Craftsman T140 Riding Lawn Mower Manual

The Craftsman T140 is a 42-inch deck riding lawn mower powered by a Briggs & Stratton 19.5 HP engine, featuring a 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, cruise control, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4 inches), and a comfortable high-back seat. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

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: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch stamped steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, cruise control, high-back seat, headlights, cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single cylinder, OHV
Cutting Deck	42-inch stamped steel, 3-blade system
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Cutting Height	Adjustable from 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Seat	High-back, padded, adjustable
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Cruise Control	Maintains constant speed on flat terrain
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with differential lock

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Clear mowing area of debris, toys, and obstacles.
Never carry passengers; operator only.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Disengage blades and set parking brake before dismounting.

WARNING! Gasoline is flammable; refuel outdoors with engine off and cool. Keep children and pets away during operation.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount with provided bolts and washers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz) – check dipstick.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded (87 octane minimum).
Check tire pressure: Front 14 PSI, Rear 10 PSI.

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened securely. Test all controls before first use.

Specifications

Model: Craftsman T140
Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV
Cutting Width: 42 inches
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 48 oz (SAE 30)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches
Wheel Size: Front 15", Rear 20"
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter, choke (if equipped).

Control Levers: Blade engagement lever, parking brake, gear shift (1-6 + R), cruise control lever.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Disengage blades. 4. Move gear shift to Neutral (N). 5. Turn key to START. 6. Allow engine to warm up (30 seconds).

Stopping Procedure: 1. Disengage blades. 2. Move gear shift to Neutral. 3. Engage parking brake. 4. Turn key to OFF. 5. Remove key.

Mowing Instructions

For best results, mow when grass is dry.

Adjust cutting height: Use lever beside seat.
Engage blades: Pull lever upward slowly.
Select gear: Start in 1st or 2nd gear for thick grass.
Engage cruise control (optional): Push lever forward once desired speed is reached.
Overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cut.
Empty grass bag when full (if equipped).

Tip: Change mowing pattern weekly to prevent ruts and promote even growth.

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 (after cooling)
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil (first change at 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, sharpen/replace blades, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Lubricate pivot points, check battery charge

Blade Sharpening: Remove deck or mower; use file or grinder to maintain original angle. Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage (especially winter).

Add fuel stabilizer to tank and run engine for 5 minutes.
Change engine oil (if due).
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz of oil to cylinder, pull starter cord slowly, reinstall plug.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Store in a dry, covered area; disconnect battery if storing >30 days.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Gasoline degrades and can damage fuel system.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, dead battery, clogged fuel line	Add fuel, charge/replace battery, check fuel line and filter.
Engine runs rough or stalls	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged carburetor	Replace air filter, drain old gas, clean carburetor.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen blades, adjust tire pressure, level deck.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, damaged spindle, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt, inspect spindle, clean deck.
Loss of power	Clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, drive belt slipping	Replace fuel filter, clean/replace spark plug, adjust/replace belt.

Reset: For safety switches (seat, brake), ensure all connections are secure.

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

Warranty Information

Craftsman T140 includes a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. Proof of purchase required. Warranty does not cover wear items (blades, belts, tires), damage from misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty claims, contact an authorized service center.