A trusted name in outdoor power equipment, known for producing durable and user-friendly lawn mowers for decades. When you think of a reliable tool for your yard, a craftsman lawn mower probably comes to mind. They’ve built a reputation on machines that just work, season after season, without a ton of fuss. But how do the newer models hold up? We got our hands on one to see if it still delivers that classic, dependable performance your dad’s old mower did.
In this review, we’re going to walk through what makes this mower tick. We’ll look at everything from starting it up on the first pull (most of the time!) to how it handles those thick patches of grass. You’ll get the real-world details to decide if it’s the right helper for your lawn care chores this summer.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Craftsman Lawn Mower
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Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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MZK 20V 13″ Electric Lawn Mower, Brushless Cordless Lawn…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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PowerSmart 21″ B&S Engine 140cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower –…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21-Inch 144cc OHV Engine 3-in-1…
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8.7 |
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YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT…
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8.6 |
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21″ Gas Push Lawn Mower, Rugged Steel Deck, 3-in-1…
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8.4 |
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BILT HARD 40V 17″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, 2-in-1…
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8.2 |
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BILT HARD 21 Inch Lawn Mower Gas Powered, 4-Cycle…
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8.0 |
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24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Craftsman Lawn Mower
Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatibility, 45Min Runtime)
The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower is designed to simplify your lawn care by replacing the noise, fumes, and maintence of a gas mower with a cleaner, quieter alternative. It’s a complete system that includes the mower, a 4.0Ah battery, a fast charger, and a grass collection bag, ready to go right out of the box.
For yards up to about a half acre, this mower delivers gas-like performance without the gas.
Its 40V battery provides up to 35 minutes of continous runtime, which is enough to handle a typical lawn on a single charge. When the battery does run down, the fast charger gets it ready to go again in about two hours. You’ll notice the difference in weight immediately—this model is about 35% lighter than many traditional mowers.
Combined with its 16-inch cutting deck and ergonomic handles, that light weight makes pushing and maneuvering around your yard suprisingly easy, and it stores away without taking up much space.
Adjusting your cut is straightforward with the single-lever Smart Cut system. You can choose from five different height positions, from 1.25 inches up to 3.375 inches, to suit your grass type or seasonal preferences.
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is a classic, manual grass cutter designed for simplicity and efficiency. If you have a small to medium-sized lawn and are looking for a quiet, eco-conscious way to maintain it, this model offers a compelling back-to-basics approach. It’s a four-blade reel mower with a 14-inch cutting width, which means it neatly trims a manageable swath of grass with each pass.
Weighing only 19 pounds, its incredibly lightweight design makes pushing and maneuvering around garden beds, trees, and tight corners a surprisingly easy task. The durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels contribute to this smooth movement, helping you glide over your yard without the strain of heavier equipment.
One of the key features you’ll appreciate is the adjustable cutting height.
You can set the blades anywhere from a half-inch up to 1.75 inches to suit your grass type and seasonal preferences. It’s important to note that this mower works best when you maintain a regular mowing schedule. It’s capable of cutting grass up to four inches tall, but its most effective when you cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This practice promotes healthier roots and a lusher lawn.
MZK 20V 13" Electric Lawn Mower, Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower with 4-Position Height Adjustment, Walk-Behind Push Mowers with 8 Gallon Grass Bag, 2 x 4.0Ah Batteries & Charger Included, LM13B8, Red
The MZK LM13B8 20V 13″ Cordless Lawn Mower is designed to make maintaining a neat lawn straightforward and less of a chore. At its core is a powerful brushless motor that provides reliable, consistent cutting power. This type of motor is not only efficient but also requires less maintenance over time compared to traditional models.
Paired with the two included 4.0Ah batteries, you get a solid amount of runtime to tackle your yard without constant stops to recharge, which is a real convienience for medium-sized lawns.
One of the mowers standout features is its 13-inch cutting deck. This wide path means you cover more ground with each pass, significantly reducing the time you spend mowing.
The attached 8-gallon (30-liter) grass bag is generously sized, so you can collect a lot of clippings before needing to pause and empty it. This combination helps you finish the job faster, leaving you with more time to enjoy your weekend.
