Craftsman LT 2000 Owners Manual

The Craftsman LT 2000 is a 20-horsepower lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care, featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO clutch, and a 2-gallon fuel tank. It includes a comfortable high-back seat, headlights, cup holder, and a durable steel frame. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO clutch, High-back seat, Headlights, Cup holder, Steel frame.

FeatureDescription
Engine20 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Deck42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system
TransmissionHydrostatic, single-speed range
PTO ClutchElectric engagement for cutting blades
Fuel Tank2-gallon capacity, unleaded gasoline
SeatHigh-back, adjustable for operator comfort
HeadlightsIntegrated for low-light operation
Cup HolderConveniently located on dashboard
FrameDurable steel construction
WheelsFront: 15-inch, Rear: 20-inch

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Ensure all hardware is included.

  1. Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided bolt.
  2. Install seat: Mount onto seat plate and secure with bolts.
  3. Connect battery: Attach positive (red) and negative (black) cables.
  4. Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 weight, fill to dipstick mark.
  5. Add fuel: Use unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher.

WARNING! Tractor is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Tighten all bolts securely.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

  1. Ignition switch: Turn key to start engine.
  2. Brake pedal: Press to stop; must be engaged to start.
  3. Hydrostatic drive pedal: Forward and reverse speed control.
  4. PTO switch: Engages cutting blades.
  5. Cutting height lever: Adjusts deck height (1-4 inches).
  6. Throttle control: Sets engine speed.
  7. Choke control: Use for cold starts.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Disengage PTO before starting.

Specifications

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

After first 5 hours: Change engine oil, check tire pressure.

Every 25 hours: Change engine oil, replace oil filter, check air filter.

Every 50 hours: Replace spark plug, check blade sharpness.

Every 100 hours: Replace air filter, check drive belt tension.

Seasonally: Grease fittings, check battery charge, inspect cutting deck.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut.

  1. Park on level surface, disengage PTO, set parking brake.
  2. Adjust cutting height lever to desired setting.
  3. Measure blade tip height from ground at all four corners.
  4. Adjust deck leveling bolts to achieve even height.
  5. Recheck measurements after adjustments.

Tip: Deck should be level side-to-side and slightly lower in front for optimal discharge.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for extended storage, especially winter.

  1. Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
  2. Change engine oil and filter.
  3. Remove spark plug and add 1 teaspoon of oil to cylinder.
  4. Clean cutting deck thoroughly, remove grass clippings.
  5. Store in dry, covered area, preferably on blocks to relieve tire pressure.

WARNING! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Disconnect battery.

Safety Guidelines

Closed Captions: Enable in DVD setup (On/Off). Parental Controls: Block by movie/TV ratings in FEATURES menu (password 9999).

Warranty Information

Craftsman LT 2000 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Keep original receipt for warranty claims.

CAUTION! Unauthorized repairs may void warranty. Use genuine Craftsman parts.

Parts & Accessories

Genuine Craftsman parts ensure compatibility and performance.

For parts, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startEmpty fuel tank, dead battery, clogged fuel filterAdd fuel, charge/replace battery, replace fuel filter.
Poor cutting performanceDull blades, improper deck levelingSharpen or replace blades, level cutting deck.
Excessive vibrationUnbalanced blade, loose boltsBalance or replace blade, tighten all deck bolts.
Loss of powerDirty air filter, old spark plugClean or replace air filter, replace spark plug.
Hydrostatic transmission issuesLow fluid, worn drive beltCheck fluid level, replace drive belt.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 seconds to reset electrical system.

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

Craftsman LT 2000 Owners Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025