Craftsman Professional 24 hp 42 in. Deck Deluxe Yard Tractor 28870

Pros: Hydraulic transmission, electric blade clutch, powerful engine, big tires, great performance, very solid feel.
Cons: Tuff Torq transmission made in China, no PTO or ground-engaging abilities, cruise control is odd.

I purchased this tractor as an upgrade from my circa 1980(!) 33" Snapper rear-engine riding mower. We have just under a half-acre, and needed something a tad bigger to cut the yard with, and to perform additional yard chores. The tractor sale price ...

Pros: Smooth. Has a switch so the machine can operate in reverse.
Cons: High center gravity. Ammeter broke immediately. Headlight out already. Cheap wheels on deck.

The rear drive unit in my twenty year old 38" Brand X went out Thursday, one week after I traded my 1979 Ford 165 WORKHORSE lawn tractor for a thousand dollars worth of rhododendron and blueberry plants. The Sears circular was in the local paper and ...

Pros: A wonderful tractor EXCEPT when Cruise Control is activated.
Cons: NO reasonable forward speed with CRUISE CONTROL activated. Three legged turtles will pass you.

The CRUISE CONTROL drops your speed to a ridiculous low when activated. If you cut long straight runs without turning much, THIS IS NOT THE TRACTOR FOR YOU. Cruise Control is a misnomer on this otherwise wonderful machine. The EZ drive hydrostatic / automatic transmission is great if you are constantly changing speed but drops the ball when Cruise is engaged. It's sort of like driving your car at 55 MPH, activating the Cruise Control and reducing your speed to 40 MPH. Who expects or need that sort of downward result? This machine has 24 hp and there is no reason to have 9 of them go to the barn. Be certain to ASK Sears about this drop in speed BEFORE you buy ANY of their hydrostatic tractors having the cruise control option. I chose NO on my recommendation only if you will run for long times with the Cruise active. Remember the 15% restocking fee Sears hits you with should you buy one and need to return it later for the terrible drop in speed.