Learning how to start Craftsman riding lawn mower is a fundamental skill for maintaining your yard. Starting a Craftsman riding mower involves a precise sequence of controls for safe ignition. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for various models, along with essential pre-start checks and troubleshooting tips to get you mowing quickly and safely.
How To Start Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
The core starting procedure is consistent across most Craftsman riding mowers. Before you turn the key, it’s crucial to perform a few safety and operational checks. Following the correct order of operations protects both you and the machine from potential damage.
Pre-Start Safety And Operational Checklist
Never skip these preliminary steps. They ensure your mower is in a safe and ready state for ignition.
- Read the Manual: Always consult your specific model’s owner’s manual for any unique instructions or locations of controls.
- Clear the Area: Remove any children, pets, stones, toys, or debris from the mowing path.
- Check the Fuel Level: Ensure you have enough fresh, clean gasoline. Gas older than 30 days can cause starting issues.
- Inspect the Mower Deck: Verify the cutting deck is clear of packed grass and that the blades are not obstructed.
- Engage the Parking Brake: This is a critical safety step to prevent the mower from rolling.
- Set the Cutting Height: Adjust the deck to your desired setting before starting the engine.
Step-By-Step Starting Procedure
Once your pre-start checks are complete, follow these steps in order. This sequence applies to standard models with a manual PTO (Blade Engage) system.
- Mount the mower and ensure you are seated firmly in the seat. The seat safety switch will prevent starting if no weight is detected.
- Locate the ignition key slot and insert the key. Do not turn it yet.
- Find the throttle/choke control lever. For a cold engine, move it to the “Choke” position. For a warm engine, set it to “Fast.”
- Ensure the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position. The blades should not be engaged when starting.
- Press the brake pedal down fully and hold it. On many models, this also engages the parking brake.
- Set the gear shift lever to “Neutral” or “Park,” depending on your model’s transmission.
- Turn the ignition key to the “Start” position. Release the key immediately once the engine cranks and starts. It should spring back to the “Run” position.
- If the engine is cold, let it run for 30 seconds with the choke on, then gradually move the throttle lever to “Fast.” Allow the engine to warm up for a minute or two before engaging the blades or driving.
Understanding Your Mower’s Controls
Familiarizing yourself with the dashboard and control panel is key to smooth operation. Here’s a breakdown of common controls you’ll interact with during startup.
Ignition Key Switch
The key switch typically has three positions: “Off,” “Run,” and “Start.” You turn it to “Start” momentarily to crank the engine. It must be held in this position; it will not lock there.
Throttle And Choke Lever
This lever controls engine speed and the choke function. “Choke” enriches the fuel mixture for a cold start. “Slow” is for idling, and “Fast” is for normal operation and mowing. Some newer models have an auto-choke system.
PTO (Power Take-Off) Lever
This lever engages and disengages the mower blades. It must always be OFF when starting or stopping the engine, and when driving over surfaces you do not intend to cut.
Brake And Clutch Pedals
The brake pedal is used to slow or stop the mower. Depressing it fully often activates a safety switch that allows starting. On some models, there is a separate clutch pedal for changing gears.
Common Starting Problems And Solutions
If your Craftsman riding mower won’t start, don’t worry. Most issues are simple to diagnose and fix. Work through this logical checklist to identify the problem.
Engine Does Not Crank (No Sound)
When you turn the key and hear nothing, the issue is usually electrical or related to a safety switch.
- Check the Battery: Corroded or loose terminals are a common culprit. Clean them and ensure the connections are tight. A weak or dead battery may need a jump-start or replacement.
- Verify Safety Switches: The mower will not crank if a safety switch is not engaged. Ensure you are sitting firmly in the seat, the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the PTO lever is in the OFF position.
- Inspect the Ignition Key Switch: A faulty switch can interrupt the circuit. Test with a multimeter or consult a technician.
Engine Cranks But Will Not Start
If the engine turns over but doesn’t fire up, the problem is likely with fuel, spark, or air.
- Check the Fuel: Is there gas in the tank? Is it fresh? Old fuel is a leading cause of starting failure. Drain and replace with fresh gasoline if necessary.
- Verify the Fuel Shut-Off Valve: Some models have a manual valve on the fuel line. Make sure it is in the “On” position.
- Choke Setting: A cold engine requires the choke. If it’s set to “Fast,” the engine may not get enough fuel to start.
- Examine the Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug, check its condition, and look for spark. A fouled or damaged plug should be cleaned or replaced.
