Craftsman T210 Turn Tight 18-HP Hydrostatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower from Lowe's - Early T2200 

I own this mower myself and it works great. That Kohler engine is built for good service. Been three years now mowing about 1.2 acres and no real problems so far, I just change the oil and filters at 50 hour increments and I run the mower on zero-ethanol fuel.

Nice seeing the Made in USA sticker on it. As a little kid I would love to sit on the mowers at our local Sears.

I'm not a huge fan of newer mowers. I'd rather just use an older, more reliable one. But if I had to choose a newer mower, this would be something I'd put my money towards. These look like they were built with exceptional quality, and I can appreciate that. Great review 👍🏼

Finally a review thats not just a commercial. Im looking to buy a riding lawn mower and thanks to this review this mower is going on my list. Thanks again.

I have been looking to buy my first riding mower, and found this review in my research. This video was nicely put together and very informative, it pretty much made my decision "concrete." Craftsman T210 it is!!! Thank you sir.

Low and behold I'm looking at lawn mower reviews and not paying attention to who is uploading them, click on this video because I was interested in the t240 but also looking at similar models and to my surprise the sound of my favorite bike enthusiast talking about lawn mowers was just incredibly pleasing. Thank you sir (though i'm typing this before Ive watched the whole video)

Craftsman bringing their stuff back to america is the best thing to happen to them

Last year I decided to leave my mulching cover on during the summer and am very happy with the results. Also, I found that my front wheel has nylon bushings. I thought "oh know how cheap". Then I took off the wheel and found out that after 450 hours of use that there was zero wear on my axle. That's right zero wear. Whenever my lawn mower needs replacing I will replace the front wheel bushings or bearing with nylon bushings. (I saw that one place was selling the nylon bushings for 69 cents. I think that explains why all companies use steel bushings or steel bearings. They can't make money by selling you 69 cent bushings.)

This appears to be an "MTD-produced" mower, meaning MTD also makes Cub Cadet as well as a few other brands. That said, this Craftsman has a couple features my Cub Cadet lacks...first being that tight turn radius, the second being the Zerk fittings on the front wheels. From what I can see here, you made a wise choice!

The Kohler 5400 series engine is an excellent engine! I have one in my Craftsman LT1000.

I love this mower. Truly one of the best purchases ive ever made. Oil changes are simple. Startup is simple. It cuts incredibly well and the 42 inch deck + 18hp kohler engine is a must

I bought my Craftsman GT3000 back in 1999. It came with a Kohler Command 23 Pro which has given me reliable service except for a $25 fuel pump and regular maintenance. You now have to buy a $10,000 zero turn to get that engine now. 23 years of service and I parked it running. I upgraded to a zero turn which takes me half of the time that it used to with half of the fuel as well. Yes, they are more expensive but time is money and fuel savings add up.

This isn’t a bicycle but this is a very trusted voice. I’m not even going to look at other reviews now.

In April of 2020, right around the time that the first stimulus checks were being sent out, I bought my first lawn mower (similar model like in this video) and I have enjoyed the hell out of it ever since.

I was looking at the John Deere e110 but went by local Lowe’s to pick up some charcoal and saw the t210 and saw the price was less then half what John Deere was so here I am doing research I believe you sold me on this mower

I love mine! It's the exact same as yours. I bought it after reviewing a number of different types and this is the one I thought would be best for me. I also bought the mulcher (I have to watch your video on that), but I haven't installed it yet. This is the best mower I've seen.

If you have ever run a John Deere two pedal hydro, you would understand why those on yours are a deal breaker. Hate that reverse pedal. And as far as those vented spindles, well that is really just a cost cutting measure any metal you can eliminate as a manufacturer is savings for the company. Saw an older Cub Cadet made by MTD as well have cracks in the deck around those spindles. As a side by side two pedal hydro, I spent many eight- hour days on a John Deere F1145 Front mower and they are just so comfortable to use. The heal of your foot never leaves the floor, you just pivot your toes left and right to the forward or reverse pedal. Love them.

