I’m thrilled to share my journey with the Craftsman T2400, a riding lawn mower that’s become my yard’s best friend. If you’re tired of wrestling with push mowers or underpowered riders, this machine is your ticket to a pristine lawn with minimal hassle.
Its powerful engine, tight turning radius, and comfy seat make mowing feel like a joyride. Trust me, you’ll want this mower in your garage—it’s a game-changer for homeowners craving efficiency and quality. Let’s explore my experience, the pros, cons, maintenance tips, and how it stacks up against the competition.
My Experience With The Craftsman T2400
Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday, and my half-acre yard is begging for a trim.
The Craftsman T2400 arrives, gleaming red and ready to roll.
Delivery was a breeze—professional, on time, and the mower was pre-serviced, minus fuel.
I poured in a couple of gallons, turned the key, and the 23 HP Kohler V-Twin engine roared to life like a lion waking up.
The sound was deep, confident, and honestly, kind of exhilarating.
My first lap around the yard was a revelation. The 5-inch Turn Tight radius let me weave around my rose bushes and that pesky oak tree like a pro.
No awkward three-point turns or missed patches. The hydrostatic transmission, controlled by a smooth foot pedal, made speed adjustments effortless—slow for tight corners, fast for open stretches. I pushed it to 5.5 mph on a straightaway, and it didn’t flinch, even through thicker grass I’d neglected for a week.
Comfort?
Oh, let’s talk about that high-back, cut-and-sew seat. It’s like sitting in a cushy office chair, not a mower. My back thanked me after an hour of mowing. I added the mulching kit, which was a bit flimsy to install but worked like a charm, chopping clippings fine enough to nourish the lawn.
The brush guard up front gave me peace of mind when I got a little too close to my fence. Sure, I noticed two missing seat bolts, but a quick trip to my toolbox fixed that. Overall, mowing felt less like a chore and more like a victory lap.
This machine is built for folks like me who want a professional cut without breaking a sweat.
Pros of The Craftsman T2400
- Powerhouse Kohler Engine
The 23 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin engine is the heart of this beast.
It tackles tall, dense grass without bogging down, even on my slightly uneven yard.
I’ve mowed through overgrown patches that would’ve choked lesser mowers, and it just keeps purring.
The engine’s reliability gives me confidence that this mower will last for years, making it a solid investment for any homeowner with a medium to large yard.
- Unmatched Maneuverability
That 5-inch Turn Tight radius is a game-changer. I can pivot around obstacles—trees, flower beds, you name it—with precision that rivals zero-turn mowers. It’s like driving a sports car compared to a clunky truck.
This feature alone cuts my mowing time by at least 20%, letting me finish my yard and still have energy for a cold drink on the porch.
- Smooth Hydrostatic Transmission
Forget jerky gear shifts. The foot-pedal hydrostatic transmission is buttery smooth, letting you adjust speed on the fly. Want to slow down for a tight turn?
Just ease off the pedal. Need to zip across an open field? Floor it. It’s intuitive and makes mowing feel almost effortless, even for someone like me who’s not a gearhead.
- Comfort for Long Sessions
The high-back seat and soft-touch steering wheel make long mowing sessions a breeze. I’ve spent hours on this mower without the usual aches and pains I got from my old Husqvarna.
The seat’s cushioning and adjustability are top-notch, and the steering feels light yet responsive. It’s clear Craftsman designed this with user comfort in mind.
- Durable Build Quality
The 46-inch stamped steel deck and cast iron front axle scream durability. I’ve bumped into rocks and roots, and this mower shrugs it off. The AGM battery is another win—compact, long-lasting, and quick to start, even after sitting in my garage for a week.
Plus, the brush guard protects the front from dings, which is great for clumsy folks like me.
Not-So-Good Parts of The Craftsman T2400
- Mulching Kit Could Be Sturdier: The mulching kit does its job, chopping grass finely to feed the lawn, but the cover feels a bit flimsy. It’s plastic and took some wrestling to install properly. I worry it might crack over time, especially if I’m not gentle when removing it for cleaning. A more robust design would’ve been nice for the price.
- Minor Assembly Hiccups: My mower arrived mostly assembled, but I was annoyed to find two missing seat bolts. It wasn’t a dealbreaker—I had spares in my toolbox—but it’s a small quality control issue that shouldn’t happen. Also, the steering wheel and seat attachment instructions could’ve been clearer for first-time owners who aren’t handy.
- Battery Charging Oversight: I learned the hard way that the AGM battery needs a full 24-hour charge before its first use. Nobody at the store mentioned this, and the manual buries it in fine print. When I tried to start it fresh out of the box, it was sluggish. A heads-up from Craftsman or the retailer would’ve saved me some frustration.
- Heavier Than Expected: At 590 pounds, this mower is a tank. It’s great for stability on slopes, but moving it manually—like when I needed to reposition it in my garage—was a workout. If you’ve got a small storage space or no trailer, you’ll need to plan ahead. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider.
Maintenance Tips For The Craftsman T2400
- Keep the Engine Happy
Your Kohler engine is a workhorse, but it needs love. Check the oil level before every mow—use SAE 10W-30 for best results. Change the oil and filter every 50 hours or once a season, whichever comes first. I keep a logbook to track this, and it’s saved me from costly repairs.
Also, clean the air filter monthly; a clogged filter can sap power and fuel efficiency.
