Stand in any Sears Store in the Lawn & Garden Department for ten minutes this time of year and you will see at least one or two people in for parts.  Blades, filters, oil, steering pinion.  Stand around long enough though and you will hear a customer scream, “What do you mean you don’t have the carb rebuild kit for my Eager One!”

A lot of people are confused about how to get parts for their Craftsman Tractors, Mowers, Yard Equipment and Tools.

It’s actually very easy…………

Here is a quick review of what you can do and what you need.

Before I show you how though, let’s review what is a part and what is a consumable.  A consumable is a belt, oil, oil filter, mower blades, sanding paper, string trimmer line, premix fuel, chainsaw chain, etc.  These are readily available at your local Sears full-line stores, Sears Hardware, Sears Repair Centers and online at Sears.comand Sears PartsDirect.

How To Find Parts For Your Craftsman

Parts on the other hand are not usually carried at the store level.  Don’t expect your local Sears or Sears.com to carry a frame for an 1990 LT 2000 or a lift control spring for a 48 inch deck.  They are housed at one central location and shipped out as needed. Most all companies work this way today.  Caterpillar, John Deere Ag, Chrysler, DeWalt, Milwaukee, etc. all have centralized parts warehouses.  It just makes smart business sense for companies to have 500 pieces of one part at one central location instead of six pieces of one part at 1500 locations.  It makes even more sense when the part doesn’t break often and nationwide they only sell a few each year.  Why keep 1500 or more on hand when they only sell 6 or 10 a year.

1. Find the Model Number:

Tractors: Go to your Tractor and lift the seat. Under the seat is a nameplate. You need the Model Number. It looks like 917.123456 or 536.123456 etc. Write this number down. It is the secret to finding the right part for your machine.
Mowers: On the mower deck itself there is a nameplate. Most of the time it is in the back, right hand corner….but not always. Trust me, it’s on the mower somewhere. You need the Model Number. It looks like 917.123456 or 536.123456 etc. Write this number down. It is the secret to finding the right part for your machine.
Yard Equipment: If it is gas powered, the nameplate is usually on the motor. If it’s not there, find it somewhere on the rest of the machine. You need the Model Number. It looks like 917.123456 or 536.123456 etc. Write this number down. It is the secret to finding the right part for your machine.
Tools: All electrically powered tools, i.e., drills, planers, saws, air tools etc. all have a nameplate on them somewhere. Find it (you may need a magnifying glass to read it!) You need the Model Number. It looks like 917.123456 or 536.123456 etc. Write this number down. It is the secret to finding the right part for your machine.

2. Finding the right part:

Now that you have the model number there are two things you can do with it.  Drive into your local Sears and have them order the part for you.  The sales associate will be very helpful, she gets commission form your order.  You get to spend a pleasant afternoon ordering parts.  Yes, you will pay the cost of the part plus shipping. (By the way: You pay shipping costs on all parts you order from anyplace you go.   It may not be listed as a separate cost on your receipt, but you pay.)

Or… You can order the parts yourself online.  Ordering online is easy, fast, and costs the same for the part as going into  your local Sears.  No wait!  I can give you a 10% discount.  The stores can’t do that!

How to find and order your part. Go to Sears PartsDirect.  Click on this link or click on the banner at the end of this article.

Type in the model number that you found in Step 1.  If there are parts available a page will pop up with exploded diagrams and parts listings of your mower, snow thrower or sander.  Go through the diagrams and find the part you need to replace.  Write the number listed next to the part down.  Use that number to find the part in the parts listings.  Click the item check box and change the quantity if you need more than one.  Find the next part and repeat.  When you have all the parts you need, go through the checkout process.  You can pay with most debit and credit cards, bank transfer, bank check and even have the bill mailed to your home.

When you order parts be sure to use the 10% discount code. It will help offset the shipping costs. The code is: 90055

The part comes right to the address you gave.  No need to make another trip into town to get your part.

No related posts.

I know…what does this have to do with Lawn Tractors?  Water filters are sooo expensive that I just had to pass this deal on to you!

