Craftsman 247.27022 User Manual [en, es]

Owner’s Manual

Riding Mower
Model No.

247.27022

CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all safety rules and operating
instructions.
For answers to your questions about this product, call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line (5 am. - 5 pm., Mon. - Sat.)

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

Visit our website; www.sears.com/craftsman
Printed in U.S.A.
>, ■ ■VV.WV.n w..
Safety Operation Maintenance Storage Español, Page 47
FORM NO. 769-00704A
(5/2003)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page Content Page
Warranty Information..................
Safe Operation Practices
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Assembly....................................
Operation....................................
Maintenance...............................
Service & Adjustment.................
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2 3 6 8 Slope Guide 13 Español
Off-Season Storage Trouble-Shooting Parts List
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16 Service Phone Numbers
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23 23 25 45 47 Back Cover

RRANTY INFORMATION

LIMITED WARRANTY ON RIDING MOWER; For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace free of charge any parts that are found to be defective in material or workmanship according to the guidelines of coverage listed below.
Sears will also provide free labor for these applicable warranted parts for the two full years. During first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charges to service the product at your home for issues covered by this warranty. (See exclusions below).
Foryour convenience, IN HOME warranty service will still be available afterthe first 30 days of purchase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the product is dropped off at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. This warranty applies only while this product is within the United States.
EXCLUSIONS This Warranty does not cover;
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, including but not limited to blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters.
* Standard Maintenance Servicing, oil changes or tune-ups * Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, slumps, or glass.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by towing objects beyond the
capability of the riding equipment, 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 flammable debris, or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner’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.
Norma! deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product labei replacement.
Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LIMITED WARRANTY ON BATTERY For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or
workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold charge. Sears will replace the battery at no charge. During the first 30 days of purchase, there wiii be no charges to replace the battery at your home. Afterthe first 30 days, foryour convenience, IN-HOME warranty service will still be available but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped of at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location, please call 1 -800-4­MY-HOME®. This battery warranty applies only while this product is within the United States. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Dept.817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL60179
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Horsepower: Engine Oil Fuel
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Spark Plug: Engine: ignition Key (Std.)
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10.0 48 oz. or 1.4 iiters Unleaded Regular P/N 491055 212907-0272 P/N 725-0201
Model Number
Serial Number..........................................................
Date of Purchase.....................................................
Record both serial number and date of purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
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247.27022

PAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENT

Congratulations on making a smart purchase.Your new Craftsman® product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like al! products, it may require repair from time to time. That’s when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation.
Here’s what's included in the Agreement;
. Expert service by our 12,000 professional repair
specialists Unlimited service and no charge for parts and
labor on all covered repairs Product replacement if your covered product can’t
be fixed Discount of 10% from regular price of service and
service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive maintenance check
Fast help by phone ~ phone support from a Sears technician on products requiring in-home repair, plus convenient repair scheduling

MPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.
Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect
yourself from unexpected hassle and expense. Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is ail
that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service appointment online. Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5 million quality parts and accessories. Thai’s the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your new purchase for years to come.
Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement today!
Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional information call 1-800-827-6655. Sears Installation Service
For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®
WARNING: The Battery and Engine Exhaust contains chemicals known to the State of California
A
to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The battery and posts contain lead; wash hands after handling.
WARNING: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
A
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

General Operation

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Save this manual for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not for use on public roadway.
15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Never carry passengers.
17. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
18. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
19. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.
20. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
21. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down ramp{s), because the unit could tip over, causing serious persona! injury. The unit must be pushed manualiy on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.
22. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
23. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious injury.
24. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.
25. Your machine 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. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
26. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the accessory or attachment.
27. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of tractor-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the tractor safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
28. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact Sears service center for assistance.

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. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy, do not mow it.
For safety, use the slope guide on page 45 to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit there.
Do:
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tail grass can hide obstacles.
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop or shift whiie on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability of the machine. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change stability of the machine.
5. Keep ail 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.
6. Avoid starling or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
Do Not:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2. Do not mow near drop-off sites, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.
3. Do not try to stabiiize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-speeding may cause the operator to lose control of the machine resulting in serious injury or death.

Children

1. 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. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
c. Before and while backing, look behind and down
for small children.
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut
off. They may fali off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, doorways, shmbs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run
into the machine.
f. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting in
reverse. The “No-Cut-ln Reverse” feature emphasizes not to cut in reverse and to avoid back-over accidents; do not defeat it.
g. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
h. Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
2. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine.Children14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

Safe Handling Of Gasoline

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers away from your vehicle before filling.
c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d. 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.
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition. f. Never fuel machine indoors. g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at
least two minutes before refueling. h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than
Va inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space
for fuel expansion. i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. if gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine. k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up
oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked
debris.
l. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
m. Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.

General Service

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your unit should be serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.
4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust/service as required.
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regulariy.
9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running.
11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!“
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
14. Obsen/e proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

Your Responsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions
in this manual and on the machine.

ASSEMBLY

Unpacking

1. Remove all screws and staples from the crate.
2. Holding sides of the crate firmly, lift top of the crate up and set it aside. Avoid tire punctures.
3. Remove and discard plastic bag covering the unit.
4. Lift the rear of the mower past the bottom of the crate. Repeat for the front.
5. Be sure the parking brake is disengaged. See Figure 4 for location of the parking brake.
6. Roll unit out of the crate.

