Craftsman Excellerator GT5000 26 HP/54″ Garden Tractor
Sears item# 0718947000 Mfr. model# 28947
Craftsman Excellerator
Intro:
Sears likes to make mowers for every customer and new for 2009 is the high speed lawn mower the Excellerator. It is a truly hard-working garden Tractor. Not only can the Excellerator be used as a high speed mower, it is also compatible with a wide array of attachments that will do everything from throw snow to haul landscape rocks. A large engine and 54 inch cutting deck are just the start of this tractor’s list of features.
Specs:
28 hp Engine, 54 inch deck, heavy-duty hydrostatic transmission.
Deluxe seat with arm rests, large tires, steering grease zerks.
4 anti-scalp wheels, cruise control, electric PTO clutch
Pros:
This mower will mow as fast as commercial mowers costing $7000 to $10,000. If you have 5 acres or more of lawn with few obstacles (or like to get done fast) and don’t want to spend the extra money for a commercial mower this is a good choice.
The 28 hp motor is large enough to mow at 8 mph under most conditions.
There is no learning curve like a zero-turn mower. It is much easier to drive and more comfortable than the residential zero-turns.
This is also a garden tractor with a heavy duty transmission and is capable of pulling all the ground engaging attachments Sears offers. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.
This garden tractor is big but is surprisingly maneuverable. It’s 18-inch turning radius and 54-inch deck allow it to get around trees and shrubs fairly easily, thereby eliminating the need for a lot of trimming. The hydrostatic transmission features cruise control, a welcome feature if you find yourself mowing expansive lawns.
It’s hard to find much fault with a machine that is as powerful and versatile as the 28947. It may be too expensive for some users, but it is Sears top of the line garden tractor and it does provide you with the pulling power and speed that you need to accomplish a variety of tasks.
Cons:
Not as agile as a zero-turn. Yes it will mow fast, but if you have a lot of landscaping, trees and obstacles to mow around a good zero-turn like the Craftsman Professional 26 hp 52 in. Zero Turn Riding Mower will be a better choice for you.
Having had my own lawn maintenance company I know how much damage you can do with a mower that runs at 8 mph. I have had workers knock decks clean off the commercial grade mowers. Because this is a residential garden tractor that mows fast and not a heavy-duty commercial mower I would strongly suggest you purchase the optional 3YR In-Home Repair Protection Agreement. This plan will not only fix warranty problems with the mower but take care of wear and tear on the machine.
Update 2/27: In my opinion I see this mower as a good machine for mowing large areas like the backyard where your children play ball or that huge expanse of lawn in front of your farm house. BUT ………. I think we should be real here with the mowing speed for this tractor. Yes, the mower will mow at 8 mph but don’t expect the cut to be as good as a true commercial machine like the Craftsman Professional 26 hp 52 in. Zero Turn Riding Mower or a Toro Grandstand. The garden tractor, the supension and the weight of the deck just are not heavy enough to keep the deck from bouncing around at 8 mph. Don’t expect your lawn to look as good one mowed with a commercial mower. A few suggestions to help you get the best cut out of the 28947. The tractor is delivered to you with too much tire pressure. Reduce the tire pressure to the amount shown on the tires. I like the Accu-Gage Tire Gauge with Pressure Release Valve . If your deck is bouncing up and down and cutting unevenly, slow down. You will soon find a speed that works for your lawn. Not all of your lawn will be rough and with practice you will quickly learn where you have to slow down to get a good cut. Most of you will do just fine with this mower, just be aware that you may not be able to get that “manicured” look the more expensive commercial machines give you. If your cut is uneven—–slow down!
Order Here:
You can read more about this Garden Tractor and order it online using this link Excellerator GT5000.
If you order it online you can pick it up at your nearest store and not get charged for shipping. You can get the mower delivered to your home from the store for a normal charge. Sears has a 30 day price guarantee so you can buy it, watch the sale ads and come into your local Sears and get the difference refunded to you.
NOTE: If you have the mower delivered it will have the deck attached. New for 2009, if you have gas available, the delivery guys will also start the mower and show you how to use it.
Because this mower will not fit in a pick-up with the deck attached, if you come to the store to pick it up they assume you are bringing a pick-up and will not have the deck attached. If you are bringing a trailer they will attach the deck for you before you leave the store pickup area.
