Craftsman 127.28875 User Manual

Operator's Manual

Zero Turn Riding Mower

26HP B&S Engine / Side Discharge / 52-inch Wide
Model 127.28875

· Español, p. 37

CAUTION: Before using this product,
read the manual and follow all its Safety
Rules and Operating Instructions

For answers to your questions
about this product call:

1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line

5am - 5pm, Mon - Sat

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A

Visit the Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

MAN 4163202 Rev. A 11-2007

PARTS MANUAL 4163201

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING

Diesel engine exhaust and some
of its constituents are known to the
State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects and other reproductive
harm.

Californie Proposition 65 Avertissement

Les échappements des moteurs diesel et certains
de leurs composés sont reconnus par l’Etat de
Californie pour être cancérigènes, provoquer
des défauts congénitaux et d’autres dangers en
matière de reproduction.

California Advertencia

de la Proposicion 65

El estado de California hace saber que
los gases de escape de los motores diesel
y algunos de sus componentes producen
cáncer, defectos de nacimiento y otros
daños en el proceso de reproducción
humana.

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.

Avertissement

L’

é

mission du moteur de ce matériel con­tient des produits chimiques que l’Etat de
Californie consid
provoquer des défauts congénitaux et
d’autres dangers en matière de reproduc­tion.

AdvertenCiA

El estado de California hace saber que los
gases de escape de este producto contienen
productos quÍmicos que producen cáncer,
defectos de nacimiento y otros daños en
el proceso de reproducción humana.

è

re être cancérigènes,

CALIFORNIA

Proposition 65 Warning

Battery posts, terminals, wiring
insulation, 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

SAFETY .........................................................................................................................................................2-8

LABELS .......................................................................................................................................................9-13

CONTROLS ...............................................................................................................................................14-17

PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST ....................................................................................................................18

OPERATION ..............................................................................................................................................19-21

MAINTENANCE CHART ................................................................................................................................22

MAINTENANCE RECORD ............................................................................................................................23

MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................24-30

ADJUSTMENTS .......................................................................................................................................31-33

BELT REPLACEMENT ...................................................................................................................................34

SERVICE INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. BACK PAGE

WARRANTY

CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY

Two Years on Tractor

When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, if this tractor fails due to a defect in
material or workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for
free repair.

This warranty applies for only one year from the date of purchase if this tractor is ever used for commercial or
rental purposes.

During the rst 30 days of purchase, there will be no charge to service the tractor in your home. For your con-

venience, in-home warranty service will still be available after the rst 30 days of purchase, but a trip charge

will apply. This charge will be waived if you transport the tractor to an authorized Craftsman drop-off location.
For the nearest authorized location, call 1-800-MY-HOME®.

90-Days on Battery

For ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, if the battery included with this tractor is defective in material
or workmanship (our testing proves it will not hold a charge), it will be replaced free of charge.

During the rst 30 days of purchase, there will be no charge to replace the defective battery in your home.
For your convenience, in-home warranty service will still be available after the rst 30 days of purchase, but a

trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if you transport the tractor to an authorized Craftsman drop­off location. For the nearest authorized location, call 1-800-MY-HOME®.

This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Sears will NOT pay for:

• Expendable items that become worn during normal use, including but not limited to blades,
spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil lters.

• Standard maintenance servicing, oil changes, or tune-ups.

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns,

stumps, or glass.

• Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or improper operation

or maintenance.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to damage caused by
towing objects beyond the capability of the tractor, impacting objects that bend the frame or

crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.

• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and

mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount

of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of ammable debris, or failure to maintain the

equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual.

• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or

oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.

• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior nishes, or product label replacement.

This warranty applies only while this product is within the United States.

This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to

state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

11-2007

1

SAFETY

NOTICE !!!

Unauthorized modications may present extreme
safety hazards to operators and bystanders and
could also result in product damage.

Craftsman Professionalstrongly warns against,

rejects and disclaims any modications, add-on

accessories or product alterations that are not
designed, developed, tested and approved by
Craftsman Professional Engineering Department.
Any Craftsman Professional product that is altered,

modied or changed in any manner not specically

authorized after original manufacture–including the
addition of “aftermarket” accessories or component
parts not specifically approved by Craftsman
Profesional–will result in the Craftsman Professional
Warranty being voided.

