Update Feb 2012: This mower has been discontinued and Craftsman has replaced this mower with the 25000. The new mower is made by MTD and uses the same dependable transmission that is in the 28881 Lawn tractor. Go here to read my review of this new mower. 25000 Review . By the way, the28034 is still one of the best “under 30″ mowers on the market.
Jan 2012: Until I hear something different DO NOT buy a Craftsman Smart Rider, Poulan Pro PB 30 or Weedeater SmartCut unless you have a FLAT lawn and you weigh less than 150 lbs. The transmission is prone to quit working if you are too heavy or you try mow slopes. I was told Husqvarna is developing a solution but so far we have heard about an update.
It’s Not The Best Lawn Tractor….It’s The Best Lawn Tractor For You! My Rating of this Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower:
Update June 1, 2011.
It has come to my attention that the Craftsman Smart Rider, Poulan Pro PB 30 and the Weedeater SmartCut have a transmission issue that you need to be completely aware of BEFORE you purchase one of these units.
Like the original Weedeater One, this riding mower is designed for a specific use and the owners who use it for that purpose love it. The mower is designed to mow flat lawns. The transmission is also designed for an average weight rider and no attachments. If you use the mower to mow slopes you will have to have the transmission adjusted as often as every 25 hours. If you pull a yard cart or any other attachment and your weight and the weight of your attachment is over 200 lbs you will experience a sluggish moving riding mower that will eventually stop working.
This need for a regular transmission adjustment is not explained in the sales literature by the manufacture and it is not something an owner can to themselves. You will have to pay for this adjustment.
All three units, The Poulan Pro, Weedeater 2 and Craftsman Smart Rider all use the same transmission and are all affected by this need for regular adjustment.
This is not a safety issue but a performance and customer satisfaction issue. There will be no recall on these riders.
I know many of you have purchased the Craftsman Smart Rider. I still think it is a good mower for what it is designed for and for the price. This is not a safety issue and Sears will stand behind the product. I know Sears will support this riding mower for the 2 year warranty period and if you purchased the 3 or 5 year protection plan will adjust the trans as part of that program for the duration of the plan. If you purchase a Poulan Pro PB30 or Weedeater SmartCut from a different retailer or dealer be sure you have in writing that they will service it for the warranty period.
If you need a small rider (I do) please look at the Craftsman 28034 or Snapper RE Rider. These two machines have over 30 years of dependable, reliable experience.
My Original Review:
Craftsman "Smart Rider" Riding Mower
My Value/Cost Rating: Rider: Mows Lawn Well, Mulches, Gets Through Tight Spaces Well. Great for 1/4 to 1 Acre Lawns, Light Hauling, No Snow Removal. Accepts Light Attachments & Bagger.
Type:Riding Mower. See Tractor Rider Mower Types for a complete explanation.
Engine Type: Good. See Engine Types for a complete explanation.
Transmission Type: Automatic. See Transmission Types for a complete explanation.
Accepts Light Duty Attachments:
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.
What I Like!
I have one acre, 35 trees, 9 landscape beds and a big dog yard. The yard gates are 34 inches. This riding lawn mower is perfect for this type of yard. The 30 inch deck (big blade) will mulch well and the light weight (220 lbs) won’t leave ruts in the sandy areas. This is a great mower for small, complicated, lawns like this. It is very easy to drive and gives you great visibility all around. The small deck and step through design will be easy for us old, stiff guys to get on and off. Even better, it is over $300 less than the riding mower it replaces.
By the way, This mower with a smaller motor is also branded as a Weedeater and Poulan Pro. Buy the Craftsman. You will like the extra power!
What I don’t like!
The steering wheel is too small for me. This is a direct turn mower meaning you only have to turn the steering wheel 1/2 turn from pin to pin. I would like to see a larger steering wheel like the one on the 28034 .
This mower is not that great on hills. Running on a side hill it feels tippy (even though it’s not) and two customers so far complain about it not going up hills well. If you need a small mower and have hills – buy the 28034.
This is the bigger, stronger brother!