U should have also reviewed mechanic videos. As a many year MTD owner. This 1 is exact same as a standard MTD tractor. Overall good tractor for 5 years. But 5-20 was a constant maintenance hog

That looks just like my Cub Cadet XT1 except mine has LED headlights and a different steering system. My 42" deck has 4 anti scalp wheels which is perfect for my hilly yards. Power plant,dash and tires are the same. I also use it to plow snow, tire chains are a must. I noticed you call it a "more" while I call it a "mower"! Actually here in Gloucester, Ma we call it a "mowa"!

my 2023 Chraftsman T2200 being delivered tomorrow. Excited about the delivery, chose it for all the same reasons you mentioned. My old Craftsman LT1000 is 20 years old and I was happy with it so hopefully the new was last a long time.

This is one badass looking riding lawn mower!

Since this is such an excellent informative video, I'll chime in a few observations on my T310 - the larger version of the mower reviewed here. My yard isn't too bad on hills. Just one slope that's steep - probably 10* or so. On that slope, if I don't mow perpendicular to the slope, the deck will stripe the grass pretty bad. But with the tight turn and the mulch kit, this isn't a problem. I bought and installed a digital temp gauge on amazon. After 30+ min of mowing, the K46 trans will level off at around 120*F. If I engage the parking brake for a few minutes (clutch in, trans fan not cooling), it'll climb to about 140*F but re-engage the clutch / cooling fan and it cools rapidly. I upgraded to the Luyed 1700 bulbs you can get on amazon. The halogens burned out on me in less than 20 hours of use which I thought was odd. Voltmeter reports good consistent voltage. Cheap bulbs? I oiled my deck the beginning of the 2020 season with veggie oil. I think it washed away pretty quick. I use the deckwash after every mow, lower the deck for max cleaning but be careful not to let the blades bog down too much or you'll be out $75 for a new deck belt. Also installed the mulch kit and plug. Grass does escape the underside a little but it's not bad. Lesson learned: don't hose the top of the deck with water. My spindles sound worn after 30 hours of use. Water goes under the deck only. I use compressed air on the top and everywhere else. Remove the mulch plug before any kind of cleaning!! Otherwise it turns into a gross stinky mess. The deck bogs down some when mulching thick grass and makes a funky sound, but the Kohler KT735 never runs short on power. Side discharge is very nice and evenly distributed. Love my new mower!

I'm still rolling on a 1980s snapper lol. Things a beast

I just pulled the trigger on the 46" model after watching your vid. It has all the bells and whistles that I like . Call me old school but I like the Manual Blade Engagement, I think it will be less expensive if it ever goes bad.

Ended up buying this mower after watching your video. Cut the yard for the first time yesterday with it and man, and sure beats the hell out of the pushmower I was using! Thanks for the video man!

I have a 2013 craftsman yt 3000..ten years and counting one owner..outside of regular maintenance and a ignition coil…all original parts…belts tires etc…I hope that I can get another ten years….still love it….

Paid about $1,200 for the Craftsman T110 from Lowe's WITH free delivery and a dump trailer and mulch kit. Yes, it also has a metal hood. The bumper and wash port are available online for $19.99, already ordered them. Manual transmission, as hydrostatic transmissions give out as I experienced on my $5,000 Husqvarna 54" deck 26hp. No regrets, wish I had done more research and bought this in the 1st place. 8 years later, I'm mowing happily with $$$ in my pocket. Sold my old Husqvarna mower, it's still in use to this day I was happy to hear.

Excellent review. I'm sold on this one. Now just have to find it in stock somewhere.

Just got mine today can’t wait to use it!!!

Like most others in the comments, you sold me on this today! Just picked up the Craftsman mower and so far so good 😎 Thanks for the help!

Ditch those headlight bulbs and stick two LED headlight bulbs in there. Great $15 upgrade. Brighter for increased visibility and less battery draw.

Received my New T225 afew day's ago, mowed perfectly, large lawn never looked better, but...... Back at the garage, while cleaning, noticed the steering wheel is now way off!! It was fine when received, but somehow in 45min of normal mowing its 45° off to the side! Time will tell whats wrong, a store guy is coming to "look" at it, but kept mentioning factory warranty.

Went from a 2006 Troy Bilt Bronco to this Craftsman t210. This thing is a beast.

I just got my T2200 yesterday. Glad I found your video, much better than the manual that came with it. Considering the English pages of the manual were not separated but once I cut them apart, somehow all pages had print on them but several pages were blurry or faded.

I just like driving so I use mowers as practice as a 13 yr old lol

Made by MTD. It's very similar to the Cub Cadet with minor changes. Compare them together. I own the XT1 and will say if I was to go back when I purchased it , with the knowledge I have today, I would have purchased the Craftsman. The same but not. The price for something so similar, the metal hood, the brush bar, etc, would have been the deciding factor. Get the same with more for less.

