CRAFTSMAN 42" Gas Riding Lawn Mower with 17.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine, Gas Lawn Tractor with 7-Speed Transmission, Red/Black (13AN77XSA93) Review

Overview

The Craftsman 42" Gas Riding Lawn Mower (model 13AN77XSA93) is a no-frills, workhorse lawn tractor built for homeowners with medium-to-large lawns who want a dependable machine without paying for unnecessary bells and whistles. Powered by a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine and paired with a straightforward 7-speed manual transmission, this mower prioritizes reliability and ease of service over luxury features. It’s best suited for yards between 1 and 2 acres where you need a faster cut than a push mower but don’t need a zero-turn or a high-end garden tractor.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with 1 to 2 acres of flat or gently sloping lawn – This mower’s 42-inch deck and 7-speed transmission make it efficient for open, even terrain. It’s not for steep hills or complex landscaping.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want a solid brand without the premium price – At $2,099, it undercuts many competitors with similar deck sizes. You get Craftsman’s reputation and parts availability without paying for a full-featured tractor.
• DIY mechanics who prefer simple maintenance – The single-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine is easy to access for oil changes, air filter swaps, and spark plug replacements. No complicated electronic controls to troubleshoot.
• Buyers upgrading from a push mower or a smaller tractor – If you’ve been pushing a 21-inch mower for years or your old 30-inch rider is wearing out, this 42-inch deck cuts mowing time nearly in half.

Key Features Breakdown

17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Single-Cylinder Engine
This is a proven, air-cooled engine that starts reliably season after season. It’s not the most powerful in its class (some competitors offer 20+ HP), but for a 42-inch deck, 17.5 HP is adequate for thick grass and light mulching. The single-cylinder design keeps vibration manageable, though you’ll feel it more than a twin-cylinder at full throttle.

42-Inch Cutting Deck
A 42-inch deck is the sweet spot for lawns around 1–1.5 acres. It’s wide enough to cut quickly but narrow enough to fit through standard 48-inch gates and maneuver around flower beds. The deck is stamped steel, not fabricated, which is typical at this price point—durable enough for residential use but not for commercial abuse.

7-Speed Manual Transmission
This is a gear-drive transmission, not a hydrostatic. You shift gears with a lever on the fender. It’s less convenient than a hydrostatic (no infinite speed control), but it’s simpler, cheaper, and easier to repair. The 7 speeds give you enough range to creep through thick grass or cruise across open lawn.

Red/Black Aesthetic
The classic Craftsman look is clean and professional. It’s not a performance feature, but it does mean the mower looks good sitting in the garage.

Cast-Iron Front Axle
A cast-iron front axle is a genuine durability upgrade over stamped steel. It handles bumps and uneven ground better, reducing steering wobble over time. This is a thoughtful inclusion at this price.

Pros

1. Proven, easy-to-service engine – The Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder is one of the most common small engines in the world. Parts are everywhere, and most home mechanics can handle basic repairs.
2. Simple, reliable transmission – The 7-speed gear drive is nearly bulletproof. No hydrostatic pumps to fail, no belts to slip. If you don’t mind shifting, this will last years.
3. Solid cut quality for the price – The 42-inch deck gives a clean, even cut in dry grass. It’s not a high-end fabricated deck, but for residential use, it’s more than adequate.
4. Good value at $2,099 – You’re getting a 42-inch tractor from a major brand for under $2,200. Comparable John Deere or Husqvarna models often run $300–$500 more.
5. Cast-iron front axle – Adds stability and longevity, especially if your lawn has bumps or you drive over curbs.
6. Wide parts availability – Craftsman mowers use common components. You can find belts, blades, and filters at most home improvement stores or online without waiting for special orders.

Cons

1. Manual transmission is not for everyone – If you want smooth, pedal-controlled speed changes, the 7-speed gear drive will feel clunky. You have to stop or slow down to shift, which is annoying on lawns with varied terrain.
2. Engine feels underpowered in thick grass – The 17.5 HP single-cylinder struggles a bit in damp or overgrown grass. You’ll need to slow down or take narrower passes to avoid bogging.
3. No headlights or hour meter – Basic amenities like headlights and an hour meter are missing. For a $2,100 mower, that’s a noticeable omission. You’ll have to add your own hour meter if you track maintenance intervals.
4. Stamped steel deck can rust – Like most stamped decks, the paint can chip over time, leading to rust. Keep the deck clean and touch up scratches to extend its life.

Bottom Line

The Craftsman 42" Riding Lawn Mower is a straightforward, honest machine for homeowners who want to cut 1–2 acres without emptying their savings. It’s not the most powerful, not the smoothest, and not loaded with features—but it’s reliable, easy to fix, and backed by a brand that’s been around for decades. If you’re comfortable with a manual transmission and don’t need luxury touches, this mower will serve you well for years. I recommend it confidently for budget-conscious buyers with flat, open lawns. If you have steep hills, wet grass, or want hydrostatic convenience, look at a twin-cylinder model with a continuously variable transmission instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower have a hydrostatic transmission?
A: No. It uses a 7-speed manual gear drive. You shift speeds manually with a lever on the fender. It’s reliable but not as convenient as a hydrostatic for smooth speed changes.

Q: What size lawn is this mower best for?
A: It’s ideal for 1 to 2 acres. For smaller lawns, a 30- or 36-inch mower might be more maneuverable. For larger lawns, you’ll want a wider deck or a more powerful engine.

Q: Can I mulch with this mower, or do I need a separate kit?
A: This mower comes with a side-discharge chute. A mulching kit is available separately from Craftsman. The 17.5 HP engine handles mulching okay in dry grass but struggles in thick, wet clippings