CRAFTSMAN T2200 Gas Riding Lawn Mower Review

CRAFTSMAN T2200 Turn Tight is a gas-powered riding lawn mower with a 42-inch cutting deck and a 19.5 horsepower Kohler engine. It is designed for mowing lawns up to 2 acres in size. The mower features a hydrostatic transmission for smooth operation and a high-back seat for operator comfort. It also has a 5-inch turn radius, which makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles. An optional mulching kit is available for those who want to recycle grass clippings back into their lawn.

$2,699.00 on Lowes

Technical Specs

• Model: Craftsman T2200
• Engine: Kohler 5400 Series
• Horsepower: 19.5 HP
• Cutting Width: 42 inches
• Turning Radius: 5 inches (Turn Tight Technology)
• Transmission Type: Hydrostatic
• Front Axle Material: Cast Iron
• Construction Material: Metal Hood and Rear Body
• Cutting Deck Material: Steel

CRAFTSMAN T2200 Overview

The Craftsman T2200 Turn Tight 42-in 19.5-HP Gas Riding Lawn Mower epitomizes the blend of precision, power, and practicality that Craftsman aims to deliver in its lawn care range. Designed with homeowners in mind, this mower offers unparalleled efficiency, durability, and ease of use. Its standout Turn Tight technology provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing for easy navigation around obstacles and ensuring a beautifully manicured lawn with minimal effort. At its core, the T2200 boasts a robust Kohler 5400 series engine with 19.5 horsepower, capable of handling a variety of mowing tasks, from simple trims to tackling overgrown grass, ensuring a consistent and clean cut that enhances the look and health of any lawn.

Beyond its power, the T2200 is constructed for lasting reliability, featuring a sturdy metal hood, rear body, and a robust cast iron front axle, designed to withstand regular use. It doesn’t stop at durability; comfort and convenience are also key, with features like cruise control, reverse mowing capability, and smooth hydrostatic transmission making lawn maintenance a more enjoyable task. The mower’s 42-inch cutting deck with a double-blade system ensures an effective cut across medium to large-sized lawns, and thoughtful additions like a high-back seat, phone holder, and cupholder enhance the mowing experience. Proudly made in the USA with global materials, the Craftsman T2200 stands as a testament to quality manufacturing and is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient mower to maintain pristine lawns.

Key Features of the Craftsman T2200

Powerful Kohler 5400 Series Engine

The T2200 is a robust 19.5 horsepower Kohler 5400 series engine, providing the mower with ample power to tackle a wide range of mowing tasks. Whether you’re dealing with light lawn trims or dense, overgrown grass, this powerful engine ensures efficient cutting performance, reducing the time and effort required to maintain your lawn.

User Comfort and Convenience

Designed with the user in mind, the T2200 includes several features aimed at enhancing comfort and convenience. Cruise control allows for maintaining a consistent speed, simplifying long mowing sessions. The ability to mow in reverse increases the mower’s efficiency, and the hydrostatic transmission enables smooth and effortless speed adjustments, making lawn maintenance more enjoyable and less taxing.

42-Inch Cutting Deck

The mower’s wide 42-inch cutting deck, equipped with a double-blade system, ensures a comprehensive and effective cutting path. This deck size is particularly suited for medium to large-sized lawns, allowing for quicker and more efficient mowing sessions. The double blades ensure a uniform cut, enhancing the lawn’s appearance and health.

Comfortable Seating

The high-back seat, adorned with a stylish Craftsman logo, provides superior comfort and support during use. This feature is especially beneficial during longer mowing sessions, reducing fatigue and making the task more enjoyable.

Convenience Features

The inclusion of a phone holder and a cupholder adds an extra layer of convenience for the user. These features allow for safe storage of personal items and beverages, ensuring they are within easy reach, enhancing the overall mowing experience.

American Made

The T2200’s manufacturing in the USA with global materials reflects Craftsman’s commitment to quality and support for American labor. This approach not only ensures a high-quality product but also contributes to the local economy and job market.

