Lawn mowers are essential tools for keeping yards neat and manageable. They come in many forms, from gas-powered models to electric and battery-operated. Craftsman lawn mowers have built a reputation for being reliable and durable, offering a range of options to suit different lawn sizes and maintenance needs.
Craftsman lawn mowers often feature strong engines, sturdy decks, and thoughtful designs that make mowing easier. Whether you want a push mower for a small yard or a self-propelled or riding model for larger areas, Craftsman offers choices that balance power and ease of use. Their mowers usually focus on delivering even cuts and lasting performance.
When choosing a Craftsman lawn mower, we pay close attention to engine power, cutting width, type of drive (push or self-propelled), and ease of maintenance. Other important factors include mower weight, the ability to adjust cutting height, and storage size. These aspects affect how well the mower handles your lawn and how comfortable it is to use.
We tested various Craftsman models to find the best lawn mowers that make mowing easier and more efficient.
Best Craftsman Lawn Mowers
We have reviewed and tested a range of Craftsman lawn mowers to find the most reliable and efficient models. Our list highlights options that suit different yard sizes and budgets, helping you pick the right mower for your needs.
Craftsman 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Mower
This mower is a solid choice for medium yards needing reliable power and easy handling.
Pros
- Self-propelled feature helps move the mower with less effort
- Multiple cutting height options for a customized lawn look
- 3-in-1 cutting deck for side discharge, rear discharge, or mulching
Cons
- Self-propelled drive can feel slow on hills
- Starting the mower sometimes takes more than one pull
- The mower is on the heavier side, which may be tough for some users
We found the gas engine to be strong enough to cut through thick grass without bogging down. The self-propelled system makes pushing easier, especially on flat areas. However, it slows down a bit on slopes, so you might need to assist it more than you’d like.
Adjusting the cutting height is simple and gives a good range to get your lawn just right. Switching between mulching and side discharge works smoothly and keeps the yard clean. Overall, this mower feels sturdy and well-built.
Starting the mower can be tricky the first few times, but once running, it stays consistent. The weight adds to its stability, but moving it up steep steps or over rough terrain could be a workout. This mower suits anyone looking for dependable gas power without a steep learning curve.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Mower
This mower offers a solid balance of power and portability, making it a good choice for small to medium yards.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Long battery life with two included batteries
- Low-profile design helps reach tight spots
Cons
- Some plastic parts feel less durable
- Handle height can’t be easily adjusted without tools
- Runtime can vary depending on grass thickness
We found this mower very handy for getting around flower beds and garden edges thanks to its slim design. The dual batteries gave us almost an hour of mowing time, which was enough for our yard in one go.
Handling the mower was simple. It’s light enough that even someone small can push it comfortably. Storage is a plus too since it saves a lot of space standing upright.
On the downside, a couple parts made of plastic seem prone to wear if you’re too rough. The handle angle didn’t fit us perfectly and changing it means drilling new holes. Still, the cutting was clean and consistent over the run.
Craftsman 42″ Riding Lawn Mower
This Craftsman mower is a solid choice for those who want reliable power and straightforward controls to maintain medium to large yards.
Pros
- Powerful 17.5 HP engine starts easily and runs well
- Comfortable seat and simple 7-speed transmission make rides smooth
- Good maneuverability with a tight 18″ turning radius
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky, some parts might be missing
- Belt issues reported early after use
- Deck and parts may show wear quicker than expected
We found the 42″ cutting deck covers a lot of ground, helping us finish jobs faster. The Briggs and Stratton engine delivers steady power without much trouble when starting up. Riding was comfortable thanks to the seat design, and shifting speeds felt natural to match the lawn’s needs.
Handling smaller spaces and obstacles was easier than expected because of the tight turning radius and heavy-duty wheels. However, putting the mower together took more time than we hoped, mostly due to missing bolts and hardware. This made the first rides less smooth until we fixed the issues.
Some users might run into belt problems early on, so checking and maintaining the belts regularly is important. Overall, this Craftsman mower provides decent performance for its price, especially if you’re ready to handle small maintenance tasks.
Craftsman 36″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower
This mower is a solid choice for those who want reliable power and easy control in a compact riding mower.
