Craftsman DGS6500
The Craftsman DGS6500 is a powerful lawn and garden tractor designed for homeowners who need to maintain large yards. This 2WD tractor features a Kohler SV735 engine, which is air-cooled and has two cylinders in a V-twin arrangement. The engine runs on gasoline and produces an impressive 26 hp, making it one of the more powerful models in its class. This tractor comes with a gear-type transmission that offers 6 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, giving users plenty of options for different tasks. It has a manual sector and pinion steering system and mechanical disc brakes for reliable control. The DGS6500 weighs 589 lb and has lawn/turf tires on both the front and rear, making it well-suited for use on grass. With its open operator station and electric starter, this Craftsman tractor is easy to use and comfortable for long periods of yard work.

Key specifications
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine power
- 26hp
- Operating weight
- 589 lb
- Transmission
- Gear type
Category comparison
DGS6500 compared with its category
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The DGS6500 ranks at the 87th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Craftsman DGS6500
The Craftsman DGS6500 is a powerful lawn and garden tractor designed for homeowners who need to maintain large yards. This 2WD tractor features a Kohler SV735 engine, which is air-cooled and has two cylinders in a V-twin arrangement. The engine runs on gasoline and produces an impressive 26 hp, making it one of the more powerful models in its class. This tractor comes with a gear-type transmission that offers 6 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, giving users plenty of options for different tasks. It has a manual sector and pinion steering system and mechanical disc brakes for reliable control. The DGS6500 weighs 589 lb and has lawn/turf tires on both the front and rear, making it well-suited for use on grass. With its open operator station and electric starter, this Craftsman tractor is easy to use and comfortable for long periods of yard work.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | Craftsman |
|---|---|
| Model | DGS6500 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 2008+ |
| Operating weight | 589lb(267.2 kg) |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | SV735 |
| Power | 26hp(19.39 kW) |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 44.2ci(0.72 L) |
| Bore | 3.27in(83.06 mm) |
| Stroke | 2.64in(67.06 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Gear type |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 6 |
| Reverse gears | 1 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual sector and pinion |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Dimensions
| Operating weight | 589lb(267.2 kg) |
|---|
Closest alternatives
DGS6500 compared with the nearest models by horsepower
By engine horsepower, the nearest lawn and garden models to the DGS6500 are the Craftsman CTX9500 and the Cub Cadet XT2 GX54 KH. The Craftsman CTX9500 matches it on rated power and weighs 580 lb more, so it carries more weight per horsepower, which helps traction in draft work. The Cub Cadet XT2 GX54 KH matches it on rated power at almost the same operating weight. It entered production in 2015, 7 years after the DGS6500.
| Spec | Craftsman DGS6500 | Craftsman CTX9500 | Cub Cadet XT2 GX54 KH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 26 hp19.4 kW | 26 hp19.4 kW | 26 hp19.4 kW |
| Operating weight | 589 lb267 kg | 1,173 lb532 kg | 569 lb258 kg |
| Weight per hp | 23 lb/hp14 kg/kW | 45 lb/hp27 kg/kW | 22 lb/hp13 kg/kW |
| Displacement | 44.2 ci0.72 L | 44.2 ci0.72 L | 45.6 ci0.75 L |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Transmission | Gear type | Belt-driven Hydrostatic | Belt-driven hydrostatic |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Years built | 2008+ | 2012-2012 | 2015+ |
Calculators
Calculators for the DGS6500
PTO power
About 22 to 23 PTO hp
Estimated from the 26 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 26 hp tractor can run
The calculator sizes mowers, tillers, discs, plows and balers for this tractor.
Ballast
26 lb per PTO hp as listed
Heavy draft work calls for 130 to 150 lb/hp. The calculator gives the ballast to add.
Units
26 hp is 19.4 kW
The converter gives kW and metric PS values, as used on European spec sheets.
Category medians
DGS6500 vs. Lawn and Garden median
Craftsman DGS6500 compared with other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 26 hp | 18 hp | +44% | 87th |
| Engine Displacement | 44.2 ci | 41.1 ci | +8% | 62nd |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 589 lb | 738 lb | -20% | 36th |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the lawn and garden tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 152–380 models).
Same manufacturer
Other Craftsman models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
Gallery
Craftsman DGS6500 photos




FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the Craftsman DGS6500 made?
The Craftsman DGS6500 entered production in 2008.
What is the operating weight of the Craftsman DGS6500?
The Craftsman DGS6500 has an operating weight of about 589 lb.
Which transmission does the Craftsman DGS6500 use?
The Craftsman DGS6500 is equipped with a Gear type transmission with 6 forward gears.
What is the engine power output of the Craftsman DGS6500?
Rated engine output for the Craftsman DGS6500 is 26 hp, delivered by a 2-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 44.2 ci.
How do I maintain a Craftsman DGS6500?
Routine service for the Craftsman DGS6500 covers engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic and coolant level checks, air filter cleaning, and scheduled inspections. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for exact intervals.


