Craftsman T1100 Riding Mower Manual

The Craftsman T1100 is a 19.5 HP, 42-inch deck riding lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, mulching capability, and a 2.5-gallon fuel tank. Below are key sections for safety, features, 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. Deck Adjustment & Blade Care 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, Hydrostatic transmission, Electric start, Adjustable seat, Mulch/Discharge/Bag capability.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, OHV
Cutting Width	42-inch stamped steel deck
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single-speed forward/reverse
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (unleaded gasoline)
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Seat	High-back, adjustable
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch
Tires	Front: 15x6.00-6, Rear: 20x10.00-8

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.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Install deck: Lower lift lever, slide deck under mower, attach belts and linkages.
Add engine oil and fuel: Use SAE 30 oil (check dipstick) and unleaded gasoline.

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

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Pre-start check: Oil level, fuel, tire pressure, clear deck of debris.
Starting: Sit on seat, set parking brake, engage PTO off, turn key to START.
Driving: Release parking brake, press brake pedal to disengage transmission lock, use forward/reverse pedals.
Mowing: Engage PTO lever to start blades, adjust speed with pedal.
Stopping: Disengage PTO, set parking brake, turn key to OFF.

CAUTION! Always engage parking brake on slopes. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV, 540cc.
Cutting Deck: 42-inch, stamped steel, 3-blade.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, infinite forward/reverse speeds.
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher), 2.5-gallon tank.
Oil Capacity: 1.5 quarts (SAE 30, 10W-30 for varying temps).
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions).
Dimensions: 68" L x 54" W x 42" H.
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.).
Max Slope: 15 degrees recommended.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil, fuel, tire pressure, deck for debris
Every 8 hours	Check tire pressure, inspect blades
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first 5 hours for break-in)
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, grease fittings, battery care

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical.

Oil change: Run engine to warm oil, drain via plug, refill with 1.5 qt SAE 30.
Air filter: Replace paper filter every 50 hours; clean foam pre-filter if present.
Spark plug: Gap at 0.030 inches, replace annually or every 100 hours.
Fuel system: Use fresh fuel; add stabilizer for storage; replace fuel filter annually.
Cooling fins: Keep clean to prevent overheating.

WARNING! Engine is hot after operation; allow to cool before servicing.

Deck Adjustment & Blade Care

Ensure even cutting and blade sharpness.

Deck leveling: Park on flat surface, adjust lift linkages to level front-to-back and side-to-side.
Blade sharpening: Remove deck, secure blade, file at original angle (balance after sharpening).
Blade replacement: Use torque wrench (450-600 in-lbs) for spindle bolts.
Belt inspection: Check for cracks/wear; replace if damaged.

CAUTION! Wear gloves when handling blades. Ensure mower is off and spark plug disconnected.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Fuel: Add stabilizer, run engine 5 minutes, or drain tank and carburetor.
Battery: Remove, clean terminals, store fully charged in cool, dry place.
Deck: Clean thoroughly, apply light oil to prevent rust.
Tires: Inflate to recommended PSI, store off ground if possible.
Cover: Use breathable cover to protect from dust/moisture.

Tip: Store in a dry, sheltered location.

Safety Information

Read and follow all safety instructions.

Always wear eye protection, sturdy shoes, and long pants.
Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers; mow up and down slopes, not across.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and moving parts.
Stop engine and remove key before unclogging deck or adjusting.
Do not operate on wet grass or in poor visibility.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Always be alert.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman T1100 includes a limited 2-year warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials/workmanship; does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For support, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep receipt and model/serial numbers (located on frame near rear axle) for warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, clogged filter	Charge/replace battery; add fuel; replace fuel filter; check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, uneven deck	Sharpen/replace blades; level deck; check belt tension.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Balance or replace blade; tighten spindle, deck bolts.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain old fuel; check oil level.
Hydrostatic transmission issues	Low oil, linkage adjustment	Check transmission oil; adjust control linkage per manual.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose connections	Test alternator output; clean/tighten battery terminals.

Reset: For safety switches, ensure seat is occupied, PTO disengaged, and parking brake set.

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