Craftsman Riding Mower Manual 42

The Craftsman Riding Mower 42 is a robust 42-inch cutting deck lawn tractor designed for residential use. It features a powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO engagement, adjustable cutting height, comfortable high-back seat, headlights, cup holder, and a large capacity fuel tank. This manual covers safety, 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. Controls & Operation 5. Specifications 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Cutting System 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch reinforced steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) switch, 18-22 HP Engine (model dependent), Adjustable seat, Headlights, Cup holder, Fuel gauge, Parking brake, and Bagging/Mulching/Side-discharge capability.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	42-inch, 3-blade system for wide cutting path
Transmission	Hydrostatic, no shifting required
PTO Engagement	Electric switch for easy blade activation
Engine	Powerful OHV engine (exact HP varies by model)
Seat	Adjustable, padded high-back seat
Cutting Height	Lever adjusts 1.5 to 4 inches in 0.5-inch increments
Fuel Tank	Large capacity for extended operation
Headlights	For early morning or evening mowing
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with automotive-style steering
Deck Wash Port	Connect garden hose to clean underside of deck

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Always wear sturdy footwear and eye protection.
Shut off engine and remove key before performing any maintenance.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially the cutting deck.

DANGER! Gasoline is flammable. Refuel outdoors in a well-ventilated area with engine off and cool. Do not smoke.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Position on seat plate and secure with provided bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10-12 PSI as specified.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 or 10W-30 (check manual for capacity).
Add gasoline: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline only.

CAUTION! Ensure mower is on a flat, level surface during assembly and initial start-up.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard/Controls: Ignition Key, PTO Switch, Throttle/Choke, Brake Pedal, Parking Brake Lever, Hydrostatic Drive Pedal (forward/reverse), Cutting Height Lever, Cup Holder.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Engage PTO to OFF. 4. Move throttle to FAST. 5. Turn key to START. Release when engine starts.

Mowing: 1. Disengage parking brake. 2. Slowly press drive pedal to move. 3. To engage blades, ensure throttle is FAST, then pull up PTO switch.

Stopping: 1. Disengage PTO. 2. Move throttle to SLOW. 3. Press brake pedal to stop. 4. Engage parking brake. 5. Turn key to OFF and remove.

Specifications

Model Series: Craftsman Riding Mower 42
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Engine: 18-22 HP Briggs & Stratton or Kohler OHV (varies)
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 - 2.5 gallons
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4.0 inches
Turning Radius: Approx. 18 inches
Weight: Approx. 500 lbs
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA
Warranty: Limited 2-year residential warranty

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, engine oil level, fuel level. Inspect for loose parts or damage.
Every 8 hours	Check tire pressure. Clean deck (using wash port).
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 8 hrs). Check air filter. Lubricate pivot points.
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter. Check spark plug. Sharpen or replace mower blades.
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter (if equipped). Check drive belt tension.
Season End	Full winterization (see Storage section).

Engine Care

Refer to separate engine manual for detailed specifications.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Drain via drain plug into pan. Refill with correct grade and amount.
Air Filter: Replace paper element or clean foam pre-cleaner regularly.
Spark Plug: Clean and re-gap (0.030 inch) or replace annually.
Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Replace fuel filter annually.

WARNING! Engine and components are HOT after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Cutting System

Proper blade care ensures a clean cut and healthy lawn.

Blade Sharpening/Balancing: Remove deck or blades. Sharpen evenly. Always balance blade after sharpening.
Belt Inspection: Check deck drive belt for cracks, fraying, or glazing. Replace if worn.
Deck Leveling: Adjust deck so front is 1/4-inch lower than rear for proper discharge.
Cleaning: Use deck wash port after each mowing to prevent grass buildup and corrosion.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any work on the cutting deck or blades.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (e.g., winter).

Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Change engine oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes, then either drain tank completely or fill to top to prevent condensation.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to coat, reinstall plug.
Disconnect battery negative cable. Store battery in a cool, dry place on a wood surface. Charge periodically.
Store in a clean, dry place, preferably covered.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Parking brake not set, PTO engaged, dead battery, empty fuel tank, old gasoline	Set brake, disengage PTO, charge/replace battery, add fresh fuel.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter, bad spark plug	Replace air/fuel filter, use fresh gas, check/replace spark plug.
Uneven cut	Dull/bent blades, deck not level, low tire pressure	Sharpen/balance blades, level deck, inflate tires evenly.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, slipping drive belt, low engine oil	Clean deck, inspect/tighten/replace belt, check oil level.
Mower won't move	Parking brake engaged, drive belt off/broken, transmission issue	Disengage brake, inspect drive belt, contact service.
Battery not charging	Loose/dirty terminals, faulty alternator	Clean/tighten terminals, check alternator output.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure you are sitting on seat, parking brake is set, and PTO is off.

Warranty & Support

This Craftsman product is backed by a limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase is required. The warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance.

For technical support, parts diagrams, or to locate a service dealer:

Visit: www.craftsman.com
Call: 1-888-331-4569

Always reference your model number (found on decal under seat or on frame) when seeking support or ordering parts.