I bought this same model last year. Couldnt be happier with my purchase.

Nice machine.

I dont care what it is all of kevs content is just so nice

Great vid! I'm about to purchase the T260 ;)

Beautiful lawn mower and well built

I wasnt a Lowes Craftmans kinda guy, until i got a new pressure washer, and boy its been great!

Identical to my 8 year old cub cadet,which has so far given good service. The only thing I've done to mine was changed the belts and the pto engagement lever bent after some years. It was a pain to change but only cost $30. Mine has the kohler courage 19hp,and it's got a bad wrap. I've never had any trouble with mine. Leaks a little oil, but I've almost got 300 hours on it. If I were in the market,I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one.

Nice mower, I've never considered some of the deck features you mentioned, that's interesting. I like the looks of your mower, too. I've given up on newish Briggs engines, also, but I don't know enough about Kohler to feel comfortable with those, yet. I'm a big fan of Honda or Subaru engines for my small equipment now, and I can't recommend them enough. The Subarus I have don't feel as smooth as my Honda engines, but they just run flawlessly even under really heavy use, at least for me.

I currently have a Craftsman LT2000 with a 17HP Kohler Command Pro engine. purchased new in 2003, runs like a top. Hope the 5400 series is as well built as the Command Pro.

Cool video!! I like the series you did on this mower!

You could solder in a switch for the headlights so you don't have to worry about the battery so much, just an idea.

Good video. Just bought my T210. Have not mowed yet but have high expectations now.

I have a 46 inch older Craftsman, I think its about 5 years old. I have never had that much dust and dirt as you have, I even noticed all the clippings under on the deck.

Earlier MTD mowers had black gas tanks, they were stronger, lasted longer because they have carbon black in the plastic (like tires) where as translucent are resin only. They dry out and get brittle with age.

Had to lay my 2006 Troy Bilt Bronco to rest. I think this will be my new one.

This is same lawn tractor that I bought at Home Depot as a cub cadet. There are some differences, though they are minor. I really like my mower, though I think this sears brand mower is very pretty.

VERY impressed with the turning radius. Wish you'd of shown the steering linkage. Don't think I've ever seen that type

Sweet gloves 😍

Hey hey roll tide!

This was a great review! Thank you for all the detailed information. You just made mower shopping a little easier for me.

Very good review. Have had this mower for one year now and love it. Found this to be the same mower as the Cub Cadet and the Troy Bilt, but the Craftsman is the only one with the tight turn feature, which really makes a difference and made this the easy choice. However, after not having the key turned back all the way when putting the mower away, I've killed the battery for a second time from having the lights on. I will now make use of that blank plate on the dash, and will be buying a switch for the lights.

Wow that is a damn nice mower love that RED wow very nice 👍

Kev.. I am still using the rear engine mower you are talking a bout in this video.. Yea, the controls to engage the blade are ridiculous. Long time Kev Central view now migrating over to this site.. thanks for the review..

Awesome purchase man just a heads up after about 2 years the steering rode bushing wear out but are super cheap to repair

I wish the Craftsman mowers existed a few years ago... definitely would have bought one instead of 42" TroyBilt because they are much better feature/value packed. I have the mulching kit on mine. I believe it's basically same as your Craftsman, decks look very similar (both mowers are made by MTD). The mulch kit works good, but you'll either have to slow down or lower your deck if you're mulching excessively overgrown grass or heavy leaves.

It's so much like my cub it looks like a cub

That looked like fun. Nice review.

Take my word with a grain of salt, but I think that the T210 is basically the same as the cub cadet XT1. Just that the T210 is red, has a different hood, and the deck is most likely a slightly lower quality than the XT1

FYI, this Craftsman mower is basically a Cub Cadet XT1 LT42. Check it out. On the same note, my Craftsman Pro zero turn is actually made by Husqvarna.

looks like a cub cadet with different hood!

