Craftsman 247.28883 Operator's Manual

Operator's Manual

I:RRFTSMRN°

LAWN TRACTOR 7 Speed, Shift-on-the-Go

42" Deck

Model No. 247.28883

• 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.

Before using this equipment,

read this manual and follow

all safety rules and operating

instructions.

For answers to your questions about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Craftsman Tractor Help Line

7 am - 7 pm CT, Mon. - Sun.

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-06501

(November1,2010)

Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2

Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3

Slope Gauge ..................................................................... 8

Safety Labels ............. ....................................................... 9

Assembly ......................................................................... 10

Operation ........................................................................ 12

Service and Maintenance .............................................. 18

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

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 28

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

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

Espaffol............................................................................ 57

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

CRAFTSMAN TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY

FORTWO YEARSfromthedateofpurchase,ifany non-expendablepartof thisridingequipmentfailsduetoadefectinmaterialorworkman-

ship,visitwww;craftsman.comorcall1-800-659-5917 toarrangefor free in-homerepair. Theframeandfront axle willbe repairedfree of chargefor five years fromthe dateof purchaseif defectiveinmatedal or workmanship.

Inattcases,if repairprovesimpossible,the ridingequipmentwillbereplacedfreeofcharge withthe sameoran equivalentmodel.

The battery willbereplacedfreeof charge for 90daysfrom lhedate of purchaseif defectivein materialor workmanship(our testingprovesthat it

willnot hold acharge).

This warrantyisvoid ifthis productis ever used whileprovidingcommercialservicesor if rentedto another person.

Thiswarranty covers ONLYdefects inmaterialand workmanship.Warrantycoverage does NOT include:

• Expendableitemsthat can wearout from normal use withinthe warranty period, including butnot limitedto blades,spark plugs, air cleaners,belts, andoil filters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oil changes, ortune-ups.

• Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutside objects,such as nails,thorns; stumps,or glass.

• Tire orwheel replacementor repairresultingfrom normalwear,accident,or improperoperation ormaintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecause of operator abuse, includingbut notlimitedto damage caused by towingobjects beyondthe capability of

the riding equipment,impacting objects thatbend the frameor crankshaft,or over-speedingthe engine.

• Repairsnecessarybecause of operator negligence,includingbut notlimitedto, electricaland mechanical damage causedbyimproper

Storage,failureto use thepropergrade and amount of engineoil, failureto keepthe deckclear offlammable debris,or failureto maintainthe ridingequipmentaccordingto the instructionscontainedin theoperator's manual.

• Engine(fuel system)cleaningor repairscaused byfuel determinedto becontaminatedor oxidized(stale). tngeneral,fuel shouldbe

usedwithin30 daysof its purchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationand wearof the exteriorfinishes, or productlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,]L60179

EngineOil: SAE30

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline Spark Plug: Champion®RC12YC

Engine: Briggs& StrattonI/C®

ModelNumber: SerialNumber:

Dateof Purchase:

Recordthe model number,serial number,

and dateofpurchaseabove.

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof

yourselfandothers.Readandfollowallinstructionsinthismanual

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera- tionpracticesinthismanual.Aswithanytypeofpowerequipment,

carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcanresultinserious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes

andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety instructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituenls,andcertainvehicle

componentscontainoremitchemicalsknownto StateofCalifornia tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm. Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontain]eadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStaleofCaliforniato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIII II I

GENERAL OPERATION

, Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachineand

inthemanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate. Keepthismanualinasafeplaceforfutureandregularreference

andfororderingreplacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethismachine. Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithoutproper instruction.

• Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,keep bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthe machinewhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineif anyoneenters

thearea. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.

Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign objectswhichcouldbepickedupandthrownbytheblade(s). Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

• Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg-

ingmaterialagainsta wallorobstructionwhichmaycause

dischargedmaterialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

YourResponsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsinthismanualandonthemachine,

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

L I

• Alwayswearsafety glassesor safetygogglesduring operation andwhile performingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcan causeseriousinjury to the eyes.

, Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoes andclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefitting clothesand jewelry can becaught inmovable

parts.Never operatethismachineinbarefeet or sandals.

• Beawareofthe mowerand attachmentdischarge directionand

donot pointit atanyone. Do notoperatelhe mowerwithoutthe

dischargecover orentire grass catcherin its properplace.

• Donot puthandsor feet nearrotatingpartsor under the cutting

deck. Contact with theblade(s) canamputatehandsandfeet.

