Still Mowing With My Craftsman Lawnmower!
Written: Jul 12 '01 (Updated Jun 05 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Price was right, warranty is good, design, ease of handling, up keep is easy.
Cons: none so far.
The Bottom Line: Still happy with my Craftsman lawnmower. Since 1999!
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| meleahk's Full Review: Craftsman 42" Deck Lawn Tractor 27000 Series |
Updated Jan. 16, 2003
The specific model number under this 27000 series is: 917.270813 and we have now had our Craftsman™ Lawnmower since 1999 and it is still going strong! We have used it to pull roots from the ground, drag trees to the burn pile and I have hooked the boat up to it to move so that I could cut the grass underneath! Now that's a great lawnmower I think!
Of course hubby has had to do the routine maintenance each year, which is the standard oil and filter change. Changing out the spark plug and course cleaning it up!
But, he has also had to work on the carburetor the past two years to get it to crank due to it sitting up over the winter months. Which being a mechanic is not a problem for him. (Hubby's do come in handy sometimes don't they!)
We have also replaced the blades for the past two years to allow for a more even cut. Actually, we have a very big yard and our lawnmower goes through the ringer each year!
The tires have held up well over time as well as the seat and steering wheel. We do have to pull the choke out more and more to crank it due to wear and tear and older age. But, it starts up each time and gives me a good cut.
The color, which is green, has not faded at all! Which surprised me because I have seen some that have faded completely.
I have to say that this past summer once it would not crank. I told my husband that I thought it was the battery, but he said it was not. So, he tore the think apart not once but twice to try and fix it. He checked everything there was to check and replaced a few parts here and there and it still would not crank. I still stood by my theory of the battery because I knew it was! He wouldn't hear of it because of his being sure that his cables were getting a good connection because they would cause a spark on other parts of the lawnmower.
So, being the good wife that I am didn't say anything and just let him keep on thinking the way he was. Finally, I got the neighbors jumper cables for I could stand it no longer! Of course he didn't want to admit that his cables could have been the actual problem, but he did try the neighbors and guess what? You got it! The lawnmower cranks right up! Men! But you gotta love um!
At any rate, our Craftsman™ lawnmower has proven to be great for us and I am hoping that it gives us many more years of good hard work! I am still the one who mows the grass, but as time goes by the FMS that I have is slowing me down! But, as long as I can manage I am keeping on keeping on with the mowing for I really love it!
They are still pricey for I look at new ones from time to time, but hey, they are worth it to us. And certainly one must do a little maintaining to keep it going!
I hope that this has helped in some kind of way!
God Bless
© LKD 2003 updated
Original Review With Some Minor Changes
We own this Craftsman™ and we love it! Riding lawn mowers are the most wonderful things that have ever been invented.
You start the lawn mower by holding down the brake pedal (which is on the left hand, bottom of the foot pad of the mower), pull out the choke and turning the key. However you need to have the gas in the up position. Once the motor (which is made be Briggs)comes to life, close the choke and put into gear. The sound of the mower is not too loud. Some mowers will hurt your ears while they run, but so far this one has not.
It has a 42-inch deck with 2 19-inch blades (the cost to replace the blades runs from 19.99 to 29.99 depending on where you buy them), the cut is even (providing I don't run over anything that would warp them, which I do, but I really try not to!)
The gears are on the right-hand side at arm reach. They ranger from 1st to 6th with reverse and neutral. There is also a separate “brake lock” on the lower right side, below the steering wheel that allows you to leave the mower in neutral and get off to move something out of the way. However, the mower will shut off when you get off the seat as a safety feature, if you choose not to use the “brake lock”.
The blades can be lowered or left at the highest level depending on your desired grass needs. This lever can be found to the right of the steering wheel and has a push button on the top that you press to release to move it up and down. There are also wheels on the bottom of the base/deck where the blades are at, which allows you to adjust for a closer cut.
The lever to start the blade in the cutting position is right behind the steering wheel on the right hand side of the dash. This is a good place to have it because you can shut the blade off quickly. The brake is on the lower left side at leg length, which I stated above.
The key goes into its place on the right hand side of the dash. Every thing is at arms length to run the mower. (except for the foot brake). The steering wheel is right in front of you. And I must say that the steering is very easy to do.
The seat lifts up and this is where the gas tank is. The gas tank has a gage to let you know how much gas you have left. (We keep gas handy just for the mower in a plastic container) The tank size is 5 gallons.
There is a cover over the engine that lifts right up and allows you to change the oil and all filters and work on the mower as needed. The mower is green with a black seat and black deck and all black features. It also has a pull hole on the back for pulling a small trailer or other yard machinery. There are also headlights on the front of the mower should you need them. The battery is easy to get to and to charge or replace if needed.
Let me say this about the price, (1500.00 to 1800.00), it is a little high, however, there are lawn mowers out there that cost up to 3000.00. When I was looking for a mower there was no question in my mind but to go to Sears. I have always trusted them and have always trusted Craftsman as well. I love the durability of a Craftsman.
There are good lawn mowers out there and you will just have to shop around for the one right for you, but I do highly recommend that you look at a Sears® Craftsman™. Sears® also has Craftsman™ mowers that run up to 3000.00 for a riding mower. Depending on what you want or need the mower to do. They come with all sorts of attachments as well that you purchase separately. Sears® will run their mowers on sale all the time. As far as another brand may go, I can honestly say I didn't give them a chance because of the trust I have in Sears and their products.
I love the overall ease of my lawn mower. I have no problem getting around where I need to. I feel safe and secured. We have over an acre of grass to cut and this lawn mower does it with ease. Practically drives itself (well maybe that is a small stretch.) I love mowing the grass and I love doing so with this Craftsman™ mower. Heck it's even comfortable to sit on. (I have allowed my teenager to learn how to drive with it, blades off of course grass).
One must remember not to abuse your lawn mower no matter what kind you have. When mowing hilly areas remember to go up and down the hill and not side by side. This is the safest way and yes it may take you a little longer to get done, but isn't your family worth it. And besides knowing that you are setting a good example for them and the neighbors should make you feel good about yourself.
Remember to check the oil and change the filters. These things are important you know. Keep it clean and clear of rocks, sticks, bricks, etc., these things will warp the blades and cause a quicker replacement. And the blades don't come cheap. (see above price on blades). Oh yeah, remembering to put gas in the mower is a good thing too! (Duh!)
I also recommend the extended warranty (unless you have a husband who can work on it like I do.) Otherwise get the warranty. Read all directions and instructions. Those are important tools about your lawn mower. (See my review about safety with your lawn mower: http://www.epinions.com/content_1848352900)
I hope that this will helped in some kind of way!
God Bless!
© LKD 2001
Recommended:
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meleahk
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Member: Leah
Location: Florida
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Proud Mother of a US MARINE! Love Ya Jeffery!
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