Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Owners Manual

The Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower is a robust and reliable lawn care machine designed for residential use. It features a powerful engine, variable speed control, electric start, cutting deck with adjustable height settings, mulching and bagging capabilities, comfortable high-back seat, and easy maneuverability. This manual covers essential safety information, assembly instructions, operation procedures, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and warranty details to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Cutting Deck, Drive System, Operator Controls, Seat, and Fuel System.

Feature	Description
Engine	Powerful OHV engine with electric start and recoil backup
Cutting Deck	Steel deck with multiple height settings (1.5" - 4") and mulching/bagging capability
Transmission	Variable speed automatic transmission for smooth operation
Steering	Easy-turn front wheels for precise maneuverability
Seat	Padded high-back seat with armrests for operator comfort
Fuel Tank	Large capacity fuel tank for extended mowing time
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) for easy blade engagement
Parking Brake	Automatic parking brake when engine is off
Headlights	Integrated headlights for low-light conditions
Hour Meter	Digital hour meter to track usage for maintenance

Assembly & Setup

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

Install Steering Wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Attach Seat: Position seat on mounting bracket and secure with bolts.
Connect Battery: For electric start models, connect positive and negative terminals.
Install Cutting Deck: Lower deck onto mounting points and secure with pins and belts.
Add Fluids: Add engine oil and gasoline as specified in Specifications.

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all safety information before operating.

Clear Area: Remove stones, toys, and debris from mowing area.
Wear Protection: Always wear safety glasses, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
No Passengers: Never carry passengers on the mower.
Slope Operation: Mow across slopes, not up and down. Avoid steep inclines.
Shut Off Engine: Disengage blades, set parking brake, and turn off engine before leaving operator position.
Hot Surfaces: Keep clear of muffler and engine during and after operation.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never operate without discharge chute guard or grass catcher in place.

Specifications

Engine Type: 4-Cycle OHV Gasoline Engine
Engine Displacement: 724cc (Varies by model)
Starting System: Electric Key Start with Recoil Backup
Cutting Width: 42 inches (Varies by model)
Cutting Height: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Transmission: Variable Speed Automatic
Forward Speed: Up to 5.5 mph
Reverse Speed: Up to 2.5 mph
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 Gallons
Oil Capacity: 1.5 Quarts (SAE 30 or 10W-30)
Dimensions (LxWxH): Approx. 72" x 54" x 42"
Weight: Approx. 500 lbs

Controls and Indicators

Operator Station: Ignition Switch, Throttle/Choke Control, Blade Engagement Lever, Parking Brake Lever, Gear/Drive Pedal, Height Adjustment Lever, Hour Meter, Fuel Gauge.

Ignition Switch: OFF, RUN, START positions. Blade Engagement (PTO): Pull lever upward to engage blades. Drive Pedal: Press forward for forward motion, press rear section for reverse. Parking Brake: Engage fully before dismounting. Height Adjustment: Lever selects cutting height from 1.5" to 4".

Operating Instructions

Starting, Driving, and Stopping Procedures.

Pre-Start Check: Check oil and fuel levels. Ensure area is clear.
Starting Engine: Sit on seat, set parking brake, disengage blades. Turn key to START.
Engaging Blades: Move throttle to FAST. Pull PTO lever upward to engage.
Driving: Release parking brake. Gently press drive pedal to move forward.
Stopping: Release drive pedal, disengage blades, engage parking brake, turn key to OFF.

Tip: Always allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds before engaging blades under load.

Cutting Deck Operation

Adjusting height, using mulching kit, and attaching bagger.

Height Adjustment: Use lever to raise or lower deck before or during operation.
Mulching: Install mulching plug in discharge chute. Ensure blades are sharp.
Bagger: Attach grass bagger to rear hitch. Empty when bag is 2/3 full.
Side Discharge: Remove plug for standard side discharge operation.
Deck Leveling: Check manual for procedure to ensure even cut.

WARNING! Always disengage PTO and turn off engine before adjusting deck or attaching accessories.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and extends mower life.

Interval	Task
Before Each Use	Check engine oil level, tire pressure, and for loose hardware.
Every 8 Hours	Clean deck underside, check blade condition.
Every 25 Hours	Change engine oil (first 5 hours), check air filter, lubricate pivot points.
Every 50 Hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug, sharpen/replace blades.
Every 100 Hours	Change oil filter (if equipped), check drive belt tension.
Seasonally	Replace fuel filter, check battery charge, grease fittings.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Fuel Stabilizer: Add stabilizer to fuel tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Oil Change: Change engine oil at end of season.
Battery: Disconnect negative terminal or use a maintainer if storing indoors.
Clean: Thoroughly clean mower, especially underside of deck.
Store: Park in a dry, covered location. Engage parking brake.

CAUTION! Never store mower with gasoline in tank without stabilizer in a confined space.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Riding Mowers are backed by a limited warranty. The engine is covered by a separate manufacturer's warranty.

Frame & Deck: Limited Lifetime Warranty for residential use.
Transmission: 3-Year Limited Warranty.
Engine: 2-Year Limited Warranty (Briggs & Stratton or other).
Battery: 1-Year Limited Warranty.

Warranty is valid only for original purchaser with proof of purchase. For service, contact an authorized Craftsman service center or call 1-888-331-4569. Register your product online at www.craftsman.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, safety switch	Charge battery, add fuel, ensure you are seated and brake is set.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Replace air filter, drain old gas, replace fuel filter.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen blades, inflate tires evenly, level the deck.
Mower won't move	Parking brake engaged, drive belt loose/broken	Disengage parking brake, inspect and replace drive belt.
Blades won't engage	PTO switch faulty, blown fuse, loose connection	Check PTO switch, replace 20A fuse, check wiring.
Excessive vibration	Damaged/debris on blade, loose blade bolt	Stop engine immediately. Inspect blade for damage and tighten bolt.

For Technical Support: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com