Is the Craftsman T210 Worth It?

This video is a review of the Craftsman T210 and Craftsman YS4500. Please Like and Subscribe if you would like to see more videos pertaining to Craftsman T210 maintenance and quality. :-) How to change the oil on a Craftsman T210 next.

[@sundogtune]

funny my old CRARTSMAN LT1000 is still running. i cut an acre yard 1or 2 times per week . i have had this for 23 years. had to replace the spindles and belt 2 years ago. burns some oil but works fine!! all in all it is about how you TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAWNMOWER!! i live on a huge hill lots of surface roots. rough ride, but it gets the job done.

[@KeithTodd4549]

I bought the Craftsman T-210 for my wife early in 2019. She's so persnickity she won't let me mow the lawn. It runs great, cuts great and turns great. We are halfway through our second season now. About the only thing I would change is the 42 inch cut. It works OK for us, but the 48 inch is only about $200 more. We've occasionally helped some friends mow when their mower was out of service. They have larger lawns where the 48 inch deck would be a bit better. I think that is the T-240. Got ours at Lowes. Good price - good mower. The last Craftsman I had was bought used and lasted for 10 years. I think this one will do as well or better.

[@RCFiddyOne]

I got a T210 not too long ago and love it. Replaced an 8 year old T2200 that still ran well when I sold it. My advice is to be sure to change the oil after the break-in period. Kohler uses some weird oil from the factory in their engines that is meant to allow the piston seals to seat properly but seems to have the viscosity of water. Can't see how that stuff lubricates anything and I'm sure it is not meant to stay in the motor for very long. I changed mine right at the 4.5 hour mark. Like you, I miss the rear anti-scalp wheels so I won't mow in reverse with the deck lower than 3 inches for that last season cut. Other than that, it is more than powerful for the hill on my property and has a fantastic cut.

[@cornerlotnews]

Thanks RCFiddyOne, that's good information that you shared. Any oil that appears thin as water isn't good for any motor. As far as the anti-scalp wheels, I'm learning to live without them.

[@rickwilliams3515]

I am due to change the oil in mine. Should I put Kohler oil or like Penzoil? Where did you get the oil filter you replaced from? Thanks for the help.

[@lamri2470]

What oil are you using! Can’t find it in the manual!

[@hphillips7425]

I got 24 years on my craftsman mower. It is time to make a purchase and I am looking at the same one. Be glad you have the manual choke instead of the auto choke. Have a good one from west Tennessee

[@gina4008]

Thanks! Your review helped me make my decision to buy the Craftsman T240; I got it last week. My old 19.5 hp "Briggs & Stratton Hydro 42" Craftsman" (23 year old) is still working but because of its age and the steering is very loose (repairman said it eventually would not turn and it would cost $450 to repair), I felt it was time to get a new one. I wanted to replace with at least the specs of what I had. So, I chose the T240 because of the "tight turn" feature, 22 hp, Kohler engine, and 46" blade. Your comment pointing out the "4 wheels on the deck" was something I overlooked; you gave me another reason to choose the T240. By the way, don't let anyone make fun of your shoes!

[@cornerlotnews]

Gina Congratulations on your T240. I hope it serve you another 23 years. I know, my shoes are just too comfortable!

[@RealClevelandBrown]

Good review. I bought the t110 two weeks ago and it stopped working 20 minutes into cutting my grass. I upgraded to the T210 and Lowe's is delivering today. Can't wait! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@cornerlotnews]

Thanks, I anticipate on getting another 10+ years out of it. I think you will enjoy the T210. Now, I'm looking for an excuse to cut my grass.

[@GuyForTheJob]

Grateful for this video. I was hesitant but after watching this I bit the bullet and purchased it 😄

[@theruralindependent]

GREAT REVIEW!!! I have read where several owners of the T210 say that the deck is either not deep enough or the blades sit too close to the ground to bag/mulch very well, They state that the deck blows grass and debris all over the place instead of containing it in the deck area for proper cutting and exit of the the debris.

[@marshallhoux7987]

I have a mulching kit on mine and it mulches really good you can't let the grass get to long because no mulching mower will do a good job

[@Laptops1781]

Just purchased mine. It's coming Thursday. Interested to see how well it steers, I have lots of trees and things to work around

[@cornerlotnews]

Congrats., share your experience with us.

[@GabeCNCs]

@@cornerlotnews I recently purchased this mower and it refuses to move. Any tips?

[@rentedduckliing]

emptymilkjug u get it to work yet?

[@harper626]

Mine new T210 steers great. does tight turns. almost zero clearance turns.

[@MonicaMartinez-hf1zz]

Mine comes in two days. I can't wait. Thanks for the review!! I appreciate it!!

[@dddddd2100]

I hope you changed the oil after the first 5 hours of operation. it has break in oil that needs changed that soon.

[@Suz_408]

Lowe's gave us a really hard time but, we persevered and managed to get one. And yes, our weeds have a grass problem, lol. Thanks for a great video!

