Craftsman LT 1500 Riding Mower Owner's Manual

The Craftsman LT 1500 is a 42-inch deck riding lawn mower powered by a 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, featuring a 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, cruise control, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), mulching capability, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage. Always read and understand all instructions before use.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Cutting Deck & Blades 7. Engine Care 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start with key, cruise control lever, adjustable seat, cup holder, and headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start (12V battery included)
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Tank	2.5 gallons (unleaded gasoline only)
Deck Engagement	Manual lever (PTO)
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Seat	High-back, adjustable fore/aft
Mulching Capability	Yes (mulching kit included)

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

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: Lower deck lift lever, slide deck under mower, attach belts and pins.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz.) – check dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

WARNING! Do not add fuel or oil while engine is hot. Ensure mower is on level ground during assembly.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Pre-start checklist: Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, and clear area of debris.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO (Off), turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, select gear (1-6), press pedal to move.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to lower deck, adjust speed with throttle.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

CAUTION! Never leave mower unattended with engine running. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT 1500
Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 48 oz. (SAE 30)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5" - 4" (6 positions)
Tire Size (Front): 15 x 6.00-6
Tire Size (Rear): 20 x 10.00-8
Weight: Approx. 450 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, fuel, and for debris
Every 8 hours	Check tire pressure and blade condition
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours)
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check belts
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, grease fittings, battery care

Note: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Cutting Deck & Blades

Proper deck care ensures a clean cut and prevents damage.

Blade sharpening: Remove deck, secure blade, sharpen at 30-degree angle.
Blade replacement: Use only Craftsman 42-inch deck blades (part # 134149).
Deck cleaning: After each use, remove grass clippings and debris.
Belt inspection: Check for cracks or wear; replace if damaged.
Deck leveling: Adjust deck height on level ground for even cut.

WARNING! Blades are sharp. Wear heavy gloves and eye protection when handling.

Engine Care

Follow engine manual for detailed maintenance (Briggs & Stratton).

Oil Change: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (48 oz.). Drain when warm.
Air Filter: Replace paper filter every 50 hours; clean foam pre-filter if equipped.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace every 100 hours.
Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline; add fuel stabilizer for storage.
Cooling Fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

CAUTION! Never run engine without air filter. Avoid overfilling oil.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for storage if not used for 30+ days.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove battery, clean terminals, and store fully charged.
Clean underside of deck and apply light oil to prevent rust.
Store in dry, covered area; block up deck if storing on tires.

Tip: Label storage date on battery and check charge every 3 months.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety rules in manual and on mower decals.

Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Never carry passengers; keep children and pets away.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Stop engine and wait for blades to stop before crossing drives or walks.
Use care when backing up; look behind you.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman LT 1500 includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact an authorized service center with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or call 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge battery; add fuel; replace air filter; check spark plug.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, deck not level, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; level deck; run at full throttle.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, damaged spindle, debris	Tighten blade bolt; inspect spindle; clean deck.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged deck	Replace air filter; use fresh gas; clean underside of deck.
Battery not charging	Loose cables, faulty alternator	Check connections; test alternator output.

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

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