Craftsman Riding Mower Repair Manual

The Craftsman Riding Mower Repair Manual provides comprehensive guidance for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing your Craftsman riding lawn mower. This manual covers essential safety procedures, engine maintenance, electrical systems, cutting deck adjustments, drive train components, and step-by-step repair instructions for common issues. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and part replacement.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Model Identification & Specifications 3. Routine Maintenance Schedule 4. Engine Repair & Service 5. Cutting Deck & Blade Service 6. Drive System & Transmission 7. Electrical System & Battery 8. Controls & Adjustments 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Parts & Accessories 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety when performing maintenance or repairs on your riding mower.

Safety Area	Precaution
General Operation	Read operator's manual before use; keep bystanders away.
Maintenance Safety	Disconnect spark plug wire before any service; allow engine to cool.
Fuel Safety	Refuel outdoors only; do not smoke near fuel; wipe up spills.
Blade Safety	Never inspect or adjust blades with engine running; wear gloves.
Electrical Safety	Disconnect battery before servicing electrical components.
Lifting Safety	Use proper jack stands; secure mower on level surface.
Fire Prevention	Keep engine area clean of debris, grass, and oil.
Children & Pets	Never allow children to operate or play near mower.

Model Identification & Specifications

Locate your model and serial number plate (typically under seat or on frame) for accurate parts ordering.

Engine: Briggs & Stratton or Kohler engine, 12.5HP to 24HP.
Cutting Width: 30" to 54" depending on model.
Transmission: Manual gear drive, hydrostatic, or automatic.
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 to 3.5 gallons (unleaded gasoline).
Battery: 12V, typically 230-300 CCA.
Tire Size: Front: 13x5.00-6, Rear: 18x8.50-8 (common sizes).

WARNING! Always verify model number before purchasing parts to ensure compatibility.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your mower in optimal condition and prevent costly repairs.

Before Each Use: Check tire pressure, oil level, fuel level, and for loose hardware.
Every 8 Hours/Weekly: Clean cutting deck; inspect blades for damage.
Every 25 Hours: Change engine oil (check manual for oil type).
Every 50 Hours: Replace air filter; check spark plug; grease fittings.
Every 100 Hours: Replace fuel filter; check drive belt tension.
Seasonally: Sharpen/replace blades; check battery charge; inspect cables.

CAUTION! Never neglect regular maintenance; it extends mower life and ensures safe operation.

Engine Repair & Service

Oil Change: Drain oil warm; refill with SAE 30 or 10W-30 (check manual).
Air Filter: Replace paper filter or clean foam pre-filter.
Spark Plug: Gap to 0.030"; replace annually or if fouled.
Carburetor: Clean if engine runs rough; adjust idle mixture screw.
Fuel System: Replace fuel filter; clean fuel lines; use fuel stabilizer.
Starting Issues: Check battery, starter solenoid, ignition switch, safety switches.
Overheating: Clean cooling fins; check oil level; ensure air flow not blocked.

Cutting Deck & Blade Service

Proper deck maintenance ensures even cutting and reduces strain on engine.

Blade Removal: Block blade with wood; use socket wrench to remove bolt (typically reverse thread on some models).

Sharpening: Use file or grinder; maintain original angle; balance blade (hang on nail).

Deck Leveling: Adjust deck height from each side; measure blade tip to ground.

Belt Replacement: Release tensioner; route new belt per diagram; check alignment.

Spindle Service: Grease zerks; replace if bearing is noisy or wobbly.

Drive System & Transmission

Manual Gear Drive: Check gear oil level; replace if contaminated. Hydrostatic: Check fluid; no service typically required. Belt Drive: Inspect drive belt for wear; adjust tension.

Park on level surface; engage parking brake.
For gear drive: Drain plug under transmission; refill with 20W-50.
For belt drive: Adjust idler pulley to proper tension (1/2" deflection).
Check tire pressure for even drive.

Tip: If mower won't move, check drive belt, transmission linkage, and brake engagement.

Electrical System & Battery

12V system with starter, alternator, battery, and safety switches.

Battery: Maintain charge; clean terminals; test voltage (12.6V fully charged).
Charging: Use trickle charger; alternator charges while engine runs.
Starting Circuit: Check key switch, solenoid, safety switches (seat, brake, PTO).
Fuses: Locate fuse panel; replace blown fuse with same amperage.
Lights: Replace bulb if out; check wiring for damage.

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

Controls & Adjustments

Throttle/Choke: Cable adjustment at carburetor. Brake: Adjust pedal free play. Steering: Check tie rods for play. Seat Safety Switch: Ensure engages when seated. PTO Clutch: Engage/disengage smoothly; check switch and wiring.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage to prevent damage.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in carburetor; it will gum up and cause starting issues.

Add fuel stabilizer; run engine 5 minutes to circulate.
Change oil and filter (dirty oil is acidic).
Remove battery; store fully charged in cool, dry place.
Clean entire mower; lubricate moving parts.
Store in dry location; cover to keep dust off.

Parts & Accessories

Genuine Craftsman parts ensure fit and performance. Common replacement parts: blades, belts, filters, spark plugs, batteries, tires, spindles, cables. Order by model number at www.craftsman.com or authorized dealers.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, bad spark plug, clogged fuel filter, safety switch	Charge/replace battery; check spark; replace filter; check seat/brake switches.
Engine runs rough	Dirty air filter, old gas, carburetor issue	Replace filter; drain old gas; clean carburetor.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, uneven deck, low engine RPM	Sharpen/replace blades; level deck; check throttle setting.
Mower won't move	Drive belt broken, transmission issue, brake engaged	Inspect belt; check transmission fluid; release brake.
Battery drains quickly	Bad alternator, parasitic draw, old battery	Test charging system; check for shorts; replace battery.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, bent spindle, loose hardware	Balance blade; inspect spindle; tighten bolts.

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