Click either link below and type in the part number of your water filter (or search for it by the model number of your frig) and get free shipping!

Water filters when you want them, get free shipping today

No related posts.

In Viewpoints.com’s most recent survey, They asked users about their favorite lawn mowers. How do some of the biggest names in lawn care — John Deere, Craftsman, Toro, Black & Decker and more — stack up in direct competition?

According to the hundreds of responses they received, Craftsman makes the best lawn mowers, drawing 37% of the vote. John Deere finished second with 17.5%, with Toro (13%) and Black & Decker (11.5%) close behind.

More than a dozen other brands also received votes, led by Lawn-Boy, Honda, Yard-Man, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, MTD, Snapper and Neuton.

Want to take the next Battle of the Brands poll? Join the Viewpoints community to receive your next newsletter and survey.

Picture From ViewPoints.com

Related posts:

1. Three L&G News Items For You

Win a new Black & Decker 24 Volt Cordless String Trimmer/ Edger with PowerCommand!

Picture of the Winning Prize

This is an exclusive offer from TodaysMower.com and Toolboxhero.com. Black & Decker is sponsoring this giveaway for these sites.  No purchase necessary. Only one prize to be given away. Open to US residents only.

Rules:

Answer the question, “Who is mytoolboxhero and why?“

Please send all entries to mytoolboxhero@gmail.com.   This is a special email address set up only for this promotion.

Please include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter id in the body of the email.

One entry per email address. Each entry must be an original. No duplicate or reworded entries allowed. Multiple entries per household are allowed.

This give-away starts June 11, 2010 and ends July 31, 2010.  I will selected one random winner from all the entries on August 1, 2010

Note:

Any and all entries may be posted on todaysmower.com, toolboxhero.com and the toolboxhero facebook page.  I will collect your email address and Facebook/Twitter id if you have one for this contest. Once the winner has been selected I will contact you via that email address to get your shipping address. Once the winner is selected the Model # NST1024 prize will be sent directly from Black & Decker using the shipping address you sent me.

Spam entries will not be counted. Spam entries are determined at the sole opinion of Todaysmower and ToolBoxHero.  All rules are subject to change without notice.

Thanks, Paul

Here are the details on this great new String Trimmer!

Introducing the NEW Black & Decker 24 Volt Cordless String Trimmer/ Edger with PowerCommand .

In order to deliver more power, Black & Decker equipped this trimmer with a
high performance 24 volt battery pack, new 9,000 RPM motor and a patented
gear drive transmission to dramatically increase power output over all other
cordless trimmer designs on the market today.

And it features boost mode that provides twice the power of standard 18 volt trimmers,
eliminating the worry about having enough battery power to get
the job done. “The new 24 Volt String Trimmer strikes the right balance
between power and task completion because of the innovations like
PowerCommand,” says John Weetenkamp, group Black & Decker product manager for outdoor
products.

I will be giving away one of these new trimmers on August 1, 2010 but if you can’t wait you can buy now from Black & Decker,  Sears.com and Amazon.com

You buy from Black & Decker Online here: https://www.trimmer24.com/Buy.aspx?utm_source=bdcorp

If you purchase from the above link you can get three free spools using the coupon code TRIM355
In order to redeem your coupon code, use this URL – https://www.trimmer24.com/convertamericaalliance/

Or buy on sale from:

Sears.com 24 volt B&D Trimmer Edger Find out more and buy

Amazon.com  Black & Decker NST1024 24-Volt Cordless String Trimmer/Edger Find out more and buy. This item is eligible for free shipping!

Specs from Black & Decker:

High Performance 24V String Trimmer with PowerCommand

Model # NST1024

PowerCommand– Switch to boost mode for extra power to tackle tough jobs – Twice the power of 18V
Patented Gear Drive transmission cuts more grass per charge than any other competing string trimmer brand
Trimmer and Edger in one tool.
9000 rpm Motor and gear drive deliver up to TWICE the power of 18V trimmers.
High Performance 24V Battery and PowerCommand cut up to 2.5X more grass per charge than 18V.
Automatic Feed System automatically advances the line without bumping.
13″ Cut Swath cuts more area per pass.
Trimmer extends for the optimal cutting position for the user.
Large bale handle offers many operating positions.

