Craftsman Professional Model 28974 28 hp 54 inch Garden Tractor
Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Model 28974 Garden Tractor Review
Sears item# 07128974000 Mfr. model# 28974
This is the top of the line, best tractor in the Sears Craftsman Mower Line-up. It is a heavy duty garden tractor capable of performing all the tasks for your acreage including using ground breaking attachments. This is one of the best two wheel drive garden tractors available today and it is priced hundreds of dollars less than the nearest competitor’s tractor.
The PYT9000 model 28974 comes with the Briggs & Stratton 28 hp ELS V twin engine with Electronic Fuel Management (EFM). It features a heavy duty hydrostatic transmission, heavy duty 54 inch precision cut deck, electric clutch, deluxe analog gauges, and tricked out front bumper.
The 54 inch deck is a made of thicker steel than the decks on the red and gray Craftsman mowers. The deck is vented on the top to allow more air into the deck allowing the airflow of the cutting blades to stand the grass up better and give an even cut.
If you want the best garden tractor for the money, with a heavy duty mower that will mow 2 to 5 acres or more well, and can handle a snow thrower ……. this is one.
Specs:
Premium hydrostatic/ automatic transmission with foot control
28 hp Briggs & Stratton ELS (Extended Life Series) V-Twin Engine
Heavy duty 54″ precision cut deck with 4 adj. gauge wheels. Front nose roller. Spring loaded deck lift system. Washout port on deck.
Electric clutch for ease of engaging the blades
Cast iron front axle, bumper included, deluxe gauges
High-back seat with automotive style adjustable seat system
2 year full warranty (manufacture defects only), 5 year frame/front axle, optional 3 yr Protection Agreement (covers all of the lawn tractor including wear and tear, labor, and attachments bought with the mower)
Pros:
Compare this mower to the Excellerator GT5000 26 HP/54″ Garden Tractor. The 28974 has a larger motor and heavier deck. This tractor is more powerful than any garden tractor Sears Craftsman has produced and fills the niche for a high horsepower large deck garden tractor well. I think the PYT9000 28974 represents a very good value and a machine that if taken care of properly will last you a long time.
As you know I like Kohler engines, but Briggs & Stratton has really produced a great motor in the 28 hp Extended Life Series. The Briggs engineers I know are proud of this motor and feel it is the best motor Briggs has ever produced and maybe the best motor for lawn tractors in production today. The ELS motor features advanced debris management, anti-vibration system, chrome plated exhaust valve, Dura-Bore Cast Iron Sleeve (cylinder liner), full pressure lubrication with spin-on oil filter, heavy-duty upper bearing, and automotive style oil fill tube and dipstick.
This yard tractor is capable of handling all attachments Sears offers including a snow/dozer blade and snow thrower. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.
Hauling Equipment: Yes
Lawn Care Attachments: Yes
Craftsman 54 Inch Bagger: 24894
Craftsman 54 Inch Mulch Kit: 24154
Craftsman Tractor Deck Wash Kit: Included
Craftsman 16 in. High Garden Tractor Snow and Dozer Blade Model: 24414 This blade will mount to your tractor WITHOUT removing the deck.
Craftsman 42 in. Lawn Tractor Snow Thrower 24838 I also recommend you purchase wheel weights and tire chains.
Cons:
Do not confuse the PYT 9000 with a commercial mower. While this mower is built better than the normal consumer mower it does not have the features or the life expectancy of a true commercial machine. (No one makes a commercial “garden tractor”) Commercial mowers have 7 gauge, 5 inch deep decks and 1/4 inch thick box tube frames. Commercial mowers cost thousands more than consumer models. (A typical 50 inch commercial mower costs 7 to 10 thousand dollars )
There are very few negatives with this mower as long as you understand that it is a good quality garden mower designed to mow lawns well. It is heavier built than a normal consumer mower. I like this lawn mower for what it is designed for. I give this mower a “best buy” It is capable of pulling a wide range of attachments.
Order Here:
You can read more about this Garden Tractor and order it online using this link Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Model 28974 Garden Tractor.
Special Online only! Purchase a Tractor and a Bagger and get a Bumper for Free! (07124598 or 07124599). Offer good through 31-Dec-2009
After 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. If you pick it up at the store they will assume you are bringing a pickup and will not have the deck attached. If you bring a trailer be prepared to wait a few minutes while they attach the deck for you.