Loose Parts

Remove loose parts from the grass catcher and/or the
crate very carefully. Compare with list below.
Muiching plug & side-discharge chute
Oil drain hose
Ignition keys
Operator’s manual
NOTE: Reference to RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor in this manual is observed from operator’s position.
Your riding mower is shipped with motor oil in the engine. However, you must check the oil level before operating. Be careful not to overfill.
3.
Remove the two wing nuts (A and B in Figure 2 )
from two ends of the grasscatcher chute.
4.
Loosen the wing nut (C in Figure 2 ) in the middle of
the chute. Do not remove.
5.
Slide the grasscatcher chute to the right and out of the deck frame. Slide the side-discharge chute in and place it on the deck so that the three wing nut positions align with those on the deck.
Reinsert wing nuts A and B. Tighten all three.
6.
Grass Catcher Chute ‘

Attaching Side-Discharge Chute

Your riding mower is shipped to you with the grass catcher fully assembled on the unit. A side-discharge chute and a muiching plug are included as loose parts. Follow the instructions below to attach the side­discharge chute.
WARNING: Do not operate the mower if the
A
1. Lower the cutting height adjustment lever to the
2. To access the grass catcher, lift the hood assembly
NOTE: Do not lift the hood assembly by the two vent
openings located behind the seat.
grass catcher, discharge chute or mulching plug is not firmly installed on the mower.
lowest position. from the left side of the hood only. Stand on the
right side of the unit and pivot the hood assembly towards you until fully opened. See Figure 1.
Wi
Nut
Figure 2

Attaching Mulch Plug

While operating your riding mower, you have three options; (i) to collect grass clippings in the grass catcher, ^i) to discharge grass clippings on the side, or (iii) to muich 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.
1. Put two hex bolts through the mulching plug at the respective openings. See Figure 3 .
2. Place nuts over the hex bolts.
3. Insert the plug into the side-discharge chute aligning the two slots on two sides of the side­discharge chute with those on the mulching plug.
4. To attach the mulching plug now to the unit, follow earlier instructions to attach side-discharge chute to the deck.
5. Place wing nut on each of the hex bolts and thread a few turns. See Figure 3 . Check that the mulch plug is aligned correctly within the discharge chute.
6. Tighten both wing nuts.

Know Your Riding Mower

Compare the illustrations in Figure 4 with your riding mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.
WARNING: The operation of any riding mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
A
operator’s eyes, causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses before operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Grass Fill Level Indicator
Ignition Switch
Side Discharge Chute
Throttle/Choke
Control
Cutting^ Deck
Parking Brake
Steering Wheel
Shift Lever
Cutting Height Adiustment Lever
Blade Engagement Pedal
Brake
Pedal
- Hood
Assembly
Engine
Blade
Engagemer Pedal
Figure 4
Throttle/Choke Control: Use to regulate the engine
speed and to start the engine. “Go” Pedal: Use to regulate the ground speed of the
riding 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
Blade''j ^ Lock
NOTE; Gas tank is not shown here
iattery
of grass clipping in the bag and when to empty it.
Parking Brake: Use to stop 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 cutting deck which determines the cutting height.
Brake Pedal: Use to stop the mower’s forward or
reverse motion.

For Your Safety

Know iocation and function of ail controis.
Be sure blades and engine are stopped before placing hands or feet near biades.
Before leaving operator’s position, disengage blade(s), place the shift lever in neutral, engage parking brake, shut engine off and remove key.

Stopping the Riding Mower

1. Release blade engagement pedal all the way.
2. Release “Go" Pedal and depress the brake pedal.
3. When the mower comes to a complete stop, place the shift lever in neutral.
4. Engage the parking brake by pulling up on the parking brake knob.
5. Turn the ignition key to OFF position and remove the key.

Safety Interiock

This unit is equipped with a safety interiock system for your protection. The interiock safety switches are connected to the brake pedal, the blade engagement pedal, the shift lever, and the seat.
The purpose of the safety interlock system is threefold:
To prevent the engine from starting unless the brake pedal is depressed and the blade engagement pedal is disengaged;
To shut off the engine if the blade pedai is not disengaged when the shift lever is put into reverse; and
To shut the engine off when the operator leaves the seat without engaging the parking brake.
/k WARNING: To avoid the risk of serious
injury, do not operate the riding mower if the interiock system is malfunctioning.

Using Shift Lever

This lever is used to regulate direction of the riding mower. It can be set at forward, neutral, or reverse settings. These settings are marked F, N, and R respectively on the unit. This unit is designed not to mow when the shift iever is in R position. (If the blade is engaged while shift lever is at the R position, the unit will shut off. To restart the unit, disengage the blade.)
1. Before you move the shift lever to any of the positions, depress the brake pedal and stop the unit. Keep your foot on the brake pedal.
2. The shift iever is locked at the N position. Move the iever outwards (left) and slide the lever upward to F or downward to R position as desired.
NOTE: Look to the rear and make sure the path is free of obstacles before positioning the shift iever to the reverse.
3. Do not force the shift iever. If it does not shift, release the brake pedal slightiy to line up the shifting coliar in the transmission, then try to move the shift lever.
4. Slowly release the brake pedal and take your foot off the pedal. Always make sure that there is no one
in the way when you run the mower.

Using Throttle/Choke Control

The throttie/choke control is used to increase or decrease the speed of the engine.The
FAST and the SLOW positions are marked with illustrations of a rabbit and a turtle
respectively.
For normal operation and
when using a grass catcher, move the throttle/ choke control to the FAST position.
For maximum charging of the battery and also for a
cooler engine white running, move the throttle/ choke control to the FAST position.
For transport and to tow pull-behind attachments,
move the throttie/choke control to the SLOW.
Slow
m m
_

Grass Fill Level Indicator

This indicator was designed to add convenience to your
riding mower. While the mower is running, air wilt flow through the discharge chute and into the grass catcher. If the grass catcher is empty, air flows through easily pushing the bail up. If the grass catcher is full, air does not flow through it allowing the ball to fall. So if you see the ball in the grass catcher fill level indicator falling down, you should stop the mower and empty the bag.
Indicator

Engine Model

This is a single cylinder, air-cooied engine. It is a low emissions engine.

