Learning how to start a Craftsman riding lawn mower is the first step to maintaining a beautiful yard. Starting your Craftsman riding mower requires a specific sequence of safety and operational steps for reliable ignition. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to get your machine running smoothly, whether it’s the first start of the season or a routine mow.
How To Start A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
This section covers the universal starting procedure that applies to most Craftsman riding mower models. Following these steps in order ensures safety and helps prevent damage to the engine. Always refer to your specific model’s owner’s manual for the most accurate information, as there can be slight variations.
Pre-Start Safety And Inspection Checklist
Before you even think about turning the key, a quick inspection is crucial. This prevents accidents and identifies potential problems that could interfere with starting.
- Clear the Area: Remove any children, pets, toys, sticks, or debris from the mowing zone.
- Check the Fuel Level: Ensure you have enough fresh, clean gasoline. Gas older than 30 days can degrade and cause starting issues.
- Inspect the Mower Deck: Look underneath to make sure the deck is clear of packed grass or obstructions.
- Seat Engagement: Most Craftsman riders have a safety switch that requires you to be seated for the engine to crank or run.
- Blade Engagement: Verify that the blade control lever or switch is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
- Parking Brake: Set the parking brake fully. This is often a required safety interlock.
Step-By-Step Starting Procedure
Once your safety check is complete, follow these numbered steps precisely.
- Position the Mower: Place the tractor on a flat, level surface. This is important for checking fluid levels accurately.
- Apply the Parking Brake: Push the brake pedal down fully and set the parking brake lever.
- Set the Gear Shift: For manual gear drives, place the shift lever in “Neutral.” For hydrostatic models, ensure the speed control lever is in the “Neutral” or “Park” position.
- Adjust the Throttle: Move the throttle/choke control to the appropriate position. For a cold engine, move it to the “Choke” or “Fast” position. For a warm engine, use “Half-Choke” or “Fast.”
- Turn the Ignition Key: Insert the key and turn it to the “ON” position. You may hear a click or see indicator lights illuminate.
- Engage the Blades: If your model requires it for starting, momentarily engage and then disengage the blade control. This is a common safety reset feature.
- Crank the Engine: Turn the key to the “START” position. Release the key as soon as the engine starts, allowing it to spring back to “ON.” Do not hold the key in start for more than 5 seconds at a time.
- Adjust the Choke: If you used the choke, gradually move the throttle control to the “Slow” position as the engine warms up (usually after 30 seconds).
What To Do If Your Mower Won’t Start
A non-starting mower can be frustrating. Work through this logical troubleshooting list before calling for service.
Check The Obvious First
Often, the solution is simple. Ensure the parking brake is set, you are firmly seated, the blade control is off, and the gear shift is in neutral. All of these are common safety interlock requirements that will prevent cranking.
Fuel System Issues
Old or contaminated fuel is a leading cause of starting problems. Drain and replace with fresh gasoline. Check that the fuel shut-off valve, if your model has one, is in the “ON” position. A clogged fuel filter can also starve the engine.
Electrical System Checks
A weak or dead battery is a frequent culprit. Check battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are tight. Use a multimeter to test battery voltage; it should be above 12.5V. A faulty safety switch, ignition switch, or solenoid can also interrupt the starting circuit.
Spark Plug And Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making the engine hard to start. Remove and inspect it, replacing if necessary. A fouled or damaged spark plug won’t ignite the fuel. Remove the plug, check its condition, clean the gap, or replace it with the correct type.
Essential Maintenance For Easy Starting
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your Craftsman riding mower starts on the first try, every time. Neglect is the most common reason for starting difficulties.
Pre-Season Tune-Up Tasks
At the beginning of each mowing season, perform these critical tasks. It sets you up for a trouble-free year.
- Change the Engine Oil: Replace old oil with the grade specified in your manual.
- Replace the Air Filter: A new filter ensures proper air-fuel mixture.
