Craftsman T240 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T240 is a 24-horsepower, 46-inch deck riding lawn mower featuring a Kohler 7000 Series engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO engagement, cruise control, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual covers essential safety information, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure safe and efficient use of your mower.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 24 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin Engine, 46-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO (Power Take-Off), Cruise control, 12-volt battery, Headlights, Cup holder, High-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	24 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Width	46 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single pedal control
PTO Engagement	Electric switch
Deck Material	Stamped steel with anti-scalp rollers
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (lever)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Battery	12V, 230 CCA
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Warranty	Limited 2-year

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (wrenches, screwdriver).

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

WARNING! Do not add fuel or oil while engine is hot. Ensure mower is on level ground during setup.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Ignition switch: Turn key to START (with brake depressed).
Brake pedal: Press to stop; parking brake lever on left.
Drive pedal: Forward (press), Reverse (pull lever toward you and press).
PTO switch: Engages blades; only engage on level ground.
Cutting height lever: Adjust while stationary.
Throttle/choke: Set to FAST for operation, CHOKE for cold starts.

CAUTION! Always disengage PTO and set parking brake before dismounting.

Specifications

Engine: Kohler 7000 Series, 24 HP, V-Twin, OHV.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Cutting Deck: 46-inch, stamped steel, 3-blade.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds 0-5.5 mph.
Turning Radius: 18 inches.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 72 x 60 x 44 inches.
Weight: 515 lbs.
Battery: 12V, 230 CCA, maintenance-free.
Warranty: 2-year limited.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, fuel, clear deck of debris.
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals, grease fittings (3 points).
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, sharpen blades.
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension.
Seasonally	Replace air filter, fuel filter, check tire wear.

Tip: Keep a maintenance log for accurate service intervals.

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil change: Drain when warm; refill with 1.8 quarts SAE 10W-30.
Air filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours; replace paper element annually.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel filter: Replace annually or if clogged.
Cooling fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

WARNING! Never run engine without air filter. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Deck Adjustment & Care

For even cutting and deck longevity.

Level deck: Park on level surface; adjust lift links to equal height side-to-side.
Blade sharpening: Remove blades; sharpen at 25-degree angle; balance before reinstalling.
Belt inspection: Check for cracks/wear; adjust tension if slipping.
Cleaning: Hose underside after each use (engine off).
Anti-scalp rollers: Ensure free rotation.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before servicing deck or blades.

Tire & Battery Maintenance

Tires: Maintain proper pressure (Front: 14 PSI, Rear: 10 PSI). Check for damage. Battery: Keep terminals clean and tight. Charge if voltage drops below 12.4V. Store fully charged.

Winter Storage

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer; run engine 5 minutes.
Change oil and filter.
Remove battery; store fully charged in cool, dry place.
Clean entire mower; lubricate pivot points.
Store in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank beyond 30 days without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety labels. Always wear eye protection and sturdy shoes. Keep bystanders away. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Look behind when backing up. Use care near drop-offs. Never carry passengers. Disengage blades when not cutting.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never remove discharge chute or safety devices.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, no fuel, bad spark plug	Charge battery; check fuel; inspect/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel; replace fuel filter.
Uneven cutting	Deck not level, dull blades, low tire pressure	Level deck; sharpen blades; inflate tires.
Blades won't engage	PTO switch faulty, blown fuse, loose connection	Check switch; replace 20A fuse; check wiring.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, slipping drive belt	Clean deck; adjust/replace drive belt.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.