Craftsman 247270170 Owner’s Manual
YaRD'MaNi]//
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Riding Mower
Internal Bagging System
27.5" Cutting Deck
Model 247.270170
Factory No. 13A-325-402
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark an'ester for the muffler isavailable through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO, 770-10201
(12/98)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Finding Model Number .......................................................................................................................... 2
Calling Customer Support Service ......................................................................................................... 2
Safe Operation Practices ....................................................................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Unpacking ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Contents of Hardware Pack ................................................................................................................... 7
Assembly ..................................................... ;......................................................................................... 8
Operation ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Service & Adjustments........................................................................................................................... 16
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Off-Season Storage ............................................................................................................................... 23
Trouble-Shooting ................................................................................................................................... 24
Parts List................................................................................................................................................ 26
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new rider mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain your rider mower. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your dder mower for itsfirst use, please locate the model plate and copy the
information from itin the space below. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from
your dealer or the MTD customer support department.
• Every rider mower has a model plate. You can locate it by pivoting the cover upward and lookingunder the
frame. A sample model plate is shown below.
This is where your model number will be.
This is where your serial number will be.
Copy the model number here:
PRODUCTSINC
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICE
Locate your rlder's model number and serial number -- Record this informationin the space provided
above. To find your unit'sspecific model number and sedal number, see previous section.
If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- 330- 220-4MTD (1-330-220-4683)
or
1- (800)-800-7310
Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call.
Although both numbers are important, you will be asked toenter only the $erlalnumber before your call can
be processed.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, ifnot followed, couldendangerthe per-
sonalsafety and/or propertyof yourselfand others. Read and follow all instructionsinthismanual before
attemptingto operate your ridermower. Failure to complywiththese instructionsmayresult in personal
injury.When you see thissymbol--heed its warning.
,_ 13ANP.I=rI. manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
........ can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to
[_ yourse f or others.
Your rider mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this I
I
J
General Operation
• Read, understand, and followall instructionsinthe
manual and onthe machinebefore starting. Keep this
manual ina safe place for future and regular reference
and for orderingreplacement parts.
• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the
instructionsto operate the machine. Know controls
and how to stop the machine quickly.
• Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near
rotating pads.
Clear the area ofobjects such as rooks, toys, wire,
etc., which couldbe picked up and thrown by the
blade. A small object may have been overlooked and
could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause injuryto you or a bystander. To
help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep children,
bystandem and helpers at least 75 feet from the
mower while itis in operation. Always wear safety
glasses or safety goggles during operation or while
performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes
from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) when crossing
gravel drives, walks or roads.
• Be sure the area isclear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
• Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and
backing up. Always look down and behind before and
while backing.
• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point itat anyone. Do not operate
the mower without either the entire grass catcher or
the chute guard in place.
Slow down beforetaming. Operate the machine
smoothly.Avoid erratic operationand excessive speed.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set
park brake, stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
• Stop engine and wait untilblade(s) comes to a
complete stop before (a) removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute, or (b) making any repairs, adjusting
or removing any grass or debris.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should notbe
driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck under
power, because the unitcould tip over, causing
serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed
manually on a ramp to load or unload properly.
• Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine
is running, ifoperator must dismount to do so.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving pads. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
• Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
underpower lines, wires, bridgesorlow hangingtree
branches, before enteringor leavingbuildings,orin any
other situationwhere the operator may be struckor
pulledfrom the unit, which couldresultin serious injury.
• Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal, and shiftinto neutral before
attempting to start engine.
Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt to
mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture)
or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up on the
mower deck or contact the engine exhaust presenting
a potential fire hazard.
Slope Operation
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. Ifyou cannot back upthe slope
or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
For yoursafety, use the slope gauge included as part ofthis
manual tomeasure slopes before operating thisunit on a
sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 ° as shown
on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit inthat area or
serious injury could result.
Do:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear sothat
you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
Always keep machine in gear when going down
slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights toimprove stability.
3
Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front
of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards
which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
Do Not:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowlyand gradually downhill, ifpossible.
• Do not mow near drop-ells, ditches or
embankments.The mower could suddenly turn over
if a wheel isover the edge of a cliff orditch, or if an
edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert tothe
presence ofchildren, Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where youlast saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator,
Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren enter the
area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Never carry children. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine
operation.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the machine. Children 14 years and over should only
operate machine under close parental supervision
and proper instruction,
• Use extra care when approaching blind comers,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure your
vision of achild or other hazard.
• Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation.
Service
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
a. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
b. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
c. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
d. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.
e. Never store the fuel container or machine inside
where there is an open flame or spark, such as a
gas hot water heater, space heater orfurnace.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or
fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5
minutes before storing.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually
inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive wear,
bent, cracked). Replace with blade which meets
odginal equipment specifications.
Keep all nuts, boltsand screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and operating the mower.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown, Foryour
safety protection, frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts
when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp end can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when
servicing blade(s).
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required,
Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during
operation and can cause a bum. Allow to cool down
before touching.
DOnot change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are
dangerous.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and matedals can harm
the environment and the ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, determine the proper method
to dispose of waste from your local office of
Environmental Protection Agency. Recycling
centers are established to properly dispose of
materials in an environmentally safe fashion,
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do
notuse food or beverage containers that may
mislead someone into drinking from them.
Properly dispose of the containers immediately
following the draining of fluids.
c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground,
down a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or
other body of water. Observe Environmental
Protection Agency regulations when disposing
of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries,
tires and other harmful waste.
4
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
tO
"'"' A
" WARNING
4<
a. U_ Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
u_ _ A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it
_ is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
"' "' Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
ma.
0 Operate WALK.BFHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
UNPACKING
Removing From Crate
• Remove all screws from bottom of the crate
using a 1/4" socket or a flat blade screwdriver.
• Holding the sides ofthe crate firmly, liftthe
crate up and keep itaside. Avoid tire
punctures.
• Remove and discard plasticbag which covers
the unit.
• Liftthe rear of the mower and clear the bottom
of the crate. Repeat for the front.
• Be sure parking brake is disengaged; roll unit
out of the crate's way.
Side-Discharge Chute
Loose Pads
You willfind the following loose parts in the crate. To
identify these pads, see Figure 1. Remove loose
parts very carefully so as not to damage or lose any.
1. Steering wheel components: steering wheel, cap,
shaft, tube
2. Operator's manual (not shown in Figure 1)
3. Mulching plug & side-discharge chute
4. Oil drain sleeve
5. Battery acid pack* (not shown in Figure 1)
6. Battery cover
7. Ignition keys (not shown in Figure 1)
8. Steering gear cover
9. Bumper (optional)
10. Hitch Plate (optional)
* Notincludedasloosepartifunitshipped withwetbattery
Steering
Shaft
rein
Sleeve
Mulching
Plug
Steering
J
Tube
Seat
Steering
Hitch Plate
(Optional) Bumper
_;_ _onal)
Figure 1
Wheel
Wheel
Cap
Steering
Steering
Gear Cover
Contents of Hardware Pack
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
llllL_IIlmulll] I
Wing Nut 711-0222A
712-0397
ATTACHING SIDE-
AND MULCHING PLUG
DISCHARGE CHUTE
,Wing Nut 712-0397/,-_
Pushnut Fastener / --
__ 726-0271
__) "-_1/4-20 x 3.75" (_
ATTACHING STEERING SHAFT
Hex Screws
1/4-20 x 2.75"---_
710-0564
710-0825
Batte Id
Down Rods
ATTACHING STEERING
WHEEL
ATTACHING STEERING TUBE
_}<_ Hex Lock Nut
Hex Lock Bolt
"11 4,,-f5/16"18 x 1.00
Ij 710-0643
(_Belleville Washer
736-0242
ATTACHING CONTROL KNOBS
Hex Screw
125
710-0958
1/4-20
712-0324
ATTACHING SEAT ASSEMBLY
_ _r,,,_ Hex Tap. Screw
_'<.---_ 1/4-20 thd.
ATTACHING STEERING GEAR COVER
,;.1,Se,,-,'. , in0 crow
ATTACHING OPTIONAL HITCH PLATE
5/16-18 x 0.75"
Hex Bolt _
710-0118
LockWasher/ .y2-0287
736-0119 ,, , ,
NOTE: Reference to front, rear, right or left hand side
of the mower is observed from the operating position.
