Craftsman Riding Mower LT 1000 Owners Manual

The Craftsman Riding Mower LT 1000 is a reliable 42-inch deck lawn tractor designed for residential use. It features a powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO engagement, adjustable cutting height, comfortable high-back seat, and a large capacity grass catcher. This manual covers essential information for safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

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 & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) clutch, 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, High-back seat, Headlights, Cup holder, and Manual blade engagement lever.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	42-inch wide, 3-blade system for efficient mowing
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive for smooth speed control
Engine	15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
PTO Clutch	Electric engagement for blades
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches in 0.5-inch increments
Fuel Capacity	2.5-gallon gas tank
Seat	High-back, padded for operator comfort
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with differential lock
Headlights	For low-light operation
Deck Wash Port	For easy cleaning under the deck

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Wear appropriate clothing: sturdy shoes, eye protection, hearing protection.
Never carry passengers; keep children and pets away.
Do not mow on steep slopes (over 15 degrees).
Always engage parking brake before dismounting.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Avoid fires and sparks.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 48 oz).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

CAUTION! Use two people when handling heavy components like the deck. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key switch, PTO engagement lever, Throttle/Choke control, Hour meter, Headlight switch.

Pedals & Levers: Forward/reverse speed pedal (hydrostatic), Brake pedal, Parking brake lever, Deck lift lever.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set throttle to FAST. 4. Turn key to START. 5. Once running, adjust throttle as needed.

Mowing: Engage PTO lever to spin blades. Adjust speed with pedal. Use deck lift lever to set cutting height.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT 1000
Engine: 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 30)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches
Wheel Size: Front 15", Rear 20"
Weight: Approx. 450 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check engine oil level, tire pressure, and for loose parts.
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals and clean if corroded.
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), check air filter.
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, grease fittings, check blade condition.
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension.
Seasonally	Sharpen or replace blades, clean deck, check tire pressure.

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via plug, refill with SAE 30 (check dipstick).
Air Filter: Replace paper element or clean foam pre-cleaner.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches. Replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Replace fuel filter yearly.
Cooling Fins: Keep clean of debris for proper cooling.

Tip: Always use genuine Craftsman/Briggs & Stratton parts for best performance.

Deck Adjustment & Care

For an even cut, level the deck periodically.

Park on level surface. Set cutting height to middle position.
Measure blade tip height at all four corners of deck.
Adjust deck hanger links to level (front-to-back and side-to-side).
Sharpen blades: Remove, sharpen at 30-degree angle, balance before reinstalling.
Clean deck after each use using deck wash port or scraper.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before working under deck. Wear gloves when handling blades.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil to cylinder, crank engine, reinstall plug.
Clean entire mower, especially under deck.
Store in a dry, covered area. Consider using a battery tender.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer. Drain fuel if storing longer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, bad spark plug, empty fuel tank	Charge/replace battery; check spark plug; add fuel.
Engine runs rough	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel filter	Replace air filter; drain old gas; replace fuel filter.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades, low tire pressure	Level deck; sharpen blades; inflate tires.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, dirty cooling fins, worn drive belt	Clean deck; clear cooling fins; inspect/replace belt.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low oil, drive belt loose	Check transmission oil level; adjust/replace belt.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure you are seated, parking brake engaged, and PTO disengaged.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman LT 1000 includes a limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For service, contact an authorized Craftsman service center. Keep your receipt and model/serial numbers (located under the seat) for warranty claims.

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