Craftsman LT1000 Manual

The Craftsman LT1000 is a 42-inch riding lawn mower with a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. Designed for residential use on up to 2 acres, it features a manual PTO, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 17.5 HP engine, 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed transmission, electric start, manual PTO lever, cutting height adjustment lever, fuel gauge, and cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Engagement	Manual PTO lever
Seat	High-back, padded seat
Turning Radius	18 inches
Warranty	2-year limited

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers; only one operator.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Disengage blades before starting engine or crossing drives.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning—never operate in enclosed spaces.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount with provided bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) – check dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Front 14 PSI, rear 10 PSI.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Test brakes and steering before first use.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT1000
Engine: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, 500cc
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade
Transmission: 6-speed manual, shift-on-the-go
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 30, above 32°F)
Dimensions (LxWxH): 68 x 54 x 42 inches
Weight: 450 lbs
Max Slope Rating: 15 degrees
Recommended Area: Up to 2 acres

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter, fuel gauge.

Control Levers: PTO (blade engagement), cutting height adjuster, gear shift (1-6, R), parking brake, clutch/brake pedal.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Disengage PTO. 4. Move shift lever to Neutral (N). 5. Turn key to START. 6. Once started, release key to ON position.

Stopping: 1. Disengage PTO. 2. Move shift lever to Neutral. 3. Engage parking brake. 4. Turn key to OFF. 5. Remove key.

Cutting System

3-in-1 system: mulch, bag, or side discharge.

Adjust cutting height: Use lever beside seat; higher for rough terrain, lower for fine lawns.
Engage blades: Pull PTO lever upward while engine is at low throttle.
Change function: Install mulch plug, attach bagger, or open side chute as needed.
Blade care: Sharpen or replace worn blades; balance after sharpening.

Tip: Overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cutting. Mow at full throttle for best performance.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, and for debris under deck.
First 5 hours	Change engine oil (break-in).
Every 8 hours	Check oil level; clean deck underside.
Every 25 hours	Change oil; check air filter; sharpen blades.
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter; check spark plug.
Every 100 hours	Change transmission fluid; replace fuel filter.
Season end	Full service: drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly.

Note: Use only Craftsman-approved parts for replacement.

Storage

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Clean mower thoroughly, especially under deck.
Change oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer or drain tank completely.
Disconnect battery negative cable; store battery in cool, dry place.
Store in a dry, covered area; cover with breathable tarp.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Keep away from open flames.

Warranty Information

Craftsman LT1000 includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact an authorized Craftsman service center or call 1-888-331-4569. Keep this manual and receipt for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, safety switch	Charge battery; add fuel; ensure PTO disengaged and seat occupied.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen/replace blades; run at full throttle; clean deck.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolts, especially blade spindle.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Replace air/fuel filters; use fresh gasoline.
Hard to shift gears	Low transmission fluid, worn linkage	Check fluid level; adjust or replace shift linkage.

Reset: If engine stops due to overload, wait 2 minutes, then restart.

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