Items Required For Assembly
1. Fresh Gasoline
2. 7/16" wrench orsocket (2)
3. 1/2"socket (1)
4. 9/16" wrench or socket (1)
5. Phillips head screwdriver (1)
6. Flat head screwdriver (1)
se,,.Tapp,nosorew
710-0599
1/4-20 thd.
710-0599
ATTACHING OPTIONAL BUMPER
3/8-16 x 1.0"
HexBolt _ _
Hsx Nut
710-0514 ---_"
Figure 2
Screw 710-3217----_
Truss Head Machine _;)
Hex Nut 712-0142 _ _
Control Knobs
731-1918
_ Flange Lock Nut
_'_'------_ 3/8-16 thd.
IMPORTANT: Thisunit isshipped WITHOUT
GASOLINE in the engine. Be certain to service
engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate
engine manual before operating your mower.
All hardware necessary for assembling your
rider mower is included in the hardware pack.
See Figure 2 and get familiar with the
hardware before starting to assemble unit.
712-0431
7
ASSEMBLY
Installing Battery
WARNING: Battery acid must be handled
A
with great care as contact with it can burn
and blister the skin. Wear protective
clothing (goggles, rubber gloves and apron)
when working with it.
Always shield eyes, protect skin and
clothing when working near batteries.
Always keep battery out of reach of
children.
Should battery acid accidentally splatter
into the eyes or onto the face, rinse the
affected area immediately with clean cold
water. Ifthere is any further discomfort,
seek prompt medical attention.
If acid spills on clothing, first dilute itwith
clean water, then neutralize with a solution
of ammonia/water or baking soda/water.
Since battery acid Is corrosive, do not
pour itinto any sink or drain. Before
discarding empty electrolyte containers,
rinse them with a neutralizing solution.
Never connect or disconnect charger clips
to battery while charger is turned on as it
can cause sparks.
Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes,
matches, lighters) away from the battery as
the hydrogen gas generated during
charging can be combustible.
As a further precaution, only charge the
battery in a well-ventilated area. Make
certain venting path of battery (drain tube) is
always open.
Antidote
External: Flush with water.
Internal: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten
eggs or vegetable oil. Seek medical help
immediately.
Eyes: Flush with cool water for at least 15
minutes, then get prompt medical attention.
Activating the Battery
IMPORTANT: If your rider mower was shipped witha
wet battery, that is with the battery already filled with
electrolyte, skip the battery set-up section entirely
and go to "installing the Battery"section on page 9.
NOTE: Continue assembling the rider mower while
thebattery is standing for30 minutes (after fillingwith
acid), and later whileyou are charging the battery.
Follow the safety precautions mentioned previously.
Also remember to take added precaution, as stated
below, while activating the battery.
WARNING: When notin use, keep the
terminal covers in place.
Do not short battery terminals (avoid a
connection between the two battery posts
or between the positive terminal and the
frame of the ridingmower),
Before installing battery, remove metal
bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings,etc.
from your person.
Connect positive terminal first to prevent
sparks from accidental grounding.
Do not use the rider mower battery tostart
other vehicles.
Carefully remove electrolyte (battery fluid, acid)
pack from itsbox.
Using a flat head screwdriver, remove the cell
caps from the battery.
Open the carton containing the electrolyte
(acid) pack pouch. Cut 1/4" from the spouton
top ofthe acid pack.
Fill each cell of the battery up to the split ring.
Do not exceed the maximum fill level.
Allow the battery to stand for 30 minutes with
the caps off. The electrolyte level may drop due
tothe chemical reaction inthe battery. Add if
necessary.
Do not overfill the battery. Overfilling the battery
can cause leakage which can damage your
new rider mower.
Replace the cell caps on the battery.
Charging the Battery
WARNING: While charging the battery, do
not smoke. Keep the battery away from
any sparks. The fumes from the battery acid
can cause an explosion.
After the battery has been charged, add
only distilled water. Do not add acid.
After fillingwith acid the battery has reached
85% charging capacity. A newly activated
battery willreach 100% capacity in 1 to 2.5
hours with a 3 ampere charge.
Abattery charged by the alternator willhave
the same life as a battery bench charged prior
to installationprovided that the engine is run for
1 to 2.5 hourswith a 3 ampere alternator for the
initialcharge.
NOTE: After battery has been charged, add only
distilled water. Do not add electrolyte (battery fluid,
acid).