New for 2009, if you have gas available, the delivery guys will also start the mower and show you how to use it.
After you use your new mower for a while, come back and tell us how well you like your Craftsman PYT 9000! (scroll down for the comment section)
Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Model 28974 Garden Tractor Review
Sears item# 07128974000 Mfr. model# 28974
Related posts:
- 2009 Craftsman Professional PYT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Yard Tractor Model 28973 Review
- 2009 Craftsman PTY 9000 Model 28972 26 HP 48 inch Professional Yard Tractor Review
- 2009 Craftsman PTY 9000 Model 28970 24 HP 42 inch Professional Yard Tractor Review
- 2009 Craftsman Professional 52 inch Zero Turn Mower PZT 9000 Model 28875 Review
- 2009 Craftsman Professional 36 inch Zero Turn Mower PZT 9000 Model 28977 Review
Tags: Briggs & Stratton, Briggs & Stratton EFM Electronic Fuel Management, Briggs & Stratton ELS, Briggs & Stratton ELS Extended Life Series, craftsman hydrostatic yard tractor, Craftsman Lawn Tractor, Craftsman Professional, Craftsman PTY 9000 Model 28973 28 HP 54 inch vented deck Yard Tractor Review, Craftsman PTY9000, craftsman yard tractor, efs, electronic fuel management, Lawn Tractors, riding mowers
[...] If you want to do everything with your mower including using ground engaging attachments the Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Garden Tractor is the Garden Tractor for you. For about $2899.99 on sale this Yard Tractor features a 28 hp Briggs & Stratton ELS motor and a 54 inch deck. With an electric clutch, heavy duty transmission, heavy duty deck, large tires, and hour meter it is easily capable of handling ALL yard work including a snow blower, this tractor is for you. You can read my review of this tractor here. Craftsman Model 28974. [...]
We also need the PGT-9000 or better for our 3.55 acres, only, they all sold out, now we’re waiting for the new models we where told will arrive in mid Feb…
@Carl, That is the best estimate that I have too. I am being told the PGT-9000 is completely new this year. I don’t have any specifics yet though.
what month does sears useually come out with the 2010 models
@Chris, We should see the new model line-up by the end of January.
do you have any info on the snapper tractors they sell at sears I haven’t been able to find any review info on them I spoke to snapper teck department and they said that the Turbo Collection System that is belt driven from the mower deck will work with the LT 125
but you can only get the Turbo Collection System from a snapper dealer but you can get the bagger from sears
@Chris,
Sears likes to have name brand equipment on their sales floor. They use those brand names to pull you in so they can sell you a Craftsman. (I’m told they even had John Deere one year)
Those name brands are not supported well though. In your example, sears carries the bagger, but nothing else. In fact you have to special order the blades if you need new ones. There is no additional information available for that mower.
@Chris,
I really didn’t pay much attention to the Snapper LT 125 sold at Sears this year. My understanding it is not a “real” Snapper but a “big box store” version made by a jobber for Snapper. (John Deere. MTD and other companies make “big box store” versions of their tractors also.)
If you go to managemyhome.com you can search for the manual for the Snapper lt 125. Then use the model number off the manual and look at parts diagrams on searpartsdirect.com. You can look at the deck there.
Great site. Who makes the 9000 series for Craftsman? Also, is getting parts from Sears any better than it use to be?
@ Kale,
All of the tractors except the Revolution are made by Husqvarna. The 9000 series for 2009 all have the Briggs ELS motors.
Getting parts for a Sears tractor is easy as long as you understand the process. (If you think getting parts from Sears is difficult, try getting a part from Lowes, Home Depot or Walmart for a 5 year old tractor)
1st. You HAVE TO HAVE the model number of the tractor. It is under the seat. The model number looks like this 917.123456
2nd. You can figure out which parts you need three ways. 1. Your owners manual should have parts listings. 2. Or if you lost your manual you can go to http://www.managemyhome.com and print out a new one. 3. Or you can go directly to searpartsdirect (link to the site is over in the right-hand column) type in your model number and diagrams and parts list will pop up.
3rd. You can order the part right there. It takes about 5 days from the time you order it to get to your door. (Searsparts is a separate division from Sears Retail stores. They do not offer free shipping, but there is a discount code in the link on your right to offset the shipping cost)
In my opinion, getting parts from Sears is easy….. just as easy as going to your local lawn shop and having him order it. One reason the local guys complain about Sears is that they have to go to Sears and buy the ORIGINAL FACTORY PART. They can’t go to an after market wholesaler, get a cheaper part, and make 50 to 100% profit off the sale.