- Sharpen Those Blades
Dull blades tear grass, leaving your lawn looking ragged. I sharpen my blades every 25 hours of use with a bench grinder, but a file works too. If you’re using the mulching kit, check for buildup under the deck after every mow—wet grass can cake up and affect performance.
A quick scrape with a putty knife keeps things running smoothly.
- Battery Care Is Key
The AGM battery is low-maintenance, but don’t skip that initial 24-hour charge. During the off-season, store it in a cool, dry place and charge it every 30 days to prevent discharge. I use a trickle charger, and it’s kept my battery starting strong even after winter.
If you notice sluggish starts, test the battery at a repair shop.
- Deck and Tire Maintenance
Wash the deck after every use to prevent grass buildup, which can rust the steel over time. I use a garden hose and a stiff brush, then dry it thoroughly. Check tire pressure monthly—15 PSI for front tires, 12 PSI for rear—to ensure even cutting and traction.
A flat tire mid-mow is no fun, trust me.
- Store It Right
If you’re like me and live where winters are harsh, store your T2400 in a garage or shed. Drain the fuel or add a stabilizer to prevent gumming up the carburetor. I learned this after my old mower’s carb needed a $200 rebuild.
Cover the mower to keep dust and critters out, and you’ll thank yourself come spring.
Comparison of Craftsman T2400 With Other Brands
I’m putting the Craftsman T2400 head-to-head with three competitors: PowerSmart DB2321SR, Pulsar PTG1221, and SENIX LSSG-M2. These riding mowers are in a similar price bracket, but let’s see how they stack up across key factors.
- Craftsman T2400 Vs. PowerSmart DB2321SR
The T2400’s 23 HP Kohler V-Twin engine dwarfs the PowerSmart’s 21 HP single-cylinder, which coughed and sputtered on my overgrown lawn. The T2400’s 5-inch Turn Tight radius let me zip around obstacles, while the DB2321SR’s 16-inch radius had me backing up constantly.
Craftsman’s hydrostatic transmission is smooth as silk; PowerSmart’s manual 6-speed felt like a workout. Comfort? The T2400’s cushy high-back seat beats the DB2321SR’s basic one, which left me sore.
At $2,400, the T2400’s durability and USA-made quality justify the $600 premium over the $1,800 PowerSmart, which feels flimsy.
- Craftsman T2400 Vs. Pulsar PTG1221
Power-wise, the T2400’s 23 HP Kohler outmuscles the Pulsar’s 21 HP engine, especially on thick grass.
The T2400’s 5-inch turning radius is a dream compared to the PTG1221’s clunky 18-inch radius—I spent less time maneuvering with Craftsman.
The T2400’s hydrostatic transmission glides effortlessly; Pulsar’s manual gears were a hassle on slopes.
The T2400’s high-back seat and brush guard add comfort and protection, while the Pulsar’s seat is just okay, and its deck feels less robust.
Priced at $1,900, the Pulsar saves $500, but the T2400’s performance and build make it worth the splurge.
- Craftsman T2400 Vs. SENIX LSSG-M2
The T2400’s 23 HP Kohler edges out the SENIX’s 22 HP Briggs & Stratton in torque, handling heavy loads better.
The T2400’s 5-inch Turn Tight radius outshines the LSSG-M2’s 14-inch, making my yard’s tight corners a breeze.
Both have hydrostatic transmissions, but the T2400’s feels more responsive.
Comfort is a win for Craftsman—its plush seat and soft-touch steering trump SENIX’s stiffer controls. The T2400’s stamped steel deck and brush guard feel tougher than SENIX’s.
At $2,200, the SENIX is $200 cheaper, but the T2400’s agility and durability tip the scales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, it’s a fantastic choice for medium to large yards. The 23 HP Kohler engine powers through thick grass, and the 5-inch Turn Tight radius makes navigating obstacles a breeze. It’s comfortable, durable, and competitively priced. That said, minor issues like the flimsy mulching kit and initial battery charging needs might annoy some users. If you prioritize maneuverability and value, it’s hard to beat.
The Craftsman T2400 is manufactured by MTD, a major player in the lawn equipment industry. MTD produces mowers for several brands, but the T2400 is designed with Craftsman’s signature focus on homeowner-friendly features and USA-based assembly in Martin, Tennessee, and Willard, Ohio.
Craftsman mowers, including the T2400, are made by MTD. While Craftsman is a brand under Stanley Black & Decker, MTD handles the manufacturing, leveraging their expertise in outdoor power equipment. Some older Craftsman models were made by Husqvarna, but MTD has been the primary producer in recent years.
No, MTD and Craftsman aren’t the same. MTD is a manufacturer that produces lawn equipment for multiple brands, including Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Cub Cadet. Craftsman is a brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker, known for tools and lawn gear. Think of MTD as the factory, Craftsman as the label.
Conclusion: Get The Craftsman T2400 Today
After months of mowing with the Craftsman T2400, I’m hooked. It’s powerful, nimble, and makes yard work feel like a joyride. Whether you’re dodging trees or cruising through open grass, this mower delivers a professional cut with comfort to spare.
Sure, it’s not perfect—the mulching kit could be sturdier, and assembly had minor hiccups—but the pros far outweigh the cons. For the price, you’re getting a USA-made machine that outshines pricier competitors.
Grab the T2400 and transform your lawn game—you won’t look back.