Craftsman T2600 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T2600 is a 26 HP V-Twin 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 comfortable high-back seat, cup holder, headlights, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. 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. Cutting Deck & Blades 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Guidelines 11. Warranty Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 26 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine, 46-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start with key, Mulching/Discharge/Bagging capability, Headlights, Cup holder, High-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	26 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin, OHV
Cutting Width	46 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single pedal control
Starting System	Electric key start (12V battery)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Cutting Options	Mulch, Side Discharge, Bagging (optional)
Deck Lift	Manual lever, 6 cutting height positions (1.5-4 inches)
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Headlights	For low-light operation
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.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Attach cutting deck: Lower deck lift, align with pins, secure with belt.
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! Do not start engine before adding oil. Keep hands clear of moving parts during assembly.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before operation.

Pre-start check: Oil level, fuel, tire pressure, deck clearance.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO (blades off), turn key.
Driving: Release parking brake, press forward pedal to go forward, reverse pedal to reverse.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to start blades, adjust speed with pedal.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key off.

CAUTION! Always engage parking brake on slopes. Do not mow on slopes over 15 degrees.

Specifications

Engine: 26 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin, OHV.
Cutting Deck: 46-inch stamped steel, 6-position manual lift.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite speeds 0-5.5 mph forward, 0-2.5 mph reverse.
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline, 2.5-gallon tank.
Battery: 12V, 230 CCA.
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches.
Turning Radius: 18 inches.
Weight: 500 lbs (approx).
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.

Cutting Deck & Blades

Deck removal: Lower deck, remove belt, disconnect linkage, slide out.

Blade sharpening/replacement:

Disconnect spark plug wire.
Tip mower on side (carburetor side up).
Use blade removal tool to hold blade, remove bolt.
Sharpen blade evenly or replace if damaged.
Reinstall with cutting edge toward ground, torque to 40-50 ft-lbs.

Tip: Check blades for balance after sharpening. Unbalanced blades cause vibration.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, blades
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals, deck for debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Sharpen blades, grease fittings, check belts
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter, spark plug, check transmission fluid
Season end	Winterize (see Storage section)

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton engine maintenance.

Oil change: Run engine warm, drain plug under engine, refill with SAE 30 (48 oz capacity).
Air filter: Replace paper element every season; clean foam pre-filter if equipped.
Spark plug: Gap 0.030 inches, replace annually.
Fuel filter: Replace if clogged; located in fuel line.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before maintenance. Use approved oil and fuel.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes.
Change oil and filter.
Remove battery, store fully charged in cool, dry place.
Clean deck thoroughly, sharpen blades.
Store in dry, covered area; cover mower.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline degrades over time.

Safety Guidelines

Always follow safety rules to prevent injury.

Read manual before operation.
Wear safety glasses, long pants, sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of debris, toys, rocks.
Do not carry passengers.
Do not mow on steep slopes (over 15 degrees).
Disconnect spark plug before maintenance.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Use hearing protection for extended use.

Warranty Information

Craftsman T2600 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, clogged fuel filter, bad spark plug	Charge/replace battery; check fuel filter; replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed, clogged deck	Sharpen blades; set throttle to full; clean deck underside.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose blade bolt, damaged deck	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolt; inspect deck.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged carburetor	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; clean carburetor.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, worn belt, linkage adjustment	Check fluid level; inspect drive belt; adjust linkage.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Craftsman service center at 1-888-331-4569.