Craftsman Riding Mower 42 Inch Deck Manual

The Craftsman Riding Mower with a 42-inch cutting deck is a robust lawn tractor designed for efficient mowing of medium to large yards. It features a powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission for smooth speed control, a durable 42-inch stamped steel deck with multiple cutting height settings, electric PTO engagement, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) switch, Engine controls, Deck lift lever, Cup holder, Headlights.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	42-inch wide, stamped steel construction for durability
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive for infinite speed control
PTO Engagement	Electric switch for easy blade engagement
Cutting Height Adjustment	Single lever adjusts all wheels (1.5" to 4" range)
Engine	Powerful OHV engine (exact HP varies by model)
Fuel Tank	Large capacity for extended mowing sessions
Seat	High-back, padded seat for operator comfort
Headlights	Integrated for low-light mowing conditions
Deck Wash Port	Connect garden hose to clean underside of deck
Mulching Capability	Optional mulching kit available (model specific)

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles before starting.
Never allow children or pets in area while mowing.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Always turn off engine and remove key before performing maintenance or clearing blockages.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially the cutting deck.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Always ensure PTO is disengaged and engine is off before approaching deck.

Assembly & Setup

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

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Position on frame and secure with provided bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Install cutting deck: Roll deck under mower, attach front links and rear belt guard.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to recommended PSI (printed on tire sidewall).
Add oil and fuel: Use manufacturer-specified types (see Specifications).

CAUTION! Use two people when lifting or positioning the cutting deck to avoid injury.

Specifications

Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Deck Material: Stamped steel.
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (adjustable in 0.5-inch increments).
Transmission: Hydrostatic, single pedal control.
Engine: Craftsman OHV engine (e.g., 19.5 HP - model dependent).
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (check manual for alternatives based on temperature).
Battery: 12V, maintenance-free.
Turning Radius: Approximately 18 inches.
Weight: Varies by model (approx. 500 lbs).

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Key Controls: Ignition Key, Brake/Clutch Pedal, Forward/Reverse Speed Pedal, PTO Switch, Deck Lift Lever, Choke Control, Throttle Lever.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set throttle to fast position. 4. If cold, pull choke. 5. Turn key to START. 6. Release key to RUN once engine starts. 7. Push choke in after engine warms.

Driving & Mowing: Disengage parking brake. Press brake pedal to stop. Gently press speed pedal forward to move forward, reverse to back up. To mow, move to area, engage PTO switch to spin blades, then proceed.

Cutting Deck Operation

Proper deck operation ensures a clean cut and long deck life.

Height Adjustment: Use deck lift lever while mower is stopped to select cutting height.
Engaging Blades: Ensure throttle is at full speed. Pull up PTO switch to engage.
Cutting Patterns: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cutting.
Sharp Turns: Disengage PTO when turning to prevent scalping.
Cleaning: After use, connect hose to deck wash port and run engine with PTO engaged for 2 minutes to rinse.

Tip: For best results, mow when grass is dry and keep blades sharp.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is critical for performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for loose parts, clear deck of debris
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 25 hours	Grease fittings (spindles, linkages), check battery terminals
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, replace oil filter, check air filter, sharpen blades
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Lubricate control linkages, check tire condition

Blade Sharpening: Remove deck or mower from deck. Secure blade and file at original angle. Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run engine to warm oil, then drain and refill with fresh oil.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery negative cable; store battery in cool, dry place.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in a dry, covered location, preferably on a level surface.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, clogged fuel line, faulty spark plug	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; check fuel line; replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen blades; run at full throttle; clean deck underside.
Mower vibrates excessively	Unbalanced blade, damaged spindle, loose pulley	Inspect and balance/replace blade; check spindle and pulleys.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged cooling fins	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean engine cooling fins.
Hydrostatic transmission slips or won't move	Low transmission fluid, loose drive belt	Check fluid level (if serviceable); inspect and adjust drive belt tension.

Reset: For electrical issues, disconnect battery for 5 minutes then reconnect.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman Riding Mowers are backed by a limited warranty. Refer to your warranty card for specific terms and duration based on model and component.

For technical support, parts, or service: Contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit the official website at www.craftsman.com. Have your model and serial number (located on frame near rear axle) ready.

Safety Recall Information: Register your product online to receive important safety notifications.