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.
I just finished the reviews for the new 2011 YT 3000 with Turn Tight. You will want to read all about these new tractors that replace the ones on this page. Click on the links below to read my reviews:
2011 craftsman-yt-3000-42-inch-B&S 21-hp-riding-lawn-tractor-model-28851-review/
2011/craftsman-yt-3000-46-inch-B&S 21-hp-riding-lawn-tractor-model-28852-review/
2011/craftsman-yt-3000-46-inch-Kohler 22-hp-riding-lawn-tractor-model-28853-review/
This review covers the YT 3000 with a single cylinder, 46 inch deck, and fender control hydro. If you want a smaller deck or plan to install a snow thrower look at the other models.
Listed on Sears.com as: Craftsman YT 3000 21 hp 46 inch Yard Tractor
I have rated this model (28924) as the “best mower for about $1500″ and the leading consumer magazine* AGAIN agrees for 2010. This is the best Craftsman for value, cut, durability and overall satisfaction.
This tractor is part of the YT Series. It is Craftsman’s most popular line. Basically the YT 3000 and YT 4000 series tractors are available in eight different configurations. They come with 42 or 46 inch decks, single or twin cylinder motors, manual or hydro transmissions, and fender or foot control speed controls. Please read my reviews of all the YT models so you can find the best mower for you. Over the last year I have mowed with both the 42 and 46 inch decks and they cut as well or better than any other mid-sized deck. The fully vented decks have good lift for poor lawns and get rid of the grass evenly and quickly for well kept lawns. With premium mulching blades and a mulch cover they mulch well. With hi-lift blades both decks bag very well.
Model 28924
Click On Picture To See a Larger Version
Specs:
Read My Review Below These Specs:
Brand: Craftsman
Series: YT 3000
Model: 28924
Ca Model: 28914
Engine HP: 21
Engine Brand: Briggs & Stratton Platinum
Cylinders: One
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Transmission Control: Fender Controls
Mower Width: 46 inch
Blades: 2
Cutting Positions: 6
Gauge Wheels: 4
Washout port: Included
Blade Engagement: Manual
Turning Radius: 16 inches
Front Axle: Cast Iron – Grease-able
Rear Tires: 18 x 9.5
Seat: High-back
Slide Seat Adjust: Easy Adjust Lever
Service Minder: None
Warranty: 2 year manufacture defects, 5 year frame and axle. Optional 3 year Protection Plan that includes labor, trip charges and wear and tear. (See Sears.com for details)
My Review:
For 100 dollars more than the Craftsman Model 28905 LT 2000 Lawn Tractor you can move up to the mid-sized YT 3000 yard tractor series. This model features the new Craftsman style step through operator’s platform, pressurized lube engine with oil filter, and a 46 inch deck. This is the same deck as Model 28724 Consumer Reports 2008 Best Buy.
The 28924 has the fender control hydro. If you are replacing your old Craftsman that had fender controls this is the new mower for you. If you are new to mowers you should look at the 28934 foot control. (it drives more like your car)
If you want a mower that will mow 1/2 to 2 acres well, handle a snow blade, and all the non-ground engaging attachments this mower will do the job well 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, or pull more but this is a great all around mowing machine.
I like the mid-size YT 3000 series. I think they represent a good value and a machine that if taken care of properly will last you a long time.
These yard tractors are capable of pulling all the non-ground engaging attachments Sears offers including a snow blade. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.
Cons:
The YT 3000 is heavy enough, but I recommend going to a twin cylinder motor (YT 4000) if you want to attach a snow thrower. You will wish you had bought a larger engine for snow throwing.
The 46 inch deck has a much larger grass deflector than the 42 inch deck. If you have tight areas you may decide the 42 inch is a better choice.
Final Thoughts:
Consumer Reports* gave the 2008 46 inch model a best buy. Again this year the 2010 version of this tractor gets their “best buy” award. I agree. There are very few negatives with this mower as long as you understand that it is a good quality mid-sized mower designed to mow lawns well. I like this lawn mower for what it is designed for. At around $1400 on sale it is a very good value.
Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:
Replacement Parts:
Click on Part Number To View and Purchase: Right Click for new window.
Oil Summer Quart 33028
Oil Change Plus 33048
Oil Filter 24606 Craftsman Oil Filter- Kohler Engines Large
Oil Filter 24604 Craftsman Oil Filter – Kohler Engine Small
Oil Filter 33935 Craftsman Oil Filter – Briggs ELS
Oil Filter 24603 Craftsman Oil Filter – Briggs Standard
Change oil after first 2 hours and every 50 hours or once a year
Air Filter Standard 33097
Air PreCleaner 33097
High Performance NA
If your engine starts using oil, Change the air filter. It might be plugged.