Symbols Used

Message Symbol
Safety alert On off
Read owner’s manual Oil
Fuel shut-off Choke
Fuel Stop
A
ÏÏÔ]
CQ
m
M
B
Using Parking Brake
To engage
1. Completely push the brake pedal down and stop the unit.
2. With your right foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever to the neutral position.
3. Continuing to hold down the brake pedal with your right foot, puli up the parking brake knob. Make sure the parking brake holds the unit.
4. Release the brake pedal. Stop engine and remove ignition key. Now your riding mower is parked.

To roloaso

5. Depress the brake pedal. The parking brake will be automatically disengaged.
Before Starting
For hazard symbol meanings, refer to page 44.
NOTE: In the state of California, the 210000 series engines covered in this manual are certified by the
California Air Resources Board to meet emissions standards for250 hours. Such certification does not grant the purchaser, owner or operator of this engine any additional warranties with respect to the performance or operational life of this engine. This engine is warranted solely according to the product and emissions warranties stated elsewhere in this manual.
Bore 3-7/16 in. (87.31 mm) Stroke 2-17/64 in. (77.78 mm) Displacement 21.00 cu. in. (344.1 cc)
IMPORTANT: For practical operation, the horsepower
loading should not exceed 85% of rated horsepower. Engine power will decrease 3-1/2% for each 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level and 1 % for each 10 F (5.6 C) above 77 F (25 C). Engine will operate satisfactorily at an angle up to 15 degrees.

Engine Controls

Filling Up Oil
NOTE: The riding lawn mower is shipped with oil in the
engine crankcase.
Check oil level in the engine oil sump before starting the engine. (Oil sump capacity: 48 oz./l .4 liter)
1. Place the mower on level ground and flip the hood assembly up to access the engine.
NOTE: Do not lift the hood assembly by the two vent openings located behind the seat.
Fill up if needed
Figure 5
1.
Oil drain*
2. Oil fill/DIpstick Rotating Screen
3.
4. Blower Housing Muffler*
5. Electric Starter*
6.
7. Air Cleaner Fuel Filter
8. Carburetor
9.
10. Spark plug wire
' Not shown
10
Figure 6
2.
Remove dipstick and wipe it clean with cloth. Replace and tighten the dipstick. Remove the
3. dipstick again and check the oil level mark on it. The oil level should be at FULL line on the dipstick. See Figure 6A. If the level is short of that, add oil to the oil fill slowly. Recheck the oil level on the dipstick. If needed, add more oil. See Figure 6B. Do not overfill.
4.
Place the dipstick in position and tighten to secure. See Figure 6C.
Type of Oil
1. Refer to the chart below for proper grade of oil.
2. Use a high quality detergent oil classified “For service SF, SG,SH, SJ” or higher.
3. Do not use special additives.
Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API certification and
API service symbol with “SJ/CF Energy Conserving” or
higher is an acceptable oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic oil does not alter required oil change intervals.
SAE Viscosity Grades
■ 30 '
.5W-30,10W-30
Type of Gasoline
Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with minimum 85 octane rating.
Do not use gasoline mixed with methanol, or gasoline which has been stored for more than 30 days. Always purchase fuel in quantity that can be used up within 30 days. Fresh fuel prevents gum from forming in the fuel system or on carburetor.
Do not mix gasoline with engine oil.
NOTE: Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated
gasoline, are blended with alcohol or ether. Using these
blends frequently can damage the fuel system or affect performance. If engine performance is affected, use gasoline with lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
N30
“F -20“
Starting temperature range anticipated before next oil change
* CAUTION: Aircooled engines run hotter than automotive engines. The use of non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W­30,10W-30 etc.) in temperatures above 40°F will result in higher than norma! oil consumption. When using a multi viscosity oil, check oil level more frequently.
** CAUTION: SAE 30 Oil, if used below 40°F, will result in hard starting and possible engine bore damage due to inadequate lubrication.
0“ 20°
40'
60°
80° 100°

Battery

Ordinarily the battery is charged and ready for use; so you will not have to charge it before starting. However, if the battery is put into service for the first time after the date shown on the side of the battery, you will have to charge it for a minimum of one hour at 4-6 amps. Refer to Service & Adjustments section of this manual for instructions on charging the battery.
The battery is located under the hood assembly above the left rear wheel. Refer to Figure 20 .

Filling Up Gasoline

WARNING: Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-
dk
NOTE: On a riding mower which has already been started and/or operated once immediately prior to this
gasoline fill-up, turn engine off and let cool at least two
minutes before removing gas cap.
1. Remove gas tank cap and fill tank to approximately
2. Replace cap on the gas tank and tighten to secure.
NOTE: If fuel spills on part of engine or vehicle, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
ventilated area, away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat and other ignition sources.
1.5 inches below top of neck to allow for fuel
expansion. Be careful not to overfill.

Starting Engine

1. Be sure the wire is attached to the spark plug.
2. Depress the brake pedal with your right foot.
3. Set throttle/choke control in the CHOKE position
(all the way forward).
4. Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
5. Turn ignition key to the START position. Once the
engine starts, let key return to ON position.
6. Move throttle/choke control out of CHOKE position
and into FAST throttle position.
NOTE: If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN position, place throttle in FAST and crank until engine
starts.