Engine Starts Then Immediately Dies
This frustrating problem often points to a fuel delivery issue or a safety switch that activates after startup.
- Fuel Cap Vent: A clogged vent on the gas cap can create a vacuum in the tank, stopping fuel flow. Try loosening the cap slightly to see if the engine continues to run.
- Seat Safety Switch: If the switch is faulty or misaligned, it may think you’ve left the seat after starting, cutting the engine. Check the switch and its connection.
- Carburetor Issues: A dirty carburetor jet or passage can restrict fuel. Using a fuel stabilizer year-round can prevent this.
Seasonal Starting Considerations
Your starting routine should adjust with the seasons, especially if you store your mower for the winter.
Starting After Long-Term Storage
Proper preparation before storage makes spring starting much easier. If you didn’t prepare it, here’s what to do.
- Remove Old Fuel: Drain all gasoline from the tank and carburetor. Old fuel turns to varnish and clogs the fuel system.
- Install a New Spark Plug: A fresh plug ensures a strong spark for the first start of the season.
- Check the Air Filter: Replace a dirty filter to ensure proper air flow.
- Charge the Battery: A battery left connected over winter is often drained. Give it a full charge before attempting to start.
- Add Fresh Fuel: Fill the tank with new, ethanol-free gasoline if possible, or use a fuel stabilizer.
Starting In Cold Weather
Colder temperatures make engines harder to start. The choke is your best friend here.
- Use the Choke Fully: Always set the throttle lever to the “Choke” position for a cold start, even if the engine is only cool from overnight.
- Allow Extra Warm-Up Time: Let the engine run with the choke partially on for a longer period—up to a few minutes—before moving the lever to “Fast.”
- Consider a Battery Tender: If you use the mower occasionally in winter, a battery maintainer will keep it at full charge.
Essential Maintenance For Reliable Starting
Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid starting problems altogether. A well-kept mower starts on the first or second crank.
Weekly Or Monthly Checks
These quick tasks should be part of your regular mowing routine.
- Check Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tires ensure even cutting and reduce strain.
- Clean the Mower Deck: After each use, scrape away grass clippings to prevent corrosion and improve airflow.
- Inspect Blades for Damage: Look for bends, cracks, or excessive dullness. Sharpen or replace blades as needed.
Annual Or Seasonal Maintenance
Dedicate time at the start and end of each mowing season for these important procedures.
- Change the Engine Oil: Replace the oil and filter according to the manual’s schedule, typically every 50 hours or once per season.
- Replace the Air Filter: A clean air filter is vital for engine performance and longevity. Check it monthly and change it yearly.
- Service the Fuel System: Add a fuel stabilizer to the last tank of the season and consider a professional carburetor cleaning annually.
- Grease Fittings: Lubricate all zerks fittings on the steering and deck components to reduce wear.
- Inspect and Clean the Battery: Keep the terminals clean and free of corrosion to ensure a good electrical connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Won’t My Craftsman Riding Mower Start Even With A New Battery?
If you have a new battery and the engine still won’t crank, the issue is likely a safety switch (seat, brake, or PTO), a faulty solenoid, or a bad connection at the starter motor. Check that all safety interlock conditions are met first.
What Is The Correct Way To Jump Start A Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower?
Use jumper cables and a donor vehicle (with its engine OFF) or a dedicated jump starter. Connect positive (+) to positive on both batteries, then connect negative (-) to the donor’s negative terminal and a clean, unpainted metal part on the mower’s frame (not the dead battery’s negative terminal). Start the mower, then carefully disconnect in reverse order.
How Do I Start A Craftsman Riding Mower That Has Been Sitting For Years?
You must thoroughly service the fuel system. Drain all old gas, replace the fuel filter, clean or rebuild the carburetor, and add fresh fuel. Also, change the oil, install a new spark plug, and ensure the battery is fully charged. The tires may also be flat and need air.
Where Is The Primer Bulb On A Craftsman Mower?
Not all models have a primer bulb. If yours does, it is typically a small, rubber button located on the engine near the air filter or carburetor. Press it 2-3 times to pump fuel into the carburetor before starting a cold engine.
Should The Parking Brake Be On When Starting A Riding Mower?
Yes, absolutely. Engaging the parking brake is a critical safety step. On most Craftsman models, fully depressing the brake pedal activates the parking brake and the safety switch that allows the engine to crank. Always start with the brake set.