Craftsman GT5000 4.40 star(s) (17)

Craftsman GT 5000
Model Year: 2010

Best tractor I have ever used! I have the Excellerator model with the Kohler 26 HP engine. I have used the tow behind rototiller, box scrapper and a JohnnyBucketJr and blade. The tractor is a workhorse. Has a 54" mower blade. I had the Lift Link Assembly and nut re-threaded so I could raise the deck to its highest level of approx 4 inches. Somehow bent something in the steering to offset the left front wheel about 45 degrees. After three times of repair people trying to fix the problem they could not and furnished me a brand new tractor without hesitation or hassle. Many people complain that the hood is loose and I must agree. HOWEVER, with a $2.97 pack of Velcro the hood is nice and secure and does not rattle. The only complaint I have is the ignition location, somehow every time I use the tractor I end up bending the key with my right leg. Other than this minor irritant this is absolutely money well spent.

Pros: Everything about this tractor is great.
Cons: Relocate ignition to higher point to avoid bending of key.

my 94 sears craftsman gold
Model Year: 1994

I have had pretty good luck with it, but I can also fix it myself, which makes maintenance a breeze.

Pros: Hasn't falied me yet.
Cons: I wish it was bigger (lol).

Great Investment
Model Year: 2002

I bought this tractor specifically because of the hydro and it was the largest deck available that permitted the mulch and bagging systems. The first unit I bought had the old style skids in front of the deck and the salesman assured me it would not scalp my terrain and Craftsman was not going to change the design. This old design scalped my lawn everywhere and I was very disappointed and the deck design and it did not support a front center roller option. Then several months (maybe a year) later I see the new design (with 4 wheels and a center roller) and the store manager exchanged the tractor for a new one. He asked me to tell all my friends, and I did. I am still telling them. I have used the tractor to create walking paths through the woods and mulching the heavy accumulation of leaves in the fall. The mulching system operates well with grass; however, I tend to cut too late or too early in the morning; or too tall for what it is designed for. When the grass is dry, it has no problems. The mulching kit has been a tremendous time saver with the leaves, sometimes I might have to hit the same area twice if I am going too fast. The mulching with the addition of plug aeration has dramatically improved my VA clay soil. The tractor has been a very easy keep! The first thing I did when I got it home was to install grease fittings in the blade spindle hubs (I recommend this very strongly since the spindle/bearing assembly had very little lubrication). I service the tractor regularly myself and it was last year that I had to replace the battery, fuel pump, and the deck secondary belt. This past winter I repaired the gas tank and fender steel. I cracked at seat mount, I assume, due to rough terrain and I repaired the cracked plastic tank with a soldering iron. It appeared distressed at the tank mounting bracket/flange possibly due to improper factory seam clearances at the corners adjacent to the flange. Circa 2003/2004 the left front deck support broke and was welded, most likely due to my terrain. I highly recommend this tractor and I would suggest paying the extra money for the Craftsman OE replacement battery.

Pros: Price, Quality, Low maintenance and cost to operate.
Cons: Backs up slower than I prefer.

2009 Craftsman GT5000
Model Year: 2009

Second Craftsman (previous LT2000) I have owned both seem good value for the money the 5000 seems to be stronger built (as expected). I definitely love the 3 blade deck. I would like to see a more fuel efficient motor (about a gallon a hour @3/4 throtle) decent seat and suspension. The drink holder is a waste of time if your ground is much less than a golf course. If I could afford it a good used Kubota @6-7000 would be my choice although pricing parts for one makes the sears a heck of a buy. Weewilly

Pros: Made by Husqvarna dealer network/sears network.
Cons: 54" deck won't allow transport in a 1/2 ton ot smaller landscape trailers.

Great Little Tractor!
Model Year: 2006

I bought this to use as a tow and blade tractor, but it makes an excellent bush hog as well. I didn't care about the 54" deck because I was going to take it off permanently, but I figured I'd use it to knock down the fox and deer cover and then tried it in the vines and briars. It not only cut them down but 1" saplings fell as well. I might keep that mower deck just in case...

Pros: Great power, compact size.
Cons: Too short overall, wish wheelbase was a little more tractor and a little less mower.

GT5000 Great Little Worker
Model Year: 2004

This little rig will drag 30' cherry trees with all the limbs on them, 300 yds. to where I leave them. Only draw back is traction and I'm working on that!

Pros: Great power and maneuverability.
Cons: A little short on heft and traction.

This is Not a Desert Rat
Model Year: 2006

I bought what I could finance. Not what I should have used, but I work with what I have and improvise. Brush hogging green tumble-weeds and desert grasses with a mid-mount. Oh how I think back and laugh. Burnt up one blade bearing unit and two belts with a deck fire. Had to make my own pulley shields out of expanded metal so I can keep a better eye on that clippings build up and wash of as necessary. And foam filled all the tires. Damn bull torns and fox tails just eat them thin ply tires. One positive won't have to buy wheel weights when I move back to snow country. Approximately fronts 65 lbs ea. back 110 lbs.

Pros: A person can fix it with a multi-tool, speed wrench, hammer, and duct tape. Try that with todays autos (lol).
Cons: I don't use it enough to earn its keep.

Craftsman GT: 5000 Good in Theory
Model Year: 2010

I bought this tractor as it seemed that for $2500 it would cut the lawn well and maybe plow some snow. I also needed it to pull an aerator as well. I have had issues with the starter not engaging the flywheel to start the engine. I smelled smoke at 30 hours and found that the drive pulley popped off. I bought the Berco electric lift 48" plow from Sears and it did not work right out of the box. Major hassle to have them come out just to tell me the Relay is bad. I bypassed it with another winch control and now its fixed. I attempted to level my gravel driveway with the plow in 1st gear only to have the drive belt slip! The mower deck, in the highest position, only gives 3" MAX between the ground and the bottom edge of the blade! I WOULD NOT BUY IT AGAIN!

Pros: Really? I don't have to walk to mow the lawn.
Cons: Read the above posts.

Review of Craftman 26 HP Garden Tractor
Model Year: 2006

Considered paying more to buy a heavier duty tractor before buying this model, but I have generally had good experiences with Sears/Craftman equipment and tools. I use this 26 HP, 54 inch mowing deck to mow my 2 acres of grass almost every week from May through October. It has performed pretty well in the five years I have had it, and have no regrets buying this tractor from my small acreage needs.

Pros: Reliable, starts up, and no problems to date, knock on wood.
Cons: None to speak of.

GT5000
Model Year: 2010

Good value.

Pros: Wide deck.
Cons: Deck cannot be raised high enough.