Craftsman GT6000 4.10 star(s) (9)

Steering Problems
Model Year: 2013

I purchased the GT6000 and all seemed Fine at first. Soon a problem with the deck showed up and welds were failing. Then the steering failed, bearings wore quickly and wheels turned out causing difficult turning. A tech came out and frame was bent. They replaced it with a new one. Now at eight hours, the front wheels turned out, with the deck welds failing and the bearings in the front wheels were burnt. Don't waste your hard earned dollars. This is also the a Husky mower too.

Pros: Good engine
Cons: Too many to list

Craftsman GT6000 2011 917.288611 By Huski
Model Year: 2010

I have used this tractor 2 winters and I guess 3 summers. I plow a 200 foot driveway with lake effect snows and mow a 2 acre proper lawn plus 2 acres of field and wet lands. The only real issue I have is a weak steering system. The Craftsman repair person came out 3 times and finally tightened the one Bolt holding the steering to the frame. 150 PSI to tighten. Engine is powerful, mower is extra smooth, so happy with it at a great price.

Pros: Low priced large 54 inch mower does great job, price.
Cons: Poor steering, not overly heavy duty.

Craftsman GT6000 2011 917.288611
Model Year: 2011

I bought tractor via Sears outlet had it trucked. My first problems came soon after I started using tractor. I mow about 4 acres, 2 of which are real lawn type. The drive belt broke and then steering turned in different directions. Sears service really A& E came and fixed belt and tried to fix steering. 2nd time fixed steering some what. I am now waiting for parts under warranty and the repair person at least 3 weeks out of service. Easy to order or get parts very slow delivery. Steering is a real issue I think, front wheels can turn and do 90 degrees. I may have to just repair and replace parts as new Garden tractors under $3,000 are about the same.

Pros: Very good mowing deck.
Cons: Steering issues.

Stay Away From This Mower
Model Year: 2011

Steering issues, gas cap issues, loud, engine choke issues.

Pros: Fast.
Cons: Steering.

2011 GT6000
Model Year: 2011

This is my first GT, previous home had small lot I cut with a simple push mower. We were extremely excited to get this and at first were beyond happy with it. The top speed is fantastic, and it cuts grass nicely. The honeymoon ended at 15 hours when I couldn't drive up a slight slope. Turned out the drive belt had already worn out and it's not under warranty. There's $40. I kept it heavily greased, but the front wheel bushing still wore out- again not under warranty- upgraded to aftermarket bearings for $50. Second drive belt wore out at 41 hours, bought an after market one for $60. The next issue is the steering. This model has turn-tight where you watch your wheels turn to 50 deg or so. One word of warning is turn super slow. If you don't they slam almost 90 deg and dig in. The issue I have is all the slop in the steering. I was able to move the wheel an inch back and forth with just the slop, so I called tech support and they said it's normal. If I wanted a tech to come look, there is a service fee. As for dealer experience, let's face it most of the time it's a high school kid with a part time job with little to no formal training on tractors---maybe they watched a video for 20 minutes. If you are looking for dealer support, I'd suggest starting at an actual dealer like John Deere. Overall it's a nice mower, but I think the corners Sears is cutting are starting to show. There are some simple upgrades they could provide to greatly increase durability. I'm not sure how long it will last with the field plow they offer or the box grader. Based on my experience so far I won't be using it for anything but snowblowing and grass cutting, nor will I buy another. Honestly wish I would have looked elsewhere. I did find a fix online for the slow reverse, in that regard it's much more tolerable.

Pros: Pretty quick, cuts nicely, strong motor.
Cons: Slow reverse, sloppy steering, cheap components, no diff lock.

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Craftsman GT 6000 54 Inch Mower Deck
Model Year: 2011

I bought this via Sears Outlet online, a floor model except it had 80 hours on meter, looked brand new. Found out quickly not built for real work. I used it to plow snow; very good job. Mowing grass excellent but a very weak front end has caused many problems fixed by Sears. Ride over rough ground seems to be rough. Steering on heavy side a good value if front end holds up.

Pros: Low price, plenty of power, great mower deck.
Cons: Very weak front end, wheels end up at 45 degree angle.

DGT6000
Model Year: 2008

For mowing 2-3 ac, this tractor is perfect, and it pushes some serious snow also using a plow and chains. Only complaints are the oil drain valve directs the oil all over the frame, and reverse is very slow! Make sure you grease all points every 6 months, or the OEM parts will go out within 12 months.

Pros: Versatile and reliable.
Cons: Reverse is too slow.

Craftsman GT6000
Model Year: 2012

I know this an early review considering just taking delivery. But first impressions mean a lot. I've owned Cubs for 20 years, when you compare feature for feature especially the quality in the build of this unit it is hard to beat. As a retiree price was important but the tractor also had to be a quality unit with features I wanted. After a full inspection and operating the unit for just two hours it beats my expectations.

Pros: Turn tight steering, comfortable to operate, power.
Cons: Limited hitch availability.

Craftsman DGT6000
Model Year: 2004

54" mow deck and 48" 2 stage snow blower. All in all, a good machine for the price. No problems except the loosened steering and a sticky choke cable after 6.5 years of heavy use. See pro's and con's.

Pros: Good operator position, wheel, seat comfort, foot placement, etc. Plenty of power for mowing/snowblowing. Less expensive than comparable John Deere or Cub Cadet of similar size and power.
Cons: Steering control is less than ideal, became loose after 2yrs. mowing 3 acres of old rough pasture & ditches, hard to replace. No 3 point or rear PTO.

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