Craftsman mower problem

[firemanpat2910]

I have had several craftsman mowers,all have acted like they were treated. The newest one that I gave my dad for xmas 2 years ago, cuts his yard and my yard 2 times a week 50 weeks a year with 0 problems. Dad is retired and cuts the grass as soon as a weed pokes its head up I could have wasted money and bought him a commercial mower but he likes this one. he puts his little red trailer from wallyword behind it and rides the 8 blocks from his place to mine, now If I could only get him to quit running over my garden hose everything would be great.

Oh I did change a belt once he hung a stick and burned it almost in 2. he wouldnt even call and tell me about it he made mom do it

 

[Gatorboy]

The newest one that I gave my dad for xmas 2 years ago, cuts his yard and my yard 2 times a week 50 weeks a year with 0 problems.

He even cuts it when it's not the growing season? From October 15 through April 15, the grass in Florida doesn't grow much.

 

[Bird]

No experience with Florida, but in Texas, I've always had to mow until mid-November, then start again in early March and sometimes even as early as mid-February. I do usually have a break of 3 to 4 months each Winter.

 

[Fordlords]

Sure, most of the tractors in the entry level price range are nothing to get excited about quality wise. Yes, you can buy a good used commercial quality walk behind such as a Scag in the price range of one of the entry level tractors. You can also buy a good used quality garden tractor such as a Deere 216 or Cub Cadet 1650 in that price range too, the difference being with a tractor, the butt rests in a thing called a SEAT. I get enough of a workout at WORK, I want to relax when I cut the grass. Perhaps a walk behind is great exercise for a computer desk jockey or those who like that sort of thing. I'd rather replace a belt or two on a cheap tractor now and then rather then sit through a double knee replacement in a few years.

My mom has bad knees and would definitely take her Craftsman LT, however bad anyone thinks it is, over a walk behind any time. How does she know? She used to use a propelled walk behind before buying the thing! Even at age 65 the Craftsman still makes her WANT to go out and cut the grass, and that can only make a son smile

-Fordlords-

 

[Gatorboy]

... the difference being with a tractor, the butt rests in a thing called a SEAT. I get enough of a workout at WORK

Wow, I didn't realize just walking for you was work. If you've never operated a 48" walkbehind, it's hard to explain how easy the walking part is. For those who want a workout, you can crank the speed up and jog behind them, but I prefer the leisurely stroll.

But they do make sulkies for these walkbehinds (unless standing is too difficult as well).

 

[deerefan]

I also have a 5103 JD, thats where the name originated. I was looking at several JD mowers until this one fell in my lap.

 

[deerefan]

As far as push mowers go, no way....it would take 3 days to cut what takes me 3 hours. I have 42 acres, 20 planted in pine, 12 in pasture and about 10 left open to cut. What the JD 5103 doesn't bushhog, the craftsman mowers do. One complaint I do have is how poorly the bigger craftsman turns to the right. Hangs a left great but sometimes I feel like I need one of those "wide right turn" signs when mowing.

 

[Gatorboy]

As far as push mowers go, no way....

Did anyone mention push mowers?

 

[deerefan]

Oh I'm sorry....walk behind....call it what you want....I've always called them push mowers b/c no matter what at some point you end up pushing.

 

[Fordlords]

Did anyone mention push mowers?

If I need to use my yard cart, dethatcher, or aerator, would I have to hook them to the back of a sulky on a walk behind?

-Fordlords-

 

[Gatorboy]

Oh I'm sorry....walk behind....call it what you want....I've always called them push mowers b/c no matter what at some point you end up pushing.

Well, it's obvious you've never used a walkbehind mower -- pushing isn't an option, unless you are on a smooth concrete surface.

 

[Gatorboy]

If I need to use my yard cart, dethatcher, or aerator, would I have to hook them to the back of a sulky on a walk behind?

If you want to use attachments, you may consider a BSC 2-wheeled tractor.

 

[Fordlords]

If you want to use attachments, you may consider a BSC 2-wheeled tractor.

Now that is an interesting beast. Except Italians are more known for romance than building long lasting quality machinery. Also, a 13 HP commercial BCS with sulky and 38" mower would run me $5847.00, about the cost of a new high end Cub Cadet GT3100 tractor with 60" deck- nice cushy seat and power steering to boot for my lazy butt

-Fordlords-

 

[Big Al]

Except Italians are more known for romance than building long lasting quality machinery.

As the owner of two 1960s vintage Vespas, I'm both offended and in complete agreement with your statement.

;D

 

[Fordlords]

Somehow I knew you'd see that comment Al LOL! I used to work on a few printing presses made by a company called OMSCA out of Italy. When they ran, they were like Ferraris. When they broke down, the real fun began I think our maintenance department had logged more hours on those presses repairing them than the operators logged running them.

-Fordlords-

 

[deerefan]

"Well, it's obvious you've never used a walkbehind mower -- pushing isn't an option, unless you are on a smooth concrete surface."

Read the last part of your statement closely....you still end up pushing.

 

[Gatorboy]

"Well, it's obvious you've never used a walkbehind mower -- pushing isn't an option, unless you are on a smooth concrete surface."

....you still end up pushing.

Apparently you didn't understand that trying to push it is not easy (it weighs over 500 lbs.) ... similar to trying to PUSH your riding mower. Same thing.

 

[deerefan]

Right....exactly why I do not want one. I'm sure they are great for some folks but not for me.

 

[Fordlords]

Here's something you could never do with a walk behind mower:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/data/524/25195IMG_0460-med.jpg

-Fordlords-

 

[firemanpat2910]

He even cuts it when it's not the growing season? From October 15 through April 15, the grass in Florida doesn't grow much.

He cut it xmas day when I gave it to him and every week since. He cuts the front one day and the back a different day. If something is in his way he will cut around it and leave a message for me to move it, Then he comes back and recuts the yard so its all the same height. My black lab will run in front of him picking up all her toys, cause he will run them over. Funniest thing you ever seen, two tennis balls in her mouth and then sees her frisbee in his path,she runs over drops the balls gets the fribee to safety then gets back saves one ball, he runs over the other one with a thud, she barks at him then poops right in the gate way where he has to run over it to get out of the back yard.He tries to watch out for her toys now.