Weighs only 8.5 lbs.

Trimming and cutting most home-sites up to 1/2 acre.
Edging along borders and sidewalks.

Energy Star Rated

Includes:

24V Cordless Trimmer / Edger
24V Battery Charger
(1) 24V Battery
Auxiliary Handle
Guard

Warranty: Black & Decker Tools and Home Products are warranted for two (2) years from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from negligent handling, misuse or lack of reasonable maintenance and care. (Proof of purchase maybe required).

Related posts:

1. Introducing Black & Decker 24-Volt Cordless String Trimmer/Edger
2. Black & Decker NST1024 24-Volt Cordless String Trimmer/Edger Review
3. Black & Decker NST1024 24-Volt Cordless String Trimmer/Edger Review
4. Craftsman 19.2 volt C3 Cordless Hedge Trimmer – A Commercial Trimmer at a Homeowner’s Price?
5. Craftsman 19.2 volt C3 Cordless Yard Tools

SEARS BLUE TOOL CREW INVITES AMERICA TO SALUTE DADS MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH THE LAUNCH OF UNSUNG HEROES PROGRAM

Tool Guru Ty Pennington Encourages Americans to Nominate Deserving Dads

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2, 2010) – June is the month to celebrate fathers.  With so many of them making valuable contributions in their communities, the Sears Blue Tool Crew has created a program that salutes some very deserving dads. “Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference” celebrates dads who are using their tools and talents to benefit their communities. The Sears Blue Tool Crew is seeking entries that spotlight the work of these exemplary role models and America’s vote will help pick the grand prize winner.  The “Dads Making a Difference” contest kicks off the Sears Blue Tool Crew’s new “Unsung Heroes” campaign that will continue to pay tribute throughout the year to those using their tools and talents to benefit the community.

“We know there are dads everywhere who serve not only as an inspiration to their own kids, but to their entire community,” said Ty Pennington, Sears spokesman. “These programs are about bringing families and communities together and I am excited to partner with the Sears Blue Tool Crew to bring the right tools and resources to these deserving unsung heroes.”

Recognizing the important role many dads play as the go-to person for DIY projects, the Sears Blue Tool Crew is issuing a call for nominations for all dads who are actively involved in community-oriented projects. Entries, which require a 250-word-or-less essay and a photo, will be accepted at searsunsungheroes.com. A panel of judges, including Ty Pennington, will select 10 finalists and America’s vote will decide which nominee will receive a special visit from the Sears Blue Tool Crew to help bring a needy or ongoing project to life. Each finalist will receive a tool prize package from the Sears Blue Tool Crew, while the grand prize winner will receive $30,000 in services and assistance from the Sears Blue Tool Crew to help further advance his community work.

Nominations should focus on how the deserving dad uses his tools and talents for the benefit of a project in his hometown. Entries will be accepted from June 1 through June 30. From July 14-30, Americans can cast their votes for which deserving dad will receive a visit from the Blue Tool Crew with the tools and resources to bring their projects to life like never before. Official contest rules are available at searsunsungheroes.com under the “Rules” tab.

-more-

“We are excited to honor fathers through the ‘Dads Making a Difference’ program,” said Steve Light, Sr. Vice President, tools and hardware for Sears Holdings. “Every day the Sears Blue Tool Crew meets hundreds of dads who use our tools to create amazing results.  There’s no better way to celebrate Father’s Day than to salute their efforts and help bring their projects to life.”

Celebrating Unsung Heroes

The “Dads Making a Difference” contest is the first program in the Sears Blue Tool Crew’s new “Unsung Heroes” campaign, an ongoing effort to shine the light on individuals and organizations that are using their tools and talents to benefit the community.

“Unsung Heroes is our way of celebrating individuals doing great things through DIY that may not always receive the recognition they deserve,” added Bill Kiss, Chief Marketing Officer, tools and hardware for Sears Holdings. “In the coming months we look forward to bringing the stories and experiences of these inspiring people to life and using the tools and resources of the Sears Blue Tool Crew to honor and help their efforts.”