Thanks for the info Paul. Now I don’t even see the PYT 9000 on sears.com, do they not offer this model anymore? I want the larger 23″ tires as I have some rougher areas and liked the HD aspect of this mower compared to the GT models. I really hate this new Sears website! I see it in the catalog, so maybe I’ll have to just call them?
@Kale,
It looks like Sears has sold out of the PGT 28974 series. You can get effectively the same mower in the Sears Item# 07128947000 26hp Garden tractor. Called the Excellerator is has a Kohler motor and an 8 mph ground speed. It does not have the electric lift the PGT has. I personally like the Kohler motor and have had really good luck with them with my lawn business.
You can buy it here
Excellerator GT5000Where can you find all the specs for the PGT, I was looking at the Sears site but only found a small amount of detail.
Thanks
Jim´s last blog ..It’s Time For Snowblowers and Snow Throwers!
@ Jim, Sears has changed their website for the worse and the specifications are missing. Try this link.
That link does not work, but thanks for trying.
Jim´s last blog ..It’s Time For Snowblowers and Snow Throwers!
Is there a difference between the PYT and the PGT 9000 with 28hp Briggs?
Web site shows both but does not tell anything different.
Thanks
Jim´s last blog ..By: Carl Mikael Borsing
@Jim, There is a large difference between the PYT and the PGT. The PYT is basically the model 28990 and the PGT is basically the GT 5000 model 28947.
The PGT has larger tires, and a true garden tractor (heavy duty) transmission.
If you just mow the lawn the PYT is a good value but if you want to do other things like pull ground engaging equipment, haul heavy loads, etc., buy the PGT.
Hello,
Nice implements there, thank you for those links. Wouldn’t it be nice with a mini loader and backhoe for the Craftsman GT9000 ?, although with the scoop and fastening structure in steel and those arms etc in Aluminum to save weight / increase lift capacity. I don’t believe the GT9000 have a usable hydraulic system built in (we’re getting the hydrostatic transmission) also using the “mower PTO” would mean that the deck would have to come off?. The reason I like the Johnny bucket is that it’s very easy to install, doesn’t interfere with the mower deck and the low center of gravity prevent the tractor from skipping up / down too much while scooping up materials. The toe able backhoe I mentioned earlier have it’s own engine, oil and pump etc but cost around $5000.00…
Hi,
We just purchased a house on 3.44 acres. Because we have many plans
for this property we originally intended to purchase a compact tractor such as the Kubota (with loader and backhoe). Later after we thought through how many implements we will need to purchase, I looked at a refurbished Yanmar. Still at “the end of the day” we both decided that the Craftsman GT9000 together with the Craftsman rotary tiller, Chipper vac and a few more garden /yard implements should be sufficient. The missing loader will have to be “compromised” by installing an electric actuated scoop called the “Johnny bucket ” and perhaps I need to manufacture a small tow able ramp, since it’s not a high lifting loader. A tow able, self sustained hydraulic backhoe is available down the road
@Carl, I like the Johnny bucket and it is a lot stronger than the Sears trip bucket. I too wish there was a loader that would raise up 36 inches or so for the tractors under 3 grand.
If you have a welder or someone who likes to weld cadplans.com and loaderplans.com both have good plans for backhoes, loaders and other items you can make for your tractor.
All these plans are not a good idea for a craftsmen garden tractor they are designed for heaver duty machines. the 9000 series problaby only weighs 600 to 650 lbs how do you expect to pick somthing up in air somthing that weighs 500 lbs and not have the machine tip over the machines they show these buckets on are either older better made machines that weigh close to a 1000 lbs and have three point hitchs with weight boxes with 5-6 hundred pounds in them or are the new “sub-compact” tractors which use to be called “garden tractors” either way these machines always have a counter weight wich is a weight box or a back hoe
@Chris,
You are correct in saying that a tractor capable of digging and lifting 500 lbs will cost $10,000 and one that will lift more will be $15 to $40,000. The discussion here though is the owner is looking for something better than the manual lift Sears sells that would still work on their Craftsman Garden Tractor.
A couple of points to continue the discussion.
