Craftsman LT 2000 Riding Mower Owners Manual

The Craftsman LT 2000 is a 20-horsepower, 42-inch cutting deck riding lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, mulching capability, and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Mowing 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 20 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start with key, High-back seat, 6-speed gear drive, Mulch/Discharge/Bag capability.

Feature	Description
Engine	20 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) lever
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Seat	High-back, padded, adjustable
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Mulching Kit	Optional (included with some models)

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

Wear appropriate clothing: sturdy shoes, eye protection, long pants.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, toys, and other obstacles.
Never carry passengers; only the operator should be on the mower.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Disengage blades and set parking brake before dismounting.

WARNING! Risk of blade contact and thrown objects. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Engine and muffler become hot; allow to cool before refueling or servicing.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly required for steering wheel, seat, and cutting deck.

Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided bolt and washer.
Install seat: Place on seat plate, secure with bolts.
Attach cutting deck: Lower deck under chassis, connect drive belt and linkage.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10-12 PSI (front) and 8-10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 or 10W-30, fill to mark on dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.

CAUTION! Use proper tools and follow torque specifications. Ensure all bolts are tight before operation.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT 2000
Engine: 20 HP Briggs & Stratton, 540cc
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30 or 10W-30)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO (blade engagement) lever, Throttle/Choke, Hour meter.

Steering & Drive: Steering wheel, Forward/reverse pedal (hydrostatic), Brake pedal, Parking brake lever.

Cutting Controls: Deck lift lever (height adjustment), Discharge chute deflector.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Disengage PTO (blades off). 4. Move throttle to FAST. 5. Turn key to START. 6. Release key to RUN position.

Stopping Procedure: 1. Disengage PTO. 2. Move throttle to SLOW. 3. Turn key to OFF. 4. Set parking brake.

Cutting & Mowing

For best results, mow when grass is dry and 3-4 inches tall.

Adjust cutting height: Use deck lift lever to desired setting.
Engage blades: Move PTO lever to ON position while engine is at full throttle.
Drive slowly: Overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Change pattern: Alternate mowing direction weekly to prevent ruts.
For mulching: Install mulch plug; ensure grass is not wet or too tall.
For bagging: Attach grass bag; empty when full to maintain airflow.
For discharging: Ensure discharge chute is pointed away from people and obstacles.

Tip: Sharpen blades every 25 hours of use for clean cut and healthy grass.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and reliable operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for loose bolts, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil, clean deck underside
Every 25 hours	Sharpen blades, check battery terminals
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, replace oil filter, check air filter
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Grease fittings, check tire condition, inspect brakes

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via drain plug, refill with 1.5 quarts SAE 30 or 10W-30.

Storage & Winterization

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

Clean thoroughly: Remove grass clippings from deck, engine, and chassis.
Fuel treatment: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes to circulate.
Oil change: Change oil if near due interval.
Battery: Disconnect negative terminal; store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Storage location: Store in dry, covered area; elevate deck if on concrete.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank beyond 30 days without stabilizer. Gasoline can degrade and damage engine.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge battery; add fuel; replace fuel filter; check spark plug.
Engine runs rough	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Clean/replace air filter; drain old gas; add fresh fuel.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen blades; check tire pressure; level deck.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, worn drive belt	Clean deck underside; inspect and replace drive belt if worn.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low oil, air in system	Check transmission fluid level; purge air per manual.
Battery not charging	Loose connections, faulty alternator	Clean and tighten terminals; test alternator output.

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

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 proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact Craftsman customer service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. For parts and manuals, visit www.searspartsdirect.com.