Craftsman Craftsman GT 5000 26 HP 54 inch Garden Tractor
Sears item# 0718945000 Mfr. model# 28945

Intro:

THIS MOWER IS INCORRECTLY LISTED IN THE 2009 RIDING EQUIPMENT CATALOG.  It is actually a 26 hp 54 inch 6-speed manual transmission. It is not a hydro as listed in the brochure.

The GT 5000 is a  hard-working garden Tractor.  Iit is also compatible with a wide array of attachments that will do everything from throw snow to haul landscape rocks. A large engine and 54 inch cutting deck are just the start of this tractor’s list of features.

Specs:

26 hp  Kohler Engine, 54 inch deck,  extra heavy-duty 6 speed transmission.

Deluxe seat with arm rests, large tires, steering grease zerks.

4 anti-scalp wheels, 4 gallon fuel tank, electric PTO clutch

Pros:

It has a Kohler engine.  I have put thousands of hours on 26 hp Kohlers over the years and it is one of the most dependable engines on the market.   With normal maintenance the engine will easily outlast this garden tractor.  

This garden tractor will perform any tasks for you around your acreage.  

This is a garden tractor with a heavy duty transmission and is capable of pulling all the ground engaging attachments Sears offers. Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.

This garden tractor is big but is surprisingly maneuverable. It’s 18-inch turning radius and 54-inch deck allow it to get around trees and shrubs fairly easily, thereby eliminating the need for a lot of trimming. The 6 speed transmission is easy to operate.

It’s hard to find much fault with a garden tractor that is as powerful and versatile as the 28945.  It is a good value for the money.  It may be too expensive for some users, but it is Sears top of the line garden tractor and it does provide you with the pulling power and speed that you need to accomplish a variety of tasks.

Cons:

It has a six speed manual transmission.  It takes a little practice to get used to using a manual trans if you have never run one.  That said, a manual transmission is great for gardening chores.  It is the way to go for chores that require a constant, steady speed.  For example, when pulling a rototiller, just put the tractor in a low gear, let out the clutch and let the tractor do the work.   

Order Here:
You can read more about this Garden Tractor and order it online using this link Craftsman GT 5000 26 HP 54 inch Garden Tractor.

If you order it online you can pick it up at your nearest store and not get charged for shipping. You can get the mower delivered to your home from the store for a normal charge. Sears has a 30 day price guarantee so you can buy it, watch the sale ads and come into your local Sears and get the difference refunded to you.

NOTE: If you have the mower delivered it will have the deck attached. New for 2009, if you have gas available, the delivery guys will also start the mower and show you how to use it.

Because this mower will not fit in a pick-up with the deck attached, if you come to the store to pick it up they assume you are bringing a pick-up and will not have the deck attached. If you are bringing a trailer they will attach the deck for you before you leave the store pickup area.

Craftsman GT 5000 26 HP 54 inch Garden Tractor

Sears item# 0718945000 Mfr. model# 28945

Related posts:

1. 2009 Craftsman Excellerator GT 5000 26 HP/54″ Garden Tractor Model 28947 Review
2. 2009 Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Garden Tractor Model 28974 Review
3. 2010 Craftsman Garden Tractor 54 inch 26 hp Model 28945 Review
4. 2009 Craftsman LT2000 Model 28907 19.5 HP 42 Inch Lawn Tractor Review
5. 2009 Craftsman YT 4000 Model 28925 24 HP 42 inch 6 Speed Yard Tractor Review

Craftsman Excellerator GT5000 26 HP/54″ Garden Tractor

Sears item# 0718947000 Mfr. model# 28947

Craftsman Excellerator

Intro:

Sears likes to make mowers for every customer and new for 2009 is the high speed lawn mower the Excellerator.  It is a truly hard-working garden Tractor.  Not only can the Excellerator be used as a high speed mower, it is also compatible with a wide array of attachments that will do everything from throw snow to haul landscape rocks. A large engine and 54 inch cutting deck are just the start of this tractor’s list of features.

Specs:

28 hp Engine, 54 inch deck, heavy-duty hydrostatic transmission.

Deluxe seat with arm rests, large tires, steering grease zerks.

