Craftsman T1000 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T1000 is a 19 HP Kohler Courage single-cylinder gasoline-powered riding lawn mower with a 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, and electric start. It features a high-back seat, cup holder, headlights, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Deck Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19 HP Kohler Courage engine, 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, Electric start, High-back seat, Headlights, Cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	19 HP Kohler Courage single-cylinder, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Deck	42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Fuel Tank	2.5-gallon capacity
Seat	High-back, adjustable suspension
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Cup Holder	Integrated into dash panel
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive

Safety Information

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

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles before starting.
Never allow children or pets in area while mowing.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Always engage parking brake before dismounting.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially the cutting deck.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Never smoke near fuel.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and secure with provided bolt.
Attach seat: Mount to frame using four bolts.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 10W-30, fill to dipstick mark.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded 87 octane or higher.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 12-14 PSI.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened to specification. Do not overtighten.

Specifications

Engine: 19 HP Kohler Courage single-cylinder, 4-cycle, OHV.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Transmission: 6-speed manual gear drive.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Cutting Height: Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions).
Tires: Front 15x6.00-6, Rear 20x10.00-8.
Dimensions: 68" L x 54" W x 42" H.
Weight: 415 lbs (approximate).
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, Headlight switch, Cup holder. Control Levers: Parking brake lever, Cutting deck engagement lever, Gear shift lever (1-6, R). Pedals: Clutch/brake pedal, Forward/reverse pedal.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit in seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set gear shift to Neutral (N). 4. Pull out choke (if cold). 5. Turn key to START. 6. Release key to ON position once engine starts. 7. Disengage parking brake to move.

Cutting Deck Operation

Engage and adjust cutting deck for optimal performance.

Adjust cutting height: Use lever beside seat to select height (1.5 to 4 inches).
Engage blades: With engine running, pull engagement lever upward slowly.
Mowing patterns: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Disengage blades: Push lever down before stopping engine or crossing drives.
Clean deck: After use, disconnect spark plug wire and scrape debris from underside.

Tip: Sharpen blades every 25 hours of use for clean cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and reliable operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, oil level, and for loose parts
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals; clean debris from deck and engine
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil; sharpen/replace blades; check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug; lubricate steering and deck linkages
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter; check drive belt tension; inspect brakes
Seasonally	Change oil, stabilize fuel, clean thoroughly before storage

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, and pull starter cord slowly to coat.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in a dry, covered location; consider using a breathable cover.

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

Warranty Information

Craftsman T1000 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Warranty does not cover wear items (blades, belts, tires), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep your receipt and model/serial number (located on frame near rear axle).

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, dead battery, clogged fuel line	Add fuel; charge/replace battery; check fuel line and filter.
Engine runs rough or stalls	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, fouled spark plug	Replace air filter; drain old gas; clean/replace spark plug.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen blades; inflate tires evenly; level deck.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, worn drive belt, low oil level	Clean deck; inspect/replace drive belt; check oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent spindle, unbalanced blade	Tighten blade bolt; inspect spindle; balance or replace blade.

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

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