Craftsman T1400 Lawn Tractor Manual

The Craftsman T1400 is a 18.5 HP gasoline-powered lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care. It features a 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, and a durable steel frame. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric key start, adjustable cutting height, cup holder, and ergonomic high-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder, gasoline
Cutting Deck	42-inch, 3-blade, stamped steel
Transmission	6-speed manual, gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1-4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, padded, adjustable
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Turning Radius	18 inches
Warranty	2-year limited

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Never allow children or pets near the tractor while operating.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Always engage parking brake before dismounting.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning; never operate in enclosed spaces.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Install seat: Place on mounting bracket, secure with provided bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) as specified.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque. Two people recommended for handling.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman T1400
Engine: 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, 540cc
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: 6-speed manual, gear drive
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Cutting Height Range: 1 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Dimensions (LxWxH): 68 x 54 x 42 inches
Weight: 450 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter, choke control.

Control Levers: Throttle, blade engagement lever, parking brake, gear shift (1-6, R).

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit in seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set throttle to midway. 4. Pull choke (if cold). 5. Turn key to START. 6. Release key to RUN.

Stopping: 1. Disengage blades. 2. Set throttle to low. 3. Turn key to OFF. 4. Engage parking brake.

Mowing Instructions

For best results, follow these mowing guidelines.

Adjust cutting height: Use lever to select desired height (1-4 inches).
Engage blades: Pull blade engagement lever upward while engine is running.
Select gear: Start in 1st or 2nd gear for normal mowing.
Mow in straight, overlapping passes.
Disengage blades when crossing driveways or non-grass areas.
Empty grass bag when full to maintain airflow and cut quality.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for a cleaner cut and to prevent clumping.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for debris, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Check blade condition and sharpness
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours)
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Sharpen or replace blades, grease fittings

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil Change: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (48 oz capacity). Drain when warm.
Air Filter: Replace paper filter every 50 hours; clean foam pre-filter every 25 hours.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually or every 100 hours.
Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Replace fuel filter annually.
Cooling: Keep cooling fins and engine area clean of grass clippings and debris.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance to prevent accidental starting.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for seasonal storage.

Clean entire tractor, especially under deck.
Change engine oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery and store in cool, dry place.
Store in dry, covered location, preferably on level surface.

CAUTION! Do not store near open flame or heat sources. Gasoline vapors are explosive.

Warranty Information

Craftsman T1400 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and 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 your receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, dead battery, clogged fuel filter	Add fuel, charge/replace battery, replace fuel filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen/replace blades, set throttle to full, clean deck.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose blade bolt, damaged spindle	Balance or replace blade, tighten bolt, inspect spindle.
Tractor loses power	Dirty air filter, old spark plug, clogged carburetor	Replace air filter, replace spark plug, clean carburetor.
Hard to shift gears	Low transmission fluid, worn shift linkage	Check fluid level, inspect and lubricate linkage.

Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.