Craftsman 107280060 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
MRH°
ZTS 70
Zero-Turn Rear Engine Rider with Electric Start
Model No.
107.280060 (21HP Briggs & Stratton Engine with 42" Mower)
/i \
CAUTION: Before using this product, read
the manual and follow all its Safety Rules
and Operating Instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.craftsman.com
For answers to your questions about this
product, call:
1=800=659=5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat
Revision -
7104939
Thank you for purchasing this quality-built CRAFTSMAN mower. We're pleased that you've placed your confidence
in the CRAFTSMAN brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your
CRAFTSMAN product will provide many years of dependable service.
This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks associated with mowers and
how to avoid them. This product and its approved attachments/accessories are designed and intended only for lawn
work or snow removal and are not intended for any other purpose. It is important that you read and understand these
instructions thoroughly before attempting to start or operate this equipment. Save these original instructions for
future reference.
Where to Find Us
You never have to look far to find support and service for your CRAFTSMAN mower. There are authorized service
dealers in North America who provide quality service. You can contact Customer Service by phone at (800) 659-5917,
or locate a dealer on the Internet at www.craftsman.com.
Mower
Model Number
Serial Number
Engine
Model Type Trim
Date Code
Date Purchased
2
Operator Safety .................................................. 4
Features and Controls ..................................... 13
Control Functions .................................................. 13
Operation .......................................................... 15
General Operating Safety ...................................... 15
Checks Before Starting ......................................... 15
Starting the Engine ................................................ 16
Stopping the Rider and Engine ............................. 16
Mowing .................................................................. 16
Pushing the Rider by Hand ................................... 16
Zero Turn Driving Practice .................................... 17
Attaching a Trailer ................................................. 19
Maintenance ..................................................... 20
Maintenance Chart ................................................ 20
Checking Tire Pressures....................................... 21
Checking/Adding Fuel ........................................... 21
Fuel Filter .............................................................. 21
Engine Maintenance ............................................. 21
Storage .................................................................. 22
Adjustments and Service ................................ 23
Seat Adjustments .................................................. 23
Ground Speed Lever Adjustment .......................... 23
Speed Balancing Adjustment ................................ 23
Cutting Height Adjustment .................................... 24
Mower Removal and installation ........................... 24
Check Mower Blade Stoppping Time .................... 25
Cleaning the Battery and Cables ........................... 26
Battery Charging ................................................... 26
Troubleshooting ............................................... 27
Troubleshooting the Rider ..................................... 27
Troubleshooting the Mower ................................... 28
Specifications ................................................... 29
Warranty ............................................................ 30
Repair Protection Agreement ......................... 31
3
Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality piece of lawn
and garden equipment. Our products are designed and manufac-
tured to meet or exceed all industry standards for safety.
Do not operate this machine unless you have familiarized yourself
with it. Reading and understanding this operator's manual is a
way to do just that.
Power equipment is only as safe as the operator. If it is misused,
or not properly maintained, it can be dangerous! Remember, you
are responsible for your safety and that of those around you.
Use common sense, and think through what you are doing. If you
are not sure that the task you are about to perform can be safely
done with the equipment you have chosen, ask a professional:
contact your local authorized dealer.
Read the Manual
The operator's manual contains important safety infor-
mation you need to be aware of BEFORE you operate
your unit as well as DURING operation.
Safe operating techniques, an explanation of the prod-
uct's features and controls, and maintenance informa-
tion is included to help you get the most out of your
equipment investment.
Be sure to completely read the Safety Rules and
information found on the following pages. Also com-
pletely read the Operation section.
Operating Safety
Children
Tragic accidents can occur with children. Do
not allow them anywhere near the area of
operation. Children are often attracted to the
unit and mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
If there is a risk that children may enter the
area where you are mowing, have another
responsible adult watch them.
4
Operation on slopes can be dangerous. Using the unit on
a slope that is too steep where you do not have adequate
wheel traction (and control) can cause sliding, loss of
steering, control, and possible rollover. You should not
operate on a slope greater than a 3.5 foot rise over a 20
foot length (10 degrees).
