Owners Manual for Craftsman LT2000 Mower

The Craftsman LT2000 is a 42-inch riding lawn mower with a 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, cutting height adjustment, mulching capability, and rear bagger attachment. Designed for residential use on medium to large lawns. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Attachments & Accessories 7. Mowing Operation 8. Safety Features 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, 42-inch steel cutting deck, 6-speed manual transmission, electric start, cutting height adjustment lever, mulching plug, rear bagger attachment, headlights, cup holder.

Feature	Description
Engine	19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, single-cylinder, overhead valve
Cutting Width	42-inch steel deck
Transmission	6-speed manual gear drive
Starting System	Electric key start with backup recoil
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5 to 4 inches (lever)
Fuel Capacity	2.5 gallons (gasoline)
Mulching Capability	Included mulching plug
Bagging	Rear bagger attachment (optional)
Headlights	For low-light operation
Seat	High-back with armrests

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering wheel: Align and tighten bolt.
Attach seat: Mount using provided bolts and washers.
Install cutting deck: Lower deck onto mounting points, secure with pins.
Connect battery: Attach cables (red positive, black negative).
Add engine oil and gasoline: Use SAE 30 oil (check dipstick) and unleaded gasoline.

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

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-operation checks before starting.

Check oil level: Dipstick should show full.
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded fuel.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired height.
Start engine: Insert key, turn to ON, set parking brake, press clutch, turn to START.
Engage blades: Pull PTO lever to engage cutting deck.
Begin mowing: Release parking brake, press clutch, select gear, slowly release clutch.

CAUTION! Clear area of debris and people before starting. Wear safety gear.

Specifications

Engine: 19.5 HP Briggs & Stratton, OHV.
Cutting Deck: 42-inch steel, 3-blade.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, gear drive.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).
Oil Type: SAE 30 (summer), 10W-30 (multi-season).
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches.
Turning Radius: 18 inches.
Weight: 450 lbs (approx.).
Warranty: 2-year limited.

Controls and Settings

Dashboard: Ignition key, headlight switch, hour meter. Floor: Clutch pedal, brake pedal, parking brake lever. Right side: Cutting height lever, PTO (blade engage) lever. Steering: Wheel and column.

Operation: Start with parking brake set, clutch depressed. Select gear (1-6), release clutch slowly. Engage PTO lever to start blades. Adjust cutting height before or during operation (stop blades first).

Settings: Cutting height (lever positions 1-7), throttle control (engine speed), headlights on/off.

Attachments & Accessories

Mulching Kit: Install plug in discharge chute. Rear Bagger: Attach to hitch, connect chute to deck. Tow Behind Sprayer: Use hitch for pulling.

Turn off engine and remove key before attaching.
Follow attachment instructions for secure mounting.
Ensure all connections are tight and clear of moving parts.

Tip: Store attachments in dry place to prevent rust.

Mowing Operation

Supports standard cutting, mulching, and bagging.

Pre-check: Clear area, check fuel/oil, adjust cutting height.
Start: Engage parking brake, start engine, engage PTO.
Mow: Select gear, release brake, mow in overlapping passes.
Slopes: Mow up and down, not across, on slopes less than 15 degrees.
Bagging: Install bagger, ensure chute is connected.
Mulching: Install mulching plug, mow at slower speed.
Shut down: Disengage PTO, turn off engine, remove key.
Clean: Remove grass clippings from deck after use.

WARNING! Do not mow on steep slopes. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Safety Features

Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades when PTO disengaged. Parking Brake: Locks rear wheels. Seat Safety Switch: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with blades engaged. Headlights: For visibility.

Maintenance Schedule

Perform maintenance with engine off and cool.

After each use: Clean deck, check for damage.

Every 25 hours: Check tire pressure, inspect blades.

Every 50 hours: Change oil, check air filter.

Every 100 hours: Replace spark plug, check belts.

Seasonal: Sharpen blades, lubricate moving parts, store properly.

CAUTION! Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Warranty Information

2-year limited warranty for residential use. Covers defects in materials/workmanship. Does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact Craftsman at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.craftsman.com. Keep receipt and serial number (located on frame near engine).

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, no fuel, spark plug	Charge battery; add fuel; check/replace spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blades, low engine speed	Sharpen blades; set throttle to full.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt; clean deck.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter; drain old fuel.
Transmission issues	Low oil, improper shifting	Check transmission oil level; shift at full stop.

Reset: Turn key off, wait 30 seconds, restart.

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