gadgetman
Member
I was interested in following your post as I had been looking at that "Professional Grade" model also.
I had some concerns about the "Electric deck"? The owner's manual warned against pressing the button to raise or lower for an extended length of time as this "might" overheat the motor. Guess they weren't wrong. It is the only model Sears (well I think they have one other) with an electric lift. Unfortunately they don't offer it in manual lift. The closest thing is the 28860 model which has the same Trans, same size wheels, a 54 deck and a 26 HP Engine. The deck is a little thicker on the "Professional Grade" and I was guessing the frame would be a little stronger. I'll just wait for now.
I've had Craftsman mowers almost exclusively. I first bought them for the service and ease of ordering parts via computer that Sears provided. Each of the riding mowers has provided at least 4 or 5 years service. Each still had enough life left to be sold at yard sales. The one I have now is a 20 HP, 48 Deck that has not given me much more trouble than blades and a few belts. This season I had a problem with the drive belt. It kept jumping off the Transaxle and jamming under the pulley. I went thru 2 belts before I finally threw up my hands and called Sears Repair. They ain't cheap by any means but he was out to the house in about a week. He did some adjustments, replaced the belt, serviced the engine (tune up, oil, and filters) and changed the blades for about $200.00, house call (not too bad). I got about an hours cutting done (I cut about 2 acres around the house) before the blasted belt jammed again. UNDER WARRANTY NOW!
Called Sears back out (took another week but they did show). The same guy came out (a contractor with Sears). He pondered a while then called a buddy of his for advice. The recommended fix was to put the belt on then bend the Transaxle belt guide bracket up around the belt to just before it touched. A new belt and a 15 minute test drive then a handshake and "You have another 30 days if it messes up again, we will be back to fix it, just call". I finished cutting the entire 2 acres without belt problems. Keep your fingers crossed.
I know you sometimes get what you pay for but at least around here Sears has been good about their service and parts. I do most of my own work but thought maybe they might have a trick or two on how to fix this problem. I am a satisfied Craftsman Lawn Mower customer.
I will second what others have said here. Although Sears calls them "Tractors" I don't consider belt driven to qualify as a TRACTOR. They are mowers and good for hauling around the dirt and leaves but for the big grass/fields and garden work, you need a "REAL TRACTOR"!! Sure you will initially pay up front but you will (most of the time) be better served in the long run. I have a Kubota M4900 for the big stuff (10 acres of pasture and 26 acres of fields). With 10 acres you should find the "mini Tractors" to better serve you.
Good luck on your search.
Danny
I had some concerns about the "Electric deck"? The owner's manual warned against pressing the button to raise or lower for an extended length of time as this "might" overheat the motor. Guess they weren't wrong. It is the only model Sears (well I think they have one other) with an electric lift. Unfortunately they don't offer it in manual lift. The closest thing is the 28860 model which has the same Trans, same size wheels, a 54 deck and a 26 HP Engine. The deck is a little thicker on the "Professional Grade" and I was guessing the frame would be a little stronger. I'll just wait for now.
I've had Craftsman mowers almost exclusively. I first bought them for the service and ease of ordering parts via computer that Sears provided. Each of the riding mowers has provided at least 4 or 5 years service. Each still had enough life left to be sold at yard sales. The one I have now is a 20 HP, 48 Deck that has not given me much more trouble than blades and a few belts. This season I had a problem with the drive belt. It kept jumping off the Transaxle and jamming under the pulley. I went thru 2 belts before I finally threw up my hands and called Sears Repair. They ain't cheap by any means but he was out to the house in about a week. He did some adjustments, replaced the belt, serviced the engine (tune up, oil, and filters) and changed the blades for about $200.00, house call (not too bad). I got about an hours cutting done (I cut about 2 acres around the house) before the blasted belt jammed again. UNDER WARRANTY NOW!
Called Sears back out (took another week but they did show). The same guy came out (a contractor with Sears). He pondered a while then called a buddy of his for advice. The recommended fix was to put the belt on then bend the Transaxle belt guide bracket up around the belt to just before it touched. A new belt and a 15 minute test drive then a handshake and "You have another 30 days if it messes up again, we will be back to fix it, just call". I finished cutting the entire 2 acres without belt problems. Keep your fingers crossed.
I know you sometimes get what you pay for but at least around here Sears has been good about their service and parts. I do most of my own work but thought maybe they might have a trick or two on how to fix this problem. I am a satisfied Craftsman Lawn Mower customer.
I will second what others have said here. Although Sears calls them "Tractors" I don't consider belt driven to qualify as a TRACTOR. They are mowers and good for hauling around the dirt and leaves but for the big grass/fields and garden work, you need a "REAL TRACTOR"!! Sure you will initially pay up front but you will (most of the time) be better served in the long run. I have a Kubota M4900 for the big stuff (10 acres of pasture and 26 acres of fields). With 10 acres you should find the "mini Tractors" to better serve you.
Good luck on your search.
Danny
