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My 2011 Reviews. You can find larger and smaller mowers from this list.
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.
This may be the shortest run for a lawn tractor Sears or any other major retailer has ever had.
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:
Don't underestimate the design of this. Many folks spending close to $3k on a tractor don't want this funky look MTD came up with. I think Snapper did a good job with their new NXT tractor, it looks more industrial and less toy-like.
@Brian,
I agree. If you read my reviews I like the Infinitrak inside this machine. I feel CVT in general is the future for lawn equipment. It will be a huge step forward over the variable speed belt drive MTD pushes on the masses.
Paul,
Are they discontinuing this model due to poor sales or poor performance? I’m interested in purchasing as I think this type of tractor would be a good fit for my needs but am worried about future support of this product from Sears. As a comparison, do you know anything about the Cub Cadet ZTT 42 tractor?
Thanks,
Paul
@pabusto,
Poor Sales. The machine is good, in fact Consumer Reports really likes it and rated it as the second best tractor out of all the ones they tested this year. But the general public is just not ready for it yet.
I relate this mower to the stand-on commercial mowers. Stand-ons have been around and I have been using them since 1995 but only in the last two years have the commercial landscapers started realizing the benefits. The Revolution is a great idea, but the general consumer can’t see past the fact that it “looks” like any other lawn tractor. The normal consumer can’t see the time savings, transmission torque advantages and the other positives over a machine that costs half as much.
Sears always supports a product like this for at least five years. After the five years they will keep parts until they run out. It is an MTD product so items like blades, deck parts and normal tractor parts will be around for quite a while.
The recent ZTT has regular hydrostatic transmissions. Otherwise it is the same basic machine as the Revolution.