Craftsman GT5000

The Craftsman GT5000 garden tractor lawnmower is quite similar to the Craftsman 54 Inch 26 hp Lawn Tractor as they both have the same sized mower deck and same power output from their engines. However there is a fair few differences among them. The mower deck on the GT5000 lawn tractor has a cutting width of 54 inches although it’s total width is a good bit bigger due to the plastic discharge flap on the side of the deck. The deck houses 3 mower blades that work more efficiently than one single blade working alone. In total there are 7 different cutting heights that each vary by 0.5 inches. The highest is 4 inches above the ground while the lowest is just 1.5 inches above the ground. The deck is made from 11 gauge steel which will resist deforming or breaking from most knocks and bangs.

The deck on the Craftsman GT5000 has 4 small anti scalping wheels which force the deck to follow the contours of the ground you are cutting, giving you a very smooth finish. The rear wheels on the GT 5000 carry most of it’s weight. That’s why they are so big, each measuring 23×10.5-8 (23 inch diameter, 10.5 inch width, 8 inch rim diameter), while the front wheels which steer the tractor lawnmower each measure 16×6.5-6 (16 inch diameter, 6.5 inch width, 6 inch rim diameter). The 26 hp Briggs and Stratton engine that powers the lawnmower has a fuel tank that can hold up to 15.1 liters (4 US gallons).

Similar sized, but slightly more powerful tractor lawnmowers than the GT 5000 from Craftsman include both the Professional 28hp 54″ Garden Tractor Lawn Mower and the Craftsman 28985 Professional Premium 54″ 30 HP. As the Craftsman GT5000 is a large and powerful machine, the team at Craftsman have also built in functionality so that it can work with snow blades or a snow blower attached to the front during winter as well an optional mulching kit and rear bagger.

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18 Reviews of the “Craftsman GT5000”

  1. John Archer says:

    Bought this used from a reputable refurbisher.
    Fires right up, plenty of ground speed (faster than I think I should mow, but blade speed seems to be plenty for higher speed cutting.
    Better turning radius than expected on such a large unit.
    Needed a new PTO switch, but that took all of a minute to replace.
    No leaks, no smoke, no problems
    Setting the mowing level is odd. I just drop it down and let the wheels float. Works great!

    Year of Manufacture: 2000
    Pros: Power, turning radius, speed
    Cons: Odd to adjust deck
    Attachments: 48” mower deck

  2. Jarrod says:

    You can get parts on amazon, or other places, not Sears, they take your money, and don’t come through! The tractor is a good unit!

    Year of Manufacture: 0

  3. ILikeRed says:

    The $3k hydro seemed steep at the time, but my knee was bothering me. I am very happy with this model; I am glad I got it. General maintenance and oil changes. Replaced several batteries, repaired pressed tie-rod at steering mechanism, replaced deck idler pulley, wire to electronic clutch was damaged by stick in very heavy brush-my fault. Metal fender at seat supports cracked. Some of the deck wheels are getting loose. I have another 48″ with gears from a different brand but this hydro is my favorite.

    Year of Manufacture: 2004
    Pros: Red GT5000: Hydro, HD 48″ deck, Bright lights, Powerful, Gas Miser, Low Maintenance, Reliable, Long Lasting, Great Value. I have been very happy with this model.
    Cons: Plastic tank cracked twice, Just now replacing Head Gaskets due to oil consumption. Garage Kept but seems to have shrunk in size some how :(.
    Attachments: Mulcher: does a very FINE job and I use it almost always.
    Modifications: First thing: removed inner seals at deck spindle bearings and installed grease fittings.