There are three other versions of this mower. All of them have a smaller motor than the Craftsman version. The Craftsman has a 12.5 hp Pressurized Briggs with spin on oil filter. In my opinion more power is always better, especially if you are going to mulch so I recommend you purchase the Craftsman version.
Here are two videos of this mower. Every detail is explained well. The Website where you can learn more is: Crossmower.com
Craftsman Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower 12.5 HP 30 in Model 28001
Read More Here: Craftsman Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower 12.5 HP 30 in Model 28001
Product Description From Sears
Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 12.5HP OHV engine, this riding mower is designed to maximize efficiency and power. With infinite mowing speeds and an ergonomic high back seat, you can comfortably cut more area in less time, making this mower a great solution for all of your cutting needs.
Briggs & Stratton Quick Start OHV Series engine
30″ high-lift 2-n-1 deck; mulch or side-discharge
Automatic transmission
Premium comfort steering wheel
Ergonomic high back seat
Weight: 222 lbs
Cutting Range: 1-1/2 to 4 in.
Deck Thickness (Gauge): 13
Deck Cut Width: 30 in.
Type: Turf tread
Rear: 16 x 6.5 x 8 in.
Brakes Type: Disk
Speed & Direction Control: Shift lever
Steering Wheel Type: Standard
Steering Type: Conventional
Turning Radius: 30 in.
Chassis: 14 ga. steel
Bagger Model: 23010
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 link and click on the “Special Offers” Tab to see this weeks special offers for your product, and location.
Sears Link: Craftsman Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower 12.5 HP 30 in Model 28001
3YR In-Home Repair Protection Agreement $ 309.99
5YR In-Home Repair Protection Agreement $ 489.99
Hi Paul, Find your blog very helpful! I would like to buy the Model 28001 but my Sears retailer says that it is on stop order due to the transmission issue. My Poulan Pro retailer says the problem is fixed and I could by their unit off the showroom floor. What is the status as I would prefer to buy the Craftsman for all the reasons you have stated above. Also, does this model have the manual pull cord start as well as the electric start? Again, thanks for what you do!! Bill
@bill, No the 28001 does not have a manual pull cord. It does have a larger motor than the Poulan Pro.
There is an issue with the trans. It either works or fails within the first couple of hours. Sears ordered a stop sell until Husqvarna can prove to them that the issue is fixed and won’t happen again. Plus all the existing inventory has to be inspected and/or repaired before they will let them out the door again.
Was his actually inspected and fixed? And what was the actual fix?
I know Sears has the best service so if I was you, I would insure that your dealer will take care of his machine as well as Sears will.
Thanks. I will.
Hi Paul, I was disappointed to hear about the nature of the Smart Rider tranny issue. If I have a flat (1/4 acre) lawn and I weight less than 200 lbs., will I still have lingering issues with this tranny adjustments? Are they planning on making a permanent fix or just letting it slide. Also, the McCulloch MC30 is the fourth version; is their tranny the same? Also, has Sears lifted the sales stop now that they know the problem? I looked at the #28034 and it is yestedays news regarding features compared to the more streamlines #28001. Also, they are $300 more for the same level of performance. I also looked at the Snapper and it appears the same as the #28034. If you were to buy a 28-30 incher today, what would you buy? Thanks again for having this format to get the real answers!! Bill
@bill, The 28034 is the Snapper Hi-Lift. And you are right, it doesn’t look very pretty, and no it’s not as agile as the Turn-Tight tractors but it works and the basic design has worked well for over 30 years. I strongly suggest that the 28034 is the best 30 inch and under mower on the market (and it’s sister the Snapper) Spend $70 and put a Snapper Ninja mulching blade on it and it is one of the best mulching mowers out there.
The McCullogh MC30, Poulan PB30, Weedeater Smart Cut and Craftsman Smart Rider are all the same machine except for the engine. My sources tell me this is a basic design issue and the problem has not been fixed and will not be fixed without a complete redesign of the mower. There are no repairs or “fourth versions” that fix the basic issue. If Anyone is telling you that “their” mower is fixed ask to see the repair record for that mower, and that they show you the old parts. (it will be a complete trans assembly)
I have been told Sears has made a permanent fix: (I am spoiling the surprise by letting you know early)
1. There is a stop sell. There will be no more sold. Existing orders will not be filled and the customers will be refunded their money.
