The Craftsman Rear Engine 28 inch 12.5 hp Riding Lawn Mower is priced in the mid-range of comparable units but is well built, almost like a commercial model. Ideal for mowing smaller spaces, it easily maneuvers through garden gates and around obstacles like trees and planters. Attach the grass catcher ( model no. 24982) to make mowing the yard a snap.
Features at a glance
- Engine: Briggs & Stratton, 344 cc, 12.5 hp
- Transmission: Manual disc, 5 forward gears, 1 reverse
- Cutting Deck width: 28 inches
- Cutting Blade: 1
- Cutting Positions: 6
Engine and transmission
This mower’s 12.5 Hp Briggs & Stratton engine is powerful enough to easily take it over flat ground as well as some slopes. But please note, if you do have sloping ground, the user manual recommends not attempting to traverse a slope of more than ten degrees.
There is a 5-speed manual transmission with a reverse lockout mechanism that prohibits accidentally shifting into reverse while the blade is turning.
The 28/12.5 Craftsman also has an electric starter and user reviews suggest that this riding mower starts quickly every time. The engine oil needs to be changed after the first 5 hours; after the first oil change, the recommended change interval is every 50 hours. Annual maintenance is recommended for the oil system and the air filter.
The cutting system
This Craftsman riding lawn mower has a 28” turning radius and a 28” wide high-lift mower deck. With six cutting positions, you can cut a variety of surfaces at depths from 1-1/2” to 4”.
This machine is generally recommended for use in small areas. For use in larger areas of an acre or more, a larger riding lawn tractor is recommended.
Accessories etc
The only available attachment is the grass catcher, model 24982. However, unlike some outdoor power equipment, the 28/12.5 Craftsman riding lawn mower does come with a comprehensive 75-page manual that provides extremely detailed, assembly breakdown schematics with part numbers and specifications.
Consumer feedback
The majority opinion is that this compact but powerful rear engine riding lawn tractor is a good tool for the right circumstances. It is very user-friendly, sturdy, attractive and consistently performs better than expected. The 12.5 hp engine is fuel-efficient and maintenance is easy. Obviously, it doesn’t have the power, specification or versatility of larger and more expensive models but then it doesn’t set out to compete in the same space as those kinds of machines.
This Craftsman riding lawn mower is a popular seller at Sears and is often offered at discount prices.
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About the Author
Martin Cole publishes Lawn Tractor Buyers Guide as well as the associated websites Snowblowersandthrower.com and OutdoorPowerBuddy.com. He is a gardener at heart and has developed an interest and expertise in garden related tools and equipment.
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