Craftsman life span

cowsgomoo272 · Feb 24, 2004

Ok, I have a Craftsman Garden Tractor, 23hp Kolor Pro. Got it two years ago. I really enjoy using it, and riding it around (even in the snow ;-) but my neighbor told me that i should use my tractor more sparingly because riding mowers tend to only have 300 hours life spans. Personally i don't believe him one bit, and think he's either living in the 60's when they just came out, or he is jealous. Is it true that I shouldn't ride it around with out a reason? it only adds up to about an hour extra about every two weeks. i cant possibly see that shortening its life span.

BillG_in_TX · Feb 24, 2004

I think it will shorten YOUR life span if you don't get out and ride at every opportunity. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

skent · Feb 24, 2004

Actually, I still have a Sears ST10 tractor (10 HP B&S w/36" mower, 36" front blade and 36" snowblower) made in 1977. It was used by a landscaping company for 5 years, then I bought it (in 1982). I used it to mow an acre (at an aunt's house) and plow (sometimes blow) snow. All I ever did was oil changes and replace belts every few years. I still have it. I use it to mow my garden at the end of the season and still use it to blow snow at times.

I believe if you take into account the design of the mower, and don't try to over-do it, along with oil changes, it could go alot more than 1000 hours.

At the Farm property, I have a 1988 Troy Bilt that I'm sure has (4 hrs/week/mowing season + 1 hr/week/non-mowing)=aprox 130 hrs @ year X 16 years = over 2000 hrs. I have only put two belts and a starter on that one.

KubotaSteve · Feb 24, 2004

My brother bought a new 11 HP Craftsman riding mower around 1982 and we mowed about 25 lawns (most were over an acre plus we had a cart towed behind it to haul push mower and weed eater to jobs) a week for about 7 years. We kept up with the maintenance (oil changes, blades, greasing, etc.) He just got rid of it 3 years ago because the frame was broken beyond repair. The old Briggs and Stratton motor was still going strong!!!! The tires were almost completely worn out from so much use!!!! We used to call it the "Grey Ghost". Ride the machine and enjoy it. If you buy a car and leave it set in a garage, that is worse than driving it.

Bird · Feb 24, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( riding mowers tend to only have 300 hours life spans )</font>

Probably right, assuming of course that you leave it sitting out in the weather, never change oil, and remove the air filter before using it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OkeeDon · Feb 24, 2004

When the hysdrostatic drive broke on my son-in-law's Craftsman, probably about the same size as yours, what the lawn service repair shop owner told me was that they were engineered for homeowner use, several hours per week for several years. That would be more than 300 hours; but probably something in the range of 1000 or so. He said they were not designed to take continuous use, nor designed to take the place of a bush hog (which is what my s-i-l was doing when it broke).

That said, I know several lawn care professionals who use the heck out of their machines and make them last, but they are doing lots of maintenance and repairs. My own lawn service guy has a Snapper residential zero-turn (similar to attached) that he uses to get through narrow gates; it's 3 years old, been rebuilt a couple of times, but still works. After a couple of repairs, they begain to figure out that he was using it commercially, and refused warranty from that point on.

beenthere · Feb 24, 2004

I think you should ride it all you want. If its fun, ride it some extra time as well. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as how long they last, the best clue is to look at the resale prices and you will get the best general idea of how the investment will hold up over time. In general, Craftsman doesn't have a very good track record, but for sure, there are exceptions to the rule, and they probably hinge on the extra care they get.

Rick Jay · Feb 24, 2004

cowsgomoo272,

Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I don't know how long they will last either, but with good care and maintenance, I would think 1000+ hours should be easily attainable. Eventually, it'll be at the point where you're fixing it more than driving it.

Here's my advice: Drive it as much as you can as often as you can. The sooner you wear it out, the faster we TBN'ers can talk you into a real tractor....Kubota...John Deere...New Holland...Kioti...Cub Cadet...the list goes on and on. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We're real good at spendin' other peoples' money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

~Rick

frank_f15 · Feb 24, 2004

FIRST : LET ME WELCOME U TO THE FORUM! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

a lot of folks hae a tendency to downgrade craftsman GT, but i am comming up on my 12th season with mine. i use probably 75 to 100 hrs a year(don not move snow with it) cut lots of grass, pick up leaves, pick up yard debris, pull wagon with dirt, when it is easier than using the big tractor. the only thing i ahve needed to do to it other than belts and blades was a new starte 3 years ago! the tread on the tires is getting a little thin tho. would i buy another one? DARN RIGHT.btw MINE HAS THE 18HP BRIGGS ENGINE.

pajoube · Feb 24, 2004

I'm using my tractor for the 25th year. True, I have replaced belts, spindles, plus normal wear and tear. If I have not used it as it was intended, it would have died about 10 years ago.
Craftsman and all other models will last as long as you take care of them.
PJ