Disposing of electrolyte
After tilling the cells tothe proper level, you may have
some extra electrolyte (battery fluid, acid) left over.
Followthe steps below for proper disposal.
• Fill the plastic container halfway with tap water.
Put two tablespoons of baking soda in the
electrolyte/water mix. Fill rest ofthe container
with water.
• Pour the baking soda, water and electrolyte
mixdown the sink drain under runningwater.
* Throw the plastic container inthe garbage.
NOTE: The information listed above is for initial
charge. Refer tothe Maintenance section of this
manual forbattery care and charging instructions
after regular usage.
Installing the battery
• Pivot the cover ofthe mower upwards as
shown in Figure 3.
through the hole in the battery tray.
Pull up on the hold-down rodsthrough the
on the battery cover and insert one wing m
each hold-down rod.Tighten the two wing
to secure the battery to the unit.See Figur_
Wing Nu
Figure 4
Attaching Steering Tube
• Slide the steering tube intothe steedng su
bracket assembly.
• Secure with hex screw and hex inserted Io
nut from the hardware pack. See Figure 5.
Steering Tube.--,.
Steering Support
Bracket-Assembly
Installbattery
here
Figure 3
Place the battery intothe battery opening with
positive terminal toward the rear ofthe unit.
Make certain both the negative (black) cable
and the positive (red) cable are routed up
through the battery opening. See Figure 4.
Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive
terminal of the battery. See Figure 4. Secure
with hax bolt and nut provided with the battery.
Slide rubber boot over the positive terminal.
Attachnegative cableto the negative terminalwith
a hex boltandnut provided.See Figure4.
Hook the curved end of the hold-down rod
Hex Screw
Flgure 5
Attaching Steering Gear Cover, Optio
Bumper & Optional Hitch Plate
• Align the two holes on the steering gear c(
with the two corresponding holes on the fr
frame of the rider.See Figure 6A,
• Insert two self-tapping screws from the
hardware pack through these two holes ot
gear cover and the frame as shown in Fig_
6A. Secure tightly.
• Ifyour rider mower isequipped with the
optional Bumper, align the two holes at h
ends of the tube with the corresponding hc
on the front of the rider. See Figure 6B. In_
the two hex bolts from hardware pack as st
and secure with the lock nut.
9
Aligntheholes on the hitch plate with the holes
on the rear frame assembly as shown in Figure
6C. Secure on each side with hex bolt, lock
washer and hex nut from the hardware pack.
B
Lock L ,.._,
rame
Attaching Control Knobs
• Attach control knobs to the shiftlever and
throttle/choke control lever using truss head
machine screws and hex nuts. See Figure 8.
0==-1- _ _ Control Knob
Coven"
"_ Screw
Gea ,:.._
:C
Hitch Plate ._._(
Rear
_1_ /// /
_ _t ¢ _ °Cker
Frame _
' 3: _- Hex
Figure 6
Attaching Steering Shaft
• Slide the steering shaft overthe steering tube
and secure with three self-tapping screws from
the hardware pack. See Figure 7.
_Steerlng Shaft
Figure 8
Attaching Steering Wheel
• With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the
steering shaft, positioning the steering wheel as
desired. See Figure 9.
• Place the bell washer withthe cupped side
down over the steering shaft. Secure with hex
lock bolt.
• Press the steering wheel insertonto the
steering wheel aligning the four tabs in the rear
of the steering wheel insertwith the four slotsin
the steering wheel so that the cap fits snugly.
See Figure 9.
He](Lock Bolt
Wheel
Steering _sher
Steering
Securewith '
screw
_ self-tapping
Figure 7 Figure 9
10
..._.i Shaft
Steering Wheel
Insert
J
Attaching Side Discharge Chute
Your riding mower isshipped to you with the
gresscatcher fullyassembled on the unit. A side
discharge chute and a mulching plug are included as
loose parts. Follow the instructionsbelow to attach
the side-discharge chute.
WARNING: Do not operate the mower if
any one of the grasscatcher, discharge
chute or mulching plug isnotfirmly installed
on the mower.
side, or (iii) to mulch grass and recirculate clippings
back to the lawn. For the third option, attach the
mulching plug to the side-discharge chute and then to
the deck.
Wing Nut_ FSlde Discharge Chute
Pivot the cover up and lower the cutting height
adjustment lever tothe lowest position.
