Craftsman LT1000 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman LT1000 is a 17.5 HP, 42-inch deck riding lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, 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. Controls & Operation 5. Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Deck & Blade Maintenance 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Parts & Accessories 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start with key, adjustable high-back seat, cup holder, and headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42-inch stamped steel deck
Transmission	6-speed manual, gear-driven
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1-4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Seat	Adjustable high-back with armrests
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Turning Radius	18 inches
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Safety Information

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

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers; only operator on seat.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Disengage blades and set parking brake before dismounting.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Keep children and pets away during operation.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. 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. 1.5 quarts).
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.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter, cup holder.

Control Levers: Blade engagement lever, parking brake, throttle, choke, gear shift (1-6, R).

Starting Procedure: Sit on seat, set parking brake, disengage blades, move throttle to fast, turn key to start.

Mowing: Engage blades, release parking brake, select gear (start with 1st), adjust speed with throttle.

Stopping: Disengage blades, set parking brake, move throttle to slow, turn key off.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT1000
Engine: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, 500cc
Cutting Deck: 42-inch, 3-blade, side discharge
Transmission: 6-speed manual, gear-driven
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F) or 10W-30 (all temps)
Dimensions: 68" L x 54" W x 42" H
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)
Battery: 12V, 230 CCA
Warranty: 2-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel, oil level; inspect blades
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals; clean deck
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil; check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter; grease fittings
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug; check drive belt
Season end	Winterize engine; store properly

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical for performance.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with 1.5 quarts SAE 30.
Air Filter: Replace paper element every 50 hours; clean pre-filter if foam.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel Filter: Replace if clogged or annually.
Cooling Fins: Keep clean of grass and debris.

Tip: Use only recommended oil and fuel to avoid engine damage.

Deck & Blade Maintenance

Keep cutting deck clean and blades sharp for best results.

Disconnect spark plug wire before servicing deck.
Remove deck: Lower fully, disconnect belt, remove pins.
Sharpen blades: Balance after sharpening; replace if cracked.
Clean underside: Scrape off grass buildup after each use.
Check belt tension: Should have 1/2 inch deflection.
Lubricate spindles: Use grease gun on fittings each season.

WARNING! Wear gloves when handling blades. Ensure blades are securely tightened.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change oil and replace filter.
Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon oil, crank engine, reinstall plug.
Clean entire mower, especially deck underside.
Store in dry, covered area; remove battery and keep charged.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Drain fuel if storing over 30 days.

Parts & Accessories

Genuine Craftsman parts ensure optimal performance.

Blade Set: Part # 123456X (42-inch deck)
Air Filter: Part # 789012X
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
Drive Belt: Part # 345678X
Battery: 12V, 230 CCA (Group U1)
Bagging Kit: Optional attachment (Part # 901234X)

Order parts at www.craftsman.com or call 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, bad spark plug	Charge battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to fast.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolts.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and add fresh fuel.
Belt slips or breaks	Worn belt, misaligned pulley	Replace belt; check pulley alignment.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized service center at 1-888-331-4569.

Manual Updates: Check www.craftsman.com for latest manual revisions.