Craftsman T1200 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T1200 is a 12.5 HP, 42-inch deck riding lawn tractor designed for residential use. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, mulching capability, adjustable cutting height, and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start with key, High-back seat, Mulch/Discharge/Bagging capability.

Feature	Description
Engine	12.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single-speed forward/reverse
Starting System	Electric key start (battery included)
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) lever
Fuel Capacity	2 gallons (gasoline)
Seat	High-back, padded, adjustable
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Warranty	2-year limited

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Install cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure with pins.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10 PSI (front) and 12 PSI (rear).
Add oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 oil (check dipstick) and unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire during assembly to prevent accidental starting.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before first use.

Pre-start check: Oil level, fuel, tire pressure, clear area.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, PTO off, turn key.
Driving: Release parking brake, press brake to disengage transmission lock, use forward/reverse pedals.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever, adjust speed with pedal, use height lever for cutting height.
Shutting down: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key off, remove key.

CAUTION! Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Always mow across slopes, not up and down.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman T1200
Engine: 12.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, 344cc
Cutting Deck: 42-inch, stamped steel
Transmission: Hydrostatic, single-speed
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 40°F) or 10W-30 (all temperatures)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 450 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH): 68 x 54 x 42 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, blade condition
Every 8 hours	Check deck for debris, clean if necessary
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first change at 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Sharpen blades, grease fittings, battery maintenance

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with 48 oz SAE 30.
Air filter: Replace paper element every 50 hours; clean pre-filter if equipped.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel: Use fresh gasoline; add stabilizer for storage.
Cooling fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

Tip: Always check oil level on level ground with dipstick fully seated.

Deck & Blade Maintenance

Keep cutting deck and blades in optimal condition.

Blade sharpening: Remove deck, secure blade, sharpen at 30-degree angle.
Deck cleaning: Scrape off grass clippings after each use.
Belt inspection: Check for cracks or wear; adjust tension if loose.
Deck leveling: Adjust gauge wheels so deck is level side-to-side and slightly lower in front.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug before working on deck or blades.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer: Run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Change oil: Fresh oil prevents corrosion.
Remove battery: Store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Clean deck: Remove all grass and debris.
Store indoors: In dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store with gasoline in tank beyond 30 days without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions.

Wear safety glasses, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on wet grass or steep slopes.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Use care when reversing; look behind you.
Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Always ensure PTO is disengaged when not mowing.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman T1200 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For support, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Have model number (917.270820) and serial number ready.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge battery; add fuel; replace air filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades; set throttle to full speed.
Vibration or noise	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt; clean deck.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gas.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low oil, drive belt loose	Check transmission oil level; adjust belt tension.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose connections	Test alternator output; clean and tighten terminals.

Reset: For safety switches, ensure seat is occupied and parking brake is set.

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