Owners Manual for Craftsman T210 Riding Mower

The Craftsman T210 is a 42-inch riding lawn mower featuring a 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), mulching/bagging/side discharge capabilities, ergonomic high-back seat, cup holder, and LED headlights. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Attachments & Accessories 7. Cutting & Mowing 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, 6-speed transmission, electric start, ergonomic seat, cup holder, LED headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV
Cutting Width	42-inch reinforced steel deck
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Fuel Capacity	2.5-gallon gas tank
Seat	Ergonomic high-back with armrests
Headlights	LED for low-light operation
Discharge Options	Mulch, bag, or side discharge
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Attach seat: Mount using four bolts and washers.
Install cutting deck: Lower deck onto mounting points and secure pins.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz).
Fill fuel tank: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

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

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then perform initial setup.

Check tire pressure: Front 14 PSI, Rear 10 PSI.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (middle recommended).
Test controls: Ensure brake, clutch, and steering operate smoothly.
Start engine: Turn key to ON, set choke, turn to START.
Test mower engagement: Pull PTO lever to engage blades.

CAUTION! Perform setup on level ground. Keep clear of moving parts.

Specifications

Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV, 540cc.
Cutting Deck: 42-inch steel, 3-blade system.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, gear drive.
Speed Range: 1-5.5 MPH forward, 1-2 MPH reverse.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Oil Capacity: 48 oz SAE 30 (check dipstick).
Turning Radius: 18 inches.
Weight: 415 lbs (approx.).
Warranty: 2-year limited.

Controls and Operation

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO lever, throttle, choke, hour meter. Floor: Brake pedal, clutch pedal, gear shift (1-6).

Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key. Driving: Press clutch, select gear, release clutch slowly. Mowing: Engage PTO lever, adjust speed with throttle. Stopping: Disengage PTO, apply brake, turn key OFF.

Cutting Height Adjustment: Lever on right side (6 positions). Deck Wash Port: Connect hose to clean underside.

Attachments & Accessories

Compatible with Craftsman T210 accessories.

Mulching Kit: Converts to mulching mode (part #CMXGKAM1100453).
Bagging System: 2-bushel rear bagger (part #CMXGBAM1100452).
Snow Blade: 42-inch front blade for snow removal.
Tow Behind Sprayer: For lawn treatment.

Tip: Ensure engine is OFF and key removed before attaching accessories.

Cutting & Mowing

Optimize mowing for best results.

Mow when grass is dry for even cut.
Overlap passes by 2-3 inches.
Change mowing pattern weekly to avoid ruts.
Adjust cutting height seasonally: higher in summer, lower in spring/fall.
Clean deck after each use to prevent buildup.
Sharpen blades every 25 hours of use.

WARNING! Never mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Disengage PTO when crossing driveways.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with PTO engaged. Parking Brake: Must be set to start engine. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 3 seconds when disengaged. Reverse Caution: Beep sounds when backing up with PTO engaged.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, oil level, fuel
Every 8 hours	Check blade condition, deck cleanliness
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, sharpen blades
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, spark plug
Every 100 hours	Change transmission fluid, check belts
Season end	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, store properly

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Warranty Information

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, safety switch	Charge battery, add fuel, ensure seat switch engaged.
Poor cutting quality	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades, set throttle to full.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, unbalanced deck	Tighten blade bolts, level deck.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter, drain old gas.
Hard to steer	Low tire pressure, binding linkage	Inflate tires, lubricate steering components.

Reset: Turn key OFF, wait 30 seconds, restart.

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