Manual for T1200

Manual for T1200

Brand: CRAFTSMAN

Category: Lawn Mower

Document Type: Manual

Language: EN

Available Languages: EN , ES

Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 6:48 p.m.

Manual Publish Date: 2015-03-09

Warranty Information

This lawn tractor has a 2-year limited warranty on non-expendable parts.

Starting the Engine: Ensure parking brake is set, PTO is OFF, then insert key and turn to START. Release once engine fires. Deactivate choke after starting. Ensure throttle is set to FAST when using the cutting deck.
Driving the Tractor: Depress brake pedal to release parking brake. Move throttle to FAST. Place shift lever in FORWARD or REVERSE. Apply pressure to drive pedal to move; more pressure equals faster speed. Release drive pedal to slow down, depress brake pedal to stop completely.
Engaging the Blades: Move throttle to FAST. Pivot PTO lever forward to engaged (ON) position.
Stopping the Engine: Disengage PTO, turn key to STOP, remove key.
Reverse Caution Mode: For mowing in reverse with blades engaged, turn key to REVERSE CAUTION MODE and press REVERSE PUSH BUTTON. Always look behind and down before backing.

Troubleshooting and error codes

Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start
  1. PTO/Blade Engage lever engaged.
  2. Parking brake not engaged.
  3. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
  4. Throttle/Choke control lever not in correct starting position.
  5. Choke not activated
  6. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
  7. Blocked fuel line.
  8. Faulty spark plug(s).
  9. Engine flooded.
  10. Blown Fuse(s)
  1. Place lever in disengaged (OFF) position.
  2. Engage parking brake.
  3. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s).
  4. Place Throttle/Choke lever into the FAST position.
  5. Move the Throttle/Choke lever into the Choke position.
  6. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
  7. Replace the fuel line and replace fuel filter.
  8. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug(s).
  9. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
  10. Replace Fuse(s) See "Fuse" in Service and Maintenance section.
Engine runs erratically
  1. Unit running with CHOKE activated.
  2. Spark plug wire(s) loose.
  3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
  4. Vent in gas cap plugged.
  5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
  6. Dirty air cleaner.
  1. Deactivate the CHOKE.
  2. Connect spark plug wire(s).
  3. Replace the fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter.
  4. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
  5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh gasoline.
  6. Replace air cleaner paper element or clean foam pre-cleaner, if equipped.
Engine overheats
  1. Engine oil level low.
  2. Air flow restricted.
  1. Fill crankcase with proper amount and weight of oil.
  2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine's cooling fins and housing.
Engine hesitates at high RPM
  1. Spark plug gap too close.
  1. Remove spark plug and reset the gap.
Engine idles rough
  1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
  2. Dirty air cleaner.
  1. Replace spark plug. Set plug gap.
  2. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean pre-cleaner.
Excessive vibration
  1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
  2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
  1. Tighten blade and spindle.
  2. Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass
  1. Engine speed too low.
  2. Wet grass.
  3. Excessively high grass.
  4. Dull blade.
  1. Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
  2. Do not mulch when grass is wet.
  3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting swath.
  4. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut
  1. Deck not leveled properly.
  2. Dull blade.
  3. Uneven tire pressure.
  1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
  2. Sharpen or replace blade.
  3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
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