Show summary Hide summary
Consumer Reports’ latest tests have put a spotlight on one riding mower that many shoppers should think twice about. The Craftsman T110 finished at the bottom of CR’s rankings, and both lab results and customer reports reveal recurring problems. If you’re shopping for a tractor to simplify yard work, read on. This breakdown explains why the T110 drew such a low score and what buyers are actually experiencing in the field.
Why Consumer Reports gave the Craftsman T110 a failing grade
In lab testing, the Craftsman T110 struggled across several practical measures. CR flagged issues that affect comfort, performance, and long-term ownership.
Riding lawn mower’s biggest problem: how to fix it
Egg cartons: turn trash into cute bee decor for your patio
- Handling problems: The mower’s gear-driven system created steering and maneuverability concerns in testing.
- Seat comfort: Lack of a high-back seat made longer mowing sessions more fatiguing for operators.
- Excessive noise: The T110 performed poorly on noise tests, both at the operator’s ear and at 25 feet.
- Mulching and bagging: Only average scores here mean clippings and collection fall short of expectations.
- Predicted reliability and satisfaction: CR assigned low projections for durability and owner happiness.
What buyers report: recurring delivery and early-use issues
Online reviews mirror some of CR’s concerns and add delivery problems into the mix. Feedback from large retailers shows a mix of praise and frustration.
- Dead or faulty batteries: Several buyers say units arrived with dead batteries or failed soon after first use.
- Reports of rusted parts, missing keys, and water-damaged manuals at delivery.
- Instances of wobbling wheels and premature mechanical trouble reported shortly after purchase.
- Some owners had to run the mower over the same area multiple times to get a clean cut.
Positive feedback that keeps the rating mixed
Not all buyers are unhappy. On Lowe’s, the T110 averages about 3.8 stars from several thousand reviews. Users praise:
- Multiple deck widths available to suit yard size.
- A 17.5-horsepower engine and a tight 18-inch turning radius for maneuvering around obstacles.
- Easy starting and generally clean cutting when the unit performs correctly.
Still, these positives are tempered by the frequency of early defects and delivery damage. For an item that sells near $2,200, those trade-offs matter.
Practical checklist before buying any riding lawn mower
To avoid buyer’s remorse, verify these items before you commit. A short inspection and a few questions can save money and frustration.
- Test drive the mower to judge steering, turning radius, and seat comfort.
- Listen for excessive engine noise at the operator position and from 25 feet away.
- Inspect components for rust, loose parts, and shipping damage at delivery.
- Ask about battery condition and replacement policy for electrics or battery-powered features.
- Confirm mulching and bagging performance if you need grass collection or fine clipping.
- Review warranty terms and the dealer’s service reputation.
How to choose a more reliable riding mower
Look beyond a single attractive feature. Mowers are tools for many seasons, not just a single task.
- Compare Consumer Reports ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
- Check long-term owner reviews, not just first impressions from the first week.
- Consider multifunction capability if you plan to use the tractor for snow removal or towing attachments.
- Request delivery inspection and immediate return options to avoid keeping a defective unit.
Next steps for shoppers weighing the Craftsman T110
If you like the T110’s specs, weigh them against its test weaknesses and real-world complaints. Inspect a unit in person and ask the retailer about service and support policies. You may decide the price and features fit your yard. Or you may prefer a model with stronger scores for reliability and satisfaction from Consumer Reports.
