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.
After reading this review please read the 2011 reviews for these tractors:
I just finished the reviews for the new 2011 YT 4000 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-4000-42-inch-24-hp-riding-lawn-tractor-model-28925-review/
2011/2011-craftsman-yt-4000-42-inch-24-hp-riding-lawn-tractor-model-28856-review/
2011/2011-craftsman-yt-4000-46-inch-24-hp-riding-lawn-tractor-model-28857-review/
Click here to go to the 2011 review of this model: 2011 Craftsman YT 4000 42 in 24 hp Yard Tractor
2010 Craftsman YT4000 42 inch 24 hp Model 28925 Review
Listed on Sears as: Craftsman YT 4000 24 hp 42 inch Yard Tractor
Sears Item 07128925000
Half of you who buy a Craftsman tractor this year will buy a YT 3000 or YT 4000 series tractor. The leading consumer magazine and I have rated these mowers as a “2009 Best Buy” and I will again this year rate them as the “best mower for about $1500.” This is the best Craftsman for value, cut, durability and overall satisfaction. Basically the YT 4000 series is available with 42 or 46 inch decks, twin cylinder motors, manual or hydro transmissions, and fender or foot control speed controls. (The YT 3000 has single cylinder motors) 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.
This review covers the YT 4000 with a twin cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine, 42 inch deck, and manual 6 speed transmission. If you want a larger look at the other models.
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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.
Click On Picture To See a Larger Version”
Specs:
Read My Review Below These Specs:
Brand: Craftsman
Series: YT 4000
Model: 28925
Ca Model: none
Engine HP: 24
Engine Brand: Briggs & Stratton Platinum
Cylinders: Two
Transmission: Six speed manual
Transmission Control: Fender Controls
Mower Width: 42 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: Yes. Hourmeter
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:
I’m not sure why, but I have heard no complaints about the clutch on the 28925 like I have with the 28921. The clutch mechanism is the same for both machines. This machine, the 28925 will work well for you for both mowing lawn and moving snow.
Be aware that this is a manual transmission tractor. With a little practice it is easy to use and anyone can run it just as easily as a fender controlled hydro. You don’t need to learn shift patterns or clutching. Just press your foot all the way down on the clutch/brake, put the transmission in the gear number you want and gently release the clutch. If you have the lever in 1 or 2 it will jerk a little and start moving. If you put it in 5 or 6 though you may pop the front wheels off the ground until you get used to driving the machine.
I like the cut of the 42 inch deck. The vented deck lifts even the poorest grass well and cuts evenly. The 4 anti-scalp wheels on the deck keep it from digging into your lawn on the rough spots. (the anti-scalp wheels don’t touch the ground normally) During normal mowing the deck gets rid of the grass quickly and spreads the clippings evenly. With the optional premium mulch blades and mulch cover this deck mulches well. With the high lift blades it fills the optional bagger well.
The 24 horse twin cylinder Briggs & Stratton Platinum Motor has more power than you will ever need for mowing and will work very well with an attached snow thrower. The motor has an oil pump and oil filter and will gives you many years of service. Just change the oil/oil filter every 50 hours, clean the air filter once a month and change it every year and replace the spark plugs and fuel filter every two years and the motor will last 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.
Final Thoughts:
Consumer Reports gave the 2008 46 inch model a best buy and Sears has designed this deck to mow as well. 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 $1500 on sale it is a very good value.
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 YT4000, YT 4000 Tractor Model 28925 Parts, Accessories & Attachments
I have the YT4000 with 42″ deck but the deck only reaches 2 3/4″ cutting height even on 6. When I try to raise it becomes too uneven, is the deck attached the wrong way possibly?
@John, I’m going to let some of my readers comment on this one. I’ll get back to you this evening on what to check.
If this is a new tractor, call 1-800-4MY-Home and have the tech check it out.
Any suggestions on how to get grass clippings up on a 2.5 acre lot? The grass was really high for my last cutting because all of the rain. I may try mulching it in place if it gets dry enough, but I am wondering if a tow-behind lawn sweeper is worth the investment. I’m wary of the baggers, as my lawn is usually damp from being shaded and facing north. Also, any recommendations for replacing the tires? The factory-installed tires don’t shed the damp grass very well.
@Keith, I like the
Craftsman 42 in High Speed Sweeperfor overall yard cleanup. It works a lot better than most of the other sweepers on the market. It will pick up wet grass, pine needles and usually acorns.I actually tried mounting stiff brushes to clean the tires once. I had a commercial lawn that was always wet and the grass built up on the tires and left trails. The brushes didn’t work. They just left clumps. My solution was to open up the side discharge so the deck threw as well as possible. I raised up the deck so I was cutting at 3 1/2 inches (bluegrass) and then never went over the same spot twice when I was cutting.
I really didn't do a thorough check of everything I could have examined when my YT 4000 28925 was delivered. I did find one problem. The parking brake lever won't engage the parking brake. The lever won't move at all.
