If this is not the right mower for you, go here to see all of my reviews:
My 2011 Reviews. You can find larger and smaller mowers from this list.
The LT Yard Tractor is all new this year. For about $100 more than the 28904 you get a hydrostatic transmission. The mower has no history and I will not have a chance to test it until April 15. So … this review will only cover a visual inspection and my first impressions of the machine.
If this is not the right mower for you, go here to see all of my reviews:
My 2011 Reviews. You can find larger and smaller mowers from this list.
Model 28905
2010 Craftsman LT2000 42 inch 20 hp Model 28905 Review
Sears Item 07128905000
Listed on Sears.com as: Craftsman 20 hp 42 inch Lawn Tractor
Buy Online – Pick Up At Your Nearest Sears
Buy Online – Have Delivered To Your Home. Use the coupon code during the checkout process to save an additional $5 over the sale prices listed on Sears.com. Be sure to sign up for the free “Shop Your Way” rewards card and place the number in your Sears.com Profile. Signing up will always give you the best possible prices including the Craftsman Club savings if there is one on this mower. (The Craftsman Club savings vary from month to month and are for specific mowers for that month. Be patient, if there are Club savings it will be reflected JUST BEFORE you click pay)
By clicking on the link to this product and purchasing it within five days through Sears.com I get paid a commission. I don’t get a commission if you purchase it at a Sears store. The $5 off coupon is a little thank you for purchasing from me.
Specs:
Series: LT2000
Model: 28905
Ca Model: None
Engine HP: 20
Engine Brand: Briggs & Stratton Gold
Cylinders: 1
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Transmission Control: Fender Control
Mower Width: 42 inches
Blades: 2
Cutting Positions: 5
Gauge Wheels: 2
Washout port: No
Blade Engagement: Manual
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Front Axle: Welded Tube
Rear Tires: 18 x 9.5
Seat: Mid-Back
Slide Seat Adjust: Yes
Service Minder: No
My Review:
This mower is considerably different than the 2009 version. While it has the same gray paint scheme, the frame, deck, transmission, tires, controls and overall appearance are different.
The deck is very similar to the deck on the Yard Man Model 28906.
The frame is an “U” design. It appears to be strong and stiff for the price range of the mower. I don’t expect you to have any problems with this design.
That’s it for now. When I get a chance to drive it and as it gets some history I will update this review.
Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:
Needed Accessories:
Go To This Article To See All The Parts And Accessories For Your New Tractor go here: Craftsman LT 2000 Model 28905 Parts, Accessories & Attachments
Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:
Do you have a review for the LT2000 yet. I bought one yesterday and have yet had a chance to mow the lawn yet. It looks like it will do the job and for a long time. My last Craftsman lasted me 17 years so thats why I’m staying with them, the proof is in the puddin as they say.
Don
@Don, I have a basic review of the LT2000 here: http://todaysmower.com/2011/2011-craftsman-lt-series-lawn-tractors-improving-the-bottom-of-the-line/
Paul,
I live in south Louisiana on 1/2 acre, one tree with normal flat mowing conditions. Mowing once a week, likely to use the bagger as an accessory only, nothing else. Would the LT2000 series with the B&S gold series engine be an acceptable acceptable compared to the Kohler 22hp YT3000 if the options were relatively equal? Your blog does not say much on the YT series.
thanks,
Budd
@Budd,
I haven't done too much with the LT series because it is a new tractor to Sears and it doesn't have a complete track record yet. But from what I am seeing this year it will turn out to be a dependable machine. (I haven't heard of one problem with it yet)
The LT is very similar to the low end Troy Bilt's, Yardman, Cub Cadet, and Toro mowers. The deck is basically the same as the highly rated Craftsman Revolution and Cub Cadet models. (Consumer Reports rated the cut well on the the Revolution and Cub Cadet) It just lacks some of the extra features like 4 anti-scalp wheels and the deck wash.
I will recommend the LT2000 for your situation but keep in mind that you should only pull a yard cart or a dethatcher. Don't expect it to pull heavy loads. It will not accept a snow blade (I know it doesn't snow down there) and you can only get a 2 bin soft sided bagger for it. Either the automatic or the the hydrostatic will work well for you.
The Kohler 22 hp will be smoother running, and the YT3000 has a 2 inch shorter turning radius than the LT series.
The Briggs in the LT series is the standard motor found in most tractors today and will give you long life for your type of mowing (presurized oil system with filter) Change your oil and oil filter once a year. Change your air filter AT LEAST once a year.
If you are mowing in dry, dusty conditions be sure to clean the air filter (knock the dust off) at least once a month. Check your oil regularly and if the motor starts to use oil, CHANGE THE AIR FILTER right away. Todays mowers use a "closed" breather system and if the air filter is clogged the air (and oil) gets sucked out of the crankcase.
Let me know what you get and how you like it.