Craftsman is now installing the General Transmissions Element V automatic in it’s twin cylinder Yard Tractors. I expect all manufactures to start using this transmission in the next 2 years. This transmission replaces the hydrostatic that has been around for years. Many owners will welcome this change because they have had more problems with the hydrostatic than any other part of the tractor. (It’s not always the transmission’s fault) Other owners are very cautious because it is a major change in tractor technology and the industry doesn’t always get it right the first time. (Craftsman Revolution, Lowes Raven, Cub Cadet 365L)
Should I buy a Craftsman with the new auto transmission or pay the same amount for a John Deere?
My Answer: Tough Question. But the answer is really more than just what transmission. Here are a few items to consider whenever you decide to make a purchase like this.
- If it was just about price we would all be buying a $799 Yard Machines or $999 Craftsman
- What did you have before? Were you happy with it and the service?
- Do you want red or green in your garage?
- If you have slopes the Craftsman wins with the new trans. If you lawn is flat either one is fine.
- Parts are easy to get for both. You have to go to a Deere dealer to get their parts. You have to go back to the dealer to pick them up if they need to be ordered. With Craftsman you can order them at any Sears store or right from your home through sears.com and searspartsdirect.com. Craftsman parts from searspartsdirect.com will be delivered right to your door.
- Searspartsdirect offers a discount on parts (banner in the right column of this page.) I don’t know if Deere offers a discount off the retail price.
- Service and warranty work, For Deere you have to take it to a dealer or they will pick it up for a fee. (They will pick it up or service it at your home for free if you buy the extended warranty) With Craftsman they always come to your house and the trip charge is waived if you have their Protection Plan. (The Sears Protection plan covers more than the Deere Extended warranty but it does cost more)
- Price, The price I have for the Deere is from Home Depot (free delievery and setup). (Home Depot may have offers with their card) I don’t know if a dealer will have the same low price. (The dealers usually have finance offers on the 300 and higher series) For Sears the price can be less. You get 1 to 5% back in rewards points. 5% or no interest for 12 months with a Sears card. Free delivery if you use the links on this site (through 3/1/14) In addition Sears will run special pricing online only and free delivery at certain times of the month throughout the spring and summer.
The new automatic (CVT) is actually proven technology. There are now over 100 cars that use CVT and MTD has been using CVT in their inexpensive models for quite some time. (the tractors have the F-N-R lever on the left fender)
This is just the first time it is being offered as a replacement for hydrostatic transmissions in tractors costing $1500-$2000.
Should I buy a Craftsman or a John Deere? So the answer is not that simple, but hopefully I gave you enough to think about so you can make the best decision for you.
My Craftsman T2800 lawn tractor with a RS800 CVT is sticking in gear when I shift the lever forward to neutral it continues to roll forward. It is hard to shift with out of any gear without using the brake/clutch pedal. I have to press the brake/clutch pedal and stop to shift to forward or neutral or reverse. The mower just started doing this yesterday. Any thoughts on a fix?
Hi Eric, It’s the linkage from the lever to the trans. It may be broke. Call 1-800-4MY-HOME and get a tech out to repair it.
Paul I ended up pulling the transmission out of the mower. I removed the CVT pulleys and belt and the linkage cover. Debris had built up under the cover in the linkage impeding the functions. I cleaned the debris and put it back together and it runs better than ever. I don’t see any other way to clean that without pulling the tranny. One blessing was that I was able to turn that screw in on the control kit and the tractor is markedly faster in both forward and reverse.
Hi Eric, Way to go! Yes, I wish there was a cleaning/belt changing hole in the top of the frame. Did you find GT RS 800 maintenance page? The Service manuals are located half-way down the page: page RS 800 Service manual. P is foot pedal, F is Fender.
I used the 8 minute youtube tear down video. It was very easy to follow. Thank you for the link to the manual. I am sure it will come in handy.
Hi paul… vince from long island ny.. i have been going crazy with which ride mower to buy..and with friends input ..i am more confused.. but i was ready to purchasre the craftsman 20381x.. but have been thinking on husqarva..cub cadet..and ariens..similar models.. want to stay in the 1500. Price range..thansk for any help you can provide.
Hi Vince, Have you read this review? 2015 Craftsman Model 25081 (20381x) 42 inch 19 HP Yard Tractor Comprehensive Review.
In the $1500 price range the Craftsman that you are looking at is the best value. It’s also a good tractor. It has a better engine and stronger transmission than the comparable Husqvarna at Lowes. It has a stronger transmission than the XT1 Cub Cadet. It has a better engine than the Ariens. It has a better trans and costs less than the John Deere.
Besides the physical qualities this Craftsman has two other advantages.