Remove the two wing nuts (A and B in Figure
10) from two ends of the grasscatcher chute.
Grasscatcher
Discharge Wing
Nut B
Wing
Nut C
Nut A
Figure 10
Loosen the two wing nuts (C and D in Figure
10) in the middle of the chute. Do not remove.
Allfour wing nuts (A, B, C, and D) hold the
chute to the deck frame.
Slide the grasscatcher chute to the rightand
out of the deck frame.
Slide the side-discharge chute inand place it
on the deck so that the four wing nut positions
align with those on the deck.
Reinsert wing nuts A and Bthat you had earlier
removed. Tighten to secure.
Tighten the two wing nuts C and D. Check and
make sure that the side-discharge chute is
properly installed and the hardware tightly
secured.
Speed-
Nut
Mulching
Plug
Figure 11
• To assemble the mulching plug, puttwo hex
boltsthrough the mulching plug at the
respective openings.
• Place speed nuts over the hex bolts.
• insert the plug intothe side discharge chute
aligning the two slots on the two sides ofthe
side-discharge chute with those on the
mulching plug. See Figure 11.
• Place wing nut on each of the hex bolts and
thread a few turns. Check that the plug is
aligned correctly within the discharge chute.
• Tighten both wing nuts
• To attach the mulching plug now to the unit,
follow instructionsto attach side discharge
chute to the deck.
Installing Seat and Safety Switch
• Pivotthe cover of the mower upwards.
• Align the slots inthe frame withthe four holes
on the bottom of the seat and secure with four
self-tapping screws. See Figure 12.
• Align the tabs on the safety switch with the
large cut-out onthe bottom of the seat, push
the safety switch in and turn clockwise to lock.
See Figure 12.
Se_plng Screw
Attaching Mulch Plug
While operating your rider mower, you have three
options: (i) to collect grass clippings inthe
grasscatcher, (ii) to discharge grass clippings on the
11
Aligt
safetyswitchand
turn
:lock'wisetosecure
Figure 12
OPERATION
Know Your Rider Mower
Compare the illustrationsonthis page withyour rider mower to familiarizeyourself withthe location ofvarious controls
and adjustments. The operation of any rider mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the operator's eyes,
causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses before operating the mower, or while performing any
adjustments or repairs on it.
Throttle/Choke Steering Wheel
Control J
Shift Lever
GrsssFill
Indicator
g Height
Adjustment Lever
Blade Engagement
Pedal
Key
Side Discharge
Chute
Pedal
Brake
\ SpeedControl
Cutting Pedal Brake
Deck
Figure 13
Pedal
Cover
Engine
Lock
Battery
Figure 14
12
Know the Controls
(Refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14.)
Throttle/Choke Control: Use to regulate the engine
speed and tostart the engine.
Speed Control Pedal: Use to regulate the ground
speed of the rider mower.
Ignition Switch: Use to turn the engine ON or OFF.
Shift Lever: Use to change direction of the mower.
Grass Fill Level Indicator: Use to determine the
level of grass clipping inthe bag and when to stop
and empty it.
Parking Brake:Use tostop the mower from moving
while parked.
Blade Engagement Pedal: Use to engage or
disengage the blade.
Blade Lock: Use to lock blade at the engaged
position.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever: Use to raise and
lower the cuttingdeck which determines the cutting
height.
Brake Pedal: Use to stop the mower's forward or
reverse motion.
Safety Interlock
This unit is equipped with a safety interlock systemfor
your protection. The interlock safety switches are
connected to the brake pedal, the blade engagement
pedal, the shift lever, and the seat.
The purpose ofthe safety interlock system is
threefold:
a to prevent the engine from starting unless
the brake pedal is depressed and the blade
engagement pedal is disengaged;
b. to shut off the engine ifthe blade pedal is
not disengaged when the shift lever is put
intoreverse; and
c. to shut the engine off when the operator
leaves the seat without engaging the
parking brake.
,_ WARNING: To avoid the dsk of serious
To Maintain Safety
injury,do not operate the rider mower if the
interlock system is malfunctioning,
WARNING: Itisvery important that you
maintain safety while operating your rider
mower. Observing the caution rules
mentioned below will enable you to enjoy
your rider mower.
Avoid serious injury or death.
Go up and down slopes, not across.
Avoid sudden turns.
