Craftsman 247288811 Owner’s Manual

perator's

I:RnFrSMRN°

LAWN TRACTOR

7 Speed, Shift-on=the=Go

42" Deck

Model No. 247.288811

• Espanol, P. 58

This product has a low emission engine which operates differently

from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and

understand this Operator's Manual.

For answers to your questions about

Before using this equipment, read this manual and follow

all safety rules and operating

instructions.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-06422C

this product, Call:

1-800=659=5917

CraftsmanTractorHelpLine

7 am =7 pm CT, Mort. =Sun.

(May11,2011)

Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 27

Trou bleshooting .............................................................. 28

Labels ............................................................................. 29

Parts List ......................................................................... 30

Espafiol ............................................................................ 58

Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,all non-expendablepartsof thisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstany defectsinmaterial

or workmanship.A defectivenon-expendablepartwill receivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairisimpossible.

FORFIVEYEARSfromthedateof purchase,the frameandfrontaxleof thisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor

workmanship.A defectiveframeor frontaxlewillreceivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairisimpossible.

FOR90 DAYSfromthe dateofpurchase,the battery(anexpendablepart)ofthis ridingequipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterial

or workmanship(ourtestingprovesthatit willnotholda charge).A defectivebatterywillreceivefreein-homereplacement.

ADDITIONALLIFETIMELIMITEDWARRANTYon CASTIRON FRONTAXLE(if equipped)

FORAS LONGASIT ISUSEDby the originalownerafterthefifth yearfromthedate ofpurchase,thecastironfrontaxle (ifequipped)ofthis ridingequipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Withproofof purchase,adefectivecastfrontaxlewillreceive

freein-homereplacement.

WARRANTYSERVICE

Forwarrantycoveragedetailsto obtainfreerepairor replacement,call1-800-659-5917or visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.corn inallcasesabove,if partrepairor replacementisimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbereplacedfreeofchargewiththe sameoranequivalentmodel.

All oftheabovewarrantycoverageis voidifthis ridingequipmentis ever usedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorif rentedtoanother

person.

This warranty covers ONLYdefects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOTinclude:

• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedto blades, sparkplugs,air cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.

• Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,or improperoperationormaintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityof

the ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyor crankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedby improperstorage,failuretouse thepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failureto keepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,or

failureto maintaintheridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfuel determinedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbe usedwithin30 daysofits purchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

SearsBrands ManagementCorporation,Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

EngineOil: SAE30 Fuel: UnleadedGasoline

SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC Engine: Briggs& StrattonI/C®

ModelNumber: Serial Number:

Dateof Purchase:

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers. Readandfollowallinstructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothe safeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron the partofthe operatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateof California tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorother reproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand

in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate. Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfutureand regularreference andfororderingreplacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow tostopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethismachine. Children14yearsoldandover shouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultsto operatethismachinewithoutproper instruction.

• Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keep bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe machinewhile itisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis to be used. Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign objectswhichcouldbe pickedupandthrownby theblade(s). Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

• Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg- ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

Your Responsibility--Restricttheuse of thispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandon themachine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

• Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionand do notpointit at anyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthe dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherin its properplace.

Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthe cutting

deck.Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet. A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact

or thrownobjectinjuries.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,orroads andwhilenotcuttinggrass.

• Watchfor trafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This

machineis notintendedforuseonanypublic roadway.

• Donot operatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcohol or drugs.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

Nevercarrypassengers.

• Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backup slowly. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingtoavoida

back-overaccident.

• Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntil theblade(s)cometoa completestopbeforeremovinggrass catcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor debris,or makinganyadjustments.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff blade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeybefore dismounting.

Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineintoa trailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupor down ramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtip over,causingserious personalinjury.Themachinemustbe pushedmanuallyon ramp(s)to loador unloadproperly.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot touch.

Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow hangingtree branches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wherethe operatormaybestruckor pulledfromthemachine,whichcould resultinseriousinjury.

Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthebrakepedal completelybeforeattemptingto startengine.

Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa heightnomorethan10".Donot attemptto mowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpiles ofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.

Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor this machine bythe machinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwiththe approvedaccessoryorattachment. Fora list ofapprovedaccessoriesandattachments,call 1-800-

659-5917. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are

involvedin a largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries. Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheriding mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom seriousinjury.

If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare andgoodjudgment.Contact1-800-659-5917forinformationand

assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackupthe slopeorifyoufeel uneasyon it, do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartof this manual to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineona slopedor hilly area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould

result.

Do:

Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution

whenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchfor holes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orother hiddenobjects.

Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat youwill nothaveto stopor shiftwhileon theslope.Tiresmay losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning properly.Alwayskeepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopes totakeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.

• Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights or counterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call

1-800-659-5917.

• Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These canchangethestabilityof the machine.

Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefrontofthe machinetolift andrapidlyflip overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

• Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslosetraction,disen- gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdowntheslope.

DoNot:

• Donot turnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossible.

• Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Themower couldsuddenlyturnoverif a wheelis overtheedgeof a cliff, ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.

• Donot try tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the ground.

• Donot usea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.

• Donot mowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

• Donot attempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe operatortolosecontrolof the machineresultingin seriousinjury

or death.

• Donot towheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing downhill,theextraweighttendstopushthetractorandmay causeyouto loosecontrol(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingand steeringabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcause tractorto overturn).

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalertto the presence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothe machineandthemowing activity.Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand inwatchfulcare ofa responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

• Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childentersthe area.

• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall children.

Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)shutoff.Theymay falloffandbe seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine operation.

• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways, shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionof a child whomayrunintothe machine.

Toavoidback-overaccidents,alwaysdisengagethecutting blade(s)beforeshiftingintoReverse.Ifequipped,the"Reverse CautionMode"(bladesoperatewhilemachineridesinreverse)

shouldnotbe usedwhenchildrenor othersarearound. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer

burnsfroma hotmuffler.

• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis machine. Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe instructionsand

safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon the machineandshould betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

TOWING

Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe hitchpoint.

Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.For recommendations,

call1-800-659-5917. Neverallowchildrenor othersinoron towedequipment.

Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof tractionandlossof control.

Alwaysuseextracautionwhentowingwitha machinecapableof makingtightturns(e.g."zero-turn"ride-onmower). Makewide turnstoavoidjack-knifing.

Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop. Donotcoastdownhill.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingof Gasoline

Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled on yourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron a truckortrailerbed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck or trailerandrefueliton theground.Ifthis isnot possible,then

refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rim ofthefueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot use a nozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuel machineindoors. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhilethe engineishotor run-

ning.Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffillerneckto allowspaceforfuel expansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff the engineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe

engine.

• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefree ofgrass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlight asona waterheater,spaceheater, furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

Allowa machineto coolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService

• Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe blade(s)andallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended starting.

• Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocomplete stopwithinapproximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthe bladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthe thistimeframe,yourmachineshouldbeservicedprofessionally byaSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.

• Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedtowearduring normaloperation.Adjustandserviceasrequired.

• Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsatfrequent intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade(s) fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,bent,cracked).Replacethe blade(s)withtheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.) blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonot meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper performanceandcompromisesafety!

• Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.

• Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesuretheequipmentis

insafeworkingcondition.

• Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor othersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe sparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly inspectthemachineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore startingandoperating.

• Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothemachine whilethe engineis running.

• Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoverare subject towearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor allow objectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual.Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

• Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed ofthe engine.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor gas,oil, etc.to protecttheenvironment.

• Accordingto the ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC) andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or 270hours ofoperation.Attheendofthe AverageUsefulLife,buy anew machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatall mechanicaland safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnot wornexcessively.

Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoid seriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway. Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and ThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)if so equipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered, brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

Ifa sparkarrestoris used,itshouldbemaintainedin effectiveworking orderbythe operator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveis required bylaw (Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarrestorforthemuffleris availablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product. Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson themachine beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate

DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.

DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES

Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

BYSTANDERS Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in

operation.

WARNING-- SLOPE OPERATION

Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching.

DANGER- ROTATING BLADES

To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass

catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

Sight and hold this levelwith avertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

15°

Use this page as a guideto determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

Donot operateyourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.Donotmowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a riseofapproximately2ol/2feetevery10feet). A riding

mowercouldoverturnandcauseseriousinjury.Operateridingmowersupanddownslopes,neveracrossthe faceof slopes.

i_llll WARNING!Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/or

propertyof yourselfand others.Readandfollowall instructionsinthismanualbeforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failureto

complywiththeseinstructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis symbol,HEEDiTS WARNING!

YourResponsibility Restricttheuseof thispowermachinetopersonswho read,understand,andfollowthewarningsandinstructionsin thismanualandonthe

machine.

ROTATING BLADES CAUSE

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• DONOTM0WWHENCHILDRENOR

OTHERSAREAROUND •

• NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWITH

BLADE(S)OFF.

• LOOKDOWNANDBEHINDBEFORE

ANDWHILEBACKING.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil in theengine. However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Refertothe Service& Maintenancesectionforinstructionson checkingtheoil

level. Attaching the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato

causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red) wireto its terminalfirst,followedby theNEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmay havebeenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.To connectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows:

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative batteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).

1. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe positivebattery terminaland attachthe redcableto thepositivebatteryterminal (+)withthebolt andhexnut.See Figure1.

2. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe negativebattery terminaland attachtheblackcabletothenegativebattery terminal(-) withthe bolt andhexnut.SeeFigure1.

Shipping Brace Removal

Makesurethe ridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey,

andset theparkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer

ItotheOperationsectionforinstructionsonhowto settheparking lbrake.

• Locatethe shippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompanyingwarning tagfoundonthe rightsideofthemower,betweenthedischarge chutedeflectorandthe cuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.

Figure2

Figure1

3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.

NOTE:If thebatteryisput into serviceafterthedateshownon topof battery,chargethebatteryas instructedintheService& Maintenance sectionofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.

Placethedecklift leverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto

SettingtheCuttingHeightin the Operationsectionofthismanual. Whilepushingthedischargechuteddlectortowardsthemachinewith

yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp- ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.

Theshippingbrace,usedfor packagingpurposesonly,mustbe

removedand discardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.

Themowingdeckiscapableofthrowingobjects.Failureto operate the ridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperating

Ipositioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty ldamage.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcomeattached,the hardwareforattachingithasbeenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel, beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypry off thesteeringwheel capandremovethe hardware.

1. Withthewheelsof the tractorpointingstraightforward,placethe steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthe cuppedsidedown)overthe steering wheeland securewiththe hex bolt.SeeFig.3-3.

Figure3

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthecenterof the steering wheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.

Attaching The Seat If theseatforyourtractorwasnotattachedatthefactory,refertothe

followingsteps. NOTE: Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastenedtothe tractor

seat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or mountedbackwardtothe pivot bracket.Ineithercase,free theseatfromits shippingpositionand removethe adjustmentknobfromthebottomof seatbeforeproceed- ingwiththeinstructionsbelow.

1. Positionthe shoulderscrews(foundon the baseofthe seat) insidethe slotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket. Fig.4.

2. Slidetheseat slightlyrearwardin theseatpivot bracket,lining up thecenterrearslotin thepivotbracketwiththeremaininghole

in theseat'sbase.

Figure4

3. Selectdesired positionfor theseat,and securewiththeadjust- mentknobremovedearlier.

4. Toadjustthepositionoftheseat,loosentheadjustmentknob

on thebottomoftheseat.Slidethe seatforwardor backwardas desired.Retightentheadjustmentknob.

Tire Pressure

Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis 30 psi.Equal

tirepressureshouldbe maintainedatall times.Neverexceedthe

_maxmum nfatonpressureshownonthesdewa of thet re. Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:

Approximately10psi forthe reartires Approximately14psiforthefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothe tiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donot overinfiate.Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

Figure5

A SpeedControlLever/ ParkingBrakeLever B Throttle/chokecontrollever

C IgnitionSwitch D Deck LiftLever

E PTOLever(BladeEngage)

F Cup Holder

G ShiftLever H Clutch-BrakePedal

NOTE: AnyreferenceinthismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideof thetractorisobservedfromoperator'sseat positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontof tractor.

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

SPEED CONTROL LEVER

Thespeedcontrollever,locatedontheleft sideof the tractor'sdashconsole,allowsyouto regulatetheground speedof thelawntractor.Touse,depresstheclutch- brakepedalandmovethe leveroutof theparkingbrake notchandforwardtoincreasethetractor'sgroundspeed. Whenadesiredspeedhasbeenreached,releasethe leverintoanappropriatenotchto maintainthatspeed.

Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,depresstheclutch- brakepedalandmovethe speedcontrolleverrearward

andreleaseit intoa notch.

PARKING BRAKE

Tosetthe parkingbrake,fullydepressthe clutch-brake _._J pedal.Movethe speedcontrolleverallthe waydownand BRAKE intothe parkingbrakeposition.Releasethe clutch-brake pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brakepedaland movethespeedcontrolleveroutofthenotchestothedesiredposition. Releasethe speedcontrolleverandthe clutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:The parkingbrakemustbe setiftheoperatorleavestheseat withtheenginerunningortheenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER

Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof thetrac- tor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthe speedofthe engineandwhen pushedallthewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whensetin a given position,thethrottlewillmaintaina uniformenginespeed.

iMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecuttingdeck engaged,thethrottle/chokecontrollevermustalwaysbein the FAST (rabbit)position.

IGNITION SWITCH

Thekeyswitchmoduleisusedto startand stoptheengine.Insert keyintothe keyswitchmodule

andturnclockwiseto theSTART position.Releasethe keyintothe

normalmowingpositiononceen- ginehasstarted.The headlights willbeactivatedautomatically.

Tostopthe engine,turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theSTOPposition.

IMPORTANT:Priorto operatingthetractor,referto boththe"Safety InterlockSystem"and"StartingTheEngine"laterinthissectionof this manualfordetailedinstructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModule.

PARK

SHIFT LEVER

Theshift leverislocatedonthe left

sideof thefenderandhasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRAL

and REVERSE.Theclutch-brake

pedalmustbedepressedandthe

tractormustnotbe inmotionwhen themovingshift lever.

iMPORTANT:Neverforcethe shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin

seriousdamagetothe tractor's

transmission.

DECK LIFT LEVER

Foundonyour tractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris used

tochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethe

levertotheleft, thenplacein thenotchbestsuitedforyour

application.

PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER

Foundonthe tractor'srightfender,the PTO(bladeengage) leveris usedtoengagepowertothe cuttingdeckorother (separatelyavailable)attachments.Tooperate,movethe leverallthewayforward.Movingtheleveralltheway rearwardintothe PTOOFFpositiondisengagespowertothe

cuttingdeck/attachment.

NOTE:The PTO(bladeengage)levermustbe inthe

disengaged(PTOOFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.

CUP HOLDER

Thetractor'scupholderis locatedonthe fendertotheleft of theseat.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT KNOB

Theseatadjustmentknobislocatedonthebottomsideof theseat.

Usethisknobto adjustthe seatforwardor rearwardto a comfortable operatingpositionbylooseningtheknob,positioningthe seattothe desiredpreference,thenretighteningtheknob.

CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL

Theclutch-brakepedalislocatedontheleft sideofthe lawntractor, alongtherunningboard.Depresstheclutch-brakepedalpart way downwhenslowingthetractorbychangingspeeds(RefertoSpeed

ControlLever).Depressthepedalall thewaydownto engagethedisc

brakeandbringthe tractortoa completestop.

NOTE:The pedalmustbe depressedtostartthe engine.Referto

SafetyInterlockSwitcheslaterin thissectionof thismanual.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setpark- ingbrake,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Gas and Oil Fill=up 0il

iMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil intheengine.

However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Becareful notto overfill.

Forinstructionsonhowto checktheengineoil, referto CheckingThe EngineOilin theServiceandMaintenancesectionofthis manual.

Gasoline

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthe hood.Donotoverfill.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuel machineindoors

orwhilethe engineis hotorrunning.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,

[ppes,andothersourcesof gn ton. NOTE : Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotuse gasolineleft

overfromthe previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuel system.

• Thisengineiscertifiedto operateonunleadedgasoline.Forbest results,fillthe fueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasoline witha pumpstickeroctaneratingof 87or higher.

• Gasohol(upto 10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolineby volume)isanapprovedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblends,such asE85,arenotapproved.

• MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends (uptoa maximumof 15%MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels. Othergasoline/etherblendsare notapproved.

• Fillfuel tankoutdoorsorin well-ventilatedarea.

• Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Neverremovegas capor addfuel whiletheengineis hotor run- ning.Allowenginetocool at leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Ifgasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe engine.

To Add Gasoline

1. Turntheengineoff andlet enginecool atleast2 minutesbefore removingthe fuelcap.Thegasolinetankisunderthe rearfender, withthefuel fill caplocatedinthecenterofthe rearfender. Thefuel capistetheredto thetractortopreventitsloss. Donot attempttoremovethecapfromthetractor.

2. Fillthefueltankwithgasoline.

3. Reinstallthefuelcap.

NOTE:The tractorisfittedwitha tethered,ratchetingfuelcap.STOP fillingthe tankoncethefuelis seeninsidethefillerneck. Thisensures thata properexpansionvolumeiscreated,otherwisethefuelcan overflowcreatinga hazardoussituation.Do NOTtopoffthefueltank. SeeFig.6.

Figure 6

Avoid Serious injury or Death

• Go upanddownslopes,notacross.

• Avoidsuddenturns.

• Donot operatetheunitwhereit couldslipor tip.

• Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesandbackdownhill slowly.

• Donot mowwhenchildrenorothersare around.

• Nevercarrychildren,evenwithbladesoff.

• Lookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebacking.

• Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,and switches)inplace andworking.

• Removeobjectsthatcouldbethrownbytheblades.

• Knowlocationandfunctionofall controls.

• Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsor feetnearblades.

• Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengage blades,engageparkingbrake,shutengineoff,and removekey.

Read Operator's Manual

SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM

Thesafetyinterlocksystemis designedforsafeoperationofthe trac- tor.If thissystemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.

Immediatelycontact1-800-4-MY-HOMEtohavethesystemserviced.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstarting unlesstheparkingbrakeis engagedandthe PTO(BladeEngage) leveris inthe disengaged(OFF)position.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutoffthe engineif theoperatorleavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutoffthe engine if theoperatorleavesthe tractor'sseatwiththePTO(Blade

Engage)leverengaged,regardlessof whethertheparkingbrake

is engaged.

• Theenginewill automaticallyshutoff ifthe PTO(BladeEngage) leveris movedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshiftlever

in Reverse.

IGNITION SWITCH

Theignitionswitchisactivatedto starttheengine.Insertkeyintothe ignitionswitchandturnclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Releasethe keyintothe ONpositiononceenginehas fired.SeeFig.7.

