Craftsman T1400 Owners Manual

The Craftsman T1400 is a 14 HP riding lawn tractor designed for residential lawn care, featuring a 42-inch mower deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable cutting height, and durable steel construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls & Operation 4. Specifications 5. Mower Deck Operation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 14 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch mower deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, adjustable seat, cup holder, headlights.

Feature	Description
Engine	14 HP Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV
Cutting Width	42-inch triple-blade mower deck
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Fuel Capacity	2.5-gallon gas tank
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Turning Radius	18 inches
Headlights	Integrated for low-light operation
Seat	High-back adjustable seat
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided hardware.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Attach mower deck: Lower deck lift, align brackets, secure with pins.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 (approx. 48 oz).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded 87 octane minimum.

WARNING! Do not add fuel while engine is hot. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Controls & Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Ignition switch: Turn key to start; push for electric start.
Brake pedal: Press to stop; must be engaged to start.
Clutch/brake pedal: Depress to disengage transmission.
Gear shift: 6-speed manual (1=slowest, 6=fastest).
Throttle: Controls engine speed (turtle=slow, rabbit=fast).
PTO lever: Engages mower blades.
Deck lift lever: Adjusts cutting height (1-6 positions).
Parking brake: Set when parked on slopes.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do not operate on slopes over 15 degrees.

Specifications

Engine: 14 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder OHV.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F), 5W-30 (below 32°F).
Cutting Width: 42 inches.
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions).
Transmission: 6-speed manual gear drive.
Turning Radius: 18 inches.
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.).
Max Speed: 5.5 mph forward, 2.2 mph reverse.
Warranty: 2-year limited residential warranty.

Mower Deck Operation

Proper deck operation ensures even cutting and long life.

Engage PTO: Only when engine is at full throttle.
Adjust height: Use deck lift lever; higher for tall grass.
Overlap passes: By 2-3 inches for even cutting.
Clean deck: After each use to prevent grass buildup.
Sharpen blades: Every 25 hours of use.

Tip: Mow when grass is dry for best results. Avoid mowing in reverse when possible.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, oil level, fuel
Every 8 hours	Check mower deck for debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil, sharpen blades, check belts
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, spark plug
Every 100 hours	Change transmission fluid
Season end	Winterize (drain fuel or add stabilizer)

Engine Care

Proper engine maintenance is critical for reliable operation.

Oil change: First 5 hours, then every 25 hours.
Air filter: Clean every 25 hours; replace if damaged.
Spark plug: Replace every 50 hours (gap 0.030").
Fuel filter: Replace annually.
Cooling fins: Keep clean for proper airflow.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

Clean thoroughly: Remove all grass and debris.
Fuel treatment: Add stabilizer or drain tank completely.
Oil change: Fresh oil before storage.
Battery: Remove and store in cool, dry place.
Cover: Use breathable cover to protect from elements.

CAUTION! Store in dry location away from open flames or sparks.

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Wear eye protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of debris before starting.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow on slopes exceeding 15 degrees.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Disconnect spark plug before maintenance.
Never leave running mower unattended.

DANGER! Carbon monoxide poisoning - never operate in enclosed spaces.

Warranty & Support

2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance. For support, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep original receipt for warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, bad spark plug	Charge battery, add fuel, check spark plug
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades, run at full throttle
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced blade, loose parts	Balance or replace blade, tighten bolts
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter, use fresh fuel
Hard to steer	Low tire pressure, worn parts	Inflate tires to 12 PSI, check steering linkage

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

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