Craftsman Riding Mower 42 Inch Deck Manual

The Craftsman Riding Mower with a 42-inch cutting deck is a powerful and efficient lawn care machine designed for residential use. This manual covers essential information for safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your riding mower. Key sections include safety guidelines, features, assembly, operation, maintenance schedule, and common problem solutions to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, adjustable seat, cup holder, headlights, and easy-turn steering.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	42-inch wide, stamped steel construction for durability
Engine	Briggs & Stratton, 20 HP (horsepower)
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive for smooth speed control
Cutting Height Adjustment	Lever-operated, 6 positions (1.5" to 4")
Fuel Tank Capacity	2.5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable for operator comfort
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Deck Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) clutch
Steering	Easy-turn, zero-turn radius capability
Mulching Capability	Optional mulching kit available

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a flat, stable surface.

Attach steering wheel: Align and secure with provided hardware.
Install seat: Mount using bolts and washers; adjust position.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 weight oil; check dipstick.
Fill fuel tank: Use fresh, unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Attach cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure pins.

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

Safety Guidelines

Always follow safety procedures to prevent injury or damage.

Read manual thoroughly before operation.
Wear appropriate clothing: long pants, sturdy shoes, eye protection.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, and toys.
Never carry passengers; mower is for one operator only.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Disengage blades before starting engine or crossing driveways.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Turn off engine and remove key before performing maintenance.

CAUTION! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors only when engine is cool.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman Riding Mower (42-inch deck).
Engine: Briggs & Stratton, 20 HP, single-cylinder, OHV.
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions).
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30).
Tire Size (Front): 15 x 6.00-6.
Tire Size (Rear): 20 x 10.00-8.
Weight: Approximately 500 lbs.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the mower.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, PTO (blade engagement) lever, choke (if equipped), hour meter.

Steering/Drive: Steering wheel, forward/reverse pedals (hydrostatic), brake pedal, parking brake lever.

Cutting Controls: Deck height adjustment lever, deck lift/lower lever.

Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, disengage PTO, turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, press forward pedal to move forward; reverse pedal to back up.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to start blades; adjust speed as needed.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, release drive pedals, engage brake, turn key to OFF.

Cutting Deck Adjustment

Proper deck adjustment ensures even cutting and prevents scalping.

Park on level surface; disengage PTO; turn off engine.
Set cutting height lever to desired position (1.5" to 4").
Check deck level: Measure distance from blade tips to ground at all four corners.
Adjust deck leveling rods if measurements differ by more than 1/4 inch.
For best results, mow when grass is dry and never remove more than 1/3 of grass height per mowing.

Tip: Sharpen blades every 25 hours of use for a clean cut.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance extends mower life and ensures safe operation.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure; inspect for loose parts; check oil level.
Every 8 hours	Clean cutting deck; check blade condition.
Every 25 hours	Sharpen or replace blades; check battery terminals.
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil; replace oil filter; check air filter.
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug; check drive belt tension.
Seasonally	Grease fittings; inspect and replace worn parts.

Note: Refer to engine manual for specific engine maintenance details.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Clean mower thoroughly, especially under deck.
Change engine oil and filter at end of season.
Add fuel stabilizer to gas tank; run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery negative terminal; store battery in cool, dry place.
Store in a dry, covered area; elevate deck if possible.

CAUTION! Do not store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Warranty Information

Craftsman Riding Mowers come with a limited warranty. Coverage varies by component:

Frame: Lifetime warranty for original owner.
Engine: 2-year limited warranty (Briggs & Stratton).
Transmission: 3-year limited warranty.
Other Parts: 1-year limited warranty.

For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel tank, clogged fuel filter	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; replace fuel filter.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven deck, low tire pressure	Sharpen blades; level deck; inflate tires to 14 PSI.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old spark plug, clogged deck	Clean/replace air filter; replace spark plug; clean deck.
Vibration during operation	Loose blade, bent spindle, unbalanced blade	Tighten blade bolt; inspect spindle; balance or replace blade.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low fluid, dirty filter, air in system	Check fluid level; replace filter; bleed air per manual.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Craftsman service center.

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