The hum of a Craftsman lawn mower is a familiar sound in many backyards. These machines are known for their reliability and durability, but what happens when something goes wrong? What kind of warranty coverage do Craftsman lawn mowers come with? This article will explore the ins and outs of Craftsman lawn mower warranties, covering everything from the basic terms to potential limitations and how to make a claim. We’ll also delve into the factors that can affect your warranty and provide helpful tips for maximizing your coverage.
The short answer: Craftsman lawn mowers come with a standard one-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. However, there are different warranty levels available depending on the specific model and its purchase date. Some models may offer extended warranties, while others may have specific limitations.
Understanding the Basics of Craftsman Lawn Mower Warranties
Craftsman lawn mowers are typically covered by a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, meaning that if your mower malfunctions due to faulty components or manufacturing errors, Sears (the parent company of Craftsman) will repair or replace it. However, it’s important to note that this warranty is limited in several ways:
What the Warranty Covers:
- Defective parts: If your mower’s engine, blade, transmission, or any other part fails due to a manufacturing defect, it will likely be covered.
- Workmanship: If your mower was assembled incorrectly or has faulty wiring, the warranty may cover repairs.
- Normal wear and tear: This warranty does not cover issues caused by normal wear and tear, such as blade dulling or engine oil changes.
What the Warranty Doesn’t Cover:
- Improper maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance, like oil changes or blade sharpening, will void your warranty.
- Accidental damage: Dropping your mower, running over obstacles, or using it for tasks other than lawn mowing will likely void your warranty.
- Modifications: Altering your mower in any way, such as installing aftermarket parts, could void the warranty.
Different Warranty Levels
While the standard one-year warranty is common, Craftsman offers several warranty levels for different models and purchase dates.
1. Extended Warranties
Some Craftsman lawn mowers may come with extended warranties, offering coverage beyond the standard one year. These extended warranties are usually purchased separately and can offer several benefits:
- Longer coverage: Extended warranties typically provide coverage for two, three, or even five years, depending on the specific plan.
- More comprehensive coverage: Some extended warranties cover wear and tear issues, while others include accidental damage coverage.
- Peace of mind: Extended warranties can provide peace of mind, knowing you are protected against unexpected repairs for a longer period.
2. Specific Model Warranties
Craftsman offers different warranty terms for different model lines. For instance, some higher-end models might come with a two-year warranty, while entry-level models might only have a one-year warranty.
3. Purchase Date
The purchase date of your Craftsman lawn mower can also impact your warranty coverage. If you purchased your mower from a certain retailer or during a specific promotion period, it may have been subject to different warranty terms.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
If your Craftsman lawn mower develops a problem that you believe is covered by the warranty, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Contact Sears: Call Sears customer service or visit their website to initiate a warranty claim. You will need to provide your mower’s model number, purchase date, and a detailed description of the problem.
- Provide proof of purchase: You may need to show a copy of your original receipt or other proof of purchase to verify the warranty’s validity.
- Take your mower to an authorized service center: Sears will direct you to an authorized service center for repairs.
Tips for Maximizing Your Warranty Coverage
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Craftsman lawn mower warranty:
- Keep your purchase information: Save your receipt or other proof of purchase in a safe place to easily access it when needed.
- Follow the owner’s manual: Carefully read and understand the user manual for your specific model. This will provide guidance on proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Perform regular maintenance: By performing regular maintenance tasks like oil changes, air filter cleaning, and blade sharpening, you can prevent many issues and keep your mower running smoothly.
- Be aware of warranty limitations: Understand the limitations of your warranty and avoid actions that could void it, such as making unauthorized modifications.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of lawn mower warranties can be confusing, but by understanding the basics and the specifics of your Craftsman model, you can maximize your coverage and protect your investment. Remember, a little proactive effort goes a long way in maintaining your mower and ensuring you have the necessary support if something goes wrong.
FAQs
What is the warranty on a Craftsman lawnmower?
Craftsman lawnmower warranties vary depending on the model and the retailer where it was purchased. However, most Craftsman lawnmowers come with a 2-year limited warranty on the entire product, including the engine. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship and does not cover normal wear and tear. You can find more details about the specific warranty on your Craftsman lawnmower in the owner’s manual.
It’s important to register your lawnmower with Craftsman to ensure that you receive the full benefits of your warranty. You can register your product online or by mail.
How long is the Craftsman lawnmower engine warranty?
The warranty on a Craftsman lawnmower engine is typically 2 years, but some models may have a longer warranty. The specific warranty duration will be outlined in your owner’s manual and may vary depending on the engine manufacturer.
It’s essential to refer to the specific warranty information provided with your lawnmower for detailed information about the engine warranty.
Does Craftsman offer an extended warranty?
Craftsman does not offer an extended warranty specifically for lawnmowers. However, some retailers may offer extended warranties as an add-on purchase at the time of purchase. You can inquire about these extended warranties with the retailer where you purchased your lawnmower.
It’s essential to weigh the cost and coverage of an extended warranty before deciding whether to purchase one.
What is covered under the Craftsman lawnmower warranty?
The Craftsman lawnmower warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for the entire product, including the engine. This means that if your lawnmower malfunctions due to a manufacturing defect, Craftsman will repair or replace it for you. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, such as worn blades, damaged wheels, or a clogged air filter.
It’s important to note that the warranty may not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, or improper maintenance.
What is not covered under the Craftsman lawnmower warranty?
The Craftsman lawnmower warranty does not cover certain items, including:
- Normal wear and tear, such as worn blades, damaged wheels, or a clogged air filter.
- Damage caused by misuse, accidents, or improper maintenance.
- Modifications or repairs done by unauthorized technicians.
- Consumable parts, such as spark plugs, air filters, and oil.
To ensure your warranty coverage is valid, it is important to follow the maintenance guidelines outlined in your owner’s manual.
How do I file a claim under the Craftsman lawnmower warranty?
To file a claim under your Craftsman lawnmower warranty, you’ll need to contact Craftsman customer service. You can find their contact information in your owner’s manual or on the Craftsman website. You’ll need to provide your lawnmower’s serial number, purchase date, and a description of the problem.
Craftsman may require you to take your lawnmower to an authorized repair center for inspection and repair.
What is the difference between a Craftsman lawnmower warranty and a Craftsman warranty?
A Craftsman lawnmower warranty refers specifically to the warranty covering a Craftsman lawnmower. This warranty typically covers the entire product, including the engine, for a specific period. The Craftsman warranty refers to a broader warranty covering various Craftsman products, such as tools, appliances, and outdoor power equipment.
The specific coverage and terms of the warranty may vary depending on the product and the model. It is essential to refer to the specific warranty information provided with your product for detailed information about the coverage.