Craftsman Excellerator GT5000 26 HP/54″ Garden Tractor
Sears item# 0718947000 Mfr. model# 28947
Related posts:
- 2009 Craftsman GT 5000 26 HP 54 inch Model 28945 Garden Tractor Review
- 2009 Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Garden Tractor Model 28974 Review
- 2009 Craftsman Revolution Model 28933 – Zero Turn Tractor Review
- 2009 Craftsman Professional PYT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Yard Tractor Model 28973 Review
- 2009 Craftsman Zero Turn Mower Test Drive – Revolution Model 28933 – Updated Review
Tags: Craftsman Excellerator, Craftsman Excellerator GT 5000 26 HP/54" Garden Tractor, Craftsman Excellerator GT 5000 26 HP/54" Garden Tractor Model 28947 Review, craftsman garden tractor, Craftsman Lawn Tractor, craftsman yard tractor, Lawn Tractors, riding mowers
I have a 2003 GT 5000 with a 50″ mowing deck. I want to put a mulching kit on it. Is there one available that fits this deck?
@Mike, I personally don’t have a way to find this info out. But you can go to SearsPartsDirect, (Click the button in the right hand column)enter your model number (the one under the seat) and Go through the parts listings. You can also call the help number at SearsPartsDirect and see if they can find the part for you.
How does the excellerator GT500 compare to the John Deere LA175?
Both 54″ 26 hp.10/06/09 Excellerator Gt5000 2699.99 and the
La $2600 at Lowes. Have looked at JD MX models but don’t want to
pay between 4 and 5 thousand.
I have a Simplicity Land Lord 11 yrs old with 670 hours and its falling apart. The 18 hp Briggs and Straton has a bad crank seal. I have replaced the starter gear 3 times and what a pain.
Would not recommend buy a Simplicity or a B&S engine.
I cut approx. 2 acres.
@Wilson, The John Deere LA175 and the Craftsman GT5000 Excellerator are fairly close in features.
GT5000 has a 26 hp Kohler Courage (consumer) engine, 16 inch turning radius, 8 mph Heavy Duty Transmission, Metal Hood, 1-5 inch cut, free bumper when ordered through my link online
LA175 , 26 hp Briggs & Stratton (high end consumer) engine, 18 inch turning radius, 5.5 mph transmission (not listed as heavy duty) , plastic hood, 1-4 inch cut, included two bar bumper.
So it boils down to four things in my mind.
1. Engine, I personally like Kohler better, but the Briggs ELS has a great reputation.
2. Transmission. I know the Craftsman Garden tractor transmission is bulletproof, I don’t the history behind the JD trans.
3. Service. I know Sears service. And I know if you know how to use their service properly you can always get your machine repaired for the next 15-20 years. I also know if you pay an upfront fee ($499 protection agreement) Sears will do everything possible to keep your tractor running and repair it within one mowing cycle (7-10 days) for the first three years. If they can’t get it fixed they will usually give you another tractor.
Lowes service on the other hand is not as good. I have people telling me that the first 90 days is fine, but after that the service is hit-or-miss. Also they tell me that after 2-3 years Lowes can’t seem to get parts for your tractor. Don’t expect to buy your John Deere at Lowes and then expect your local Deere dealer to give you any kind of service. The local Deere dealer is privately owned and they service their clients first and your Lowes Deere takes a distant……………last on the list.
4. And last, do you like green or black for a tractor color.
Hi Paul
I have been reviewing your blog and based on the info I went out and purchased the GT 5000 yesterday (item # 28947). I was reading though the operators manual and on page 6 it shows the specs of the machine and to my surprise, it lists the ground speeds for forward at 0 – 5.8 and reverse from 0 – 2.1. These specs obviously don’t match the brochure (page 19 it states “speeds up to 7.5 mph, which is obviously for forward). Any thoughts as to why the differance? This is a brand new machine that has never been used. The Operators Manual has the following codes on the back cover “425987 Rev 1 02.24.09 SR/TH”. I assume this means that it was updated on 2/24/09. My other question relates to the “freewheel control”. My old machine has a metal bar shaped like an “L” that comes out of the back of the machine to engage/disingage the transmission. This new machine has what looks and fells like an oversized black paper clip attached to a spring (spring is behind the back plate). Does this seem normal to you? I plan on going back to Sears today to look at their floor model to see if mine id different than theirs.
@grobbb,
It looks like the manual wasn’t changed to reflect the Excellerator trans. The 5.8 mph is the top speed of all the other garden tractors.
