Craftsman T100 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T100 is a 17.5 HP, 42-inch deck riding lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, single-lever cutting height adjustment, electric start, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start, Single-lever cutting height adjustment, Comfortable high-back seat.

Feature	Description
Engine	17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, foot-pedal controlled
Starting System	Electric key start with 12V battery
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4 inches (single lever adjustment)
Deck Engagement	Electric PTO (Power Take-Off) lever
Seat	High-back, adjustable suspension
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Mulching Capability	Optional mulching kit available

Safety Information

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

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never allow children or pets near mower during operation.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Always engage parking brake before dismounting.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

WARNING! Risk of blade contact and thrown objects. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never operate without discharge chute or grass bag properly installed.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. 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 (-) terminals.
Install cutting deck: Align with mounting points and secure with pins.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10 PSI (front) and 12 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) to full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Check for loose parts before first use.

Specifications

Engine: 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV
Cutting Deck: 42-inch stamped steel
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 40°F), 10W-30 (below 40°F)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches
Turning Radius: 18 inches
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, PTO (deck engagement) lever, Choke, Headlight switch.

Foot Controls: Forward/reverse speed pedal (hydrostatic), Brake pedal.

Steering/Hand Controls: Steering wheel, Cutting height adjustment lever, Parking brake lever.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Set PTO to OFF. 4. Move choke to COLD start position. 5. Turn key to START. 6. After engine starts, adjust choke to RUN.

Stopping Procedure: 1. Disengage PTO. 2. Move speed pedal to neutral. 3. Engage parking brake. 4. Turn key to OFF.

Mowing Instructions

For best results and safety, follow these guidelines.

Inspect area: Remove sticks, stones, and other debris.
Adjust cutting height: Use single lever to desired setting.
Start mower: Follow starting procedure.
Engage blades: Move PTO lever to ON while at full throttle.
Mow in overlapping passes: For even cut, overlap each pass by 2-3 inches.
On slopes: Mow up and down, not across. Avoid sudden turns.
Disengage blades: Move PTO to OFF when crossing driveways or gravel.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best cutting performance and to avoid clumping.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and optimal performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, inspect for loose parts, check oil level
Every 8 hours	Clean underside of deck, check blade condition
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug, lubricate pivot points
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Sharpen or replace blades, check battery charge

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade, sharpen to original angle (balance after sharpening).

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil and filter (if equipped).
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, and crank engine slowly.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in a dry, covered location. Inflate tires to recommended pressure.
Disconnect battery negative terminal if storing longer than 30 days.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline can degrade and damage carburetor.

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.
Engine runs rough or stalls	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged spark arrestor	Clean/replace air filter; use fresh fuel; clean spark arrestor screen.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen/replace blades; adjust tire pressure; level deck.
Loss of power	Clogged deck, worn drive belt, low oil level	Clean deck underside; inspect/replace drive belt; check/add oil.
Hydrostatic transmission slips	Low fluid, loose drive belt	Check fluid level (if serviceable); adjust/replace drive belt.

Reset: For safety interlock issues, ensure you are seated and parking brake is engaged.

Warranty Information

Craftsman T100 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Warranty does not cover wear items (blades, belts, tires), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact Craftsman Customer Support at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep your dated sales receipt as proof of purchase.