Most of these plans are designed and built by small companies. These guys have great ideas that work well but they usually don’t have thousands of dollars extra to buy new tractors to display their products on. So to say that you only see these attachments on old tractors is not quite right. Watch the videos for the Johnny Bucket and you will see the Jr. on the newer garden tractors and the Sr. on the heavier 4 wheel drive garden tractors.
Your point is well taken though on weight lifting. A 600 lb tractor with you sitting on it is only going to be able to lift 200 lbs or so off the front end without adding wheel weights and a rear weight. Let alone a two wheel drive tractor quickly loses traction when you are trying lift more than 200 lbs off the front end and is practically worthless for moving more than that.
With that said, Sears only sells a manual lift front bucket and the Johnny Bucket Jr, is designed for the newer “Garden Tractors” mainly because of the weight restrictions of these “garden” tractors. These lifts are not bucket loaders but they will save you hours of back breaking lifting and hauling of dirt, mulch, and ground cover many homeowners use around their yards.
My wife and I usually put down 6 to 9 cubic yards of mulch each year and a garden tractor with a Johnny bucket would save us a lot of shoveling and hauling in the wheel barrow.
If you want more lifting and hauling capacity my choice for the small acreage yard is the Kutoba 2250 and the New Holland “Boomer” series for larger hobby farms.
i’m not talking about the johnny bucket I was talking about the poast that had links to plans for frount end loaders i did not want any one to spend all that money and then get hurt but i see after my comment that post was taken down that had links to those plans you guys should have picked that up a long time ago
thanks for trying to make me look stupid (lol) by taking that post down and not saying you took the post down. I think the johnny bucket and the tractor shuvels are great ideas I wish sears had one similar to the one that jd has that converts a plow and you could grade with it beacuse you can control the angle.
@ Chris,
Actually I thought I was agreeing with you. The post for the plans is still up (I don’t take posts down) Do a search on “cadplans” and you should find it.
So I took your advice and ordered the Craftsman GT 5000 26 HP/54″ Garden Tractor it would be delivered 9/11. I tried to take your advice and have them to “I would ask them for one of those and have them throw in a deluxe bumper.” And since this tractor is LESS than the purchase value of my dead tractor I did not think it was a problem. Oh, we were both wrong.
Quick History:
I purchased my on April 11th
It died in mid-June
On July 2nd I call for support (within 90 return window)
Tech was scheduled 2 weeks out
Tech calls on day of appointment. Says cannot fix due to known issue, does not come, part to be automatically ordered, new appointment to be automatically scheduled.
Wait……….. a week or so…….
Call wondering when next appointment scheduled. It is not… Scheduled next appointment, 2 weeks out..
Tech calls on day of appointment. Says cannot fix due to known issue, does not come, part was NOT been ordered, official recall notice sent out on part. Part to be ordered and over-nighted.
New appointment scheduled to coincide when part should arrive.
Part does not arrive. Tech does not come. Admission to the fact that the part CANNOT be ordered.
I escalate that I now need a replacement.
Sears will replace.
But is tractor is LESS than the purchase value of my dead tractor I cannot apply that value to accessorize the new tractor – I LOOSE MONEY on the deal. Because I am NOT within the return window of 90 days even though I opened the case within the 90 days.. Brianna stated “P O L I C Y” nothing can be done.
Most importantly, the LESSON LEARNED IS:
DO NOT CALL for warranty support within the first 90 days. Call store and have the unit replaced IMMEDIATELY so that you do not loose money on the deal.
Even if you call service the day after you purchase a tractor and service takes 89 more days to declare it dead. You cannot be guaranteed the value of your transaction…
Now REALLY REALLY BUMMED in NC and the much poorer… and my grass is still 3 feet high
Any help appreciated…
@Bummed,
I’m sorry, I didn’t read back far enough in the comments to realize that this is out of the 90 day window. (Or it was too late at night when I first read it) Unfortunately the store can only replace it with an authorized unit. They get paid for this from corporate and don’t get the correct credit if they replace it with a non-authorized unit. Each store is it’s own business unit so they have to show a profit/loss on every transaction. (This is the same for all the major big-box stores chains that’s why at the store level you can’t always get the best customer service. The department managers, store managers etc. all have to answer to their corporate bosses so they can’t always make the decision that is best for the customer)
At this time you are stuck with replacing it with like-for-like unit. BUT Call this number, explain the issue and see if they can do more for you than the store will. One Source is an escalation group that usually can fix an issue that the stores are reluctant to.