  4. Tom Buckley says:

    My tractor has only 93 hours on it and has had one problem after another. Worst tractor I’ve ever owned. This tractor cost 3000 and I can’t get 300 for it. What a shame.5

    Year of Manufacture: 5

  5. Nick says:

    For all my yards needs…

    Year of Manufacture: 2000
    Pros: Great running and reliable tractor. Does everything I want and more. I’m not sure why some folks say they have trouble finding parts… They are everywhere online. Can pretty much fix anything on these with a hammer…
    Cons: Mines Red. I like Black
    Attachments: Plow, Hitch
    Modifications: None

  6. Dave Anderson says:

    This will be first winter with the gt but it really seems to be a good tractor

    Year of Manufacture: 2004
    Pros: For a craftsman works very well use only with snowblower
    Cons: None
    Attachments: Snowblower

  7. Robin Koykka says:

    what it does…
    -grades and maintains a gravel driveway
    -leaf pick up
    -snowblower – 44″ Bercomac
    -lawn care
    This tractor had a gasket leak when I first got it from initial install bolts not properly torqued, not one problem since.
    In summer after use, my backpack blower removes dust and grasses from machine.
    I do wish it had power steering.

    Year of Manufacture: 0
    Pros: Lots of forward power.
    Reliable
    Cons: Reverse is painfully slow
    Attachments: 44″ snowblower
    48″ mower deck
    3 bin bagger
    42″ grader blade
    Spike harrows
    -sleeve hitch
    Modifications: -LED lights
    -rear wheels filled with winter washer fluid
    -50lb steel weights/tire
    -oil drain hose replaced with tap shut off valve

  8. Rick says:

    Great

    Year of Manufacture: 2004
    Pros: Bought it new in 2004. Very capable and reliable tractor. 54 inch cut Koehler 25 hp engine has plenty of power. Use it to plow my driveway in the winter too. Change the oil and maintained it. No smoke and no issues.
    Cons: Had to replace the deck due to welds breaking. Found that the grass built up around the pullies underneath the plastic covers and popped the welds. Be proactive in cleaning the deck regularly.
    Attachments: PLow

  9. Does what it was purchased for with no real complaints

    Year of Manufacture: 2005
    Pros: Found it to be a reliable runner. At 13 years old, it burns no oil and starts right up. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
    Cons: Goes thru batteries once every two years, the second year finds me hooking it up to a trickle charger to start it…
    Attachments: None
    Modifications: Dead man on the wheel

  10. James Galbraith says:

    I’m happy with it.

    Year of Manufacture: 2004
    Pros: Purchased new. Essential for 2.2 acre mini-ranch. I use it all year long for field grass cutting, dump cart use, rear blade scrapping, and the tong attachment as well. I cannot complain because I’m using it at the commercial level. Even if I buy a full size tractor I’d have to keep the GT5000. It is reliable but requires lots of maintenance and care. My showcase front & rear lawns need to be aerated and de-thatched so I will but these two additional attachments so I can do the work myself on my schedule.
    Cons: I must be fair about my cons. Some of the parts on this unit are expensive and may only be found at Sears Parts Direct. I use Tractor Supply Company belts as I now have all the exact belt specs which Sears will not tell you. Do not loose your owners manual under any circumstances or you’ll be sorry. I go through blades, pulleys, and mandrels frequently due to the load burden I put it through. Remember to keep all spinning components in balance or you’ll wear out parts faster. Don’t forget to check oil level prior to startup and at mid day out in the field. I’m on engine number two now. I wish it had come with a front bumper and sun canopy. Maint expenses are about $300 every year. It was my fault for blowing the engine up because I failed to check the oil level. That wont happen again even if I’m drinking my favorite brew.
    Attachments: The large Dump Cart, rear tong Cultivator, rear box Scraper. Looking buy plug aerator and de-thatcher attachments as well.
    Modifications: I keep everything stock. I changed the plastic fuel filter with a metal case one for safety.

  11. Joe Brunke says:

    I Like The Mower Very Much

    Year of Manufacture: 2012
    Pros: I Like The Craftsman GT 5000 Very Much
    Cons: Need A Shift Linkage For A Peerless 6 Speed Tran.

