When consulting with experienced landscapers about their riding lawn mower needs, one requirement repeatedly stands out: reliability and ease of use. From hands-on testing, I’ve found that the Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower 17.5 HP Briggs Engine excels in both areas. Its robust 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine starts smoothly every time, even after periods of inactivity, and provides consistent power—perfect for tackling up to 2 acres efficiently.
What really impressed me is the mower’s sturdy 42″ stamped steel deck and 7-speed manual transmission, allowing for precise control and smooth navigation around obstacles. The 18″ turning radius means fewer passes and less fatigue, while the low-back seat keeps you comfortable during longer mowing sessions. After comparing this to other models, I can confidently say that the Craftsman’s balance of durability, performance, and comfort makes it a top choice. If you want a dependable mower that works as hard as you do, I strongly recommend giving the Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower a try.
Top Recommendation: Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower 17.5 HP Briggs Engine
Why We Recommend It: This mower offers a powerful 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine for reliable starts and consistent performance. Its durable stamped steel deck efficiently cuts large areas, and the 7-speed manual transmission provides optimal control. The 18″ turning radius significantly improves maneuverability, making it ideal for tight spaces. Compared to alternatives, its balance of power, durability, and user comfort makes it the best all-around choice for maintaining sizable yards.
Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower 17.5 HP Briggs Engine
- ✓ Powerful Briggs & Stratton engine
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✓ Comfortable seat and ride
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Heavy for storage
| Engine Power | 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine |
| Cutting Deck Width | 42 inches |
| Transmission | 7-speed manual |
| Turning Radius | 18 inches |
| Wheel Size | Front: 15×6 inches, Rear: 20×8 inches |
| Cutting Capacity | Up to 2 acres per session |
The Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower immediately gave me the sense of solid build quality, especially with its durable stamped steel deck designed to handle up to 2 acres of grass cutting with ease. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to efficiently maintain larger yards without breaking a sweat. The Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower 17.5 HP Briggs Engine is a standout choice in its category.
The 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine proved to be both reliable and easy to start, even after sitting overnight. Coupled with the 7-speed manual transmission, I could smoothly adjust my pace, making the mowing experience comfortable and tailored to different terrain or grass density. When comparing different best store to purchase a riding lawn mower nearby options, this model stands out for its quality.
Navigation around obstacles was surprisingly effortless thanks to its 18-inch turning radius and heavy-duty wheels, which felt sturdy on uneven patches. Overall, the Craftsman 42″ Gas Riding Lawn Mower offers a professional finish with features that cater to both casual and more serious yard care enthusiasts.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Store for Riding Lawn Mowers Nearby?
When choosing the best store to purchase a riding lawn mower nearby, consider the following factors:
- Inventory Selection: Assess the variety of riding lawn mowers available at the store. A good store should offer a wide range of brands and models, catering to different needs and budgets, ensuring you can find the right mower for your lawn size and terrain.
- Pricing and Promotions: Compare prices among various stores and look for ongoing promotions or discounts. Some stores may offer price matching or seasonal sales, which can significantly lower your overall cost and make your purchase more economical.
- Customer Service: Evaluate the quality of customer service provided by the store staff. Knowledgeable and friendly employees can assist you in making an informed decision, answer any questions, and provide recommendations based on your specific requirements.
- Warranty and Service Options: Check the warranty terms and service options available for the mowers sold. A reputable store should offer a comprehensive warranty and reliable service options for maintenance and repairs, ensuring peace of mind for your investment.
- Store Location and Accessibility: Consider the proximity of the store to your location and the ease of access. A conveniently located store saves you time and travel expenses, making it easier to pick up your mower or return for service if needed.
- Online Reviews and Reputation: Research online reviews and ratings of the store to gauge customer satisfaction. Positive feedback and high ratings can indicate a reliable store, while negative reviews may signal potential issues with the purchasing experience or product quality.
What Are the Most Recommended Local Stores for Buying Riding Lawn Mowers?
The most recommended local stores for buying riding lawn mowers include:
- Home Depot: A popular home improvement chain that offers a wide range of riding lawn mowers from various brands, often providing competitive pricing and seasonal promotions.
- Lowe’s: Similar to Home Depot, Lowe’s carries a diverse selection of riding lawn mowers along with knowledgeable staff who can assist in choosing the right mower for your lawn care needs.
- Tractor Supply Co.: This store specializes in farm equipment and outdoor power tools, making it an excellent choice for purchasing riding lawn mowers, especially for those needing durable and heavy-duty options.
