Craftsman garden tractors

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. No one hurt

   Made Jul 10, 2022 · , sent to the company Jul 15, 2022 · , published by CPSC Jul 29, 2022

   The product, in the report: CRAFTSMAN R100 SERIES LAWN TRACTOR MODEL # CMXGRAM1130035,10.5 HP, COLOR RED,30” CUT DECK.

   Craftsman R100 series lawn tractor model # CMXGRAM1130035 . The steering on the lawn mower keeps jumping the teeth in the box and you can’t steer the lawn mower. I was using the lawn mower to cut the lawn on 6/10/2022 and encountered the problem

   Model

   13AC26JD093

   UPC

   04303587605

   Serial number

   1B240B20009

   Bought from

   LOWES WILDWOOD,FL.

   Bought

   Jul 30, 2020

   Where

   Summerfield, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 61, Unknown

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand CRAFTSMAN, made or sold by MTD PRODUCTS INC.

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

2. No one hurt

   Made May 31, 2019 · , sent to the company Jun 24, 2019 · , published by CPSC Jul 9, 2019

   The product, in the report: Craftsman Pro Garden Tractor 26 HP 54: Deck Model 917986451 Black and yellow

   I engaged the blades on my Craftsman Pro 26 HP 54” Desk Garden Tractor (Model 917986451) and a blade shot out form under the mowing deck and across the street. No one was injured. Upon inspection, the Easy Blade assembly failed.

   Model

   917.986451

   Serial number

   051916A001547

   Bought from

   Sears Homestore

   Bought

   Apr 30, 2015, about then

   Where

   Red House, West Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 41, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman Pro, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

3. No one hurt

   Made May 26, 2017 · , sent to the company Jul 28, 2017 · , published by CPSC Aug 11, 2017

   The product, in the report: Craftsman Lawn Tractor Model# 917.986410; Sears Brand and a Husqvarna

   It’s a Sears Craftsman Lawn Tractor Model #917.986410 by Husqvarna. We’re about to put in our THIRD transmission and they won’t deem it unrepairable. The warranty is about to expire which means we’d be responsible to pay for these transmissions. The last incident was a little scary...because the tractor wouldn’t STOP...I hadn’t had to use the left brake for years so I didn’t think to hit that and thought of jumping off but turned the key and it stopped. Then it wouldn’t go into reverse...then wouldn’t go forward...then when it would engage in either forward or reverse it wouldn’t stop...just ran on it’s own. I guess Sears, Husqvarna or whoever else’s parts are in this piece of CRAP don’t care about human life!

   Model

   Model# 917.986410

   Serial number

   090414A005965

   Bought from

   Sears, Ohio

   Bought

   Sep 29, 2014

   Where

   STOW, Ohio: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 65, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

4. No one hurt

   Made Sep 29, 2016 · , sent to the company Oct 7, 2016 · , published by CPSC Oct 24, 2016

   The product, in the report: Craftsman Lawn Tractor

   I purchased a Craftsman Lawn Tractor from Sears in Athens, TX and picked it up 7/29/16. The second time I mowed with it I was putting it up in the barn and I noticed dust rising and I park it on a rubber mat and it cut the mat. The blades were still turning even with the PTO disengaged. The next time I mowed I noticed that sometimes when I would disengage the PTO the blades were still turning and then I lifted the deck and the blades fully engaged even when the PTO lever was in OFF position. I called the service dept. and they sent a repairman out 9/16/16. He told me that when dirt and grass get on the mower deck it can keep the brake from fully engaging. So he cleaned it off and it worked. The next time I mowed the same ting happened. This is a lawnmower that is suppose to cut grass and normally grass and dirt are going to get on the deck. So is a person suppose to do?? I went to Craftsman website and sent them a complaint 9/20/16 and still have not heard anything. If someone is unaware of this problem and gets off the mower or if a child or pet ran up to someone on the mower and they believed the blades where disengaged, it could have terrible results.

   Model

   247.3734

   Serial number

   1D126B10384

   Bought from

   Sears

   Bought

   Jul 19, 2016

   Where

   Ben Wheeler, Texas: Farm/Ranch

   Who was involved

   Age 59, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

5. No one hurt

   Made Jul 13, 2016 · , sent to the company Jul 21, 2016 · , published by CPSC Aug 8, 2016

   The product, in the report: Craftsman Lawn Tractor DGS 6500 Model Number: 917-286450 Serial: 121907B001238

   Abbreviated version - the longer version I just wrote did not save - frustrating!