If they will exchange the unit out for the Excellerator but can’t reimburse you for the additional cost……..ask them for gift cards to make up the difference. One Source has a lot more flexibility in dealing with this issue than the store does.
Sears One Source 1-800-479-6351
I know….. this is one more item you have to do, but try it…..a couple more days on this won’t hurt that much, especially if you get the issue resolved to your satisfaction.
So, I purchased a PGT 9000 model 289740 was very happy until it just died while mowing. The main fuse blew.. I replaced and it continued to blow every time I would try and start it.. Called Sears and after a few service calls the service tech stated that there was a product recall on the electronic fuel maintenance system and Sears CANNOT get the part. After 2 months and my grass standing at 3feet, Sears is willing to replace it, same model or a different model..
What to do??
@ Bummed,
If they can’t get parts for your Briggs they won’t be able to get parts if you replace it with another one just like it.
The Excellerator Model 28947 is very similar with a 26 Kohler instead of the Briggs. I would ask them for one of those and have them throw in a deluxe bumper.
Let me know what you do.
p.s. The Excellerator goes up to 8 mph!
Paul,
I love your Website! I just purchased a Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Model 28974 Garden Tractor yesterday. I will take delivery on July 17. I am VERY happy to see you seem to offer a vote of confidence for that model. I have rough terrain where I’ll be cutting and felt this model would “hold-up” to that. Is it true the 28974 uses a heavier frame?
My only concern is I have noticed on the net that many people are complaining about frequent “broken belts” on the Crafstman models — even when new. Not this model in particular, but several other models in the Craftsman lineup. Any idea what that’s about? Also, who builds Craftsman riding mowers for Sears? I am hearing different answers. I’ll write a review once I receive the tractor. Thank you very much!
@ Pastor Stu,
The 28974 is the heaviest unit Sears has. The people who ordered it through me this year all like it a lot.
I did have problems with one unit where one of the idler pulleys on the deck was installed wrong. The owner called 1-800-4MY-HOME and a Sears Tech came out and fixed the problem.
I have also had an issue at one store where the warehouse guys were installing the front bumper upside down. Other than that everyone likes their machines.
The broken belts seem to be on the YT4000 units and it may be a problem with a batch of belts, not the machine. I have only heard of four units having belt problems out of the thousands sold.
Paul,
I took delivery of my new PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Garden Tractor Model 28974 and love it! I used it for the first time yesterday. The only issue I had was the rubber piece on the forward drive pedal came off. Any idea on how to get that repaired? How best to get rubber to adhere to steel?
Also, I have 3 brief questions that I can’t find answers to in the manual. 1. Since I am mowing very rough terrain with many stumps and dips in the ground, should I mount the mowing deck wheels in the “lowest” position closest to the ground? 2. Are the mowing deck wheeels always supposed to engage the ground or only when I approach a stump or dip in the ground? 3. Also, how do you “set the brake” so that the tractor doesn’t move forward or backward at all during transport on a trailer?
Thanks Paul as always!
Pastor Stu
@ Pastor Stu,
Shoe Goo or contact cement. Scotch 77 spray adhesive also works but it is expensive. Be sure to let all of these cure for the recommended time before you use them.
If it always comes off after that: On the old trucks (1960’s and 70’s) we used to drill a hole through the pad and the pedal and use a countersink 1/4 inch screw and bolt to hold it in place.
1. You can and it will keep the deck from digging in. The low position works best for really rough terrain and ditches with sharp bottoms.
2. No they are only for anti-scalping. They don’t contact the ground under normal conditions. They may ride in the grass in the low position but won’t touch the ground.
3. Push on the brake pedal with your foot. While holding the pedal all the way lift up on the red park brake knob on the dash. With the knob held up release the pressure from the brake pedal. The pedal will stay in the park position.
I suggest you get used to setting the parking brake every time you leave the tractor. A hydro may “unload” if it is on a slope and the tractor will move even with the motor turned off if the brake is not set.
I have been all over the net and this town (Columbia, SC) looking at tractors, driving myself, my wife, and all the sales people nuts in the process.
Here is my issue, and my concerns:
I have a 13 year old MTD Industrial/Commercial Yard Machine. I paid about $1700 at Lowes for it when I bought it in ‘96. It has a 18.5 HP twin Kohler, with a 46″ cut. Unknown to me at the time, it would turn out to be one of the best purchases I have ever made in my life. This machine is a BEAST, and you know it when you sit on it. It feels like a beast, mows like a beast, pulls like a beast, and runs like a beast. But even a beast eventually gets old and tired, and wants to go to sleep. I have come to the realization that I have to replace this animal this year. The entire machine is literally falling apart around this Kohler motor. The tranny now slips, and it slings and chews belts like crazy, yet the Kohler is still runs like I could sell it to somebody in Cuba, and they could put it into one of their ‘57 Chevy taxi cabs.
When I bought my MTD, I mowed about 3.5 acres of pretty rough terrain. My wife and I have since moved, and now for about 5 years I have had about 2 acres of smoother terrain to maintain, but it is on a bit of an incline. I am 6′4″, and weigh about 220 lbs, and I pull a 300 lb roller/spike areator around, so I need power.
I refuse to pay more than 2K for this tractor, period. I will go buy a tractor used before I will walk into a retailor and pay more than 2k for a new one. One reason for my stand on this, is that I am very disspointed with the percieved quality of everything that I have looked at, even in the $3000 range. Everything that I sit on makes me feel cheap- JD, Ariens, Craftsman, Cub- doesn’t matter, I am very unimpressed with them all.
However, after looking at everything on the market, I have decided that the Craftsman, right now, is the best value, especially since there are some really good discounts. I have opened a Sears charge account (yesterday), and I am poised to buy something.
I can actually overlook the puny 18″ and 20″ wheels (the MTD has 23’s), and I can even get over the manual PTO engagement lever, that to me, looks like an afterthought in the design process, in other words, it looks like they got all the way through the whole engineering of the machine, and then someone realized, “Oh wait, we forgot to add a PTO. No problem, we’ll just stick it here on top of the dash.” I can get over all that.
However, I cannot overlook the single cylinder engine idea. Whose brain hickup was that? A single cylinder is fine on a push mower where the only thing it has to do is turn a blade, but to put that on a rider, where it has to turn 2 or 3 blades, pull an attachment, and carry me up hills at the same time, is IMO, ridiculous. Your relying on 1 power stoke for every 3 inertia strokes, and while the HP rating may be there, I refuse to believe we are not going to suffer a loss of torque. Therefore, a twin for me is a must. I also hate the idea that we are now running Briggs in just about everything. My experience with Briggs is that if it’s not using oil and smoking, it’s not running. But, I have resigned myself to the idea that I will likely have to settle for a Briggs, and buy several cases of oil.
What really concerns me the most is the trannys. I would like to have a hydro. But, I keep hearing about blowing out trannys and drive belts that stretch. I am interested in the YT 4000 #28927 ($1599.00) and the PYT 9000 #28970 ($1999.99). I have also found online a closeout on the 24 HP 48″ Monster Tractor #28842 left over from 2008 at a store that is about a 90 mile drive for me (No problem, I will go get it, if it’s worth it).
I want to know, how are these trannys actually holding up in the field? I have read on here comments that the 9000 has a different tranny, but other comments that it has the same specs, therfore the assumption is that it is the same tranny. But, in reality the same specs in themselves do not make it the same tranny. It could still be a heavier transmission, made with heavier componets, and a stronger torque convertor. So what is the boottom line? Is it the same, or is it a heavier one in the 9000 vs the 4000? And what about the belt drive in the 9000? Is it also the same as the 4000? Or is it heavier? I was reading that the 4000 has no adjustment on the drive belt to allow for stretching. What about the 9000, is there a belt adjustment? I am seriously considering adding my own additional adjustment pulley to the drive belt after the warranty period is over if it becomes an issue for me.
I was also wondering about the #28842. Does it have the same transmission as the other two? Is it a better trans, or a worse trans, or the same? The description simply says that is a H/Duty trans. Is it worth the 3 hour round trip for me to go get it at $1999.99, as opposed to buying a 4000 or a 9000 locally? Does this unit accept ground engaging attachments? I have never used any digging type attachments on a garden tractor, so is there a way that you can describe what to expect from such equipment like a disc attachment or a scoop? I mean, will I be able to do some work, or will this just be more or less a novelty if I were to decide to add any digging attachments?
