sears craftsman lt 2000 manual

The Sears Craftsman LT 2000 is a 42-inch riding lawn tractor designed for residential use, featuring a 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, 3-in-1 cutting deck (mulch, bag, side discharge), adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, high-back seat, headlights, cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	6-speed manual shift-on-the-go
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Type	3-in-1 (mulch, bag, side discharge)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Headlights	Two front headlights for low-light operation
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operating. Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles before starting.
Never allow children or pets in area while mowing.
Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Always engage parking brake before dismounting.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts, especially cutting deck.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Avoid fires and sparks.

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 lift lever, slide deck under tractor, attach belt.
Add engine oil and gasoline: Use SAE 30 oil (48 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Check tire pressure (10 PSI front, 8 PSI rear).

Specifications

Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV
Cutting Deck: 42-inch, stamped steel
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity: 48 oz SAE 30 (summer), 5W-30 (winter)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 450 lbs
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter, choke.

Control Levers: Lift lever (deck height), parking brake, gear shift (1-6), clutch/brake pedal.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set gear to neutral. 4. Pull choke (cold start). 5. Turn key to start. Stopping: Release clutch/brake, engage parking brake, turn key off.

Cutting Deck Operation

The 3-in-1 deck offers mulching, bagging, or side discharge.

Height adjustment: Use lift lever to select cutting height.
Engage blades: Pull PTO (Power Take-Off) knob while engine is running.
Select mode: Install mulch plug, attach bagger, or open chute for side discharge.
Mowing patterns: Overlap each pass by 2-3 inches for even cut.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best results. Keep deck clean of grass buildup.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, deck for debris
Every 8 hours	Check engine oil level
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first 5 hours), sharpen blades
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace fuel filter, check transmission fluid
Seasonally	Lubricate pivot points, check battery

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare tractor for storage if not used for 30+ days.

Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter.
Remove battery and store in cool, dry place (keep charged).
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store tractor with gasoline in tank without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Craftsman LT 2000 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials/workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact Sears Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.sears.com/craftsman.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; replace fuel filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to full speed.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Check blade for damage/tightness; tighten deck bolts.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old spark plug	Clean/replace air filter; replace spark plug.
Hard to shift gears	Low transmission fluid	Check fluid level; add if low (consult manual).

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Sears service center at 1-888-331-4569.