A new model in the Craftsman DLS 3500 lawn tractor line is the 28713. It's a nice low-to-mid-range model with a solid engine and many great features.

The 28713 is powered by a 20-hp Briggs & Stratton Intek Plus OHV engine. The "Plus" adds a better oil filtration system to the popular Intek line that is found in many lawn tractors. Plan on keeping this tractor a decade or more. The 20-hp, 4-stroke engine gives it a little more power than some of the low-end lawn tractors, yet it isn't that much more expensive.

There are actually two models in the new Craftsman DLS 3500 line. The 28713 has a six-speed manual transmission with a clutch; the other model has an automatic transmission. If you prefer the automatic (hydrostatic) transmission, plan on spending about $200 more; otherwise, these models are exactly the same.

The 28713 offers a 46-inch cut, which means it is sized for lawns up to about two acres (80,000 square feet). Of course, you can cut larger or smaller lawns with this model, but who wants to be on a mower all afternoon?

Many lawn tractors have an 18-inch turning radius; the 28713 trims a little off of that radius by claiming a 16-inch radius for turns -- and believe us, every little bit helps.

The fuel tank holds 1-1/2 gallons of gas, and the fuel level is easy to read from the driver's seat. Controls are handy with the throttle lever on the left side of the dashboard and the six gear positions on the left fender. The clutch foot pedal is on the left as it is in a car. Cutting height can be set between 1-1/2 and 4 inches via a lever on the right fender next to the seat. Speaking of the driver's seat, it's relatively comfortable. You won't fall asleep in it, but it's wider and plusher than some other models in this price range.

Options for the 28713 include a two- or three-bin rear bagger with side chute and a mulching kit. There's also a rear connection for pulling a small utility cart. For wintertime, consider the front snow blade or snow thrower attachment, which is also optional.

How is this model built? No one will confuse it with a professional lawn tractor, but it's solid enough for long-term residential mowing. The frame is made of 11-gauge steel, and the engine cover is plastic rather than metal. There is no front bumper. Rear tires are 18 inches and front tires are 15 inches in size; all have treads that won't easily damage the grass. One nice feature is the four anti-scalp wheels located at the corners of the mowing deck. They're especially useful when mowing grass on uneven ground.

Both of the DLS 3500 lawn tractors (manual and automatic transmission) are nice machines that do a good job of mowing larger lawns. Their price is attractive and Sears is well known for seasonal sales that can cut ten percent or more off the price -- especially at the beginning or end of the mowing season in the local market. And Sears is rated well (though not the highest) in handling repairs. If you're looking for a lawn tractor that isn't on the bottom end of the price line but don't want to buy a more expensive zero-turn rider, take a good look at the Craftsman 28713. It's a good value.


Pros: Well built, strong engine, easy controls
Cons: Not heavy-duty, automatic transmission is $200 more

Warranty
2 years, limited