Craftsman 46-in. Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower

Navigating the world of lawn care can be daunting, especially when it comes to selecting a reliable riding lawn mower. Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Craftsman 46-in. Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower (CMXGRAM211302), and my experience with this mower was a mixed bag of highs and lows. This review aims to provide an objective look at the mower's performance, build quality, and overall usability.

Engine Power and Performance

One of the standout features of this Craftsman mower is its 23 HP KOHLER twin-cylinder engine. From the moment I turned the ignition, the engine roared to life with a robust sound that promised power. Indeed, it delivered. The mower had no trouble tackling thick, tall grass and uneven terrain, maintaining a consistent performance without faltering. The hydrostatic transmission, controlled by a foot pedal, made navigating the yard a breeze. The transition between speeds was smooth, and the maximum forward speed of 5.5 mph was more than sufficient for efficient mowing.

Cutting Capability

The 46-in. stamped steel deck is another highlight. It covers a broad area, reducing the number of passes needed to mow a lawn. I was particularly impressed with the even cut it provided. The mower offers side discharge, bagging, and mulching options, making it versatile for different lawn care needs. However, I did notice that it struggled a bit with picking up debris and leaves. The bagger design could use some improvement, as it tended to shoot debris out the front rather than collecting it efficiently.

Maneuverability

One of the features that Craftsman touts is the 5-in. Turn Tight radius. This mower indeed excels in maneuverability. Navigating around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles was straightforward and required minimal effort. The soft-touch steering wheel added to the ease of control, making the overall mowing experience less strenuous.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort is crucial when you're spending hours mowing a large yard, and this Craftsman mower does not disappoint in that department. The high-back seating provided excellent support, and the seat's cushioning was adequate for extended use. The soft-touch steering wheel was comfortable to grip, and all the controls were within easy reach. The integrated brush guard offered additional protection for the front end, which is a thoughtful feature.

Build Quality

While the mower's performance was generally satisfactory, the build quality left something to be desired. On my first day of use, I encountered a significant issue: the blade belt broke within the first 15 minutes of mowing. This was incredibly frustrating, especially considering the mower's price point. It required immediate repair, which was not an easy task. The mower also arrived with a flat tire, which added to the initial inconvenience. These issues suggest that quality control might be lacking.

Customer Support

Dealing with customer support was a mixed experience. On one hand, the representatives were friendly and eager to assist. On the other hand, resolving issues took longer than expected, and communication barriers sometimes made it challenging to get the necessary help. This is an area where Craftsman could improve significantly to enhance the overall customer experience.

Additional Features

The mower comes with a few additional features worth mentioning. The 3-gallon fuel tank is adequate for mowing medium to large yards without frequent refueling. The maximum reverse speed of 3 mph is also a nice touch, allowing for quick adjustments without having to make wide turns. The front and rear wheel sizes (15 inches and 20 inches, respectively) provide good traction and stability, even on uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Craftsman 46-in. Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower offers a blend of powerful performance and user-friendly features, but it is marred by some notable quality control issues. The 23 HP KOHLER engine and hydrostatic transmission deliver excellent mowing capabilities, and the 46-in. deck ensures efficient coverage. However, the initial problems with the blade belt and tire, coupled with less-than-ideal customer support, detract from the overall experience.

Would I recommend this mower? It depends. If you're looking for a powerful, comfortable, and maneuverable riding mower and are willing to deal with potential initial hiccups, this mower could be a good fit. However, if you prioritize flawless build quality and immediate reliability, you might want to consider other options. In essence, the Craftsman 46-in. Hydrostatic Gas Riding Lawn Mower has the potential to be a great tool, but it falls short in critical areas that could affect long-term satisfaction.