Lawn tractors are modern essentials for those with a yard or lawn. These machines are more highly capable than push mowers and are ideal for covering larger areas within a short time. However, which model or brand you should buy depend on two basic things- your preference and the yard size/condition. A riding lawn tractor helps you with mowing and other gardening tasks like grass stripping, snow blowing, etc.
Today, we will be exploring one of the very popular lawn tractors- 917.27382 DYT 4000 from Craftsman- a brand that is synonymous to trust and reliability. Powered by the Briggs & Stratton 31P777 gasoline 1-cylinder air-cooled 503cc engine, this lawn tractor produces 18 horsepower energy. It is ideal to be used on 1-2 acres of land.
Craftsman DYT 4000 Specs
Here is a table of the Craftsman 917.27382 DYT 4000’s fundamental characteristics for your convenience. This tabular data will enable you to get a rapid overview of the machine and make an overall impression of it.
| Model | Craftsman 917.27382 DYT 4000 |
|---|---|
| Production year | 2004 |
| Manufacturer | AYP |
| Distributer | Craftsman |
| Physical Dimension | |
| Engine Power (Gross) | 18 hp |
| Front PTO | Independent |
| Type | Lawn and garden tractor |
| Weight | 518 lbs |
| Clutch | Electric |
| Original price | $1,600 (2004 ) |
| Cabin type | Open operator station |
| Tires | |
| Lawn/turf front: | 15x6.0-6 |
| Lawn/turf rear: | 20x10-8 |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine manufacturer/ model | Briggs & Stratton 31P777 |
| Engine type | Air-cooled |
| Engine cycle | 4- cycle |
| No. of cylinders | 1-cylinder |
| Displacement | 503 cc |
| Bore and stroke | 3.56x3.062 inches |
| Starter | Electric |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Oil capacity | 1.7L |
| Tank capacity | 4 US gallon |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Spark plug | Champion RC12YC |
| Spark plug gap | 0.030 inches |
| Electric System | |
| Battery | 12V |
| Number of battery | 1 |
| Volt | 12 |
| Ground | Negative |
| Battery CCA | 230 |
| Battery AH | 28 |
| Battery group | U1R |
| Transmission | |
| Type/model | Peerless 2000/ Belt-driven hydrostatic |
| Gear | Infinite forward and reverse |
| Brake | Disc brake |
| Forward speed | 0-5.5 mph 0-8.8 km/h |
| Reverse speed | 0-2.4 mph 0-3.9 km/h |
| Chassis | |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Turning radius | 16-inches |
| Cup holder | Yes |
| Deck | |
| Deck material | Steel |
| Deck width | 42 inches |
| Position | Mid-mount Craftsman |
| Number | 2 |
| Lift | Manual |
| Cutting width | 42 inches |
| Belt | AYP 144959 |
Detailed Features of Craftsman DYT 4000
Craftsman DYT 4000, like any other tractor of the same brand, comes packed with some unique features that make it worth a purchase. Yet, if this machine is new to you, here is a detailed description of its features to help you understand it better. In this section, we will be exploring features like the tractor’s physical details, engines, electric system, transmission, and so on.
Physical Specification
First, the thing that will draw your attention to this riding lawn tractor is its gorgeous red body, complemented by black tires and an operator area. The color represents the Craftsman riding lawn tractor’s brand. Aside from the color, many consumers value the tractor’s general appearance and size. After all, why not? No one wants to buy a large tractor that is difficult to maneuver and out of proportion to the size of the yard.
So, in the context of physical dimensions, the Craftsman DYT 4000 is compact and weighs around 518 pounds, which is pretty good when it comes to navigating the machine. What adds to these features is the 16″ turning radius of the tractor, which makes it possible to maneuver it even in the tightest corners of the lawn.
It has an independent PTO and electric start- two features that act as the icing on the cake. In addition to this is the open operator’s area, which makes it easier for users to hop on the tractor. Nonetheless, it may not be the very best you will get from a safety perspective. We say so because an open operating system would make working under the harsh sun or in a windy climate difficult. Also, it won’t save the user in the case of any accidental turnover.
Furthermore, this model includes front steer manual steering and a mechanical disc brake to keep the tractor right on the path.
Engine
Now, let’s look at the engine of the tractor.