Tostopthe engine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheOFF position.SeeFig.7.

SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT

1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacingthedeck liftleverin anyof thesixdifferentcuttingheightnotchesonthe rightsideofthe fender.

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthe dischargeopeningofthecutting

deck.

STARTING THE ENGINE

NEVERleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysdisengage PTO,moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setparkingbrake,stop

engneandremovekeytopreventunntendedstartng.

IMPORTANT: Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth Safety InterlockSwitchesandStartingThe Engineinthe Operationsectionof

thismanualforfurtherdetailedinstructions.

Start

off

Figure 7

Donot operatethetractorifthe interlocksystemismalfunctioning.

Thissystemwasdesignedforyoursafetyand protection.

NOTE:Referto theGasolineandOilfill-upinstructionsearlierin this section.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF) position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrottle/chokeleverall

thewayupintothechokeposition.

5. Turnthe ignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Afterthe

enginestarts,releasethekey.Itwillreturnto the ON(orNormal

Mowing)position.

DO NOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionforlongerthan ten

secondsata time.Doingsomaycausedamagetoyour engine's electricstarter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethe

throttlecontrolin theFASTposition.

NOTE:Do NOTleavethechokecontrolon whileoperatingthe tractor. Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuel mixtureandcausetheengineto run poorly.

ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE

To engage the parking brake:

1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholditdownwithyour foot.

2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintothe parkingbrakeposition.

3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowthe parkingbraketo engage.

To release the parking brake:

1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethe speedcontrollever outof theparkingbrakepositionand intoa desiredspeed.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe spark plugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machinefor anydamage.Repairthedamagebeforerestartingand operating

1. Ifthe bladesareengaged,placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF)position.

2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

3. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended starting.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

Donotleavethe seatof thetractorwithoutfirstplacingthePTO

(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position,depressing Ithe brakepedalandengagingthe parkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractor [unattended,alsoturntheignitionkeyoffand removethekey.

Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackinguptoavoida

back-overaccident.

1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalto releasetheparkingbrakeand

thenlet thepedalup.

2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placethe shiftleverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSE

position.

IMPORTANT: DoNOTusetheshiftleverto changethedirectionof travelwhenthe tractorisin motion.Alwaysusetheclutch-brakepedal tobringthetractortoa completestopbeforeshifting.

4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-brakepedal

andpositioningthe speedcontrolleverinthe desiredposition.

IMPORTANT: First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedpositions1or

2.Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththetractor'soperationandcontrols beforeoperatingthe tractorinhigherspeedpositions.

5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlytoputunit intomotion.

6. Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbydepressingtheclutch-

brakepedal.

NOTE: Whenoperatingthe unitinitially,therewillbe littledifference betweenthe highesttwospeedsuntil afterthe beltshaveseated themselvesintothepulleysduringthebreak-inperiod.

WARNING!Beforeleavingtheoperator'spositionfor any reason,

disengagetheblades,placetheshiftleverinneutral,engagethe

parkingbrake,shutengineoff andremovethe key.

1. Placetheshiftleverinneutral,

2. Engagetheparkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoffand removethekey.Doingsowill minimizethe possibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfrom yourtractor'srunningengine.

Ifunitstallswithspeedcontrolinhighspeed,orif unitwill not operate

withspeedcontrolleverin a lowspeedposition,proceedas follows:

1. PlaceshiftleverinNEUTRAL.

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.

5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.

7. PlaceshiftleverineitherFORWARDor REVERSE,andfollow normaloperatingprocedures.

DRIVING ON SLOPES

Refertothe SLOPEGAUGEinthe SafetyInstructionssectionofthe manualto helpdetermineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethistractor safely.

Donot mowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(arise ofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).The tractorcouldoverturn andcauseseriousinjury.

• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

• Watchfor holes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orother hiddenobjects. Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

• Avoidturnswhendrivingon a slope.If a turnmustbe made,turn

downthe slope.Turningupaslopegreatlyincreasesthechance ofa rollover.

• Avoidstoppingwhendrivingup a slope.If itis necessarytostop

whiledrivingupa slope,start upsmoothlyandcarefullyto reduce thepossibilityof flippingthetractoroverbackward.

ENGAGING THE BLADES

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe cuttingdeck or other(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades, proceedasfollows:

1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.

2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all theway

forwardintotheengaged(ON)position.

3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthemost

efficientuseof thecuttingdeckorother(separatelyavailable) attachments.

NOTE:The enginewillautomaticallyshutoff if thePTO(Blade

Engage)leverismovedintothe engaged(ON)positionwiththeshift leverin Reverse.

IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileon a grasssurface,always:

MULCHING

A mulch kit is available as an attachment. Mulching is a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer.

A mulchkit canbe purchased.SeetheReplacementParts& Attach- mentssectionofthis manualformoreinformation.

USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe left,then place itin thenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.RefertoSettingThe CuttingHeightearlierinthis Operationsection.

MOWING

Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand- ers,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe machine whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck withyourtractor:

Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialstoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarging materialagainsta wallor obstructionwhichmaycausedischarged materialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

HEADLIGHTS

• Thelampsare ONwheneverthetractor'sengineis running.

• Thelampsturn OFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOP position.

• Donot mowat highgroundspeed,especiallyifa mulchkitor grasscollectoris installed.

• Forbestresultsitis recommendedthatthe firsttwolapsbecut withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirst two laps,reversethe directionto throwthedischargeto the outside forthe balanceofcutting.Thiswill givea betterappearancetothe

lawn.

• Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowth andyellowsquicklyindryweather.

• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfull throttle.

• Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo backoverthe cutareaa secondtimeto geta cleancut.

• DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsandextremely tallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedto mowlawns,NOTclear

brush.

• Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.Refer toCuttingBladesintheServicesectionofthis manualforproper bladesharpeninginstructions.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.

