The Craftsman T225 comes loaded with the powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, not to mention a forty-six-inch deck, which makes it perfect for small to medium-sized yards. The mower handles well, allowing the rider to take sharp turns and easily maneuver around the yard. Reasonably priced and beginner-friendly, this is the perfect starter riding lawn mower for anyone in search of a reliable model that’s designed to last.
Our Verdict: The T225 by Craftsman is a budget-friendly, mid-sized riding lawn mower that’s loaded with some great features that make it a great choice for small and medium-sized yards. Because it has a deck size of forty-six inches, it’s a great buy for homes with one to two acres of property. Its reverse mowing function is designed to save you time and frustration as you expertly maneuver the mower around obstacles or in tight spaces. We loved how easy this model is to handle, its ergonomic seat, and the built-in deck wash port that makes maintenance a breeze.
As you can see, while it’s a lower priced model, it’s not short on important features that make it a true pleasure to use and a model you know you can rely on season after season.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
Craftsman is a major brand you can trust. Their extensive line of riding lawn mowers have a reputation for power, versatility, and durability. We’re happy to see their latest model, the T225 comes loaded with all the right features and offers the type of quality that has made Craftsman a household name.
This little riding lawn mower may not have a large deck, but what it does offer is power and a reliable performance. For the price, we were surprised at how efficient and tough this model really is. If you’re searching for a lawn mower that’s easy to handle and beginner-friendly, then your search is over.
Product Rating:
- Reverse mowing function
- Anti-skid tires
- Deck wash port
- Perfect for small and medium-sized yards
- Good value for the money
Engine
The Briggs & Stratton engine features ready start, so you can always rely on the engine to fire up with just a turn of the key. The model also offers decent power at nineteen HPs.
Deck
The forty-six-inch cutting deck is the perfect size for small and medium sized lawns, and can easily access tight spots and handles well even on uneven terrain.
Deck Wash
The deck wash port will allow you to connect a hose directly to the port in order to remove grass clippings and debris. This fast cleaning action helps to prevent clogs.
Reverse Mowing
The reverse mowing feature allows you to drive your mower in reverse, making it much easier to maneuver in and out of tight spots in the yard.
Ergonomic Seat
The high backed cushioned seat is comfortable, supportive, and heavily padded.
Turf-Saver
The twenty-inch rear wheels and fifteen-inch front wheels provide better than average clearance for improved maneuverability around the yard.
Performance
This mower comes with the Ready Start technology, which provides a more efficient, faster startup. The included high backed seat will provide a smoother ride thanks to the extra support.
The mowing in reverse feature allows you to trim and cut grass as you weave in and out of tight spots or around obstacles in your path. Unlike competing mowers like the Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower, you won’t have to stop mowing and change position when the mower is in reverse. This feature alone will save you plenty of time and frustration.
The deck wash port is an important feature since it can essentially cut your mower maintenance time in half. If you’re dealing with thicker or taller grass, clogs can happen. Simply hook up a hose and you can easily clean out the bottom of the mower, removing leaves, grass, and other debris, in minutes.
In order to prevent damage to your turf as you mow, the mower’s high traction tires will prevent it from damaging your lawn or skidding during use.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Reverse mowing function
- Anti-skid tires
- Deck wash port
- Perfect for small and medium-sized yards
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Cannot handle larger lawns over two acres
Performance
The best feature, hands down is the reverse mowing function, but we also found that the anti-skid tires came in handy when driving over soft short grass. If your yard slopes, these tires will prevent the wheels from digging into your lawn and damaging the grass. The mower’s high backed chair prevents lower lumbar pain so you can mow for a longer period of time, in total comfort. Overall, this is a great little riding lawn mower and one that comes with some great features that you wouldn’t expect to find on a mower in this price range.
Related Questions
Can this Mower Handle Steep Inclines?
Yes. The anti-skid tires make this one of the best riding mowers for hills. Additionally, the wheel design will also prevent the wheels from tearing up your turf, a common problem with lower-priced riding lawn mowers.
Can You Purchase Attachments for this Mower?
Yes. You can purchase compatible attachments straight from the Craftsman website. This includes a snow plow, snow blades, or a mulching kit. Craftsman is constantly releasing new and innovative attachments for their mowers, which make lawn maintenance a cinch, year-round.
How Does Reverse Mowing Work?
Reverse mowing is designed to allow the mower to continue to cut the grass, even when the mower is placed in reverse. The beauty of this feature is the fact that it allows you to back into a tight spot in your yard, unlike competing models that only cut the grass when the mower is moving forward.
Conclusion and Rating
Product Rating:
The T225 is a compact mower that’s designed for small and medium-sized yards. Its forty-six-inch deck allows you to trim your grass to the perfect height in a single pass, while the reverse mowing function is perfect for those tight spaces in your yard. Overall, while it’s not able to handle larger properties, this is a moderately powerful mower that’s durable, reliable, and easy to use. We gave this model a rating of four and a half stars out of five.