Craftsman Professional PYT 9000 Model 28970 24 HP 42 inch Yard Tractor Review
Sears item# 07128970000 Mfr. model# 28970 Sears Lawn & Garden Tractors
Craftsman Professional Model 28970 24 hp 42 inch
The PYT 9000 model 28970 comes with the Briggs & Stratton 24 hp ELS V twin engine. It features a heavy duty 42 inch precision cut deck, Electric clutch, deluxe analog gauges, and tricked out front bumper.
The 42 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. This is the best cutting deck I know of in a consumer mower.
If you want a decent mower that will mow 2 acres lawns well and can handle a snow thrower well this is one of the best mowers in the Craftsman lineup.
Specs:
Premium hydrostatic/ automatic transmission with fender control
24 hp Briggs & Stratton ELS (Extended Life Series) V-Twin Engine
Heavy duty 42″ precision cut deck with 4 adj. gauge wheels. 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:
The BIG question is: Is this the PYT 9000 Model 28970 worth 300 dollars more than the YT 4000 Model 28927? Yes, the heavier deck, larger rear tires, electric deck clutch, free bumper and the Briggs ELS engine make it easily worth the extra cost. I think the 28970 represents a 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 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 the non-ground engaging attachments Sears offers including a snow blade and snow thrower. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.
Hauling Equipment: Yes
Lawn Care Attach: Yes
Craftsman 2 bin bagger: 24891
Craftsman 3 bin bagger: 24892 This bagger is wider than the mower. It will fit, but you will have difficulty trimming and getting close to trees etc.
Mulch Kit: 33742
Craftsman Tractor Deck Wash Kit: 33167
Snow Blade: 24441 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.
Optional High Traction Snow Blade: 07124428000. This blade does not get too much publicity because it is designed to fit on many different brands including Craftsman, John Deere, and Cub Cadet. It will take you longer to attach the blade, but the way it mounts puts the pushing force on the BACK of the tractor. This type of mounting gives you much more pushing power than all the front mount blades. You will have to remove your deck to use this blade.
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 “lawn tractor”) Commercial mowers have 7 gauge, 5 inch deep decks and 1/4 inch thick box tube frames.
There are very few negatives with this mower as long as you understand that it is a good quality mid-sized riding lawn 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. It is capable of pulling a wide range of attachments.
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 PYT 9000 Model 28970 24 HP 42 inch Yard Tractor Review
Sears item# 07128970000 Mfr. model# 28970 Sears Lawn & Garden Tractors
So someone is selling a used one of these things apparently in great shape. But, it seems Sears is no making them anymore. Should I worry about part availability? Or why they aren’t making them anymore?
@Erik, Sears went with a different vendor 2 years ago (why? no one knows)
This tractor has a great transmission and is still being sold as the 54 inch 28858 with a 26 hp Briggs and the 54 inch 28008 with a Kohler. With a 42 inch deck there was too much of an overlap in the product line and the YT 4000 won out on cost. (Because of the Briggs Professional motor and electric clutch the 28970 was priced about $400 more than the YT 4000 and $200 more than the 54 inch 28858.)
This tractor in it’s basic form has been sold by Sears for many years. So everything except the motor is very common parts for a Craftsman. Many of the parts are also interchangeable with the Husqvarana and Dixon tractors. You will be able to get parts for many years to come.
My new craftsman tractor deck (42inch) is rubbing the rear wheel. What can be done?
Hi!
I have about 20 hours on my 28980. I like the cut, but the readout on the top has never worked. More importantly, it now will not start or turn over at all. After backing up to avoid hitting a post and exiting the seat, it is not getting any power. The manual states there is a fuse, but I find none. Instead, I have a relay HFV6. The mower deck seems to still be engaged, and I have found no way to disengage it. After a trip to the local Sears store, I found no relief to this problem.
@Frank, Call 1-800-4MY-HOME and schedule a tech to come out and fix it. They can accurately and quickly get your mower running again.
I have read that this mower is a deal at $1699.00. Well, I walked into Sears to kill some time while wife was doing shopping at mall. Salesman approached me and said they had a closeout on a few riding mowers and said it was a “must see”. The y4000 that I have used for the last 20 years is getting little weak,so I thought I would take a look. PYT9000 marked at $999.00 and three year warranty out the door for $1447.00. This thing has been setting in my garage for two months and just started it today. Used Stable in fresh fuel and it started just fine. Looking forward to actually using this mower but will have to wait till I get the mower belt that they forgot to install.