BeforeEachUse

Inthe FirstFiveHours Every10Hours

Every25 hours

Every50 hours

Annually

BeforeStorage

*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

1. Engineoil level

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols

3. Fingerguard

7. EngineOil

9. Hood/Dashairvents

10. Batteryterminals

11. Deckspindlesand idler bracket

15. Air filter'sprecleaner*

16. Air filter*

17. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

18. Frontwheelbearings

19. Frontdeckwheels

25. Engineoil

26. Muffler

29. Air filter

30. Air filter'spre-cleaner

31. Sparkplug

32. Air coolingsystem*

33. Fuelfilter

34. SteeringGears

35. RearWheels

43. Hood/Dashairvents

44. Batteryterminals

45. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

46. Frontwheelbearings

47. Frontdeckwheels

48. Deckspindlesand idler bracket

49. Pedalpivotpoints

4. Check

5. Clean

6. Clean

8. Change

12. Clean

13. Clean

14. Lubricate

20. Clean

21. Clean

22. Lubricate

23. Lubricate

24. Lubricate

27. Change

28. Check

36. Replace

37. Replace

38. Replace

39. Clean

40. Replace

41. Clean

42. Removeandgreaseaxles

50. Clean

51. Clean

52. Lubricate

53. Lubricate

54. Lubricate

55. Lubricate

56. Lubricate

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrack ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest Parts&

RepairService Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontact

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagethePTO (BladeEngageLever),engagetheparkingbrake,stopthe engine

and removethekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Iftheenginehasbeen recentlyrun,the engine,mufflerandsur- roundingmetalsurfaceswill behotand cancauseburnsto theskin.

Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Engine Oil Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassification

SF,SG,SH,or SJ, Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.

Althoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting in coldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen

usedabove32°RCheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

f'_older 32°F _Warmer_

,_.. j

Tochecktheengineoil, proceedasfollows:

1. Ensurethatthe tractorisona levelsurface.

2. Cleantheoil fill areaof anydebris.

3. Removethedipstickandwipewithacleancloth.

4. Insertandtightendipstick.

5. Removethedipstickandchecktheoil level.It shouldbeatthe Full markon thedipstick.SeeFigure9.

Dipstick_

Oil Viscosity Chart

Changing Engine Oil

Theengineoil shouldbechangedinthefirst5 hoursandthenevery 50 hoursoroncea season.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedas

follows:

1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand keepit awayfromsparkplug.

2. Removethe oilfill cap/dipstickfromtheoil filltube.SeeFigure9.

3. Turnthe steeringwheelallthewaytothe rightto betterexpose thedrainplug.

4. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwiththis manual)ontotheoil drainport. Routetheoppositeendofthe sleeveintoanappropri- ateoilcollectioncontainerwitha capacitygreatenoughto collect

theusedoil.

5. Removedrainpluganddrainoil intoa suitablecontainerwitha capacityof nolessthan64 oz.

6. Performsteps2 through4intheoppositeorderafteroil has finisheddraining.

7. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroil untilthe oil levelonthe dipstickreadsFULL.Replacetheoil fillcap/dipstick.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly. Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-

ties oror contact1-800-4-MY-HOMEforalist of safedisposal/

recyclingfacilities.

8. Reconnectsparkplugwire.

OilDrain

Valve

Oil Drain Sleeve

Figure9

6. Iflow,addoilslowlyintotheengineoilfill.Donotoverfill.Afteradding oil,waitone minuteandthenrechecktheoil level.

Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheenginetonot start, hardstarting,orenginesmoking.If overtheFULLmarkonthe dipstick,drainoil toreduceoil leveltoFULLmarkondipstick.

7. Replaceandtightendipstick.

Fuel Filter Air Cleaner

Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire orexplosioncan causesevereburnsor death.

• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat, andotherignitionsources.

• Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

• Beforereplacingthe fuelfilter,drainthe fueltankasperthe instructionsbelow.

• Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowthe engine

adequatetimetocool. Drainfuelintoan approvedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

• Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthe tankby disconnectingthe fuellinefromthe in-linefuelfilterneartheengine.

• RemovethefuellinefromtheIn-lineside(sidetowardsthefuel tank)of thefuel filter.

• Replacementpartsmustbethesameand installedin the same positionastheoriginalparts.

• Iffuelspills,waituntil itevaporatesbeforestartingengine.

• Beforereplacingthe fuelfilter,drainthe fueltank.Otherwisefuel

canleakoutandcausea fireor explosion.

ToDrainthe fuel:

1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichisroutedontheleftsideofthe engine betweenthefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedto theenginewitha tiestrap.Cutthetie strap,ifpresent,thenpinch thein-lineclamponthefuelfilterwitha pairofpliers,slidethe clampupthefuelline.Pullthe fuellinefreefromthefilterandplace theopenendof thelineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.

Tochangethe fuel filter:

1. Useplierstosqueezethe tabsonthe otherclamp(theout-line sideof thefuelfilter),thenslidethe clampawayfromthe fuelfilter. Twistandpullthefuellineoff ofthefuelfilter.SeeFigure11.

2. Checkthefuellinesforcracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

3. Replacethefuel filterwithan originalequipmentreplacement filter.Call1-800-4-MY-HOME®to purchasetheoriginalequip- mentreplacementfilter.

4. Securethefuellineswiththe clamps.

Clamp

Fuel Line

Iffilters,or coversarenotinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath

couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattemptto starttheenginewith themremoved.

Donot usepressurizedair or solventstocleantheaircleaner

cartridge.

Theairfiltersystemusesa cylindricalcartridge.Thismodelalso includesa pre-cleanerthatcan bewashedand reused.

1. Removethefasteners(A)andtheairfiltercover(B).SeeFigure

12.

2. Toremovethe filter(C),liftthe endof thefilterandthenpullthe filteroff the intake(D).

3. Removethe pre-cleaner(E), if equipped,fromthefilter.

4. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthe filteron a hardsurface,if thefilter

--,,,

Figure12

isexcessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.

5. Washthepre-cleanerinliquiddetergentandwater.Thenallow it tothoroughlyairdry.Donot oil the pre-cleaner.

6. Assemblethedrypre-cleanertothefilter.

7. Installthefilterontheintake.Pushtheendofthe filterintothe baseas shown.Makesurefilterfits securelyinthebase.

8. Installairfiltercoverandsecurewithfasteners.

Tab

... J

Figure11

Spark Plug

1. Cleanareaaroundthe sparkplugbase.Do notsandblastspark plug,Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent

Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgap tomakesureit is setat.030".See Figure13.

Electrode Porcelain

_.030 (.76 mm) gap

Figure13

3. Replacethesparkplug(Champion®RC12YC)once a season.

Muffler

Temperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150° F

(65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.

• inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.Replace- mentpartsforthe mufflermustbethe sameand installedin the samepositionasthe originalparts.

