Craftsman 54-in. Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Craftsman's 54-in. Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower, model CMXGNAM211704, has certainly piqued my interest as a robust solution for efficiently managing medium to large lawns. With a powerful 24 HP Kohler 7000 series twin-cylinder engine and a 54-inch steel cutting deck, it promises both strength and durability.

Build Quality and Durability

The first thing that struck me about this mower was its solid build. The steel cutting deck feels incredibly sturdy, and I appreciate the ruggedness of the overall construction. The mower's weight, clocking in at 865 pounds, underscores its heavy-duty nature. This isn't a lightweight machine, and it's clear that Craftsman has designed it to withstand significant wear and tear. The 20x10 Turf Master tires also add to the mower's durability, providing excellent traction even on uneven or slightly wet terrain.

Performance and Power

When I fired up the 24 HP Kohler engine, I was immediately impressed by its power. The engine roared to life effortlessly, and the mower felt ready to tackle any challenge. The dual hydrostatic transmissions contribute to a smooth and responsive operation, making it easy to navigate around obstacles and tight corners. The zero-turn capability is a game-changer for anyone used to traditional riding mowers, allowing for precise and efficient cutting.

Comfort and Ease of Use

Comfort is a significant factor when using a riding mower for extended periods, and the Craftsman zero-turn mower doesn't disappoint. The adjustable lap bar positions allow for a customized seating arrangement, which is a nice touch. I found the seat to be well-designed, offering good support even without armrests. The deeper "bucket" bottom cushion kept me securely in place, even when mowing on inclines. The rubber foot pads effectively reduce vibration, making the ride smoother and less fatiguing.

Cutting Performance

Cutting performance is where this mower truly shines. The 54-inch steel deck covers a lot of ground quickly, and the cutting height range from 1 inch to 4.5 inches allows for versatile lawn maintenance. I was particularly impressed with how evenly it cuts, even at higher speeds. The mower's maximum forward speed of 7 miles per hour and reverse speed of 3.5 miles per hour means you can get the job done quickly without compromising on quality.

Design and Features

One of the standout features is the ease of starting and operating the mower. There's no need to deal with a separate lever to take it out of park; just fold the arms down and push. This simplicity is a welcome change from other mowers I've used. The mower also maintains blade operation in reverse, which is a practical feature for maneuvering in tight spaces.

Another thoughtful design element is the placement of the deck adjustment lever beside the seat, rather than between the legs. This makes it much easier to adjust the cutting height on the fly. The removable deck lid is another practical feature, providing easy access to the belt pulleys for maintenance.

Areas for Improvement

While there are many things to love about this mower, it does have some drawbacks. One of the most noticeable is the lack of an hour meter. For a mower in this price range, it's surprising that this feature isn't included as standard. Keeping track of operating hours is crucial for maintenance, and the non-standard wire connection for an aftermarket hour meter complicates things further.

Another issue is the reliability of some components. I encountered problems with the spindle assembly and the clutch, which are critical parts of the mower. These issues required repairs that were not covered under warranty, leading to additional out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, the customer service experience was less than satisfactory, with long wait times and unresponsive departments.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman 54-in. Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower is a powerful and efficient machine that offers excellent cutting performance and user comfort. Its robust build and thoughtful design features make it a strong contender for anyone with a medium to large lawn. However, the lack of an hour meter and some reliability issues with critical components are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend this mower? If you're looking for a powerful, efficient, and comfortable zero-turn mower and are willing to deal with potential maintenance issues and a lack of an hour meter, then yes, this mower is a solid choice. Its performance and build quality are impressive, and it significantly reduces mowing time compared to traditional riding mowers. However, if you prioritize reliability and ease of maintenance, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for potential additional costs down the line.