Great job

Purchased a new Craftsman T210 a few months ago. Great tractor so far, EXCEPT that the Kohler 5400 series engine is very loud. I am forced to wear ear plugs and ear muffs to tolerate the loud engine noise. I've owned two Craftsman tractors with Briggs and Straton engines and they were very quite with tons of power. Currently searching for an after market muffler to hopefully quieten down this engine. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks for the review. My rear motor went bad. Looking forward to moving up to a front motor with wider cut deck

Greetings from Dothan! Looks alot like a Snapper. Wonder if there's any relation? I'll probably go with a troy bilt and pretend it's a Husky. Great vid brosky keep it comin

I like the the 1990 mtd can’t beat it

My 2020 Cub Cadet XT1 Enduto with Intellipower also kicked up grass onto the deck and into the engine compartment. During windy days, I had to wear goggles to keep grass from blowing back into my eyes after being blown out the chute. Safety glasses did no good.

very informative but I needed to see more of the reverse feature demonstrated

I have the craftsman T240 awesome machine

Hey dude check Troy built it's the exact same lawn mower just Like mine Accept the Craftsman Decal is on it And my Troy built also has a kolar engine. My last Troy built lasted 11 years did nothing but oil changes and blades and that was the Briggs.

On my brand new T210, all four tires were at 25 psi. Way over inflated. Should be 14 front, 10 back.

The only difference in my 2020 cub cadet xt1 lt46 and your t210, is mines yellow and black, doesn't have a brush bar from factory, and didn't have the deck wash added to it. And the previous owner of mine didn't care about the grass so the deck is rotting already

Briggs makes the best small engines period. Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler, none stack up to the Briggs. I have all these and the Briggs runs circles around them.

Thanks for the video!!!

Great video. Debating the T210 vs a Husky. How did the mulching go for you? I do not have much room for the discharge shoot, so I want to buy the mulch kit with it.

If you look closely, the hood is metal at first glance. But closer inspection reveals some plastic bits at the critical hinge points. At least this is the way it is on my T310.

I may be old but this mower can’t hold a candle to the 10hp Tecumseh powered, Roper built, SEARS 10XL tractor 1969 vintage. I mowed 13 lawns per week with that tractor as a 14 y/o and made a ton of money. 😁

Very nice 👌🏾 but two too many wheels for you Mr.KC🤣🤣🤣

Take that "made in the USA" sticker with a giant mountain of salt. The rules of being American made have loopholes you can drive a Mac truck through.

before mowing leaves with this mower. My T210 caught on fire last season because of leaves....RIP

it would help a lot if you didn't use a fisheye lens to make it look like you're mowing on a giant beach ball

Looks like a red Cub Cadet.

My T210 was delivered without a key, manual or accessories and with a padlock in the hole where a cart would be attached. The local store was of little/no help. It took calls to Lowes Corporate to get this all fixed. You seemed to have had better luck. Now that Lowes is using a third party for delivery I understand from the store and Corporate that complaints are common.

I was looking at getting a small riding mower like this. I am a Craftsman fan. My 42" Craftsman I purchased in 2007 went kaput, the engine burns oil and smokes real bad. Can't find anyone to repair it inexpensively. When I bought My Craftsman in 2007, I bought it at a Sears Store and the machine was made by Huskvarna. I was at Home Depot today looking at a Cub Cadet XT1 which is also offers a 42" cut. Both machines have alot of similarities. Are these both the Craftsman T210 and Cub Cadet XT1 made by the same company? Also I have never owned a mower or other machine that is powered by a small engine that was not powered by a Briggs and Stratton engine. I have had extremely good luck with these engines. How does the Kohler fair?

Thanks for sharing. 👍

Great video I just bought a bronco from Home Depot they delivered it in a crate it did not come assembled basically the seat the steering wheel the battery and maybe some of the parts I bought a plow for it and chains for the tires Hopefully it will plow snow I did not assemble it not knowing if I assemble it wrong does the warranty cover it so I need help with assembly maybe you can make a video have a nice day

I just got one given to me by lowes since they sold my t130 without my knowledge

Nice plastic lawn machine. Yet I don't dislike it , looks great and for a flat small yard it gets the job done. Much better than pushing a mower. And who cares where it was made, at this price bracket they are all the same more or less. But looks a ton better than the deere.

Is that front bumper strong enough to hook up a block and tackle and lift the mower up? Great review.

The only difference between this and the Cub Cadet LT1 and several others is the hood and the paint. They all come from the same factory

Great video... Question please... will it continue to run if you step out of the seat.?

this is a Cub Cadet XT1 but with some changes.

Looks like it was made on same line as my Cub (MTD stuff) should do you well.

bought a 310 24hp. love if

I like the aluminum transaxle ! I thought it would be that problematic crappy plastic