[@cornerlotnews]

LOL, thank you. Congratulations on your purchase and perseverance does pay off.

[@JNC1973]

Zuzu what kind of hard time did Lowe's give you ? I ask cause I just ordered this mower from Lowe's website and I'm currently waiting for them to let me know when it is ready for me to pick it up. I have to drive almost 2 hours away from my house to pick it up at a different Lowe's location than i usually shop at which is ridiculous because they say they can't ship it to my local Lowe's store and they also say they can't deliver it to my house.

[@sleepyseattle]

Great review, thank you very much! I noticed when shopping for my T210 (purchased May 2020), that some had just two wheels on the deck, and the newer models had four. From your review I opted for the model with four wheels, although officially both were the same mowers, I think just 2019 vs 2020 versions.

[@cornerlotnews]

Oh, that make sense. Thanks

[@matt4398]

Mine has 2 wheels, just got delivered from lowes this week. I'm contacting craftsman to find out what the deal is with the wheels

[@MC-tn8pm]

Wonder if the wheels could be added after purchase. The T240 has 4 wheels, but I would spend $30 on wheels and add them myself vs paying $200 for the T240.

[@rickwilliams3515]

I bought mine like the middle of 2019 from Lowe's. Used it all this yr and it has been a good one. Also mine has 4 wheels on the deck.

[@Buggen-Out-Yo]

Just ordered mine today and then I made the right decision. Then I found this video thanks for your great video I wanted the t260 sold out, t240 sold out went with the t210 only one left in stock. Had a John Deer it’s old runs and still cuts but won’t turn right. I think the stearin gear is shot. Idk not enough time to mess with it. Hello craftsman and I like made in the USA! Stay safe

[@robertreese2600]

Chewing on buying one. Thank you for the review!

[@iisreset]

I lol'd at "my weeds have a grass problem", I feel ya man! Thanks for the review. I am actually looking at the 240 just because I have a acre but most of the same stuff as the 210 so was nice to check that out.

[@cornerlotnews]

Travis Brown Thanks Travis, I’m just happy my weeds are green and not any other color. LOL. I hope that your 240 serves you well.

[@larryhutcherson193]

You made a good buy. Was going to get cab but to many problems. Got one 50.4 hours so far its a good mower like that kohler engine. Well many more seas of green to cut good luck to you also.

[@cornerlotnews]

Thanks, I hope to get many years of service out of this one.

[@lar.4997]

Good video, sir. You've got a nice mower. I'm in the market for a new rider. I think the Craftsman mower is the best looking in the bunch. I don't know if it will be the one that I finally purchase, but definitely one on the list. Thanks again for the video.

[@stanleykeith6969]

This is my old Craftsman YS4500, 46' cut and thank God its still running good. I would love to have that New one. I did see a new one and it Blows grass all over you and the deck gets all grass covered. You will see when you run it, grass on your left side. I do like the up right oil filter. Did you see all the grass on the deck on the left, it will blow all over you. I think the new one has a Koler engine.

[@seanbarber6945]

I just got mine last month , I think it's a great mower got the bagger attachment with it I do my yard and the church and does a beautiful job would recommend this mower mine has the 4 tires on the deck not sure why this one didn't

[@OldielocksNmo50]

Ii like my 210 except Lowe's didn't send me the oil chg kit or any manuals..been a pita getting it out of them. Already changed the oil once.. Like to service it, including plug when I put it away so she's ready for spring. Or my neighbor's leaves he doesn't take care of.

[@garypic4083]

I get more grass and dirt through the top of the mower dect than the discharge chute it seem PoS

[@BruceMallett]

I have a 20+ year old Craftsman LT2000 that I’ll need to replace soon, thanks for the review. Am curious: how does one dispose of the old mower? Are there disposal services or ..?

[@juggalobam42069]

That’s the best 1799 I spent well spent a total of 2500 but got the bagger kit and mulching kit two with it didn’t think I would like it since it’s all foot pedal but no complaints yet and just did second oil change on it

[@harper626]

Just got my T210 and it mows well. Put a mulch kit on. However the second key position doesn't seem to let me mow in reverse like my old craftsman did. Haven't figured that out yet.

[@cornerlotnews]

Congratulations on your new edition. You would need to move the key in first position then press the orange triangle to activate reverse.

[@JNC1973]

I just ordered this same Ride On Mower a couple of days ago on the Lowe's website. Currently waiting for it to be ready for pick up but I originally wanted the next model up from this one that has 20 Horse Power I think cause I live on a large property in North Carolina that has steep hills and rugged terrain but they were all sold out so i settled for this one with 18 Horse Power. I'm hoping it will still be powerful enough to handle my yard. I have some hope it will be since you said it went up your steep hill without hesitation. Also now that you've had it for a while let me ask you do the headlights still work on it ? I ask cause my last Ride On Mower was a Troy-Bilt Bronco and the headlight casing were not water tight as i found out after rinsing it off with a hose after mowing one day and the headlights burnt out after only having it for like a week. Hope that's not the case with this Craftsman ?