Clean Engine

• Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.

Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible debris.

Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine.

• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskof overheat- ingandignitionof accumulateddebris.

Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel system.Usea brushordrycloth.

Carburetor Adjustment

• Thecarburetoronthisengineisnot adjustable.

LUBRICATION

Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageLever),moveshift leverintoneutralposition,set parkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintended starting.

Pivot Points & Linkage Lubricateallthe pivotpointsonthe drivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift

linkageatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil. Rear Wheels

Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesoncea season.

Lubricatetheaxlesandtherimswellwithanall-purposegreasebefore re-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendof thetractor'sfrontpivotbar maybeequippedwitha grease fitting.Lubricatewitha greasegunafterevery25hoursof tractor operation.

Battery Thebatteryissealedandis maintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbe

checked.

Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof

petroleumjellyorgreasetobothterminals.

Alwayskeepthe rubberbootpositionedoverthepositiveterminal to preventshorting.

iMPORTANT:if removingthebatteryforanyreason,disconnectthe

NEGATIVE(Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSI- TIVE(Red)wire.When re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe

POSITIVE(Red)wiretoits terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE

(Black)wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnectedtothecorrect terminals;reversingthemcouldchangethe polarityandresultin damageto yourengine'salternatingsystem.

Cleaning Battery

Cleanthebatteryby removingitfromthetractorandwashingwith a bakingsodaandwatersolution.Ifnecessary,scrapethe battery terminalswitha wirebrushto removedeposits.Coatterminalsand exposedwiringwithgreaseor petroleumjellytopreventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:

incorrectinitialactivation Overcharging

Freezing Undercharging

Corrodedconnections

Thesefailuresare NOTcoveredbyyourtractor'swarranty.

CLEANING THE ENGINE AND DECK

Anyfuel oroil spilledonthe machineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do NOTallowdebristoaccumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengine oron anyotherpartofthemachine.

IMPORTANT: Theuseof a pressurewasherto cleanyourtractoris NOTrecommended.It maycausedamagetoelectricalcomponents, spindles,pulleys,bearingsortheengine.

A screwplugcanbefoundon yourtractor'sdecksurfaceasseenin Fig. 14.Thisplugcanbe replacedwitha waterportto beusedaspart ofa separately-availabledeckwashsystem.

TheDeckWashSystemTM is usedto rinsegrassclippingsfromthe deck'sundersideandpreventthebuildupof corrosivechemicals.

NOTE: Adeckwashsystemcanbepurchasedthroughthe retail locationinwhichyoupurchasedthistractor.For moreinformation,call

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

2. Measurethedistancefromthe frontofthebladetipto the ground andthe rearofthe bladetip to theground.Thefirstmeasure-

menttakenshouldbe between1A"and3A"lessthanthe second measurement.Determinethe approximatedistancenecessaryfor

properadjustmentandproceed,if necessary,to thenextstep.

3. Locatetheflangelocknut onthe frontsideofthe stabilizer bracket.SeeFig.15.

• Tightentheflangelocknuttoraisethe frontofthedeck;

Loosentheflangelocknutto lowerthefrontof thedeck.

Figure14

ADJUSTMENTS

Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhiletheengineis running, exceptwherespecifiedinthe operator'smanual.

Leveling the Deck NOTE: Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeck

levelingadjustments.Referto Tiresinthe Servicesectionofthis manualformoreinformationregardingtirepressure.

Front To Rear Thefrontof thecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizerbarthatcan

beadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfronttorear.Thefrontofthedeck shouldbebetween1A-inchand3A-inchlowerthanthe rearof thedeck.

Adjustif necessaryas follows:

1. Withthetractorparkedon a firm,levelsurface,placethelever forliftingthe platformonthesecondtothetopnotch(second highestposition)androtatethebladeas closeas possibletothe dischargechannelthat isparallelto thetractor.

Figure15

Side to Side

Ifthecuttingdeckappearstobe mowingunevenly,a sideto side

adjustmentcan beperformed.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedonafirm,levelsurface,placethedecklift leverin thesecondfromthe topnotch(secondhighestposition) and rotatebothbladessothat theyare perpendicularwiththe

tractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthe outsideoftheleft bladetiptothe groundandthedistancefromtheoutsideofthe rightbladetipto theground.Bothmeasurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey're not, proceedto thenextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,the hexcap screwonthe leftdeck hangerbracket.SeeFig. 16.

4. Balancethedeckby usinga wrenchtoturntheadjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthehexcap screwjustloosened) clockwise/uporcounterclockwise/down.Thedeckis properly balancedwhenbothbladetip measurementstakenearlierare equal.

5. Retightenthe hexcapscrewon theleftdeckhangerbracketwhen properadjustmentis achieved.

He× Cap Screw

'_. ._

Figure16

Seat Adjustment Refertothe Assemblysectionofthismanualforseatadjustment

instructions. Parking Brake Adjustment

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhiletheengineis running.Always disengagePTO(bladeengage)lever,moveshiftleverintoneutral position,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

If thetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhenthe brakepedal iscompletelydepressed,or ifthe tractor'srearwheelscan rollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeis in needofadjustment.Contactthe nearest SearsService Centerto haveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

Tolocatethenearest Parts&Repair ServiceCenteror toschedule service,contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

CUTTING DECK REMOVAL

To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:

1. Placethe PTO(Blade Engage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF) positionandengagethe parkingbrake.

2. Lowerthe deck bymovingthe deck liftleverintothe bottom notchon therightfender.

3. Removetheself-tappingscrew(A) thatsecuresthebelt-keeper rodfromaroundthetractor'sPTOpulley,thenremovethe belt keeperrod(B). SeeFig. 17.

NOTE: Makea mentalnotewhatholetheotherendofthebelt-keeper rodisinsertedinforreinstallationpurposes.

4. Removethebelt(C)fromaroundthetractor'sPTOpulley.See Fig.17.

Figure17

Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleftsideofthe tractor,locate

thebow-tiepinthat securesthedecksupportrodonthe rear

Idt sideofthe deck. SeeFig.18.Removethebow-tiepinthat securesthedecksupportrod,andcarefullyremovethedeck supportfromthedecklift arm.

Figure18

6. Repeattheabovestepson thetractor'srightside. NOTE:The bow-tieclipsshouldbe re-installedfromthetop down.

7. Movethedecklift leverintothetopnotchon therightfenderto

raisethedecklift armsupandoutof theway.