   I’m the original owners of a craftsman model 917-286450 lawn tractor DSG 6500). I’ve owned the machine for approximately 4-5 years and keep it in excellent working order. A few weeks ago while mowing my lawn in the early cool morning, I noticed a burning smell and soon noticed that the motor had caught fire. Within seconds the machine was burning uncontrollably. I quickly jumped off the machine unharmed and raced for a nearby water hose. I became increasing concerned about the machine exploding and injury me and/or my kids who can running with curiosity. Potentially just as alarming was the possibly of a huge grass fire threatening all the residences along the periphery of our property. Fortunately for all I was able to extinguish the fire from a marginally safe distance; however, I was seconds from calling 911 emergency.... extremely scary situation!!

   Model

   917-286450

   Serial number

   121907B001238

   Bought from

   Sears, California

   Bought

   Oct 1, 2011, about then

   Where

   Sebastool, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 39, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

6. No one hurt

   Made Feb 29, 2016 · , sent to the company Apr 11, 2016 · , published by CPSC Apr 25, 2016

   The product, in the report: Lawn Tractor

   05/15/2014 (Approximate) - The consumer indicates that she began having a hard time steering the lawn tractor, and also noticed the front-wheels were towed out.

   The consumer contacted the retailer and explained the situation. They arranged for a Service Technician to inspect her unit.

   A Service Technician inspected the unit and ordered parts for it.

   06/27/2014 - The Service Technician replaced seven hundred dollars worth of parts for the front-end of the unit. The consumer was informed she would be responsible for purchasing two new tires since it was not covered under the warranty.

   09/15/2015 (Approximate) - The consumer indicates that the steering is giving her the same issues it gave her initially.

   02/29/2016 - The consumer contacted the retailer and explained the situation. She was informed that they were aware of the situation since others had complained about the same thing however since the unit is out of warranty, they doubted the manufacturer would provide any service free of charge.

   Thank you for your help w/this matter. The person the consumer spoke w/on the phone was so helpful.

   The consumer enclosed the following:

   1. Original sales receipt for purchase of Sear’s Lawn Tractor dated 6/8/11. 2. Receipt for repairs made 6/27/14 from Sears. 3. Pictures (indicating past & current conditions.

   The tractor is used approx.. 2.5 hrs. p/week,7 months p/yr.at my home only. It is not used for commercial use. The problem w/the steering becomes so difficult that it is hard to mow around objects, gardens etc. without hitting something. Her arms become sore/tired from struggling w/steering wheel. It is unsafe to mow at the lawns edge near road.

   She feels the problem is w/the design of the tractor’s front end or the parts used for the steering aren’t right. Therefore, when these parts were replaced on 6/27/14, they were as bad as the original ones causing the same problems presently.

   Hopefully you can help w/Sears or the manufacturer to get to the bottom of this problem. It becomes frustrating, they should be held accountable and not say they can’t help because no longer in warranty.

   Thank you very much.

   Model

   917288611

   UPC

   Unknown

   Serial number

   052411A005088

   Bought from

   Sears, Connecticut

   Bought

   Jun 8, 2011

   Where

   Winsted, Connecticut: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

7. No one hurt

   Made May 16, 2015 · , sent to the company May 26, 2015 · , published by CPSC Jun 9, 2015

   The product, in the report: Sears Craftsman GT5000 garden tractor, color red, 26 HP Briggs and Stratton engine.

   The 5-gallon gas tank on the Craftsman GT5000 (model #917.276071, serial number 05314B002776) garden tractor has deteriorated and developed cracks in the top. As a result, gasoline vapors continually escape from the tank and create an explosive environment in any enclosed space where the tractor is parked. There is a health risk as well from inhaling gasoline fumes when working in the garage where the tractor is stored. Sears no longer sells a replacement part for this tractor’s gas tank so we’re stuck with a potentially dangerous product.

   Model

   GT5000 model number 917.276071

   Serial number

   053104B002776

   Bought from

   Private party (2nd owner)

   Where

   McNeal, Arizona: Farm/Ranch

   Who was involved

   Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

8. No one hurt

   Made Oct 15, 2014 · , sent to the company Oct 23, 2014 · , published by CPSC Nov 6, 2014

   The product, in the report: Craftsman Garden Tractors

   I own two Craftsman garden tractors that both contain the same fuel tank #151346. I have noticed that both of them have been smelling like fuel for a while and now are clearly leaking gas. I removed the tanks and both of them have numerous cracks at the seams that extend out into the tank.These tanks are fully enclosed and padded. I did not know if they had been recalled or not, but I wanted to see what could be done. Not only were the mowers very expensive, but both breaking the same and causing a fire hazard can’t be by chance. Thanks for your time and help.

