Frame and steering is way too fragile for this size tractor. Husqvarna and Sears took too many shortcuts to save money. For $3,000 you should be getting a much better built machine. In 4 years I have replaced front wheel bushings 5 times, tie rods twice, drag links once, steering bushings twice and now, to top it off, I have a cracked frame. Good news is that the frame has a 5 year warranty. Bad news is that Sears will only provide the part but will charge me for the labor to install ($261), even thought the user manual warranty clearly states "A defective frame will receive a FREE in-home replacement if repair is not possible". Unfortunately for Sears, they have lost a 40+ year customer.

This tractor is awesome, the engine has plenty of power and runs and sounds great. Tractor is big, it is heavy duty, and has a serviceable and heavy duty transmission, a big plus. The 54" deck is probably to big for my yard because a smaller deck works better in the slopes and uneven surfaces, but on the flat surfaces this Craftsman 54" makes a wide, smooth and even cut and makes mowing my properties much quicker. Speaking of quicker, Mowing in reverse is a huge plus. Mowing in reverse, coupled with Turn Tight definitely cuts down on mowing time and makes it easier to follow mowing patterns, which is something I didn't bother with until I got this tractor...it was simply to much of a hassle with my 42" riding mower of another brand that didn't mow in reverse and didn't turn tight.

Get wheel weights and a sleeve hitch, then you can use ground engaging attachments and blow snow etc. This thing is a great tool. I got the bagger too, which is also super nice!

Make sure to grease/lube the front end components, and anything else, prior to use because any brand of tractor from any box store typically isn't greased up when you buy it.

One guy said "The engine is to powerful" (which I would have thought is something no man ever would have said in the history of engines) because it causes the front wheels to jam all the way to one side when turning. The "Turn Tight" technology is awesome, works great and cuts down on mowing time, especially since this tractor mows in reverse, but "Turn Tight" is not without its flaws. If you have lumps and bumps in areas of your yard where you are turning, or if you are turning as you approach any bump, you need to hold the steering wheel tight to try to prevent the tires from jamming all the way to one side and plowing forward. Ive done it when I wasn't paying and was worried I might have bent or broken something in the front end. I didn't, it still works great. It doesn't have anything to do with the engine being "To powerful," it is just that the front axles are a little less sturdy because of the design required to make it turn so sharply. I like it, it is super nice to be able to turn such a tight radius, but you do have to be careful if you are turning where you are approaching bumpy surfaces.

I love the tractor. Works great. Wheel weights are a must for a smoother ride. Buy, and bye!

Cam shaft went at 108 hours . Junk engines

Easy to start. Just like my car. Very comfortable ride. I would recommend my this to my friends. Perfect for taking care of my corner lot.

Would work well on hilly area. Easy maintenance. Started nicely. Comfortable and hydrostat transmission is nice as well.