Craftsman R110 Lawn Mower TEST AND REVIEW! 

You can mow in reverse without disabling the kill switch. Turn the key to the yellow, reverse mowing section and depress the triangle button until the light illuminates. Good to go.

Great father & son demo. Kudos fellas...from Long Island, NY

Had mine three years with no major problems. Changed the oil and filters after every season. Changed the blade. Changed the battery . This mower gets the job done for up to an acre.

After 29 days I'm returning to Lowe's the Craftsmen 30" mower. The break is very hard to press and while releasing it to drive to front or to back the mower is often standing up on the back 2 wheels. Very dangerous plus smallest uneven ground (less as 12% or lager hole in the ground) I felt as the machine will overturn. It's true that the price is very affordable, easy to maneuver front wheels but the shaft to change gear hard to reach if you are hanging on uneven terrain because you need to balance with your body the mower to avoid flip over. Another experience is that even if I changed the gear from REVERSE to FRONT (while pressing break) the mower was going to reverse! It started to move to front after I stopped it and once again pressed the break. Please also note that if you purchase that mower with the store delivery, you can return the mower during 30 days from the date of purchase NOT delivery date. If you got Lowe's delivery 10 days after the date of purchase you are left with only 20 days to return it.

I just got the R110 as a gift, and I really appreciate your video! It taught me to drive it lol.

Just picked one up today. Great seat adjustment tip, I have yet to read the manual, but now I know! I've got 2 hours on mine and here are some tips I have to share. Speed Control/Clutch Brake Pedal: Note that with each higher successive 'gear'; the clutch/brake pedal rises up higher when fully released by your foot. The higher the 'gear' the more 'play' there is in the pedal as a 'clutch'. I found that starting at gear 3, you can gently 'clutch' the pedal to shift up on the fly. And the reverse is true also; from 6th gear down to Three. Below three; there isn't enough play, you basically come to a stop when going from 1st gear to second and second to first. Good point on mowing in 3rd 'gear'. I read on a forum that this is not a true geared machine, rather it is somewhat a centrifugal clutch/idler pulley type of "transmission". When in first gear the belt is very 'loose'. In 6th gear the idler pulley has the belt very tight. This explains the above observation that the clutch/brake pedal moves in height/position when in a higher gear. Commentary was at the lower gears belt wear may be accelerated due to the nature of the gearing apparatus and slippage. The reverse kill switch: The manual says to return key to the "run" position after backing up. You can actually leave it there. So, start mower. Move key to reverse spot. Push the triangle button. Forget it. Forward and back now on demand.

First, give your Pops a hug! My dad and my son are gone... So cool you are doing this together. I have this mower and have had it for a few months. Spinal fusion surgeries have hindered my abilities to use push mower. I agree with all your thoughts, points etc.. Its a good unit thus far. You did teach me something about the connection to cut the ability to mow in reverse.. I read and understand that being a safety feature so you dont run over a child or something, and I can respect and appreciate that. As a father of 5, def was something to worry about back when kids were little and home. Now, Im going to try to find that and disable it. Otherwise, a very good mower. I dont know if many other riders will allow the turning radius to get around trees and all. I just have to do a quick trim with my push (or weed eater) to get around trees and edge of fence.

For what it is worth... you can cut in reverse by turning the key from the green position to the yellow position to then shift to reverse (instructions on deck floor by right footpad). When returning to forward drive the key should be placed back to the green position. Maybe better than disabling a safety feature that just makes you aware of surroundings, before cutting in reverse. Thanks, for the video. You and your dad work well together. Keep it up!!

I've always owned lawn tractors 'cause my yard is quite hilly, sloping down a creek. But boy, I've always wanted one of these because of the great visibility in front. Great video!

Excellent review and demo explaining the most important non-maintenance information for someone who may consider buying the mower...namely myself! Thanks!

I have the Troybilt version and it has been flawless for 3 years. I perform general maintenance every fall and only use non ethanol fuel. I highly recommend this product.

Fellow artillery man here. Thanks for the information on this riding lawn mower. My push mower crapped out on me last week and spring is finally here. I needed something afforadable. I appreciate the informative video. Thanks!

So glad you posted this...reviewing several and eliminating the ones that I’m not interested in..

Excellent review! Looking for a good rider. You guys made my decision easy. Thanks!

My Craftsman RER 1000 is 10 yrs old now, replaced the 2 front tires and the belt, but that's about it. The older models have the oil filter....which mine does. If yours does not, just change the oil every season.

I've had one now for 3 years. I only mow about .35 acre so it's perfect! No issues so far, just changed the oil and filter in it for this season. Tip: Rather than using the $9 Briggs filter, go buy the Fram 3416 which fits perfectly it's just a bit bigger and almost half the price!

If you turn the key to the reverse/cut function and press the button, you can cut going in reverse...

Great vid! One good thing to mention is that it comes with a mulcher attachment. I use this all the time and has great results. Thank you for sharing!

