Craftsman Riding Mower LT 1000 Owners Manual

The Craftsman Riding Mower LT 1000 is a 42-inch deck lawn tractor powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine, featuring a 6-speed manual shift-on-the-go transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, mulching capability, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. Designed for residential use on medium to large lawns. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls and Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Care 7. Blade Care & Sharpening 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton 17.5 HP OHV engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric key start, manual PTO engagement, adjustable seat, cup holder, and headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 17.5 HP, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	6-speed manual shift-on-the-go
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Fuel Tank	2.5-gallon capacity
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Type	Stamped steel, mulching capable
Seat	High-back, adjustable fore/aft
Headlights	Two front headlights for low-light operation
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.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Attach cutting deck: Lower deck lift, align with pins, secure with retaining clips.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10 PSI (front) and 12 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (check manual for capacity).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

WARNING! Do not add fuel while engine is hot. Keep clear of moving parts during assembly.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Pre-start checklist: Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, and clear deck of debris.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO (blade) OFF, turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, select gear (1-6), slowly press forward pedal.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to lower and spin blades. Overlap passes for even cut.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

CAUTION! Never mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Always look behind before backing up.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman LT 1000
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 17.5 HP, OHV
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

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

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz).
Air filter: Replace paper filter every 50 hours; clean foam pre-filter every 25 hours.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches; replace annually.
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; add fuel stabilizer for storage.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Blade Care & Sharpening

Sharp blades ensure clean cut and healthy grass.

Raise deck to highest position and disconnect spark plug.
Remove blade bolt (turn counterclockwise).
Sharpen blade evenly using file or grinder; maintain original angle.
Balance blade (use balancer); replace if cracked or excessively worn.
Reinstall with bolt tightened to 450 in-lbs.

CAUTION! Wear heavy gloves. Never touch sharp edges directly.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and replace filter.
Remove battery, clean terminals, store fully charged in cool, dry place.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Store in dry, covered location; cover mower.

Tip: Inflate tires to recommended pressure to prevent flat spots.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions.

Always wear eye protection and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on steep slopes or wet grass.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Stop engine before adjusting or servicing.
Use hearing protection for extended use.

DANGER! Gasoline is flammable. Store in approved container away from ignition sources.

Warranty Information

Craftsman LT 1000 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. Keep receipt and serial number for claims. For warranty service, contact Sears 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, bad spark plug	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blades; set throttle to FULL.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Balance or replace blade; tighten bolts, especially deck mounts.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain and add fresh fuel.
Battery not charging	Loose connections, faulty alternator	Clean and tighten terminals; test charging system.

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