Operating the Riding Mower

1. Depress the brake pedal so that the parking brake is disengaged.
2. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or the REVERSE position as you desire. Look to the rear
and check before backing up.
3. Release the brake pedal.
4. Depress the "Go“ Pedal.
5. To stop, release the "Go" Pedal and depress the brake pedal.
6. Press the blade engagement pedal downward until the blades are turning.The blades can be engaged either while the mower is moving or standing.
WARNING: When the blades are engaged,
A
A
NOTE: Your riding mower is equipped with a blade lock to keep the blade engaged without the operator having to depress the blade pedal continuously. See Figure 4.
7. To engage the blade lock: While pressing down
keep hands and feet away from the discharge
opening, the blades or any part of the deck.
WARNING: Do not tip the equipment at an
angle which causes the gasoline to spill.
11
on the biade pedal, push the blade lock down with your heel. It should click into the “blade engaged”
position. To disengage the blade lock, simply push
down on the blade pedal and release the iock.

Stopping the Riding Mower

See page 9 for detailed instruction.

Using the Riding Mower

Observe safety rules listed on pages 3-5 of this manual for safe operation of your riding mower. The
recommended mowing pattern is given below;
NOTE: Do not leave the key in the ON position when you are not operating the mower. Such action will drain
the battery dead.
NOTE: Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.

To Empty Grass Catcher

1.
Stop the mower completely, pull up on the parking brake knob and take the ignition key out. Get off the
operator’s seat.
2.
Pivot the hood assembly up. Pull up the
grasscatcher bag by the handle and take it to the
proper disposal site. See Figure 7 . Hold the bag away from your body. Push down on
3. the bag lever and let the bottom section of the bag fall downwards. Grass clippings will be disposed off from the bottom. See Figure 7.
4.
Tap the bag on the ground so that the three legs of the bag press against the ground. The bag lever shouid snap close whiie you push the bag downwards.
Replace the bag on to the mower making sure the
5.
bag is placed on the flange on top of the discharge
chute. Pivot the hood assembly down.
Grass Catcher Bag
}!
j
V.,
-^J
'J
Before mowing, make sure that the cutting deck is leveled. For deck adjustment, refer to page 17.
You can engage the blade by pressing on the biade engagement pedal with your ieft foot whiie sitting at
the operator’s position.
When mowing an area for the first time, watch out
for objects lying on the grass. If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from spark plug and thoroughly inspect the riding mower for any damage. Repair the damage before operating it again.
Avoid scalping the lawn by adjusting the cutting
height upwards and/or sharpening the blades.
Mow at fuii throttle. Learn the terrain on which you
are mowing. For best mowing results, mow only when the grass is dry.
Mow grass often and in regular intervals so that you
can cut only 1/3 of the grass biade in one mowing.
To empty grass bag, stop the riding mower
completely, engage the parking brake, and turn the ignition off. This will prevent the hot engine exhaust gas from browning the grass.
Many communities no longer haui grass clippings
to landfills. Composting the clippings from your grass catcher is a viable solution. For this you will have to empty the grass catcher at the designated composting site.
Figure 7
Hood Assembly

Mulching

Your riding mower is equipped with a mulching plug
to mulch the grass and recycle into the lawn instead of collecting in the grasscatcher bag.
Mulch only when the grass is dry. Mulching wet
grass may damage the underside of the deck because wet grass tends to stick to it. Clean deck thoroughly if you mulch wet grass.
For effective mulching, overlap mowing paths so
that the clippings are distributed evenly.
12

General Recommendations

WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before any maintenance or adjustments.
À
Always maintain safety and foliow instructions given below closely for smooth completion of job.
The warranty on this riding mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain the riding mower as instructed in this manual. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule below. We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water may shorten life of your riding mower and reduce its serviceability To ensure safe operation, ail nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

Maintenance Schedule

Check blade, sharpen or replace if needed Lube pivot points, steering shaft, gear Lube deck linkage, front wheels Change engine oil Service air cleaner in engine Service spark plug Clean cooling system of the engine
Blade Care
WARNING: Protect your hands by wearing
A

Removal

1. Remove the 5/8” hex flange nut which holds the
2. Remove blade from the spindle. See Figure 8.
heavy gloves or using a rag to grasp the cutting blade. Avoid personal injury.
blade to the blade spindle.
rs rs

Reassembly

too hrs.
Season RëâssëmFF

Sharpening

1. When sharpening the biade, foiiow original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important to grind each cutting edge equally to prevent an
unbalanced blade.
2. Test the blade by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side
until it balances evenly.
WARNING: Unbalanced biade may cause
A
excessive vibration at high speeds, may damage the riding mower and/or cause personal injury.
1.
Before reassembling the blade to the unit, lubricate
the spindle with light oil (or engine oil).
2.
Align “star” fitting on new blade with the “star” on the spindle.
3.
Install the biade with the side of the biade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing the ground when the riding mower is in the operating position.
4.
Tighten the flange nut securely. See Figure 8.
Blade Mounting Torque: 70/90 ft.-lbs. maximum.
13

Lubrication

See Figure 9 for an iiiustration of the lube points described below.
Lube
Luboi
Figure 9: Lubrication Chart
Blade Assembly; Lubricate blade assembly and
deck spindle oniy whiie reassembling the blade either after sharpening or replacement.
Pivot Points: Lubricate pivot points with light oil
once a season.
Steering Shaft and Gear: Lubricate steering shaft
and spline at least once a season with light oil.
Lubricate teeth of the external steering gears with automotive multi-purpose grease every 25 hours of operation or once a season.
Linkage: Lubricate all deck linkage and height adjustment iinkage with a light oil.
Front Wheels: Lubricate front wheels at least once a season with automotive multi-purpose grease.
Lube
Engine
WARNING: Before performing any
A
Change engine oil after first five to eight hours of
Poor engine performance and flooding usually
The spark plug shouid be cleaned and the gap

