Owners Manual for Craftsman LT2000 Mower

The Craftsman LT2000 is a 42-inch riding lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care. It features a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, 6-speed gear drive option, electric PTO, adjustable cutting deck, comfortable high-back seat, and easy-turn steering. This manual covers safety, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure proper use and longevity of your mower.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric PTO clutch, Adjustable seat, Headlights, Cup holder.

Feature	Description
Cutting Width	42 inches for efficient mowing
Engine	Briggs & Stratton, 17.5 HP (model varies)
Transmission	Hydrostatic (no shifting) or 6-speed gear drive
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4 inches, adjustable in 0.5-inch increments
Deck Engagement	Electric PTO (power take-off) lever
Fuel Tank	2.5-gallon capacity
Seat	High-back, adjustable for operator comfort
Steering	Easy-turn, front-wheel design
Headlights	For low-light operation
Blade Brake Clutch	Safety system stops blades when PTO disengaged

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: Positive (red) then negative (black) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (check manual for capacity).
Fill fuel tank: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 14 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).

WARNING! Keep hands clear of moving parts during assembly. Wear gloves.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, move PTO to OFF, turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, use forward/reverse pedals (hydrostatic) or shift lever (gear drive).
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to lower and spin blades. Adjust speed with throttle.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

CAUTION! Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Keep feet on floor.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT2000 Series.
Engine: Briggs & Stratton, 17.5 HP, single-cylinder, OHV.
Cutting Deck: 42-inch, stamped steel, 3-blade.
Transmission: Hydrostatic or 6-speed manual.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30).
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches.
Turning Radius: 18 inches.
Weight: Approximately 450 lbs.
Warranty: 2-year limited.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and safety.

Before each use: Check oil level, tire pressure, fuel, and for debris.

Every 25 hours: Change oil (first change at 8 hours), check air filter, sharpen blades.

Every 50 hours: Replace air filter, check spark plug, lubricate fittings.

Every 100 hours: Change oil filter, check drive belt tension, inspect battery.

Seasonal: Clean deck, check tire wear, store properly.

Engine Care

Engine maintenance is critical for reliability.

Oil: Check level daily; change every 25 hours (SAE 30).
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner; replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plug: Clean and gap to 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gas; add stabilizer for storage.
Cooling Fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

Tip: Always run engine outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Adjust cutting height for lawn conditions.

Park on level surface, disengage PTO, turn off engine.
Locate adjustment lever (left side of deck).
Move lever to desired height (1.5 to 4 inches).
Check level: Measure blade tips front-to-back and side-to-side.
Sharpen blades: Remove deck, balance blades after sharpening.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug before working under deck.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank; run engine 5 minutes.
Change oil and filter.
Remove spark plug; add 1 tablespoon oil to cylinder; pull starter slowly.
Clean deck thoroughly; lubricate moving parts.
Store in dry, covered area; disconnect battery.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions.

Wear eye protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and rocks.
Never carry passengers; keep children and pets away.
Do not mow on wet grass or steep slopes.
Always disengage PTO before leaving seat.
Use parking brake on slopes and when stopped.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Stay clear.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman LT2000 includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship; 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. Keep receipt and model number (located under seat) for service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge battery; add fuel; clean/replace air filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades; set throttle to full speed.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose deck	Balance or replace blade; tighten deck bolts.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and refill with fresh gas.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low fluid, worn belt	Check fluid level; inspect and replace drive belt.

Reset: Check fuses near battery if electrical issues occur.

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