@jimmy, Great Job! This time of year there are some really great deals out there. Check out not only the Sears Mall Stores but the Outlets, the Hometown stores, and hardware stores
I purchased Craftsman pty 9000 model 28970 24hp. 42inch professional yard tractor. 80 hours of use transmission front mounting bolts fell out cracked the frame where the axle mounts and tranny lost reverse.Sears replaced transmission reenforced frame. Has good power belts are not flipping off.Do you think this tractor is capable of handleing mowing 1 acre,pulling a yard sweep,towing small dump cart of sand,dirt,logs,malch and pushing snow? I realy like the machine I am not confident in the durabilaty of this machine after what I just expireinced I need a 2nd opinion. Thanks
@Dan,
This is the first instance I have heard of where a 28970 had frame/trans mounting problems. The few issues I have heard were with the 28922 and 28924 which are made by a different manufacture.
I am curious if the problem was loose bolts, the bolts falling out and then the trans twisting and breaking the frame or…. did the frame crack and the bolts falling out from the cracked frame?
I am going to guess it was the bolts coming loose, falling out, and then the trans twisting in the frame causing the frame problems. Sears techs usually replace the frame if it actually was a frame problem.
I really like this mower and is one of the best in this price range. This tractor (in various colors including Craftsman Black and Yellow) has a very good reputation and really has not had any issues. I think you may have just got a "Friday" mower. The bolts to the trans were not tightened correctly at the factory. I feel this tractor will go on to give you years of service doing what you want it to do!
I have a craftsman m#28970,same problem.Frame is cracked at front mounting bolts and transmission belt keeps jumping off.Used 1 season 44hr,sears will come out in 2 weeks to fix.I am wondering how they will fix the frame,mounting ears for transmission are cracked bad.
@davet, It depends on how bad the frame is tore up. The tech decides if the frame gets patched, the frame gets replaced, or if you get a new mower. I have seen all three.
If he decides to replace the frame it will take about a week to get the part, and then he will have to come back out and replace it. It’s about a 4 hour job.
Be aware that most of the time for a replacement mower, the tech has to come out for four separate times, for the same repair problem.
If the tech happens to give you the decision, opt to have the frame replaced. The 28970 is a great tractor.
The 28970 a great tractor? The big motor and good deck were the reasons I purchased it,but its had a few petty problems.Now that I saw the frame cracks they are probably why the transmission belt keeps jumping and getting caught between the transmission and its pulley,an almost impossible place.You must either wedge the belt btween them and start the tractor and hope it tracks back on or cut the belt.This has happen 5 times ,since belts aren’t covered under warranty ,I’ve been making do.The frame is cracked around both front bolts ,that are actually still tight.Just bending ears over from the frame is a poor way to connect the rear end unless the metal were heavier. I’ve never had drive belt problems with any other tractor but this”pro” version.I just can’t imagine what users towing trailers are going to have,I have only mowed with mine.If they weld heavy angle iron to both sides of the channel frame I think the repair would hold,but to fix on site they probably a cheap fix in mind.
Craftsman Pro?
Paul,
I own a 3/4 acre lot and it took me close to 2 hours to push a mover when I moved in 13 years ago so I bought a Sear Craftsman 42" MTD with a 13.5 HP Brigg Gold engine. The engine blew last week (no compression). The configuration is almost identical 13 year later to the MTD Ariens Model A175BG42 at Home Depot and it's still the same price of $999. I need a new tractor. My first thought to buy similar to what I had before. I was used to a manual transmission and having to fairly rough ride. I did notice my neighbors who had John Deere and Cub Cadet tractors had a nicer looking cut on their lawn so it got me to start doing research.
I've been looking at the Cub Cadet LTX1042 and John Deere LA125 mowers these are both as you know more expensive and are "fair trade" items both priced at $1,799 each. I was learning toward the John Deere model since it had a V-twin engine. I found you the information on your site very good and now now what I do may be looking at the buying the Craftsman YT 4000 28927 to save some money at $1,599 or the YTP 28970 especially since the salesman I talked to today said they were going to have a "friends and family 10% off sale Sunday. This would make the YTP 9000 the same $1,799 as the Cub Cadet and John Deere. May main thinking is buying a professional mover overkill for someone who puts less than 40 hours a year on a mover and should I save the $360? Would I notice and difference in comfort or quality of cut between the 2 42" 24 HP units or is it just a longevity/quality issue? The YTP is 25% more costly so a life calculation would suggest if I could get more than 25% more life from the tractor it would be worth it. Your thought please. My last question is who manufactures (where) the two Craftsman tractors? Thanks so much for your site. I have really enjoyed it (till 3 a.m.).