• A missingor damageddischarge cover can causebladecontact or thrownobject injuries.

• Stop the blade(s) whencrossing graveldrives,walks, orroads andwhile not cuttinggrass.

• Watch fortraffic whenoperating near or crossingroadways.This machine isnot intendedfor use onany publicroadway.

• Do notoperatethe machinewhile underthe influenceof alcohol or drugs.

• Mowonly indaylightor goodartificiallight.

• Nevercarry passengers.

• Disengageblade(s) beforeshifting intoreverse.Back up slowly.

Alwayslookdown andbehind beforeand while backingtoavoida

back-overaccident.

Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

* Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntil

theblade(s)cometoacompletestopbeforeremovinggrass catcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor

debris,or makinganyadjustments.

• Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff blade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeybefore

dismounting.

• Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineintoa

trailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupordown

ramp(s),becausethemachinecouldlip over,causingserious personalinjury.Themachinemustbepushedmanuallyon

ramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.

° Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot

touch.

• Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow

hangingtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wherethe operatormaybestruckorpulledfromthemachine,whichcould resultinseriousinjury.

, Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthebrakepedal

completelybeforeattemptingtostartengine.

• Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidentialgrassofa

heightnomorethan10".Donotattempttomowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor

leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.

• Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthismachine bythemachinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowall

instructionsprovidedwiththeapprovedaccessoryorattachment. Foralistofapprovedaccessoriesandattachments,call1-800-

659-5917.

• Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are

involvedinalargepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries. TheseoperatorsshouJdevaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheriding mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom

seriousinjury.

° Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare

andgoodjudgment.Contactt-800-659-5917for informationand assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryordeath.Allslopesrequire

extracaution,ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeorifyoufeeluneasyon it,do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthismanual tomeasureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineonaslopedorhilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthant5 degreesasshownontheSlope Guide,donotoperatethismachineonthatareaorseriousinjurycould

result.

Do:

Mowup anddownslopes, notacross. Exerciseextremecaution

whenchanging directionon slopes.

• Watch for holes, ruts,bumps, rocks,or otherhiddenobjects.

Uneventerrain couldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

* Useslowspeed. Choosea lowenough speedsetting so that

you willnothave tostop or shiftwhileon the slope. Tiresmay lose tractionon slopeseven thoughthe brakesarefunctioning properly.Alwayskeep machinein gear when goingdown slopes to takeadvantageof enginebraking action.

• Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheelweights or counterweightsto improvestability.For recommendations,call

1-800-659-5917.

• Use extracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments. These canchange thestabilityofthe machine.

• Keep all movementonthe slopesslow and gradual. Donot make suddenchanges in speedor direction. Rapidengagementor

brakingcould cause thefront ofthe machinetolift and rapidlyflip

over backwardswhich couldcause seriousinjury.

* Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If tireslosetraction,disen-

gage theblade(s) andproceedslowly straightdown theslope.

Do Not:

• Do notturn onslopes unlessnecessary;then,turn slowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossibEe,

• Do notmownear drop-offs,ditches or embankments.The mower could suddenlyturn overffa wheel isover the edgeof a cliff, ditch, or if an edgecavesin.

• Do nottry tostabilizethe machineby puttingyour foot on the ground.

• Do notusea grass catcheron steepslopes.

• Do notmowon wetgrass.Reducedtraction couldcausesliding.

° Do not attemptto coastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe

operatorto lose controlof themachine resultingin seriousinjury or death.

• Do nottow heavypull behindattachments(e.g. leadeddumpcart, lawnroller,etc.) onslopes greaterthan5 degrees.When going

downhill, theextraweighttendsto pushthe tractor andmay causeyou to loosecontrol(e.g.tractor mayspeed up,brakingand

steeringability are reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand cause

tractorto overturn).

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscan occur ifthe operator is notalert to the presence of children.Childrenare oftenattractedto the machine andthe mowing

activity.They do not understandthe dangers. Neverassumethat

children will remainwhereyoulast sawthem,

• Keepchildrenout ofthe mowingareaandin watchful careof a responsibleadult other thanthe operator.

• Be alertand turn machineoff ifachild entersthe area,

• Before and whilebacking, Fookbehind anddownfor small

chUdren,

• Never carrychildren, evenwith theblade(s) shutoff.They may

fail off andbe seriouslyinjured or interferewith safemachine operation.

