The Craftsman “Revolution” is a very unique mower. First it is a zero-turn that both you and your spouse can drive. Second it is a good yard tractor the will perform all the non-ground engaging tasks around your property. In reality it is a zero turn mower that looks like a tractor and eliminates all the safety concerns the residential zero-turn mowers currently have. You can mow on a slope without worrying about the mower becoming unstable and sliding down the hill like a typical residential zero-turn will.
For two years in a row Consumers Reports rated this mower as the “second best” out of all the mowers they tested. (They rated it as a yard tractor, not a zero turn.) I agree, this mower mows very well, has plenty of power, and is very easy on the lawn.
Unfortunately the Revolution is DEAD. The mower looks too much like a normal lawn tractor for the average Sears customer to see the benefit this great machine. They have been unwilling to spend over $3000 for a zero turn tractor.
Sears is not having any made for 2010 and will stop selling this zero turn mower once the 2009′s are gone.
Read the rest of my review after the specs.
This review covers the Revolution with a 22 hp twin cylinder Briggs & Stratton motor, 42 inch deck, and foot control hydro. If you want a larger deck look at the ZTS 6000 Model 28922 and the Swisher 28069
Sears Item 07128933000
Listed on Sears.com as: Craftsman Revolution 22 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Yard Tractor
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Model 28933
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Specs:
Read My Review Below These Specs:
Brand: Craftsman
Series: Revolution
Model: 28933
Ca Model: None
Engine HP: 22
Engine Brand: Briggs & Stratton Platinum
Cylinders: Two
Transmission: TTT Infinitrak
Transmission Control: Foot Controls
Mower Width: 42 inch
Blades: 2
Cutting Positions: 6
Gauge Wheels: 2
Washout port: Included
Blade Engagement: Electric
Turning Radius: zero-turn
Front Axle: Cast Iron – Grease-able
Rear Tires: 20 x 8
Seat: High-back
Slide Seat Adjust: Easy Adjust Lever
Service Minder: Yes, Hour Meter
Warranty: 2 year manufacture defects, 5 year frame and axle. Optional 3 year In Home Protection Plan that includes labor, trip charges and wear and tear. (See Sears.com for details)
My Review:
When you first look at the Craftsman Revolution all you see is a “normal” looking yard tractor. There are no strange levers or controls. It has a steering wheel and conventional foot controls. When you test drive it, it operates just like a conventional tractor until you turn the steering wheel all the way. Then your perspective on mowing changes forever.
The twin transmissions, and high quality rack and pinion steering system work together to “zero turn” this mower without damage to your lawn. The rack and pinion steering, the transmissions and the unique front axle all work together to allow you to drive this tractor like a conventional one, yet turn in it’s own length. The Revolution has a unique steerable front axle that works with the twin transmissions to allow the tractor to zero-turn. When you turn the steering wheel all the way the twin rear drives actually change direction allowing the tractor to pivot on it axis. One wheel actually goes in reverse just like the zero turns you are familiar with. Yet, the unit drives just like a conventional tractor. If you are new to mowers this one will be easy to learn and drive. (it drives more like your car)
While driving and mowing with one last year, I found it is very easy to maneuver around obstacles. The foot speed control is easy to use. I also like the drive system. Even in the poorest grass the tractor tracks well and does not tear up the turf. I tried to get this tractor to “scuff” the lawn like a conventional tractor will and I couldn’t get it to do it.
One of the largest problems with conventional residential zero-turns is turning. When you turn, you use the steering levers to slow one rear wheel to make your turn. When you pull the lever on the inside wheel all the way back that wheel will actually back up and you can “zero-turn” or pivot on the rear axle. But it is very easy to stop the wheel on the inside of your turn and dig a hole in your lawn. You have to learn to use these machines and pay attention so you don’t put divots in your lawn. On a poor lawn it is almost impossible not to leave marks. Even someone like myself who has thousands of hours of experience using zero turns can divot a lawn if I am not paying attention.
With the Revolution this is all done “automatically” for you. The steering wheel, front axle, and rear transmissions all work together to automatically slow down the inside wheel and then cause it to reverse. You don’t have to practice with this machine. All the “thinking” is done for you.
If you want a mower that will mow 1/2 to 2 acres well, and all the non-ground engaging attachments 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 are other mowers in the Craftsman lineup that will mow faster and pull more but there are none more agile. This is a great all around mowing machine.
I like the the Craftsman Revolution. I think they represent a good value comparable to other zero turn mowers and a machine that if taken care of properly will last you a long time.
This zero turn yard tractor are capable of pulling all the non-ground engaging attachments Sears offers. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.
Cons:
There is a snow blade available for the Craftsman Revolution but it will not accept a snow thrower. I personally prefer a walk-behind snow thrower myself instead of a tractor mounted one so this is not a real negative for me.
