Craftsman T2300 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T2300 is a 46-inch deck, 24 HP V-Twin riding lawn tractor designed for residential use. It features a hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO engagement, cruise control, cup holder, headlights, and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 24 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine, 46-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO clutch, Cruise control, Headlights, Cup holder, High-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	24 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Width	46 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single pedal control
PTO Engagement	Electric switch
Deck Lift	Manual lever, 6 cutting positions
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Headlights	Two front lights
Cruise Control	Maintains speed without holding pedal
Battery	12V, 230 CCA

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Do not carry passengers.
Wear sturdy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Disengage PTO and set parking brake before dismounting.

WARNING! Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and moving parts. Engine and muffler become extremely hot; allow to cool before servicing.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Install seat: Place on mounting plate, secure with bolts.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 or 10W-30, fill to dipstick mark.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

CAUTION! Do not start engine without proper oil level. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition switch, PTO switch, Throttle/Choke, Cruise control, Light switch.

Pedals: Brake/Reverse (left), Forward/Reverse drive (right).

Levers: Deck lift, Parking brake.

Starting Procedure: Sit on seat, set parking brake, disengage PTO, move throttle to choke, turn key to START. Release key to RUN. Allow engine to warm up.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman T2300
Engine: 24 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Deck: 46-inch, stamped steel
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds 0-5.5 mph
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 2 quarts (SAE 30 or 10W-30)
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 540 lbs

Mowing Instructions

For best results, mow when grass is dry.

Set cutting height using deck lift lever.
Start engine and engage PTO at full throttle.
Drive forward at steady pace; overlap passes by 2-3 inches.
On slopes, mow up and down, not across.
Disengage PTO before stopping or reversing.
Empty grass bag when full; clean deck after mowing.

Tip: Sharpen blades every 25 hours for clean cuts.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, engine oil, fuel level
Every 8 hours	Check blade condition, deck cleanliness
Every 25 hours	Sharpen/replace blades, check battery
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, replace oil filter
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, spark plug
Seasonally	Lubricate pivot points, check belts

Engine Care

Keep engine clean and properly serviced.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with 2 quarts SAE 30 or 10W-30.
Air Filter: Replace paper element every 100 hours; clean foam pre-cleaner if equipped.
Spark Plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel Filter: Replace if clogged or annually.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any engine maintenance.

Deck Maintenance

A clean, level deck ensures even cutting.

Clean underside after each mowing to prevent buildup.
Check deck level every 25 hours; adjust via lift links.
Inspect blades for damage; balance after sharpening.
Check belt tension; replace if worn or cracked.
Lubricate spindle zerks every 25 hours.

CAUTION! Ensure deck is fully lowered and PTO disengaged before servicing.

Storage

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, crank slowly, reinstall plug.
Clean entire mower, especially deck underside.
Store in dry, covered location; disconnect battery.

Tip: Inflate tires to recommended pressure before storage.

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.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to full speed.
Vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolts and spindle nuts.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh fuel.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low oil, drive belt worn	Check transmission oil level; inspect/replace drive belt.

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