Riding Mowers

Bought a unit this morning that had a 2006 Craftsman DLT 3000 riding mower.

It has a flat tire but amazingly the key was in the ignition. Haven't tried to start it yet because the facility manager told me it has been in the unit for over two years.

Anyone know what maintenance should be done before attempting to start it?

Drain gas and rinse tank.
Check oil.
 Pull spark plug and at least clean it up. 

That should be enough that you don't damage anything testing it out.   After you see it works, find problems,whatever....you can do a full tune up.


Might want to do a fast check of all belts and pully's.  Spray one WD-40 around.  Just generally clean and lube before you try and start it.

What do you rinse the tank with...fresh gas?

What do you rinse the tank with...fresh gas?

Yeah. 
Not so much of a problem in lawn mowers since they have plastic tanks but gas will still "gel up".
Plus water, dirt, impurities......

Just pop line off. Usually just a clamp you press together with pliers.
Drain.  Put your finger over hole and put a bit of gas in, swish and drain.

Might want to look at filter too.

Mine wouldn't start this spring because it was run dry last use.  Filter hardened up, all crusty with gunk.
I just put rubbing alcohol in a few times and cleaned it out. Not very professional but worked for a really old, not maintained POS mower I didnt want to spend money on.....

FYI - Craftsman has owners manuals online.  Should have all the basic maintenance and trouble shooting guides in it.
 If not, you can go to sears website customer support and they will send you a PDF.

Cool. Thanks for the info.