Sears
Lawn Tractor Engine Fire and Repair Cost Demanded After Warranty

We purchased a Sears Craftsman Lawn tractor. Almost from the day we had it, there were constant problems with blue smoke and backfiring. While in use it was to be in full throttle as this is the way the engine was kept cool. But to shut it off we followed On the dashboard and owners manual it states, to shut off unit fully depress brake clutch pedal, disengage attachment clutch, shift to neutral, engage parking brake, throttle down to idle, and turn key to off (manual states let stand in low throttle for 30 seconds before turning off).

The mower was still under warrantee and we contacted Sears for service. They insisted that nothing was wrong with the mower. And all this was normal for this model. We continued to have problems, getting worse and was running poorly.

We contacted Sears svce again. This time they came and replaced the engine. Within a few months this engine was doing the same thing, we contacted Sears service and they again sent a service repair man. He also stated that this was normal for this engine but instructed us to shut it off in the full throttle position.

We continued from that time on to do as he stated but soon had the same thing happen so we called Kohler. They also said it was normal and to shut it off in full throttle.

The final problem was when the mower "being used as per instructions in full throttle, " turned unit off as per instructions and it backfired. I went into the house, my husband was soon yelling for the fire extinguisher, since the engine was on fire.

Sears stated since the warrantee has expired and there is no home service contract, so the cost to send a repair man just come out and look at it, is $100.00, then there's the charge for parts and labor.

In all the years of being an operator of one lawn tractor or another, we have never encountered such problems as with this Craftsman. This is the top of the line Craftsman ride on lawn tractor. We bought this with the Sears charge, paid more than half, still owe approx $2,200.00. And we can't use it.

There is no lemon law for mowers.

Company: Sears
Country: USA
State: Tennessee
City: Lawrenceburg
Address: North Locust Avenue (Highway 43)

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