Pros
- Strong engine that starts up easily
- Maneuvers well around yard obstacles
- Comfortable seat for longer mowing sessions
Cons
- Assembly takes some time and tools
- Engine can stall when mowing for a while
- Manual transmission requires getting used to
The powerful 11.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine makes starting quick and cutting consistent. We found the mower handles tight spaces with its small turning radius, which is a big help around trees and flower beds.
Operating the 7-speed manual transmission gives us control over speed but means there is a learning curve. The ride remains comfortable even after mowing for a long time thanks to the padded, low-back seat.
Setting it up took longer than expected because it needs a drill and socket for assembly. Also, the engine stopped twice after a few minutes of use, which we had to troubleshoot. But once adjusted, it performed well over our 2-acre yard.
CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Electric Mower
This electric mower is a solid choice for small yards needing easy, reliable lawn care without the noise of gas models.
Pros
- Easy to push and maneuver due to lightweight design
- Offers three cutting options: mulching, bagging, and side discharge
- Folds up neatly for vertical storage
Cons
- Cord limits movement compared to cordless mowers
- Not as powerful as some gas mowers for very tall or thick grass
- Plastic deck could feel less durable over time
We found this mower works well for everyday yard jobs, especially if the grass doesn’t get too tall or thick. Its 13 Amp motor has enough power to get a clean cut through most common conditions. The 20-inch deck is just right for smaller lawns, cutting efficiently without making labor feel heavy.
Handling the mower was comfortable since it weighs only about 20 pounds. The folding handles and vertical storage option saved us garage space, which was a nice bonus. Switching between mulching, bagging, and side discharge was straightforward and worked as expected.
The cord does require some planning to avoid running out of reach during mowing. This model felt quieter than gas lawn mowers, making it less disruptive in the neighborhood. Overall, it’s a practical tool for anyone with a modest lawn who wants reliable, easy-to-use equipment.
Craftsman 18-Inch Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice for anyone wanting a quiet, eco-friendly way to keep a small lawn neat without fuel or noise.
Pros
- Quiet and easy to push on well-maintained grass
- Sharp, durable blades that stay effective with minimal care
- Lightweight with a comfy handle and a decent grass catcher
Cons
- Not great for tall or thick grass; requires frequent mowing
- Grass catcher doesn’t catch everything, some clipping left behind
- Needs blade adjustment out of the box for best cutting
We found the Craftsman reel mower easy to handle on a small, tidy lawn. It’s satisfying to mow without gas, and the quiet operation means no ear protection needed. The cutting action feels gentle on the grass, giving a clean look without tearing.
However, if your grass grows tall or uneven, this mower demands more effort and multiple passes. It’s best used when the grass is trimmed regularly to keep it working smoothly. The grass catcher works okay but doesn’t collect all the clippings, so occasional cleanup is needed.
Blade setup is important. Straight from the package, the blades can be tight, making pushing tough. After a quick adjustment, it cuts much better. Overall, it’s a good manual mower for those who prefer a simple, low-impact tool for small lawns.
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
This mower works well for medium yards if you want solid power and easy handling but it may need care to stay reliable long term.
Pros
- Strong Briggs & Stratton engine starts easily and runs smoothly
- Self-propel feature helps push uphill and saves effort
- Versatile 3-in-1 function for bagging, mulching, or rear discharge
Cons
- Some users report durability issues after less than a year
- Assembly can be tricky if you are not handy
- Front wheel base made from plastic may break with rough use
We found the PowerSmart mower to be a solid performer out on the lawn. The 140cc engine really kicks in without much fuss, starting up on the first or second pull. That self-propel feature makes mowing larger or uneven yards less tiring for us.
Switching between bagging and mulching modes was smooth, and the 21-inch deck cut through the grass efficiently, saving time. Adjusting the cutting height was straightforward with the lever, letting us customize the look of our lawn easily.
However, the mower isn’t perfect. We noticed the front wheels felt a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the build, which was mostly steel. If you have rough terrain or store it outside, that plastic part might wear out faster than expected. Also, some users have had engine or drive issues after less than a year, so maintenance is key to keeping it going.
Overall, it’s a good value mower for those who want power and ease of use but understand it may need some attention over time.
Greenworks 40V Cordless Mower
This mower is a solid choice for anyone looking for a light, easy-to-use electric mower with good battery life for small to medium yards.