2. If it does come back next year it will have a different model number so no one can be confused with this one.
3. For existing owners. A letter will be issued and all the existing Smart Rider owners will be notified June 13.
a. They can get a refund.
b. Or they can trade for another tractor. Sears will give them an extra $50 for the trade.
c. Or they can keep it and Sears techs will make the adjustments to the trans for the life of the mower (read original owner) Sears is also extending the 2 year warranty on the transmission to the life of the mower. The transmission will need adjustment every 25 hours or so for it’s life.
d. If at any time in the future, the original owner gets tired of the mower Sears will give them the full purchase price for their Smart Rider.
Paul, thanks so much for this information. We bought the Smartrider on 3/17/2011. Both riders weigh over 200 lbs. We have experienced loss of power and have only about 7 hours on the mower. I have contacted Sears and they can send a repairman out but not until July 7th. Do you know who I can all to remedy my dissatisfaction with this mower? Where did you hear they were sending out letters as I have not received one. Thanks.
@betsy, The repairman will offer you a repair, or a refund. I found out through a Full-Line Sears Store (Mall Store). If you have a larger Sears in your area go in and ask a “blue shirt” about the options for getting your mower replaced.
Be aware, they are not calling it a recall. They will fix your mower and continue to fix your machine free of charge as long as you own it.
One last thing, go on mysears.com and complain about how long it is going to take to get a repair person to you. They should get you in touch with a customer care person who can expedite the repair.
I understand there are a lot of bad reports about this mower, My concern is that the steering gear is a cheap plastic / nylon gear that is known too wear-out with in the first year and thats with normal use.
@Bob, The reports are specifically for a group of transmissions that are bad. The rest of the mower has had no issues that I am aware of. When I demoed it on blacktop, the small steering wheel made it hard for me to steer.
It is a $1000 mower and for the price/value I still think it is a great little machine. Myself, I will buy the 28034 when I have to replace my current Dixon. That riding mower has a 30 plus year history and is just a great dependable machine. Yes, it’s more money than the Smartrider and even all the “lawn tractors” but in this case you get what you pay for… a proven winner.
What type of rider would you recommend for a 3/4 acre yard with a 15 degree slope on one side? I’m getting to old and worn out to keep walking the slope with my self propelled.
I like this rear engine because it is small enough too fit thru my gate and into my small-ish shed (36 inch openings both). But, the slope worries me.
Rick, The Smartrider is not the mower for slopes. I would go with one of the LT1500 Model 28881, LT2000 Model 28884, or LT2000 Model 28885. Yes the deck is too large to fit in your shed door, but it’s about the best choice for less than $1299.
Unfortunately, that’s what I was expecting to hear. I borrowed an old Toro 42″ deck when I first moved into this house and mowing on the slope while riding made me nervous. Plus the cut was horriblly uneven. Maybe the age of that Toro but, still hated the way it looked when I was done. I’m really torn about what mower to get… this walk-behind junk has to go that’s for sure!
Just purchased and returned this Craftsman (model 28001)mower. Out of the box the transmission was bad. Try contacting Sears support about a new item if you want to waste several hours. When I finally did get a support tech on the line, he didn’t have a clue nor did he have the correct support documentation.
This is made by Husqvarna and is similar to the Polan model found at Lowes. Great idea – lousy implementation.
The transmission was locked up when I tried getting it off the pallet. When I finally cut away the pallet and had it on the floor, it was extremely difficult to move the mower. It was in neutral, there is no free-wheeling lever and the mower deck was raised and not engaged. At supports direction, I started the mower and put it in gear. Lots of initial noise but it moved forward just fine. Noise stopped and mower had plenty of power. Placed in reverse and the grinding noise came back but it did back up. It may be due to the bad transmission but when I was trying to back this up the ramp to load it on a pickup, the mower did not have enough power to pull itself up the ramps with me on it (180lbs). This is a new automatic transmission design I’m told.