The tools section of www.sears.com has helpful information and keeps you updated on the latest innovative products, great values and helpful solutions from the Sears Blue Tool Crew. Beyond the Sears site, the Sears Blue Tool Crew has plenty more on the Web.

• Become a fan of the Sears Blue Tool Crew page on Facebook at facebook.com/SearsBlueToolCrew for the latest news, deals and contests, including great deals for Father’s Day from the Sears Blue Tool Crew
• Follow the Sears Blue Tool Crew on Twitter @BlueToolCrew to stay in the know about upcoming deals, project tips and more

For more information on the full line of tools available from Sears and to start shopping for Father’s Day, visit www.sears.com.

About Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,300 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes approximately 929 full-line and approximately 1,200 specialty stores in the U.S.   Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands’ End — among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. The company is the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at www.sears.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

Related posts:

1. Nominate Your Ball Field, Park or Playground for a Rehab Project from Sears
2. Sears Yard Guru
3. Three L&G News Items For You

In an unfortunate move Sears announced that it’s very lenient return policy on Gas Powered equipment will be changing from 90 days to 30 days as of May 23, 2010.

Why, reading the news, talking to manufactures, and just listening to mechanics and homeowners I feel that at least 40% of the returns on gas powered equipment are FUEL RELATED!  These returns have nothing to do with the quality of the Craftsman products, instead has to do with the poor fuel our government has forced us all to use.  This poor fuel may work in larger engines like cars, vans and pickup trucks, but it is just a royal pain for small engines.  Most consumers don’t understand this and blame the engine, or the retailer for a poor product.  In reality it is a problem with our fuel, and the government regulators who keep messing with the quality of that fuel.

While Sears decision only affects new merchandise the problems are not just with the new gas powered equipment, but motors we have been using for years are now having problems with these “reformulated” blended fuels.  I’ve seen fuel systems literally dry out, crack and fall apart. Other fuel systems melt and turn into a gooey mush.   And to make matter worse apparently the imported engines are having even more fuel related problems than the ones still made here in the U.S.

Ace, Lowes, Home Depot and others all have had this policy for quite a while now and Sears is one of the last hold-outs.

Even with this change Sears still has one of the best return policies out there.

Sears Holding Corporation

Note: The following is not the EXACT wording of the new revised return policy, but it is close enough for you to see the changes.

Please visit Sears.com or your local Sears store to read the exact policy.

I highlighted in bold the items that affect us in Lawn & Garden

Sears Return Policy:

“Our goal is that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied, simply return your purchase in its original packaging, with your original receipt within 90 days of your purchase, 30 days from the purchase date for Home Electronics, Mattresses, air conditioners, gas powered equipment, jewelry, and watches for a refund or exchange.  Video games, CD’s, DVD’s, computer software and sports/toy collectibles must be unopened for a refund or exchange.  For other items, including folding guest beds, air/inflatable beds, continuous air bouncers, water slides, pools, gas powered lawn equipment, power tools, scooters over $149.99, specialty occasion clothing, video camera/camcorders, handbags, jewelry, and watches  if the original packaging has been opened or tags and/or labels have been removed the items will only be exchanged with an identical item or a substantially similar item of equal value.  Replacement products obtained in an exchange transaction will only be exchanged and are not eligible for a refund. Returns and exchanges are not allowed on customized jewelry.

Where applicable, all refunds will be issued in the same form as the original method of payment.  If you are not satisfied with your purchase after this please let us know.  Your satisfaction is important to Sears.

Restocking/Cancellation Fee Policy

A 15% restocking fee is charged on Home Electronics returned without the original box, used, and without all of the original product packaging and accessories; mattresses, built in home appliances, and special orders on hardware, sporting goods, lawn & garden, and automotive merchandise.  Home electronics returned in unopened boxes may, but need not be, determined to have been used.  Special orders canceled after 24 hours of purchase are subject to a 15% order cancellation fee.

Refunds.

