Craftsman T1100 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T1100 is a 19.5 HP, 42-inch deck riding lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, single-lever height adjustment, electric start, and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Care 7. Deck Adjustment & Care 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start, Single-lever cutting height adjustment, High-back seat, Headlights, Cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, foot-pedal controlled
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Cutting Height Adjustment	Single lever, 1 to 4 inches
Deck Material	Stamped steel
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Headlights	For low-light operation
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Position on frame and secure with provided bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Install deck: Lift mower, align deck with mounting points, secure pins and belt.
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 specification.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Pre-start check: Oil level, fuel, tire pressure, clear area of debris.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO (blade) off, turn key to start.
Driving: Release parking brake, press forward pedal to go forward, reverse pedal to reverse.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to start blades, adjust speed with foot pedal.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key off, remove key.

CAUTION! Always sit in seat when starting. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV
Cutting Deck: 42-inch, stamped steel
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds 0-5.5 mph
Cutting Heights: 1 to 4 inches (13 positions)
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30)
Battery: 12V, 230 CCA
Wheel Size: Front 15", Rear 20"
Weight: Approx. 500 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, inspect for damage
Every 8 hours	Check tire pressure, inspect blades
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first 5 hours), check battery
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter, inspect drive belt
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, grease fittings, check battery charge

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via drain plug, refill with SAE 30 (1.5 qt).
Air filter: Replace paper element every 50 hours; clean foam pre-cleaner if equipped.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; add fuel stabilizer for storage.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Deck Adjustment & Care

Maintain deck for optimal cutting performance.

Height adjustment: Use single lever to set desired cutting height (1-4 inches).
Leveling deck: Park on level surface, measure blade tips, adjust lift links as needed.
Blade sharpening: Remove deck, secure blade, sharpen at 30-degree angle, balance.
Cleaning: After use, scrape off grass clippings to prevent rust.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before working under deck.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Fuel: Add stabilizer, run engine 5 minutes, or drain tank and carburetor completely.
Battery: Remove, clean terminals, store fully charged in cool, dry place.
Engine: Change oil, remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly.
Clean: Thoroughly clean deck and undercarriage, lubricate moving parts.
Store: In dry, covered area; cover mower to protect from dust.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable; handle with care in well-ventilated area.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions.

Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Never carry passengers.
Disengage blades before crossing driveways or gravel.
Stop engine and wait for blades to stop before dismounting.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and moving parts.
Use extreme caution when reversing.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman T1100 includes a limited warranty. For warranty service, contact an authorized service center with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or call 1-888-331-4569. Keep this manual for future reference.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, bad spark plug	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged carburetor	Replace air filter; use fresh fuel; clean carburetor.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades	Level deck; sharpen or replace blades.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, worn drive belt	Clean deck underside; inspect and replace belt if worn.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, loose linkage	Check fluid level; adjust control linkage.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, bad connections	Test alternator output; clean and tighten battery cables.

Reset: For safety switches, ensure seat is occupied and PTO is disengaged when starting.

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