craftsman riding mower t140 manual

The Craftsman T140 is a 42-inch riding lawn mower powered by a Briggs & Stratton 19.5 HP engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. It features a manual PTO (Power Take-Off) engagement, a 3-in-1 side discharge/mulch/bagging system, a cutting height range of 1.5 to 4 inches, and a tight 18-inch turning radius. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Operating Instructions 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, manual PTO lever, cutting height adjustment lever, and a high-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 19.5 HP, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	6-speed manual shift-on-the-go
Fuel Tank	2.5 gallons (unleaded gasoline only)
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
PTO Engagement	Manual lever
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.5" to 4")
Deck Wash Port	Yes, for easy cleaning
Turning Radius	18 inches
Seat	High-back, adjustable

Assembly & Setup

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

Install the steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach the seat: Place seat on frame and secure with provided bolts.
Install the battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) cables.
Attach the cutting deck: Lower deck under chassis, connect drive belt and height adjustment linkage.
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 oil (check dipstick) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance. Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Check fuel level: Fill with fresh unleaded gasoline.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Adjust seat position: Set for comfortable reach to all controls.
Start engine: Insert key, set parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key to START.
Test drive: Operate in an open area to familiarize with controls.

CAUTION! Never operate without checking for obstacles or bystanders.

Specifications

Engine: Briggs & Stratton 19.5 HP, 540cc, OHV.
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel, 3-in-1 capability.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, shift-on-the-go.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions).
Turning Radius: 18 inches.
Wheel Size: Front 15", Rear 20".
Weight: Approximately 450 lbs.
Warranty: 2-year limited.

Controls and Settings

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter. Control Panel: Throttle lever, choke, PTO engagement lever, cutting height adjustment lever, gear shift lever (1-6, R), parking brake lever, clutch/brake pedal.

Operation: Set parking brake before starting. Engage PTO only when ready to cut. Use gear shift to select speed (1=slow, 6=fast). Adjust cutting height before engaging blades.

Settings: Cutting height (lever), throttle (fast for cutting, slow for idle), choke (cold starts only).

Operating Instructions

For safe and efficient mowing.

Pre-start check: Oil, fuel, tire pressure, deck clearance.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, PTO off, throttle to fast, turn key.
Engaging blades: Move throttle to fast, pull PTO lever up slowly.
Driving: Release parking brake, press clutch/brake pedal, select gear.
Cutting: Overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key off, remove key.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best results. Avoid mowing on slopes over 15 degrees.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, blade condition
Every 8 hours	Check deck for debris, inspect belts
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 8 hours)
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace fuel filter, sharpen/replace blades
Seasonally	Grease fittings, check battery charge

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Clean deck thoroughly using deck wash port.
Change engine oil and replace filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery and store in a cool, dry place.
Store in a clean, dry location, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer; it can damage engine.

Regulatory Information

EPA Certified: Engine meets EPA Phase 3 emissions standards. Safety Compliance: Meets ANSI/OPEI B71.1-2017 safety standards. Copyright © 2025 Craftsman; trademarks of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; replace fuel filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to FAST.
Excessive vibration	Damaged/debris on blade, loose parts	Stop engine, inspect blade and deck; tighten bolts.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh fuel.
Belt slips or breaks	Worn belt, misaligned pulley	Replace belt; check pulley alignment.

Reset: None required. Refer to manual for specific error codes.

Service: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com