Greg
@Greg, If you are leaning towards the LTX1042 go with the Craftsman PTY 9000 model 28980. You get basically the same tractor and deck as the LTX1042 with a 24 hp commercial grade motor instead of the 19 hp Kohler. I am a little concerned about the 12 inch turning radius on both of these mowers. You may not be able to turn that short under actual conditions (tire scrub). Other than that the Craftsman has had NO issues this year. It is turning out to be a very good mower.
Rumor has it that the transmissions in the LA125's are weak and have a habit of dying at around 150-200 hours. The 28927 cuts better than the Deere and turns tighter.
The Craftsman 28927 is a good deal on Family and Friends. It is a much better mower than your old one and has a good engine. It has a manual blade engage, the 28980 has an electric clutch.
Click on this link and type in 28980 or 28927 for the tractor you selected. You can order it through this link as early as 8 pm Saturday night. You can buy online and pick it up at your local Sears. <code>EXTRA 10% Savings on Tools, Power Lawn & Garden, Patio, Grills & Outdoor 8pm 8/14 to 4am 8/16</code>
Personally….if I had your budget I would go with the Craftsman 28980. I like the Briggs & Stratton "Professional" engine, electric clutch and it has the same deck as the Revolution. Consumer Reports rated the Revolution's deck as the second best cutting deck of all the mowers they tested this year. I talked to a district manager for Sears Repair (handles Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) and he just has had NO problems with the 28980 this year.
Thanks, Paul, for the advice. I bought it this morning and there was a 10% Friends and Family special going as well (through Sat.) so I got it for even less!
Local Sears has a last years 28970 model on clearance for $1335. From your comments, I take it this is a better deal than a Husquvarna YTH 21K46 at $1600 or YTH22V42 at $1600? (I am sort of partial to the 42 in cut as it will fit in my truck, though I could borrow a trailer for the 46 in.)
@ZB, Yes I would jump on the chance to get a 28970 at that price. It has a commercial motor, the same trans as the 28990, larger tires than the 2010 models and the YT4000 and a heavier deck.
I purchased the 28970 model in May 2010 at quite a savings, it being last years model. I had the same problem others had mentioned with “hard to start,” issues. I found the throttle/choke cable needed to be moved about 3/4″ more toward the carburetor. The choke was not closing when the throttle was in choke position. Loosened the clamp on the motor, reset the cable, and clamped. It starts on the first turn of the key every time.
My guess, Sears wants to get people in the habit of calling for service, or the guy or gal on the tractor assembly line was given the wrong setting info, or just very tired after lunch that day. Very happy with my purchase!
@Bob, I’m glad you found that tractor. It is one of the “good ones”
Someday I want to visit the factory where they make the AYP products and see for myself why there possibly can be assembly issues.
I also bought the 28970 this past fall. The only problem I have had with this mower is getting it level and getting it started. Very hard to start when cold. It never fires right up. Seems like its out of gas and then finally fires off. I dont know if the gas is evaporating out of the carb while setting up but this seems to be a defect in this mower. I wonder if installing a squeeze bulb in the fuel line would help. Seems to be a common problem with these mowers.
@Matt,
This mower uses electronic fuel control. Try this first. Turn the key on for five to 10 seconds before you crank the motor. It may have to set the fuel mixture when it’s cold.
Give me a day or two. I’ll talk to a Brigg’s rep and see if there is an easy solution.
Paul
Paul
Thanks for your previous reply.
Spent the holiday trying to figure out what I like most.
Seems the Deere X300 is the favorite. Frankly, there is little under 2K that does much for me. I like the Deere x300 build, motor, resale value, dealer service, 4 yr warranty. I don't like the $3k price tag. Cub is out, the 1000 series just looks like all the other entry level models out there. Figure, if I get into the mid 2s might as well pull the trigger on the X300. Only thing left is the Craftsman 29870 professional. $1900 is a good place to start but figure I would HAVE to get the 3 yr which puts this in the low twos. How close in performance is the PYT to the Deere X300?
@John,
The John Deere X300 with 42 inch deck is very comparable to the 28970. All of the features of both machines are almost identical. They both have great cutting decks, cast front axle, and they even have the same transmission (K46).
The real difference is the engine. The 28970 has a Briggs ELS. It features 24 hp, electronic ignition, chrome valves and commercial grade bottom bearing. It is Brigg’s best engine. The John Deere on the other hand has a 17 hp Kawasaki. I personally never had good luck with the Kaw engines. Owning them commercially I found the Kawasaki did not have near the life as a Kohler or the commercial Briggs.
The way I understand the 4 year limited on the Deere is it is a parts only warranty like the Sears two year. The dealers in my area charge to come and get your mower and other labor fees under this warranty. The Sears limited also does not cover trip charges but the Protection Plan does. All labor, trip charges and parts are covered.
