Craftsman 42 in Riding Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman 42 in Riding Lawn Mower is a robust and efficient lawn care machine featuring a 42-inch cutting deck, powerful engine options, hydrostatic transmission, ergonomic operator controls, and durable construction for residential use. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Engine (varies by model), Hydrostatic drive system, Operator seat with suspension, Deck lift lever, Ignition key, Fuel tank, Battery, and Mulching/Discharge capability.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	42-inch wide, 3-blade system for efficient mowing
Engine	Powerful gasoline engine (e.g., 19.5 HP) with electric start
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive for smooth speed control
Deck Engagement	Manual or electric PTO (Power Take-Off) lever
Cutting Height Adjustment	Lever for adjusting deck height (1.5" to 4")
Fuel Capacity	Approximately 2-3 gallons
Seat	High-back, padded seat with armrests
Steering	Zero-turn or traditional steering wheel (model dependent)
Battery	12V for starting and electrical components
Blades	High-lift blades for superior grass discharge or mulching

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, toys, and other obstacles.
Never carry passengers; only the operator should be on the mower.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow up and down slopes, not across.
Disengage blades and set parking brake before dismounting.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and moving parts. Never attempt to unclog deck or adjust blades with engine running.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly typically requires attaching steering wheel, seat, battery connection, and deck components.

Install battery: Connect red (+) cable first, then black (-) cable. Secure battery in tray.
Attach seat: Align seat on mounting plate and secure with provided bolts.
Check tire pressure: Inflate all tires to recommended PSI (printed on sidewall).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 10W-30 or as specified. Check dipstick for proper level.
Add fuel: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline. Do not overfill.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts and connections are tight before first use. Perform pre-operation checks.

Specifications

Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Engine: 19.5 HP (or as per model) OHV gasoline engine.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Oil Capacity: Approximately 1.5-2 quarts (check manual).
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (adjustable in 0.5" increments).
Turning Radius: Zero-turn models offer tight turning; steering wheel models vary.
Weight: Approximately 500 lbs (varies by configuration).
Warranty: Limited residential warranty (see details).

Controls and Operation

Operator station includes: Ignition key, Throttle/Choke control, Blade engagement lever (PTO), Hydrostatic drive pedals or levers, Parking brake, Deck lift lever, Hour meter.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Engage choke if cold. 4. Turn key to START. 5. Release key to RUN position. 6. Disengage choke as engine warms.

Driving: For pedal-operated models: Press forward pedal to go forward, reverse pedal to go backward. Speed is proportional to pedal pressure. For lever-operated zero-turn models: Push both levers forward to go straight, vary levers to turn.

Stopping: Release drive pedals/levers, engage parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key to OFF.

Mowing Instructions

For best results and lawn health.

Adjust cutting height: Set deck to desired height before starting.
Mow when grass is dry for a cleaner cut and to avoid clumping.
Overlap passes by 2-3 inches to ensure even cutting.
Change mowing pattern each time to prevent soil compaction and ruts.
For slopes: Mow up and down, not across, to prevent tipping.
Use mulching kit (if equipped) for fine clippings that fertilize the lawn.
For bagging or side discharge: Attach appropriate chute and ensure it's clear.

Tip: Sharpen blades regularly (every 25 hours) for a clean cut that promotes lawn health.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel/oil levels, and for loose parts.
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level; clean deck of grass buildup.
Every 25 hours	Sharpen or replace mower blades; check battery terminals.
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil and oil filter (if equipped).
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter; check spark plug; grease fittings.
Seasonally	Change fuel filter; inspect belts for wear; check tire condition.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance on blades or under deck.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run engine to warm oil, then drain and refill with fresh oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery cables; remove battery and store in a cool, dry place on a trickle charger.
Clean entire mower thoroughly, especially under deck.
Store in a dry, covered area, preferably on a level surface.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank without stabilizer; old fuel can gum up carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, bad spark plug	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs rough or stalls	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; replace fuel filter.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen blades; inflate tires evenly; level deck.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, worn drive belt	Clean deck underside; inspect and replace drive belt if worn.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low hydraulic fluid, air in system	Check fluid level; bleed system per manual.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose connections	Test alternator output; clean and tighten battery terminals.

Reset: For electronic issues, disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset controller.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center.

Warranty Information

Craftsman riding mowers come with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty period varies by component (e.g., frame, engine, transmission). Proof of purchase is required. This warranty does not cover normal wear items (blades, belts, tires), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact an authorized service dealer or call Craftsman customer support at 1-888-331-4569. For manuals and more information, visit www.craftsman.com.