The Craftsman LT 1000 is a 42-inch lawn tractor designed for residential use, featuring a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, and a durable steel deck. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.
Read and understand all safety instructions before operating the Craftsman LT 1000. Failure to follow warnings may result in serious injury or death.
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Rotating Blades | Keep hands and feet away from mower deck. Disconnect spark plug before servicing. |
| Fuel Handling | Refuel outdoors only when engine is cool. Use approved fuel containers. |
| Slope Operation | Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Mow up and down slopes, not across. |
| Children & Pets | Keep bystanders at least 50 feet away during operation. |
| Rollover Risk | Use seat belt if equipped. Avoid sharp turns at high speed. |
Unpack all components and verify contents against packing list. Assembly requires basic tools (wrenches, pliers).
WARNING! Do not attempt to start engine until assembly is complete and all fasteners are tightened.
Familiarize yourself with all operator controls before use.
Dashboard: Ignition switch, headlight switch, hour meter, fuel gauge.
Steering/Transmission: Steering wheel, gear shift lever (1-6 + reverse), clutch/brake pedal, parking brake lever.
Mower Controls: Deck engagement lever, height adjustment lever (1-6 positions), discharge chute deflector.
Safety Features: Seat safety switch (stops blade if operator leaves seat), blade brake clutch.
Follow these steps for safe and efficient mowing.
Tip: Allow engine to cool for 5 minutes before refueling.
Regular maintenance ensures reliability and extends mower life.
| Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Before each use | Check tire pressure, fuel/oil levels, blade condition |
| Every 8 hours | Check deck for grass buildup, inspect belts |
| Every 25 hours | Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), clean air filter |
| Every 50 hours | Sharpen blades, check spark plug, lubricate fittings |
| Every 100 hours | Replace air filter, check transmission fluid |
| Season end | Full winterization (see Storage section) |
Sharp blades provide a clean cut and reduce strain on engine.
CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling blades. Replace if cracked or badly worn.
Refer to Briggs & Stratton manual for detailed engine service.
Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.
WARNING! Never store mower with fuel in tank over 30 days without stabilizer.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won't start | Dead battery, clogged fuel line, bad spark plug | Charge/replace battery, check fuel flow, replace plug |
| Poor cutting performance | Dull blades, low engine speed, wet grass | Sharpen blades, run at full throttle, mow when dry |
| Excessive vibration | Unbalanced blade, loose pulley, damaged deck | Balance/replace blade, tighten hardware, inspect deck |
| Loss of power | Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged carburetor | Clean/replace filter, drain fuel, clean carburetor |
| Belt slips or breaks | Worn belt, misaligned pulley, debris | Replace belt, align pulleys, clean deck area |
Reset: For safety switch issues, ensure seat is occupied and parking brake is set.
Craftsman LT 1000 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, commercial use, or lack of maintenance. Keep original receipt for proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact an authorized Craftsman service center or call 1-888-331-4569. Visit www.craftsman.com for manual updates and parts diagrams.