Performance of Craftsman T2200

The Craftsman T2200 Turn Tight 42-in 19.5-HP Gas Riding Lawn Mower is distinguished by its remarkable maneuverability, power, and cutting efficiency. The mower’s Turn Tight technology affords it an impressive 5-inch turning radius, granting users unparalleled agility and precision. This feature is a game-changer, especially in complex landscapes, as it allows for easy navigation around obstacles and tight corners, eliminating the need for multiple passes and significantly enhancing the overall mowing experience.

The T2200 lies a robust Kohler 5400 series engine with 19.5 horsepower, capable of tackling various grass types and conditions, from light lawn maintenance to dense, overgrown patches. This powerful engine ensures a consistent, clean cut every time, thereby improving the lawn’s appearance and health. Furthermore, the T2200 is equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck that features a double-blade system, offering a broad cutting path that covers more ground in less time. This efficiency is particularly advantageous for medium to large-sized lawns, ensuring a uniform cut across the lawn and minimizing the chances of missed spots or uneven patches, making the T2200 an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performing lawn mower.

Table Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN T2200	Husqvarna YTH18542
Engine	19.5-HP Kohler 5400 Series	18.5-HP Briggs & Stratton Intek
Turning Radius	5 inches (Turn Tight Technology)	Not specified; standard for this category
Cutting Deck	42 inches with double-blade system	42 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic	Hydrostatic
Construction	Metal hood and rear body, cast iron front axle	Reinforced steel cutting deck, cast iron front axle
Comfort and Convenience	High-back seat, cruise control, phone holder, cupholder	Adjustable high-back seat, ergonomic steering wheel
Additional Features	Ability to mow in reverse, easy deck cleaning design	Air induction mowing technology
Made in	USA with global materials	Not specified

Summary

Both the CRAFTSMAN T2200 and the Husqvarna YTH18542 are competitive options in the gas riding lawn mower category, with each model bringing its own strengths to the table.

• Engine: The T2200 has a slightly more powerful engine at 19.5 HP compared to the YTH18542’s 18.5 HP. This could translate to better performance in more demanding lawn conditions.
• Maneuverability: The CRAFTSMAN T2200 features Turn Tight technology, providing an exceptionally tight turning radius of just 5 inches, which is particularly beneficial for navigating around obstacles and in tight spaces. The Husqvarna’s turning radius is standard for its category, which may not offer the same level of maneuverability.
• Cutting Deck: Both models come equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck, suitable for medium to large-sized lawns. The CRAFTSMAN’s double-blade system might offer a slight edge in cutting efficiency.
• Comfort and Convenience: Both mowers focus on user comfort, with high-back seats and ergonomic features. The T2200 adds extra convenience with a phone holder and a cupholder, which might be appreciated during longer mowing sessions.
• Construction and Durability: The T2200’s metal hood and rear body may offer enhanced durability over time, while the Husqvarna’s reinforced steel cutting deck and air induction mowing technology emphasize cutting performance and deck durability.
• Additional Features: The T2200’s ability to mow in reverse and its easy deck cleaning design provide added functionality. The Husqvarna’s air induction mowing technology improves grass lift for a superior cut.

Pros and Cons of CRAFTSMAN T2200

Troubleshooting Common Issue

1. Mower Won’t Start

• Check the Fuel: Ensure there’s fresh gasoline in the tank. Old or contaminated fuel can cause starting issues.
• Inspect the Battery: Make sure the battery is charged and connections are clean and tight.
• Examine the Spark Plug: A dirty or faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. Clean or replace it if necessary.
• Air Filter: A clogged air filter can restrict air flow to the engine. Check and clean or replace the filter as needed.

2. Mower Starts Then Dies

• Fuel Flow: Check for any blockages in the fuel lines or filter that could restrict fuel flow to the engine.
• Carburetor Issues: A dirty or malfunctioning carburetor can cause the engine to start and then stop. Cleaning or adjusting the carburetor might be necessary.
• Safety Switches: Ensure all safety switches, like the seat switch or brake switch, are engaged. These switches can shut off the engine if not properly activated.

3. Uneven Cutting

• Blade Condition: Inspect the blades for dullness, damage, or imbalance. Sharpen or replace blades as necessary.
• Deck Leveling: Ensure the mowing deck is properly leveled. An unlevel deck can lead to uneven cuts.
• Tire Pressure: Check that all tires are inflated to the correct pressure, as uneven tire pressure can cause an uneven cut.

4. Poor Engine Performance

• Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to poor engine performance. Clean or replace the filter.
• Spark Plug: A faulty spark plug can affect engine performance. Check and replace the spark plug if needed.
• Fuel Quality: Ensure the fuel is fresh and not contaminated. Stale fuel can degrade engine performance.

5. Excessive Vibration

• Loose Parts: Check for any loose components, such as blades, pulleys, or belts, and tighten them as necessary.
• Damaged Blades: Bent or damaged blades can cause excessive vibration. Inspect and replace the blades if damaged.
• Deck Alignment: Make sure the deck is properly aligned and securely attached to the mower.

6. Mower Moves Slowly or Not at All

• Transmission Fluid: Check the level and condition of the transmission fluid and refill or change it if necessary.
• Drive Belt: Inspect the drive belt for wear, damage, or slippage and replace or adjust as needed.
• Brake Engagement: Ensure the parking brake is fully disengaged before attempting to move the mower.

Maintenance of CRAFTSMAN T2200

To maintain your CRAFTSMAN T2200 Gas Riding Lawn Mower and ensure its best performance, start with regular inspections for any loose parts, check tire pressure, and clean the deck of debris. Key to engine care is timely oil changes as recommended, usually after initial use and then seasonally, along with routine cleaning or replacement of the air filter and annual checks on the spark plug. Keep the blades sharp and balanced to avoid vibrations and ensure a clean cut, which contributes to both the lawn’s health and the mower’s longevity. Post-use cleaning of the mower deck is crucial to avoid corrosion and blockages, and ensure the deck is leveled for an even cut. These simple yet effective practices can significantly extend the lifespan and efficiency of your mower.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper maintenance of your CRAFTSMAN T2200 Gas Riding Lawn Mower is essential for ensuring its optimal performance, longevity, and the health of your lawn. Regular inspections, timely engine care, blade maintenance, and keeping the mower clean contribute significantly to its efficiency and durability. By adhering to these maintenance practices, you can enjoy a well-functioning mower that delivers a pristine cut for many seasons, making lawn care not just a chore, but a rewarding activity.

FAQs

1. How often should I change the oil in my CRAFTSMAN T2200?
   Change the oil after the first 5 hours of use for new mowers and then at least once every mowing season or as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
2. What type of fuel should I use for the T2200?
   Use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Avoid using gas with more than 10% ethanol.
3. How can I ensure an even cut with my T2200 mower?
   Ensure the mower deck is properly leveled, the blades are sharp and balanced, and the tire pressure is consistent across all tires.
4. Can I mow in reverse with the CRAFTSMAN T2200?
   Yes, the T2200 has a feature that allows mowing in reverse, but always check behind you before doing so for safety.
5. What should I do if my T2200 mower won’t start?
   Check the fuel level, battery connections, air filter, and spark plug. Ensure all safety switches are engaged and the parking brake is released.
6. How do I clean the mower deck?
   After each use, use a garden hose to clean the underside of the mower deck to remove grass clippings and prevent corrosion.
7. What is the turning radius of the CRAFTSMAN T2200, and why does it matter?
   The T2200 features a 5-inch turning radius due to its Turn Tight technology, allowing for superior maneuverability around obstacles and tight spaces.
8. How should I store my T2200 during the off-season?
   Clean the mower thoroughly, add fuel stabilizer, run the engine to distribute it, and then drain the fuel. Store the mower in a dry, protected space.
9. When should I replace the spark plug?
   Check the spark plug annually and replace it if it’s worn or fouled to ensure optimal engine performance.
10. Can I adjust the cutting height on my T2200, and how?
    Yes, the T2200 allows for cutting height adjustments. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on adjusting the deck height to suit your lawn’s needs.

Joel Cunningham

Forestry Author

I'm Joel Cunningham, an expert in pruning and weed management with over a decade of experience. My skills are rooted in formal training and extensive practice, focusing on advanced pruning techniques and efficient weed control. I'm known for my quality work, precision, and deep understanding of plant health and soil dynamics. My contributions extend to educational initiatives where I share sustainable practices and advice, establishing myself as a reliable and authoritative figure in the gardening community.