4 anti-scalp wheels, cruise control, electric PTO clutch

Pros:

This mower will mow as fast as commercial mowers costing $7000 to $10,000.  If you have 5 acres or more of lawn with few obstacles (or like to get done fast) and don’t want to spend the extra money for a commercial mower this is a good choice.

The 28 hp motor is large enough to mow at 8 mph under most conditions.

There is no learning curve like a zero-turn mower.  It is much easier to drive and more comfortable than the residential zero-turns.

This is also a garden tractor with a heavy duty transmission and is capable of pulling all the ground engaging attachments Sears offers.  Click here to see the full line of Sears attachments.

This garden tractor is big but is surprisingly maneuverable. It’s 18-inch turning radius and 54-inch deck allow it to get around trees and shrubs fairly easily, thereby eliminating the need for a lot of trimming. The hydrostatic transmission features cruise control, a welcome feature if you find yourself mowing expansive lawns.

It’s hard to find much fault with a machine that is as powerful and versatile as the 28947. It may be too expensive for some users, but it is Sears top of the line garden tractor and it does provide you with the pulling power and speed that you need to accomplish a variety of tasks.

Cons:

Not as agile as a zero-turn.  Yes it will mow fast, but if you have a lot of landscaping, trees and obstacles to mow around a good zero-turn like the Craftsman Professional 26 hp 52 in. Zero Turn Riding Mower will be a better choice for you.

Having had my own lawn maintenance company I know how much damage you can do with a mower that runs at 8 mph.  I have had workers knock decks clean off the commercial grade mowers.  Because this is a residential garden tractor that mows fast and not a heavy-duty commercial mower I would strongly suggest you purchase the optional  3YR In-Home Repair Protection Agreement.  This plan will not only fix warranty problems with the mower but take care of wear and tear on the machine.

Update 2/27:  In my opinion I see this mower as a good machine for mowing large areas like the backyard where your children play ball or  that huge expanse of lawn in front of your farm house.  BUT ………. I think we should be real here with the mowing speed for this tractor.  Yes, the mower will mow at 8 mph but don’t expect the cut to be as good as a true commercial machine like the Craftsman Professional 26 hp 52 in. Zero Turn Riding Mower  or a Toro Grandstand.  The garden tractor, the supension and the weight of the deck just are not heavy enough to keep the deck from bouncing around at 8 mph.  Don’t expect your lawn to look as good one mowed with a commercial mower.  A few suggestions to help you get the best cut out of the 28947.  The tractor is delivered to you with too much tire pressure.  Reduce the tire pressure to the amount shown on the tires.  I like the Accu-Gage Tire Gauge with Pressure Release Valve . If your deck is bouncing up and down and cutting unevenly, slow down.  You will soon find a speed that works for your lawn.  Not all of your lawn will be rough and with practice you will quickly learn where you have to slow down to get a good cut.   Most of you will do just fine with this mower, just be aware that you may not be able to get that “manicured” look the more expensive commercial machines give you.  If your cut is uneven—–slow down!  

Order Here:
You can read more about this Garden Tractor and order it online using this link  Excellerator GT5000.

If you order it online you can pick it up at your nearest store and not get charged for shipping. You can get the mower delivered to your home from the store for a normal charge. Sears has a 30 day price guarantee so you can buy it, watch the sale ads and come into your local Sears and get the difference refunded to you.

NOTE:  If you have the mower delivered it will have the deck attached.  New for 2009, if you have gas available, the delivery guys will also start the mower and show you how to use it.

Because this mower will not fit in a pick-up with the deck attached, if you come to the store to pick it up they assume you are bringing a pick-up and will not have the deck attached.  If you are bringing a trailer they will attach the deck for you before you leave the store pickup area.

Craftsman Excellerator GT5000 26 HP/54″ Garden Tractor

Sears item# 0718947000 Mfr. model# 28947

Related posts:

1. 2009 Craftsman GT 5000 26 HP 54 inch Model 28945 Garden Tractor Review
2. 2009 Craftsman Professional PGT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Garden Tractor Model 28974 Review
3. 2009 Craftsman Revolution Model 28933 – Zero Turn Tractor Review
4. 2009 Craftsman Zero Turn Mower Test Drive – Revolution Model 28933 – Updated Review
5. 2009 Craftsman Professional PYT 9000 28 HP 54 Inch Yard Tractor Model 28973 Review