Final Thoughts:
The Craftsman Revolution is very comparably priced to other zero-turns. What makes it the best choice for most of you is it’s ability to not only save you a lot of time mowing but also put a yard cart and other attachments. Consumer Reports gave this mower a very high rating last year (Only one $4000 John Deere beat it.) There are very few negatives with this mower as long as you understand that it is a good quality mid-sized zero-turn mower designed to also pull attachments. I like this lawn mower for what it is designed for. At around $2800 on sale it is a very good value.
Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:
Needed Accessories:
Hauling Equipment: Yes
Lawn Care Attachments: Yes
Bagger For Revolution
Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:
Related posts:
- May The Craftsman Zero Turn 42 inch 22 hp Model 28933 Rest In Peace
- 2009 Craftsman Zero Turn Mower Test Drive – Revolution Model 28933 – Updated Review
- 2009 Craftsman Revolution Model 28933 – Zero Turn Tractor Review
- 2010 Yard-Man Zero Turn 50 inch 22 hp Model 28983 Review
- 2010 Craftsman Zero Turn 52 inch 26 hp Model 28992 Review
Tags: 2010 Craftsman Zero Turn 42 inch 22 hp Model 28933 Review, Craftsman Revolution 22 hp 42 inch Zero Turn Yard Tractor
Paul,
Haven’t heard anything back on your experience with the 28933. How did it perform? Which tranny does it have?
Thanks,
Jim
@ Jim,
Please read my review of the 28933. Click on the 2010 link in the center column.
Paul,
I’ve looked at the Craftsman 28933 but have concerns. First, why only 2 gage wheels? Won’t this lend to scalping? At Sears today, they couldn’t get the floor model to start so I could hear the tranny- is this a common problem? People either love this machine or hate it – what gives? I have a hilly backyard, should I consider a Deere – honestly?
Thanks, Jim
@Jim, I haven’t had a chance to drive a 2010 28933 yet. I hope to get one to test drive next week.
Two gauge wheels? Gauge wheels are over-rated. The only time they should touch the ground is if you are in the bottom of a ditch. Then they keep the edge of the deck from digging into the turf.
That said having them in the front of the deck is the most useful. The wheels can ride over any obstructions.
I like to call them anti-scalp wheels because gauge wheels were originally used to control the height of the deck on the original Deere 110 and the Cub Cadet.
Besides the front wheels, the Revolution deck has large front flanges (rounded lip) that will keep the deck from scalping.
The tractor is also short enough that you should not have any problems with scalping.
Consumer Reports just rated the 28933 as the second best mower of the ones they tested this year. The John Deere 304 was first and the Deere 300 second.
You have to read reviews with a “grain of salt” For some reason there were a few specific individuals out to discredit the trans and they went out of their way to make it seem bad. That said, there were issues with the first models sold. Some of them had noise issues. Others had a spring that would break and cause one of the trannys to lock up. Both of these problems were fixed quickly through repairs and updates.
The tranny is alive and well. Torotrak the designer of this trans is dedicated to getting it into this market (small tractors) so any “problems” will be dealt with quickly. MTD has this trans in a few other machines this year including “single” versions for lawn tractors and garden tractors. Case International has CVTs in their 50 horse tractors and they are doing well.
I think this machine is a “sleeper” for hills. There is no differential in the rear to cause one wheel to loose traction. Both rear wheels have power to them all the time so you will have the best traction…better than a regular trans. You don’t need a differential lock because there is constant power to both rear wheels. The transmission is also a “constant torque” unit. All the power from the engine is transferred to the rear axles. There is no Hydraulic loss like you would find in a hydro trans. I can go on for pages about the benefits of Constant Velocity Transmissions and how they are the future for small engines.
Consumer Reports agrees with me that this is the best “zero turn” mower for slopes.
Don’t be afraid to buy one. Just remember Sears has a 90 day return policy. You can return it for any reason and there is no “restocking fee” The unit also carries a two year parts warranty and you can purchase a 3 year protection plan to cover you for all problems, labor and trip charges.
Paul,
“The tranny is alive and well. Torotrak the designer of this trans is dedicated to getting it into this market”
Are you saying that the 28933 still has the infinitrak transmission?
However CVT is surely a continuously variable transmission; not “Constant Velocity Transmission”. I look forward with interest to your report on the 2010 28933.
@Jack,
As far as I know. I’ll find out for sure this week.
Paul,
Have a look at http://wellingtonimplement.com/equipment/cub1000
At the bottom of the page they appear to be advertising the LTX 1042/1046 & 1050 with Infinitrak – presumably the new STT version.
Paul,
Your review does not mention the Infinitrak transmission. Has this been replaced by Hydro gear in the 2010 model?
@Jack, Right now it is unclear if the Infinitrak is in to 2010 model. The current literature that Sears will give customers states is has twin hydrostatic transmissions. But there are no updates to SearsPartsDirect and it still shows the Infinitrak.
I am waiting on a reply from Sears or MTD to find out. Once I’m sure I’ll update the article.
I just looked at a Cub Cadet Z-Force this morning and it has Hydros.
Paul