We all understand that what matters the most is the engine and the power it is producing under all the sheen, color, and outlook. A tractor with string features and a weak engine can never serve the real purpose. Keeping this in mind, Craftsman has designed the DYT 4000 tractor with the Briggs & Stratton 31P777 engine. It is an air-cooled engine with a single-cylinder that produces 18hp energy. Although this much output power is good for mowing 1-2 acres of land, a single-engine might be perceived as standing at the lower end. We say so because several rival brands offer similar riding lawn tractors with twin-engine and more horsepower.
On the other hand, however, the displacement is pretty impressive at 503 cc. Also, with a tank capacity of 3 gals and bore and stroke of 3.56×3.062 inches, this tractor could ideally be operated in a small to mid-sized land without any hiccups.
Furthermore, the rear tractor wheels are broader, at 20×10-8, than the front wheels, which stand at 15×6.0-6. This configuration is suitable for better maneuverability. Added to these features is the electric starter at 12V. This feature enables the user to ignite the engine even in sub-zero temperatures.
On the other hand, the oil capacity is pretty limited, which might make the user refuel the tractor for prolonged usage.
Transmission & Chassis
A tractor’s transmission allows the engine to power up its various components. So it makes no difference how powerful the engine is if the transmission isn’t up to par. You won’t be able to use the tractor’s full power in this situation. This is why transmission is critical for converting power into useful work. And Craftsman has taken this into account by including a Peerless 2000 belt-driven hydrostatic transmission in the DYT 4000 tractor. It’s a breeze to maneuver the tractor using it.
A forward speed up to 3.9 km/h and a forward speed up to 8.8 km/h is also available on the tractor. And, as previously said, the tractor’s rear tires are broader than the front ones, which aids in energy transmission. On the other hand, a full-length welded steel frame and a 2WD chassis are included, ensuring that the tractor remains blemish and corrosion-free.
User Comfort
Grassing your lawn should not be regarded as a demeaning task. You also don’t have to worry about straining your back when riding your lawn tractor.
The wide seating area on the Craftsman DYT 4000 tractor is very comfortable. Furthermore, the seat is composed of long-lasting vinyl, ensuring its strength and convenience. Moreover, the sitting area is roomy, offering the rider the utmost comfort. The steel front axle that protects the chassis from any damage is added to these features.
Performance
An investment in lawn tractors is meant for a long time for anyone. No one would want to spend money on a machine that stops working within a few days of the purchase. As a result, most people prefer to go with well-known brands with reliable reviews. And Craftsman is one such brand of riding lawn tractors.
The company thrives on creating machines that work best for gardeners. In this regard, one can fully trust the Craftsman DYT 4000 tractor. Although this tractor might not be on the higher end of the market, it won’t disappoint you if your mowing needs are not highly complex.
The tractor’s 18hp can offer a clean and crisp mowing experience every time on small to mid-sized lawns. Coupled with decent displacement and tank capacity, you can trust this machine for your home gardening and landscaping.
Durability
The steel frame and strongly coated outer body ensure that your tractor remains rust and dent-free for years to come.
Craftsman DYT 4000 Pros and Cons
Enough of the technicalities of the Craftsman DYT 4000 tractor; now it’s time to shed some light on the pros and cons of the machine. Here, you will get a list of things we like about this riding lawn tractor and the areas that need further improvement.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Affordable price tag
- Good built
- Suitable for 1-2 acres of land
- Decent displacement
- 3gal tank size
- 42-inch cut width
- 16-inch turning radius
- Features a cup holder
Cons:
- Lower horsepower- 18hp
- Low oil capacity
- An entry-level graded tractor
- It might not be suitable for a larger yard
Should I Buy It?
So should you buy the Craftsman DYT 4000 riding lawn tractor? Well, the answer will depend on your mowing needs and the yard size. We won’t say that investing in this model is not worth the money. However, it would help if you remember that this is not an advanced model, and there are brands available in the market that can give strong competition to it. So, list out your mowing priorities before tallying them with the features of this tractor. You should also check out other similar lawn tractors for a comparative study.
Summary
This brings us to the conclusion of the article. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the Craftsman DYT 4000 riding lawn tractor’s features and characteristics. This model had a starting price of $1,600 in its early years. You should check some of the major tractor selling websites for the most up-to-date prices. To sum up, if your mowing needs aren’t particularly demanding, this model is compact and adequate.
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