After having this in my garage for a few days and looking it over closely, it is reasonably built for the price. It’s a low cost unit – expect that level of quality and you won’t be disappointed. It has a large turning radius and if you have any inclines around 15deg or better, you may want to look at something with more power. Exactly what I’m doing now.
I’m now looking at a Snapper RE200 or a John Deere D110 – both with hydrostatic transmissions.
@Bob, the 28001 has a new transmission, but it is very similar to the trans in your snowthrower or the trans in a Snapper rear engine. A lot of times I find that people having problems with a mower don’t read the manual but in your case it looks like there is a problem. I read the manual it states to move the mower without the engine running all you have to do is put it in neutral and release the parking brake.
This is a brand new mower so I expect an issue or two the first year, but I also know Sears has sold quite a few already (bigger motor than Weedeater or Poulan at Home Depot model) and you are the first with a trans problem. I looked on HD and Amazon and no has written a review there yet.
Sears does have the YT 3000 for quite a bit less than the Deere so take a look at that one before you make your buying decision.
How did you start the service call? Did you call 1-800-4MY-HOME first or did you use a different number?
Paul,
The transmission is an automatic, geared transmission. It is not a sliding disc as you indicate. Look at SearsParts.com and look at the Drive diagram.
I’m certainly not the first to have a problem. I’ve found one other on-line review in a forum where the individual stated the mower would not move and also had a similar experience contacting Sears support.
I contacted Sears via the parts site. I was calling looking for a repair manual to see if there was some adjustment I could make on my own. The entry for the manual said to call the number for parts. I did and the first time was transferred to a support tech. The one that had no idea. The next time I called, I used the number that is posted on the front page of the user manual. Call it and you’ll get bounced half way around the world to India and then bounced back and then back again. This time it was a female (in India) that sounded like she knew what she was talking about until she started telling me what to do. Again, she was reading the same script the first guy found which was a generic fix for all mowers (in neutral, brake off, etc.). They sent me an email the next day with that same info even though she was told – it does not apply.
I beleive we have a right to expect that some level of Quality Control and Final Inspection is performed on these units before shipping them. Sure would save them a bundle and us a lot of trouble.
@Bob, ………. and everyone who reads this needs to use this simple method to get repairs. Call 1-800-4MY-HOME and request a service tech. Don’t get into a long discussion with the operator. Don’t give the operator any more info than needed to get the tech scheduled.
This will save you countless hours on the phone with someone who is trying to help you, but most likely has never seen your model mower.
The transmission is a sliding disk. Parts 53-69 on the Drive diagram makes up the “tire” and the parts 53-56 on the Chassis diagram makes up the disk. The chain and case you see on the drive diagram connects the “tire” to the differential. The diff looks like a standard small rider diff. It is hard to see how this operates when the main parts are on two different diagrams. It took me a while myself at first before I saw the whole picture.
Paul,
My bad and thanks for correcting me. It is a sliding disc. Sears states it as an automatic and no mention of it using a disc which probably is not good for use on inclines which could cause the disc to wear out faster.
Thanks for the info…
Hello, thank you for posting a fast review on this new mower. Quick question.. is this mower o.k. for bigger guys 6’2 – 280ish. That would be my biggest concern at this point. Thanks!
@ Chris, These mowers are usually designed for 200 lbs or less. But, you don’t have too steep of hills or don’t pull anything with them I think they will do just fine.
If you want a small mower that will handle you and pull stuff look at the 28034. It has a long history (as a Snapper) of doing just about anything.
Here is my review of that mower
http://todaysmower.com/2011/2010craftsman-28-inch-28-inch/Does this model have the same engine as the 28″ Craftsman branded snapper? Recoil or electric start and does the motor have an oil filter?
Thanks,
Ryan
@Ryan, I don’t know if it has the same engine. The 28 inch is made by Snapper and this one is made by Husqvarna. They are both B&S OHV motors though.
Electric start. These smaller motors don’t have an oil filter. Change the oil every 50 hours (at least every year) and they will last the life of the mower.