   Model

   917.275042 and 917.273201

   Serial number

   012402A001508 and 042799A002774

   Bought from

   Sears

   Where

   Belton, Missouri: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 29, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

9. Not said

   Made Oct 8, 2014 · , sent to the company Oct 16, 2014 · , published by CPSC Oct 30, 2014

   The product, in the report: Riding Lawn Mower

   Craftsman lawn tractor DLT 3000. Model # 917.275821. Serial # 081505D004092. Fuel tank leaking at seam

   Model

   Craftsman DLT 3000 Model # 917.275821

   Serial number

   081505D004092

   Bought from

   Sears

   Bought

   Oct 1, 2005, about then

   Where

   Cross Plains, Texas: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Unspecified

10. Not said

    Made Sep 12, 2013 · , sent to the company Sep 20, 2013 · , published by CPSC Oct 22, 2013

    The product, in the report: Mower engine compartment on fire. Cutting an half acre and for approximately 20-30 minutes. Craftsman 54’’ 26hp V-Twin Kohler Turn Tight™ Hydrostatic Garden Tractor CA Only manufacturered by Husqvarna.

    Cutting Grass and suddenly fire in engine compartment of the garden tractor from Sears (Craftsman which is manufactured Husqvarna. I was sitting on the tractor and saw fire coming out of engine not the in the mower area.

    Model

    28867

    Bought from

    Sears, California

    Bought

    Dec 1, 2012

    Where

    Wilton, California: Home/Apartment/Condominium

    Who was involved

    Unspecified

    The reporter’s relation to them

    Unspecified

    As this report names them

    Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

    How badly, in CPSC’s words

    Unspecified

11. Not said

    Made Apr 30, 2013 · , sent to the company May 15, 2013 · , published by CPSC May 30, 2013

    The product, in the report: Lawn Tractor

    The consumer says that the tractor was stored in the shed. She says that fuel tank burst and spilled gasoline all over the shed. The consumer says that gasoline was stored in the tank and had not been used since October 2011.

    She says that stabilizer had been used as recommended when gasoline is stored in the container. The consumer says her next step is to contact the manufacturer.

    Model

    287242

    Serial number

    080408D004037

    Bought from

    Sears

    Bought

    Apr 15, 2008

    Where

    Barnegat, New Jersey: Home/Apartment/Condominium

    Who was involved

    Unspecified

    The reporter’s relation to them

    Unspecified

    As this report names them

    Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

    How badly, in CPSC’s words

    Unspecified

12. No one hurt

    Made Aug 29, 2012 · , sent to the company Sep 20, 2012 · , published by CPSC Oct 4, 2012

    The product, in the report: Craftsman Garden Tractor

    Text of Consumer’s Letter to Sears Holdings Corp’s CEO and President:

    Dear Mr. [REDACTED]:

    Is this the “new” Sears corporate culture? What happened to promises. corporatee integrity, and commitment? How about honoring clearly written contracts such as a warranty? Nine weeks and Sears refuses to step up to the plate - shameful!

    I have been a Sears Roebuck customer for more than 50 years. This is significant. I have supported your company, even in an ever changing competitive marketplace. As a former business owner the most important consideration was always customer satisfaction - my number one priority. Some situations were not always pleasant or easy.

    Since last October I have personally written you 6 letters, Incredibly, you received none of them.

    Original Case Number: [REDACTED] Current Case Number: [REDACTED] Case Number: [REDACTED]: Succinctly, I purchased a Craftsman Garden Tractor on July 13, 2011. It was sold with a full 2-year warranty. I emphasize - a full 2 year warranty with no pre-conditions or warranty exclusioos. (See Attached Document #1) A Sears’s technician determined this tractor was defective on 10/4/11-- Service Number: [REDACTED]. “frame damaged where transmission attaches”. (See Attached Document #2) Sears personnel at first refused to replace the tractor - they never read the warranty!

    Case Number: [REDACTED] The replacement tractor arrived on 10/11/11 - the end of the 2011 mowing season. Serious problems developed with this tractor in early 2012. This replacement tractor was a “similar” model, but not the same as my original model. Sears personnel told me that my model was removed from the market and not available.