The 28970 is currently 1899.88 with the 3 year at 369.99, so base your price on this.
The X300 Deere has a $200 rebate.
One final note. The 28970 is currently on clearance and will not be available for 2010. It is a good mower, so don’t be afraid of buying one if you can find one.
Thanks for the fast response. I have always felt that the Kawaski was a better engine over the ELS. I thought the Vanguard was the best Briggs offered. My only complaint with the X300 is the lighter tranny which seemed like an odd cost cutting move.
@ John,
For Craftsman the Briggs line-up goes like this. Briggs Silver, Briggs Gold, Briggs Platinum, ELS. For everyone else it is Powerbuilt, I/C, Intek, ELS, and ELS with XRD.
The Silver is a splash lube, Gold pressurized splash lube with filter, Platinum oil pump with filter, ELS chrome valve and commercial bottom bearing.
The Vanguard name does not seen to be used at the moment.
Regarding the Kawasaki. In the 90′s the commercial owners called the kaw’s “throw-aways” You could buy a Kaw for about 20% less than a Kohler and was an inexpensive way to go if the equipment you were using did not get a lot of hours. For your primary mowers though ………. the ones you used 40-50 hours a week the Kohler was the only way to go.
We called the Kaw’s throw-aways because it was always cheaper just to buy an new one than it was to rebuild one. With the Kohler you could rebuild it at least once cheaper.
Briggs was just coming into the commercial market at that time.
Today Briggs has done a lot of work to develop a good reliable motor in the Platinum to compete with Kawasaki. The ELS version is advertised to be better. But Kawasaki has also spent a lot of time and effort improving their commercial line and they have gained a deserved great reputation in the commercial market.
The bottom line for you. You are not going to put the hours and loads on your motor that the commercial guys do. You will never get 1500 hours or more on your engine so all this discussion is really mute point. The 24 HP briggs has lots of power and will give you long life, the kaw has enough power for a 42 inch deck and will last you the life of the mower.
So it boils down too…What color do you like? green or black and yellow?
Thanks. Like the last line. Guess I may have to head over to Sears and check it out once more. Is there a way to find out who will be doing the warranty work for Sears? zip: 02871
@John,
Sears has 12,000 techs in vans and if you need any work done on your tractor just call 1800-4MY-HOME and schedule a tech. They will come to your home and fix it there. You never have to take your tractor anywhere.
Sears does not contract with dealers like MTD, and Deere does to do the warranty work. They have the nations largest service organization and they are expertly trained to fix your machine. They don't have to rely on someone else's expertise to do the work.
Went back and forth on this. Think I am going to grab a left over Husqvarna 2346XLS. Dealer is local and giving me a big price break which is the same price range as the Craftsman 28970. Has a Vanguard motor, upgrade tranny with Diff Lock. I think the fit and finish is a cut above the PYT but below the X300. The power train seems better than the PYT and X300.
Really appreciate your help and education.
@John,
Great. That is a good, heavy duty machine.
Paul,
I purchased the 28970 last september and have about 10 hours on it. I live in Florida and this time a year it's about 3 to 4 weeks between cuts. My issue is after two to three weeks I have to crank the starter for 30-40 seconds before it starts. Any ideas? The fuel lines are snug. I don't have this problem if it sits for just a week. It seems like it takes a long time to suck the fuel to the carb.
Thanks,
Pete
@ Pete, I asked three techs and the only thing they said is: Today's fuel goes bad quickly. It can easily give you problems after sitting in your gas can for a month.
Also living in Florida, todays fuel absorbs moisture easily and you may be getting moisture in the fuel.
Try putting fuel stabilizer in your can and see if this helps.
Paul
Seriously on the fence with my purchasing decision. Looking at the Cub Cadet lt1045, Deere 135SE, and the Craftsman 28970. Seems like the Craftsman is beefier than the others and at the same price. Cub and Deere have local dealers down the street and both offer solid service. Is the Professional craftsman that much stronger than the deere and/or cub? I am only mowing .5 acre but want this mower to l-a-s-t and am always afraid when anything is entry level…
would you recommend the service plan?
thanks
John
@John,
The Cub Cadet is the cheapest currently on sale for around $1699. It has the Kohler Courage (Consumer Motor) that I like. A 46 inch deck and the smallest tires of the bunch.
The Deere's price is good right now at $1899. It has a 42 inch deck, great for your smaller yard. Comparing apples to apples the engine is the weakest of the three. It is a Briggs pressurized (standard Briggs, no oil pump) Of the four grade levels of Briggs motors is is 2nd from the bottom, the Craftsman is the top Briggs motor.