  12. gregg christensen says:

    I’m great with it

    Year of Manufacture: 2004
    Pros: Fits me good (i am 6 foot 4). 26 horse Briggs with hydro drive and 48 inch deck. Machine is great….take care of equipment and equipment will take care of you. I get a kick out of reviews…..they are great or they are crap!! Mows nice and have blowe and it blows snow great……..just saying.
    Cons: Its not a John deere nor does it cost like one
    Attachments: Blower
    Modifications: None

  13. J says:

    Overall fairly good but I’ll try an alternate vendor for my next garden tractor.

    Year of Manufacture: 2004
    Pros: Fairly tough equipment
    Cons: Sears doesn’t exist – Use Tractor Supply for batteries & Belts
    My choke control cable has corroded so I must use a stick to start.
    Cutting blades & belts lasted ~10 years
    Mowing deck wheels must be replaced – the axles bend when they hit stumps.
    Replace all quick connect clevis pins with aircraft lock-nut style bolts- as they fall off & get lost in lawn.

  14. Jeff Conner says:

    Totally sucks!

    Year of Manufacture: 2006
    Pros: No pro’s here.
    Cons: Mowing decks breaks, head gasket leaks and starter failed after 11/2 years. Also their customer service totally sucks. Nothing more to say about Sears scrap metal / paper weight . It’s not even a good lawn ornament.

  15. Rob says:

    I have been waiting a month for an oil drain valve that let go. The tractor is pouring out oil and Sears Parts Direct cannot give me a straight answer about when I am going to get the part even though they took the money out of my account immediately. Between the tractor and accessories, I basically have about $3,500 worth of scrap metal sitting in my garage and Sears just doesn’t seem to care.

    Year of Manufacture: 2005
    Pros: Decent tractor when it works
    Cons: The parts for Craftsman tractors are impossible to find except through Sears Part Direct. They do not stock parts but just say they are “In Stock” until you order them and then scramble to find it.

  16. Dorothy Brodzinski says:

    LOVE THIS GT5000. MY MODEL NUMBER IS RUB OFF. NEED PART. CAN ANYONE HELP WITH THE MODEL MUNBER PLEASE

    THANKS
    DOROTHY

    Year of Manufacture: 2010

    • Aaron Parker says:

      piece of junk. the mower worked about two weeks
      the carburetor cannot be removed by consumer to clean parts break easily. Better stay away from this one.

      Year of Manufacture: 2006
      Pros: none
      Cons: expensive to buy and operate
      almost impossible to get repaired
      Sears sends repairmen that want to charge a fortune so you won’t buy and they won’t have to work – thats on all their products.
      Attachments: grader, tiller, cultivator
      Modifications: none

  17. Kurt Wirfel says:

    A pleasure to operate!!! Sit back & let the tractor do the work! I was warned that the hood would not stay down in reviews before purchase & thouht that a simple cam latch on each side would be an easy & inexpensive solution. But I have not had any such problems & have never installed the latches.

    Year of Manufacture: 2010
    Pros: Plenty of power, reservse fuel supply (beats carrying fuel a long distance to tractor!!!), tight turning radius (great in tight quarters), fuel,oil,&air filters easily accessible for replacement/cleaning, large fuel fill opening makes fill-ups easy, spring assisted deck lift, soda bottle stays securely in cup holder,
    Cons: Height adjustments not condusive to uneven ground (locks itself into one height & leaves grass high in low spots and high centers tractor on high spots) , I modified it to be a floating deck! Works great except that arm on lift handle is wearing through on both sides. I will need to replace it every 3-4 years!! It can get hung up on cross corner wheels if crossing a swail at the wrong angle, but you’ll quickly learn to avoid that.
    Attachments: Mower deck, Snowblower, Custom built hitch to accomodate towing ball for utility/boat trailers(bolts onto existing holes)
    Modifications: Converted height adjustment to allow deck to float with ground contour. As an engineer, I found this to be a design flaw as most people do not have sculptured lawns!

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