[@dddddd2100]

I thought i would mention that these mowers have break in oil in the engine and it's supposed to be changed after the first 5 hours of use..this should be done...some owners didn't know about this.

[@AimSmall101]

A lot of people complain about the mower throwing grass clippings all over the place, do you find that a problem as well? Thanks.

[@rickrazz7136]

Thanks for the review. Can you tell me if the mower has the port on the deck to attach your water hose for cleaning? Also which engine an hp?

[@neilpatterson7557]

You can see the port around 4:06 in the video. I believe.

[@harper626]

yes they do

[@paulstanley3265]

Nice job keep with it. Does the turn tight steering work good?

[@nestorpaulromero3561]

Do you know if the battery recharges when the mower runs? and what type of ware have you had on the battery with the light being on during operation?

[@bobhiros574]

Question - how steep was you hill?

[@natstaskiewicz3271]

Can you do a video on step by step on how to start it? We just got ours and the only thing it does is turn on is the head lights when we turn the ignition.

[@rickwilliams3515]

you have to hold the break as i bet you figured out!

[@joshtheinflatableking]

I actually had that plastic throttle snapped off on mine! Unfortunately ☹️

[@MrGcharles]

Thank you for the review! I am now trying to decide between the Craftsman T210 and the Husqvarna YTH 18542. I am not familiar with Kohler as a brand whereas I am very familiar with Briggs & Stratton. Curious, did you look at any other brands when shopping for your replacement? I am replacing an MTD 30" 8HP Tecumseh mower my wife bought me on my birthday.....30 years ago....and it is still cutting grass! I am just ready to buy a new one.

[@marshallhoux7987]

They are all made by mtd cubcadet husqavarna and craftsman

[@jamieolson20]

May 2021 and just when I'm ready to purchase one from local lowes,... they have all magically disappeared from every lowes...ks and mo....I don't get it? Lowes exclusive? Is it Limited units per store? Never to be in stock again this yr.?

[@GoChiefs816]

I got mine in kc, mo today. Check boardwalk or liberty Lowe’s!

[@GoChiefs816]

Liberty Lowe’s has one in stock still.

[@jamieolson20]

@@GoChiefs816 thanks nick,I drove to my olathe lowes after reading your reply and they actually just got 2 of them after waiting forever seems like,sooo one is bought and paid for! Waiting on free delivery this coming tues 8 am! Thanks!

[@jamieeisenhower1560]

The electric gauge mint is better than mechanic for last ability and quality

[@yewtoob08]

Quite a few similarities to the Cub Cadet

[@motormouth2472]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure they're both made by MTD, who probably design their machines very similarly, to keep things easier.

[@rerussell74]

Thank you for this great review! I am interested in buying this as my first new mower in 40 years -- my previous two were both Wheel Horses with Kohler engines, so I know the engine in the T210 is worth it. Those Wheel Horses were also manual transmissions and I'm wondering if I can get used to the hydrostatic? Does the pedal have to be pushed all the time to make it go forward? Thanks!

[@cornerlotnews]

Hi Rerussell74, thanks. Yes, the pedal works similar to the pedal in a car but without the freewheel of coasting, lol. But, It's very easy to operate.

[@rickwilliams3515]

Also has cruise control!

[@jamieolson20]

Does the seat adjust back for bigger bellys?

[@tonydancz6789]

Yes

[@jamieolson20]

Aluminum transaxle or black plastic?

[@gardentractor]

The hydro static transmissions are aluminum.

[@GONZOFAM7]

Will this lawn tractor take a snowblower?

[@cornerlotnews]

I'm not sure. I did see that a video showing one being attached. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6WXpoqJjbSMfNU

[@dgarcia0426]

Is it manual or automatic?

[@815scorpius7]

Hydrostatic

[@marshallhoux7987]

I have a 210 and mine has scalp wheels on front and back

[@DillonMcGee5.0]

The T210 is a 3/5. Because its MTD. And it's a kohler courage they tap out in 250 hours or less

[@MichaelSodapop]

But does it bog down on thick, wet grass? I'm torn between this & the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 with Intellipower. The craftsman is $50 more but I think I'd really like that turning radius. Cub Cadet only has 16" turning but that intellipower feature claims to go through thicker grass better.

[@cornerlotnews]

Good question. I haven't use it to cut thick wet grass. But, I love the closer turning radius of the T210.

[@MichaelSodapop]

@@cornerlotnews Is there a way to measure it's effective turning radius to verify craftsmans claims? I only wonder because an older black craftsman I use at a customers house. The wheels turn pretty sharp but they just get pushed sideways if you're going any faster than 1.

[@therrienmichael08]

All I know is I want a riding mower.

[@lamri2470]

What oil are you using? Manual doesn’t even say!

[@cornerlotnews]

I use SAE 30. Depending on the region you live in and the temperature, the manual recommended SAE 30 for me. I found the graph on page 5 of my manual.

[@jackboggs3120]

why u got to back up and cut grass

[@ronniebryant5364]

Worse mower I’ve ever purchased!