• Use extremecarewhenapproaching blindcorners,doorways,

shrubs,trees orotherobjects that mayblockyourvisionof a child whomay runintothe machine.

• Toavoid back-overaccidents,always disengagethe cutting

SERVICE

Safe Handlingof Gasoline

Toavoid personalinjury or property damage use extremecare in handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammable andthe vapors are explosive.Serious personaliniurycan occurwhengasoline is spilled

onyourself or your clotheswhich canignite.Washyourskin and changeclothes immediately.

• Useonly anapproved gasolinecontainer.

• Neverfill containersinside a vehicleor ona truck ortrailer bed witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainers on the groundaway

from your vehicle beforefilling.

• When practical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck or trailer andrefuel iton the ground.If thisisnot possible,then

refuelsuch equipmentona trailer witha portablecontainer,rather

thanfrom a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

, Keepthe nozzlein contact withthe rimofthe fueltank or

containeropening at all times untilfueiing is complete.Do notuse

blade(s) beforeshiftinginto Reverse,If equipped,the "Reverse anozzle lock-open device.

............................. -Caoti-on-Mode_-(bla-d-e+s-_p-e-rate-whiJ_m+a_hin-e-tPde-s_n-t_v_ts-e)-....... +-- -E:<tih-g_|_h-all-cig_t_ttes_-cig_T-pip_-8._-d_th_u_e_ f

should notbe usedwhenchildrenor others arearound.

• Keepchildren awayfrom hotor running engines.They cansuffer burnsfrom ahot muffler.

• Removekeywhen machineis unattendedto preventunauthorized

operation.

Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsof ageto operatethis machine.

Children _4andovershould readand understandthe instructions and safe operation practicesinthis manual andon themachine and should

be trainedand supervised by anadult.

TOWING

• Towonly witha machinethat hasa hitchdesigned for towing.Do

not attachtowed equipmentexcept at the hitch point.

• Followthe manufacturersrecommendationfor weightlimits for

towedequipmentand towingon stopes. Forrecommendations, call 1-800-659-5917.

• Neverallow childrenor othersin or ontowed equipment.

• On slopes, the weightofthetowed equipment maycause lossof

tractionand loss of control

• Alwaysuse extracautionwhentowing withamachine capableof

makingtightturns (e.g."zero-turn" ride-onmower). Makewide

turns to avoidjack-knifing.

• Travelslowly and allow extradistanceto stop.

• Do notcoast downhill.

ignition.

• Neverfuel machineindoors. , Neverremove gas capor addfueI whilethe engineis hotor run-

ning.Allow engine to cool at least twominutesbeforerefueling.

o Neverover fill fuel tank. Filltank tono morethan _/2inchbelow

bottomof filler neckto allowspace forfuel expansion.

° Replacegasoline cap andtightensecurely.

• If gasoline is spilled,wipeit offthe engineand equipment.Move

machine to another area.Wait 5minutes beforestarting the engine.

• To reducefire hazards,keepmachinefree ofgrass, leaves,or other debrisbuild-up.Clean upoil or fuel spillageand removeany

fuel soakeddebris.

° Neverstorethe machine orfuel containerinsidewherethere is an

openflame, sparkor pilotlightas ona water heater,space heater, furnace,clothes dryeror othergas appliances.

• Allowa machineto cool at leastfive minutes beforestoring.

GeneralService

• Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas.

, Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe

blade(s)andallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark

plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended

starting.

• Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocomplete

stopwithinapproximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthe bladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthe

thistimeframe,yourmachineshouldbeservicedprofessionally bya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer

, 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.

• Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemorothersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe

sparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly

inspectthemachineforanydamageRepairthedamagebefore

startingandoperating.

• Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairstothemachine whiletheengineisrunning.

• Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoveraresubject towearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor allow objectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthismanua].Useof

partswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed oftheengine.

° Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary. ° Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to

protecttheenvironment.

o AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)

andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or270hours ofoperation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLife,buya new

machineorhavethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealertoensurethatallmechanicaland

safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively,

Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,donotmodifyengineinanyway. Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand

causeitto operateatunsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are

certifiedtooperateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)if soequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

.....Ir;

This machineis equippedwith an internalcombustionengineand shouldnot beused on or near any unimprovedforest-covered,

brushcoveredor grass-coveredland unlessthe engine'sexhaust systemisequippedwith a spark arrestor meetingapplicablelocalor

statelaws(if any).

