If you have 1/2 an acre or so to mow this may just be the perfect mower for you. It works perfectly for my 1 acre lawn because I have many flower beds and a 32 inch gate to go through. This mower is simple, rugged, and will give you years of use. You can find a cheaper mower in the 2011 Craftsman line up but I feel you can’t find a better value if you have a small lot. Below the Specs read my complete review.
Listed On Sears.com As: Craftsman 28” Rear Engine Tractor
Model 28034 Click On Picture To See a Larger Version
Specs:
Brand: Craftsman
Series: RER
Model: 28034
Ca Model: N/A
Engine HP: 12.5
Engine Brand: Briggs & Stratton Gold
Cylinders: 1
Transmission: 5 speed disk
Transmission Control: Lever
Mower Width: 28 inches
Blades: 1
Cutting Positions: 6
Gauge Wheels: N/A
Washout port: No
Blade Engagement: Manual
Turning Radius: Listed at 28 inches?
Front Axle: Steel
Rear Tires:15 x 6
Seat: Mid-Back
Slide Seat Adjust: Yes
Model 24982 Bagger
Bagger: Bagger Model 24982
Mulching Blade: Oregon Gator Mulcher 3-N-1 Lawn Mower Blade For Snapper 28-Inch 99-928 #96-628
Mulch Cover: Click on the SearsPartsDirect Banner in the right-hand column and type in 7016983 for the part number.
Craftsman Thatcherizer Front Mount: Craftsman Thatcherizer Front Mount
Don’t Forget Your Trailer, Dethatcher, Aerator, Broadcast Spreader. See Attachments for more info.
Tractor Attachments: See Attachments page and At Sears Tractor Attachments and Tractor Attachments At Northern Tool.
My Review:
If you have one acre or less of lawn. If you have an “English Garden” If you have gates to go through or paths to mow this is the mower for you. In 2004 Briggs & Stratton purchased Simplicity/Snapper. Along with the merger came Snapper’s rear engine rider. Snapper invented the rear-engine rider and now you can buy it under the Craftsman name.
You already know this mower. It has been around for years painted red with the Snapper name on it. It mows well. It’s agile. It’s simple. It get’s the job done and keeps on running for years. It is easy to repair. I didn’t get to drive the Craftsman model until April of last year, but I didn’t have to……. I know the machine. It is a simple, dependable machine and it works!
“Selling Snapper lawn mowers at Wal-Mart wasn’t just incompatible with Snapper’s future–Wier thought it was hazardous to Snapper’s health. Snapper is known in the outdoor-equipment business not for huge volume but for quality, reliability, durability. A well-maintained Snapper lawn mower will last decades; many customers buy the mowers as adults because their fathers used them when they were kids. But Snapper lawn mowers are not cheap, any more than a Viking range is cheap. The value isn’t in the price, it’s in the performance and the longevity.” Charles Fishman I wonder what Sears had to do to get this high quality mower painted black?
Craftsman is offering this mower with the standard deck and hi-lift blades. The Sears price is a lot less than what the Snapper dealer are charging. Craftsman does not have a mulch kit available, but you can buy a “Gator Blade,” and a mulch cover through the links in the specs section of this article. I’m confident I could go to the Snapper dealer and get a “Ninja” blade for it also.
One of the features I really like about this machine is you can grab the front axle and stand it on the rear end. You can inspect it, clean it and store it this way. (If you store it on end, you must take the battery out) This is a really nice feature if you have a small space to store your mower!
The Disc Drive Transmission design has been around for years. It eliminates complicated clutches and provides easy forward/reverse drive. This is the same type of transmission found a the majority of snow blowers. Simple, effective and almost bulletproof. You should know that the transmission is designed to pull you, a loaded bagger OR a light duty cart. If you try to use this mower to pull heavy loads you will prematurely wear out the drive “tire” in the transmission. It is a relatively easy repair if you do wear out the tire, but keep in mind this mower is only designed to mow lawns, not be a “garden tractor.”
The steering on this mower is the fastest of all the mowers. The one-to-one steering ratio helps you maneuver easily around tight spots and make quick turns. It is not hard to steer and you will really like the quick response.
The deck follows the front axle and has a pivoting frame. This allows the mower to easily adjust to the contours of any lawn for a smooth cut. If you have a lawn with a lot of short dips and rises this feature lets the deck follow those contours easily. The deck is easily adjustable if it ever needs leveling.
In my opinion there is no better mower for a small lot than this one. It mows well, is very maneuverable, simple to repair, simple to clean and can be tipped up on end to take up less room in your garage.
Buy Online – Pick Up At Your Nearest Sears or Buy Online – Have Delivered To Your Home.
