Craftsman lawn mowers have earned consistent trust from American homeowners for their durability, ease of use, and competitive pricing. In 2026, the lineup spans battery-powered push mowers for small yards all the way to riding tractors for multi-acre properties. These five picks represent the best options across different yard sizes, terrain types, and user preferences.
| Model Type | Power Source | Deck Width | Best Yard Size | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Propelled Gas | Gas | 21 in | 1/4 to 1/2 acre | $350-$500 |
| Electric Push Mower | Battery | 20 in | Up to 1/4 acre | $200-$350 |
| Rear-Wheel Drive Gas | Gas | 21 in | Hilly 1/4 to 1/2 acre | $380-$530 |
| Riding Lawn Tractor | Gas | 42-46 in | 1/2 acre and above | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Zero-Turn Mower | Gas | 46-54 in | 1 acre and above | $2,500-$4,000 |
Craftsman M275 Self-Propelled Gas Mower - Best Overall
The Craftsman M275 self-propelled mower with a 159cc engine and 21-inch deck is the most versatile model in the lineup for average homeowners. Front-wheel drive self-propulsion handles flat to gently sloped yards comfortably at a walking pace you control with the drive control lever. A 3-in-1 capability allows mulching, bagging, and side discharge on the same mower. The 11-position height adjustment covers mowing heights from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. A foldable handle reduces storage space. This is the benchmark self-propelled gas mower that covers most residential yard needs reliably and at a fair price.
Search for Craftsman M275 self propelled lawn mower on Amazon
Craftsman V20 Battery-Powered Electric Mower - Best for Small Yards
Craftsman’s V20 battery platform extends to a 20-inch cordless push mower that operates on two V20 batteries for up to 45 minutes of runtime. It produces zero emissions, runs significantly quieter than gas models, and starts with a button rather than a pull cord. The push-button start and lack of engine maintenance make it appealing for homeowners who mow occasionally and want simplicity over power. For quarter-acre yards with average turf thickness, the runtime is sufficient for a full mow on a single battery set. If you already own Craftsman V20 batteries from other tools, the cost of entry drops significantly.
Search for Craftsman V20 battery electric lawn mower on Amazon
Craftsman M310 Rear-Wheel Drive Gas Mower - Best for Hills
Rear-wheel drive self-propulsion provides more traction than front-wheel drive on slopes and hills because the weight of the engine is over the rear wheels when pushing the mower uphill. The Craftsman M310 delivers rear-wheel drive with a more powerful engine than the entry-level self-propelled models, making it the recommended choice for yards with elevation changes, wet grass, or dense turf that requires more torque to cut cleanly. Height adjustment is single-point lever style for quick changes across the full cutting height range. A top pick for properties with any significant grade.
Search for Craftsman M310 rear wheel drive lawn mower on Amazon
Craftsman T135 Riding Lawn Tractor - Best Entry Riding Mower
The Craftsman T135 riding tractor with a 46-inch cutting deck and 17.5 horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine is the best entry point into riding mower ownership for homeowners with a half acre or more. The wide deck cuts coverage time substantially compared to any push mower. A six-speed transmission with reverse allows confident handling on residential terrain. The large fuel tank supports extended mowing sessions without refueling interruption. Craftsman riding mowers are known for straightforward maintenance access and a robust dealer and parts network, which matters for a machine expected to run for ten or more years.
Search for Craftsman T135 riding lawn tractor on Amazon
Craftsman Z525 Zero-Turn Mower - Best for Large Properties
Zero-turn mowers eliminate the need to back-and-forth when navigating around trees, flower beds, and obstacles, reducing total mowing time by up to 50 percent compared to a traditional tractor on a large property. The Craftsman Z525 with a 24 horsepower engine and 54-inch fabricated deck handles one acre or more with efficiency and precision. Lap bar steering gives intuitive directional control once learned. The low center of gravity and wide wheelbase make it stable on gently rolling terrain. For homeowners mowing an acre or more per session, the time savings justify the price premium over a standard riding tractor.
Search for Craftsman Z525 zero turn mower on Amazon
What to Look For
Match the mower to your yard size and terrain. For flat yards under a quarter acre, a battery-powered push mower handles the job with minimal hassle. Self-propelled gas mowers are the workhorse for most residential properties in the quarter to half-acre range. Riding tractors become worthwhile at half an acre and above, where the time saved per mow quickly justifies the investment. For sloped yards, prioritize rear-wheel drive over front-wheel drive. For large flat properties, zero-turn cutting efficiency is the best long-term value.
Final Thoughts
Craftsman lawn mowers in 2026 deliver strong performance relative to their price across every yard size category. The M275 self-propelled gas mower is the best all-around choice for typical residential use. The V20 battery mower is the cleanest and simplest option for small yards. For larger properties, the T135 riding tractor offers proven reliability at a competitive entry price. Choose based on your yard size and terrain, and you will have a mower that performs season after season.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between a gas and electric Craftsman lawn mower?+
Gas Craftsman mowers offer more power for thick grass and large yards without runtime limits. Electric models are quieter, need less maintenance, and have no fuel costs, but are limited by battery charge or cord length. For yards under a quarter acre with average grass, electric is usually sufficient. For larger or hillier yards with dense turf, a gas self-propelled model is the more reliable choice.
What deck size do I need for my yard size?+
For yards under a quarter acre, a 21-inch deck is standard and efficient. A half-acre yard benefits from a 21 to 24-inch deck on a self-propelled mower. For a full acre or more, a riding mower with a 42 to 46-inch deck significantly reduces mowing time. Wider decks cover more ground per pass but are harder to maneuver around tight landscaping features and obstacles.
Do Craftsman riding mowers require significant maintenance?+
Craftsman riding mowers require standard seasonal maintenance including oil changes every 50 hours of operation, air filter replacement annually, blade sharpening each season, and spark plug replacement every one to two years. Battery-based maintenance items like fuel stabilizer and carburetor cleaning are specific to gas models. Regular deck cleaning after mowing extends blade and deck life significantly. Most maintenance tasks are achievable by an average homeowner with basic tools.