The Craftsman has the best motor (Briggs ELS Professional), Fender speed control and 42 inch deck. At $1899 is comes with a free bumper. If you buy the protection plan all you have to do is call Sears and they will come to your home and fix your mower for three years. All parts. labor, and trip charges. repairs and warranty work are included. They will even REPLACE your mower if you get a lemon. (My local sears just did a replacement for a 2 year old professional. There was something wrong with the deck and they just replaced out the whole machine)
In my opinion, Cub usually has the best locally owned service, but many times you will have to pay labor charges on warranty work. Deere has the best salesmen. The local Deere dealers are rapidly being bought out by large corporate dealers with less "local" respect though. Sears has the best mower, but you will usually have to wait 7 days or so to get your machine running after a breakdown because all parts are ordered from one central warehouse.
The choice is yours…………….Let us know what you get.
Just ordered a new Pro 28970 PYT24HP/42 from my hometown sears store today, it will be here this Friday 12/11/09. They have the Friends an Family 10% off sale going now for a week or two. Cost before tax was $1710.00, normally $1899.00.
Will get back with ya later on to let ya know how I like it an how it performs.
Ronnie B.
Lake of The Ozarks
Missouri
Bought my pyt9000 in February 2009, with a plow, for the snow we had coming. The clowns at SEARS screwed up my delivery 3 times. Left me porched 3 times! Anyway, it was springime when it finally came, and have enjoyed its power and reliability.
Only problem is lately it take 3-4 turn-of-the-key for it to start. Any idea why?
@Mike, First thing I would check is to see if the air filter needs cleaning. The second, is check your fuel. If it is more than a couple of months old, drain it and put fresh in. (Just uncouple the fuel filter and let it drain into a bucket) Todays fuel can be real susceptible to picking up water and that will make the tractor hard to start.
If you are comfortable checking it, verify that the choke is closing all the way.
That's the easy stuff, next call 1-800-4MY-Home. Tell them it is hard starting but you don't need to go into a lot of detail. Let me know how it turns out.
Some of the ELS engines have had ignition problems (25 hp and 28 hp especially) and you may have an ignition module failing. Might as well have to looked at now.
Paul I put the new belt on this weekend and it seems to have fixed it. I am not sure why it only lasted 29 hours but its not slipping a bit now. I have washed it off a few times but I would not think that would cause undo wear or stretch on the belt??
I do like the thought that went into removing the deck. It was very easy to remove. The drive belt on the other hand, well lets just say it wasn't the easiest thing I have ever done. The tensioner was in good shape and placed an ample amount of force against the belt. But the belt was stretched out.
Thanks for the advice. I am closing my ticket with Sears this morning.
Returned first mower(PYT 9000) and Sears delivered a new replacement. one month later the battery was dead and the hour meter was fried. Again, it took Sears three tries before they sent the correct parts. In the process of this repair I discovered one nut stripped and sitting on the end of the bolt ( 1 1/2 inches from being tightened) and another bolt missing the nut entirely. I am wondering what I might find in the future. I wish I had asked for a refund instead of a replacement. Two mowers, four service calls and lots of frustration. Also this mower has the most difficult mowing deck to clean that I have ever used.
@Randy,
What model PYT9000 do you have? 28970, 28972 or 28973
Paul I bought the Craftsman Professional PYT 24 HP/42" Yard Tractor about 4 months ago and it seems that the transmission is slipping already. I can hear the drive belt slipping a little bit but not enough for it not to back up or slow down going up hills. Also I was told by sears repair (yes I have the repair guys scheduled to come out) that the belt was not covered. I am thinking about buying one and putting it on to see if it will help. It has 29 hours on the mower.
Are their any adjustments I can make to this? Think I should try the belt before my appointment that is scheduled for two weeks out gets here?
Thanks for your time and advice.
@Mikeydidit,
There are no adjustments for the engine to transmission belt. There is only an idler pulley and spring that is supposed to keep the proper tension on the belt.
If you bought the Protection Plan the belt and labor are covered! If you just have the standard warranty (manufactures defects) the belt will only be covered IF there is a bad pulley or tensioning spring.
Are you pulling heavy loads or using it on steep hills? If not the belt should be lasting you 3 to 7 years. You can put a new belt on but make sure everything else is ok.
My second PYT 9000 quit chargingthe battery and the useage/hour meter does not work. This one only had about 6 or 7 hrs on it. I don't know if I want a repair or a refund. I'm losing confidence in this model after returning the first due to problems and already having trouble with the second. Also have not received rebate due to rebate center not understanding that I'm on my second tractor and did not receive a cash register receipt for the replacement. It's all been very frustrating.