By clicking on the link to this product and purchasing it within five days through Sears.com I get paid a commission. The $5 off coupon is a little thank you for purchasing from me.
Copy this coupon code and use it during your checkout to get an extra $5 off your riding mower!
Craftsman Model 28034 Buy Online – Pick Up At Your Nearest Sears
Craftsman Model 28034 Buy Online – Have Delivered To Your Home.
Craftsman 28034 at Kmart — Have Delivered To Your Home.
Note: By clicking on the link to this product and purchasing it within five days through Sears.com or Kmart.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.
Special Offers ONLINE ONLY:
Here are examples of special ONLINE ONLY offers that Sears runs regularly. These specials are available online only and the stores can’t match them. These specials usually run for one or two days only and can be as short as four hours. Buy Online-pick up at your nearest Sears or Kmart or buy online and have it delivered to your home.
Check the Kmart link below also because they run different specials at different times than your Sears.
New this Year! If you don’t have a Sears near you can buy it from Kmart and they will deliver it for a normal charge.
Use these links and click on the “Special Offers” Tab to see this weeks special offers for your product, and location.
Sears Link: Craftsman Model 28034
Kmart Link: Craftsman 28034 at Kmart
3YR In-Home Repair Protection Agreement $309 (cost may vary by location)
5YR In-Home Repair Protection Agreement $489 (cost may vary by location)
* 10 % Off 3 year Repair Protection Agreement after mail-in rebate when you buy any Power Lawn and Garden regular price item over $199.
* One Day Only! Extra Savings Event! Save 5% Off Lawn & Garden items sold by Sears. Offer ends 26-Jan-2011
* No Interest for 6 months when you use a qualifying Sears card and if paid in full within 6 months. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within 6 months or if you make a late payment. Items sold by Sears only.
*Online Only! Free Home Delivery on riding mowers and tractors over $1299 Sold by Sears! Offer ends 29-Jan-2011
Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:
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.
Paul, I have a 1 acre yard that is flat with no fence @ not much to trim around.Still looking at the rer 28034 or the husqvarna 20hp 46″ yard tractor.The only issue is the husqvarna will not fit through my shed door it will have to be kept outside under a tarp.My question is if you do maintenance on both machines is there one that will last longer? is one more durable then the other? Thanks for the advice nick noel
@nick, WOW, you are asking a tough question. They will both last a long time when taken proper care of. The 28034 has a heavier frame, but the Husqvarna has a better motor. They will both have parts available for many years to come. (the 28034 through Craftsman/Snapper and the Husqvarna through Craftsman/Husqvarna)
The Husqvarna will be more versatile for pulling and other tasks, the 28034 will get around and through tight spaces better.
You can always make a larger door………….
does the oil have to be drained on the snapper rer11.5/28 or craftsman 28034 before standing up ? by the way GREAT WEB SITE
@nick, no it doesn’t, but you should remove the battery if you are going to leave it up for over 2 hours. Be sure you tighten the gas cap vent also. (And remember to open it in the spring)
I am looking at purchasing a riding mower as my health will no longer allow me to use a walk behind mower. I have just under 1/2 acre, few obstacles or trees. I had considered the Weedeater One but after reading your review (I weigh 240 and have sandy soil), I decided against it. I began looking at Craftsman. The local Sears Outlet has 2 floor models for sale. One is the Craftsman model 28034, 12.5 HP 28 in. rear engine for $1043.99 and the other is the Craftsman LT1500 Model 28881 (17.5 HP 42″) for $743.99. Which do you think is the better buy?
@Tom, I personally like the 28034. It has a great service record, mows well and you can get one of the best mulching blades on the market for it. It has proven to be one tough mower. It is a better deal at about $500 dollars off.
The 1500 is a cheaper mower. It is designed as an entry level machine.
Thanks for your quick reply and advise… I’m off to buy a new mower!
Hey – thanks for the speedy reply! Question though: Doesn’t the chute/tube leading from the deck extend out from the side discharge to the back? I’ve only seen pictures but I would have thought it added to the overall width? I have several 39″ wide gates to fit through and don’t really want to have to take it apart at each one….
@Storms, Do a google image search for snapper rer bagger to see the other side of the bagger. It is only 28 inches but yes it is offset by 8 to 10 inches so it does make the rider about 10 inches wider.
Have you thought about a mulch system instead of a bagger. You can put on a Ninja blade and mulch cover for about $100. The Ninja blade is the best mulcher on the market and makes leaves just about disappear.
