Craftsman is a well-known brand name associated with tools and lawn equipment, including riding lawn mowers. With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles and outdoor power equipment, many homeowners wonder if Craftsman manufactures an electric riding lawn mower. The short answer is yes, Craftsman does make electric riding mowers. However, the options are still somewhat limited compared to their gas-powered models.
Page Contents
Overview of Craftsman Riding Mowers
Craftsman riding mowers are manufactured by MTD Products, which licenses the Craftsman brand name from Stanley Black & Decker. Most Craftsman riding mowers use Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, or Kohler gas-powered engines. They offer several lines of riding mowers ranging from compact tractors to wide-cut zero turn mowers. Their lineup includes:
- Craftsman T100 – Entry-level traditional riding mower
- Craftsman T110 – Feature-rich traditional riding mower
- Craftsman T150 – Mid-range traditional riding mower
- Craftsman T240 – Heavy duty riding lawn tractor
- Craftsman Z500/Z560 – Zero turn riding mowers
In recent years, Craftsman has begun offering some electric riding mower options alongside their traditional gas-powered models.
Craftsman Electric Riding Mowers
Currently, Craftsman has two different electric riding lawn mower models:
Craftsman R110 Electric Riding Mower
The Craftsman R110 is an economical battery-powered riding mower. Key features include:
- 42-inch steel mowing deck
- Tight 18-inch turning radius
- LED headlights
- 7-speed shift-on-the-go transmission
- Electric start
- Rear-wheel drive
- 2 hour run time on single charge
This mower uses a lead-acid battery pack and plugs into a standard 110V outlet to recharge. It runs quietly and produces zero emissions. The 42-inch cutting deck allows you to mow efficiently. With its small turning radius, the R110 can maneuver well and trim close to trees and fences. It’s best suited for mowing smaller, flat lawns up to 1 acre.
Craftsman T150 Electric Riding Mower
The Craftsman T150 electric riding mower offers a bit more power and cutting width than the R110 model. Key T150 features include:
- Large 54-inch fabricated steel mowing deck
- Electric start Briggs & Stratton motor
- Automatic controlled traction
- 18-inch turning radius
- LED headlights
- 8-speed shift-on-the-go transmission
- Rear engine rider design
- Up to 45 minute run time on single charge
This electric mower can handle larger yards of up to 2 acres. It uses a 60V lithium-ion battery pack that recharges fully in about 2.5 hours. The large mowing deck allows you to cut a wider 54-inch swath on each pass. The Briggs & Stratton motor provides good power and an automatic control system applies traction as needed to handle small hills. So the T150 offers upgraded power and cutting performance compared to the R110 model.
Advantages of Electric Riding Mowers
Electric riding lawn mowers have some key benefits over gas-powered mowers:
Lower Noise
Electric motors operate much more quietly than gas engines, reducing noise pollution. This makes mowing less disruptive for your neighbors.
Zero Emissions
Electric mowers produce no emissions, which is better for the environment and cuts down on mowing fumes you breathe. Gas mowers emit air pollution and greenhouse gases.
Less Vibration
The smooth performance of electric motors results in significantly less vibration during mowing. This enhances comfort for the operator.
Lower Maintenance
Electric mowers do not require regular oil changes, air filters, blade sharpening, and other routine maintenance like gas mowers. This saves time and money.
Ease of Starting
You simply turn a key to start an electric mower. No pull cords or choking required.
Lower Fuel Costs
No need to purchase gasoline over time, just recharge the battery pack as needed. This saves money long-term.
Disadvantages of Electric Riding Mowers
However, there are some downsides to consider with electric riding mowers:
Higher Upfront Cost
Electric riding mowers carry a significant price premium over comparable gas models. Expect to pay $1000-$2000 more for an electric rider.
Limited Run Time
Most electric riding mowers only run for 30-90 minutes on a single charge. You may need to stop mowing to recharge if managing a larger yard.
Longer Recharge Times
It takes 1-4 hours to fully recharge an electric riding mower battery. Gas mowers can be refueled and resume mowing in just a few minutes.
Potential Power Limitations
Some electric mowers may lack the power to handle tall thick grass, hills, or wet conditions as effectively as gas models. Performance varies.
Higher Replacement Battery Cost
Once an electric mower’s rechargeable battery reaches the end of its useful life, replacement packs can cost over $1000 in some cases.
Comparison to Competition
How do Craftsman’s electric riding mowers stack up to competitors like John Deere, Ryobi, Troy-Bilt and Husqvarna?
John Deere E100 Series
- 42-54 inch mowing decks
- 2 hour run times
- Slightly higher quality than Craftsman
- Comparable performance and features
Ryobi 38-inch Electric Riding Mower
- Only 38 inch cutting width
- Less power than Craftsman
- Lower price point around $2600
Troy-Bilt Mustang 42
- Smaller 42 inch deck
- Lead acid batteries
- More limited availability
Husqvarna EPOS Series
- Commercial grade electric riders
- 60-72 inch cutting widths
- Higher performance but much more expensive
Overall, Craftsman’s electric riding mowers are competitively priced and featured versus comparable options from other brands like John Deere. Craftsman offers a good balance of quality, power, comfort and value in their electric rider lineup.
Conclusion
In summary, Craftsman does manufacture electric riding lawn mowers, offering homeowners a greener, quieter option compared to traditional gas mowers. The Craftsman R110 and T150 models represent an economical and mid-range electric riding mower option respectively. While electric riders have higher upfront costs and some limitations, they provide a smooth, emissions-free mowing experience. For many homeowners, the Craftsman electric riding mower lineup offers an appealing combination of performance, features and value in an electric option. Consider test driving an R110 or T150 at your local Craftsman dealer to see if one could meet your needs and yard size.