Craftsman T110 Review

T110 review

Our take on the Craftsman T110

The Craftsman T110 is the entry riding mower in Craftsman’s T-Series. It has a 17.5 hp Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine and a 42-inch stamped steel deck. The transmission is a 7-speed manual gear drive. That makes it different from most riding mowers at this price, which use a hydrostatic drive. The T110 is a simple, no-frills tractor for small to medium yards.

This review covers the engine, gear drive, deck, comfort, owner feedback and who should buy it. We also compare it with the T240, which uses a V-twin and a hydrostatic drive.

Engine

The engine is a 17.5 hp Briggs & Stratton single cylinder. A single is simple and easy to service. It is less smooth than a V-twin. In thick or wet grass it can bog down. Craftsman says the engine delivers easy starting and steady performance. Horsepower ratings come from the engine maker, so actual power varies.

7-speed gear drive

The T110 has a 7-speed manual transmission. You shift gears to change speed. This is different from the foot-pedal hydrostatic drives on many competitors. Gear drive is simple and cheap to build. It can feel less smooth when you start and stop. It also takes more effort when you mow around many obstacles.

For long, straight passes the gear drive works well. If you mow around many trees and beds, you will shift often. A hydrostatic model such as the T240 is easier in those yards.

Deck and cutting

The deck is 42 inches wide and made from reinforced stamped steel. It has two blades. Cutting height runs from 1.5 to 4 inches. Craftsman says the deck cuts up to 2 acres, though one retailer lists 1.5 acres. A mulching kit is optional. A twin bagger is sold separately and fits 42 and 46-inch decks.

The 42-inch width fits through most gates. That is a real advantage for homes with narrow side yards.

Turning, tires and weight

The turning radius is 18 inches. That is tight for a tractor with a 42-inch deck. Tires are 15×6 in front and 20×8 in back. They are Turf Saver style tires that are gentle on lawns. The tractor weighs about 510 lb.

Seat and comfort

The seat is a low-back design with adjustment. It is basic. If you mow for hours, a high-back seat is more comfortable. The T240 has a high-back seat and a soft-touch steering wheel.

What owners say

Owners rate the T110 lower than many rivals. One retailer shows an average rating of 3.3 out of 5. Common complaints are about the manual gear drive and general build quality. Buyers who want a simple, cheap rider are more satisfied than buyers who expected hydrostatic smoothness.

Limits to know about

The T110 has a single-cylinder engine and a manual transmission. It has a low-back seat. It does not include a mulch kit. Warranty terms vary in listings. Craftsman shows 3 years. An older retailer listing shows 2 years.

Who should buy it

Buy the T110 if you have one to two acres of mostly flat ground and want the lowest price. It suits people who do not mind shifting gears. Skip it if you want hydrostatic drive or a comfortable seat for long mowing sessions.

Price and warranty

Ace Hardware lists the T110 at about $2,199. Canadian retailers list it higher. Craftsman lists a 3-year limited warranty. It is built in Willard, Ohio from global materials.

Quick specs at a glance

The engine is a 17.5 hp Briggs & Stratton single. The deck is 42 inches. Drive is a 7-speed manual gear transmission. The turn radius is 18 inches. Tires are 15×6 and 20×8. The mower weighs about 510 lb. Cutting height runs from 1.5 to 4 inches. The warranty is three years on Craftsman’s listing.

Tips to get the most from it

Pick a gear that matches your grass. Use a lower gear in thick grass and a higher gear in light, dry grass. Always stop before you change gears. Mow in straight, overlapping passes to reduce turns. Check the oil before every mow and change it each season. Keep the two blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass and make the engine work harder. Check tire pressure to keep the cut level. If you want to mulch, buy the mulching kit, because it is not included.

Verdict

The T110 is an affordable, simple riding mower. Its gear drive and low-back seat keep the price down but limit comfort. For a little more money the T240 gives you a V-twin and a hydrostatic drive.