Manual for a Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower

The Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower is a robust and reliable machine designed for efficient lawn care on medium to large properties. It features a powerful engine, hydrostatic transmission for smooth speed control, a durable cutting deck with adjustable height settings, electric start, comfortable high-back seat, and a large-capacity grass collection bag. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Mowing Operation 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Cutting Deck, Transmission, Steering Wheel, Seat, Fuel Tank, Battery, and Control Panel.

Feature	Description
Engine	Powerful OHV engine for reliable performance
Hydrostatic Transmission	Foot-pedal controlled for smooth forward/reverse speed
Cutting Deck	Steel deck with multiple height adjustments (1.5" - 4")
Electric Start	Key ignition for easy starting
High-Back Seat	Padded seat with armrests for operator comfort
Grass Collection System	Large rear bag or optional side discharge
Headlights	For visibility in low-light conditions
Parking Brake	Lever-operated brake for secure parking
Blade Engagement	PTO (Power Take-Off) lever to engage/disengage blades
Fuel Gauge	Visual indicator for fuel level

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install Steering Wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Attach Seat: Bolt seat to frame using included bolts and washers.
Connect Battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables to battery terminals.
Install Cutting Deck: Lower deck onto mounting points and secure with pins/latches.
Add Fluids: Fill engine with recommended oil. Add fresh gasoline to fuel tank.

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use assistance during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

Check Oil & Fuel: Ensure proper levels.
Inspect Area: Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Adjust Seat: Position for comfortable reach to all controls.
Set Cutting Height: Use deck lift lever to desired height.
Start Engine: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO to OFF, turn key to START.
Practice Operation: In a clear area, practice driving, turning, and stopping.

CAUTION! Never operate without sitting in the seat. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Engine: Craftsman 500cc OHV, single-cylinder.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Cutting Height: Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches in 0.5" increments.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons (Gasoline).
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA.
Seat: High-back, adjustable.
Tires: Front: 15x6.00-6, Rear: 20x10.00-8.
Weight: Approximately 500 lbs.

Controls and Indicators

Operator Station: Steering Wheel, Ignition Key, Throttle/Choke, PTO Lever, Brake Pedal, Forward/Reverse Pedals, Deck Lift Lever, Parking Brake Lever.

Indicator Panel: Ignition Switch, Hour Meter, Fuel Gauge, Headlight Switch.

Operation: Set parking brake before starting. Use foot pedals for speed (press forward pedal to go forward, reverse pedal to reverse). Engage PTO lever only when ready to cut. Use deck lift lever to adjust height. Always disengage PTO and set parking brake before dismounting.

Mowing Operation

For best results, mow when grass is dry.

Start Engine: Perform pre-start checks, start engine, allow to warm up.
Engage Blades: At low engine RPM, pull PTO lever to ON position.
Begin Mowing: Release parking brake, gently press forward pedal.
Overlap Passes: Overlap each pass by a few inches for even cutting.
Slopes: Mow up and down slopes, not across, to prevent tipping.
Disposal: Empty grass bag when full or use side discharge as needed.
Shutdown: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF, remove key.

Tip: Vary mowing pattern each time to prevent grass from leaning.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and reliable operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, engine oil, fuel level. Inspect for loose parts.
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals and clean if corroded.
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 8 hours). Check air filter.
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter. Check spark plug. Lubricate deck spindles and pivot points.
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug. Check drive belt tension. Sharpen or replace mower blades.
Season End	Perform full winterization (see Storage section).

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for long-term storage, especially over winter.

Clean: Thoroughly clean underside of deck to remove grass clippings.
Fuel: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes, then either drain tank or leave stabilized fuel in.
Battery: Disconnect battery cables, clean terminals, store battery in a cool, dry place on a wood surface. Charge periodically.
Engine: Change oil. Remove spark plug, add a teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter cord slowly to coat cylinder walls, reinstall plug.
Store: In a clean, dry place. Cover mower to protect from dust.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable. Perform fuel system work in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety labels on the machine.

Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.
Never carry passengers.
Keep children and pets away from the mowing area.
Look behind and down before backing up.
Do not mow on steep slopes (over 15 degrees).
Stop engine and wait for all parts to stop before unclogging deck or performing any maintenance.
Use the machine only for its intended purpose—mowing grass.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting deck at all times.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman Riding Lawn Mowers are backed by a limited warranty. Refer to your warranty card for specific terms and duration.

For technical support, parts diagrams, or to locate a service dealer:

Visit: www.craftsman.com
Call Customer Support: 1-888-331-4569

Always have your model and serial numbers (located on the frame near the rear axle) ready when contacting support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, parking brake not set, PTO engaged, blown fuse.	Check battery charge, fuel level, ensure parking brake is ON and PTO is OFF, check 20A fuse.
Engine runs but mower won't move	Parking brake engaged, drive belt loose/broken, transmission issue.	Disengage parking brake. Inspect drive belt for wear/damage. Contact service dealer.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, deck clogged, cutting speed too fast, uneven tire pressure.	Sharpen/replace blades. Clean deck. Slow down. Inflate all tires to recommended PSI.
Excessive vibration	Damaged or unbalanced blade, loose blade bolt, debris stuck in deck.	Stop engine immediately. Inspect blade(s) for damage and tightness. Remove debris.
Battery won't charge	Faulty charger, corroded terminals, old battery.	Clean battery terminals. Test charger. Battery may need replacement if over 3 years old.

Note: For complex electrical or transmission problems, consult an authorized Craftsman service dealer.

Service: 1-888-331-4569; www.craftsman.com