Quick verdict
For a small-to-mid yard, the CRAFTSMAN V20 15-inch cordless push mower is the easiest pick here. It comes with two 4Ah batteries and two chargers, folds compact, and is lighter than a traditional walk-behind, which makes it the most practical everyday choice among these options for buyers weighing Craftsman against Ryobi.
CRAFTSMAN Push Mower 15 in
This CRAFTSMAN V20 15-inch push mower is my top everyday pick because it ships with two 4Ah batteries and two chargers, so you can keep mowing while a pack recharges. It is described as noticeably lighter and 36 percent more compact than traditional walk-behinds, with a twist-and-switch dial to move between mulching and bagging.
Ryobi vs Craftsman lawn mower comparison: I weigh cordless push mowers, gas riding tractors and battery ecosystems to help you pick the right machine for
Why you should trust this guide
I assembled this comparison by reading the current CRAFTSMAN and Greenworks product specifications and weighing them against the way owners describe cordless and gas mowers over time. Buyers searching Ryobi versus Craftsman are usually deciding between an affordable cordless push mower and a bigger machine for a larger yard, so I focused on the factors that settle that: deck width, battery versus gas, included accessories, and how well each platform scales.
I do not treat a listing as gospel. Runtime and coverage figures are best-case numbers, and thick or damp grass shortens every one of them, so I frame them that way. Where these options split between a compact cordless push mower, a wider cordless model, and full gas riding tractors, I lay out the trade-offs so you can match the machine to your lawn size and your appetite for maintenance rather than to the biggest spec.
How we evaluated
I weighed these picks on four criteria. First, power source and upkeep: cordless models are quieter and lower maintenance, while the gas riding tractors deliver more sustained power but need fuel and oil service. Second, deck width and coverage, from the narrow 15-inch push mower up to the 42-inch riding deck rated for two acres.
Third, battery and ecosystem value for the cordless options, including included packs, chargers, and how many other tools share the platform. Fourth, practicality: storage footprint, maneuverability, and included accessories like bags and mulching kits. I did not physically test these machines; these judgments come from published specifications and aggregated owner feedback, not a personal trial.
What to look for
- Power source: cordless is quiet and low-maintenance, while gas riding mowers deliver sustained power for large yards.
- Deck width: narrow decks are nimble but slow on open ground; wide riding decks finish acreage fast.
- Battery ecosystem: shared-platform batteries let one pack power mowers, trimmers, and more.
- Included accessories: extra batteries, chargers, bags, and mulching kits add real value.
- Maintenance appetite: gas engines need oil, fuel, and seasonal service that cordless avoids.
- Storage space: a riding tractor needs room a compact push mower does not.
- Cut height range: wider height adjustment gives more control over lawn health.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN Push Mower 15 in | Best Overall | Check price | |
| Greenworks 48V | Best Value | Check price | |
| CRAFTSMAN 36" Gas Riding Lawn Mower | Best Premium | Check price | |
| CRAFTSMAN 42" Gas Riding Lawn Mower | Best Budget | Check price | |
| CRAFTSMAN 2 X V20 Brushless RP Lawn Dethatcher and Scarifier | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
CRAFTSMAN Push Mower 15 in
This CRAFTSMAN V20 15-inch push mower is my top everyday pick because it ships with two 4Ah batteries and two chargers, so you can keep mowing while a pack recharges. It is described as noticeably lighter and 36 percent more compact than traditional walk-behinds, with a twist-and-switch dial to move between mulching and bagging.
Reasons to buy
- Up to 45 min. of runtime – finish the job efficiently with a battery lawn mower that featu
- Conserve storage space – store in a crowded shed or garage with a push lawn mower that's 3
- Lightweight and maneuverable – ease the stress of yardwork with a design that is 29% light
- Efficient grass collection – help fill the grass bag to optimal capacity with the fan-assi
- Twist-and-switch functionality – seamlessly go from mulching to bagging with the turn of a
Reasons to avoid
- The 15-inch deck is narrow, so larger lawns take more passes
- Cut height only ranges from 1 to 3 inches, less than some rivals
Greenworks 48V
The Greenworks 48V cordless is the value alternative, using a 17-inch deck, a brushless motor, and a 2-in-1 mulch and rear-bag system with single-lever height adjustment. Its real draw is the ecosystem, since the batteries work with well over 100 other Greenworks 24V tools.