Always mow up and down slopes, not across, and avoid
sudden turns or rapid speed changes. Reduce speed and
use extreme caution on ALL slopes.
Also, note that the surface condition you are on can
3.5
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greatly impact your ability to safely operate this machine.
Operating on wet or slippery slopes can cause sliding and
loss of steering and control. Do not operate on slopes that
are slippery, wet, or have soft soil conditions.
If you feel unsure about operating the unit on a slope, don't
do it. It's not worth the risk.
Thrown Objects
This unit has spinning mower blades. These blades can pick up and
throw debris that could seriously injure a bystander. Be sure to clean
up the area to be mowed and remove objects that could be thrown by
the blade BEFORE you start mowing. Do not operate this unit without
the entire grass catcher or discharge guard (deflector) in place.
Also, do not allow anyone in the area while the unit is running! if some-
one does enter the area, shut the unit off immediately until they leave.
Slope Operation
Moving Parts
This equipment has many moving parts that can injure
you or someone else. However, if you stay in the operator
zone (stay seated in the seat), and follow the safety rules
in this operator's manual, the unit is safe to operate.
The mower deck has spinning mower blades that can
amputate hands and feet. Do not allow anyone near the
unit while it is running! Keep safety devices (guards,
shields, and switches) in place and working.
To help you, the operator, use this equipment safely, it is
equipped with an operator-present safety system. Do NOT
attempt to alter or bypass the system. See your dealer
immediately if the system does not pass all the safety
interlock system tests found in this manual
5
Retaining Wails, Drop-Offs, and Water
Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a common hazard. Give yourself a minimum of two mower
widths of clearance around these hazards and hand-trim with a walk behind mower or string trimmer. Wheels drop-
ping over retaining walls, edges, ditches, embankments, or into water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious
injury, death, or drowning.
Fuel and Maintenance
Always disengage all drives, shutoff the engine, and
remove the key before doing any cleaning, refueling, or
servicing.
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Do not
smoke while operating or refueling. Do not add fuel while
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool for at least 3
minutes prior to adding fuel.
Do not add fuel indoors, in an enclosed trailer, garage,
or any other enclosed area that is not well ventilated.
Gasoline spills should be cleaned up promptly and before
operation begins.
Gasoline should be stored only in sealed containers
approved for fuel.
Proper maintenance is critical to the safety and perfor-
mance of your unit. Keep the unit free of grass, leaves,
and excess oil. Be sure to perform the maintenance proce-
dures listed in this manual, especially periodically testing
the safety system.
Enclosed Areas
Only operate this unit outdoors and away from unventi-
lated areas such as inside garages or enclosed trailers.
The engine emits poisonous carbon monoxide gas and
prolonged exposure in an enclosed area can result in
serious injury or death.
6
WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can
cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious injury or
death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions and must allow
only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each person operating the machine must be of
sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or
judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction,
contact the Customer Service Department.
Protection for Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Children who have
been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the
mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed
over by the machine. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
1. KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is
operated (even with the blade OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine,
attachments or towed equipment (even with the
blades OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
machine.
5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with
mature judgment under close adult supervision to
operate machine.
6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES.
LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets
and hazards before and while backing.
7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
Protection Against Tipovers
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, DO
NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments; these affect the handling and the stability of
the machine.
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10
degrees (18% grade).
2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on all slopes. Turn
blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed
and avoid sudden or sharp turns.
3. DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face
of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes
with blades off.
4. AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If
machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn
blades OFF and back slowly straight down the slope.
5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards.
Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from
ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and protruding
objects.
Protection Against Tipovers
(Continued From Previous Column)
6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from
edge of ditches and other drop offs. The machine
could turn over if an edge caves in.
7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.
8. Use weights or aweighted load carrier in accordance
with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO
NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10
degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass
catcher.
9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize
the machine.
10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
11. Chose a low enough speed setting so that you will not
have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose trac-
tion on slopes even though the brakes are functioning
properly.
12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where
traction, steering or stability is doubtful.
