As a basic but functional lawn tractor, the Craftsman YS 4500 is a good option for those who want a less expensive mower and are willing to putting in a bit of time to learn the intricacies of the machine.

One way that Craftsman is able to keep the price of the YS 4500 relatively low is by keeping its controls simple and its interface setups at a minimum. Those who have driven lawn tractors in the past should have no problem at all figuring this machine out, but those who are new to the game may have some difficulty determining how to operate the machine the first time out. The instruction manual is easy to understand, but the fact that it may have to be consulted at all means that this isn't a particularly user-friendly machine. If you're used to standard tractor controls, however, this basic setup will end up saving you some money.

The 21-hp Briggs & Stratton engine is a modest power source that performs well amidst light- to medium-duty yard work. We find it to be louder than higher-end models and when it is under strain, it really shakes the machine. The engine compartment case, which isn't secured to the mower, really gets bounced around on bumps and uneven terrain. The frame and chassis of the YS 4500 are sturdy but stiff, and you'll feel every little contour in the land you're riding over. Luckily, the flotation of the 42-inch deck is fairly stable, so it gives an even cut on normal to mild terrain at all heights (adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches). On rugged and rough terrain, however, the whole machine will get jostled; we don't recommend using this tractor for heavier-duty mowing chores.

Discharge on this mower is clean and consistent. The 42-inch twin-blade deck is the perfect size for normal, routinely maintained residential yards. The transmission hitches and bucks a bit when coming in and out of precision turns, so if you have an obstacle-laden yard, you may want to test-drive the YS 4500 before subjected your bushes to an accidental swish of the blades. The 16-inch turning radius is fine, and the mower moves along at a good clip on mild hills and flat terrain. The 2.5-gallon fuel tank holds enough gas to easily last a full mowing session for yards up to 1.5 acres in size.

Craftsman has a wide array of attachments that allow you to use your YS 4500 year-round. Be warned, however, that the attachments can be tricky to attach; it is evident that this tractor is designed for mowing first, yard and snow work second. This machine is relatively light, and the engine will have to work to move snow, but as long as its relegated to light duty, the YS 4500 should be adequate for such work.

Overall, the Craftsman YS 4500 lawn tractor is a good value, and while it's not a professional grade machine, it does perfectly well in a suburban, residential setting.


Pros: Great value, decent performance, good array of attachments, tight turn radius, even cut on normal lawns
Cons: Controls can be difficult to understand, stiff ride, bumpy on uneven terrain, loud

Warranty
2 years, limited