The freewheel control (trans release lever) is that paper-clip looking wire hanging out the back. All the current consumer hydros use that type of release lever. Just pull it out and clip the “L” to release the trans. Push the lever all the way in to engage the trans. You are just controlling a very small lever on the trans so it doesn’t have to be very big. With a heavier lever people were forcing it and breaking the transmission so they went to the flexible wire. It is not a bad design, but is different from the older model release levers.
The Revolution is a unique case in point. Because of the way the trans works in that particular tractor, people are pulling too hard on the two release levers and breaking them.
Paul, Thanks for the feed back. The price is only $1699
Thats a $1000 less as your know. Yes it is new (was thier floor model). Still sits in store. I guess I should not pass this up.
Would you say it would review the same as the new 2009 units except fot the speed?
@rcouret,
Yes, I would buy it at that price. The only thing I have heard that was a problem for that mower was some of the Kohler engines had leaking valve covers. Watch your engine and if you see dust collecting around a valve cover or it starts to miss, get the 1-800-4MY-HOME service tech out. The problem if it happens occurs in the first 50 hours so you have plenty of time in the two year manufacture’s warranty to have it fixed if needed.
Stop back later and tell us how you liked it.
My local Sears store has a big savings on a left over 2008 DGS 6500.
Is there a big difference between the 2009 Craftsman GT 5000 Excellator and 2008 DGS 6500. Each has the Heavy Duty Premium hydrostatic transmission. Could the DGS 6500 also cut a 7.5 mph? Engine the same tranny the same. So is it just cosmetic?
@rcouret,
Yes. No. No. Sorry I couldn’t resist
The transmission in the Excellerator is unique. It is the ONLY Craftsman that will go 8 mph. The Trans in the DGS 6500 is like the one in the PGT 9000 Model 28974 which will NOT go that fast. Otherwise their is no real difference between the DGS 6500 and the Excellerator. I hope the savings is better than the $200 savings shown online.
I did end up purchasing the GT5000. I’ve been happy with it so far this season except for one thing: Sometimes it smokes. It seems to occur after stopping and backing up on a slope. It will them puff blue oil smoke, but continue to run just fine. This seems ridiculous, but could it be a breather or something?
Thanks!
-Joe
@Joe Terry
That’s weird………….Check to make sure the engine oil level is below the “full” mark on the dipstick. Check it with the dipstick inserted all the way down.
I like the GT5000 myself. If I could get it with a 46 inch deck I would have one. (The deck is too big for my yard)
I just bot a Craftsman Garden Tractor 28 h.p. 54′ model # 917.28974 (8/16/09), but it is ANYTHING BUT FAST. I am thinking that something must be wrong with it. It runs very fast when not mowing, but engage the blades and it slows to a CRAWL. You can press the accelerator when not mowing and it speeds forward. When I press the accelerator with the mower engaged, the machine stalls out. I am very displeased, is something wrong with the machine?
@Ken
Yes, something is wrong. Call 1-800-4MY-HOME and get a tech out to your house. DON’T bring it back to Sears unless the tech tells you to. Since that is an order only tractor they should be able to get it fixed faster than they could get you another one.
This is an exception. I don’t hear of trans problems with that machine.
The 28974 should have a top speed of about 6 MPH. It is not as fast as the Excellerator (8 MPH) but it should never slow down when mowing. In fact with that big motor and the premium heavy duty transmission it should go a full 6 mph uphill, downhill, mowing or anything.
Please let me know how it turns out and how fast they get it fixed.
I love my excellerator. No info on the hydro in the book. It has a filter, how often do I change the oil and what do you put in? I need info on the bagger. How well it works or is a 54 to big for a bagger with no blower.thanks.
@bart,
The transmission manufacture has developed this trans to be lubricated “for life’ You do not have to change oil or filter for the life of the trans. The only thing you need to do is clean the dirt and grass off the trans at least twice a year (for cooling)
In my opinion the 54 inch deck will bag using the
3 bin baggermost of the time. It doesn’t work well for wet grass or wet leaves. In my opinion if you are going to bag regularly get a pull behind like thelawn vacAfter 5 unsuccessful times trying to call Sears about the hydraulic fluid/filter change no one knows anything, and there is no replacement manual. A pro told me you do indeed need to change the hydro filter fluid at 50 miles. Not that I doubt you, but where did you get that info. from so I can confirm?
