2010 Craftsman Garden Tractor 54 inch 26 hp Model 28947 Review

The GT 5000 is one of the best values for a Garden Tractor.  It has a big 26 hp Kohler Pro Motor and 54 inch deck.  This Garden Tractor is designed to mow 2 to 5 acres quickly and efficiently.  It will pull all of the ground engaging attachments Sears offers.

This review covers the GT 5000 with a twin cylinder Kohler motor, 54 inch deck, and foot control hydro.  It will handle a snow thrower.  If you want a smaller deck look at the different Craftsman models.  This is the largest tractor in the Craftsman line-up with a Kohler Motor.

Sears Item 07128947000

Listed on Sears.com as: Craftsman GT 5000 26 hp 54 inch Garden Tractor

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Model 28947

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Specs:

Read My Review Below These Specs:

Brand: Craftsman
Series: GT5000
Model: 28947
Ca Model: 28948
Engine HP: 26
Engine Brand: Kohler Pro
Cylinders: 2
Transmission: Heavy Duty Hydrostatic Transmission
Transmission Control: Pedal with cruise
Mower Width: 54
Blades: 3
Cutting Positions: 7
Gauge Wheels: 5
Washout port: Yes
Blade Engagement: Electric
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Front Axle: Cast Iron
Rear Tires: 23 X 10.5
Seat: Deluxe Hi-Back with Armrests
Slide Seat Adjust: Easy Slide Adjust

Service Minder: Yes, Hourmeter

My Review:

For about 2800 dollars on sale this is a very good value if you need to mow large areas.  This model features the new Craftsman style step through operator’s platform, Kohler Pro oil pump lube engine with oil filter, and a 54 inch 3 blade deck.

The 28947 has the foot control hydro.  It is very easy to drive and has a “cruise control” for mowing the large open areas.

If you want a mower that will mow 2 to 5 acres well, handle a snow blade, snow thrower, and all the attachments Sears has to offer, this is the mower in the Craftsman lineup that will do the job for you.  This tractor is heavy enough to handle hilly and rough lawns.  There is only one mower in the Craftsman lineup that will mow faster.  In my opinion there is no other mower that will pull more.  I would have no problem pulling a boat light camping trailer, or 1500 lbs of dirt around your yard. This is a great all around workhorse.

I would have no concerns hooking up an AcrEase commercial wing mower from Kunz Engineering or two to this Garden tractor and mowing 10 feet or 15 feet at a time.  I mention the AcrEase because this is the only pull-behind mower that can mow at the speeds the GT 5000 can mow at.  These wing mowers will easily mow at 8 mph.  With two of these behind the GT 5000 you can easily mow 7 acres or more an hour.  The AcrEase mower has a unique hitch that works so well you don’t even know the wing mower is there.  (I don’t make a commission if you buy an AcrEase)

This Garden Tractor will also pull the AcrEase rough cut mower.

To give you an example of the toughness of this tractor.  A typical hydrostatic transmission in a lawn or yard tractor weighs about 20 lbs.  This transmission in the GT5000 weighs THREE TIMES as much.  This is one rugged tractor for the price.

I like the GT 5000 series.  I think it represents a good value and a machine that if taken care of properly will last you a long, long time.  Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.

Cons:

The GT 5000 is good mower, but there are two items you need to be aware of.

First with this large of deck you will not get the consistent, even cut you get with say a 42 inch 28922.  If your lawn is rough and uneven you will have some scalping and areas where the deck mows unevenly compared to a smaller mower.  The deck has 5 anti-scalp wheels (gauge wheels) and rounded edges so the unevenness is minimum compared to other mower brands.  Just be aware of the difference if you are moving up from a smaller mower.  If you want a more even and consistent cut and still mow large areas look at the Model 28875 Professional Zero-turn.

Second, you can buy a mulch kit for this deck but be aware of the negatives of using a mulch plug on this large of a deck.  The problem is called “Blow-By.”  To understand the negatives I will explain a little about deck design first.

Most of these large decks are built in a triangle.  The middle blade is in front of the other two.  This allows the blades to “overlap” so you never leave a stripe when turning or backing up.  This design also has smooth edges under the deck designed to get the grass out from under it quickly and spread the grass evenly when discharged.  In addition this Craftsman deck has “vented spindles” that allow a lot of air into the deck.  All that air helps the blades lift the grass and cut it evenly and then helps the blades quickly throw the grass out the discharge.

The problem occurs when you plug the discharge with a mulch plug.  All that air has to go somewhere and it ends up blowing down and out the underside of the mower deck.  Most of the time when you are mulching good green grass everything works fine and you don’t notice this blow-by.  It’s when you try to mulch dry, poor grass that this blow-by blows grass everywhere.  It blows it mainly out the right front of the mower.  Wind, mowing speed, etc., causes all this grass to go everywhere.  On top of the deck, on top of the tractor, and all over you!  The only way you can fix this is to remove the mulch plug when you are mowing in dry, dusty conditions.

Yes, all of these large decks will do this, it doesn’t matter if it is a Craftsman or any other brand.  Be aware before you purchase one of these large deck machines of blow-by and be ready to live with taking a shower after you mow.

Final Thoughts:

I like this mower and I feel it is one of the best values available for a mid-priced Garden Tractor.  There are very few negatives with this mower as long as you understand that it is a good quality Garden Tractor designed to mow large lawns well.  These Garden Tractors hold up well and have a great maintenance record.  I like this lawn mower for what it is designed for. At around $2800 on sale it is a very good value.

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Needed Accessories:

Hauling Equipment: Anything Sears Sells
Lawn Care Attach: Anything Sears Sells

I will add more accessories in a few weeks.

Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:

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Tags: 2010 Craftsman Garden Tractor 54 inch 26 hp Model 28947 Review, Craftsman GT 5000 26 hp 54 inch Garden Tractor