Ifa sparkarrestoris used,it shouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking orderby theoperator.In the Stateof Californiathe above is required bylaw (Section4442 ofthe CaliforniaPublic ResourcesCode).Other

statesmay havesimilar laws.Federaltawsapplyonfederal lands.

A sparkarrestorfor the muffleris availablethroughyour nearestSears

Partsand RepairService Center.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct.Read,understand,andfollowatlinstructionsonthemachine beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

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

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

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.

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS

This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

_, DANGER-- ROTATINGBLADES

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

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

BYSTANDERS Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 7.5feet from the machine while it is in

operation.

WARNING-- SLOPEOPERATION

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

WARNING-- HOTSURFACE Engine parts, especia]Iy the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and

muffler to cool before touching.

& ,

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

catcher isin its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

Sightandholdthislevalwitha_rtica] tree...

oracomerofabuilding...

orafencepost

Usethispageas a guidetodetermineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafely.

mowercouldoverturn andcauseserious injury.Operateriding mowersup anddown slopes, neveracross the face of slopes.

ROTATING BLADES CAUSE i

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH I

DONOTMOWWHENCH]InRENOROTHERSAREI

Mou_ I •

NEVEHCARRYCHDRENEVEHWiTHBLeaE(S)OFF,I

LOOKDOWNNil) BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE |

_c_,G. I

MOWINGfli REVERSEIS NOTRECOMMENDED.J

WARNING

This symbol points outimportantsafety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal

safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and

follow all instructionsin 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!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use of thispower machine to persons who read, understand, and follow the warnings and instruc-

tions inthis manual and on the machine.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroilinthe engine. However,youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Refertothe Service& Maintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil

level. Attaching the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniato

causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Shipping Brace Removal

Makesuretheridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey, andsettheparkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer

totheOperationsectionforinstructionsonhowtosetthe parking brake.

• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompanyingwarning tagfoundontherightsideofthemower,betweenthedischarge chutedeflectorandthecuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmay havebeenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.To connectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows:

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative batteryterminalismarkedNeg.(-).

1. Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthepositivebattery terminalandattachtheredcabletothepositivebatteryterminal

(+)withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.

2. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebattery terminalandattachtheblackcabletothenegativebattery terminal(-) withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.

Figure1

Positiontheredrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto help

protectitfrom corrosion.

NOTE:If the batteryis putintoserviceafter thedate shownon top of

battery,charge the batteryas instructedin the Service &Maintenance

sectionof thismanualpriorto operatingthetractor.

_,,, J

Figure2

• Placethedeckliftleverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto SettingtheCuttingHeightintheOperationsectionofthismanual.

• Whilepushingthedischargechutedeflectortowardsthemachinewith yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracew_ yourrighthandbygrasp-

ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.

Theshipping brace,used for packagingpurposesonly,must be removedanddiscardedbeforeoperatingyourriding mower.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthe steering wheelforyour tractordidnotcome attached, the hardwarefor attachingit has beenpackedwithinthe steeringwheel,

beneaththe steeringwheelcap. Carefullypry off the steeringwheel cap andremovethe hardware.

1. Withthe wheels of the tractorpointing straightforward,placethe steeringwheel overthe steeringshaft.

2. Ptacethe washer (with the cuppedside down)overthe steering wheelandsecurewith thehex bolt.See Fig, 3-3.

Figure3

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthe centerof the steeringwheeI and push downwarduntilit "clicks"into place.

Attaching The Seat

Ifthe seatfor your tractor was notattached atthefactory, referto the

following steps. NOTE: Forshippingreasons,sealsareeither fastenedtothe tractor

seat's pivotbracketwith a plastic tie, or mountedbackwardtothe pivot bracket,Ineither case, freethe seatfrom itsshipping positionand removethe adjustmentknob fromthe bottomof seat beforeproceed-

ingwiththe instructions below.

1. Position the shoulder screws(found on the base of the seat) inside the slotopenings inthe seatpivot bracket. Fig.4.

2. Slide the seat slightly rearward in theseat pivot bracket,lining up thecenter rear slotinthe pivotbracket withthe remaininghole

in the sears base.

Figure4

3. Selectdesired positionfortheseat, andsecurewiththeadjustment knob removedeadier.

4, Toadjustthe positionofthe seat,loosenthe adjustmentknobonthe

bottomofthe seat. Slidethe seatforward or backwardas desired. Fletightenthe adjustmentknob.

