Craftsman 1000 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman 1000 is a powerful and reliable riding lawn mower designed for residential use, featuring a robust engine, durable cutting deck, comfortable operator station, and intuitive controls. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower. Below are key sections covering safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Mowing 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-torque engine, reinforced steel cutting deck, adjustable seat, easy-turn steering, electric start, mulching/bagging/side-discharge capabilities, and durable tires.

Feature	Description
Engine	Powerful OHV engine for reliable performance
Cutting Deck	42-inch reinforced steel deck with adjustable height
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive for smooth speed control
Seat	Adjustable high-back seat for operator comfort
Start System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) clutch
Fuel Tank	Large capacity for extended mowing sessions
Tires	Durable, turf-friendly tires for traction and stability
Cutting Options	Mulch, bag, or side-discharge with optional accessories
Headlights	Integrated for low-light conditions

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

Wear appropriate clothing: sturdy shoes, eye protection, hearing protection.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys before starting.
Never carry passengers; keep bystanders away.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Disengage blades and set parking brake before dismounting.

WARNING! Risk of serious injury or death from blade contact, rollover, or fire. Always follow safety guidelines. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Install seat: Bolt seat to frame using included bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach cables (red positive, black negative).
Check tire pressure: Inflate to recommended PSI (see sidewall).
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 10W-30 oil and unleaded gasoline.
Perform pre-operation check: Inspect for loose parts, leaks, or damage.

CAUTION! Ensure mower is on level ground during assembly. Tighten all fasteners securely.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman 1000 Riding Mower
Engine: 24 HP (horsepower) OHV, single-cylinder
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches (adjustable in 0.5-inch increments)
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 2 quarts (SAE 10W-30)
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 550 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, throttle/choke, headlight switch, hour meter, PTO engagement lever, parking brake.

Steering & Drive: Steering wheel, forward/reverse pedals (hydrostatic), brake pedal.

Cutting Controls: Deck lift lever (height adjustment), blade engagement lever (PTO).

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Disengage PTO (blades off). 4. Move throttle to choke position (cold start). 5. Turn ignition key to start. 6. After engine starts, adjust throttle to desired speed.

Stopping Procedure: 1. Disengage PTO. 2. Move throttle to slow. 3. Turn key to off. 4. Set parking brake.

Cutting & Mowing

For best results, follow these mowing practices.

Adjust cutting height: Use deck lift lever to set desired height.
Engage blades: With engine running, slowly engage PTO lever.
Select speed: Use foot pedals to control forward/reverse motion. Mow at a steady pace.
Overlap passes: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cutting.
Change patterns: Alternate mowing direction weekly to prevent grass matting.
Handle slopes cautiously: Mow across slopes, not up/down. Avoid sudden turns.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for a cleaner cut and to prevent clogging.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliability and extends mower life.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for damage, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals, clean debris from deck
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, sharpen blades
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter, lubricate pivot points, check tire wear
Seasonally	Replace air filter, fuel filter, inspect battery

Blade Sharpening: Remove spark plug wire. Tip mower safely. Remove blade, sharpen at 30-degree angle, balance before reinstalling.

Storage

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

Clean mower thoroughly: Remove grass, dirt, and debris.
Fuel treatment: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes, or drain fuel completely.
Battery care: Disconnect battery, store in cool, dry place. Charge periodically.
Protect from elements: Store in a dry, covered location. Use a cover if stored outdoors.
Elevate deck: Place wooden blocks under deck to relieve tire pressure.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank near open flames or heat sources.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; replace fuel filter; check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to full; clean underside of deck.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts, damaged spindle	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolts; inspect spindle assembly.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, worn drive belt	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel; inspect/replace drive belt.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low fluid, air in system	Check fluid level; bleed system per manual.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure seat is occupied, parking brake set, and PTO disengaged.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman 1000 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For technical support, parts, or service, contact:

Craftsman Customer Support: 1-888-331-4569

Website: www.craftsman.com

Parts Lookup: Use model number (located on frame near rear axle) for genuine parts.

Always use genuine Craftsman parts for repairs to maintain warranty and performance.