Refunds will not be given without a receipt.” (My understanding is items purchased with a Sears Card and/or you used the Shop Your Ways Reward Card to record the purchase can be refunded without a receipt)

Kidvantage Wear-Out Guarantee, Craftsman Hand Tool Full Warranty, and the Land’s End Guaranteed. Period has not changed to my knowledge.

No related posts.

If my reviews are not clear enough and the huge selection of mowers and brands is too overwhelming you can visit Sears Yard Guru to help you narrow your selection and make the best choice for you.

There you can easily select the best mower for you and compare that choice to the other major brands. This is a huge step forward in helping you to get the right mower for you. Once you find the right mower you can always come back here and read my review.

The rest of this article is a press release by Sears. It explains the new Sears Yard Guru

SEARS KEEPS AMERICANS LAWNS AND POCKETS GREEN

Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew™ Launches Comparison Shopping Site, Sears Yard Guru.com

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 13, 2010) – With the economy changing Americans’ spending habits, consumers are looking for ways to keep the green in their wallets and lawns this summer. With lawn care costs averaging $40 per week, per half acre – or $1,120 for weekly maintenance from April through October “Nine Ways to Save Big on Outdoor Chores,” Ladies Home Journal, July 2009

– it is no surprise that homeowners are looking for more affordable options.

In fact, within the past year, approximately six in 10 Americans who used landscaping or lawn mowing services cut back or stopped use completely, according to a July 2009 Mintel study, preferring to do the job themselves. Seeing more consumers shift towards do-it-yourself lawn care, Sears and the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew™ are putting the green back in Americans’ wallets and yards with Sears Yard Guru and the Craftsman Value Guarantee.

Developed to help homeowners find the right product at the best value, the Sears Yard Guru, available at Sears Yard Guru.com, is a unique online shopping tool that gives product recommendations and allows customers to compare Sears’ robust offering of products and brands, to those of other national home improvement retailers. Adding a layer of assurance, the Craftsman Value Guarantee will also help reinforce consumers’ purchasing decisions, guaranteeing that Craftsman tractors and mowers purchased at Sears will have the most features for your money.

“Consumers are no longer just shopping for the best price, they are also looking for value and convenience in the form of customer service, product selection and more,” said John Froman, president, Lawn & Garden for Sears Holdings. “Shopping tools such as Sears Yard Guru make it easier for customers to find exactly what they want and need, without having to compromise, while helping make yard work more affordable – and perhaps, even more enjoyable.”

The Sears Yard Guru allows customers to compare the prices and features of the Sears tractor and mower assortment, which includes brands such as Craftsman, Husqvarna, Yard Man, Yard Machines and Snapper, against those of other national home improvement retailers. Starting with a simple consultation, customers are asked to answer a short series of questions about the size and terrain of their lawn, feature preferences and usage plans, and the Sears Yard Guru will create a customized recommendation of the models that are right for their needs. Consumers can also compare Sears’ products against the competition, review product features and prices against other retailers and brands – searching by product requirements or specific model number.

Craftsman products sold at Sears will also be backed by the Craftsman Value Guarantee. With the Craftsman Value Guarantee, customers are assured that Craftsman Tractors and Mowers provide the most features for their money – guaranteed. If a customer finds the same or lower price on a tractor or mower with the same or more features currently available for sale at a national home improvement retailer, excluding online-only offers and retailers, Sears will match the price and give them a gift card by mail.

For more information on the Craftsman Value Guarantee or how Sears’ Lawn & Garden products stack up to the competition, visit Sears Yard Guru.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ Web site at www.searsholdings.com.

Related posts:

1. Nominate Your Ball Field, Park or Playground for a Rehab Project from Sears
2. LAUNCH OF UNSUNG HEROES PROGRAM, Salute Your Dad!
3. Sears Finally Gives Up!

SEARS BLUE LAWN & GARDEN CREW READY TO SPREAD

MORE GREEN ACROSS AMERICA THIS SPRING

Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt Encourages Americans to Nominate Their Ball Field,

Park or Playground for a Rehab Project from Sears

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 30, 2010) – Spring has arrived and as America thaws out, the marks left behind by Old Man Winter are being revealed. As warmer weather comes to town, hundreds of parks, playgrounds and ball fields are in need of a makeover. Who better to bring that much-needed makeover to life than the trusted experts with the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew?

