Craftsman SGT6000

[radioguy41]

I picked up this monster 1993 Sears Craftsman GT6000 garden tractor yesterday. Horizontal 20hp Kohler Magnum engine, 6spd manual with Hi/Lo range, electric PTO, and electric rear lift. I've never seen one of these before. Seems it's kind of rare. Apparently made only one year. The year before had an 18hp and the year after went to a vertical engine. Runs and drives like a champ. The photo is misleading, it's bigger than it looks. Many lawn tractors have 8" rear rims, this has 8" front rims and 12" rear rims. Rear tires are 24x12-12, fronts are 16x7.50-8. To be honest I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it but I couldn't pass it up.

Click on the image for a larger view.

 

[outdoors4evr]

Too bad the mower deck is so small. That seems to be something for which Craftsman is famous.
I have a 2003 Craftsman 24HP with a tiny 42" deck. The deck never stresses the engine.

 

[Don McCombs]

I've never owned one myself, but I've read that the Sears mowers are also notorious for premature transmission failures.

 

[radioguy41]

Too bad the mower deck is so small. That seems to be something for which Craftsman is famous.
I have a 2003 Craftsman 24HP with a tiny 42" deck. The deck never stresses the engine.

That deck is not for that tractor. A 50" deck was available for that model. Wide decks are nice if the land is flat, not so good if it's hilly.

I've never owned one myself, but I've read that the Sears mowers are also notorious for premature transmission failures.

Don't believe it. I have three 1993 models and the transmissions all still work great after 30 years. The one I bought new in 1993 is my main workhorse. Mowing up to twice a week in the summer plus hauling all manner of stuff. Still going strong.

 

[staninlowerAL]

Nice. I have several older SEARS SUBURBAN GT's and they all appear to be made like a tank, hi-lo trans, some single cylinder tecumseh, some twin onan, all have the 8 inch fronts and 12 inch rears, came with a wide range of attachments. The GT pullers love 'um. The only weakness that I have found is the FG nose cone on the hood. No protection and deteriotes with age. Seldom see one that is not broken up.