Craftsman LT1500 Owners Manual

The Craftsman LT1500 is a 15.5 HP riding lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care, featuring a 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, and mulching capability. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start with key, adjustable seat, cup holder, and headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Deck	42-inch, 3-blade, stamped steel, side discharge
Transmission	6-speed manual, gear-driven
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Tank	2.5-gallon capacity
Seat	High-back, adjustable fore/aft
Headlights	Two front headlights for low-light operation
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with differential lock
Mulching Capability	Optional mulching kit (sold separately)

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) – check dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min).
Attach cutting deck: Lower deck lift, align with pins, secure with belt.

WARNING! Keep hands clear of moving parts during assembly. Wear gloves.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Pre-start checklist: Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, and clear area of debris.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage clutch/brake, turn key.
Driving: Release parking brake, slowly release clutch/brake, use gear shift.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to start blades, adjust speed for conditions.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key off, remove key.

CAUTION! Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Avoid sudden turns.

Specifications

Engine: 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV, 1-cylinder.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Transmission: 6-speed manual.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 30).
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions).
Tire Size (Front): 15 x 6.00-6.
Tire Size (Rear): 20 x 10.00-8.
Weight: Approx. 450 lbs.
Warranty: 2-year limited.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, fuel, clear deck
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals, inspect blades
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first 5 hours), lubricate fittings
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace oil filter, check drive belt
Seasonally	Sharpen blades, check tire pressure

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil change: Run engine to warm, drain via plug, refill with SAE 30.
Air filter: Replace paper element; clean foam pre-filter if equipped.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel system: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Cutting Deck Maintenance

Keep deck clean and blades sharp for optimal cut.

Blade sharpening: Remove deck, secure blade, file at original angle.
Belt inspection: Check for cracks/wear; replace if damaged.
Deck cleaning: Scrape off grass buildup after each use.
Deck leveling: Adjust gauge wheels to ensure even cut.

WARNING! Wear heavy gloves when handling blades. Ensure deck is securely supported.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer: Run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Change oil: Replace with fresh oil to remove contaminants.
Remove battery: Store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Clean deck: Remove all grass and debris.
Cover: Use breathable cover to protect from dust/moisture.

CAUTION! Store in a dry, well-ventilated area away from open flames.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions.

Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and long pants.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on steep slopes or wet grass.
Disengage blades before crossing driveways or gravel.
Always look behind before backing up.

DANGER! Never attempt to clear deck clog with engine running.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman LT1500 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Proof of purchase required. For support, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep this manual for reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge battery, add fuel, replace air filter.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, uneven deck	Sharpen blades, level deck.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, damaged spindle	Tighten blade bolts, inspect spindle.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter, drain old fuel.
Belt slips or breaks	Worn belt, misaligned pulley	Replace belt, check pulley alignment.

Reset: Check all safety switches (seat, brake, PTO).

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