"I bought this 2005 model in 2006 and this thing is extremely durable. Mine came with an 18.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton. I have used this thing every spring and summer since I bought it and miscellaneous things like hauling a little trailer for yard work and trash. I have accidentally hit a tree stump stopping the whole tractor (including the engine) immediately. I thought I completely screwed up the engine because when I mean it stopped it really stopped; no wind-down, nothing. I backed it off the stump, cranked her right up and it was like nothing happened. This thing has been put to work, and yes I do maintain my tractor but the only things I ever replaced on this were the battery, blades, oil and filter, fuel filter, drive belts, mandrel belts, air filters and a mandrel that got messed up somehow. Literally everything else is still the same: tires, light bulbs (that still work), transmission, springs, mower deck etc.. All in all this thing has been a cheap maintenance tractor for what this thing is. The cons I listed are probably the only 2 things that are 'non-functional' items I can think of which is the reason I have 4 stars on features. The seat doesn't leave quite enough room for bigger guys to fit behind the steering wheel comfortably. Other than that. I'm buying another Craftsman (if they don't sell the brand name and disappear). "

"Bought this used about 5 years ago. Have not had a problem with it. It runs well. I perform regular maintenance on the tractor and the Briggs & Stratton 25HP twin cylinder. I usually use it without the grass catchers, but sometimes when I do, I have a little trouble attaching the plastic discharge tube to the discharge opening on the deck. The plastic may be warped from storage in a hot metal storage building."

"I bought this lawn tractor used and have owned it for 5 years. I have never had a problem with it. I replaced the battery when I got it, and since then, have done routine maintenance, including adjusting the overhead valves...which seem to hold within specs very well."

"This is a tractor built for Sears by Husqvarna. It has hydrostatic transmission, which is a plus for hilly terrain. So far, the modifications that I have made are to add a heavy duty hitch/drag bar, bar tires with weights, and Gator blades. The tires and weights are to help negotiate the many hills that I cut. It has started flawlessly and performed well. The only drawback that I can think of is the light-weight factory hitch which bent when I backed up an weighted aerator into place for storage(thus, the new HD hitch)."

"Hi there. I have a 2005 stock lawn tractor it's a Craftsman 12.5hp 5 speed. My headlights power on only when the engine is running. So now I want to put fog lights and design a switch to turn on the lights without the engine running. Can you please tell me what kind of switch and gauge wire to use to install the lights. Any help will be appreciated."