Comparison of John Deere Vs. Craftsman Mowers

John Deere supplies machinery for people who work the land -- from farming equipment to lawn maintenance equipment. The company’s products are backed by a 175-year product history. Sears acquired the Craftsman trademark in 1927 and added lawn mowers to its range of tools in 1934. Craftsman produces the Craftsman, Craftsman Professional, Craftsman Industrial and Evolv product lines.

Deere Product Range

John Deere produces push mowers, lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers for residential use and ZTrak mowers, front mowers, wide-area mowers, walk-behind and stand-on mowers for commercial use. The company’s riding mowers include the 100, X300, X500 and X700 series lawn tractors, with V-twin engines and the ability to accept attachments, and the Z200, Z400 and Z600 series zero-turn mowers, equipped with Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki engines and 42- to 62-inch cutting decks.

Deere Walk-Behind Mowers

John Deere’s walk-behind mowers for residential use are part of its J series of mowers. The J series includes three models. These machines come with 22-inch steel decks, Briggs & Stratton engines, single-lever cutting height adjustments, providing height options from 1.2 to 4.2 inches, and MowMentum drive systems, which allow you to set the speed of the mower by the degree to which you pivot the handle. Side-discharge and mulch-ready, 2.5-bushel capacity bags come standard with all models. The JS46 offers an electric start option.

Deere Extras

John Deere makes attachments for its riding mowers and lawn tractors, including attachments to haul material, work garden soil, remove snow and perform yard maintenance chores. The company sells replacement parts, maintenance kits and accessories made to improve the comfort and enjoyment of mower users.

Craftsman Push Mowers

Craftsman offers a very wide range of front- and rear-propelled push mowers in combinations that include mulching, bagging, side- and rear-discharge options. Many of the 21- and 22-inch deck mowers have 675, 700 or 775 Platinum-series Briggs and Stratton engines. These mowers come with dual-point deck adjustment and ready-, smooth- and key-start options, depending on the model. Craftsman also produces a 12-amp electric rear-bag mower, high-wheel models and special California-only models. For heavy-duty work, the 10.5-horsepower, high-wheel, zero-turn walk-behind mower offers a 33-inch deck and a Briggs & Stratton Powerbuilt OHV engine, while the Craftsman Professional model has a 12.5-horsepower engine, rear-wheel drive, a 33-inch deck, a twin blade and eight cutting positions.

Craftsman Riding Mowers

Craftsman produces 21-horsepower, 42-inch and 26-horsepower, 52-inch zero-turn riding mowers with Briggs & Stratton Platinum engines. The company also offers lawn tractors. The 42-inch, 24-horsepower model 28925 has a gear drive and a 16-inch turning radius, while model 28866 has a hydrostatic transmission and a 6-inch turning radius. Both have V-twin Briggs & Stratton engines. The 46-inch, 21-horsepower model 28862 has a hydrostatic transmission and a 6-inch turning radius. These models have six cutting positions, while the 54-inch, 26-horsepower and 28-horsepower models have from six to 12 positions. The 54-inch models are equipped with automatic, hydrostatic or gear drive transmissions, have a turning radius ranging from 6 to 21 inches and come with cup holders and adjustable seats. Each tractor accepts a range of accessories, including a snow blade or thrower, dozer blade and lawn care, bagging and mulching accessories, depending on the model.

Craftsman Extras

Craftsman offers a wide range of replacement parts, including blades, air filters, belts, oil, wheels and bagger bins. Tune-up and mulch kits are available. The company provides tractor scoop, spike aerator, dethatcher, sprayer, tiller and dump cart attachments and accessories such as loading ramps and mower covers.