Pros
- Easy to start with a push-button system
- Lightweight and simple to maneuver on slopes
- Quiet operation, good for early or late mowing
Cons
- Shorter run time for larger lawns
- Cutting width is smaller, may require more passes
- Battery can take a couple of hours to fully charge
We found this mower to be very user-friendly right out of the box. The push-button start makes it way simpler than those old gas mowers we’ve used. Moving the mower around uneven patches felt easy since it’s lighter than many electric models.
The battery lasts long enough to mow a small to medium lawn without worries. However, it does need a full charge that can take around two hours, so planning your mowing time is important. The cutting width is on the smaller side, so for bigger yards, it might feel like you’re spending more time pushing it back and forth.
One thing we really liked was how quiet it runs. It’s a big help for not disturbing neighbors if you need to mow early in the morning or later in the evening. Overall, it works well for maintaining smaller lawns and fits well if you already use Greenworks 40V tools.
Buying Guide
When we choose the best Craftsman lawn mower, we focus on a few key features. These features help us find a mower that works well and fits our needs.
First, we look at the mower’s cutting width. A wider cutting deck covers more ground quickly. This saves us time on larger lawns. For smaller yards, a narrower deck is easier to handle.
Next, the mower’s power source matters. We can choose between gas, electric, or battery-powered models. Gas mowers give strong power but need more maintenance. Electric and battery mowers are quieter and cleaner but may have less run time.
The engine or motor size affects performance. A larger engine means the mower can cut thick grass more easily. But bigger engines may use more fuel or battery power.
We also check the mower’s cutting height options. Adjustable height lets us control how short we want the grass. This feature is helpful when the grass changes through the seasons.
Safety features, like a blade brake or auto shutoff, protect us. We want a mower that stops quickly if we let go of the controls.
Storage and weight are important too. A lighter mower is easier to move and store. Some models fold or have removable handles for tight spaces.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Cutting Width | Covers more ground faster |
| Power Source | Gas is powerful; electric is quieter |
| Engine Size | Handles thick or tall grass better |
| Cutting Height | Lets us choose grass length |
| Safety Features | Protects us from accidents |
| Weight & Storage | Easier to move and store |
FAQs
How effective is a Craftsman lawn mower?
We find Craftsman lawn mowers are reliable for most yard sizes. They cut grass evenly and handle thick or tall grass well. Their engines provide enough power for smooth mowing.
Is it safe to use a Craftsman mower?
Yes, Craftsman mowers come with safety features like blade guards and easy-to-use controls. Always follow the instructions and wear protective gear when mowing.
What size yard can a Craftsman mower handle?
Craftsman offers mowers suitable for small to large yards. Smaller models are good for yards under half an acre. Larger, stronger models can cover an acre or more efficiently.
How do we maintain a Craftsman lawn mower?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the mower, changing the oil, and sharpening blades. We recommend checking the air filter and spark plug once a season for best performance.
How does a Craftsman mower compare to other brands?
Craftsman mowers often balance quality and affordability. They might not be the highest-end but offer solid features and durability. Many users find them easier to maintain than some premium brands.
Can a Craftsman mower be used on uneven ground?
Yes, most models handle uneven terrain well. Their wheels and deck designs help keep the blades close to the ground for a uniform cut, even on slopes.
What extra features do Craftsman mowers offer?
Some models include self-propulsion, adjustable cutting heights, and mulching options. These features make mowing easier and allow for better lawn care customization.
Conclusion
We know that choosing the best Craftsman lawn mower means looking for power, safety, and ease of use. These mowers offer reliable performance and help us keep our lawns neat with less effort. Many models are designed to be eco-friendly, reducing emissions and electricity use.
Safety features like blade stops and sturdy handles make them a smart choice for any user. Their design fits different yard sizes, from small gardens to large lawns, giving us options that match our needs.
When we invest in a Craftsman mower, we get a product built for long-term use. The quality parts and strong warranties show they stand behind their tools. This means fewer repairs and reliable service year after year.
We encourage choosing a mower that fits your yard and lifestyle. A good Craftsman lawn mower saves time, protects the environment, and keeps your yard looking its best.
Let’s pick wisely and enjoy a cleaner, well-maintained lawn with a trusted mower at our side.
