Craftsman vs Troy-Bilt Lawn Mowers: Which One Is Better?
Want to know the clear winner between Craftsman and Troy-Bilt lawn mowers? Then you might need to read our comparison of the two lawn mower brands.
In this article, we compare Craftsman vs Troy-Bilt lawn mowers by evaluating factors such as cutting performance, design, warranty, and engine power.
Craftsman Brand Overview
Craftsman manufactures different types of walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers and other outdoor tools.
They were part of a brand called Sears, but they are now completely independent. The trademark of the company was officially registered in 1927.
Their mowing machines are mainly produced in China while some are also manufactured in Taiwan.
Craftsman lawn mowers are durable, reliable and reasonably priced.
Troy-Bilt Brand Overview
Troy-Bilt offers a full line of products such as riding mowers, walk-behind mowers, cultivators, tillers, leaf blowers and edgers. Their headquarters is situated in Valley City, Ohio.
The firm has been manufacturing engine-powered yard equipment since it debuted a residential rototiller in 1937.
They have a great reputation for manufacturing reliable and rugged mowers at an affordable price.
Key Differences Between Craftsman and Troy-Bilt Lawn Mowers
The main difference between them is that Craftsman mowers slightly generate more power output (10.5HP-26HP) while Troy-Bilt mowers come with a broader range of deck sizes (16-25 inches)
Best Craftsman Lawn Mowers
1. Craftsman M215 Self-Propelled Mower
The Craftsman M215 is a durable and sturdy self-propelled mower suitable for small and mid-sized yards.
The gas engine comes with a recoil and auto choke for easy starting.
Its front-wheel-drive feature enables the mowing machine to maneuver around level terrain with ease.
It has six cutting heights which can be adjusted from 1.75-3.75 inches to suit your mowing needs.
2. Craftsman 21-in. All-Wheel-Drive 3-in-1 Push Lawn Mower
The gas-powered mower runs on a reliable and powerful 196cc OHV engine that offers maximum mowing performance.
It comes with a 2.5-bushel dust blocker bag that helps to minimize in-air debris and dust with the increasing amount of grass clipping intake.
Its four-wheel-drive design enables the mower to mow around obstacles or on hilly terrain. In addition, the four-wheel-drive enhances better traction.
The mowing machine is maneuverable and easy to assemble.
It is equipped with a 21-inch cutting deck that enables homeowners to rear discharge, mulch or rear bag grass clippings via the 3-in-1 option.
Its dual lever enables you to make easy cutting adjustments to suit your varying needs.
3. Craftsman Z525 Zero-Turn Mower
The Craftsman Z525 runs on a powerful 24HP Kohler twin-cylinder engine to provide an easy and reliable starting.
Its zero-turn radius allows quick and easy directional changes. It comes with a high-back seat to provide premium support and comfort while mowing.
Its robust steel frame ensures an enhanced mowing experience.
The zero-turn mower is equipped with a 50-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
4. Craftsman M260 163cc 21-inch Gas Lawn Mower
The Craftsman M260 is a durable and efficient mowing machine suitable for small and mid-sized yards.
It comes with a 21-inch cutting deck for efficient mowing on lawns. This deck allows you to side discharge, mulch or bag grass clippings via the 3-in-1 option.
It has six cutting heights that range from 1.25 to 3.75 inches to suit your mowing needs. The speed control feature allows you to set and adjust your pace on the go with a single lever.
The gas-powered mower runs on a 162cc Briggs and Stratton engine for a powerful mowing operation. Its 1.9-bushel dust blocker bag enhances easy clean-up or composting.
Some users liked the fact that the mower is easy to assemble.
5. Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower, 20-inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213)
The Craftsman electric mower runs on a 13-amp motor that can mow through tall grass.
Its 20-inch cutting deck enhances efficient mowing on yards that are up to ¼ acre. The mowing machine comes with an easy-fold handle which allows for vertical storage.
It has a lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver on lawns.
The CMEMW213 model is equipped with a winged blade to improve the mower’s cutting performance on lawns.
