Craftsman T2200 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T2200 is a 22-horsepower riding lawn mower with a 46-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, and mulching capability. Designed for residential use on medium to large lawns, it features a Briggs & Stratton engine, adjustable cutting height, cruise control, cup holder, and headlights. 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. Cutting Deck Operation 7. Engine Care 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 22 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 46-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start with key, Mulching/Discharge/Bagging capability, Adjustable seat, Headlights, Cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	22 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Width	46 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, foot-pedal controlled
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable for operator comfort
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Deck Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) lever
Speed Control	Forward/Reverse pedals with cruise control option

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 15 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 1.8 quarts).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

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

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before first use.

Pre-start checklist: Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, and clear area of debris.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO to OFF, turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, press forward pedal to move. Reverse requires pulling up on reverse lever near seat.
Cutting: Engage PTO lever to lower and spin blades. Adjust speed to conditions.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

CAUTION! Never leave mower unattended with engine running. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman T2200
Engine: 22 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV
Cutting Deck: 46-inch stamped steel, 3-blade
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds 0-5.5 mph
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 40°F) or 10W-30 (variable temps)
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 540 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, clear deck of debris
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug, lubricate fittings
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, clean underside of deck, check battery

Tip: Always refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance.

Cutting Deck Operation

For best cutting results, operate deck correctly.

Height adjustment: Use lever to select cutting height (1.5 to 4 inches).
Engagement: Start engine, then pull PTO lever to engage blades.
Mowing patterns: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Mulching: Install mulching plug and mulching blades. Mow when grass is dry.
Bagging: Attach bagger and ensure chute is clear.
Discharging: Remove plug and install discharge chute for side discharge.

WARNING! Always disengage PTO and wait for blades to stop before crossing driveways or gravel.

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton engine requires specific care.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via drain plug, refill with 1.8 qt SAE 30.
Air Filter: Replace paper filter every 50 hours; clean foam pre-filter if equipped.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually or every 100 hours.
Fuel System: Use fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days. Drain fuel for long storage.
Cooling Fins: Keep clean of grass and debris to prevent overheating.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

Clean thoroughly: Remove grass from deck, engine, and undercarriage.
Fuel: Add fuel stabilizer and run for 5 minutes, or drain tank and carburetor.
Oil: Change oil if due.
Battery: Disconnect and store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Blades: Sharpen and coat with light oil to prevent rust.
Store: In dry, covered area; cover mower to keep dust-free.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer; gumming can damage carburetor.

Safety Information

Always follow safety rules to prevent injury.

Read manual completely before operation.
Never carry passengers.
Keep children and pets away during operation.
Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Always look behind before backing up.
Disconnect spark plug before performing any maintenance.
Use in daylight or with headlights if necessary.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman T2200 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/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 (T2200) and serial number ready.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, clogged fuel, bad spark plug	Charge/replace battery; check fuel line; replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, wet grass	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to full; mow when dry.
Vibration or noise	Loose blade, damaged spindle, debris	Tighten blade bolts; inspect spindle; clean deck.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged deck	Replace air filter; use fresh fuel; clean underside of deck.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, stretched drive belt	Check fluid level; inspect and adjust/replace drive belt.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose connections	Test alternator output; clean and tighten battery terminals.

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

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center.