Craftsman is a world-famous brand that has built a reputation for itself over the last 9 decades. It is popular for tools, lawn, garden equipment and work wear. Their lawn mowers are preferred by many for quality and great warranty. Whether you have a tiny patch of grass or several acres of lawn, it is wise to invest in a capable lawn mower for the best results. We have rounded up some of the best craftsman lawn mowers to help you choose one that suits your needs.
Some of the key features we considered in our in-depth review include engine, power source, fuel capacity, zero turn, start, type, fuel capacity, transmission and durability among others. These features determine the mower’s quality and performance.
Other features: 3-in-1, self-propelled, 159cc engine, front wheel drive, 11-inch rear tires
This is one of Craftsman’s best self-propelled lawn mowers. It features a powerful engine of 159cc that powers its front wheels allowing you easy maneuverability. It is a 3-in-1 mower. You can set it up for side discharge so that it can simply cut the grass and expel out on the sides. If your lawn has grown too long, you can use the mulching setting.
The mower is also a lot easier to start compared to other gas-powered mowers owing to its smooth recoil and automatic choke.
Overall, the M215 is a perfect option for anyone looking for affordable gas-powered options. It is also the best you can get if you have a large lawn because it is easy to use and can cut a lot of grass in a single pass.
What We Liked: The mower is super-easy to use thanks to its self-propulsion system and large rear wheels. They make maneuverability such a breeze. It is also incredibly versatile because of its 3-in-1 functionality. You can use it as a bagger, mulcher, and convenient side discharge.
Further, the mower features a sharp 21-inch cutting blade. This makes mowing your lawn less of a chore because you will be able to cut a lot of grass at once with top precision and control. What’s more, you can change the cutting speed and adjust the deck height to set the height of the grass according to the state of your turf.
For instance, if it’s a dry season, you want to leave the grass a little high to help with moisture retention. If it’s a wet season, then you can lower the deck to cut the grass a bit lower.
The M215 comes with variable speed controls that allow you to set the speed according to your natural walking gait. You wouldn’t have to feel like you are pulling or pushing on long stretches.
Plus, Craftsman added a Dust Blocking feature that makes the mower super-convenient to use during the dry season.
Maintenance is a breeze with this mower. You just need to make periodic oil changes then sharpen the cutting blades every 2 or 3 years.
What Could Be Better: The mower is quite bulky and heavy. This could be a deal breaker for some users. Also, its handles are not padded. Some users find them a bit uncomfortable when used for long periods. Also, most users have complained of carelessness during shipping. Most of them got their package with warped parts, especially the rear wheel. The 9mower would be perfect if Craftsman was a little too keen on proper packaging and transportation.
Other features: 24HP Kohler twin-cylinder engine, zero-turn, dual hydrostatic transmission
This the cream of the crop of all the premium zero-turn riding lawn mowers out there. It offers great power, durability and unmatched convenience. The mower boasts a rugged build that can withstand the test of time. It has a robust steel frame and smooth wheels with great reliable traction.
This was our upgrade pick because its Kohler twin-cylinder engine can outlast the operation of many other Zero-turn mowers. The powerful engine ensures you have the easiest start with no choke or prime.
The cutting width is also pretty decent, coming in at 50 inches. This can handle up to 10 acres of grass with so much ease. Therefore, it is the ultimate mower for commercial spaces or large residential lawns. Plus, you can count on its smooth wheels and rear drive tires to give you excellent traction and a strong grip on the ground, especially on wet seasons.
What We Liked: The mower is remarkably easy to use. Its comfortable cut-and-sew high back leather seat and robust steel frame is a clear indication that it was built with both aesthetics and durability in mind. In essence, 17ARFACQ091 is craftsman’s best riding lawn mower.
We loved the mower’s exceptional maneuverability. Its zero turn radius allows fast and easy directional changes. You will find that you enjoy mowing your lawn more because of the optimal efficiency the feature provides.
Moreover, the mower features a dual hydrostatic transmission and an ultra-comfortable high-back seat that give you the most comfortable ride.
Another thing that makes this mower a top convenient choice is its adjustable cutting heights. The minimum cutting height is 1.25 inches while the maximum cutting height 3.75 inches. You can set the right cutting height that works with the current state of your grass.
What Could Be Better: The cutting height range offered is a bit limited for a mower this powerful. Many users have also complained that they had problems trying to start the mower. Delivery also seems to be an issue like it is with the Craftsman M215 above. Many user reviewers claim the product took so long to get to the buyers. Some as long as 45 days. If the cutting height range could be a bit more extensive and the delivery done on time and in good condition, the Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 would be perfect.
Other features: 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine, 3-in-1 capabilities, recoil start
The Craftsman M105 is the real clean cut among mid-range gas mowers. Its 140cc and sharp blade makes it compare favorably against other mid-range options. It is incredibly easy to set up and use and it starts up without a hassle.