- Install a New Spark Plug: This provides a strong, reliable spark for ignition.
- Check and Charge the Battery: Clean terminals and ensure a full charge.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply grease to fittings and oil to pivot points.
Regular In-Season Upkeep
During the mowing season, a few simple habits keep your mower in top shape.
- Check Oil Level: Do this before each use.
- Use Fuel Stabilizer: If you don’t use ethanol-free gas, add stabilizer to every tank to prevent moisture absorption and gum formation.
- Keep the Deck Clean: After each mow, scrape off grass clippings from the underside of the deck to prevent rust and buildup.
- Inspect Belts and Blades: Look for signs of wear, cracking, or damage regularly.
End-Of-Season Winterization
Proper storage prevents starting nightmares next spring. This is one of the most important procedures you can perform.
- Add Fuel Stabilizer: Run the engine for 5 minutes to circulate treated fuel through the entire system, then top off the tank.
- Change the Oil: Old oil contains contaminants that can damage the engine over the winter.
- Remove the Battery: Store it indoors on a wooden surface and trickle-charge it once during the off-season.
- Clean the Mower Thoroughly: Remove all grass, dirt, and debris from the entire machine.
Understanding Your Craftsman Mower’s Controls
Knowing the function of each lever and switch is fundamental to safe and successful operation. Familiarize yourself with your model’s layout.
Ignition And Power Controls
These controls manage the engine’s operation. The ignition switch typically has three positions: OFF, ON, and START. The throttle/choke lever controls engine speed and the choke for cold starts. The blade engagement lever, usually a lever or switch, spins the cutting blades.
Driving And Mobility Controls
These allow you to maneuver the tractor. The gear shift lever (on manual models) or speed control lever (on hydrostatic models) selects forward, neutral, or reverse. The brake pedal slows and stops the mower, while the parking brake lever locks the brake in place. The steering wheel guides direction, of course.
Safety Precautions You Must Follow
Operating a riding lawn mower involves real risks. Adhering to these safety rules protects you, your property, and bystanders.
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety glasses. Hearing protection is also recommended due to prolonged engine noise.
Operating Safety Guidelines
- Never carry passengers, especially children.
- Mow slopes carefully. Go up and down slopes, not across them, to avoid tipping.
- Always look behind you before backing up.
- Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop completely before dismounting or unclogging the deck.
- Do not mow wet grass, as it is slippery and can clog the mower.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Won’t My Craftsman Riding Mower Turn Over?
If you hear a clicking sound but the engine doesn’t crank, the battery is likely weak or the connections are dirty. If there is no sound at all, check the safety interlock switches (seat, brake, blade) and the ignition switch. A bad starter solenoid could also be the cause.
What Is The Correct Way To Jump Start A Riding Mower?
Use jumper cables and a donor vehicle (with its engine OFF). Connect positive (+) to positive on both batteries first. Then, connect the negative (-) cable to the donor battery and the other end to an unpainted metal part of the mower’s frame, away from the battery. Start the mower, then carefully disconnect in reverse order.
How Do I Start A Craftsman Riding Mower That Has Been Sitting All Winter?
First, check and charge the battery. Drain any old fuel from the tank and carburetor, and add fresh gasoline. Check the oil level and air filter. You may need to spray a small amount of carburetor cleaner into the air intake to help with initial ignition. Be prepared to change the spark plug if it’s fouled.
Where Is The Primer Button On A Craftsman Mower?
Not all Craftsman riders have a primer button. Many use an automatic choke instead. If your model has one, it’s typically a small, rubber button located on the engine housing. Press it 2-3 times for a cold start to push fuel directly into the carburetor.
Should The Blades Be Engaged When Starting?
No. The blade control lever or PTO switch should always be in the disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine. This is a critical safety feature. Some models even require you to momentarily engage and then disengage the blades as part of the starting sequence to reset the safety system, but the blades must be off before the engine actually cranks.