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingersontheidlerspringor betweenthe beltanda pulleywhileremovingthe belt.

8, Removethe bow-tiecotterpin securingthe deckstabilizerrodto

thedeck. Slidethedecklift rodfromthemountingbracketonthe deckasseen in Fig.19.

.........../1;_,_......................... ,'..............................

The recommended operating tire pressure is:

• Approximately10psiforthereartires

• Approximately14psiforthefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothe tiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donot overinflate.Uneventire presi

surecould causethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

BATTERY

CaliforniaProposition65 WARNING!Batteryposts,terminals,and

relatedaccessoriescontainleadandleadcompounds,chemicals knowntothe Stateof Californiatocausecancerandreproductive harm.Washhandsafterhandling.

If removingthe battery,disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)wire

fromits terminalfirst,followedbythe POSITIVE(Red) wire.When

relinstallingthe battery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wire to

Its termna f rst,fo owedby theNEGATVE (Back)wre.

JUMP STARTING

_... ji

Figure19

CarefullyremovethePTOcablefromtherearof thecuttingdeck byremovingthebow-tiecotterpinwhichsecuresit.Removethe springfromthe deckidlerbracket.SeeFig.20.

PTOCable

Neverjump starta damagedorfrozenbattery.Becertainthevehicles

do nottouch,andignitionsareoff. Do notallowcableclampsto touch.

1. Connectpositive(+)cableto positivepost(+)of yourtractor's dischargedbattery.

2. Connecttheotherendof thecabletothe (positive+) postofthe jumperbattery.

3. Connectthesecondcable(negative-) totheother postof the jumperbattery.

4. Connecttheotherendof thenegativecabletothe engineblockof thetractor,awayfromthe battery.Attachtoanunpaintedpartto assurea goodconnection.

Ifthejumper batteryis installedona vehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOT startthe vehicle'senginewhenjumpstartingyourtractor.

5. Startthetractor(as instructedearlierinthissectionofthis manual).

6. Setthetractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables, in reverseorderofconnection.

CHARGING

Figure20

10. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromtheleft side)outfrom underneaththetractor.

TIRES

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewall oftire.

Batteries

giveoffan explosivegaswhilecharging.ChargethebatteryI

ina wellventilatedareaandkeepawayfroman openflameor pilot

ghtas ona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,cothesdryeror |

othergas appliances.

Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,useonlyachargerdesignedfor I

12Vlead-acidbatteries.ReadyourbatterychargersOwners Manual priortochargingyourtractorsbattery.Alwaysfollowits instructions I

land heed ts warnngs. j

If yourtractorhasnotbeenputintousefor anextendedperiodof time, chargethebatteryas follows:

1. Setyour batterychargertodeliveramaxof 10amperes.

If yourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthatchargingiscomplete.Ifthechargerisnot automatic,chargefor nofewerthaneighthours.

FUSE

One20AMPfuseisinstalledin yourtractor'swiringharnesstoprotect thetractor'selectricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessive

amperage. If theelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,or yourtractor'senginewill

notcrank,firstchecktobe certainthatthe fusehasnotblown.It can befoundat therearoftheunit,underneaththefenderlocatedbythe

battery.

Alwaysusea fusewiththe sameamperagecapacityforreplacement.

CUTTING BLADES

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protectyourhands byusingheavygloveswhengraspingtheblade.

Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthebladeto thespindle

assembly.SeeFig.21.

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamounts of metalfrombothendsofthebladesalongthecuttingedges,

parallelto thetrailingedge,ata250.to 300angle.Alwaysgrind

eachcutting bladeedgeequallytomaintainproperbladebalance.

SeeFig.22.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeand/or spindleforcracksordamage, especiallyafter you'vestrucka foreignobject.Donotoperatethe machineuntil damagedcomponentsare replaced.

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows.

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(refertoCuttingDeck Removalearlierinthis section)thengentlyflip thedeckoverto exposeitsunderside.

2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthe centerdeckhousingbaffle andthecuttingbladetoactasa stabilizer. SeeFig.21.

Figure 22

Ifthecuttingedgeofthebladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,or if

anymetalseparationis present,replacethebladeswithnewones.

A poorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibration,maycause damagetothetractorand/orresultin personalinjury.

5. Testthe blade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetalfrom theheavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.

NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besureto installthebladewiththe sideof theblademarked"Bottom"(orwitha partnumberstampedin it)facingthe groundwhenthemoweris inthe operatingposition.

Usea torquewrenchtotightenthe bladespindlehexflangenutto

between70Ibs-ftand 90Ibs-ft.

CHANGING THE DECK BELT

Besureto shutthe engineoff,removeignitionkey,disconnectthe

Isparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainstthe enginetopreventunin- ltendedstartingbeforeremovingthebelt.

Figure21

All beltsonyourtractoraresubjecttowearandshouldbereplacedif anysignsof wearare present.

iMPORTANT:The V-beltfoundonyourtractoris speciallydesigned

toengageanddisengagesafely.A substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan bedangerousbynotdisengagingcompletely.Fora properworking machine,useidenticalequipmentbeltsas listedinthepartspagesof thisOperator'sManual.

Tochangeor replacethedeckbelt onyourtractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckasinstructedearlierinthis section.

2. Removethe beltcoversfromthespindlepulleysby removingthe hexscrewsthatfastenthecoverstothedeck.SeeFig.23.

3. itmayalsobenecessaryto loosenthehex nuton theleftdeck idlerpulleytogetthe beltoffthepulleyandaroundthe beltguard.

4. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthetwospindle pulleysandthetwo deckidlerpulleys,SeeFig,23,

5. Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebelt aroundthetwo outerspindlepulleysas showninFig,23,

6. Thenroutethebeltaroundthe twodeckidlerpulleysasshownin Fig.23,

7. Retightenthebeltkeeperrodloosenedearlier.

8. Remountthebeltguardsremovedearlier,

9. Re-installthedeck,makingsurethe beltremainsroutedaround thepulleysas instructed.Thecompletebeltroutingisshownin Fig,23.

10. Pullthe rightsideofthe belt,and placethenarrowVsideofthe beltintothe PTOpulley.

11. Whileholdingthe belt andpulleytogether,rotatethepulleyto the left.Continueholdingandrotatingthepulleyandbeltuntilthebelt is fullyrolledintothePTOpulley.

PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhiletheengineis running.Always

disengagePTO(BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutral

position,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Ifthe tractordoesnotcometoa completestopwhenthe clutch-brake pedaliscompletelydepressed,or ifthe tractor'srearwheelscan roll withtheparkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeis inneedof adjustment. Contactthe nearest Parts& RepairService Centerto haveyour

brakesserviced.

Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenteror to schedule service,contact1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

CHANGING THE TRANSMiSSiON DRIVE

BELT

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedandspecialtools(i.e. air/impactwrench)inordertochangethetractor'sdrivebelt.Contact the nearest Parts& RepairService Centerto haveyourtransmis-

siondrivebeltserviced. Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenteror to schedule

service, contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

Figure 23

Neverstorelawntractorwithfuelintankindoorsorin poorly ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark, orpilotlightas ona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,orgas appliance.

PREPARING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT:Fuelleftin thefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterio-

ratesandwillcauseseriousstartingproblems.

Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetor andcausingpossiblemalfunctionof theengine,thefuelsystemmust be eithercompletelyemptied,orthegasolinemustbe treatedwitha stabilizertopreventdeterioration.

1. Ifusingafuel stabilizer: a. Readtheproductmanufacturer'sinstructionsandrecom-

mendations.

b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountofstabilizer

forthe capacityofthefuelsystem.

c. Fillthe fueltankwithtreatedfuelandruntheenginefor 2-3

minutestogetstabilizedfuelintothe carburetor.

2. Ifemptyingthefuel system: a. Donotdrainfuel whentheengineis hot.Allowtheengine

adequatetimeto cool.Drainfuelinto anapprovedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

b. Drainanylargevolumeof fuelfromthetankbydisconnect-

ing thefuellinefromthein-linefuel filternearthe engine. SeethecompleteinstructionsforDrainingTheFuellaterin

this section.

DRAiNiNG THE FUEL

1. Locatethefuel filter,whichislocatedonthe leftsideof the engine,andmaybe attachedtotheenginewitha tiestrap.

2. Cutthe tiestrap,if present,thenpinchthein-lineclamponthe fuelfilterwitha pairof pliers,slidetheclampupthe fuelline.

3. Pullthe fuellinefreefromthefilterandplacetheopenendofthe

lineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.

PREPARING THE LAWN TRACTOR

1. Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrica- tioninstructions.

2. Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Storemowerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto corrosive materials,suchasfertilizer.

Gasolineisextremelyflammableandcanbeexplosiveundercertain

conditions.Draingasolinebeforestoringtheequipmentfor extended

periods.Drainfuelonlyintoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,away froman openflame.Allowengineto cool.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipes,andothersourcesofignitionpriortodrainingfuel.

Storegasolineinan approvedcontainerinsafelocation.

c. Reconnectthefuellineandrunthe engineuntilitstartsto

falter,thenusethechoketo keeptheenginerunninguntilall fuelin thecarburetorhasbeenexhausted.

d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainany remaininggasoline

fromthesystem.

Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeofgasolineproperly.Contact

yourlocalauthoritiesforapproveddisposalmethods.

3. Removethe sparkplugandpourone(1)ounceof engineoil throughthe sparkplugholeintothecylinder.Cranktheengine severaltimesto distributetheoil.Replacethesparkplug.

Enginefailsto start

1. PTO/BladeEngageleverengaged.

2. Parkingbrakenotengaged.

3. Sparkplugwire(s)disconnected.

4. Throttle/Chokecontrollevernot incorrect

4. PlaceThrottle/Chokeleverintothe FASTposition.

startingposition.

5. Chokenotactivated

6. Fueltankempty,or stalefuel.

7. BIockedfuelline.

8. Faultysparkplug(s).

9. Engineflooded.

10. BlownFuse(s)

Enginerunserratically

1. UnitrunningwithCHOKEactivated.

2. Sparkplugwire(s)loose.

3. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel.

4. Ventingascapplugged.

4. Clearventor replacecapif damaged.

5. Waterordirtinfuel system.

6. Dirtyaircleaner.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow. 1.

2. Airflowrestricted. 2.

Enginehesitatesat highRPM 1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1. Engineidles rough 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoowide. 1.

2. Dirtyaircleaner. 2.

Excessivevibration

1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.

2. Damagedor bentcuttingblade.

Mowerwill notmulchgrass

1. Enginespeedtoolow.

2. Wetgrass.

3. Excessivelyhighgrass.

Unevencut

4. Dullblade.

1. Decknotleveledproperly.

4. Sharpenorreplaceblade.

2. Dullblade.

3. Uneventirepressure.

1. Placeleverindisengaged(OFF)position.

2. Engageparkingbrake.

3. Connectwire(s)to sparkplug(s).

5. MovetheThrottle/Chokeleverintothe Choke position.

6. Filltankwithclean,fresh(lessthan30 daysold) gas.

7. Replacethefuel lineandreplacefuelfilter.

8. Clean,adjustgapor replaceplug(s).

9. CrankenginewiththrottleinFASTposition.

10. ReplaceFuse(s)

1. DeactivatetheCHOKE.

2. Connectsparkplugwire(s).

3. Replacethefuel line;filltankwithclean,fresh gasolineandreplacefuelfilter.

5. Drainfueltank.Refillwithclean,freshgasoline.

6. Replaceair cleanerpaperelementorcleanfoam pre-cleaner,ifequipped.

Fillcrankcasewithproperamountandweightof oil. Cleangrassclippingsanddebrisfromaroundthe

engine'scoolingfinsandhousing. Removesparkplugandresetthe gap.

Replacesparkplug.Set pluggap. Replaceair cleanerelementand/orcleanpre-

cleaner.

1. Tightenbladeandspindle.

2. Replaceblade.

1. Placethrottlein FAST(rabbit)position.

2. Donotmulchwhengrassiswet.

3. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,then mowagain atdesiredheightor makea narrowercuttingswath.

1. Performside-to-sidedeckadjustment.

2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

3. Checktirepressureinallfour tires.

NEED MORE HELP?

Find this and aLLyour other product manuals online, GeLanswers from our team of home experts.

Get a personalized maintenance plan for your home, Find information and tools to help with home projects.

_o #ht 1o ye b:_ Se_s

+ 64 hidden pages

Craftsman 247288811 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual