Trying to choose between a Craftsman and a John Deere riding mower? Here’s the quick answer: Craftsman is a solid pick if you’re on a budget and want good features. But if you care more about long-term strength and a smoother ride, John Deere pulls ahead.
I’ve mowed my own half-acre lawn through every season with both brands. And the real differences? They show up fast. Some things wear out quicker. Some just feel better.
After years of testing outdoor tools across the U.S., I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. Let me break it down so you can choose the one that fits your yard, your needs, and your life.
Table of Contents
Detailed Comparison: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
I’ve used both Craftsman and John Deere mowers across many seasons—from spring greens to fall leaves. Each has its perks. But over time, some features matter more than you’d think.
Cutting Width: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Wider decks mean fewer passes and faster mowing. Both brands offer solid options, but John Deere gives you a bit more coverage.
| Feature | Craftsman Riding Mower | John Deere Riding Mower |
| Cutting Width (inches) | 42 to 46 | 42 to 54 |
| Best For | Small to mid-size lawns | Medium to large lawns |
| Time to Mow ½ Acre | 40–45 minutes | 30–35 minutes |
With my Craftsman 46″, it worked well for my small yard. But on my uncle’s ¾-acre lot, the Deere’s 54″ saved real time.
Rating
Craftsman – 8/10
John Deere – 9/10
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Cutting Height Adjustment: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Changing the height is key as grass grows fast in spring and slows down in fall.
| Feature | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Height Settings | 5 | 13 |
| Height Range (inches) | 1.5 – 4 | 1 – 4 |
| Ease of Use | Basic lever | Smooth and easy lever |
Craftsman gets the job done, but John Deere gives you more choices. That helped me avoid scalping after heavy rain.
Rating
Craftsman – 7/10
John Deere – 9/10
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Engine Power: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
A stronger engine helps on slopes and wet turf. I saw this clearly in early spring cuts.
| Feature | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Engine Type | Briggs & Stratton | Briggs or Kawasaki |
| Horsepower | 18–20 HP | 20–24 HP |
| Gas Tank | ~1.3 gal | ~2.4 gal |
The Deere felt stronger on hills. Craftsman once stalled after rain.
Rating
Craftsman – 7/10
John Deere – 9/10
Maneuverability: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Tight corners, trees, and beds really test your mower’s handling.
| Feature | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Turning Radius | 18″ | 16″ |
| Wheel Size | 15″/20″ | 15″/20″ |
| Seat | Basic | High-back, adjustable |
John Deere made tight turns easier around my raised beds. It’s a small edge—but it adds up.
Rating
Craftsman – 7/10
John Deere – 9/10
Grass Disposal: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Both can mulch, bag, or side-discharge. But how well they do it matters.
| Feature | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Mulching Kit | Extra | Often included |
| Bagging | Average | Strong airflow |
| Side Discharge | Basic | Wider, smoother flow |
My Craftsman clumped mulch on damp grass. John Deere didn’t clog once.
Rating
Craftsman – 6/10
John Deere – 9/10
Noise Level: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Noise can wear on you—and your neighbors.
| Feature | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Idle Noise | Moderate | Quieter |
| Load Noise | Loud | Softer pitch |
| Vibration | Noticeable | Lower |
Craftsman gets loud when revving. Deere felt smoother and easier on my ears.
Rating
Craftsman – 6/10
John Deere – 8/10
Ease of Use: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Everything from starting to steering affects how the mower feels to use.
| Feature | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Start | Key start | Key or push button |
| Controls | Basic | Clear, labeled |
| Storage Size | Compact | Larger footprint |
Craftsman is easy enough. But Deere’s layout just feels better and faster to use.
Rating
Craftsman – 7/10
John Deere – 9/10
Value for Money: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Price matters—but so does how long it lasts.
| Feature | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Price Range | $2,000–$2,500 | $2,800–$3,500 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2–4 years |
| Upkeep Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
Craftsman offers good value. But I had to replace a belt in year one. My Deere? Still going strong after three.
Rating
Craftsman – 7/10
John Deere – 8/10
Final Verdict: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Both are good. Craftsman is ideal for small yards and lower budgets. John Deere is built to last—and it shows.
| Summary | Craftsman | John Deere |
| Best For | Budget buyers | Long-term use |
| Cutting Power | Good | Excellent |
| Comfort & Control | Basic | Smooth and precise |
After real use, I’d say Craftsman gets the job done. But John Deere makes the job easier—and more fun.
Overall Rating
Craftsman – 7.2/10
John Deere – 9/10
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How I Adjust My Mowing Routine from Spring to Fall
Seasons change—and so does how I mow. What works in April doesn’t always cut it in August or when the leaves fall in October. Over time, I’ve learned to tweak my routine to match the season and the mower.
In spring, I reach for the Craftsman. It’s light and turns fast, which helps around trees and tight spots. The ground is still soft, so I don’t need power—I need control. The Craftsman makes quick work of early cleanups.
By summer, the grass grows fast and thick. That’s when I switch to the John Deere. Its stronger motor and smoother mulch action make each mow easier. In tall or damp grass, the Deere powers through where the Craftsman sometimes lags.
Come fall, I lean on the John Deere even more. It handles long mulching jobs like a champ. If you live where fall means wet grass and thick leaves, that strong cut and steady feel really help.
Craftsman Pros
- Great features for the price
- Tight turning for small spaces
- Light and easy to steer
Craftsman Cons
- Build feels less sturdy
- Bumpier ride
- Customer support can be hit-or-miss
John Deere Pros
- Built tough
- Holds value well
- Runs smooth and quiet
John Deere Cons
- Costs more upfront
- Fewer features on low-end models
- Turns a bit wider
Tips for Better Results
- Sharpen blades every 20–25 hours
- Clean the deck often to stop rust
- Pick the right deck width to save time
- Use a cover and fuel stabilizer over winter
- Stick to the service schedule—especially with Craftsman
Read More: Craftsman vs Toro Lawn Mower
Final Thoughts
If you’re just moving up from a push mower, Craftsman gives you a good start. It’s affordable and easy to drive, especially on small lawns. But if you want something that lasts and works harder, John Deere is worth it. Every year I use it, I like it more.
Specs matter—but what really counts is how the mower fits your yard, your time, and your needs.
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FAQs: Craftsman vs John Deere Riding Mower
Which is better for small yards: Craftsman or John Deere?
Craftsman is better for small yards. It’s lighter and turns tighter, which helps in narrow spots or around trees.
Is John Deere worth the higher price over Craftsman?
Yes. If you want a mower that lasts longer and runs smoother, John Deere is worth the extra cost. It holds its value well too.
Does Craftsman offer the same cutting power as John Deere?
Not quite. Craftsman works well for normal mowing. But in tall or wet grass, John Deere’s stronger engine does a better job.
Which riding mower has better resale value?
John Deere usually wins here. It’s known for lasting quality and has better access to parts and service. That keeps resale prices high.
Are Craftsman mowers easier to maintain than John Deere?
Yes—at first. Craftsman mowers are easier and cheaper to fix. But they may need repairs more often than John Deere in the long run.