Any and all liability for personal injury and/or property
damage caused by any unauthorized modications,

add-on accessories or products not approved
by Craftsman Professional will be considered
the responsibility of the individual(s) or company
designing and/or making such changes. Craftsman

Professional will vigorously pursue full indemnication

and costs from any party responsible for such

unauthorized post-manufacture modications and/or
accessories should personal injury and/or property

damage result.

This symbol means:

ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!

Your safety and the safety of others is involved.

Signal word denitions:

The signal words below are used to identify levels
of hazard seriousness. These words appear in
this manual and on the safety labels attached
to Craftsman Professional machines. For your
safety and the safety of others, read and follow the
information given with these signal words and/or
the symbol shown above.

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in death

or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in

death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, MAY result in minor or moderate

injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe

practices or property damage.

CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, MAY result in property damage

MODEL NUMBER: This number appears on sales literature, technical manuals and
price lists.

SERIAL NUMBER: This number appears only on your mower. It contains the model
number followed consecutively by the serial number. Use this number when ordering
parts or seeking warranty information.

Serial Number Tag is located under seat; on the far back wall of the frame; left of battery
from operators point of view.

2

PREPARING FOR SAFE OPERATION

Operator preparation and training
Read the Operation & Safety

Manual

- If an operator or mechanic
cannot read English, it is
the owner's responsibility
to explain this material to
them. If any portion of this
material is unclear, contact

your factory representative for clarication.

- Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls and safety signs.
Know how to stop the engine and attachments
quickly in an emergency. Do not operate or allow
another person to operate this machine if there
are any questions about safety.

- All operators and mechanics should be trained.
The owner is responsible for training the users.

- Wear appropriate clothing, including long
trousers and safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields when operating mower. Do not
operate barefoot or wearing open sandals. Long

hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in

moving parts.

- Wear hearing protection.

- Never allow underage children, unskilled
or improperly trained people operate this
equipment. Local regulations can restrict the age
of the operator.

- Data indicates that those operators age 60 years
and above are involved in a large percentage of

riding mower-related injuries. Those operators

should evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect themselves and

others from injury.

- Do not carry passengers, especially small
children. They may fall off and be seriously

injured.

- Keep warning labels and this operator's manual
legible and intact. Replacement labels and
manuals are available from the factory.

- Do not operate machine while under the

inuence of drugs or alcohol.

- The owner/user can prevent and is responsible

for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,

other people or property.

SAFETY

WARNING

All rotary lawnmowers are potentially
dangerous. They can amputate hands and
feet and throw objects. Failure to follow
these safety and operating instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

Site preparation and circumstances

- Evaluate the terrain to determine what
accessories and attachments are needed to

properly and safely perform the job. Only use

accessories and attachments approved by the
manufacturer.

- Clear the area to be mowed of objects such as

rocks, toys, wire or other debris that may be
picked up or thrown by the mower.

- Be sure the area is clear of pets and people,
especially young children. Never assume they
will remain where you last saw them. Stop the
machine if any enter the area.

- Mow only in daylight or in good articial light.

- Do not mow wet grass as tires may lose traction.

3

SAFETY

Machine preparation

- Check operator presence interlock system and

brake operation. Adjust or repair any problems

before using.

- Do not tamper with or defeat safety devices.
Keep guards, shields and interlock safety devices
in place and in proper working condition. They
are for your protection.

- Keep all fasteners such as nuts, bolts and pins
well secured.

- Visually inspect blades, blade bolts and the cutter
assembly for wear or damage. Replace worn or
damaged blades and bolts to preserve balance.

- Verify that machine and attachments, if any, are
in good operating condition.

- Do not engage blades until ready to mow.

OPERATING SAFELY

In general

- Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.

- Slow down and use caution when making turns
and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if
not mowing.

- Do not run the engine in an enclosed area where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

- Do not place your foot on the ground while
operating the machine.

- Before operating, lower the discharge chute,
install the mulcher or put the entire grass catcher
in place.

- Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
Never direct the discharge toward a bystander.
Stop operation if someone approaches.

- Keep washout ports and other mower housing
service openings closed when mowing.

- Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.

- Use only approved draw bar hitch points.