Reasons to buy
- [48V (24V x 2) 17” LAWN MOWER]
- [BRUSHLESS MOTOR]
- [2-IN-1 SYSTEM] – Mulch and Rear Bagging
- [SINGLE LEVER HEIGHT ADJUST]
- Complete Ecosystem Value- Includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 3year tool + 3year b
Reasons to avoid
- The 48V (24V x 2) platform has less headroom than 60V or 80V mowers
- Runtime on the included packs suits smaller yards
CRAFTSMAN 36" Gas Riding Lawn Mower
This CRAFTSMAN 36-inch gas riding mower is the premium jump for bigger yards, with a Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder engine, a reinforced stamped steel deck, and a 7-speed transmission. Its 18-inch turning radius and included mulching kit help it handle up to two acres while still fitting through most gates.
Reasons to buy
- 36" GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and performance that reduces the amoun
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable 11.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton single-cylinde
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 36" reinforced stamped steel deck cuts up to 2 acres of gras
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: 18" turning radius and heavy-duty Turf Saver wheels make it easy to
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 7-speed manual transmission allows you to choose the perfect speed for th
Reasons to avoid
- Gas engines need oil changes, fuel, and seasonal maintenance
- A riding mower is overkill and hard to store for a small lawn
CRAFTSMAN 42" Gas Riding Lawn Mower
The CRAFTSMAN 42-inch gas riding mower steps up deck width and engine size, with a larger Briggs and Stratton engine and a 42-inch stamped steel deck rated to cut up to two acres. The wider deck finishes open ground faster while keeping the same 18-inch turning radius and 7-speed transmission.
Reasons to buy
- 42" GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and performance that reduces the amoun
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable 17.5 HP* Briggs and Stratton single-cylinde
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 42" stamped steel deck cuts up to 2 acres of grass, and the
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: 18" turning radius and heavy-duty 15x6/20x8 wheels make it easy to n
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 7-speed manual transmission allows you to choose the perfect speed for th
Reasons to avoid
- The wider deck is harder to steer in tight or landscaped areas
- Like any gas riding mower, it carries higher upkeep than cordless
CRAFTSMAN 2 X V20 Brushless RP Lawn Dethatcher and Scarifier
This CRAFTSMAN 2 x V20 dethatcher and scarifier is a lawn-health tool rather than a mower, running on the same V20 batteries with up to 45 minutes of runtime and a 50L collection bag. It earns a spot because it pairs naturally with the V20 mower to remove thatch and encourage healthier growth.
Reasons to buy
- More runtime. Better performance
- Support lawn health
- Space-saving storage
- Large bagging capacity
- Wide clearing width
Reasons to avoid
- It does not cut grass, so it is a complement rather than a mower rival
- The 14-inch clearing width means several passes on larger lawns
What to look for
Power source
Cordless mowers here are quieter and lower maintenance, while the gas riding tractors offer sustained power for larger properties.
Deck width
A 15-inch or 17-inch deck suits small yards, while 36-inch and 42-inch riding decks clear acreage quickly.
Battery ecosystem
CRAFTSMAN V20 and Greenworks 24V batteries power many other tools, which stretches the value of the platform you choose.
Included accessories
Extra batteries, dual chargers, bags, and mulching kits reduce what you have to buy separately.
Maintenance load
Gas riding mowers need fuel, oil changes, and seasonal upkeep that cordless models largely avoid.
Our verdict
For a small-to-mid yard, the CRAFTSMAN V20 15-inch cordless push mower is the easiest pick here. It comes with two 4Ah batteries and two chargers, folds compact, and is lighter than a traditional walk-behind, which makes it the most practical everyday choice among these options for buyers weighing Craftsman against Ryobi.
FAQs
For a small to mid-size flat lawn, the CRAFTSMAN V20 15-inch push mower is capable and convenient, especially with two batteries included so you can swap and keep mowing.
Once your yard approaches an acre or more, the CRAFTSMAN 36-inch or 42-inch riding mowers make far more sense than pushing a walk-behind.
Yes. CRAFTSMAN V20 and Greenworks 24V platforms both power a wide range of other tools, so a battery you buy now can serve future purchases.
The V20 dethatcher removes thatch and compacted soil to promote healthier grass. It is a lawn-care companion to a mower, not a substitute for one.
Expect oil changes, fresh fuel, air-filter checks, and seasonal service. That upkeep is the trade-off for the sustained power and coverage a riding mower gives you.