Cleaning Engine

1. Promptly wipe off any fuel or oil spilled on the
2. Clean the underside of the blade housing after
3. Using a brush or cloth, remove grass, chaff or
4. Keep the throttle iinkage, springs and controls free
5. If engine muffler is equipped with spark arrester

Air Cleaner

Service the air cleaner every 25 hours of operation. Service more frequently if operating under extremely dusty conditions. Locate air cleaner on engine.
1. Remove clamp and pull air cleaner from intake
2. Replace with air cleaner (Sears part # 698-973).
3. Reassemble the air cleaner.

Spark Plug

1. Clean area around the spark plug base.
2. Remove and inspect the spark plug.
3. Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted,
maintenance on the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and the battery to prevent unintentional starting or sparking.
use, then every 50 hours or every season, whichever comes earlier. Change oil every 25 hours when operating the riding mower under heavy load or in high temperatures.
indicate that air cleaner shouid be serviced. Service pre-cleaner and the cartridge every 25 hours of use or once every season, whichever comes earlier. Clean more frequently under dusty conditions. Also
replace air cleaner parts if these are very dirty. reset every 100 hours of use or once a season,
whichever comes earlier.
machine with clean doth.
each mowing. Do not let clippings or debris accumulate around the blade which may cause rust on the deck.
debris from the finger guard on the engine daily to
prevent overheating of the engine. Do not clean with a forceful spray of water since water contaminates the fuel system.
of debris. screen, remove and clean the screen regularly.
Replace if damaged or plugged with debris.Clean
muffler area and remove any grass or other debris
before operating the unit.
manifold.
burned, or the porcelain is cracked. See Figure 10 .
14
4. Ciean the spark plug and reset the gap to 0.020“ at least once a season or every 100 hours of
operation. See Figure 10. Replace if necessary.
Refer to parts list section for part number.
NOTE: Do not sandblast spark plug. Spark plug should be cleaned by scraping or wire brushing and washing
with a commercial solvent.

Changing Oil

Your riding mower has a plastic oil drain hose, packed with the loose parts, for draining oil from the crankcase.
1.
Run the mower engine for a few minutes, and turn
the ignition key off. Make sure that the riding mower
is completely stopped and parking brake engaged.
2.
Lift the hood assembly to access the oii drain valve. Remove yellow valve cover on the oil drain valve
3.
and attach one end of the oil drain hose to this opening. This valve is located at the end of a 90 degree fitting near the fuel tank mounting bracket.
See Figure 11.
4.
Lead the other end of the oil drain hose into a
suitable container for collecting spent engine oil. Grip oil drain valve, push In and turn counter
5. clockwise until it stops. See Figure 11 inset. Pull out the drain valve.
Wait til! oil has drained into container completely.
6.
7.
Grip oil drain valve, push in, then turn clockwise until it stops.
Figure 11
Carefully disconnect the hose from the oil drain
8. valve to avoid spillage on the equipment and
replace the yellow cap. Remove container and
dispose off the spent oil appropriately.
Remove dipstick from the oil fill on the engine.
9.
10. Fill up with fresh engine oil of appropriate grade. Refer to the viscosity chart on page 11 for oil type.
11. Check oil level as instructed on page 10. Add more
oil if needed and tighten the dipstick securely.
12. Flip the hood assembly back.
15

RVICE& ADJUSTMENTS

Adjustments
Brake Pedal
The brake pedal needs to contact the PTO (power take off) switch for the engine to start. During normai operation of the riding mower, the brake is subject to wear and tear. Periodicaiiy check the brake by carrying out the foiiowing test;
1. Release the parking brake and place the riding mower in neutral.
2. Depress the brake pedal and try to roil the riding mower. The tractor should not move. If the tractor moves, adjust the brake.
WARNING: Do not adjust the brake while
A
Adjustment to the brake pedal is made at the cable end. See Figure 12.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
the engine is running. Be sure to block the wheels of the riding mower before making any adjustments on the brake cabie.
Set the parking brake and turn ignition key off. Shift the cutting height iever to the iowest position.
Pivot the hood assembly up and remove the
grasscatcher bag and the side-discharge chute or the mulching plug from the riding mower.
Disconnect wire from the spark plug. Locate the brake cable on the right side under the
front housing. See Figure 12 .
Using a pair of 1/2” wrenches, loosen the jam nuts
and back the cable out to tighten or thread inward to loosen. See Figure 12 inset.
Retighten the jam nuts when proper tension is reached.
8. Unlock parking brake and repeat the test described above. Readjust if necessary.

“Go” Pedal

Adjustment to the "Go" Pedal is made at the cabie end. See Figure 12.
1. Set the parking brake and turn ignition key off.
2. Shift the cutting height lever to the iowest position.
3. Pivot the hood assembly up and remove the grasscatcher bag and the side-discharge chute or the mulching plug from the riding mower.
4. Disconnect wire from the spark plug.
5. Locate the speed control cable under the front
housing. See Figure 12.
6. Loosen the jam nuts and back the cable out to tighten or thread inward to loosen as shown.
7. Retighten the jam nuts when proper tension is
reached.
8. Reconnect the spark plug wire and pivot the hood assembly down.