If you decide to go with the mulch kit here is the link to Searspartsdirect. It is part 28 and 32. (or 27A)
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts/Model-107280340/0247/1506000/P0912083/00020?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=Can you advise how much width is added with the bagger?
The bagger is the same width as the mower (28 inches) It does stick out the back of the mower 24 inches or so and you will have to take that into account when you make an inside turn (like in the corner of a fence)
I am debating on buying either the Craftsman 28 inch or Husqvarna 30 inch from Sears this week. I have several trees and flower beds & tight gates with less than one acre. Which one would you recommend? Grass catcher would be nice to keep grass out of my mulched beds but not really necessary. I just can’t decide which one to get. I’ve read your reviews on both.
@Holly, I am partial to the 28034 (28 inch) It is a proven, dependable and simple machine. The 30 inch is new and after driving it, I think it is harder to steer than the 28 inch.
The 28 inch is a lot more money, but if you compare it to it’s cousin at the Snapper dealers, Sears has a better price. Do the normal maintenance all mowers require and it will last you a long time.
I just found your site and review on this mower. Been looking at it. I have a very small lawn cutting business…6 lawns with the biggest being about 1/4 acre. Could end up with a couple more lawns this season but no big yards. I have gates I need to go through so this mower is appealing for that purpose. Would this mower be up to the cutting I’m doing or should I look further? Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Paul
@Paul, The best mower for small commercial lawn mowing is the 36 inch Toro Grandstand but I realize you don’t have a large enough business to afford one at this point. My second choice would be a used 32 or 36 in Toro T-Handle walk behind.
That said, the 28034 is a rugged, dependable machine. (It’s a Snapper) It is the most rugged for the money in the 28 to 30 inch range. It mows well and evenly. It will speed up your mowing over using walk behind mowers. The largest issue you will have is the large turning radius. You will have to do more trimming than you would if you could use a 42 in YT3000 (Model 28851.)
The second issue, since it is sold as a consumer mower, it has a mechanical reverse lockout. But it doesn’t shut off like most other units when you go to put it in reverse, the little lockout tab just won’t let you go into reverse with the deck running (hint, hint)
Use it to build your business. Mowing 6 to 10 lawns a week it will easily last 3 or 4 years with proper maintenance. Price your work so you can pay it off in a year and save the rest to upgrade to a commercial unit.
May take the dive and get what you suggested or similar.
Any thoughts on Better Outdoor Products Quick 32 Dually Hydro?
Like what I see, so far.
@Paul Looks like a good machine. My only concern would be getting parts quickly.
THANKS! Still looking at the 28″ Craftsman, though…really like it for my purposes.
This is very helpful thanks. I really need something to get through gates that I can afford and will last. Another consideration for me is space to store a unit AND space on my truck. I don’t have a trailer. Not much room left in my shed and I don’t want to leave it outside if possible. I carry everything in my Silverado 2500HD 6.5′ bed and use ramps for in and out. I looked at the others you mentioned and I currently don’t have space or money for that. If I had the money & a small trailer & a place to keep it that would be different. ALL THAT SAID…I found a used 28034 on craigslist about 3 hours from me. Since you thought it was a good unit to use to build my business. How about new vs. used?
THANKS!
@Paul, You can buy a new on on sale Sunday for about $1349. And don’t forget Sears has a layaway where you can pay it over 8 or 12 weeks. (20% down) They have 5 different credit cards for any size purchase and GE Capital Credit for purchases over $750. I think the current interest is around 14%.
Make sure the front wheels track straight, and the engine doesn’t smoke. Close the vent on the gas tank and tip it up on the brackets on the back. Check the blade spindle by wiggling the blade up and down. You should not be able to feel any play. Check the blade for nicks and gouges. You can tell the condition of a mower by what they have hit.
Look around and see if they have a trailer that they pulled with it. If they did run it up an incline to see if the drive tire in the trans is worn. It should pull you up a 20 degree incline in 3rd with no problem.
This unit is very heavy in the back. So I suggest a set of curved (arch) ramps to put it in your truck (or look for a 200-300 dollar trailer.) Search YuTrax ATV Ramp or Ohio Steel FOLDING CURVED LOADING ramps on Sears.com to see what I mean.
Hi,
Just received my 28″ rider today. The owners manual does not mention anything about standing the mower on end. Also, there is no belt diagram or oil filter size listed anywhere in the manual etc.
I called Sears and chatted with a Sears member on line. But, can not get any answer as to if why.
My question is — why wouldn’t the manual state how to store the mower etc. Am I missing another manual. The folks I talked to at Sears said no but, it seems kind of weird to not have instructions on how to store it for the winter on end etc.
Any thoughts?