Another feature that makes this mower user-friendly is its recoil start. It starts on the first attempt. The auto choke feature is another nice touch. This saves you the hassle of pushing a primer bulb before you start.
All considered, the mower is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a powerful mower to cut tall grass on their lawn pick up leaves in the fall or perform regular yard maintenance. Since it is a push model, you might want to consider another option if you have a large lawn or yard.
What We Liked: M105 has so much to offer in terms of features and performance at its price point. It offers great user experience, solid durability and a powerful performance just like other high-end options.
The push lawn mower has 3-in-1 capabilities. This is great for people who love options. You can bag, mulch or side discharge depending on the current condition of your grass. You can bag when the grass is too tall and mulch when it’s at a normal height to add some extra nutrition to your lawn.
Using the mower is a real pleasure, thanks to its user-friendly features. Some of these features include a starter cord that conveniently rests halfway up the handle assembly so you can easily access it, a grass bag that you can easily take off and re-seat in the same position and easy-to-use height adjustment levers.
What Could Be Better: The grass bag on the M105 is a bit too small. You have to dump it severally, and it can slow you down when mowing your lawn. Users have also complained that it is hard to restart the engine after running a few passes on morning wet grass. Pulling the cord to restart the engine is a stalemate. Packaging was also an issue with the M105. Users complained of receiving their mower with some missing parts and some got their unit in a package that had been resealed severally.
Other features: self-propelled, electric start, 6 height settings, 159cc engine
This is another quality self-propelled gem of a lawn by Craftsman. The mower’s highlight feature is its highly-responsive single-lever PTO. It will make you feel like the mower is automated.
What’s more you can choose an appropriate cutting height from the 6 options offered using the double adjustment lever. One lever is located on the front wheel while the other is on the rear wheel.
With a 21-inch cutting width, you won’t spend so much time mowing your lawn. Its incredible speed and easy maneuverability will get you done in no time.
The M270 is a gas lawn mower that was made for small and medium lawn owners who hate to break a sweat cutting grass.
What We Liked: The M270 is a high-quality lawn mower packed with useful features. It tops the list when it comes to ease of use, thanks to its automatic accelerator and automatic start. The mower is easy to assemble clean and maintain. As if that’s enough, it is backed by a 2-year warranty which covers its parts and labor.
M270 boasts an incredibly powerful 159cc engine and a convenient electric starter with an auto choke that makes using it a breeze. Starting the mower is as simple as pressing a button. On top of the powerful self-propelled engine, the mower has reliable large rear wheels and is a front-wheel drive that will allow you to maneuver rough terrain and downhill gradients effortlessly. You can also adjust your mowing speed on the go.
The mower also has the 3-in-1 capabilities. You can mulch to improve the soil quality, do the rear discharge or bag the grass you cut.
What Could Be Better: The mower is not the best for lawns with slopes, steep surfaces or high edges. Its engine also tends to have low displacement; therefore, it might not be able to handle large areas of lawn. Frozen starter was also a common problem among many users. They were unable to pull the starter and the battery didn’t function even when fully charged. On top of low-displacement, Engine lock up is another common issue that needs to be improved for the M270 to be a perfect mower.
Other features: 149cc Craftsman engine, self-propelled, variable speed, recoil start, auto choke
This shares a lot in common with the M275 reviewed above. It features a powerful 149cc engine. The gas engine comes equipped with auto choke and recoil start for the easiest start. You can forget about the hassle of fussing with a primer or choke. All you need to do is pull to start.
The only distinguishing thing about this mower is its vertical storage capability. The vertical storage technology can reduce your storage space by over 70% whether it’s in the garage, shed or inside your house.
This craftsman mower is perfect for small to medium lawns. Anyone who has limited storage space should make it their prime choice.
What We Liked: The mower stands out with its vertical storage technology. Storing the mower won’t feel like a chore. The mower’s features show Craftsman’s dedication to give their customers easy and wholesome mowing experiences.
The unit also has 3-in-1 capabilities. You can mulch, side discharge or rear discharge your clippings. You also get a dust blocker bag that prevents messy dust clouds in the dry season. Additionally, there’s a rear bagger that you can use to collect your clippings instead of rounding them up. This saves your time and energy.
The self-propelled mower is perfect for medium size yards or lawns. It is easy to maneuver in level terrains thanks to its front-wheel drive. It also has variable speed so that you can mow at a propulsion speed of your choice.
You can also choose a cutting height that works best for your lawn between 1.25 inches and 3.75 inches from the 6 position options provided.
What Could Be Better: The mower has no torque uphill, thus not the best for lawns with slopes. Also the assembly directions are not direct enough. They show how to assemble 3 different mowers and you have to tell which one is yours. This can be hard for new users. Most users also claim that the mower has questionable build quality. Some of its plastic parts feel cheap, especially the fuel tank. Is it even safe to have a plastic fuel tank?