Thanks
@ Rich,
Is this pro a trained Sears Service Tech or a repair guy for another brand. The trans is a Hydro Gear GT730 trans.
Looking at the parts diagram on searspartsdirect it shows that 20w50 is the suggested oil and there is a filter listed. The problem is all the parts for the trans are not orderable including the filter. You can only purchase a complete replacement unit.
Hang on, I’ll finish this thread in a l bit
Lost the owners manual. What is the best way to raise the blades. Just need about an inch more.
Is there a website out there with the owners manual?
@Brian blados,
Yes, there is. Look at the right hand column on this page and click on the Craftsman manuals. The type Craftsman 28947 in the search box and your manual will come up.
You can read it on-line or print one off.
My PYT 9000 28hp/54 inch tractor has thrown the second pully in on the left. This is the second tractor, after my first did the exact same thing on the exact pully at near the exact same run time, 1.8 vs 2.1. What is the issue here? Is this a design flaw?
@Kirk,
I haven’t heard of this problem. Give me a few days to talk to the Sears Service Reps. In the meantime here are a few things you can do.
Step one. Does that belt go to the engine? Make sure the deck is attached to the tractor correctly. Read that section in the manual carefully, follow each step and go through the deck installation to make sure it was attached correctly. A bracket turned backwards or a spring on upside down can cause the belt to pop off. Double check your inspection (I put the deck on wrong the first time I did it) If your luck runs like mine you could have had the same guy put the deck on both machines wrong.
Step two. Spend some time with your machine to see if you can diagnose the problem. Take the pulley guard off and lay a straight edge across the belt path (on top of the pulleys works great) to see if any one of the pulleys is tipped, too high, or too low. This will cause the belt to pop off.
Check to make sure all the bolt on the spindles, idler pulley brackets, etc, are tight. A loose bracket or spindle will cause the belt to pop off.
Check to make sure the idler pulley brackets and belt tensioning pulley brackets are all straight. The unit is shipped with the deck off and one of those brackets may have been bent while the storeroom personnel handled the deck.
Step three. Call 1-800-4MY-HOME and let them know this is the second mower with the same problem. Get a tech scheduled to fix the machine. Sometimes there is a design issue and switching out your machine for a new one does not fix the issue, but the techs may have an update kit that the store does not know about. For example, the Model 28908 tractor had a cable routing problem this year. The techs were already fixing the problem on the customers mowers before the stores knew about it. They didn’t fix the store stock or warehouse stock until ALL of the customers units were fixed.
6/11 I talked to the service reps today and they have not had this problem. Their first thought was that the decks were not installed properly. Let me know if you have any resolution with this.
i purchased an excellerator and got it to my home 5-10-09 and i was very impressed.i have an old 18hp gt 5000 and the steering is pretty much shot but still drivable.should i expect the same granted it’s 14 years old.also sears produced some shotty decks in the past.is the excellerator expected to last for 10 + years with hydro gear drive.
thanks josh
Paul,
I am currently in the market for a riding mower. I have been looking at the Craftsman Excellerator GT 5000, the Craftsman YT 4500, and now even the PTY 9000. I really want the Garden Tractor, because I want to do some minor landscaping that will eliminate the cost of a professional landscaper. However, I have only an acre of land and I feel that once the landscaping is over, I will not need the garden tractor capabilities. Additionally, I wonder if the 54″ deck is overkill.
The only reason that I really want to stick with the upper models is because most people that I’ve talked to say that the Kholer engine is better than the Briggs and Stratton. Yet other say that the Briggs and Stratton engine in the PTY models are high quality and I should not count them out. I also figured that the bigger the deck, the less hours I will spend mowing which will ultimately extend the life of the tractor.
What would you recommend?
@Gary Payton,
I like Kohlers but all the Kohler motors Sears currently uses are the Courage models. The Courage models are the “consumer” version so they “should” be about the same quality as the Briggs Platinum engines found in the YT Series. I personally think the Kohler motors have more torque and will pull under heavy loads better that the Briggs Platinum.
The PTY models all use the commercial Briggs. This is the best motor Briggs makes and features a heavy duty bottom bearing, chrome valves and Electronic ignition and fuel control. If you are going to pull ground engaging equipment or heavy loads the PGT 9000 Model 28974, the Excellerator Model 28947 are the only tractors in the Sears line to choose from. The Model 28945 willl also work, but it is a manual trans.
