Craftsman LT 1500 Owners Manual

The Craftsman LT 1500 is a 15-horsepower lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care. It features a 42-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric blade engagement, and a durable steel frame. This manual covers safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure proper use and longevity of your tractor. Below are key sections for features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Operation Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Cutting Deck Adjustment 8. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) clutch, 2-gallon fuel tank, Adjustable seat, Headlights, Cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	15 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Deck	42-inch, 3-blade, stamped steel
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single-speed range
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch
Fuel Capacity	2 gallons (unleaded gasoline)
Seat	High-back, adjustable fore/aft
Headlights	Two front headlights for low-light operation
Deck Lift	Manual lever, 6 cutting height positions (1.5-4 inches)
Tires	Front: 15x6.00-6, Rear: 20x10.00-8
Weight	Approximately 450 lbs

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Install cutting deck: Align with deck lift arms and secure with pins.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 15 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 oil (48 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Tractor is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Operation Instructions

Before starting, perform pre-operation checks.

Pre-operation: Check oil level, fuel, tire pressure, and cutting deck clearance.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, move PTO to OFF, turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, press brake pedal to disengage transmission lock, use forward/reverse pedals.
Mowing: Engage PTO switch to activate blades, adjust speed as needed.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

CAUTION! Always engage parking brake on slopes. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Engine: 15 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV, single-cylinder.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Oil Capacity: 48 oz SAE 30 (summer), 10W-30 (winter).
Cutting Heights: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 inches.
Deck Type: Stamped steel, 3-blade.
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA.
Dimensions: 68" L x 42" W x 42" H.

Controls and Indicators

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO switch, Headlight switch, Hour meter, Throttle control, Choke.

Pedals & Levers: Forward/reverse pedals (hydrostatic), Brake pedal, Parking brake lever, Deck lift lever.

Operation: Turn key to START (with brake depressed). Engage PTO only when seated. Use hour meter to track maintenance intervals. Adjust throttle to FAST for mowing, SLOW for idling.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

After first 5 hours: Change engine oil, check bolt tightness.
Every 25 hours: Check air filter, tire pressure, blade sharpness.
Every 50 hours: Change oil, replace spark plug, lubricate deck spindles.
Every 100 hours: Replace air filter, check transmission fluid.
Seasonally: Sharpen/replace blades, clean deck, check battery.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut.

Park on level surface, set cutting height to 3 inches.
Measure blade tip height from ground at all four corners of deck.
Adjust deck hangers: Turn lift link nuts to raise/lower each side.
Re-check measurements until all corners are within 1/4 inch.
Test mow and adjust if necessary.

WARNING! Disengage PTO and turn off engine before adjusting deck.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for off-season storage.

Clean deck and underside thoroughly.
Change engine oil and run engine briefly to circulate.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery and store in cool, dry place.
Store in covered, dry location; block up deck if possible.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in carburetor without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Read all safety instructions before operation.

Wear eye protection and sturdy footwear.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Never carry passengers.
Keep hands and feet away from moving blades.
Disconnect spark plug before servicing.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Always be aware of your surroundings.

Warranty & Support

2-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For support, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

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.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, deck not level	Sharpen/replace blades; level deck as per section 8.
Excessive vibration	Damaged blade, loose bolts	Inspect blades for damage; tighten all deck and blade bolts.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel and refill with fresh.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low fluid, drive belt worn	Check fluid level; inspect and replace drive belt if necessary.

Reset: If engine overheats, wait 30 minutes to cool before restarting.

Service: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com