Hey Paul- thanks for all your help with and opinions on the craftsman mowers. It's helped a lot. I still have a couple questions though.
1. I was considering the yt 3000 6 speed manual because I have a couple steep hills on my property. I read that it would be better to have a manual trans to select the amount of torque used- how do you think the PYT 9000 would hold up? Can the PYT 9000 hydro trans hold up to steep grades?
2. When ordering through sears website, they have a special running for a discounted price OR 10% off a 3yr warranty- although it seems you have to pay the full price for the tractor- does this mean I have to give up the $500 discount AND pay $300 for the warranty? If so- it turns out the TRUE cost o the warranty would equal $800!!
3. What's the difference between the two yr warranty that comes with the tractor and the 3 yr extended warranty. Is it worth the cost?
4. You stated that the yt 3000 was good for lawns but not really tough enough for snow throwing- does the extra 4 hp between the platinum and ELS engine really make that much of a difference? BTW- I live in Dayton, OH and RARELY have to deal with more than 6 inches of snow a few times per year. With this info- would you still recommend the pyt over the yt?
Thanks for your help- I know I asked a bung of questions and I thank you for any help you're willing to give.
@ Brian,
1. I assume you are looking at the PTY9000 Model 28970. It has the same trans as the 28990 which is heavier than the 28922 trans. So yes it will hold up on hills. I think it is an "urban legend" about the six speed. Todays hydros will handle hills just fine.
2. The "special" deal for the warranty doesn't make sense to anyone. So pay the sale price and buy the Protection Plan at the normal price. (If you buy a tractor and mounted snowthrower or a tractor and walk-behind snow thrower you get the 10% discount anyway) If you buy two items that qualify for a Protection Agreement (dishwasher and snowthrower at the same time you can get a 10% discount on the PA)
3. The two year warranty ONLY covers manufactures defects. The three year Protection Plan covers a lot more including belts, wear and tear, and all labor for repairs.
4. I honestly feel that unless you have a very long driveway (2-300 feet) you are better off purchasing a walk-behind snow thrower. Right now you can get a heavy duty 30" snow thrower with all the tricks for less than $980 and a 26 inch with power steering for $729. To put a snowthrower on your tractor you need the blower, wheel weights, chains for a cost of about $1400. Plus the snow thrower takes 4-6 hours to put it on the first time. Go to Movingsnow.com to check out the 2009 snowthrowers.
Paul
Just purchased the 28970 tractor this past Sunday (got it for $1699.00 plus additional 10% off and $25.00 off for Craftsman Club Members, got to love it!!!!!!!!!!)I went thru the manual and did the check list. The problem I am having is the tractor still wants to move forward (slowly) when the transmission lever is in the nuetral postion. I followed the purging instructions, am I missing something?
@randy furrow,
On page 24 of the manual there is a section titled TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT. Follow the instructions to set the creep on your neutral.
Note: Always set the parking brake if you leave the engine running. Even though you get the creep adjusted you can't trust it to stay that way over time. As I wrote in a previous comment somewhere on this blog, neutral creep is just the nature of a hydro transmission. It doesn't matter if you have a $1600 Craftsman or a $35,000 KutKwik, they all creep.
By the way: Good job at getting the best deal!
Just spotted the 28970 on the Craftsman web site for $1,699. I thought it was a typo. I called the Sears store in Murphy, NC and they accepted my order at that price. That's over $750 cheaper than list. The salesman that took my order didn't believe it either.
@C. Cristiano,
Sears had a Friends and Family event last night that gave you and additional 10% off the normal $1899 sale price. I'll bet the Craftsman website did not reset correctly this morning and that is why you got the great deal. GOOD JOB!
By the way many of the "Hometown" Sears stores are not open on Sundays so they are having that 10% off sale today.
I saw the $1699.99 at work today, but when you click the link from search results it showed $1899.99. I was very tempted to go to Sears and show them the price on the web terminal they have in their store, and try and get them to match it. I have had success doing this in the past. Now I was just looking for reviews and happened upon this, I am so jealous you got the deal I saw! What's worse is there is a Hometown store near me, also in NC, and so I could have tried that avenue also! Double doh!