13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll
release) and coast downhill.
Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warn-
ings in this manual and on the machine, engine and
attachments. Know the controls and the proper use of
the machine before starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
machine and only after proper instruction.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related inju-
ries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the mower safely enough to protect them-
selves and others from serious injury.
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and
vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel con-
tainer. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with
engine running. Add fuel outdoors only with engine
stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel from machine.
DO NOT smoke.
5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to
learn controls and develop skills.
7
Preparation
(Continued From Previous Page)
6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects
such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that
could cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with
mowing.
7. Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immed-
iately STOP blades, STOP engine, and STOP
machine if anyone enters the area.
8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls
and other safety devices frequently for proper opera-
tion and location.
9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glass-
es, long pants and substantial footwear.
11. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
12. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
13. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs
of wear or deterioration and replace as needed to
prevent injury from thrown objects going through
weak or worn spots.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only an approved fuel container.
3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.
5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such
as on a water heater or other appliances.
6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
the containers on the ground away from the vehicle
before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not pos-
sible, then refuel equipment using a portable con-
tainer, rather than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed
vehicles or trailers.
9. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open device
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.
11. Never overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tigh-
ten securely.
OPERATION
1. Mount and dismount machine from left side. Keep
clear of discharge opening at all times.
2. Start engine from operator's seat, if possible. Make
sure blades are OFF and parking brake is set.
3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP
engine, STOP blades, SET brake, and Remove key
before leaving operators position of any reason.
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated
with feet on feet rests or pedal(s).
5. STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure blades
have stopped before removing grass catcher or
unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.
6. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass.
Set blades in highest position when mowing over
rough ground.
7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades
underneath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground
while BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.
8. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass
catcher or guards in place and working. DO NOT
point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or
doors.
9. Slow down before turning.
10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
11. STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruc-
tion. Inspect machine and repair damage before
resuming operation.
12. Operate machine only in daylight or with good artifi-
cial light.
13. Move joystick (if equipped) SLOWLY to maintain con-
trol during speed and directional changes.
14. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads
to those you can safely control and attach loads to
hitch plate as specified with attachment instructions.
15. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control. When tow-
ing, travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
16. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly
poison.
17. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruc-
tion. Material may ricochet back towards the operator.
18. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories.
Emissions
1. Engine exhaust from this product contains chemi-
cals known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and
Air Index information on the engine emissions label.
Ignition System
1. This spark ignition system complies with Canadian
ICES-002.
8
Towing
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. DO NOT attach towed equipment except at
the hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3. DO NOT allow children or others on towed equip-
ment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
Maintenance
1. DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or
other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before
storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container
out of the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoc-
cupied building.
2. Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease
to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved
container outdoors and away from open flame.
4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as
needed.
5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check
that all cotter pins are in proper position.
Maintenance
(Continued From Previous Column)
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running
engine. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly poison.
7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery before
performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine
could cause injury.
8. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.
9. Service engine and make adjustments only when
engine is stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from
spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark
plug(s).
10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or
overspeed engine.
11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual to
prevent controls from binding.
12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use
CAUTION when handling them.
13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next
to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting
engine.
14. Have machine serviced by an authorized dealer at
least once a year and have the dealer install any new
safety devices.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.
16. Use only genuine replacement parts to assure that
original standards are maintained.
Gr ssWARNING
Catcher bags used on this product are made of
woven fabric, and are subject to deterioration and wear
during normal usage. Check condition of bags before
each use. Immediately replace worn or damaged catch-
er bags with only bags recommended by the manufac-
turer. The Grass Catcher is optional equipment on some
models.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer or other repro-
ductive harm.
-| WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
9
o
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SiGHTiNG SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION
ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL,
NOT ACROSS HILL
10 DEGREES MAX.
WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your unit up and
down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not operate
on slopes greater than 10 degrees. Make turns gradually to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes. Braking may be affected by
attachments. Reduce speed on slopes.
1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above.
2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree
trunk or other upright structure.
3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure.
4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill.
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