- Limit loads to those you can safely control.

- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.

- Use counter-weight(s) or wheel weights when

suggested in the operator's manual.

- Never leave a machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine and
remove key before dismounting.

4

SAFETY

Starting

- Start only according to instructions in this manual
or on the machine.

- Before attempting to start the engine, make sure:

- the parking brake is on;

- the PTO is disengaged;

- the traction drive is in NEUTRAL.

- When starting the engine, make sure hands and
feet are clear of the blades.

- Do not start the machine while standing in front
of the discharge chute or with the chute directed
at someone.

- Do not engage PTO at full throttle. Throttle to
idle or lowest possible engine speed.

- Do not change engine governor settings or
over-speed the engine. Operating the engine
at excessive speed can increase the hazard of

personal injury.

Interrupting operation

- Before leaving the operator's position:

- Park on level ground.

- Disengage the PTO.

- Set the parking brake.

- Shut off the engine and remove the key.

- Disengage the PTO and wait until the blades quit
rotating:

- before raising cutterdeck;

- when not mowing;

- for transport;

- when crossing surfaces other than grass.

- Stop the engine, disengage the PTO, set parking
brake and wait until the blades quit rotating and
lower cutting unit:

- before refueling;

- before removing grass catcher;

- before making height adjustment unless the

adjustment can be made from the operator's

position.

- Stop the engine, disengage the PTO, set parking
brake and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or
remove the key:

- before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;

- before checking, cleaning or working on the

machine;

- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the

machine for damage and make repairs before
restarting;

- if the machine begins to vibrate abnormally:

shut off machine immediately. Inspect and
make repairs as needed before restarting;

- except for repairs or adjustments as specically

noted, such as for carburetor adjustment,

where the engine must be running. Keep
hands and feet clear of moving parts in these
circumstances.

- Allow the blades to come to a complete stop
when stopping operation to clear blockages,
unclog, inspect the machine, do maintenance or
repair.

- Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut­down and, if the engine is provided with a shut­off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of
mowing.

5

SAFETY

MANEUVERING SAFELY

In general

- Slow down before turning.

- Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look behind and down
for small children and pets before and during
backing.

- Be aware when approaching blind corners,

shrubs, trees, tall grass or other objects that may

obscure vision.

- If tires lose traction, disengage the blades. If on
a slope, head downhill.

Mowing slopes

Slopes are a major factor in

loss-of-control and tip over
accidents that sometimes lead

to severe injury or death. All

slopes require extra caution.

- Do not mow on slopes if uneasy or uncertain.
Ultimate responsibility for safe operation on
slopes rests with the operator.

- Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

A slope is too steep if:

· The machine will not back up the slope.

· The machine must be crabbed (turned

partially sideways uphill) to drive across
the slope.

· The machine turns downhill going across slope.

· You are uneasy about being on the slope.

- On zero turn machines, mow across slopes, not
up and down.

- Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

- With a zero turn machine, if tires lose traction
going down a slope, steering control may be
regained by speeding up.

- Mid-mount zero turns (belly mounted deck) have
much greater traction pointed up slope than
down slope. Be aware that traction may be lost
going down a slope. Do not operate a mid-mount
zero turn on slopes it cannot back up.

- Keep all movement on the slopes slow and

WARNING

gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed
or direction.

- Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then
turn slowly and downhill when possible.

- Stay away from slopes if the ground is loose or if
caught in the rain during mowing.

- Use lower speeds on a slope to avoid stopping or
shifting.

- Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of
the machine.

- Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs etc.

- Avoid driving over obstacles such as ruts, holes,
rocks and roots whenever possible. Be alert to
dips and rises. Uneven terrain can overturn a
mower or cause it to slide. Tall grasses can hide
obstacles.

- Do not mow drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel
runs over the edge or an edge caves in.

- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations
for wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.

- Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.

6

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

In general

- Maintain machine according to manufacturer's
schedule and instructions for maximum safety
and best mowing results.

- Park machine on level ground.

- Never allow untrained personnel to service ma­chine.

- Adjust or repair only after the engine has been

stopped and the blades have quit rotating.

- Inspect grass catcher components regularly. If
worn, damaged or deteriorated, they may expose

moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.