I had mine for 3 years. Had Sears come out and do a complete service like $250 new everything and blade. I disable the reverse mow kill switch. Leave it garaged. Paid $1065 new. The steering column telescopes on mine. Miy yard is little less than half acre.

This was a very good review. Thank U.

Another value is Blade tip cut speed is very fast on 30" single blade, cleaner cut. Duel blade system tip cut speed is much slower at same RPM.

I purchased this craftsman when it was under $900 not that many years ago. I did disable the kill switch and loved the results. It did the job until I moved and gave it to my neighbor who's still using it today. Now shopping for another one and at Lowe's it's over $2000. Too much for a low end tractor. The troy bilt one that Home Depot sells is a little cheaper ($1900) and exactly the same mower just with different branding. Talk about inflation....or maybe greed.

Just got one last month , they’ve already went up $100. I put an hour meter and a flush kit on it. First oil change @ 5 hrs. Good review, thanks

I enjoyed this video…pops was very detailed with his answers. I’m actually about to go purchase this one at Lowe’s today…but my my my, the price has gone up with inflation 😅

My son was also worried about me cutting grass under the florida summer sun So we got one just like yours same model R110

It looks like those 30" small ones are already set up to mulch, the bigger models u gotta buy a mulch kit i believe, thats a bonus i guess? Depends on your preference's?? I Just bought the T110 42" with 17.5hp 7speed mower 2day from lowes. Last yr i used the T230 model ($1,800)on one acre some hills with the 21hp 42" automatic trans but it was $450 more than the T110 model was $1,349. The T230had the 5"quick turn(?) radius and the T110 has the normal 18" turning radius. With buying the cheaperT110 and a savings of $450 I bought a weed eater, a leaf blower and a shotgun, Lol...👍

I have looked at least 5 review's here on RU-vid and about this model and Yours has pretty much concluded my final decision to go over to LOWE'S. Thanks for the No B.S.. Stay Safe.

Someone said in a review that if you put the key in the mid position on the triangle it will cut in reverse!

Great video! Just bought one price outrageous in TX $1600 they’ve gone up! Mine have a button you can press to go in reverse. Also the manual says life spam 7 years then have it serviced once a yr. Not bad for what the lawn guys are charging these days.

Love the demonstration just got the t 2400 helped a lot I was almost popping wheelies 🤣🤣🤣

Really GREAT review fellas! An absolute noob to riding mowers. Great review and test, all the ins and outs a novice needs to know! - Cheers!!! ;)

This does mow in reverse. Turn the key one click back after starting and push down on the triangle in the yellow and a red light comes on and there you go mowing in reverse and not disconnecting the safety switch of the mower.

I just bought one and like it a lot! I will say be careful with the speed because I was playing around with #6 and almost got whiplash LOL Also, thanks for the tip about the switch that blocks blade engagement while in reverse. Great video!

9:11 new info! R110, How To mow in Reverse, blades engaged, WITHOUT disconnecting wires! OKAY, put it in Neutral, brake pedal engaged. Start the engine as normal. Before you move an inch, turn the key from GREEN 🟢 to YELLOW 🟡 "R ➡️ F" mode. Which is "Reverse to Forward" mode, press the YELLOW triangle⚠️ , the little light comes on. Keep It On Yellow 💛 for your entire mowing session! Now, whenever you want to go forward, press your foot break down, put it in Forward gear on the knob under your seat (blades engaged or not), key remains in YELLOW 💛, you are moving Forward. Then, you want to reverse, foot break down, put it in Reverse Gear on the knob under your seat (blades engaged or not), key remains in YELLOW 💛 , you are moving in Reverse. Since it's "not recommended", the directions are NOT clear. But no wire cutting ✂️ necessary. Enjoy 🚜 ⚠️💛 ⬅️➡️

Excellent review and demonstration. Thank you so much

Awesome review, thanks!!! 🤘

First, if you read the owners manual, it tells you how to mow forward and reverse. Never over ride safeties. You say cheap. Cheap is not the word for the rack and pinion steering, It can lock up or jump teeth in tight turns. That cause me to hit a pole and knock the deck out of alignment. That cost me $200 for parts so I could get it back to cut level. Lastly, as mentioned before, oil changing is a real trip. It is obvious that the design engineer never has to change oil. You have to use a chute that comes with it to get the oil away from the engine. While you hold that chute in place, you try to get the plug out of the crankcase. Now the plug finally comes out and the oil follows going everywhere, I re-engineered mine. No problems now but that is not my job. FYI, if you use a 1/2” long socket extension backwards on the plug and a ½” open end on the other, you will find it easier to get the oil plug out.

The mower is actually built by Troy Bilt. It's called the TB30 R and made in the USA.

Thank you for tutorial. Now i know how to work it

Excellent job I am gonna get one , thanks pop

no beer in the beer holder? you really need to make sure you fill the beer holder with the proper fluid for optimal performance.

Hope you enjoy your Troybuilt mower. You are lucky you have to Briggs and Stratton engine in yours that is rare. The new one have China engines in them with a little more HP.

