The Craftsman DLT 3000 is a 42-inch deck, 17.5 HP Kohler engine riding lawn tractor designed for residential use. This manual provides detailed parts identification, exploded diagrams, and replacement information for the engine, cutting deck, transmission, steering, electrical system, belts, pulleys, and safety components. Below are key sections for parts overview, diagrams, specifications, ordering, maintenance, and safety.
Key assemblies: Engine (Kohler 17.5 HP), 42-inch Cutting Deck, Transmission (6-speed manual or automatic), Steering System, Electrical (Battery, Starter, Switches), Belts (Drive & Deck), Spindles, Wheels & Tires.
| Assembly | Main Components |
|---|---|
| Engine Assembly | Cylinder, Piston, Carburetor, Air Filter, Oil Filter, Spark Plug, Fuel Pump |
| Cutting Deck | Deck Shell, Blades (3), Blade Adapters, Spindle Housings, Mandrels |
| Transmission | Drive Belt, Pulleys, Gear Set, Shift Linkage, Axle |
| Steering | Steering Wheel, Gear, Tie Rods, Drag Links |
| Electrical | Battery (12V), Starter Motor, Solenoid, Ignition Switch, Safety Switches |
| Belts & Pulleys | Main Drive Belt (½" x 95"), Deck Drive Belt, Idler Pulleys, Tensioner |
| Controls | Brake Pedal, Clutch/Brake Assembly, PTO Lever, Throttle/Choke |
| Safety | Seat Switch, Blade Engagement Switch, Operator Presence System |
Kohler Courage SV470 (17.5 HP) or equivalent. Includes internal and external components.
WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before servicing engine. Use genuine Kohler parts for optimal performance.
42-inch stamped steel deck with three blades.
CAUTION! Ensure deck is disengaged and engine off before replacing blades. Balance blades after installation.
Steering: Sector gear, pinion, tie rods. Controls: Pedals, levers, cables.
Steering Assembly: Steering wheel (Part # 132301), steering shaft, gear set (Part # 132302). Tie Rods: Part # 132303 (left & right). Drag Link: Part # 132304. Control Cables: Throttle cable, choke cable, PTO engagement cable. Pedals: Brake pedal assembly, clutch/brake linkage.
12V system with battery, starter, switches, wiring harness.
Tip: Disconnect battery negative terminal before electrical work.
Drive and deck belts with associated pulleys and tensioners.
WARNING! Always release belt tension before removal. Inspect pulleys for grooves and cracks.
Safety switches and warning decals. Operator Presence System required for operation.
| Part | Description | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Switch | Cuts engine if operator leaves seat | 132307 |
| PTO Switch | Prevents blade engagement without proper sequence | 132308 |
| Blade Engagement Switch | Interlock for PTO lever | 132312 |
| Warning Decal Set | Caution labels for deck, engine, battery | 132313 |
| Operator Manual | Replacement manual | 132314 |
Use model number (found on frame under seat) and part numbers listed.
Note: Parts may vary by production year. Always verify fit with your serial number.
Regular part replacement intervals for optimal performance.
| Part | Interval | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & Filter | Every 50 hours or season | Replace |
| Air Filter | Every 25 hours | Clean/Replace |
| Spark Plug | Every 100 hours | Replace |
| Blades | Every 25 hours or as needed | Sharpen/Replace |
| Drive Belts | Inspect every 50 hours | Replace if cracked/worn |
| Spindle Bearings | Every 100 hours | Lubricate/Replace |
| Battery | Every 2-3 seasons | Test/Replace |
| Symptom | Possible Part Failure | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won't start | Bad battery, starter, solenoid, safety switch | Test battery voltage; check seat/PTO switches; replace starter/solenoid. |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull/bent blades, worn spindle, loose belt | Sharpen/balance blades; check spindle play; tension/replace deck belt. |
| Vibration/noise from deck | Damaged blade, worn spindle bearing, loose pulley | Inspect blades for damage; replace spindle assembly; tighten pulley bolts. |
| Loss of drive power | Worn drive belt, slipping transmission, bad pulley | Replace drive belt; check transmission fluid; inspect idler pulleys. |
| Steering is loose/wandering | Worn tie rod ends, loose steering gear | Replace tie rods; adjust steering gear mesh. |
| Deck won't engage | Faulty PTO switch, broken cable, bad clutch | Test PTO switch; replace cable; inspect electric clutch. |
Reset: Ensure all safety switches are properly connected and functional.
Service: For technical assistance, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.