Fuel Filter 33392 Craftsman Fuel Filter
Spark Plug 33456
Deck Drive Belt 33153
Tractor Drive Belt 33150
Performance Mulching/Bagging Blades
Craftsman 46 in. Advanced Mulching and Bagging Blade Set
Click on the banner below and then type the part number for your cover plate into the part number box.
46 inch Mulcher Plate Assembly. (Mulch Plug) It is Sears Part No. 532406581 or 406581
Standard 3 in 1 Blades 33178
High Lift Bagging Blades 24652 Need 2
Mulch Kit 33742 (includes standard mulching Blades)
Optional Accessories:
Baggers
2 bin soft 24903 For 46 inch Deck
3 bin soft 24904 For 46 inch Deck
Carts:
Flat bed 500lb 24358
10 cu.ft. Poly 600lb 24489
12 cu.ft. Steel 1000lb 24355
12 cu.ft. Poly 1000lb 24357
16 cu.ft. Steel 1250lb 24356
15cu.ft. Poly 1000lb 24469
Tool Caddy for Metal Carts 24370
Blade:
Snow Blade 24441
Dozer Blade NA
Weights 24434 or 24445
Chains 24863
Snow Cab 24276
Snow Thrower For Craftsman and Husqvarna brand only with 22 inch or smaller tires 24837 or 24838
Bumper:
Single 24599 or 24611
Double 24608 or 24612
Brish Guard 24628
Arm Rest: 33458
Pull Behind Attachments:
Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader 24321
Tow Behind Dethatcher 24315
Tow Behind 42 inch Hi-Speed Sweeper 24222
Tow Behind Professional Hi-Speed Sweeper 24229
Tow Behind Plug Aerator 24326
Tow Behind Professional Yard Vac 24707
Tow Behind Professional Yard Vac with Chipper 24717
*ConsumerReports is very particular in the use of their name and I do not want in any way to imply that they are endorsing this product. Please see consumerreports.org for full details of their ratings.
Hey Paul,
I know nothing about mowers and have about two acres to mow. Which one of these would you suggest? thank you
http://louisville.craigslist.org/grd/2447625449.html
http://louisville.craigslist.org/grd/2453392611.html
http://louisville.craigslist.org/grd/2450130277.html
@Allan, the STX 38 is too small for 2 acres unless you have nothing else to do on the weekends.
The Craftsman is the best choice mainly because it is a great price for an almost new machine. I don’t know how he can state hours though because it does not come with an hourmeter.
Make sure the L130 is not stolen. $600 for this mower is way too cheap (up here it would go for at least $1000) Go through it completely and make sure everything works and the motor sounds good. Do not take any excuses as to things that are wrong.
Thanks for your advice Paul… I agree totally buy have one last one to look at…this one was posted today and he will deliver it too..
http://louisville.craigslist.org/grd/2456279169.html
Paul, I just purchased the Craftsman 28924 and Craftsman snow blade, wheel weights, and tire chains. Do I have to remove the deck (already factory installed) in order to use the snow blade? I believe that I should. What’s your expert opinion? Thank you!
@Danielle, You don’t HAVE to remove the deck to install the blade but trust me …. you will WANT to remove it when plowing snow. The deck will get in the way of the plowed snow and get hung up easily in drifts, etc.
Do you know how to remove the hood? The installation of the blade brackets goes a lot easier with the hood off. Unhook the wiring plug for the lights. Tip the hood halfway and then lift straight up. It comes right off.
Read your manual. It shows how to remove the deck. The first time it will take you a few minutes to get used to where the clips and pins are. After that it’s a five minute job.
Have fun with your new Snow Plow!
Paul
Thank you so much Paul – your information is invaluable!! You’ve made a job that seems really daunting and difficult for me not so bad after all – you just gave me a dose of confidence to get the job done!
Thanks again and I’m looking forward to using my new tractor!!
Danielle
Paul, is there any advantage to opting for the Kohler engine in the 28934 model over the Briggs engine in the 28924? Thanks for the reviews BTW, your info is invaluable.
@At,
I think the Briggs is a very good motor. It has an oil pump and filter and a very good repair history. You won't go wrong if you pick this motor.
But, I have had a lot of experience with the single and twin cylinder Kohler motors and they have all been great. I can say that if you change the air filter, oil filter and oil every year (I use Mobil One) these engines will last longer than the Craftsman tractor. I personally feel the Kohler has more torque than the Briggs.
The single cylinder Kohler has a counter-balancing system that works particularly well. It has no more vibration than a twin. I have had a few with over 1000 hours that ran just as smooth and quiet as they did when new.