Cutting Height

The deck cutting height adjustment lever is located on the hood assembly. For a representation of the cutting height positions, refer to Figure 4.
1.
Puli the lever out of the slot and slide it upward or
downward to the desired cutting height.
2.
Lower the cutting height to mow close to the
ground.
Raise the deck height to the highest position when
3. you ride on a sidewalk or a road. To mow tall or thick grass, first cut with height
4. adjustment iever at the highest position, then cut again with the lever at a lower position.
16

Seat Position

The seat position on the riding mower can be adjusted to maximize the operator’s convenience.
1. Stop the mower completely and engage the parking brake. Turn ignition off.
2. Pivot the hood assembly up.
3. Loosen the four self-tapping screws on the bottom of the seat.
4. Slide the seat forward or backward in the slot, and
position it as desired. Retighten the four screws.

Blade Engagement Pedal

The blade engagement pedal should be adjusted so that if you depress it about 3/4” from the front of the blade brake slot, it will contact the PTO switch and cause it to engage the deck belt.
Under normal operation, the blade engagement pedal should not require frequent adjustment. However, perform the following test periodically and make sure that it is in fine working condition.
1. Pivot the hood assembly up and check if there is enough slack on the deck engagement cable.
2. Depress the blade engagement pedal (about 3/4 inch) and check if the belt is engaging.
3. If the cable is tight or too loose or the belt is not
engaging, adjust the deck engagement cable.
2. If the beit is engaging sooner than when the biade engagement pedal is 3/4” from the PTO switch, tighten both hex nuts on the cabie. See Figure 13.
3. Repeat the blade engagement test and readjust if
necessary.
4. Pivot the hood assembly back.

Wheel Alignment

The front wheels should toe-in 1 /16-5/16 inch. To adjust toe-in, follow these steps:
1.
Remove the 3/8” hex nut and lock washer which hold the ball joint to the steering segment. See Figure 14.
2.
Adjust the bail joint in or out until the wheels toe-in approximately 1/16-5/16“ (Dimension “B” should
be approximately 1/16-5/16“ less than dimension “A”}. See Figure 14. Replace the ball Joint into the steering segment,
3. and replace the 3/8” hex nut and the lock washer.
NOTE: The deck engagement cable will be correctly adjusted when the cable moves approximately 1/2” off centerline in both directions.
Deck
Engagement
Cable
Figure 13
Adjustment to the biade brake will have to be made at the cable end. See Figure 13.
1. If the beit is slipping when you depress the biade engagement pedal about 3/4”, loosen the two hex
nuts on the cable. See Figure 13.

Adjusting the Deck

There are three tests for checking deck leveling on the
riding mower. The results of each test will determine
what kind of leveling, if at all, the equipment needs.
IMPORTANT: Perform adjustments to the deck on a flat,
level surface. Before continuing with deck adjustment, check air pressure in all four tires. Recommended air pressure is 12 psi. Please note that the valve stems on this riding mower are on the inside of the front wheels and on the outside of the rear wheels.
Test 1: Checking Rear Deck Height Adjustment
1. Lift the hood assembly and remove grass catcher from the riding mower. Place the deck in the
highest position.
2. Inspect rear of deck. If the deck is contacting the cable bracket in front of the transmission, you will
have to adjust the rear deck height.
17
Test 2: Checking Front to Rear Leveling
1.
Place the deck in the highest position.
2.
Wearing a pair of heavy work gioves to prevent
injury, rotate the cutting blade so that it is pointed
front to back and paraiiel to the rider. Depress and
lock the deck engagement pedal.
3.
Measure the distance from the front and the rear tips of the biade to the ground.The front should be approximately 1/4” to 3/8” lower than the rear.
4.
If the distance is higher, level the deck front to rear.
Test 3: Checking Side to Side Leveling
1.
Place the deck in the highest position.
2.
Wearing a pair of heavy work gioves to prevent
injury, rotate the cutting blade so that it is pointed side to side and perpendicular to the rider. Depress and lock the deck engagement pedal.
3.
Measure the distance from the tips of the blade to the ground.
4.
If the two distances are unequal, level the deck side to side.

Adjusting Rear Deck Height

1. Completely loosen, but do not remove, the top hex nut out of the three hex nuts that hold the hex bolt
and the ferrule on the deck hanger link assembly.
See Figure 15 .
IMPORTANT: Do not try to loosen/ tighten bottom nut.
2.
Thread the middie nut as far down as possible.
Locate the lower links at the rear of the deck.
3. Working on one side at a time, disconnect the
helper springs from them.
4.
Remove each lower link by removing both hair pin
clip and washers.
Reattach lower links as shown in Figure 15 inset.
5.

Front to Rear Leveling

1. Place the deck in the highest position.
2. Wearing a pair of heavy work gioves to prevent injury, rotate the cutting blade so that it is pointed
front to back and paraiiel to the rider. Depress and
lock the deck engagement pedal.
3. Compietely loosen, but do not remove, the top hex nut out of the three hex nuts that hold the hex bolt
and the ferrule on the deck hanger link assembly.
See Figure 15.
IMPORTANT: Do not try to loosen/ tighten bottom nut.
4.
Thread the middle nut as far down as possible.
5.
Keeping an equal number of threads above each of
the nuts, thread the upper nut down until the front tip of the blade is 1/4” to 3/8” lower than the rear tip of the blade. Note that threading this nut down will
raise the front of the deck.
6.
Thread the middle nut up against the base of the ferrule. See Figure 15.
7.
Tighten the upper nut against the top of the ferrule to lock adjustment.