This spring the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew is spreading “More Green Across America”— offering up a lawn and garden makeover for one deserving community, along with the products to help keep the space looking green for years to come. Recognizing the important role parks and recreational areas play in cities across America, the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew is issuing a call for nominations and encouraging local residents to support their hometown candidates. Essay entries will be accepted at moregreenacrossamerica.com and Americans will help choose from among 10 finalists to receive the grand prize makeover project.

“Budget cuts have become an unfortunate reality for hundreds of parks and recreation departments across the country,” said John Froman, SVP and President, Lawn & Garden for Sears Holdings. “We know those needs include rehab projects in public spaces that are important to the children and families of many communities.   The Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew is excited to find a project in need of our help and we look forward to spreading more green across America.”

“An outdoor space where families gather, play and enjoy the fresh air can be a vibrant community resource,” said baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, who has teamed with the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew to kick off the search. “Some of my earliest memories as a baseball player come from enjoying these spaces in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. I’m excited to partner with the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew to help bring some green to a deserving community.”

Does your local park need sprucing up at the start of spring? Could the ball field in your hometown use some TLC before opening day? The Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew wants to hear your stories. At moregreenacrossamerica.com, you can nominate a venue for a makeover project by submitting an essay of 250 words or less and a photo showcasing the venue. Entries will be accepted from March 28 through April 16. Official contest rules are available at moregreenacrossamerica.com/rules.

America Picks the Winner

Beginning April 21, Americans can cast their votes for which park will receive the grand prize makeover. The Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew will narrow the field to 10 finalists for voting, allowing communities to rally support and cast ballots for a project that will make a difference in their hometown.

Each finalist will be awarded a lawn and garden prize package including a new yard tractor, mower, line trimmer, edger, blower and more from the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew. In May, the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew will visit the hometown of the grand prize winner and team with the community to bring the beautification project to life.

Everything You Need for Spring and Beyond

The Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew is doing more this spring than just delivering “More Green Across America.” The Crew has also developed helpful shopping tools that will make spreading some green across your own backyard a more efficient and enjoyable experience. The way to begin that experience is with a consultation from the Sears Yard Guru.

The Sears Yard Guru, available at SearsYardGuru.com, is the only online tool available that compares the large selection of products and brands available at Sears with those available at other retailers. Just answer a few questions about the size and terrain of your lawn, your feature preferences and your usage plans, and the Yard Guru will produce a detailed guide on the models that are right for you.

You can also get your questions answered through Sears.com’s click-to-talk feature, which puts you in contact with a Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew member. Mower and tractor specialists are on call to review recommended products and help you find the store closest to you with the model you want.

At Sears, you don’t have to compromise features for price. With the Craftsman Value Guarantee, you are assured that Craftsman Tractors and Mowers provide the most features for your money.  Guaranteed. If you find the same or lower price on a tractor or mower with the same or more features currently available for sale at a national home improvement retailer, excluding online only offers and retailers, Sears will match the price and give you a gift card by mail.  See sears.com/rebates for full Craftsman Value Guarantee details. No national home improvement retailer offers a larger selection of powered lawn and garden products than the Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew.

For more information on the full line of Lawn and Garden products available from Sears and to start shopping for spring, visit sears.com/lawnandgarden. To nominate a project in your hometown for the More Green Across America program, visit moregreenacrossamerica.com.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada.  Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance.  Sears Holdings is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year.  Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands.  It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart.  We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually.  Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com.

Related posts:

1. LAUNCH OF UNSUNG HEROES PROGRAM, Salute Your Dad!
2. Sears Yard Guru
3. Three L&G News Items For You
4. Introducing Husqvarana Zero-Turn Mowers! At Sears!

Look to your right and follow toolboxhero on Facebook to find all the day to day items as they happen this spring.  There are a number of contests I’ll be telling you about and give you quick insights on my favorite mowers.

