Craftsman LT 2200 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman LT 2200 is a 22-horsepower riding lawn mower with a 46-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, and a Briggs & Stratton engine. It features a comfortable high-back seat, cup holder, headlights, electric PTO engagement, and a 3-in-1 discharge system (mulch, bag, side discharge). Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 46-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO engagement, 3-in-1 discharge system, High-back seat, Headlights, Cup holder, Hour meter.

FeatureDescription
Engine22 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Deck46-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system
TransmissionHydrostatic, foot-pedal controlled
PTO EngagementElectric switch on dashboard
Discharge SystemMulch, bag, or side discharge (configurable)
SeatHigh-back, adjustable suspension
HeadlightsIntegrated for low-light operation
Cup HolderConveniently located on dashboard
Hour MeterTracks engine usage for maintenance
Fuel Tank2.5-gallon capacity

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

  1. Wear appropriate clothing: sturdy shoes, eye protection, hearing protection.
  2. Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys before starting.
  3. Never carry passengers; only the operator should be on the mower.
  4. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow up and down slopes, not across.
  5. Disengage PTO and set parking brake before dismounting.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never operate without the discharge chute or grass bag in place. Engine and muffler become extremely hot; allow to cool before servicing.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires basic tools.

  1. Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
  2. Attach seat: Mount to frame using provided bolts and washers.
  3. Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) cables.
  4. Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 or 10W-30 (check manual for capacity).
  5. Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
  6. Check tire pressure: Inflate to 12-14 PSI.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Check for loose parts before first use.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

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

Foot Controls: Hydrostatic drive pedal (forward/reverse), Brake pedal.

Steering & Seat: Steering wheel, Seat adjustment lever, Parking brake lever.

  1. Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key to START.
  2. Driving: Release parking brake, press drive pedal gently.
  3. Mowing: Engage PTO switch, adjust throttle to full, begin cutting.
  4. Stopping: Disengage PTO, return drive pedal to neutral, engage parking brake, turn key off.

Specifications

Cutting Deck Operation

The 46-inch deck offers three discharge options.

  1. Side Discharge: Install discharge chute for throwing clippings to the side.
  2. Mulching: Install mulch plug and mulching blades (kit may be required).
  3. Bagging: Attach grass bagger to rear hitch.
  4. Height Adjustment: Use deck lift lever to set cutting height.
  5. Leveling Deck: Adjust deck hangers to ensure even cut.

Tip: For best results, mow when grass is dry and never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTask
Before each useCheck tire pressure, inspect for debris, check oil level
Every 8 hoursCheck deck belts for wear, clean deck underside
Every 25 hoursChange engine oil, check air filter, sharpen blades
Every 50 hoursReplace spark plug, check battery terminals
Every 100 hoursChange transmission fluid, replace fuel filter
SeasonallyLubricate pivot points, check tire condition

Note: Always refer to the engine manual for specific engine maintenance.

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance ensures long life and reliable operation.

  1. Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via drain plug, refill with SAE 30 or 10W-30.
  2. Air Filter: Replace paper element or clean foam pre-cleaner as needed.
  3. Spark Plug: Gap to 0.030 inches, replace annually.
  4. Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Replace fuel filter annually.
  5. Cooling Fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for storage to prevent damage.

  1. Clean thoroughly: Remove grass and debris from deck, engine, and chassis.
  2. Fuel: Add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes, or drain fuel tank completely.
  3. Oil: Change oil if near due interval.
  4. Battery: Disconnect and store in a cool, dry place; charge monthly.
  5. Tires: Inflate to proper pressure; store off ground if possible.
  6. Cover: Use a breathable cover to protect from dust.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startDead battery, empty fuel, bad spark plugCharge/replace battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performanceDull blades, low engine speed, clogged deckSharpen blades; run at full throttle; clean deck underside.
Excessive vibrationUnbalanced blade, loose pulley, debrisInspect and balance blade; tighten pulley bolts; remove debris.
Loss of powerDirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filterClean/replace air filter; drain old fuel; replace fuel filter.
Hydrostatic transmission slipsLow fluid, drive belt wornCheck fluid level; inspect and replace drive belt if needed.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Craftsman service center.

Warranty Information

The Craftsman LT 2200 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.

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