The Craftsman name is known for outstanding durability and performance, and their riding mowers are no exception. The LT2000 models have been known for their reliability since their introduction, but the latest models are exceeding even these high expectations.

But before you go out and buy a new (or used) riding mower, it’s a good idea to make sure a riding mower is really what you need. First of all, is it possible that you just need a more powerful mower? If your lawn is half an acre or less, you may want to save the money and go for a self-propelled gas or electric lawn mower. This is also often the best solution if mowing requires navigating around obstacles and in relatively tight spots.

If you have a large area to mow and plan to haul large loads (ie hundreds of pounds) and use a variety of attachments to perform various tasks around the yard, a lawn tractor may not be enough. For heavy-duty jobs and increased durability and versatility, you may want to consider a garden tractor or yard tractor. Although these are more expensive, they are heavy-duty and designed for the toughest jobs you would need to do in your garden.

For those with lawns up to a couple of acres with fairly level ground and few obstacles, a riding mower is definitely the right choice, as long as you don’t expect it to take on the toughest jobs and maintain proper maintenance. For example, riding mowers are ideal for tasks like pulling a lawn sweeper, lawn aerator, small garden cart, or fertilizer spreader. Most do not include front-mounted attachments, such as a snow blade, and generally only cut grass forward.

Now that you know the basics of riding mowers, let’s look at some specific Craftsman models. Craftsman offers a pair of LT2000 models: the model 28884 and the model 28885. The main difference between the two is that the 28885 is more powerful and features a wider deck. Of course, the 28885 also costs more as a result of these improvements, so you’ll want to consider which one is better suited to your needs before choosing one over the other.

The Model 28884 Riding Mower features a 19.5 hp Briggs & Stratton engine and foot pedal controlled automatic transmission. It can reach mowing speeds of up to 5 mph and has an 18-inch turning radius for maneuvering around obstacles. The 42-inch-wide mower deck features five cutting heights from 1.5 to 4 inches and two deck wheels. This riding mower is only available in red and comes with a full two-year warranty from Sears.

The Model 28885 Riding Mower features a powerful 21 hp Briggs & Stratton engine and automatic transmission. It has a slightly higher top speed of 5.5 mph and the same turning radius as the Model 28884. While its deck features the same 5 cutting heights as the Model 28884, the 28885 has a wider 46-inch deck. It also has a taller rear seat, which is adjustable like on the 28884. In addition to a full two-year warranty, it includes a five-year lifetime front axle and frame warranty. The 28885 is only available in black.

None of these riding mowers will mow in reverse, and they’re also not suitable for regularly hauling heavy loads. So if these capabilities are important to you, you may want to consider more heavy-duty lawn tractors, or better, yard and garden tractors. However, both have plenty of mowing power and are ideal for lawns between half an acre and two acres. Both can also accommodate light accessories and a grass clippings bag.

It’s worth noting that the less expensive Model 28884 features the same engine as higher-priced riding mowers made by other manufacturers. The same goes for the 28885 model, which also comes with the best warranty and nice features like a bed wash system, an ergonomic steering wheel, and a taller, more comfortable seat.

If these Craftsman LT2000 models sound appealing to you, a good next step is to do some more research and perhaps speak with a knowledgeable Sears professional. Rest assured, however, that these riding mowers offer exceptional performance and durability for the price. As long as you use them the way they were designed and maintain them properly, you’ll get many years of quality work out of them.