Craftsman LT 1500 Riding Mower Owner's Manual

The Craftsman LT 1500 is a 42-inch deck riding lawn mower featuring a 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, and a comfortable high-back seat. This manual covers essential safety information, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure safe and efficient use of your mower.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start with key, high-back seat, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), and dual-lever deck lift system.

Feature	Description
Engine	15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	6-speed manual shift-on-the-go
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Lift	Dual-lever manual lift system
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, padded seat with armrests
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (wrenches, screwdriver).

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Attach cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure with pins.
Install discharge chute: Attach to deck opening.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10-12 PSI.

WARNING! Do not add fuel or attempt to start engine during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear sturdy footwear and eye protection.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Do not carry passengers.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Disengage blades before crossing driveways or gravel.
Stop engine and remove key before performing maintenance.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Refuel outdoors only, with engine off and cool.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Keep clear of deck while engine is running.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT 1500
Engine: 15.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30)
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, blade engagement lever, choke control.

Steering/Driving: Steering wheel, gear shift lever (1-6), brake pedal, clutch/brake pedal.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit in seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Disengage blades. 4. Move shift lever to Neutral. 5. Turn key to START.

Mowing: Engage blades with PTO lever once engine is at full throttle. Adjust speed with gear shift.

Stopping: Disengage blades, reduce throttle, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for loose parts, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Check battery terminals, clean deck
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter, sharpen blades
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Every 100 hours	Change transmission fluid, replace fuel filter
Seasonally	Lubricate all pivot points, check tire wear

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck leveling ensures even cut.

Park on level surface, disengage blades, stop engine.
Set cutting height lever to desired position.
Measure distance from ground to blade tip at all four corners of deck.
Adjust deck lift rods to level (front slightly lower than rear for proper discharge).
Re-check measurements after adjustment.

Tip: For best results, mow when grass is dry and never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Engine Care

Briggs & Stratton engine maintenance guidelines.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via dipstick tube, refill with 1.5 quarts SAE 30.
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours, replace paper element annually.
Spark Plug: Replace annually with Champion RC12YC, gap 0.030 inches.
Fuel System: Use fresh unleaded gasoline, add fuel stabilizer for storage.
Cooling System: Keep cooling fins and engine shrouds clean of debris.

CAUTION! Engine is hot after operation. Allow to cool before servicing.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

Clean entire mower, especially under deck.
Change engine oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes.
Disconnect battery negative terminal, store battery in cool, dry place.
Store in dry, covered location, preferably on blocks to relieve tire pressure.

Important: Never store with fuel in carburetor without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Craftsman LT 1500 includes limited warranty: 2 years on mower, 3 years on cutting deck, 2 years on engine (Briggs & Stratton warranty applies). Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact authorized service center or 1-888-331-4569.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, clogged fuel line	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; check fuel line for obstructions.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, deck not level, engine speed too low	Sharpen/replace blades; level deck; operate at full throttle.
Excessive vibration	Damaged/debris on blade, loose blade bolt	Stop engine, inspect blade, tighten bolt to 450 in-lbs.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old spark plug, dirty carburetor	Clean/replace air filter; replace spark plug; clean carburetor.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose connections	Check alternator output; clean and tighten battery terminals.

Service: For technical support, call 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.