You have good control over your lawns appearance with four adjustable cutting heights. You can easily set the blade to cut anywhere from 1.2 inches up to 1.5 inches.
PowerSmart 21" B&S Engine 140cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – Durable Steel Deck, 6-Height Adjustments, 3-in-1 Mulching Versatility
The PowerSmart 21″ B&S Engine 140cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is designed to make your lawn care routine more effective and a lot less of a chore. It combines reliable power with practical features to handle a variety of mowing conditions.
At its heart is a powerful 140cc Briggs & Stratton EX550 engine. This trusted engine provides plenty of power to tackle thick grass and uneven terrain.
Starting it is refreshingly simple thanks to the auto-choke system and easy-pull recoil—just pull the cord and your ready to go, with no primer bulb to fuss with. The self-propelled drive system does the hard work of pushing the mower for you, so you can guide it with minimal effort, even on slopes or larger yards.
One of the mowers standout features is its 3-in-1 versatility. You can easily choose the best method for your lawn each time you mow.
For a clean, manicured look, use the efficient bagging function, which collects clippings neatly into the large-capacity grass bag. If you want to nourish your lawn naturally, switch to mulching. This mode finely shreds clippings and returns them to the soil as a natural fertilizer, which can reduce your need for added nutrients.
PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21-Inch 144cc OHV Engine 3-in-1 Push Mower with Bagging
The PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21-Inch 144cc OHV Engine 3-in-1 Push Mower with Bagging is built to handle your lawn with reliable power and practical flexibility. At its core is a 144cc 4-cycle overhead valve engine. This OHV design is known for running cooler and more efficiently, and it’s paired with an auto-choke system to simplify starting. You get consistent, strong power to tackle thick grass and uneven terrain without the fuss of extension cords or battery limits.
Its functionality centers on the durable 3-in-1 steel deck. This all-steel construction resists rust and dents, promising longevity season after season. You can choose how to manage your clippings based on your lawn’s needs. Use the rear bagging for a clean, manicured finish, opt for side discharge for longer or damp grass, or engage the mulching feature to naturally nourish your soil by recycling fine clippings.
The 21-inch heavy-duty cutting blade paired with this deck covers a wide path, helping you finish the job quicker. You have full control over your lawn’s look with the dual-lever height adjustment system. A simple lift of two levers—no need to adjust each wheel individually—lets you select from six different positions. You can set your cutting height anywhere from a short 1.5 inches up to a taller 3.9 inches to suit different grass types or seasonal growing conditions.
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860)
The YARDMAX YG2860 22-inch 201cc Select PACE 6-Speed CVT High Wheel Mower is designed to make mowing your lawn a more controlled and less strenuous task. It centers around a few key innovations that directly adress common frustrations people have with walk-behind mowers.
At its heart is the exclusive Select PACE CVT system. This isn’t your typical self-propelled gear system.
The Continuously Variable Transmission, combined with a 6-speed shift lever, gives you an incredible range of pace options. You simply select a speed setting, and the mower automatically adjusts its drive to maintain that exact pace, even when going up a slight incline or through thicker grass. It truly matches your natural walking speed, so your not constantly fighting the mower or having to adjust a separate drive control.
This level of control reduces fatigue and gives you a much more consistent cut.
That power is put to the ground through exclusive rubber tires with an aggressive, spiked tread pattern. These aren’t the smooth, hard plastic wheels found on many mowers. The deep tread bites into the turf, providing significantly better traction. This means less wheel slippage on slopes or damp grass, which translates to more effecient mowing and better maneuverability when you need to turn.
21" Gas Push Lawn Mower, Rugged Steel Deck, 3-in-1 Versatile Mower, 144cc OHV Engine, 6-Level Height Adjustment, Large Grass Collector, Easy Maneuverability for Home & Garden
The 21″ Gas Push Lawn Mower is built to handle your yard work with a focus on durability and straightforward operation. Its core is a rugged 21-inch steel cutting deck, which provides a solid foundation that resists dents and damage season after season. This wide cutting path lets you cover more ground with each pass, making your mowing sessions more efficient. Paired with this is a reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine.
