Listed on Sears.com as: Craftsman YT 3000 21 hp 46 inch Yard Tractor

I have rated this model (28924) as the “best mower for about $1500″  and the leading consumer magazine* AGAIN agrees for 2010.  This is the best Craftsman for value, cut, durability and overall satisfaction.

This tractor is part of the YT Series.  It is Craftsman’s most popular line.  Basically the YT 3000 and YT 4000 series tractors are available in eight different configurations.  They come with 42 or 46 inch decks, single or twin cylinder motors, manual or hydro transmissions, and fender or foot control speed controls. 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.  The fully vented decks have good lift for poor lawns and get rid of the grass evenly and quickly for well kept lawns.  With premium mulching blades and a mulch cover they mulch well.  With hi-lift blades both decks bag very well.

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Model 28924

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Specs:

Read My Review Below These Specs:

Brand: Craftsman
Series: YT 3000
Model: 28924
Ca Model: 28914  
Engine HP: 21
Engine Brand: Briggs & Stratton Platinum

Cylinders: One

Transmission: Hydrostatic
Transmission Control: Fender Controls
Mower Width: 46 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: None

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:

For 100 dollars more than the Craftsman Model 28905 LT 2000 Lawn Tractor you can move up to the mid-sized YT 3000 yard tractor series. This model features the new Craftsman style step through operator’s platform, pressurized lube engine with oil filter, and a 46 inch deck.  This is the same deck as Model 28724 Consumer Reports 2008 Best Buy.

The 28924 has the fender control hydro.  If you are replacing your old Craftsman that had fender controls this is the new mower for you.  If you are new to mowers you should look at the 28934 foot control. (it drives more like your car)

If you want a mower that will mow 1/2 to 2 acres well, handle a snow blade, and all the non-ground engaging attachments this mower will do the job well 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, or pull more but this is a great all around mowing machine.

I like the mid-size YT 3000 series.  I think they represent a good value and a machine that if taken care of properly will last you 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.

Cons:

The YT 3000 is heavy enough, but I recommend going to a twin cylinder motor (YT 4000)  if you want to attach a  snow thrower.   You will wish you had bought a larger engine for snow throwing.

The 46 inch deck has a much larger grass deflector than the 42 inch deck.  If you have tight areas you may decide the 42 inch is a better choice.

Final Thoughts:

Consumer Reports* gave the 2008 46 inch model a best buy.  Again this year the 2010 version of this tractor gets their “best buy” award.  I agree.   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 $1400 on sale it is a very good value.

Ask a question, leave a comment, tell us about your mower below:

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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.

Replacement Parts:
Click on Part Number To View and Purchase: Right Click for new window.

Oil Summer Quart 33028
Oil Change Plus 33048
Oil Filter 24606 Craftsman Oil Filter- Kohler Engines Large
Oil Filter 24604 Craftsman Oil Filter – Kohler Engine Small
Oil Filter 33935 Craftsman Oil Filter – Briggs ELS
Oil Filter 24603 Craftsman Oil Filter – Briggs Standard

Change oil after first 2 hours and every 50 hours or once a year

Air Filter Standard 33097
Air PreCleaner 33097
High Performance NA
If your engine starts using oil, Change the air filter. It might be plugged.

Fuel Filter 33392 Craftsman Fuel Filter
Spark Plug 33456
Deck Drive Belt 33153
Tractor Drive Belt 33150

Performance Mulching/Bagging Blades

Craftsman 46 in. Advanced Mulching and Bagging Blade Set

Click on the banner below and then type the part number for your cover plate into the part number box.

46 inch Mulcher Plate Assembly. (Mulch Plug)  It is Sears Part No. 532406581 or 406581

Standard 3 in 1 Blades 33178
High Lift Bagging Blades 24652 Need 2
Mulch Kit 33742 (includes standard mulching Blades)

Optional Accessories:

Baggers

2 bin soft 24903 For 46 inch Deck
3 bin soft 24904 For 46 inch Deck

Carts:

Flat bed 500lb 24358
10 cu.ft. Poly 600lb 24489
12 cu.ft. Steel 1000lb 24355
12 cu.ft. Poly 1000lb 24357
16 cu.ft. Steel 1250lb 24356
15cu.ft. Poly 1000lb 24469
Tool Caddy for Metal Carts 24370

Blade:

Snow Blade 24441
Dozer Blade NA
Weights 24434 or 24445
Chains 24863
Snow Cab 24276
Snow Thrower For Craftsman and Husqvarna brand only with 22 inch or smaller tires 24837 or 24838

Bumper:
Single 24599 or 24611
Double 24608 or 24612
Brish Guard 24628

Arm Rest: 33458

Pull Behind Attachments:

Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader 24321
Tow Behind Dethatcher 24315
Tow Behind 42 inch Hi-Speed Sweeper 24222
Tow Behind Professional Hi-Speed Sweeper 24229
Tow Behind Plug Aerator 24326
Tow Behind Professional Yard Vac 24707
Tow Behind Professional Yard Vac with Chipper 24717

*ConsumerReports is very particular in the use of their name and I do not want in any way to imply that they are endorsing this product.  Please see consumerreports.org for full details of their ratings.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Craftsman YT3000 42 inch 21 hp Model 28922 Review
2. 2010 Craftsman YT3000 42 inch 22 hp Kohler Model 28934 Review
3. 2010 Craftsman YT3000 42 inch 21 hp Model 28921 Review