Craftsman T-1000 Mower Manual

The Craftsman T-1000 is a 21-inch self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower featuring a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, 6-position single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive, and a durable steel deck. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Precautions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Deck System 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 21-inch steel cutting deck, 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, Rear bagger, Mulching plug, Side discharge chute, Single-lever height adjuster, Drive control lever, Recoil starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	140cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Drive System	Rear-wheel self-propelled
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.25" - 3.75")
Cutting Options	Mulch, Bag, Side-discharge (3-in-1)
Starter	Recoil pull-start
Fuel Tank	0.5 gallon capacity
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight	Approx. 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from box. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets, ensure secure latch.
Install side discharge chute: Snap into place on right side of deck opening.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (18 oz) as per engine manual.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Do not add fuel or oil indoors. Keep away from sparks or flames.

Safety Precautions

Read all instructions before operation. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
Never operate without proper guards, plates, or grass bag in place.
Do not mow wet grass. Always mow across slopes, never up and down.
Stop engine and wait for blades to stop before crossing gravel drives or roads.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and discharge opening.
Never leave mower unattended with engine running.

CAUTION! Engine and muffler become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after stopping. Allow to cool before touching or storing.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman T-1000
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.25" - 3.75" (6 positions)
Deck: 21-inch steel, powder-coated
Drive: Rear-wheel self-propelled
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 gallon
Oil Capacity: 18 oz (SAE 30)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever, Height adjustment lever, Recoil starter grip.

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter firmly.

Self-Propelled Drive: Squeeze drive control lever against handle to engage wheels. Release to stop drive.

Stopping: Release drive lever, move throttle to STOP. Wait for blades to stop completely.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blades to stop.
Pull height adjustment lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock into place.
Test by gently rocking mower to ensure all wheels are at same height.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting. Gradually lower for subsequent mows.

3-in-1 Deck System

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in discharge opening. Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn as fertilizer.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug, attach grass bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side Discharge: Remove mulching plug and bag, install side discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side.

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing deck configuration. Ensure all parts are securely installed.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, lubricate wheel bearings and height adjuster
As needed	Clean underside of deck, check tire pressure, inspect drive belt

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

Run engine to burn remaining fuel in carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer to full tank.
Change engine oil at end of season.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in clean, dry place, protected from elements.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or in enclosed spaces.

Warranty Information

Craftsman T-1000 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter	Add fresh fuel, check primer bulb, clean/replace air filter.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty spark plug, old oil	Clean or replace spark plug, change engine oil.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen or balance blade, check tire pressure (12-15 PSI).
Self-propel not working	Drive belt loose/disengaged	Check drive belt tension and engagement lever.
Excessive vibration	Bent blade, loose parts	Stop engine immediately. Inspect blade for damage, tighten all bolts.

Service: For repairs not covered in manual, contact authorized Craftsman service center.

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