Side to Side Leveling

1.
Place the deck in the highest position.
2.
Wearing heavy work gloves to prevent injury, rotate the blade so that it is pointed side to side and
perpendicular to the rider. Depress and lock the
deck engagement pedal.
3.
Loosen the middle hex nut.
4.
Thread the top hex nut up or down in order to set
both tips of the biade at an equal height from the
ground. Remember to thread the nut down to raise the deck, and thread up to lower the deck.
5.
Once the deck is level, thread the middle hex nut to tighten against the ferrule. Make sure the cut is even and the lift lever moves to all cutting heights.
Deck Height Lever
Loosen hex nuts to adjust
Do not adjust hex nut
Figure 15
18
Hanger Link
Remove Hairpin Clips
and Washers
Lower Link

Adjusting the Carburetor

Differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load may require minor carburetor adjustments. The carburetor on this engine is equipped with an idle mixture valve with a limiter which allows some adjustment, and an idle speed adjustment screw. Remember that the air cleaner must be assembled to the carburetor before re starting the engine. Refer to page 14 for detalis.
NOTE: Engines, operated at approximately 3000 to 5000 feet above sea level, may require a high altitude carburetor nozzle. If your riding mower performs erratically, contact Sears service center for the nozzle.
To adjust the carburetor, follow the steps below;
1. Start the engine and run it for at least 5 minutes to warm up.
2. With the engine running, place throttle control in SLOW position.
3. Lift the hood assembly up as instructed on page 7.
4. Remove the black cap from the rider frame. See Figure 16 . Access the carburetor throttle lever and idle speed screw from this opening.
the cranking or charging circuit where Insulation
may have rubbed through and exposed bare wire.
2. Replace the wire or repair with electrician’s tape if the wire strands have not been damaged. Also look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or muffler, or rubbed against a
moving part.
3. Stop the riding mower and engage the parking
brake. Remove ignition key.
4. Pivot the hood assembly up. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and ground It.
5. Puli the fuse out of the lead wire.
6. RepI ace with new automotive fu se.
7. Make sure to reconnect the spark plug wire before
pivoting the hood assembly back.

Belt Replacement

There are two drive belts and one deck belt in this unit; follow description below to identify the belts.
Deck belt goes from the deck pulley to the lower sheave in engine pulley.
Lower drive belt goes from the variable speed pulley to the transmission pulley.
Upper drive belt goes from the variable speed pulley to the upper sheave of engine pulley.
Periodically check if these belts are too loose or
damaged. If so, replace with new belt.
Rotate carburetor throttle lever against the idle
5. speed screw and hold it. Turn idle speed screw to obtain 1750 rpm, using a tachometer to measure.
6.
Rotate idle mixture valve full travel clockwise and then counter-clockwise. Do NOT remove limiter caps. Do NOT force beyond limits.
7.
Place idle mixture valve in middle of travel.
8.
Move throttle control to FAST position. The engine should accelerate smoothly. If it does not, adjust
Idle mixture valve counter-clockwise 1/8 turn.
9.
Replace the black cap on the riding mower frame and put the hood assembly back.

Fuse Replacement

The fuse is located next to the spark plug under the rear frame. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. If the fuse biows, the source problem must be corrected or the new fuse will blow again.
1. Check for loose connections in the fuse holder and replace hoider if necessary. A dead short may be in

Deck Belt

1. Engage the parking brake and turn the ignition off. Pivot the hood assembly up and remove the grass
catcher. Remove the spark plug wire.
2.
Put the deck at the lowest cutting height by
adjusting the cutting height adjustment lever to the
lowest position.
Imaginary
Belt
Line
Figure 17
Belt
19
3. Using a 1 /2” socket wrench, remove two self tapping screws, lock washer and hex nut that hold the deck belt cover to the deck. See Figure 17. For this, you will have to work from the top left side of the riding mower. Remove the belt cover.
4. Using a 9/16” wrench, loosen the hex nut on the
idler pulley. See Figure 17.
5. Remove belt from around deck pulley, idler pulley, and the engine pulley.
6. Place the new belt around the deck pulley and the engine pulley making sure that the belt is routed
inside the belt keepers. There are two belt keepers under the grass catcher, one on the idler and the
other under the deck belt cover. See Figure 17.
7. Reinstall deck belt cover and secure with two each of self-tapping screw, lock washer and hex nut.
NOTE: Belt keeper “A” must be mounted on the outside of the belt
8. Make sure to align the belt keeper in line with the frame. See Figure 17.
NOTE: An imaginary line between the belt keeper and idler pulley should be parallel to frame. See Figure 17.
9. Replace the grass catcher and pivot the hood assembly back.

Lower Drive Belt

1. Remove the rear deck belt guard following first five steps for deck belt removal. Remove belt from the engine pulley. See Figure 18 .
4. Drop the pulley down and remove the belt.
5. Replace new belt and reassemble.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the belt is routed inside of belt keeper, and the belt keeper is reassembled in the
same location from where it was removed.

Upper Drive Belt

1. Remove the engine pulley using a 5/8” socket wrench with a 6” extension. The engine pulley is
located in front of the transmission.See Figure 18 .
2. Drop the engine pulley down and remove the belt from around it.
3. Push the idler bracket to the right and remove the
belt. See Figure 18 .
4. Replace belt and reassemble.

Battery Service

The battery is located under the hood assembly. The positive battery terminal is marked (+); the negative battery terminal is marked (-).

