Craftsman 42-in. Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower

The Craftsman 42-in. Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower, model CMXGNAM211701, has been my go-to machine for tackling my lawn care needs. After spending several months with this mower, I've developed a comprehensive understanding of its performance, strengths, and areas where it could use improvement.

Build Quality and Design

First impressions matter, and the Craftsman mower certainly looks robust with its steel deck and frame. However, upon closer inspection and use, the build quality leaves much to be desired. The frame flexes noticeably over uneven terrain, causing the hood and plastic components to shift and rattle. This flexing instills a lack of confidence in the mower’s long-term durability, as I frequently find myself concerned about the lifespan of these plastic parts.

The mower's weight, at 600 pounds, feels both a blessing and a curse. While it offers stability, it also makes maneuvering in tighter spaces somewhat cumbersome. The high-back, cut-and-sew leather seat is a comfort boost, though it could use better cushioning to prevent fatigue during prolonged use.

Engine Performance

The 20 HP Kohler 7000 series twin-cylinder engine is the heart of this mower, and it generally delivers reliable performance. It starts quickly and runs smoothly, maintaining power even when tackling thicker grass. However, the lack of an oil filter means more frequent oil changes, which is an inconvenience that could have been easily avoided with better design choices.

One of the more frustrating aspects is the mower’s tendency to vibrate excessively, especially when the blades are engaged. Despite the strategically placed rubber foot pads meant to reduce vibration, the ride is rough, and the mower shakes more than it should. This not only affects comfort but also raises concerns about the long-term health of the machine's components.

Cutting Performance

When it comes to what really matters—cutting grass—the Craftsman mower performs adequately but not exceptionally. The 42-inch deck provides a decent cutting width, making it suitable for up to 2 acres as advertised. However, the deck only has five height settings, with a maximum cutting height of 4 inches. This limited range can be a drawback if you prefer more versatility in your lawn’s appearance.

Uneven cuts are a recurring issue, particularly on sloped terrain. This is partly due to the single hanger in the front of the deck, which causes it to tilt and create an inconsistent cut. The mower also struggles with wet or slightly overgrown grass, often bogging down and requiring multiple passes to achieve a clean cut.

Maneuverability

The zero-turn feature is a highlight, offering an impressive turning radius that significantly reduces the need for trimming. The three adjustable lap bar positions allow for a customized fit, making it easier to control the mower around obstacles. However, the clutch mechanism is another story. It engages hard, causing a jerky start that can be jarring and uncomfortable. This abrupt engagement means you need to be very gentle with the pedal to avoid a rough takeoff.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance has been a mixed bag with this mower. On one hand, the open design makes it relatively easy to access components for routine checks and minor repairs. On the other hand, I've had to deal with an array of issues that should not be present in a relatively new machine. From belts slipping off and shredding to electrical problems like starter and ignition switch failures, the frequency of these issues has been disappointing.

The mower's tires, 20x8 Turf Master, do a good job of providing traction without damaging the lawn. However, I’ve had to replace the batteries more often than expected, and the overall experience with customer service has been less than satisfactory. Craftsman’s warranty process is cumbersome, often requiring multiple contacts and visits to service centers, which adds to the frustration.

Comfort and Ease of Use

While the high-back seat offers a degree of comfort, the overall user experience is hampered by the mower’s rough ride and jerky controls. The controls are straightforward and easy to understand, but the physical effort required to operate the mower detracts from the convenience. The gas tank capacity of 3.5 gallons is adequate, but the tank itself feels like an afterthought, poorly integrated into the chassis.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman 42-in. Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower offers a mix of features that, on paper, make it seem like a solid choice for medium-sized lawns. However, the reality of using this mower is less impressive. The build quality issues, frequent maintenance needs, and rough ride make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly.

If you're looking for a mower that can handle up to 2 acres with decent cutting performance and don’t mind the frequent maintenance and rough ride, this Craftsman model could be a budget-friendly option. However, if durability, ease of use, and a smooth ride are your primary concerns, you might be better off investing in a higher-quality mower from a more reliable brand.

Overall, I would not recommend this mower due to its inconsistent performance and frequent maintenance issues. There are better-built, more reliable options available that may cost a bit more but will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.