Craftsman R110 Riding Mower Owner's Manual

The Craftsman R110 is a 42-inch deck riding lawn mower with a 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, and mulching capability. This manual covers safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Precautions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Engine Care 9. Blade Maintenance 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable seat, cup holder, and mulching kit compatibility.

FeatureDescription
Engine19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV engine
Cutting Width42-inch reinforced steel deck
Transmission6-speed manual gear drive
Starting SystemElectric key start with backup recoil
Cutting HeightAdjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches in 0.5-inch increments
Fuel Capacity2.5-gallon gas tank
SeatHigh-back adjustable seat with armrests
Mulching CapabilityOptional mulching kit available
Drive SystemRear-wheel drive
Warranty2-year limited warranty

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

  1. Install steering wheel: Align and tighten with provided bolt.
  2. Attach seat: Mount using four bolts and washers.
  3. Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
  4. Attach cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure with pins.
  5. Connect deck lift linkage: Attach to lever under seat.
  6. Install blades: Use blade adapter and bolt (torque to 40 ft-lbs).
  7. Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 oil and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire during assembly to prevent accidental starting.

Safety Precautions

Read all safety instructions before operation.

  1. Wear appropriate clothing: Safety glasses, long pants, sturdy shoes.
  2. Clear mowing area: Remove stones, toys, and debris.
  3. Never carry passengers: Seat designed for operator only.
  4. Slope operation: Mow across slopes, not up and down.
  5. Engine safety: Allow engine to cool before refueling.
  6. Children and pets: Keep away from mowing area.
  7. Blade safety: Disconnect spark plug before blade maintenance.

CAUTION! Never remove safety devices or operate with guards missing.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Dashboard: Ignition key, throttle control, choke, hour meter, headlight switch.

Operation Steps:

  1. Pre-start check: Oil level, fuel, tire pressure, deck clearance.
  2. Starting: Set parking brake, disengage blades, turn key to START.
  3. Driving: Press brake pedal to release parking brake, select gear.
  4. Mowing: Engage PTO lever to start blades, adjust throttle to full.
  5. Stopping: Disengage blades, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

Controls: Steering wheel, brake pedal, parking brake lever, gear shift, PTO engagement lever, cutting height adjuster.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust cutting height using lever located near operator's left foot.

  1. Stop mower on level surface.
  2. Disengage PTO (blades off).
  3. Move lever to desired position (1-7 settings).
  4. Settings correspond to 1.5" (1) to 4" (7) in 0.5" increments.
  5. For even cut, ensure all wheels at same height setting.

Tip: Cut only 1/3 of grass height per mowing for healthier lawn.

Maintenance Schedule

IntervalMaintenance Task
Before each useCheck oil level, tire pressure, blade condition
Every 8 hoursCheck battery terminals, deck for debris
Every 25 hoursChange engine oil (first 5 hours), sharpen blades
Every 50 hoursReplace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hoursChange oil filter, lubricate chassis points
SeasonallyReplace fuel filter, check belts
StorageFuel stabilizer, battery removal

Engine Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal engine performance.

  1. Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with 48 oz SAE 30.
  2. Air Filter: Replace paper element every 50 hours; clean pre-cleaner if equipped.
  3. Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
  4. Fuel System: Use fresh gasoline; add stabilizer for storage.
  5. Cooling System: Keep cooling fins clean of debris.

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

Blade Maintenance

Sharp blades provide cleaner cut and reduce engine strain.

  1. Disconnect spark plug wire.
  2. Raise deck to highest position and block securely.
  3. Remove blade bolt (counterclockwise) using blade removal tool.
  4. Sharpen blade maintaining original angle; balance with blade balancer.
  5. Reinstall with bolt torqued to 40 ft-lbs.
  6. Replace blades if cracked, bent, or excessively worn.

CAUTION! Wear heavy gloves when handling blades.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

  1. Clean mower thoroughly, especially under deck.
  2. Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
  3. Change oil and filter if due.
  4. Remove battery and store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
  5. Store in dry, covered area; avoid concrete floor if possible.
  6. Cover mower to protect from dust.

Tip: Inflate tires to maximum pressure during storage to prevent flat spots.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startEmpty fuel tank, dead battery, clogged fuel filterAdd fuel, charge/replace battery, replace fuel filter
Poor cutting performanceDull blades, low engine RPM, deck cloggedSharpen blades, adjust throttle, clean deck
Excessive vibrationUnbalanced blade, loose blade bolt, damaged spindleBalance or replace blade, tighten bolt, inspect spindle
Loss of powerDirty air filter, old spark plug, clogged carburetorReplace air filter, change spark plug, clean carburetor
Uneven cuttingUneven tire pressure, worn deck belt, incorrect height settingInflate tires evenly, replace belt, adjust cutting height
Battery not chargingFaulty alternator, loose connections, bad batteryTest alternator, clean terminals, replace battery

Service: For technical support, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com

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