Craftsman R110 Service Manual

The Craftsman R110 is a 11.0 HP Briggs & Stratton powered riding lawn mower with a 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, and electric start. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, maintenance schedules, operational procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Specifications 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Controls and Operation 6. Engine Service 7. Deck and Blade Service 8. Transmission and Drive System 9. Electrical System 10. Storage and Winterization 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 11.0 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric key start, manual PTO engagement, and adjustable cutting height.

Feature	Description
Engine	11.0 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Deck	42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Cutting Height Adjustment	Lever-operated, 1.5 to 4 inches
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with differential
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Battery	12V, 230 CCA
Tires	Front: 15x6.00-6, Rear: 20x10.00-8

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.

Read manual thoroughly before operation.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Wear appropriate safety gear: eye protection, sturdy shoes, hearing protection.
Never allow passengers, especially children.
Disengage blades and set parking brake before dismounting.
Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool.

WARNING! Mower blades rotate at high speed; keep hands and feet away from deck during operation. Always engage parking brake on slopes.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman R110
Engine: 11.0 HP Briggs & Stratton, 344cc
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Cutting Heights: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Transmission: 6-speed manual, gear drive
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30 or 10W-30)
Dimensions (LxWxH): 68 x 54 x 42 inches
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliability and extends mower life.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, deck for debris
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first 5 hours for break-in), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug, grease fittings
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check blade sharpness/balance
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, check battery, clean deck
Storage	Winterize fuel system, remove battery

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO engagement lever, throttle control, choke, hour meter.

Steering/Drive: Steering wheel, gear shift lever (1-6, R), clutch/brake pedal, parking brake lever.

Deck Controls: Cutting height lever, deck lift handle.

Starting: Set parking brake, disengage PTO, set throttle to fast, turn key.
Driving: Depress clutch, select gear, release clutch slowly.
Mowing: Engage PTO at full throttle, adjust speed to conditions.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, reduce throttle, engage parking brake, turn key off.

Engine Service

Basic engine maintenance procedures.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via plug under engine. Refill with 1.5 quarts SAE 30 (or per temperature).
Air Filter: Remove cover, replace paper filter. Clean foam pre-filter if equipped.
Spark Plug: Gap to 0.030 inches. Replace if worn or fouled.
Fuel Filter: Replace annually; located in fuel line.
Carburetor Adjustment: Refer to engine manual; avoid adjusting unless necessary.

WARNING! Engine components are hot during/after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Deck and Blade Service

Proper deck maintenance ensures clean cutting and safety.

Blade Removal: Block deck, disconnect spark plug. Use wrench to remove blade bolt (usually reverse thread).
Blade Sharpening: Sharpen at 22-degree angle; balance blade.
Deck Cleaning: Remove debris with scraper; rinse with water (avoid bearings).
Belt Inspection: Check for cracks/wear; replace if damaged.
Deck Leveling: Adjust deck hangers to ensure even cut.

CAUTION! Wear heavy gloves when handling blades. Always replace blades in pairs.

Transmission and Drive System

Manual transmission requires periodic checks.

Gear Oil: Check level annually; refill with SAE 80W-90 gear oil if low.
Clutch Adjustment: Adjust free play per manual if slipping or dragging.
Brake Adjustment: Adjust if parking brake does not hold on incline.
Tire Pressure: Maintain 12 PSI (front), 10 PSI (rear).

Tip: Avoid shifting without fully depressing clutch to prevent gear damage.

Electrical System

12V system with battery, starter, and charging circuit.

Battery: Keep terminals clean and tight. Charge if voltage below 12.4V.
Fuses: Check 20A fuse in red holder near battery if electrical components fail.
Starting Circuit: If no crank, check battery, connections, safety switches (seat, PTO, brake).
Headlights: Replace bulb by removing lens cover.

WARNING! Disconnect negative battery cable first when servicing electrical system.

Storage and Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run engine to warm oil, then change oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery, clean terminals, store in cool, dry place.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in dry, covered location; inflate tires to recommended pressure.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in carburetor without stabilizer; it will gum up.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, safety switches	Check fuel level, spark plug, ensure PTO disengaged, brake depressed, seat occupied.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air/fuel filter, old gas	Replace air/fuel filter, drain old gas, check spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, deck not level	Sharpen/balance blades, level deck, check tire pressure.
Excessive vibration	Damaged/bent blade, loose parts	Inspect blades for damage, tighten blade bolts, check spindle bearings.
Loss of power	Clutch slipping, clogged deck	Adjust clutch, clean underside of deck, check belt tension.
Battery not charging	Loose connections, faulty alternator	Check battery cables, test alternator output (should be ~13.5V running).

Reset: For safety switch issues, ensure all switches are engaged properly.

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