Some users liked the fact that the mower is durable, sturdy and easy to assemble. It has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities.
The electric mower has six cutting positions that can be adjusted from 1-1/2-4 inches to suit your mowing requirements.
Best Troy-Bilt Lawn Mowers
1. Troy-Bilt TB230XB XP 163cc B&S 725exi FWD Self-Propelled Mower
The self-propelled lawn mower can maneuver well on rough terrain and hills thanks to the 11-inch high rear wheels.
Its deck wash adapter ensures easy maintenance by simply connecting a standard garden hose to rinse clippings from the underside of the deck.
The Briggs and Stratton engine features a ReadyStart technology for easy starting. The TB230 model comes with a 21-inch steel cutting deck that is built to last.
Its TriAction cutting system ensures a well-manicured lawn while the variable speed front-wheel drive offers faster turns and provides improved control.
2. Troy Bilt Pony 42K Riding Lawn Mower, 13AO77BS066
The Troy Bilt Pony riding mower runs on a 17HP Kohler engine to ensure reliable starts in all weather conditions.
It is equipped with a 42-inch mower deck which enhances a clean and even cut on lawns.
The 15-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels ensure easy and smooth maneuverability while the LED headlights provide better visibility in low-light and dark conditions.
It has 5 cutting positions that can be adjusted from 1.25-3.75 inches to suit your mowing needs.
The riding mower has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities.
3. Troy-Bilt TB110 Push Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt TB110 runs on a 140cc Briggs and Stratton ReadyStart engine that can deliver adequate power to get your yard work done.
In addition, the engine does not require a primer or choke.
It comes with 11-high rear wheels which provide better traction to ensure easy navigation on uneven grounds.
It comes with a durable 21-inch steel deck for efficient mowing on small and medium-sized yards. The TriAction cutting system ensures a well-manicured lawn.
Its six cutting positions can be adjusted from 1.25-3.75 inches to suit your varying needs.
The mowing machine has a mulch kit to help maintain a healthy lawn while the 1.9-bushel rear bag catches grass clippings for easy cleanup.
4. Troy-Bilt TB120B Push Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt TB110 runs on a 140cc Briggs and Stratton ReadyStart engine to offer maximum power to get your yard work done.
In addition, the engine does not require priming or choke starting.
It comes with 11-high rear wheels which provide better traction for easy navigation on uneven grounds.
The TB120B model has a 21-inch cutting deck which enhances superb grass-cutting performance on lawns.
Its TriAction cutting system is designed to deliver even and clean cuts on lawns.
Furthermore, the mower’s high-performance blade creates lifts for fine cuts.
Its six cutting heights range from 1.25-3.75 inches to suit your mowing requirements.
The push lawn mower comes with a mulch kit to help maintain a healthy lawn while the 1.9-bushel rear bag catches grass clippings for easy cleanup.
5. Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Riding Mower, CA CARB
The Troy-Bilt Pony 42 Riding Mower is powered by a 500cc Briggs and Stratton engine for reliable starting and enough power to tackle your yard.
It comes with a 42-inch steel deck to ensure clean and even cuts on the lawn.
Its Shift-on-the-go transmission can adjust speed to suit your mowing needs. The mower’s 18-inch turning radius gives you control around obstacles.
The durable and compact AGM batteries ensure better starting performance and extended mower lifespan.
It has 5 cutting positions that can be adjusted from 1.5-4 inches to suit your varying needs.
The riding mower has a maximum forward speed of 5.5 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 2.5 mph.
Craftsman vs Troy-Bilt Lawn Mowers
Here is a well-detailed comparison of the two lawn mower brands:
Design
Craftsman walk-behind mowers such as Craftsman M215 and M105 models have wheels that are made with zag treading to provide more traction while mowing.
They also come with an auto choke system for an easy start.
Some Craftsman zero-turn mowers such as Z525 and Z5800 have a high back seat for comfort and a robust steel frame that ensures a pleasant mowing experience.