I just bought the 28927 and mowed about 1/2 acre. I got a flat tire on the sidewall from going over cactus. Transmission makes funny noise in reverse. Tall weeds bent the lower front plate below the hood infront of the lower engine. Did a great job cutting down 18″ tall Yucca but seemed to lack enough power for my road side grade. Deck wash works good. I decided to trade it for the 28970 as it has bigger wheels and better engine. The sign in the store says that the 28970 can accept ground engagement tools. I have a rototiller I used on an old Sears Garden tractor. After trying to get the skinny on the ground engagement tools I finally got hold of an intelligent salesman in the store who says the Professional and the Garden series are the only tractors that can use the ground engagement tools. Sears literature says only the Garden series can use the Sleeve Hitch that is necessary to raise the ground engagement tool out of the ground to drive with the tool elevated and says the tractor has to have 23″ tires. But the salesman is ‘positive’ the sleeve hitch will go on the 28970. I guess I’ll find out for sure when I get the tractor and Sleeve Hitch.
@Cathy,
The Craftsman YT series (3000 & 4000) are designed to mow LAWNS not tall weeds and/or brush. In fact all residential mowers manufactured today are designed just to mow lawns. If you need to mow high weeds, etc. especially stuff that is heavy enough to bend the front muffler guard I would strongly suggest you rent or buy/rent a DR Field and Brush Mower or an Acrease Rough Cut Mower to mow high weeds and brush.
That said, I hate all tires on lawn and garden equipment. The tires are all thin-walled and easily punctured. Even the commercial tires are not strong enough to last very long. At least on the commercial side the manufactures have started to put foam and solid tires on some equipment. The 28970 has larger tires, but if you are mowing cactus I strongly suggest you put SLiME Tire Sealant in your tires before they go flat.
The intelligent salesman you talked to almost got it right.
The PGT9000 Professional (Model 28974) is the only Professional Series tractor that is sold as capable of ground engaging equipment in the professional line. It uses a Extra Heavy Duty Premium hydrostatic/ automatic transmission.
The GT5000 (Models 28945 and 28947) Garden tractors use the Heavy Duty Premium hydrostatic/ automatic transmission and are capable of ground engaging equipment.
All the other mowers in the Professional line and the YT series use the Premium hydrostatic/ automatic transmission which is not guaranteed to pull ground engaging equipment. You will void your warranty if you have a sleeve hitch installed and the transmission blows up.
Just to give you a better idea of the transmission durability. The transmission in the 28970 weighs about 28 lbs. The transmission in the GT and PGT weighs over 53 lbs.
I honestly don't know if a sleeve hitch will bolt up to any other models that the GT5000 and PGT9000. I never really looked to see if the bolt hole patterns for attachments are the same as the YT series and PYT series mowers. I am going to assume until I get to my local Sears that the holes are not the same and a sleeve hitch will not bolt up. Sorry.
I went ahead and ordered this tractor after reading your comments/review and visiting my local Sears store. It looks well-built and it easily fits my larger than normal frame…which is something worth mentioning. The steering wheel appears to be more vertical than the JD, etc., and this allows for more room for larger "spare tires". I will be using it for mowing an average size lawn and that is all I plan to use it for…and I do take care of my equipment so I hope that this will last me for years to come. I had an older Craftsman 19.5 HP (gray) machine that just starting bucking one day…bad. I guess the tranny lost a gear, but it last almost 15 years! Thanks for the info/review. Roger
@ Roger
Thanks
Had the PTY 9000 two weeks and it stuck in reverse because a 1.50 push nut came off shift lever. I repaired it myself but needed push nut to keep lever in place. Sears parts would not order it for free. Had to have Tech come out 5 days later. He did not have this push nut on truck so he had to order it. Three days later UPS shows up with package containing the wrong part. Ready to let them have it back. Always buy on Sears credit with 0% financing and don't pay anything until month before the year is up.Gives you great leverage for a year.
@Randy,
Yes, Sears will not give you a warranty part for your mower unless a service technician has verified that the part is bad. That's part of why Sears upgraded their standard warranty this year to cover service calls on warranty parts for two full years. (You used to have to pay for the service call)
Sears is trying very hard this year to get the tractor repairs completed "within one mowing cycle" especially if you bought the Protection Agreement. I am actually hearing more good stories this year about the service than bad ones.
Sears is actually much easier to get service from than all the other "big box" stores. Trying to get service or parts out of the others can be a real nightmare. With all the other big box stores you are pretty much on your own. With Sears they do have a system where the problem can be escalated and a high priority put on it if problems like wrong parts cause a delay.
If you buy another brand from a small neighborhood lawn mower shop part of the extra cost you pay is the dealer doing that warranty reimbursement work for you. I know quite a few dealers and listening to their horror stories about getting burned on warranty parts from the manufacture is a book in itself.