If you have the room to mow with a 54 inch deck on your one acre go for it! I’ve always said, “If it takes me more than one hour to mow……it’s time to get a bigger mower!”
You can easily get 1000 to 1500 hours of run time out of the Kohler or the Briggs ELS motors if you change the oil and filter every 50 hours. Be sure to read the lubrication instructions and intervals for the deck and tractor. Grease the deck bearings and front axle spindles on schedule and correctly (don’t assume more grease is better)
I’d appreciate it if you use my link to buy your tractor. You can order it through this site, and pick it up at your local Sears. They will also deliver it for a normal fee. When you get your mower be sure to reduce the tire pressure to around 14 lbs. It comes with too much air in the tires.
Paul,
I just purchased a GT 5000 Model 28947 with a mulching kit. I find when cutting the lawn, the clippings are blowing out from under the front of the deck and as I mow into them both the tractor and I are getting covered with grass. I don’t drive that fast since my lawn is uneven and the ride is very bumpy at higher speeds. This happens to a lesser extent if I use the bagger.
Have you heard of this occurring with this model and if so, do you have any suggestions on how to solve it.
Thanks
Steve
@Steve DiSciullo
What you are experiencing is “blowby” This is a common problem with decks that don’t have a front baffle. It mainly happens when the grass you are mowing is very dry. First, try removing the mulch plug and tell me if the problem goes away.
Did anyone mention that the tractor is shipped with too much air in the tires? Please reduce the air pressure in ALL four tires to 14 psi.
@ Joe, The GT 5000 is manufactured by Husqvarna.
For the money the Excellerator has large tires, heavy duty transmission, 26 hp Kohler, and heavy steel frame. It is the second most rugged garden tractor Sears sells. You will have to buy a sleeve hitch if your box scraper is not a pull-behind.
Also take a look at the Craftsman Professional PTG9000 Model 28974. It has a 28 hp ELS Briggs, a heavier deck, and the cute new bumper.
Both of these have a cast iron front axle like your old Wheel Horse. They have a nicer seat and better foot controls. If I remember correctly the tire size is about the same and you may be able to use your old weights and chains. The Sears still has metal fenders and hood. I personally like both Sears better than the Toro GT2200. Plus they both have bigger motors and larger decks.
In my opinion when comparing the Sears garden tractors to the old Wheel Horse the weak point in the Sears is the steering. If you use it for mowing and snowblowing you should expect to replace the steering sector, steering pinion gear, and support bearing every 4 to 5 years. If you do it yourself you can do this repair for about $70.
I’m contemplating the purchase of a rider for mowing about 2 1/2 acres and can also handle a snow blower and small box scraper for our 300′ driveway. I’ve been hesitant to look at the Sears because previous models I’ve looked at appear to be manufacturered cheaply.
I’m currently using a 1992 Toro 312 Wheel Horse, and have been very happy with it and am looking to replace it with something similar.
When I look at the GT 5000, it looks like a well built tractor.
Do you know who manufacturers this particular model?
How might you compare it to the old tough Wheel Horse tractors?
Thanks for the help.
-Joe
@ Michael, I’ve watched Sears and their sales for a long time and here is what I see in the lawn and garden division.
They have a 7-10% off sale going on most of the time, One week they will half half the mowers on sale and the next week the other half.
Special event sales (like memorial day) in the 15% off range.
Once or twice a season, and once a season for friends & family night they will have a sale on a specific item at 20% off the retail price.
It looks like right now the 28947 is 20% off. That is the best deal you will likely get until late this fall. What I’m saying is: If you want the best price, buy it now. Click on the GT 5000 link above and then search 07128974000 on sears.com. That will take you to the 28974 page and the best price.
They also have 5% cash back or 12 months no interest/no payments if you use Sears card. You can apply for one right on the website if you don’t have one. That will take another 70 to 300 dollars off the one year cost if you go that way.
I hope this helps.
I am loking for best price on a 28974 riding mower
I am looking to purchase a 26 HP 54″ Decks Lawn Tractor please contact em at the above address.
@ Michael, Sears has got some pretty great deals on the 2008 closeouts. Click on the link excellerator link in the post above, then search for garden tractors. They currently have the DGS 6500 Model 28846 for $2599 with a 54 inch deck and the DYS 4500 Model 28990 for $1999. The DGS is a garden tractor and the DYS is a yard tractor. Good luck on your hunt!