Imma girl. heee heee. I just got this mower; never had anything like it so this video was pretty helpful. Did your dad go from grass to the cement without lifting the blade? What determines the edge of the blade: the placement of the tires or the black blade cover? Where did you pour the gas? Does it take regular or diesel? How long can you mow on one tank? An acre? An hour of cutting?

I’m getting mine tomorrow and the bags for the back.

Handy review for this mower. I'm in the market so this helped. Thanks!

Great video guys thanks for the info

Using it for almost 3 years all good just oil change

What make these nice is 30" cut is good size for 2 acre with many tight turns

man its for a home use the lawn mower will last just give it tender love and care.

Appreciate the updates!

Great review, much appreciated. So the shifter from 1-6 is basically your gas pedal on a car?

I have same mower but a Murray version I got from walmart in spring 2019 for $964 . they since jacked up price to $1164 since lowes and Home depot sell there versions for $1199 which is to high for this mower. There IS button (to mow in reverse on ignition switch you push on crafts man and troy bilt but murray you just unplug sensor.mine has worked great. Cons is deck has no wheels so on high spots in yard you have to lift deck or end up shaving grass down to dirt. Be careful on letting off clutch/brake in 5th/ 6th gear to fast as mine pulled a wheelie in my yard as I got into a rut and both back wheels got traction. I was like oh crap.

came for the mower liked for the goku shirt lol

I love this mower, however the battery is dead and I have no idea how to get the old battery out and replace it with the new battery. Does anyone have a video on how to do this with the Craftsman R110 mower? If so, please share the info. Thanks

Thank you so much for that video is very helpful useful

Great review thank you

Not changing the oil will eventually kill the engine. On any new engine you're suppose to drain oil within the first 5 hours to remove any metal shavings from the manufacturing process.

This mower is the same as the Cub Cadet, MTD, and Troy Bilt. All private labeled under a different brand name.

Hey, any chance you can do a followup video on this mower? Looking to get one of these but I'm curious how it's held up!

Good review is this somewhere in Florida?

You keep putting this down Why? Your father is complimentary and you just have to keep saying it is a bottom line. I got it because it is small since I am small also. My Mower man just died and I don't want to have to put up with another idiot that breaks everything. It is the only mower where I live that has a steering WHEEL.

Thanks I heard there could be a steering problem with this model.

After 2 years the steering will have play in it it will slip there is a gear at the bottom of the mower and a strep with teeth they don't grab what you can do is take the box with the gear and hit it wih a hammer this will fix the problem

😮best of Luck

I have had mine for 3 years now. The only problem is too much play in the steering.

Thank you.

I need on of those bad boys

Shoddy steering system,gear spocket and steering plate are soft and dont last long

Great info. So, where is the update video??

I want a side discharge of grass...

Mine is an older one that has the 420cc with an oil filter and a better seat . Not sure why they changed then m

Good for yards for about half a acre or less

I have the Troy Bilt TB 30R. I've had mine for a week now. My only beef is when I turn the wheel as far as it will go to the left it sticks and I have to jerk it back to straight. Has anyone experienced this?

almost 2 years later....how is the machine holding up?

It's 2100 in2023 Stearing gears wear out

So what's the final verdict? Any problems with it yet?

By 2024 price has a least doubled.

I don’t recommend your fool with kill switches, they are there for good reason so people don’t have nasty accidents.

Great video! Can you please share the name of the song used?

I have one .

@2:59 Get It Pops!!

Now It's $1799 Jul/2022.

That's mower should of had to oil changed already it still only has the break in oil in it

Any updates on the mower. How's it running any problems?

CAn you pull attachments such as aerator spike behind this machine?

Question, I have the same exact mower and about to change the oil. Does this mower has a oil filter? I can't find it ☹️

Any issues so far? Looking to buy a used one

does it include an OWNER MANUAL?

Good video , but I just bought that model for my dad and got it home Sunday. Put gas in it , checked oil looked fine and it wouldn’t start . Wouldn’t even putter. Anyone got tips?

Anyone hear a squeal/clunk when engaging PTO (blade engagement) lever? Is that normal?

I don't see any water port to plug in the hose to clean unless I missed it. How do you clean the bottom deck?

Craftsman does not guarantee their mowers or any of their motorized products. Craftsman has completely lost it's name in reliability and quality ever since they moved to being manufactured in China.

Where the cut grass go to there is no bags?

Artillery Life...sounds like you know how to clean a 155?

Hey, mine won't start. In fact, the motor doesn't even turn. My neighbor suggested I charge the battery, which I did, but it still doesn't start! Any suggestions? Lowes won't take it back and Craftsman isn't answering.

Will this be a probably for short people?

My mower (same as yours) has a distinct rattle coming from the front when the blade is engaged, does yours?

Will it scalp an unlevel yard? No anti scalp wheels

Not actually a craftsman, Troybuilt is the exact same mower.

how is that mower? still running ok?