First it will take a snow blade, snow blower, etc. It will pull all the attachments you may want to use. (It’s not a garden tractor so it won’t do ground engaging work like plowing) Sears has all the attachments in stock and ready to attach to your tractor. Here is everything that fits: 2015 Red Craftsman Parts – Attachments – Accessories For Yard Tractors with a 42 inch deck
Second, If you need warranty work Sears Repair comes to your home. You never have to take the tractor anywhere to have it repaired. I know most of my snow blower owners on Long Island have no way of getting their equipment back to a store or to a dealer, so I have a feeling you are the same way. In addition, if you don’t want to mess with your tractor at all Sears offers a 3 or 5 year protection plan that covers trip charges, labor and parts for most of the wear and tear items on the tractor. Belts, tires, battery, starting issues, etc., are all covered. The only thing you need to do yourself is change the oil. filters, and blades. If you don’t want to do that Sears offers a 25% discount on those parts and the service to change them out. It is the most comprehensive plan in the industry. It covers more and is less of a hassle than the other plans.
Craftsman 19HP 42 in. Turn Tight® Automatic Riding Mower
Thanks paul..im pretty handy mechanically. .but its good to know thst sears will do all those things..i have a small 1/2acre yard and i think the Sears is the right choice. .thx for the help
Hello again.. vince ..long island. . I do not plan on hauling anything.. no snow blowing. .. really just cutting the lawn in a relaxed manner..i also prefer a pedal for the throttle. . Any other advice would be great.
Hi Vince, You probably want a standard foot control, not the longer one on the fast transmissions. If you do stay away from the Ariens A22VA46. Otherwise the brands that you mention all make a basic tractor that will work. Husqvarna at Lowes, Cub Cadet at Home Depot both have an under $1500 tractor that will do the job. I don’t have a specific model in mind because this time of year those stores may not have the one I pick for you.
Thanks for the help paul..just ordered the craftsman t2200… takin delivery on the 13th .. 1500 with free shipping. .and i think you said ia a post that the is a coupon code online for accessories? ..def gonna take advantage if so… thanks again. Vince
@Vince, You are welcome. It looks like the discount is good until 7/7/2015.
Hi:
I live in Howell, MI and am looking to buy a riding lawn mower. My lot is about 1/3 acre and does not have a lot of landscaping beds to maneuver around. However, I have a daylight basement so the lot is slightly sloped in the back. I want a tractor that will last a long time and one that is a good value for the money.
Here is what I am considering:
**Cub Cadet LTX1040 42 inch 19 hp ($1,399)
**Ariens A19A42 42 inch 19 hp ($1,199)
**Craftsman 20373 42 inch 17.5 hp ($1,199)
**Craftsman 20374 19 hp 42 inch ($1,235).
I also thought about an Ariens or Craftsman $999 model, but they don’t have deck wheels and the trans is not automatic.
I am leaning towards the Craftsman 20374 for $1,235. Any advice on which one I should purchase?
Thanks,
Eric
@Eric, The 20374 has a 46 inch deck. If you want a 42 inch, buy the 20373. The 17.5 hp engine is plenty for that tractor. The 20373, 20374 and the Cub Cadet are very similar. The tires and engine are really the only difference.
You’ve done you research well and I agree that the 20373/20374 are some of the best value mowers around. Either one will mow your lawn well for a long time.
Thanks Paul. Is the Ariens 42 inch 19 hp just as good as the Craftsman 42 inch 17.5 hp? They are the same price but the Ariens has a bigger engine which I know you said I really don’t need, but since they are priced the same I figured why not. I don’t like the Ariens 17.5 hp because it does not have deck wheels or an automatic trans.
@Eric, That’s a tough question because they are made by two different manufactures. The Craftsman 20373 we have been discussing is a lawn tractor made by MTD.
The Ariens is made for them by Husqvarna. I believe this tractor is still using the 2013 engine ratings and it actually compares to the 17.5 hp in the 20373. (All 2014 Briggs models were lowered 2 hp for 2014)
Now….For just a little more you can get the Craftsman 20381. It has more features than the Ariens including Craftsman’s 6 inch Turn-Tight steering and the Platinum Briggs engine. Attachments and accessories are also a lot easier to get. go here to read my review 20381 Review and attachments
Paul, I am looking at the 2015 20381X with the new tranny against an Ariens A19A42 model. About $150-$200 difference after discounts. Is the Craftsman worth the extra $$. It has a few more features, but I am more concerned with reliability
Hi Perry, I believe the two tractors has the same RS800 Tranny but you would have to look under the Ariens to be sure. The part number is on the back of the axle housing.
The Craftsman has a better engine. The Craftsman Platinum is advertised to give you 25% more life than the Briggs Intek. I agree the Platinum does last a lot longer on slopes. That’s worth $150 to me.
The Craftsman also the the Turn Tight steering.
Reliability: The Ariens uses the old style Craftsman hood. The engine and steering are the only other differences between the two. The Craftsman has the better engine other wise the other 80% of the tractor is EXACTLY the same. (Both are made by Husqvarna)
With the Craftsman you can order parts from sears’com or searspartsdirect.com 24/7.
Great feedback. Thank you Paul. I am moving forward with the Craftsman mower. I appreciate your inputs and certainly all the info you provide to the community.
Thanks again!