- Replace parts if worn, damaged or faulty.
For best results, always replace with parts
recommended by the manufacturer.

- Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire(s)
before making any repairs. Disconnect the

negative terminal rst and the positive last. Re-

connect positive rst and negative last.

- Do not dismantle the machine without releasing
or restraining forces which may cause parts to
move suddenly.

- Provide adequate support, e.g. jackstands for

lifted machine or parts if working beneath.

- Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.

- Clean up spilled oil or fuel thoroughly.

- Replace faulty mufers.

- To reduce re hazards, keep the engine, mufer,

battery compartment and fuel storage area free
of grass, leaves, debris buildup or grease.

- Hydraulic uid can penetrate skin, use paper

to check for leaks. Relieve hydraulic pressure
before disconnecting hoses. Make sure
connections are tight and hoses are in good
condition.

SAFETY

WARNING

Blades

- Mower blades are sharp and
can cut. Use extra caution
when handling. Remove ob­structions with care. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves.

- Be aware that rotating one
blade on multi-blade mowers can cause other
blades to rotate.

- Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld
them.

- Keep other persons away from blades.

WARNING

Fuel

- Gasoline and diesel fuels are

ammable; gasoline vapors

are explosive. Use extra care
when handling.

- Store only in containers spe-

cically designed for fuel.

- When refueling or checking fuel level:

- Stop the engine and allow to cool;

- Do not smoke;

- Refuel outdoors only;

- Use a funnel;

- Do not overll;

- If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the

engine until the spill is cleaned up and vapors
have cleared.

- Do not ll containers in a vehicle or on a truck or

trailer bed with a plastic liner. Fill containers on
the ground away from the vehicle.

- When practical, remove gas powered equip­ment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If equipment must be refueled on the
truck or trailer, refuel from a portable container
rather than a dispenser nozzle.

Keep the dispenser nozzle in contact with the rim

of the fuel tank or container opening until fueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open
device.

- Replace caps on fuel cans and tanks securely.

7

SAFETY

BATTERY

Battery acid is caustic and fumes
are explosive and can cause

serious injury or death.

To reduce the risk of personal
injury when working near a bat­tery:

- When working with battery
acid, use protective equipment
such as, but not limited to, goggles, face shield,
rubber gloves and apron.

- Avoid leaning over a battery.

- Do not expose a battery to open ames or

sparks.

- Be sure batteries with ller caps are properly
lled with uid.

- Do not allow battery acid to contact eyes or skin.
Flush any contacted area with water immediately
and get medical help.

- Charge batteries in an open, well ventilated area,

away from sparks and ames. Unplug charger

before connecting or disconnecting from battery.

TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE SAFETY

- Stop the engine and allow to cool before storing.

- Drain the fuel tank outdoors only.

- Store fuel in an approved container in a cool, dry
place.

- Keep the machine and fuel containers in a locked
storage place to prevent tampering and to keep
children from playing with them.

- When the machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended, lower the cutterdeck unless a posi­tive mechanical lock is used.

- Do not store the machine or fuel container near

heating appliances with an open ame such as a

water heater or an appliance with a pilot light.

- Keep gasoline storage area free of grass, leaves

and excessive grease to reduce re hazard.

- Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives,

mufers and engine to help prevent res.

WARNING

JUMP STARTING

1. Be sure the jumper cables are in good condition.

Turn off the ignition and all electrical accessories
on both machines.

2. Position the machine with a good (charged) bat­tery next to but not touching the machine with the

dead battery so jumper cables will reach.

3. When making cable connections:

- make sure the clamps do not touch anywhere

except to intended metal parts,

- Never connect a positive ("+" or red) terminal

to a negative ("–" or black) terminal.

- Make sure the cables won't get caught in any

parts after the engines are started.

4. Connect one end of the rst jumper cable to the

positive terminal on one battery. Connect the
other end to the positive terminal on the other
battery.

5. Connect one end of the other cable to the
negative terminal of the machine with a good

(charged) battery. Make the nal connection on

the engine of the machine to be started, away
from the battery.

6. Start the vehicle with the good battery, then the
machine with the discharged battery.

7. Remove the cables in the exact reverse order of
installation. When removing each clamp, take
care it does not touch any other metal parts while
the other end remains attached.

8

LABELS

9

LABELS

10