Craftsman has a great range of gardening equipment and tools. Their mower line is remarkably extensive that choosing one that suits your needs and budget can be a challenge. Although they are all from the same brand, the lawn mowers vary slightly when it comes to features and performance. This section contains all the information you need to know to choose one that is better aligned to your needs.
There are multiple reasons why craftsman lawn mowers should be your top consideration. First off, Craftsman is a respectable brand famous for durability and quality. When you get a craftsman mower, you can trust it to withstand the test of time as long you take good care of it.
Craftsman mowers are also easily available. You can easily pop into a Sears store near you to buy one or make an order online.
Another reason why you should go for craftsman lawn mowers is because the brand offers great variety. You can find a unit that matches your needs and requirements with ease. The products also offer great value for money.
Besides your budget, there are other factors that you need to consider when buying your Craftsman lawn mower and they include:
There are 3 main types of lawn mowers according to power source: manual mowers, electric and battery lawn mowers, and gas-powered lawn mowers. Gas-powered lawn mowers are the most powerful and should be your top consideration if you have a large lawn.
Electric and battery lawn mowers are perfect for smaller lawns. They are easier to use and maintain as all you have to do is plug in or change the batteries.
Manual lawn mowers require your energy to cut grass. They are also great for small yards and they are environment friendly.
Craftsman gas mowers have 2 types of engines: 2-stroke and 4-stroke. For your small residential lawn, you should get a 2-stroke engine. However, if the lawn is grown with tough grass then you better invest in a 4-stroke engine mower as it is more efficient. The four-stroke engine mowers are best suited for large lawns. They are also more eco-friendly.
This is very crucial. You don’t want to spend hours trying to get your mower started. You will never be motivated to mow your lawn. Go for a model that is easy to start like the Craftsman M105. A recoil start and an auto choke feature are some of the easy-to-start features you should look out for.
If your lawn has a lot of obstacles like flower beds, trees or landscaping, then you should invest in a zero-turn mower. They feature front caster wheels that allow them to pivot at sharp angles easily. Instead of a steering wheel, you use a pair of lap bars or lever to control a Zero-turn radius mower.
You should consider the size of your yard or lawn before choosing the cutting width of a mower. If you have a large lawn, then you should buy a mower with a large cutting width so that you spend less time cutting grass.
For a small residential lawn you can go for 21-inches cutting width while for a commercial yard or large residential lawn you can go for 50 inches cutting width.
As for cutting height, choose a mower that has options. Some models like Craftsman M215 have 6 cutting height settings to choose from so you can go with whatever works for the current condition of your turf.
Different mowers have different fuel capacities depending on their sizes. Small mowers can hold 1 to 3 liters of fuel while large commercial ones with oversized fuel tanks like the Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 can hold up to 5 liters.
There are different types of lawn mower transmissions: CVT, automatic, gear drive, friction disc, and hydrostatic. Hydrostatic transmissions allow you to mow at various speeds and provide more torque but are more costly and hard to maintain. CVT transmissions are the simplest to use as they only require one control lever.
Automatic transmission is mostly used in low-end mowers. It is a reliable option but not the best for heavy-duty or steep terrain. Gear drive or mechanical transmission is the most difficult to operate but it is the most reliable and easy to maintain. It modifies the mower’s speed through a series of gears.
With Craftsman mowers you wouldn’t have to worry about durability. They are dedicated to producing high-quality mowers that can hold up well to frequent use in the longest time possible.
Some models like the Craftsman M105 come with attachments like a grass bag to make your work easier. With the grass bag, you wouldn’t have to pile up the grass for later pick up. Other attachments include: replacement wheels, snow plows, snow blowers, lawn mower covers and blades among others.
Different models have different warranty covers. Warranty is important as in case of anything you can reach out to Craftsman for repairs, and replacement of parts. They also offer free labor for a certain period.
Craftsman includes numerous safety options in their mowers including child lock and a thick rubber flap that prevents stones and debris from being ejected and injuring your feet.
Craftsman has been a top favorite for many when it comes to outdoor tools and equipment because of their high-performance products with great value for money. Their mowers are no exception as they are built to last and are backed by generous warranties. Our well-researched review of the 5 best craftsman lawn mowers and extensive buying guide should give you an in-depth understanding of what you need and should get for your lawn.
Our top pick, the Craftsman M215 stood out because of its powerful engine and ease of use. It is a perfect balance of powerful functionality and ease of use. Plus you don’t have to dig too deep into your pockets for it. Our upgrade choice, the Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 went unmatched because of its premium features. It is the perfect mower for commercial lawns or large residential yards.
Our third choice, the Craftsman M105 is the best you can buy if you want excellent value for your money. It is compact and lightweight yet powerful and durable.
