Craftsman T1200 Owners Manual

The Craftsman T1200 is a 42-inch riding lawn mower featuring a 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), 2.5-gallon fuel tank, and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP engine, 6-speed transmission, cutting deck, steering wheel, seat, fuel tank, battery.

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

1. Install steering wheel: Align splines and secure with provided bolt.
2. Attach seat: Mount seat bracket to frame using four bolts.
3. Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables to battery terminals.
4. Install cutting deck: Lower deck onto mounting pins and secure with retaining clips.
5. Attach discharge chute: Secure to deck outlet with provided hardware.
6. Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10 PSI (front) and 8 PSI (rear).

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting engine.

1. Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
2. Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
3. Adjust seat: Position for comfortable reach to all controls.
4. Set cutting height: Use deck lift lever to desired height.
5. Start engine: Insert key, set parking brake, turn to START.
6. Engage blades: Pull PTO lever upward only when seated.

CAUTION! Never operate without all safety guards in place. Clear area of debris before mowing.

Specifications

• Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek, single-cylinder, OHV.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, gear drive with reverse.
• Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system.
• Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches.
• Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
• Battery: 12V, 280 CCA.
• Dimensions: 68" L x 54" W x 42" H.
• Weight: 480 lbs (approximate).
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty on mower, 3-year on engine.

Controls and Settings

Operator station includes ignition, throttle, choke, PTO, gear shift, and brake.

Dashboard: Ignition switch, hour meter, headlight switch (if equipped).

Control Levers: Throttle (sets engine speed), Choke (cold starts), PTO (blade engagement), Deck Lift (cutting height), Gear Shift (6 forward, 1 reverse).

Pedals: Brake/Clutch pedal (stop and change gears), Parking Brake lever.

Settings: Cutting height adjustment via deck lift lever, seat position adjustment via sliding mechanism, steering wheel tilt adjustment (if equipped).

Attaching Accessories

Compatible accessories include bagger kit, mulch kit, tow-behind spreader.

1. Turn off engine and remove key before attaching accessories.
2. Bagging system: Install rear bagger frame, attach bags to chute.
3. Mulching kit: Install mulching plug in discharge chute, use mulching blades.
4. Towing: Attach hitch to rear axle using provided pins.

Tip: Refer to accessory manual for specific installation instructions.

Mowing Operations

Supports standard mowing, mulching, and bagging operations.

1. Starting: Set parking brake, ensure PTO is off, turn key to start.
2. Engaging blades: Move throttle to FAST, pull PTO lever upward.
3. Shifting gears: Depress brake/clutch pedal, select gear, release slowly.
4. Cutting patterns: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.
5. Slope mowing: Mow up and down slopes, never across if over 15 degrees.
6. Stopping: Disengage PTO, move throttle to SLOW, turn key to OFF.
7. Bagging: Install bagger, ensure chute is clear for proper airflow.
8. Mulching: Use mulching kit, mow when grass is dry for best results.

WARNING! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do not mow on steep slopes.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with blades engaged. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 3 seconds when PTO is disengaged. Parking Brake: Locks transmission when engaged.

Care & Maintenance

Perform regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Daily: Check tire pressure, inspect for debris under deck.

Every 8 hours: Check engine oil level, clean air filter.

Every 50 hours: Change engine oil, sharpen blades, check battery.

Seasonal: Lubricate all pivot points, store with empty fuel tank or use stabilizer.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Warranty Information

2-year limited warranty on mower frame and components. 3-year limited warranty on Briggs & Stratton engine. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For warranty service, contact authorized Craftsman service center with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset electrical system if needed.

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