This engine is designed for smooth, powerful performance and includes a forced air-cooling system to help prevent overheating during longer jobs, ensuring consistent power when you need it.
You have plenty of control over how your lawn looks with the six-level single-lever height adjustment. You can easily set the cutting height anywhere from one and a half to nearly four inches to suit different grass types or seasonal conditions.
Whether your lawn is lush and thick or you prefer to leave it a bit longer, this mower adapts. The large 7-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels work with this system, providing easy maneuverability and helping the mower roll smoothly over bumps and uneven spots without scalping the turf.
This mower offers three ways to manage your grass clippings, giving you flexibility. You can use the large-capacity grass collector to bag clippings for a clean, tidy finish.
BILT HARD 40V 17" Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 Electric Lawn Mower, Push Lawnmower with 6-Position Height Adjustment, 2 x 4.0Ah Batteries & Dual Charger Included
The BILT HARD 40V 17″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower is designed to simplify your lawn care routine. It’s a 2-in-1 electric mower that gives you the choice between mulching grass clippings back into the soil for nutrients or collecting them in the included 13-gallon rear bag for a clean finish. This flexibility means you can adapt to your lawns condition each time you mow. Power comes from two 20V 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, which are both included along with a convenient dual charger.
This setup provides enough power for up to 30 minutes of runtime, making it well-suited for lawns up to about 1/8 of an acre. You won’t need to fuss with gas, oil, or pull cords; just press the button and it starts instantly. The heart of the mower is it’s advanced brushless motor. This technology delivers higher blade speed to cut through tougher grass more efficiently, and it also contributes to longer battery life and greater motor durability over time.
Weighing just over 34 pounds, this mower is notably lightweight and easy to push and maneuver around yard obstacles. Adjusting the cut is straightforward with the single-point, 6-position height adjustment lever. You can set the cutting height anywhere from 1.0 inch to 3.0 inches to match your grass type and seasonal preferences. The 17-inch cutting path is a practical width, balancing efficiency with the ability to navigate tighter spaces. When the job is done, the design considers storage.
BILT HARD 21 Inch Lawn Mower Gas Powered, 4-Cycle 201cc Engine, 3-in-1 Push Lawnmower with Bagging, Mulching & Side Discharge, Adjustable 8-Positions Cutting Height, Easy Start
The BILT HARD 21 Inch Gas Powered Lawn Mower is built to handle your yard work with straightforward power and versatility. At its core is a 201cc 4-stroke engine, designed to provide reliable torque for cutting through thick grass without bogging down. This kind of power means you can tackle your mowing in fewer passes, which is a real time saver on those bigger lawns.
You get three ways to manage your clippings with the 3-in-1 steel deck.
You can bag for a clean finish, mulch to nourish your lawn, or use the side discharge for faster mowing in overgrown areas. The 21-inch cutting path is a standard size that balances maneuverability with coverage, helping you get the job done efficiently. Starting it up is simplified too, with a no-choke, no-primer system that aims for a quick pull-start everytime.
Adjusting the cut is simple with the single lever control.
It synchronizes all four wheels across eight positions, from a low 1.2 inches up to 3.75 inches. This lets you easily match the cutting height to your grass type and the current season, whether you want a short trim or need to leave it longer during dry spells. It’s a feature that gives you direct control over your lawns health and appearance.
Comfort during operation was clearly considered.
24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel RWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower
The Select PACE 24-inch 201cc High Wheel Mower is a robust and thoughtfully designed machine for maintaining a larger lawn. It’s built to handle the work efficiently while keeping your comfort in mind, thanks to a suite of features that prioritize ease of use and durability. At its heart is a powerful 201cc engine, and the convenience of an Electric Start means you can begin your mow with the simple turn of a key, eliminating the pull-cord struggle and getting you to work faster.
One of the mowers standout features is it’s exclusive CVT, or continuously variable transmission. This industry-leading system, paired with a simple 6-speed shift lever, gives you superior control over your pace. You can precisely match the mower’s speed to your natural walking stride, whether you’re taking it slow around delicate areas or moving briskly across open spaces. This self-propelled RWD (rear-wheel drive) system provides excellent traction and maneuverability.