I called and a service man is available in two weeks or so. I'll probably mow without the parking brake, but do you know if this is a common problem? Is there an easy fix I can perform without dismantling the mower to get to the root of the problem?
BTW, this is so much quieter and smoother running than any of my old one cylinder mowers. I really like that. The 24 hp probably has more power than I'll ever need, it seems.
Rodger
@Rodger, I haven’t heard of this problem before. Last year it was the deck engagement lever, this year it seems the big problem is a bunch of deck idler assemblies were assembled wrong. (you will know right away if the assembly is wrong. The deck vibrates and smokes the belt immediately the first time you turn it on)
I’m glad you like the twin, it is a lot smoother than a single.
Paul, I mowed for an hour or so and tried again. It seems I have to jump down hard on the clutch/brake and hold up on the parking brake lever at the same time to get it to click into place. Don't know if I'm too weak,need a weaker return spring or if the clutch/ brake needs adjusting. My wife still can't get it to work.
Rodger
@Rodger,
Call 1-800-4MY-HOME and have them adjust it.
Is this tractor as light in the front end as everyone says? Wouuld you recommend using it on a hilly site?
THANKS
@Bryan,
Most of the complaints I hear is the owner of a gear drive tractor (28921 & 28925) doesn't know how to drive it. They put the tractor in 5 or 6, rev up the engine, and pop the clutch. Yep, the front end comes off the ground.
I would seriously suggest forgetting Sears recommendations about using a gear drive on hills and buy a hydro. Specifically for you the 28927. All around the hydro is much better. Read my review on the 28921 also to understand why I recommend you stay away from the gear drives.
Like every other yard tractor in this price range the whole tractor only weighs about 500 lbs. The 24 hp v-twin is in the front so it will have as much weight up front as anything else built in the last 30 years.
I can't "recommend;) " any of these tractors for hilly terrain because all the manufactures say 15 degrees is the recommended max slope. But, a lot of buyers like the YT 3000 and YT 4000 series for hills. You may want to keep a spare drive belt on hand though. Individual tractors sometimes go through belts quicker when mowing hills.
Bought the 28925 and so far am very pleased. My first rider I've owned and love the decreased time to do the yard. My question is hill related. I have an approx 45 degree incline to negotiate to get to lower back yard. It is mostly dirt and gravel so it doesn't need mowing. The supplied tires slip a little on a much less steep grass section. Would you recommend wheel weights or chains for summer use. My driveway is short so I won't have any need for snow use. Thanks.
@Gregg,
Try just weights first. A lot of customers find the extra weight on the rims is enough. If you live in a warmer climate you can ALSO fill the rear tires half-way full with windsheild washer fluid. Water weighs about 7 lbs a gallon so that will give you an additional 28 lbs on the axle.
Chains are a pain. They tear up everything including your lawn and driveway, come off easily, and wear quickly.
Thanks for the quick reply. Your link recommends these 24434 which are 30lbs. Sears site has these 26234 which are 55lbs. Will they fit my 28925?
@ Gregg,
No the 26234 are for the large garden tractor rims.
Bought the YT-4000 28925 based on provided review. Based on comments, I expected to get the most bang for my buck fully expecting to have to give this tractor a thorough check of setup. Those expectations proved to be reasonable, as the following points were true for my tractor:
1. The tires were overinflated, as noted in the tractor manual, as well as by previous posts.
2. The mower deck belt was way too loose, causing a lot of vibration, noise, and minimal scorching of the belt. I ended up tightening it as much as the threads would allow.
3. I was aware through earlier postings that there had been problems back in Sept 2009 with the mulch kit availability, Sears still does not have it in stock in March 2010, and doesn’t know when it will be in stock. I saw earlier postings on a Gator Mulch Kit. I was able to secure a Craftsman Gator mulch kit that fits this 42″ deck perfectly through ebay seller “wildcats46″ for a $50 buy-it now price, Fedex shipping included. I don’t hesitate to highly recommend this seller.
4. I was well aware that I needed to be extra careful letting out the clutch, especially in higher gears. I really appreciate the heads up on throttling down when engaging into higher gears. This tendency to “pop wheelies” is not at all overstated. Most importantly, don’t even try it going up a hill.
5. Be aware that the single tube bumper is a good fit, but that the bolts for the the muffler heat shield won’t go back to being flush with the tractor frame, as the bumper bracket gets in the way. The bolts will go in as a tight fit, and appear to adequately secure the shield.
I’m a satisfied customer, and feel that I made a very informed decision based on your website. I just need to get used to that sensitive clutch and remember to throttle down when engaging a new gear.
Thank you all for helping me make an informed decision. I’m a happy customer that went into this transaction with reasonable expectations.
@Keith, Glad to hear you like the tractor. I will ask around about the loose belt to see if this is normal for the new mowers.
For the rest of you: You can find the part numbers for the premium mulching blades and the mulch cover here:
http://todaysmower.com/category/2010-tractor-attachments/gator-blades/To put accessories on the front of the tractor the hood comes off easily. Just un-hook the headlight wire connector. lift the hood and then pick it right off the tractor.