Latest reviews about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

craftylawnguy says "makes me look forward to cutting the lawn" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

craftylawnguy — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:44:32 GMT

I have one of those property sizes that is too big for a gas push mower and too small for a tractor so, this rider fits the bill perfectly for my coner fenced in property. You just hop on the mower, turn the key and go! I bought the optional bagger which is a bit pricey but necessary to have that manicured lawn look and keep the grass clippings out of the backyard pool. It is more of a "dumper" than a bagger as the mower has a lever that you pull on to dump the clippings as you continue to mow your lawn. This way you never have to get of the mower and just collect the clipings later and toss them in your trash can. I just lift the bagger off the mower and dump it in the can when I see the bag filling up. You can also disconnect the bagger tube and use the mulching block plate when you want to as I do on parts of my lawn.. all without the need for tools. Changing the oil can be a b little messy but you only change the oil once a season. You can add a threaded pipe to make the oil...

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randyt says "Updated review" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

randyt — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:44:29 GMT

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

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rfolwell says "After using for 2 year I'd still buy the mower." about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

rfolwell — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:12:32 GMT

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 the air seal and deflating. Make sure your tires are properly inflated before use. Once that is on my check list I have had no additional problems. The mower maneuvers well around shrubs, trees and other objects, and is able to cut close to a wall or fence. I purchased a light utility trailer for the rider and use it as a lawn tractor. I'm partially disabled and the riding mower has made it possible for me to do many tasks around my yard that I couldn't do before like hauling yard waste and tools around. This is the perfect model for the small to medium size lawn.

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ASchneider says "Quality and design going downhill" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

ASchneider — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:02:14 GMT

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 plastic inserts in both wheels are really worn and tires about to hit frame because they are tilting inward. Mower will become unusable unless new tires are purchased. The inserts could be replaced, but are an unavailable part from Sears. I will check with other repair centers for either replacement inserts or possibly a bearing that will fit in these tires that look almost new.

Alan J

Gardner, KS

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Amalgamous says "Not for everyone!" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

Amalgamous — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:24:09 GMT

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 high compared to the tractors) is that the deck doesn't float. If there were guide wheels on the deck like there are on bigger mowers, then you could cut all kinds of terrain. As it is, I would not recommend this unless your yard is really flat and even (as others have noted, in that case you will have shaved spots). Mine yard is indeed flat, and I'm very satisfied.

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MOW says "This is the worst piece of power equipment I have ever owned." about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

MOW — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:10:45 GMT

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.

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Covite says "GREAT FOR SMALL YARDS" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:30:14 GMT

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....

Anonymous says "BEWARE JUNK MOWER" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:45:07 GMT

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 motor would turn over. Scalps ground no floating deck. No need to go on about this thing. If your choice is this mower or a goat take the goat you will be far better off....

OutdoorLiving says "1st Time" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:05 GMT

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 adjust and the transmission disconnect feature lets you move mower without running it. All said, I think I made a good choice for the size of my yard and believe the mower will take care of the lawn cutting long into the future....

whatiswrong says "solid little mower" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:45:05 GMT

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,...

HappyMowerGuy says "Sears Craftsman 13.5 hp 30" mulching riding mower" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:00:05 GMT

This is the second riding mower I have purchased from sears and am thoroughly satified with the quality and engineering that went into it's design and features. As a mechanical engineer, I value it's feature such as the Industrial/commercial grade briggs & stratton engine and the pearless hydrostatic transmission. This mower is build to last and with buying it from sears will ensure a lifetime of available parts should the need arise. The mower comes with a mulcher deck and blade but can be used as a side discharge or optional grass catcher system. I designed and built a lawn chemical sprayer that I mounted on the back which will spray roundup and weed-b-gon from two-5-gallon tanks. The battery located in the mower powers an electric pump for the spray system. I am really please to have such a nice quality lawn machine and it will save me time and money to perform the lawn duties at my home. WAY TO GO SEARS, to offer this riding lawn machine amoung your other quality lawn and garden products.......

GEOE says "2 stars" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:45:12 GMT

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....

DREW123 says "Do Not Buy this Mower" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00:01 GMT

I have had this mower for just over a year. It worked great for about 8 months and then I started having problems. After 30 minutes, the engine would shut off. Sears came to repair it and said it was bad gas...that cost me $99 because they told me it was out of warranty - not true. One week later with fresh gas...same thing happens. Repair tech comes out again, says its a bad carb...charges me $25 for the onsite, now the mower shows it is under warranty at Sears. Two weeks later, I go to mow and now it wont run for more than 30 seconds. I take very good care of my mechanical equipment...I cant believe how much trouble I have had with this mower. I want my money back!...

wayneb says "4 stars" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:15:03 GMT

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RobertWD says "13.5 rear engine mower" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:00:33 GMT

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!...

tadohio says "worst mower" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:00:03 GMT

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 into the store to complain about it, I was told that this type of mower was prone to problems....

RandyT says "Almost" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:45:02 GMT

I purchased this mower when I decided to repalce my toro 32 cut rear engine rider after 17 years. By comparison this mower is not as good, though it does have good points. Good points - it has a very short turning radius, auto transmission, and 13.5 hp, also cup holder. Bad points - Does not give as clean a mulch cut as toro, leaves clippings, oil change is a mess, controls should be placed under seat instead of left fender where shrubs hit, hard to jump start, finally - plas tic front wheel hubs...inexcusable!...

jamon says "Not the best..." about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:30:02 GMT

I bought this tractor the firt week of July 08 and have two service repairs during the the same month........

austijc says "Good compromise" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:30:23 GMT

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 pedal. This is a huge time saver when working about obstacles. The downside is the hydraulic drive uses more gasoline but for a small yard the difference is minimal. The 18" turning radius is only a reality at very low speed. After using it a few times, I got the knack of reducing the speed to a crawl and circling around the base of trees. The mower housing sticks out more to the left......

truereview says "don't do it" about Craftsman 13.5 hp 30 in. Deck, RER Lawn Tractor

sears-feed — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:30:03 GMT

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....