Before I show you the specs and my reviews of the 2010 Craftsman tractors I am going to talk about the new tighter turning radius on the 2010 Craftsman Lawn Tractors and Professional series.

I want to be upfront in this article and tell you…….this is not a problem.  But it is a change from what you are used to and it will require a change in thinking on your part.  Just like learning to use the new safety features on todays mowers,  you will need to be aware of this change and how to adapt to it once you start using your new machine.

Is 12 inches to short?

A 12 inch turning radius is good, (better than 16 inches, right?) but you need to be aware of the pitfalls of having this tight of turning radius on this wheelbase mower. There are trade-offs in the design and manufacture of just about any riding lawn mower and this is a great example of one of those trade offs.

First I want to use your car as an example.  When you turn sharply with your car the front wheels turn, but they also tilt to decrease the turning radius (the outside front wheel is tipped to provide traction, right front wheel in a left turn, left wheel in a right turn).  The longer the vehicle the more tilt is needed to make it turn sharp.  If you watch the front wheels on a Honda Civic turn sharply and then an extended cab pickup, you will see what I mean.   The front wheels on the pickup tilt more than the Civic so it can turn sharply.

So what does that have to do with my lawn tractor?

With the common wheelbase (length) for todays lawn tractors, 15 inches is about the minimum turning radius.  With this turning radius the front steering tilt can stay relatively straight and is not tilted so much that it digs up the turf when you turn.  If you go smaller than that (say 12 inches) you run into the problem of having to increase the tilt in the front axle to the point where the front outside tire will dig ruts in poor turf.

So what can be done to get this tight of turning radius?

Over the years various companies have created different solutions to this problem.  Husqvarna doesn’t go tighter than a 16 inch turning radius.  John Deere and Snapper have rear axles that steer.  New Holland developed the “Super Steer” on the Boomer where the front axle pivots.  Craftsman’s Revolution uses two transmissions to “zero turn.”  Kubota uses an over-speed system on the front axles of their four-wheel drive.  My 1953 Super H Farmall uses independent brakes for the rear axles.  But all these solutions cost, and add hundreds or thousands of dollars onto the cost of the machine.

In my opinion Craftsman choose to keep the cost down on the 2010 Lawn Tractors and Professional Series Tractors by not incorporating these expensive solutions.  They are determined to give you the best value  and dependability while still offering as many features as possible to make your mowing fast and enjoyable.   But in doing so they had to make a small trade off in the way the mower steers.

Alternatives for you:

If you have a good healthy lawn this increased tilt on the front wheels will not be a problem for you. You will like the tighter turning radius and how you can mow your lawn faster.  If you have a poor lawn though, especially a poor one on sandy soil you need to know that you will not be able to turn the Lawn Tractors and Professional Series Tractors as tightly as described in Craftsman’s sales literature without tearing up your lawn.

The solution is simple:

Simply stated: If the tractor is digging up your lawn, don’t turn it that sharp!

Craftsman has many different styles of riding mowers and tractors to choose from. You can find a tractor that is right for you.  You should look not only at the size of tractor relative to your lawn, but look at the number of obstacles and the condition of your lawn.   If you have a poor lawn but few obstacles I suggest you look at the Craftsman Yard Tractor Series or Garden Tractor Series.  If you have a poor lawn with a lot of obstacles look at the Revolution.  Be aware of what your new Lawn Tractor or Professional Series Tractor can do,  but also be aware of what limitations your lawn will put on the performance of your new tractor.

Besides listening to me, you can use the  Click To Talk to discuss your needs with a Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew Expert to find the best mower for you.

Related posts:

1. 2009 Craftsman Best Buys – Lawn, Yard, Garden Tractors
2. Dump Carts For Lawn Tractors
3. Craftsman Lawn Tractors – What New For 2009

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I started the page two days ago and already people have found it and are hooked.

Look over to your right and click the Become a Fan button to get all the latest news.

Related posts:

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2. LAUNCH OF UNSUNG HEROES PROGRAM, Salute Your Dad!
3. Win a new Black & Decker 24 Volt Cordless String Trimmer/ Edger