Do not operate the unitwhere itcould slip or tip.
Ifyour rider mower stops while going uphill,
stop the blade(s) and reverse downhillslowly.
Do not mow when children or others are
around. Never carry children.
Lookdown and behind before and while
reversing.
Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and
switches) in place and working.
Remove objects that could be thrown by the
blade(s).
Know locationand function of all controls.
Be sure blade(s) and engine are stopped
before placing hands or feet near blade(s).
Before leaving operator's position,disengage
blade(s), place the shiftlever in neutral, engage
parkingbrake, shut engine off and remove key.
Stopping Mower
• Release blade engagement pedal all the way.
• Release the speed control pedal and depress
the brake pedal.
• When the mower comes to a complete stop,
place the shift lever in neutral.
• Engage the parking brake by pulling up on the
parking brake knob.
• Turn the ignitionkey to OFF position and
remove the key.
Using Throttle/Choke Control
The throttle/choke control is used to increase or
decrease the speed of the engine.The FAST and the
SLOW positionsare marked with illustrationsof a
rabbitand a turtle respectively. See Figure 15.
• For normal operation and when using a
grasscatcher, move the throttle/choke control
tothe FAST position.
• For maximum charging of the battery and also
for a cooler engine while running, move the
throttle/choke controlto the FAST position.
• For transport and to tow pull-behind
attachments, move the throttle/choke controlto
the SLOW position.
• Do.notadjust the governor to increase or
decrease the engine speed. The governor is
set at the factory for maximum engine
performance, and should not be altered.
Using Shift Lever
The shift lever isused to regulate the direction ofyour
rider mower. Itcan be set at forward, neutral, or
reverse settings. These settings, marked as F, N,and
R respectively, are located next tothe shiftlever on
the unit.See Figure 15.
• Before you move the shift lever toany of the
positions,depress the brake pedal and stopthe
unit, Keep your foot on the brake pedal.
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Figure 15
Move the lever outwards (left) to remove the
locking pinfrom the lever and slide the lever to
the positiondesired. Lookat the rear and make
sure the path isfree of obstacles before
positioningthe shift lever to the reverse.
Do not force the shiftlever. If it does not shift,
release the brake pedal slightly to line up the
shiftingcollar in the transmission, then tryto
move the shift lever.
Slowly release the brake pedal and take your
foot off the pedal. Always make sure that there
isno one in the way when you runthe mower.
Adjusting Cutting Height
The deck cutting heightadjustment lever is located on
the cover. For a representation of the cutting height
positions, refer to Figure 15.
• Pullthe lever out of the slot and slide it upward
or downward to the desired cutting height.
• Lower the cutting height to mow close tothe
ground.
• Raise the deck height to the highest position
when you ride on a sidewalk or a road.
• To mow tall or thick grass, move the cutting
height adjustment lever to the highest position
and cut. Then move the lever to a lower
position and cut again.
Using Parking Brake
To engage parking brake
• Completely push the brake pedal down and
stop the unit.
• With your right foot on the brake pedal, move
the shift lever to the neutral position.
• Continuing to hold down the brake pedal with
your right foot, pull up the parking brake knob.
Make sure the parking brake holds the unit.
Release the brake pedal. Stop the engine and
remove the ignitionkey. Now your rider mower
isparked.
To release the parking brake
• Depress the brake pedal. The parking brake
willbe automatically disengaged.
Before Starting
Service the engine with gasoline as described inthe
engine manual.
isrunningor hot. Do not smoke whilefilling
Never fill fuel tank indoors, or when engine
up the gasoline tank.
Starting Engine
(Refer to Figure 16.)
• Attach the wire to the spark plug.
• Depress the brake pedal with your fight foot.
• Set throttle/choke controlin the CHOKE
position (all the way fonNard).
• Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
• Turn the ignitionkey to the START position. As
soon as the engine starts, letthe key return to
the ON position.
• Move throttle/choke controlout of CHOKE
positionand intoFAST throttleposition.
Hold straight
1.
Placeat N Move to FAST
2J
toON
Figure 16
Starting Mower
• Depress the brake pedal so that the parking
brake isdisengaged.
• Place the shiftlever ineither the FORWARD or
the REVERSE position as you desire. Look to
the rear and check before backing up,
• Release the brake pedal.
• Depress the speed control pedal.
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