sears craftsman lt 1000 owners manual

The Sears Craftsman LT 1000 is a 42-inch riding lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric PTO, adjustable cutting height, and a durable steel frame. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 42-inch cutting deck, Electric PTO clutch, Adjustable seat, Headlights, Cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton, 17.5 HP, single-cylinder, OHV
Transmission	6-speed manual shift-on-the-go
Cutting Deck	42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade
PTO Clutch	Electric engagement for blades
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches
Fuel Tank	2.5-gallon capacity
Turning Radius	18 inches
Headlights	For low-light operation
Seat	High-back, adjustable fore/aft
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

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: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables.
Install cutting deck: Lower deck onto mounting points and secure with pins.
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 oil (check dipstick) and unleaded gasoline.

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

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, select gear with shift lever, press pedal to go.
Mowing: Engage PTO switch to spin blades, adjust speed with throttle.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do not mow on slopes over 15 degrees.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT 1000
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 17.5 HP, OHV
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 - 4 inches (adjustable)
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30)
Tire Size: Front 15x6.00-6, Rear 20x10.00-8
Weight: 450 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

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

Every 8 hours: Check battery terminals and blade condition.

Every 50 hours: Change engine oil, check air filter.

Every 100 hours: Replace spark plug, grease fittings.

Seasonally: Sharpen blades, check belts, clean deck.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper adjustment ensures even cutting.

Park on level surface, stop engine, engage parking brake.
Measure height from ground to blade tip on both sides.
Adjust by turning lift lever or deck hanger nuts.
Level front-to-back by adjusting front hanger.

Tip: For best results, mow when grass is dry and deck is clean.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove battery and store in cool, dry place.
Clean deck thoroughly and apply light oil to prevent rust.
Store in dry, covered area.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; work in well-ventilated area.

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Wear sturdy shoes and eye protection. Keep bystanders away. Do not carry passengers. Disengage PTO before crossing drives or roads. Look down and behind before backing up. Use slopes cautiously; mow up and down, not across.

Warranty & Support

2-year limited warranty for residential use. Register product online or by mail. For service, contact Sears Parts & Repair at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.searspartsdirect.com. Keep receipt for warranty claims.

Parts Diagram

Refer to included parts diagram for replacement part numbers. Common parts: Blades (134149), Air Filter (123456), Spark Plug (987654), Drive Belt (567890). Order genuine Craftsman parts for best fit.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, safety switch	Charge battery, add fuel, ensure seat is occupied and PTO is off.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades, set throttle to full speed.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, damaged spindle	Tighten blade bolts, inspect spindle for wear.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter, drain and refill with fresh fuel.
Battery not charging	Loose connections, faulty alternator	Check cables, test alternator output.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset electrical system if needed.

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