    On 6/18/12 I reported several warranty issues to Sears and arranged for a 6/26/12 service appointment. Of critical importance were major and dangerous problems with the steering and front end. The Sears technician inspected the tractor on 6/26/12, replaced the fuel pump, and ordered many parts (See Attached Document #3). The steering repair was scheduled for 7/19/12, 3 weeks later. The parts never arrived.

    On 8/6/12 after many conversations and promises, I was told all parts needed for repair had been delivered. On 8/7/12 the Sears service technician, a man with 36 years of experience, discovered the parts order was not complete. He then examined the tractor and determined this tractor was not repairable. The Sears technician documented that the steering frame was “warped” - a factory defect! “The front axle is leaning forward” and “STAC is going to replace tractor” (See Attached Document #4). We called the Sears “Blue Ribbon” case manager [REDACTED]. She indicated that Sears would need one day to make a “collective” decision on my case.

    On 8/8/12 [REDACTED] informed by phone that Sears Roebuck would not honor the warranty and that she would e-mail this determination that day - never arrived. “Management” - [REDACTED], [REDACTED], [REDACTED] and others made this decision - it was non-negotiable and a “collective” determination. This same “collective” instructed that they will pick up my tractor and refund my purchase price. This is in violation of the written warranty contract. I explained this “decision” was not acceptable. I asked to speak with the Department Manager. [REDACTED] - in meetings, never returned call. Sears’s managers are always too busy to return customer calls; this applies to [REDACTED] and [REDACTED].

    A Sears technician on 8/7/12 ordered a replacement tractor (Document #4). The warranty is clear and does not permit manipulation (See Attached Document #5). The 5 year warranty states “repair or replacement if repair is not possible” It is “astonishing” that the Sears Roebuck letter dated 8/13/12 and delivered 8/15/12 (See Attached Document #6) states that the Craftsman tractors (both deemed defectlve by a Sears Technicians) “do not meet your requirements”. This implies that Sears’s management finds it is acceptable to sell defective manufactures products to the consumer and not honor the written warranty.

    Mr. [REDACTED], I have personally devoted 100’s of hours of my time on this continuing manifesto. Sears has had dozens of people handling this “case”. The Sears Roebuck organization has (so far) spent thousands of dollars on staff time and resource, not to mention the cost of 2 defective tractors. I am one person dealing with each and every call, delivery, message, stc. I have maintained documentation and kept extensive notes. And let’s not forget, I have not had a dependable and functioning tractor to cut my lawn almost since the beginning.

    It is critical that Sears not delete or destroy any service records, service call center records, delivery and pick up records, voice recordings, robot call contacts, voice mail, internet communication, faxes, internal messaging, meeting notes or directives, or database of any form with regard to Case Number: [REDACTED] and Case Number: [REDACTED] and all other associated Case numbers assigned to this purchase.

    Mr. [REDACTED] I am not to blame for defects to Sears Craftsman Garden Tractors, just very unlucky. Issues like the current steering issue are very dangerous - destroyed the seat after pulling me into the barbed wire. The transmission falling out of the first tractor happened on a hill - lucky, I was not hurt.

    I want a replacement tractor with a new 3-5 year full warranty and $3,000 of compensation.

    Please communicate your intentions.

    Very Truly Yours, [REDACTED] [REDACTED]

    Model

    Original: 917289453 / Replacement: 917288611

    Serial number

    (Illegible)

    Bought from

    Sears Holdings Management Corporation, Illinois

    Bought

    Jul 13, 2011

    Where

    Sparta, Tennessee: Unspecified

    Who was involved

    Unspecified

    The reporter’s relation to them

    Unspecified

    As this report names them

    Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

    How badly, in CPSC’s words

    Incident, No Injury

13. No incident, no one hurt

    Made May 31, 2012 · , sent to the company Jul 24, 2012 · , published by CPSC Aug 7, 2012