My final question is regarding the hydro controls, the fender mount vs the foot pedal. I find the foot pedal to be awkward. The pedal is set to high, and I have to bend my foot too far back to operate it for comfort. The best I found was a JD with a rocker pedal. I really wish there was a height adjustment on the pedal. But, I am hearing that there are issues with the fender control vibrating out of position while mowing. I am also concerned that tree and bush branches could knock it out of position, so I will probably go with the foot pedal in spite of the awkwardness of it. Do you have any comments regarding the truthfulness of the fender lever changing postion on it’s own due to vibration? Do you think with all my concerns, I might just be better off forgetting the auto trans, and just go with the with a manual trans. How are they performing and holding up?
Sorry about asking a million questions, but I am going absolutely out of my mind here!
Thanks!
@WVU,
Thanks, for writing. Hopefully I can help you make the best decision!
All of todays tractors under $3000 use a self-adjusting belt system for the ground drive. No there is no manual adjustment and that is a good thing. The Craftsman mowers use a set of idler (tensioning) pulleys that keep the proper tension on the belt and automatically adjusts for wear and stretching. Belts stretch and wear out ………. and the self tensioner compensates for that wear. If you changed it to a manual system you would have to re-adjust the belt every 10 hours or so, and have the problem of over tightening the belt and causing it to stretch and break prematurely. Expect to change the drive belt every 3-4 years or so doing what you intend to do with the machine.
It’s been about 15 years since I’ve been down to your wonderful city but if I remember correctly your biggest issues are sand (wears out the blades and deck) and St Augustine grass (tough to mow) so you need the heaviest deck you can get and a lot of power.
For your size lawn the
Model 28970 24 HP 42 inch Yard Tractoror theModel 28972 26 HP 48 Inch Yard Tractorare probably your best choices.The 28970 has a fender control and the 28972 has a pedal control. Both have heavy duty decks, electric clutch, larger tires, K46 Tuff Torq trans. The Tuff Torq has a great reputation as a rugged long lasting hydrostatic transmission. Yes, the 28972 is $200 over your budget, but it may be the best choice for you based everything you want.
Both the 28970 and 28972 have the Briggs ELS motor. This is Brigg’s best motor and is used in many commercial machines. It features a heavy duty bottom bearing, chrome valves and electronic fuel control. I would rate the ELS better than the Kohler Courage found in the other Craftsman mowers (Yes, I prefer Kohler’s myself but in this case the Briggs is a better engine.) If you change the oil every 50 hours (I use Mobil One) this motor will last as long as your Kohler.
I would not recommend the “Monster” over these two mowers. The Monster was just a big red lawn tractor and was just designed to mow lawns. It was not designed to pull attachments. The YT 4500 Model 28990 is the 2009 equivalent to the Monster and has a Kohler motor in it.
The pedal control mowers like the 28972 do have a “cruise control” so you don’t have to have your foot on the pedal all the time. Myself I like the foot control on the New Holland “Boomer” the best but that’s a $26,000 unit
The only tractors in the Craftsman line up that are designed for ground engaging equipment are the 28974, 28945, and the 28947. Unfortunately, all of the mowers ONLY come with 54 inch deck and are all over $2500. They are the only mowers that are designed for the sleeve hitch, ground engaging attachments.
That said, my personal opinion is: if you are just going to pull 300 lbs or so, use a dethatcher, roller, areator, and other pull-behind attachments the 28972 and 28970 mowers will live just as long as your MTD. If you need a tiller buy a good rear tine and if you need to move dirt plan your work and rent a loader tractor or skid-steer for a day.
I’ll be glad to answer any other questions you have.
If you decide to purchase the the 28970 or 28972 you can use the links above. You can pick up the mower at your local Sears or have it delivered to your home. If you do ……….. let me know and I’ll go through the set up and operation of your new mower.
I bought yesterday the Craftsman Excellerator GT5000 Model 28947 and I was still undecided, even if the salesman help me. I was not sure and I did some research online and I came across your website. You are the only website that gave me the information that I need it. Today I went back to Sears and I cancel my order and I ordered the Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Garden Tractor Model 28974. It cost me $200 more, but I finally got what I want it. I will take delivery next Tuesday May 19 and I will write a review as soon as I test it. Best regards and Thank you again for your help.
@Rocco,
You’re welcome. The PGT 9000 is the top of the line tractor for Sears. The 28 hp Briggs ELS is the best engine and features a commercial grade bottom bearing, chrome valves and electronic fuel control. Even though I like Kohler motors the Briggs ELS is a better motor than the 26 hp Kohler Courage found in the other Craftsman Garden Tractors.
You are welcome to write a review here and on on the Sears site after you have used the machine for a while.
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