The Craftsman T110 is a popular riding lawn mower model known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. This repair manual provides comprehensive instructions for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of key systems including the engine, transmission, cutting deck, electrical system, and controls. Below are essential sections covering safety, specifications, common repairs, parts identification, and step-by-step procedures.
Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, automatic transmission, 42-inch cutting deck, electric start, manual PTO engagement, adjustable cutting height, and ergonomic controls.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | Briggs & Stratton 540cc OHV, single-cylinder |
| Transmission | Automatic, single-speed (K46) |
| Cutting Deck | 42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade |
| Cutting Height | Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.5 gallons |
| Starting System | Electric key start with 12V battery |
| Drive System | Rear-wheel drive |
| Max Speed | Approximately 5.5 mph forward |
| Weight | Approximately 450 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited 2-year residential warranty |
Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.
WARNING! Gasoline is flammable. Do not smoke or work near open flames. Ensure proper ventilation when working with fuel.
Basic and specialty tools needed for most repairs.
CAUTION! Use tools appropriate for the task. Incorrect tools can damage fasteners and components.
The T110 uses a Hydro-Gear K46 transaxle. Service includes fluid check, belt replacement, and linkage adjustment.
Fluid Check: Locate fill plug on transaxle. Fluid should be at bottom of plug threads. Use 20W-50 motor oil or Hydro-Gear fluid.
Drive Belt Replacement: Remove deck, release tension on idler pulley, remove old belt, route new belt per diagram. Belt part #: 144959.
Linkage Adjustment: Ensure drive control lever moves freely and returns to neutral. Adjust control rod if mower creeps or doesn't engage.
Removal, blade sharpening/replacement, belt service, and leveling.
Tip: Clean underside of deck after each use to prevent grass buildup and corrosion.
12V system includes battery, starter, solenoid, ignition switch, safety switches, and wiring.
WARNING! Disconnect battery negative terminal before working on electrical system to prevent shorts.
Steering, brake, throttle, and cutting height adjustments.
Steering: Check tie rod ends for play. Adjust toe-in if necessary (parallel front wheels).
Brake: Parking brake should hold on incline. Adjust brake cable at pedal if slipping.
Throttle/Choke: Ensure cable moves freely from control to carburetor. Lubricate if stiff.
Cutting Height Lever: Should engage positively at each setting. Lubricate pivot points.
Preventive maintenance checklist.
| Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Before each use | Check tire pressure, fuel level, look for leaks |
| Every 8 hours | Clean deck underside, check blades |
| Every 25 hours | Check air filter, battery terminals, drive belt tension |
| Every 50 hours | Change engine oil and filter, grease fittings |
| Annually | Replace spark plug, air filter, sharpen/replace blades, check transaxle fluid |
| Storage | Add fuel stabilizer, run 5 minutes, disconnect battery, store in dry place |
Refer to official Craftsman parts diagrams for exact part numbers. Common replacement parts:
CAUTION! Use genuine or OEM-equivalent parts for optimal performance and safety.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Engine won't crank | Dead battery, faulty solenoid, safety switch | Charge/test battery; check solenoid click; verify seat/brake switches engaged. |
| Engine cranks but won't start | No fuel, no spark, clogged air filter | Check fuel flow, spark plug gap/wire, replace air filter. |
| Loss of power under load | Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter | Replace air/fuel filters; use fresh gasoline. |
| Uneven cutting | Dull blades, unlevel deck, low tire pressure | Sharpen/balance blades; level deck; inflate tires to 10-12 PSI. |
| Vibration or noise from deck | Bent blade, loose blade spindle, debris | Inspect blades for damage; tighten spindle bolts; remove debris. |
| Mower moves slowly or won't drive | Loose drive belt, low transaxle fluid | Adjust/replace drive belt; check transaxle fluid level. |
| Battery won't hold charge | Faulty alternator, parasitic draw, old battery | Test charging voltage; check for shorts; replace battery if >3 years old. |
Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset electronic controller if experiencing erratic behavior.
Service Support: For technical assistance or parts, contact Craftsman customer service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com.