    The product, in the report: Craftsman 42” / 24 H.P. Lawn Tractor

    I purchased a Craftsman Lawn Tractor online from sears.com on 4-6-12. The unit was delivered to my home on 4-13-12. During a pre-start up inspection of the unit, I found that the 2 mandrel pulley guards were missing. I contacted sears.com regarding the missing guards and was informed that the unit is being sold without the guards. I also checked the illustrated parts breakdown for the machine and it does not show the guards as a factory installed part. I am of the opinion that operating the Lawn Tractor without the guards in place is safety hazard and could possibly cause personal injury to the operator. Guards around mandrel pulleys are normally installed on all Lawn and Garden Tractors regardless of the manufacture. This prevents the possibility of loose clothing, feet and hands from being caught between the drive belt and the mandrel pulley. I fail to understand why sears.com would market this model of machine without guards, but include the guards on the other machines listed in their 2011 Customer Buying Guide for Riding Equipment. It appears to me that if it is mandated by sears.com to include the required guards for all the other Riding Equipment they market, the unit I purchased should have the required guards installed on it. Note - ANSI B71.1-2003 SAFETY STANDARDS FOR RIDING MOWERS states in part: Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working. In the interest of personal safety, I am requesting that sears.com management issue a voluntary recall to install the required guards on all Lawn Tractors (Model No. 917.288562) marketed and sold in the U.S.A.

    Model

    917.288562

    UPC

    UNKNOWN ?

    Serial number

    032912D005502

    Bought from

    sears.com

    Bought

    Apr 6, 2012

    Where

    LAKELAND, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium

    Who was involved

    Male

    The reporter’s relation to them

    Unspecified

    As this report names them

    Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

    How badly, in CPSC’s words

    No Incident, No Injury

14. No one hurt

    Made Apr 29, 2012 · , sent to the company May 8, 2012 · , published by CPSC May 22, 2012

    The product, in the report: 20.0 HP 42” Mower electric start 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor

    My husband and I own a Craftsman 20HP 42” lawn tractor model #917.287070 which we purchased at the Ellsworth,Maine Sears store on 5/29/12. It has a Briggs and Stratton motor model #31P977-0575-E1. My husband went out today to start it up and upon starting it blew the side of the motor out of it. I am talking pieces of metal exploded and landed on the ground. This could have been serious if someone especially a child was around the area.

    Model

    917.287070

    Serial number

    011307D001663

    Bought from

    Sears, Maine

    Bought

    May 29, 2007

    Where

    Orland, Maine: Home/Apartment/Condominium

    Who was involved

    Age 49, Male

    The reporter’s relation to them

    My Spouse

    As this report names them

    Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

    How badly, in CPSC’s words

    Incident, No Injury

15. No one hurt

    Made Aug 9, 2011 · , sent to the company Sep 30, 2011 · , published by CPSC Oct 17, 2011

    The product, in the report: Craftsman Lawn Tractor 19.5 Horsepower electric start

    Consumer stated that her husband was cutting the lawn with their lawn tractor when the steering wheel came off the steering column. The consumer stated that her product is an electric start 19.5 horse power, gas powered mower. The consumer’s husband was riding the mower only for a few minutes and about 8 feet to mow a knoll in his yard. He was attempting to go up a short incline and the wheel came off the mower.

    The consumer’s husband pressed the brake and had to maneuver the product in his garage manually. The consumer’s husband stated that he was not harmed or injured, nor did he experience any type of electric shock. The consumer’s husband stated that the product appears to show no signs of damage or charring. The consumer called the retailer yesterday August 8, 2011 and was informed that they could a technician to her home at her expense. The consumer called the manufacturer today August 9, 2011 and was referred back to the retailer.

    Model

    917.28907

    Bought from

    Sears, New York

    Bought

    Mar 27, 2009

    Where

    Oneda, New York: Home/Apartment/Condominium

    Who was involved

    Age 76, Male

    The reporter’s relation to them

    My Spouse

    As this report names them

    Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

    How badly, in CPSC’s words

    Incident, No Injury

16. Hurt, care not known

    Made Jun 1, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jul 7, 2011

    The product, in the report: Lawn Tractor

    Consumer stated that while using the Tractor in his yard if leaves are being picked up in the muffler it ignites flames. Consumer had to pull leaves off the the unit to prevent it from starting a fire. He advised that he has had 3 fires, caused by this incident.

    2/2011 Consumer stated that he contacted the manufacturer and was advised that it was noted in the manual that if leaves are being picked up in through the muffler it could start a fire.

    Consumer is concern that this product is designed poorly which poses a fire hazard.

    Model

    247.28905

    UPC

    n/a

    Serial number

    unknown

    Bought from

    Sears, Massachusetts

    Bought

    Jul 30, 2010

    Where

    tivoton, Rhode Island: Home/Apartment/Condominium

    Who was involved

    Male

    The reporter’s relation to them

    Unspecified

    As this report names them

    Brand Craftsman, made or sold by Sears Holdings Management Corporation

    How badly, in CPSC’s words

    Injury, Level of care not known

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources