Maybe one of the buyers will see this thread and might have some insight.

posted on May 08, 2009 at 10:01PM
 
In response to norefundatsears's post from May 08 2009 01:05PM

Nore, I have posted on another thread that you may have blown the little fuse. It could be the plastic clip under your seat wiggled loose. I am almost willing to bet you left the blades engaged and thats why it won't start. I wish I had a dollar for every return that I've saved in the parking lot at Merchandise Pick Up. Instead of wasting time with multiple postings on several threads, try figuring out the problem with your tractor. They are really quite simple.

posted on May 10, 2009 at 04:00PM
 
In response to BlueCrewGuyInMA's post from May 08 2009 04:15PM
BlueCrewGuyInMA said…

The Kohler engines are only on the Husqvarnas. They're 7 ft. lb. torque rated, which is pretty beefy, and they've got a really big profile, which will give the Tim Toolman Taylors of the world something to grunt about.

 

Don't know how much Tim would have to say about the Kohler's "Made in China" sticker below the air filter.

posted on May 10, 2009 at 05:28PM
 
In response to madgolfer's post from May 08 2009 10:01PM

ive got to ask mad you L&G or mpu?

posted on May 11, 2009 at 06:45AM
 

6, 71 & 9

posted on May 11, 2009 at 06:57AM
 

ok so all off HI not used to hearing HI people actually coming to MPU ove returns. least not since the more experenced guys retired

posted on May 11, 2009 at 07:07AM
 
In response to goodole312's post from May 11 2009 06:57AM

Well, the managers frown on me starting returned chainsaws inside the store lol

posted on May 11, 2009 at 07:18AM
 

cant imagine why lol

posted on May 11, 2009 at 07:38AM
 

We also have a Golden Ratchet PMT, but his hours ...well you know.

posted on May 11, 2009 at 04:36PM
 

a what PMT?

posted on May 11, 2009 at 10:01PM
 
In response to goodole312's post from May 11 2009 04:36PM

PMT = Preventive Maintenance Technician.

posted on May 11, 2009 at 10:10PM
 

i know what a pmt is i want to know what the heck a Golden Ratchet PMT is.

posted on May 12, 2009 at 08:47AM
 

Maybe its just a local thing, but our PMT was given a gold-plated Craftsman ratchet for best numbers in the district or region, whatever those metrics are. 

posted on May 12, 2009 at 11:10AM
 
In response to madgolfer's post from May 12 2009 08:47AM

I've never heard of that! That sounds cool. Those plated ratchets look awesome. If anyone is looking for a birthday gift for me, I'll take a set of those gold titanium-coated ratchets or wrenches.

posted on May 13, 2009 at 06:43PM
 

Madgolfer....I did not leave the blades running when I got off the tractor.....rule #1 disengage blades before getting off tractor...duh....I am willing to bet that you did not read my original post.

posted on May 13, 2009 at 08:41PM
 
In response to madgolfer's post from May 12 2009 08:47AM
madgolfer said…

Maybe its just a local thing, but our PMT was given a gold-plated Craftsman ratchet for best numbers in the district or region, whatever those metrics are. 

hmmmm i think my pmt would have perferd an equal value of reses pb cups and mt dew

posted on May 13, 2009 at 09:45PM
 

Wishing there were less RAH RAH~! boys looking for a plate and more help.

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