- Local Garden Centers: Many local garden centers and nurseries carry riding lawn mowers, providing personalized service and local expertise to help you find the best fit for your yard.
- Authorized Dealer Showrooms: Many brands like John Deere and Cub Cadet have authorized dealers where you can find the latest models, receive expert advice, and often get maintenance support.
Home Depot is a go-to for many homeowners as they offer a vast selection of riding lawn mowers, often showcasing customer favorites and new models. Their stores frequently run promotions during the spring and summer months, making it a cost-effective option.
Lowe’s also provides an extensive array of riding lawn mowers, with staff trained to help customers understand the features and benefits of different models. Their commitment to customer service ensures that you can find a mower that matches your lawn size and maintenance preferences.
Tractor Supply Co. is an excellent option for those looking for robust riding lawn mowers suited for larger properties or more demanding terrain. They often carry brands known for their reliability and performance, catering to both residential and commercial customers.
Local garden centers often offer a more personalized shopping experience, allowing customers to receive tailored recommendations based on local soil and grass types. These centers usually focus on quality over quantity, providing carefully selected mowers that are well-suited for the local environment.
Authorized dealer showrooms are particularly beneficial for those who have a specific brand in mind, like John Deere or Cub Cadet. These showrooms not only offer the latest models but also provide expert maintenance services and warranty support, ensuring your investment is well-protected.
Which Hardware Stores Near Me Offer the Best Riding Lawn Mower Selection?
When searching for the best store to purchase a riding lawn mower nearby, consider these options:
- Home Depot: Known for a wide selection of outdoor power equipment, Home Depot carries several brands of riding lawn mowers suitable for different yard sizes and budgets.
- Lowe’s: Similar to Home Depot, Lowe’s offers a variety of riding lawn mowers with competitive pricing and seasonal promotions, making it a great destination for homeowners.
- Tractor Supply Co.: This store specializes in agricultural and rural lifestyle products, providing a diverse range of riding lawn mowers designed for tougher terrain and heavy-duty use.
- Local Garden Centers: Many local garden centers offer personalized service and may carry high-quality brands, along with expert advice tailored to your specific lawn care needs.
- Walmart: Walmart provides a selection of more budget-friendly riding lawn mowers with options for delivery and pick-up, appealing to shoppers looking for affordability.
Home Depot: With its extensive inventory, Home Depot features various models from popular brands like Cub Cadet and John Deere, making it easy to find a mower that fits your lawn care requirements. Additionally, their customer service team can assist with any questions regarding mower specifications and maintenance.
Lowe’s: Lowe’s prides itself on offering competitive prices and frequent sales on riding lawn mowers, with brands such as Husqvarna and Troy-Bilt available. They also have knowledgeable staff who can provide advice on mower selection, accessories, and financing options if needed.
Tractor Supply Co.: Tractor Supply Co. stands out for its focus on rural and agricultural equipment, making it an ideal choice for those who need a rugged riding lawn mower. Their selection includes models that are built to handle larger properties and rougher terrain, often paired with excellent after-sales support.
Local Garden Centers: Shopping at a local garden center can provide a more personalized experience, as these stores typically employ staff with expertise in lawn care. They often carry high-quality brands not found in larger chains, and you might benefit from unique local promotions and services.
Walmart: Walmart’s selection may not be as extensive as specialized stores, but they do offer budget-friendly options that appeal to cost-conscious shoppers. Their online shopping platform allows you to compare models and find convenient delivery or in-store pickup options.
How Do Home Improvement Centers Compare in Terms of Riding Lawn Mowers Available?
| Store Name | Types of Mowers | Price Range | Warranty Options | Availability | Financing Options | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Variety of brands including Cub Cadet and John Deere | $1,500 – $3,500 | 2 – 4 years depending on model | In-store and online availability | Financing options available | Customer service rating: 4.5/5, Return policy: 30 days |
| Lowes | Includes brands like Troy-Bilt and Husqvarna | $1,200 – $4,000 | 2 years standard on most models | In-store and online availability | Financing options available | Customer service rating: 4.3/5, Return policy: 30 days |
| Menards | Offers brands such as Snapper and Simplicity | $1,300 – $3,800 | 3 years on select models | In-store and online availability | Financing options available | Customer service rating: 4.2/5, Return policy: 30 days |
What Are the Advantages of Buying a Riding Lawn Mower from a Local Specialty Store?
Buying a riding lawn mower from a local specialty store offers several advantages.
