Craftsman T1200 Parts Manual

The Craftsman T1200 is a 12.5 HP lawn tractor designed for residential use, featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO clutch, and durable steel frame. This manual provides comprehensive parts identification, diagrams, ordering information, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting guidance to ensure proper operation and longevity of your tractor. Below are key sections covering parts lists, diagrams, maintenance, specifications, and support.

1. Parts Identification & Diagrams 2. Engine Components 3. Cutting Deck Assembly 4. Drive & Transmission Parts 5. Electrical System Parts 6. Maintenance & Replacement 7. Specifications 8. Safety Information 9. Warranty & Support 10. Troubleshooting

Parts Identification & Diagrams

Key components: Engine assembly, Cutting deck, Transmission, Electrical system, Frame and body.

Part Category	Description
Engine Assembly	Briggs & Stratton 12.5 HP, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Cutting Deck	42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system with adjustable height
Transmission	Hydrostatic drive, single-speed forward/reverse
Electrical System	12V battery, starter motor, ignition switch, PTO clutch
Frame & Body	Steel construction, fenders, seat, steering wheel
Controls	Throttle, choke, brake, parking brake, PTO engagement
Fuel System	Gas tank, fuel lines, carburetor, air filter
Blades	High-lift, 42-inch length, replaceable
Belts	Deck drive belt, transmission belt
Tires	Front: 15x6.00-6, Rear: 20x10.00-8

Engine Components

Detailed parts list for the Briggs & Stratton 12.5 HP engine.

Cylinder head: Includes valves, springs, and gasket.
Piston & connecting rod: For engine compression and power transfer.
Crankshaft: Transfers power to transmission.
Carburetor: Mixes air and fuel for combustion.
Air filter: Paper element, replaceable.
Spark plug: Champion RC12YC or equivalent.
Oil filter: Spin-on type, replace with every oil change.
Fuel pump: Mechanical, ensures fuel delivery to carburetor.

WARNING! Engine parts are under high pressure and temperature; allow engine to cool before servicing.

Cutting Deck Assembly

Parts for the 42-inch cutting deck, including blades, spindles, and belts.

Deck housing: Stamped steel, includes mounting brackets.
Blades: Three high-lift blades, part # 123456X.
Spindles: Bearings and pulleys for blade rotation.
Deck belt: V-belt, part # 789012X, connects to engine pulley.
Height adjustment: Lever and linkage for cutting height (1-4 inches).
Discharge chute: For grass clippings, removable for maintenance.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug wire before servicing cutting deck to prevent accidental startup.

Drive & Transmission Parts

Hydrostatic transmission: Includes pump, motor, and fluid.
Drive belt: Part # 345678X, connects engine to transmission.
Axles: Rear axles with differential for turning.
Brakes: Disc brake on transmission output shaft.
Parking brake: Mechanical lever for secure parking.
Transmission fluid: Type: 20W-50 motor oil or equivalent.

Electrical System Parts

Components for starting, charging, and operating electrical features.

Battery: 12V, 280 CCA, group U1.

Starter motor: Electric, engages flywheel for engine start.

Alternator: Charges battery during operation.

Ignition switch: Key-operated, includes positions for off, run, start.

PTO clutch: Electric, engages cutting blades.

Fuses: 20A for main circuit, 10A for PTO clutch.

Wiring harness: Connects all electrical components.

Maintenance & Replacement

Regular maintenance parts and procedures.

Engine oil: SAE 30, 1.5 quarts, change every 50 hours.
Oil filter: Replace with every oil change.
Air filter: Clean every 25 hours, replace annually.
Spark plug: Replace every 100 hours.
Blades: Sharpen or replace every 25 hours.
Belts: Inspect for wear, replace if cracked or frayed.
Battery: Check terminals for corrosion, charge as needed.
Tires: Inflate to 15 PSI (front), 10 PSI (rear).

Tip: Use genuine Craftsman parts for optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Specifications

Technical details for the Craftsman T1200.

Specification	Detail
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 12.5 HP, 4-cycle, single-cylinder
Cutting Width	42 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, single-speed
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity	1.5 quarts
Turning Radius	18 inches
Weight	450 lbs
Max Speed	5.5 mph forward, 2.5 mph reverse
Battery	12V, 280 CCA
Warranty	2-year limited

Safety Information

Critical safety precautions for parts replacement and maintenance.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire and battery before servicing. Use jack stands when lifting tractor. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Operate in well-ventilated areas when checking fuel system.

Warranty & Support

Craftsman T1200 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For parts ordering, visit www.craftsman.com or contact 1-888-331-4569. Provide model number (917.270820) and serial number when ordering parts.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, faulty spark plug, empty fuel tank	Charge/replace battery; check spark plug; refuel.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, clogged deck, incorrect height	Sharpen/replace blades; clean deck; adjust height.
Transmission slips	Low fluid, worn belt	Check fluid level; replace drive belt.
Battery not charging	Faulty alternator, loose connections	Test alternator; tighten battery terminals.
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blades, loose deck	Balance blades; tighten deck mounting bolts.

Reset: For electrical issues, disconnect battery for 5 minutes to reset system.

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