Even worse try to get a warranty part from an "authorized service" dealer for a non-craftsman brand especially if you bought the mower from a big box store. Most of the small dealers will not touch a warranty part unless you bought the mower from them. If they will work on your mower, it gets put BEHIND all the commercial mowers they sold and then behind the residential ones they sold. For example, my neighbor had his $8000 non-craftsman mower brought in this spring for a tune-up to a different shop than the one he bought it from (because his original shop wanted $125 to bring it to their shop to work on it) The new dealer had a bunch of commercial mowers come in for repair and my neighbor's mower ended up sitting for 3 WEEKS before they got around to tuning it up.
Paul,
you could be right about the transmissions being different. The catalog lists them the same, but looking at the transaxle (brouse subcomponents) on sears 'parts direct' they look completely different. I'm comparing PTY 9000 Model# 917289700 and YT 4000 Model# 917289270 .
The PTY uses a K46BA TRANSAXLE made by 'tuff torq' I think.
I've got no idea what transaxle is in the YT model, but it does look serviceable(I like that), where as the K46BA is not.
@Steve,
The engineering in todays hydros is so precise that it is not practical to service them in the field. You really need a "clean room" to take them apart and repair them.
Many of the trans don't have drain plugs. You actually have to remove the trans, and turn it over to drain the oil.
Because it is recommended that you change oil in them every 500 hours or so under normal use………. most tractors will never need an oil change.
If you do work the trans hard (mow for more than three hours at a time every week or pull more than 250 lbs all the time) it is worth your time to remove the trans every 200 hours or so and replace the oil.
how would you rate the craftsman PTY 9000 model28970 @ $1900.00
vs
the craftsman YT3000 model 28934 @$1500.00
both 42"
@Gene Robinson,
There are easily $400 of extra/better features in the PTY9000 (twin cylinder) over the YT3000 (single cylinder) and YT4000 (twin cylinder). All three series mowers are great value for the money this year and it simply boils down to what features do you want and how much do you want to spend. I listed the differences below.
I feel the YT3000 is the best value/dollar lawn tractor/yard tractor on the market this year but if cost is not a factor for you and you can live with a black/yellow paint job, the PTY9000 is the better machine and still a good value because of the extra features you get.
The YT3000 has a single cylinder Briggs Platinum Motor (residential grade) – oil pump, filter, good air cleaner. Mechanical blade engagement. Consumer reports rates the deck as one of the best cutting decks from all manufactures.
The YT4000 has a twin cylinder Briggs Platinum Motor (residential grade) – oil pump, filter, good air cleaner, hour meter. Mechanical blade engagement. Consumer reports rates the deck as one of the best cutting decks from all manufactures.
The PTY9000 has a twin cylinder Briggs ELS Motor – commercial grade with heavy duty lower bearing, chrome valves, electronic fuel control, oil pump, filter, and good air cleaner. Electric blade engagement. Heavy duty deck, and larger tires than the YT3000/YT4000. Hour meter, amp meter, heavy duty throttle cable. Free Deluxe bumper included. Consumer reports did not test this deck but I think it cuts as well as the deck on the YT3000/YT4000.
Paul,
I found a 'Craftsman Professional 24HP 42in. Deck Deluxe Yard Tractor' on Sears website. Its color is all Black with yellow deck & bumper.
Where did this model come from?…very similar in specs to the PTY 9000 Model 28970.
Do you know if they share the same deck?..etc
Maybe its last years version of the PTY 9000 Model 28970,,,price looks reasonable at 1699.88
@Steve,
That is a 2007 model. If you like the design of the hood it is a good tractor. It was very popular last year. The 2008 machine does have an upgraded motor over the 2007 model. The rest of the tractor and deck is basically the same. The machine is still listed because there are still some left BUT they may not be available in your area.
If you want that mower you will have to put it in your shopping cart and it will then show if it is available for you.
Hi,
you ask… ''Is the PYT 9000 Model 28970 worth 300 dollars more than the YT 4000 Model 28927''?
Then you go on to say…''Yes, the heavier deck, heavier transmission,'' etc.
I have a Craftsman 2009 riding equipment catalog that shows BOTH models share the same Hydrostatic Automatic transmission.
Care to comment?
Thanks
@Steve Salata,
Thanks Steve for finding that error and pointing it out. That's what I get for writing some of these reviews late at night. The 28970 has larger rear TIRES than the 28927. The rears are the same size as the ones on the YT 4500.
According to the manufacture's engineers the transmissions in the 28970 and the 28927 have the same specs even if they don't have the same part number.
Don't fully trust the 2009 catalog though. There are a few mistakes (for example the 28945 is a manual trans) In addition the catalog does not have all the 2009 models listed. (there is a Kohler option for the zero-turns Model 28993)
Sears.com currently has the most reliable specs.