Craftsman Professional  190cc* Variable-Speed Rear-Wheel Drive Mower 49 States

This mower works great, handles easy and is very easy to use!!!!!

easy starting, smooth running, very powerful motor. Just pull cord and it starts right up. I bought a floor model which was missing alot of parts including battery charger so I pull started it and it started right up with very little effort. unfortunately it was missing so many parts that I reluctantly returned it, but will buy a brand new model in the spring. You will love this mower.

We bought this about 1 1/2 years ago, and spent the extra money for a commercial grade (so-called) because my son cuts about 8-10 lawns per week in our neighborhood. Commercial grade products should be built to withstand more wear and tear. This mower is not built that way. The handle broke. The self-propelled drive system is based on a gear inside the back wheel covers, and that went bad. The cable that operates the self-propelled system broke. We have been terribly disappointed with this mower. The commercial grade of this mower is in name only. Craftsman used to be a reliable brand, but it seems that is a thing of the past now.

Lawnmower does an outstanding job of cutting the grass and assembly was a snap.  In my 30+ years of cutting grass, it probably does the best job of any mower I've owned.  I agree with other users that the self propulsion does take a little bit to get used to, but it works well.  Instead of going in a circle or back and forth, I've adopted what I call the zamboni method.  I cut a rectangle about half the size of the yard and move the top and the bottom the same direction (i.e., both towards the house if I started at the back of the yard).  This allows me to cut the entire yard without continuously releasing the self propulsion at every turn.   My favorite things about this mower:

1) Starts extremely easily.  I've only used the pull cord as I haven't remembered to charge it in time to do so before I mow, but I know my wife could start it and my four year old might be able to if I let him.

2) Does an OUTSTANDING job of mowing and mulching.  Let's face it, if we are spending this much money on a mower, we give a $%^& about how our yard looks.  This mower helps us have the best looking yard in the neighborhood.

3) Not sure of the specifics, but it seems to me that I don't have to fill the gas as frequently as I'm used to.  Living in the South, it's hot and it's humid.  Once I start mowing, I don't want to stop.  I've now cut the whole yard 1.5 times without refilling.

4) I haven't used a bag yet, but I watched the video online and it seems like a snap to empty.  I'm used to a Murray where the top of the bag lifted up to empty.  Grass flew all over the place and it just wasn't fun in general.  This looks a lot easier and neater.

I have one significant issue and two minor ones:

1) The blade control cable is either too long or misadjusted.  It took me 30-45 minutes of troubleshooting to figure this out.  I basically have to place a piece of mulch under the cable to tighten it in order for it to even start.  While this is annoying and may point to quality control issues, once the fix is in place, it starts easier than any other mower I've owned.

2) Due to its weight, you need make sure the ground is completely dry prior to mowing.  (This is a good idea anyway but doubly important with this mower.)

3) As far as I can tell, the handle has to be folded forward slightly for the charger to be attached as the lower part of the handle blocks the plug.  Since you only need to do it at the beginning of the season (assuming it's used regularly), this shouldn't be an issue.

very nice, just as shown . It is the first mower for me that the front wheels turned so it took a mowing or two to get used to it...no more picking up the front end to turn around...the electric start is outstanding as well...great deal...sears store I used very good to deal with...got the 3 year warantly as well

I really like to use this mower. It is fast, easy to turn and light weight for a mower. I'm a female and mowing can be a chore, however, with this mover it's more enjoyable and I'm not exhausted after I've done the yard.

Altohugh only used a couple times, I am most impressed with the mower. I love the variable speed option as the mower can be adjusted for a variety of users. The self-starting option is also a great asset. My only concern is that the mower seems a bit "back heavy" ... steering takes some time to get used too. All in all, I am very pleased.

I have a hilly piece of property and this mower is able to handle the grade at the lowest speed without strain. It is much heavier than the standard lawn mower so to reverse it, you have to release the drive and pull it with a little muscle - not a big deal. It turns on a dime and the cut is superb - once you adjust the deck and front wheels. The deck can be adjusted up or down 1 notch in either direction without having to adjust the front wheels. Further adjustment will require the front wheels to be adjusted. The pull start is very comfortable - nothing like my 24 year old EagerOne mower. Most of the negative comments are unfounded. All of the plastic wing nuts stay tight and they are there so that the nuts will not seize as metal will. The bag fills properly provided you make sure that before you mount it, you check the throat gasket and make sure it is properly seated in the slot. Wet grass cannot be mulched properly with any mulching mower so use either the bag or side discharge chute. When ever you purchase new power equipment, you should always go through the unit and check the fit and tightening of all bolts, nuts and attachments. I found everything properly tightened on the mower as it was shipped. I did, however, loosen the blade and re-torque it to the proper specification. I am very satisfied with this mower but be aware that this mower can run away from you at higher speeds. If you are (as I am) unable to afford a rider but need to get into self propelled, this is a beautiful machine to own.

Would have given it a 0-stars if it was a possible choice. Got this mower in 2009. After two years, it has been repaired twice, costing close to $200. This year, it started choking on clippings. The design is poor - the narrow passage for the clipping to go through gets choked easily on grass that are not problems at all for Honda or Toro. I have had a Honda of the similar price range and a Toro at about half of this mower costs - never had such disgusting problem with the others.

This is the worst engineered lawn mower I have ever owned.