Craftsman LT1500 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman LT1500 is a 15.5 HP, 42-inch deck riding lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care. It features a Kohler Courage single-cylinder engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO engagement, 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 and Operation 5. Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Deck Adjustment & Care 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15.5 HP Kohler Courage engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO clutch, Adjustable seat, 6-speed gear drive (varies by model), Mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability.

Feature	Description
Engine	15.5 HP Kohler Courage single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42-inch stamped steel deck
Transmission	Hydrostatic (no shifting)
PTO Engagement	Electric clutch (blade engagement)
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1-4 inches (lever or dial)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Turning Radius	Approx. 18 inches
Warranty	2-year limited

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, toys.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Disengage blades before crossing drives or gravel.
Stop engine before unclogging deck or adjusting.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Avoid fire hazards.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble per instructions.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount with provided bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 or 10W-30 (check dipstick).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded (87 octane min).
Check tire pressure: 12-15 PSI (front), 10-12 PSI (rear).

CAUTION! Use proper tools; ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Control Panel: Ignition key, PTO switch, Throttle/Choke, Brake pedal, Forward/reverse pedal, Cutting height lever.

Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key to START. Mowing: Engage PTO to spin blades, adjust speed with pedal. Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key OFF. Driving: Use pedal for speed/direction; brake to stop.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT1500
Engine: 15.5 HP Kohler Courage single-cylinder
Deck: 42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds 0-5.5 mph
Cutting Height: 1 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30 or 10W-30)
Dimensions: 68" L x 42" W x 44" H (approx)
Weight: 450 lbs (approx)
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, fuel
Every 8 hours	Check blade condition, deck cleanliness
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check belts
Seasonally	Sharpen blades, lubricate fittings
Annually	Replace air filter, check battery

Tip: Refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance.

Engine Care

Kohler Courage engine requires regular oil changes and air filter service.

Oil change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with 1.5 qt SAE 30.
Air filter: Replace paper element every season or if dirty.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches, replace annually.
Fuel filter: Replace if clogged or annually.
Cooling fins: Keep clean of debris for proper cooling.

WARNING! Engine is hot after operation; allow to cool before servicing.

Deck Adjustment & Care

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut.

Level deck: Park on flat surface, measure blade tips to ground, adjust lift links.
Blade sharpening: Remove blades, sharpen at 30-degree angle, balance.
Belt tension: Check for wear; adjust idler pulley if loose.
Cleaning: Hose off underside after each use (engine off).

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before working under deck.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes.
Change oil and filter.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, crank slowly, reinstall plug.
Clean deck and entire mower.
Store in dry, covered area; disconnect battery.

Tip: Inflate tires to max PSI to prevent flat spots during storage.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, no fuel, bad spark plug	Charge battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades; set throttle to full speed.
Vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose bolt	Balance or replace blade; tighten deck bolts.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and add fresh fuel.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low oil, worn belt	Check transmission oil level; inspect drive belt.

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

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

Warranty Information

2-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. Coverage includes defects in materials/workmanship. Excludes normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.