@Don, I have no idea why the manual doesn’t include the “normal” things a Craftsman manual normally would.
This is the section from the Snapper version of the 28034.
3.6 STORAGE (OUT OF SEASON)
If desired, the Rear Engine Rider can be stored on
the rear bumper. Perform the following procedures
to insure the Rear Engine Rider will operate
properly when taken out of storage.
3.6.1. Thoroughly clean the Rear Engine Rider by
removing all grass clippings and debris.
3.6.2. Perform maintenance and lubrication as
required.
3.6.3. Drain fuel from fuel tank.
3.6.4. Start engine and allow it to run until engine
runs out of fuel. This allows the carburetor and
fuel system to remain clean during storage.
3.6.5. Remove battery. Refer to Section
“BATTERY STORAGE”.
3.6.6. Close vent on fuel filler cap.
3.6.7. Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear
bumper in desired location for storage.
Here is a link to the Snapper version owner’s manual. http://dl.owneriq.net/d/dc4cdf6d-eb67-4b64-b6c4-82c531d81e25.pdf
Does anyone know what happened to this mower? It is a new model, and can't be found in stores or on the website? Did they get rid of it already?
@Ben,
My understanding is they made a limited number this year to test the market. And they did well enough to sell through. I expect they will be back next year.
The mower manufactures are already geared up and making snow throwers so I don't expect any more to be produced this year.
I bought this Snapper clone by craftsman thinking it was a good price point at $1,486 with tax and delivery.
It came to my home in a crate fully assembled.
The delivery people were very nice.
When I got it out, the 1st thing I noticed was it is not a dual start machine as I had hoped. It is electric start but no pull start. So if the battery goes out or you’ve stored it without the battery and don’t feel like reinstalling it you are out of luck.
Removing the battery would seem necessary in order to use the “stand on end” storage feature so as not to spill battery acid all over the motor. Dealing with the removal of the battery looks like a pain because of these plastic clips holding the battery cover that appear to be none to durable if you remove them more than a few times. I have not tried it yet so we’ll see.
This machine appears to be a duplicate in almost every detail of the snapper model 28125BVE except for the following:
1. The engine is electric start ONLY….there is NO manual pull start.
2. The engine looks similar to the Snapper engine with a spin on oil filter, but the label says “Craftsman Gold Edition by Briggs & Stratton 12.5 HP”.
There is no mention of Briggs & Stratton Intek™ AVS® FEATURES as on the label on the snapper. Is this a lower feature engine? I don’t know yet. If it vibrates a lot then I’ll know where the second of two so far, of the corners were cut, hence the lower price point as compared to the Snapper 28125BVE.
3. The Craftsman is BLACK and the Snapper is RED.
@Jay,
I didn't even think to mention that there was no pull start. All the tractors and riders I have reviewed so far this year except the Weedeater One are electric start only.
If you are going to have the mower tipped up for more than 2 hours the battery needs to be removed.
The Craftsman Gold is a B&S engine is the pressure lube with oil filter. It's an XRD extended life series. All Motors in the Craftsmans are AVS or V-twins. Silver is pressurized only, Platinum is oil pump and filter, Professional is oil pump, filter, heavy bottom bearings, chrome valves and ELS.
Let us know how it mows!
Paul,
How would you compare the two engines quality-wise? Like Jay, I'm wondering if the lower price for the Craftsman version makes it a better buy than the Snapper but I'm curious as to which engine is considered better and why.
@crouch,
Apples for apples (in this case Snapper for Craftsman) I will always go with Sears from the service standpoint. I know I can get my Craftsman repaired no matter where I live in the U.S. The Snapper is very reliant on the local dealer. A case in point, our local Snapper dealer went out of business this year. Now the closest dealer is over 50 miles away. Sears comes to you, you never have to haul your sears tractor or riding mower anywhere.
The engine: The Intek and the Gold in the Craftsman are the same OHV motor. It is just labeled differently. By the way the Briggs splash system in the OHV Line works and you will not have the problems on hills like the old side-valve Briggs had. (The old motors if you ran them on a sidehill for too long they would run out of oil.)
There are only four different Briggs engine types that I can see. Briggs labels them differently for certain companies like Sears.
1. Intek. I/C, Silver No oil filter. Basic OHV engine with splash lube oil system.
2. Intek Plus, Gold. OHV engine with pressurized splash lube. Usually has a Black oil filter. (Some do not have filters.)
3. Platinum, OHV engine with an oil pump. Actual oil ports in motor to distribute oil to critical components. Usually has a yellow filter.
4. Pro, ELS, Commercial. Electronic Fuel management, Chrome Valves, Heavy duty bottom bearing.