The high, double ball bearing wheels roll smoothly and are built for extended durability, reducing effort on uneven terrain. The cutting performance is enhanced by the heavy-duty, 16-gauge stamped steel deck. This one-piece seamless construction is incredibly durable and significantly reduces vibration for a smoother, quieter operation. Inside, the MAXFlow Deck Technology uses a volute spiral design to optimize airflow.
Craftsman Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Selecting a Craftsman mower involves evaluating their durable lineup for your specific lawn care needs. The right choice saves you time and effort, turning a weekly chore into a simpler task. Let’s break down teh key factors to consider so you can find your perfect match.
Lawn Size and Terrain
Is your yard a small, flat plot or a sprawling, hilly acre? For small, flat lawns, a simple push mower is often perfect. But if you have a half-acre or more, a self-propelled model is a back-saver. For really large or uneven properties, a riding mower becomes a necessity, not a luxury. Consider the slopes and obstacles you face weekly.
Power Source: Gas vs. Electric
This is a major decision. Gas mowers offer traditional power and unlimited runtime, ideal for big jobs. They do require more maintenance, like oil changes. Electric models, both corded and battery-powered, are quieter, lighter, and start with the push of a button. Battery life is key here—make sure it can handle your lawn’s square footage on a single charge.
Cutting Deck and Height Adjustments
The deck’s width determines how many passes you’ll make. Wider decks cover more ground faster. Also, look for easy, single-lever height adjustment. This lets you quickly adapt to season grass growth or different areas of your yard without fumbling with four separate wheels. It’s a feature you’ll use more than you think.
Bagging, Mulching, or Side Discharge
How do you want to handle the clippings? Side discharge is simple but leaves rows of grass. Bagging gives a clean finish but requires frequent emptying. Mulching kits finely chop clippings and return them to the lawn as natural fertilizer, which can improve soil health over time. Many mowers offer all three options with easy-to-attach kits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Craftsman Lawn Mower
What types of Craftsman mowers are available?
You’ll find a few main types. There are push mowers, which are great for smaller, flat yards. Self-propelled mowers make pushing much easier, especially on hills. For larger lawns, a riding mower or lawn tractor saves a ton of time. Craftsman offers both gas and electric battery models too.
Are Craftsman mowers reliable?
Yes, thay have a strong reputation for durability. Many models feature sturdy steel decks and reliable Briggs & Stratton or other well-known engines. Proper maintenance is key, but these mowers are built to last for many seasons.
How do I choose teh right cutting width?
The width determines how much grass you cut in one pass. For yards under half an acre, a 21-inch deck is common. If your lawn is bigger, look for a 22-inch or wider deck. A wider deck means you finish mowing faster, but the mower can be harder to maneuver in tight spots.
What’s the benefit of a mulching mower?
A mulching mower cuts grass clippings very finely and returns them to the lawn. This acts as a natural fertilizer, adding nutrients back into the soil. It means you don’t have to bag clippings, which saves you time and effort.
Should I get a gas or electric battery model?
This depends on your preference. Gas mowers offer more power and unlimited runtime, but require more upkeep like oil changes. Battery mowers are quieter, start instantly, and need less maintenance. They’re perfect for smaller to medium yards where you can mow on a single charge.
Where can I get parts or service?
Craftsman has a wide service network. You can find genuine parts and get service at many major retail stores and authorized service centers. Their website has a handy tool to locate the nearest one to you. Keeping up with simple maintenance yourself, like changing the air filter and oil, is also pretty straight forward.
What is the typical warranty?
Warranties vary by model. Most Craftsman mowers come with a limited warranty that covers the frame and engine for a set number of years. Always check the specific warranty details for the model your considering before you buy, as it’s an important factor.
Bottom Line
Known for durable and reliable power equipment, these Craftsman mowers continue a legacy of building trust with homeowners season after season. You get a machine that’s built to handle your yard’s challenges without fuss. It’s about getting teh job done efficiently so you can enjoy your weekend. The value is clear in every consistent cut and easy start.
When it’s time to choose, think about what your property needs most. For a straightforward, powerful tool that won’t let you down, a craftsman lawn mower is a solid choice. It’s a practical partner for maintaining your outdoor space, year after reliable year. You can feel confident in its performance.