The adjustable lap bar ensures efficient mowing while the rubber foot pad provides a smooth ride with less vibration.
On the other hand, Troy-Bilt walk-behind mowing machines come with a TriAction cutting system designed to deliver clean and even cuts on lawns.
They also have large wheels to ensure improved maneuverability on lawns.
The engines of some Troy Bilt walk-behind models feature an auto-choke for easy starting.
Their riding mowers have headlights to provide ultimate vision in low-light areas and large tires to ensure better traction.
Troy-Bilt zero-turn mowers come with a 2-way adjustable lap bar that can fit riders of all sizes.
Troy-Bilt models such as Mustang Z54 and Z46 models have features such as a high back seat with armrest, foam-grip steering controls for maximum comfort, and a tubular frame to provide stability.
In addition, the anti-scalp deck wheels help to prevent turf damage and deliver even and clean cuts on lawns.
Engine Power
Craftsman lawn mowers are powered by Kohler, Honda, and Briggs and Stratton engines.
The horsepower of their engines ranges from 10.5-26 HP.
Troy-Bilt mowers run on Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Honda and Troy-Bilt OHV engines.
The horsepower ratings of Troy Bilt mowers range from 10.5HP-24HP.
Cutting Performance
Craftsman lawn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 20 to 54 inches while Troy-Bilt lawn mowers have cutting decks that range from 16- 54 inches.
Craftsman walk-behind mowers such as M105 and M230 models have six cutting positions that range from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches.
Their zero-turn mowers like the Craftsman Z525 model have 9 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.25- 3.75 inches.
The cutting decks of Craftsman mowers are designed with reinforced steel that enhances a nice cut. In addition, this deck is faster than the twin-style cutting deck.
Several Troy-Bilt mowers come with a TriAction Cutting system that has a rake bumper to raise the grass.
The mower’s blade helps to produce a finer mulch and removes clumping from the grass.
Most Troy Bilt walk-behind lawn mowers have 5-6 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.25-3.75 inches to enable you to cut the grass to an ideal height.
They have an anti-scalp deck to ensure a faster and improved cut.
Both lawn mower brands have two blades to ensure nice and clean cuts on lawns. They can also side discharge, mulch and bag grass clippings via the 3-in-1 option.
Fuel Capacity
Most Craftsman mowers also have a 1.3-3.5-gallon fuel tank while Troy-Bilt mowers come with a fuel tank capacity of 1.3-3 gallons.
Warranty
Craftsman mowers are backed by a two-year warranty while Troy-Bilt comes with three-year warranty service.
Ease of Use
Craftsman lawn mowers come with an auto-choke system for easy starting.
Their walk-behind mowers such as M105 and M215 models are easy to use and assemble.
These models have wheels that are designed with zag treading for easy maneuvering on lawns.
Some Troy-Bilt mowers come with a deck wash to enable you to clean the underside of the deck with ease.
The auto-choke feature eliminates priming and allows for quick and easy starting. The deck level of their mowers is easy to adjust.
In addition, both Craftsman and Troy-Bilt riding lawn mowers have an ergonomic seat for comfortable mowing operation.
Cost
Craftsman lawn mowers cost between $182 to over $5000 while Troy-Bilt mowers cost between $299-$4,399.
Pros and Cons
Craftsman Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Craftsman mowers are affordable and easy to maintain.
- They are reliable, flexible and durable.
- Craftsman mowers are highly maneuverable and comfortable to use
Cons
- They have a small gas tank.
- Parts may fall apart more often than expected.
Troy-Bilt Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Troy-Bilt lawn mowers are budget-friendly.
- They are durable and sturdy.
- Homeowners can easily have access to their air filter and fuel filter.
Cons
- Troy-Bilt riding mowing machines may have poor steering performance.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both Craftsman and Troy-Bilt mowers could be a perfect choice for your lawn maintenance but it depends on what suits your mowing needs.
They are almost tied in terms of quality and performance.
If you are more concerned about engine power, we recommend Craftsman mowers because they are more powerful than Troy-Bilt mowing machines.