The Craftsman 28745 garden tractor (Sears item 07128745000) is comparable in many ways to the Craftsman 28750 also reviewed by Consumer Guide. However, the differences may make this model the better garden tractor for many consumers.

The engine on the 28745 is a commercial-grade two-cylinder 26-hp Kohler Pro 725 cc V-Twin with cast-iron cylinder liner, dual air filter and other features that make it similar in quality to the B&S ELS engine of the Craftsman 28750. The six-speed manual transmission on the 28745 is heavy duty (if you prefer an automatic transmission, take a look at the 28750, which costs about $400 more). The manual shift is located on the fender, and there is no cruise control. There is a single reverse gear.

There are three cutting blades under the removable deck. The cut is 54-inches wide, a good width for cutting lawns up to about three acres (120,000 square feet) in a couple of hours. There are six cutting positions in 1/2-inch increments from 1-1/2 to 4 inches. The adjustable seat is relatively comfortable, but not made for longer sessions. Depending on the size of lawn, you may want to take breaks between acres.

We especially like the wider platform under the driver's feet that makes it easier to get on and off the unit. It also keeps the driver from stepping on the wide cutting deck and discharge chute. Fortunately, the deck is heavy-duty 11-gauge formed steel.

Like many other garden tractors, the tires are big on the 28745 -- 23 inches in the rear and 16 inches in front. Tire tread is designed to minimize damage to grass. Turning radius, as with most lawn and garden tractors, is 18 inches.

Garden tractors can handle more accessories than lawn tractors and the 28745 is a good example. Besides the optional three-bin rear bagger and the optional mulching kit, this garden tractor can pull ground-engaging equipment, such as cultivators that dig into the dirt. An optional dozer blade also is available. These accessories require more power and better connections to operate properly, and the Craftsman 28745 can provide that power with ease. Its heavy-duty Kohler Pro V-Twin engine and manual transmission are adequate for the big jobs.

Similar to the Craftsman 28750, the 28745 garden tractor offers a heavy-duty manual transmission and solid construction -- but at a price tag that's $400 less than its sibling -- that many folks with big lawns and large gardens will appreciate.


Pros: Quality engine, manual transmission, relatively low price
Cons: No cruise control