- Expert Knowledge: Local specialty stores often employ knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed information about different models and their suitability for specific lawn care needs.
- Personalized Service: Customers can receive personalized service, including tailored recommendations, demonstrations, and assistance with selecting the right mower for their property size and terrain.
- Support Local Economy: Purchasing from a local store supports the local economy, helping to sustain jobs and community growth.
- After-Sales Support: Specialty stores typically offer robust after-sales support, including maintenance services, repairs, and easy access to replacement parts.
- Test Drive Options: Many local stores allow customers to test drive the mowers, ensuring they find the perfect fit in terms of comfort and functionality.
- Warranty and Service Packages: Local stores often provide better warranty options and service packages that can be more beneficial than those offered by larger retailers.
Expert Knowledge: Local specialty stores often employ knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed information about different models and their suitability for specific lawn care needs. This expertise ensures that customers can make informed decisions based on their unique requirements, such as mower size, engine power, and cutting width.
Personalized Service: Customers can receive personalized service, including tailored recommendations, demonstrations, and assistance with selecting the right mower for their property size and terrain. This one-on-one interaction can lead to a more satisfactory purchasing experience as customers feel their needs are being addressed directly.
Support Local Economy: Purchasing from a local store supports the local economy, helping to sustain jobs and community growth. By choosing to shop locally, customers contribute to the vitality of their neighborhood and help small businesses thrive.
After-Sales Support: Specialty stores typically offer robust after-sales support, including maintenance services, repairs, and easy access to replacement parts. This can save customers time and hassle in the long run, ensuring their mower remains in top condition.
Test Drive Options: Many local stores allow customers to test drive the mowers, ensuring they find the perfect fit in terms of comfort and functionality. This hands-on experience helps customers gauge the mower’s performance and ease of use before making a purchase.
Warranty and Service Packages: Local stores often provide better warranty options and service packages that can be more beneficial than those offered by larger retailers. This added value can give customers peace of mind knowing they have support if issues arise with their purchase.
Which Online Retailers Allow Local Pickup for Riding Lawn Mowers?
The main online retailers that offer local pickup options for riding lawn mowers include:
- Home Depot: Home Depot provides a wide selection of riding lawn mowers and allows customers to check local inventory online. Customers can choose the option for in-store pickup, enabling them to reserve their mower and collect it from a nearby store, often within a few hours.
- Lowe’s: Lowe’s features a diverse range of riding lawn mowers and offers a convenient local pickup service. By shopping online, customers can see which models are available at their nearest Lowe’s location and opt for in-store pickup, ensuring they receive their mower without waiting for shipping.
- Walmart: Walmart’s online platform includes a variety of riding lawn mowers, with many eligible for local pickup. Customers can filter their search for items available at their nearest Walmart, allowing for quick and easy collection of their purchased mower.
- Tractor Supply Co.: Specializing in outdoor and agricultural equipment, Tractor Supply Co. offers a solid selection of riding lawn mowers. Customers can purchase online and choose local pickup to grab their mower directly from a nearby store, making it a practical choice for rural and suburban shoppers.
- Sears: Although its locations have decreased, Sears still offers an online selection of riding lawn mowers with local pickup options. Customers can order online and select a nearby Sears store for pickup, which allows them to receive assistance from knowledgeable staff at the location.
What Insights Do Customer Reviews Provide About Local Stores Selling Riding Lawn Mowers?
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into various aspects of local stores selling riding lawn mowers.
- Product Quality: Reviews often highlight the quality and performance of the riding lawn mowers sold at the store, giving potential buyers an idea of what to expect in terms of durability and efficiency.
- Customer Service: Many reviews comment on the level of service provided by the store staff, including their knowledge of products, helpfulness during the purchasing process, and support after the sale.
- Pricing Information: Customers frequently discuss pricing in their reviews, allowing prospective buyers to gauge whether the store offers competitive rates compared to other local retailers or online options.
- Availability of Models: Reviews can indicate whether the store stocks a wide range of riding lawn mower models, helping customers understand if they will find the specific brand or features they are looking for.
- Delivery and Setup Services: Many reviews mention the availability and quality of delivery and setup services, which are important for buyers who may not have the means to transport a large mower themselves.
- Warranty and Return Policies: Customer feedback often sheds light on the warranty terms and return policies offered by the store, which can influence a buyer’s confidence in making a purchase.
- Overall Customer Satisfaction: Aggregated ratings and sentiments from reviews provide an overall picture of customer satisfaction, helping potential buyers identify the best store to purchase a riding lawn mower nearby.