Safe Handling

Shield eyes and protect skin and clothing when handling battery acid (electrolyte) or a battery containing acid.
Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes and other sources of ignition away. Remember that battery contains explosive gases.
Work in a well-ventilated area when filling
(activating), charging and using the battery.
2. Push the spring loaded idler, located on the left side of the transmission, to the right. Remove belt from around the idler and then the transmission pulley.
See Figure 18 .
3. Using a 9/16” socket, remove bolt, spacer and the flat washer from the variable speed pulley.
WARNING: Do not short battery terminals
A
A
by making a connection between either two battery posts or between the positive terminal, marked + on the battery, and the riding mower frame. Before installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings etc. from your person.
Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent shorting. Connect positive terminal first to prevent sparks from accidental grounding.
Do not use the riding mower battery to start other
vehicles.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Always keep battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive build-up. After cleaning, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.
If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (black) wire from its terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (red) wire.
20
When re-instaliing battery, aiways connect the POSITIVE (red) wire to its terminal first, followed by
the NEGATIVE (black) wire.
IMPORTANT: Be certain that wires are connected to the
correct terminals; reversing them could change polarity and cause damage to the engine's alternating system.
9. Disconnect the positive (+) jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the good battery.
10. Disconnect the other end of the positive (+) jumper cabie from the solenoid.
11. Replace boot over the forward most terminal from where you removed it in Step 1. See Figure 19.

To jump-start the battery

NOTE: This riding mower is equipped with a remote
battery charging terminal on the soienoid on the right side of the frame under the hood. Foliow the instructions below to use this terminai.
Do not Jump-start directly at the battery.
Do not allow positive and negative cable clamps to touch each other.
Do not jump-start a damaged or frozen battery.
1. Puii back the boot from the forward most terminal connected to the soienoid. See Figure 19.
2. Connect the positive (+) lead of the jumper cable to this terminal. See Figure 19.
Neg. Lead of

To charge the battery

If battery is new or if the riding mower has been stored for an extended period of time, charge the battery for one hour with a battery charger (output 6 amps) before using your riding mower. Read safe operating instructions on battery charger before starting this job.
IMPORTANT: If a charger with 6 amps output is not available, use a lower output charger for a longer charging period. However, do not use a charger with higher than 6 amps output.
If a charger is not avaiiable, but the battery is abie to start the riding mower, run the mower for a minimum of one hour of mowing to charge the battery with the engine’s charging system.
NOTE: Use the remote terminai on the solenoid to
charge the battery. Do not charge at the battery.
1. Puil back the boot from the forward most terminal connected to the solenoid. See Figure 19.
2. With the battery charger off, connect the positive (+) lead of the charger cabie to this terminal. See Figure 19.
3. Connect negative (-) iead of the charger cable to
the throttle bracket.
4. Turn the battery charger on. Charge the battery until the indicator on the charger shows fuii charge.
5. Turn battery charger off. Disconnect the negative
charger cable (marked -} from the throttle bracket.
6. Disconnect the positive charger cabie (marked +)
from the solenoid terminal.
7. Replace boot over the forward most terminal (from
where you removed it in Step 1). See Figure 19.
3. Connect the other end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the good battery.
4. Connect one end of the negative (-} jumper cabie to the negative (-) post of the good battery.
5. Connect the other end of the negative (-} cable to the throttle bracket. See Figure 19.
6. Start the tractor and leave it running to charge the
battery.
7. Disconnect the negative (-) jumper cable from the tractor.
8. Disconnect the other end of the negative (-} jumper cabie from the negative (-) post of the good battery.
To Remove Battery
1.
Make sure that the riding mower is stopped
completely. Lift the hood assembly up to access the
battery.
2.
Remove the wing nuts securing the battery hold
down rods to the battery cover.
3.
Puii the battery cover up and keep it away.
4.
Loosen the screw at the negative terminal and remove the cable.Repeat at the other terminal.
5.
Remove the battery.
Attaching Battery Cables
1. Remove wing nut on the battery hold-down rod at each end of the battery cover. See Figure 20.
2. Remove the battery cover from the battery to access the terminals.
21
3. Puii the boot up and remove screw from positive terminal with a wrench.
4. Attach the red battery cabie to this positive terminal and tighten secureiy. See Figure 20 .
5. Remove screw from negative terminal with a wrench.
WARNING: Be careful not to contact any
A
6.
7.
A
8.
9.
CAUTION: Do not place your hand around the bottom edge of the hood assembly; it may get pinched between
the hood assembiy and grass catcher or the frame rail.
adjacent metal part or short across posts.
Attach the black battery cable to this negative terminal on the battery and tighten securely. See
Figure 20. Reposition the battery cover on top of the battery,
making sure it goes over the flange of the nearby
heat shield. See Inset A in Figure 20. Tuck away the battery cables completely under the battery cover. See Inset B in Figure 20 . Check to ensure that the cables pass easily through slots in the
battery cover.
WARN ING: Keep battery cables away from the engine exhaust system.
Reinstall wing nuts on the battery hold-down rods and tighten.
Place right hand on the left side of the seat and slowiy lower the hood assembly until fully closed.
VV WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Wmg Nut
Negative
Terminal
Positive
Terminal
------
-----
Wing Nut
- Battery Cover
.
^
\J
Screw ■
A
\\ \
B
-----------
told-down
Rod
- Battery
Cable
i
Heat/^ Shield
*
Figure 20
Cabl/^^^

Fuel Filter

WARNING: Drain fuel tank or close fuel
A
Your unit is equipped with a replaceable in-line fuel filter. Loosen the clamps and replace filter whenever contamination or discoloration is noticed. See Figure
21. Order replacement filter from Sears service, center.
shut-off valve before replacing fuel filter. Otherwise fuel can leak creating a fire/ explosion hazard.
Fuel Filter
22
Clamp
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