Tire Pressure

pressureshouldbe maintainedat all times.Neverexceedthe

maximuminflationpressure shownonthe sidewallof the tire.

The recommendedoperatingtire pressureis:

Approximately10psi for the reartires

Approximately14 psi forthe fronttires

IMPORTANT: Referto thetire sidewallfor exacttire manufacturer's recommendedor maximum psi. Do notoverinflate.Uneventire pres-

surecould cause thecuttingdeck tomowunevenly.

Figure5

A Speed Control Lever/Parking BrakeLever

B Throttle/choke controllever

C IgnitionSwitch D Deck Lift Lever

E PTOLever(Blade Engage) F ,,,Cup,,,Holder

G Shift Lever H Clutch-Brake Pedal

NOTE-AnyreferenceinthismanualtotheRIGHTorLEFTsideofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sseat positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontoftractor.

Meets ANS! Safety Standards

CraftsmanTractorsconformto the safetystandard of the AmericanNational StandardsInstitute (ANSI).

SPEEDCONTROLLEVER

The speedcontrol lever,locatedon lhe leftside ofthe tractor's dash console, allows youtoregulatethe ground speed ofthe lawntractor.Touse, depressthe clutch-

brake pedal and movethe leverout of the parkingbrake notchand forward toincreasethe tractor'sground speed. Whena desired speedhas beenreached,releasethe

leverintoan appropriatenotchto maintainthat speed.

Toslow thetractor's groundspeed,depress theclutch-

brakepedal and movethe speed controllever rearward

and release it intoa notch.

PARKING BRAKE

Tosetthe parkingbrake,fullydepresstheclutch-brake pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownand

intotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-brake pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.

((!b)

P/iRK

Toreleasethe parkingbrake,depress theclutch-brake pedaland movethe speed controllever outofthe notchestothe desiredposition. Releasethe speedcontrol leverand theclutch-brakepedal.

NOTE: The parkingbrakemust beset if the operatorleavesthe seat withthe engine runningor theenginewill automaticallyshut off.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER

Thethrottle/choke controllever islocatedon the right sideof the trac- tor's dashpanel.This levercontrols thespeed ofthe engineand when

pushed all thewayforward,the choke controlalso.When setin a given position,the throttlewill maintain auniformengine speed.

IMPORTANT: Whenoperating thetractorwiththecuttingdeck engaged,the throttle/choke controllevermust alwaysbe inthe FAST (rabbit)position.

IGNITION SWITCH

The keyswitch moduleisused to start andstop the engine.Insert

keyintothe keyswitch module

and turnclockwise to theSTART

position.Releasethe keyinto the normalmowingposition once en-

gine has started.The headlights will beactivatedautomatically.

Tostopthe engine,turnthe ignitionkey counterclockwiseto

the STOP position. IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthe tractor,referto boththe "Safety

InterlockSystem"and "StartingThe Engine"later in thissection of this

manualfor detailed instructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitch Module.

,_ !_liVlv/_,!it Iill [l,

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended,AlwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageLever),moveshift leverintoneutralposition,set park-

ng brake,stopeng neandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

SHIFT LEVER

Theshift leveris locatedon theleft

sideof the fenderand hasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRAL

andREVERSE,The clutch-brake pedalmust bedepressedand the

tractor mustnot be in motionwhen the moving shift lever,

IMPORTANT: Neverforce the shift lever.Doingso mayresultin seriousdamageto the tractor's

transmission.

DECK LIFT LEVER

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris used tochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethe

levertotheleft,thenplaceinthe notchbestsuitedforyour

application.

PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER

Foundonthetractor'srightfender,thePTO(bladeengage) leverisusedtoengagepowertothecuttingdeckor other (separatelyavailable)attachments.Tooperate,movethe leverallthewayforward.Movingtheleveralltheway rearwardintothePTOOFFpositiondisengagespowertothe

cuttingdeck/attachment. NOTE:ThePTO(bladeengage)levermustbeinthe

disengaged(Pro OFF)positionwhenstartingthe engine.

CUP HOLDER

Thetractor's cup holderis locatedon the fendertothe left of the seat.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT KNOB

The seatadjustmentknobis locatedonthe bottom side of the seat. Use this knob toadjust the seatforwardor rearwardto acomfortable

operatingposition byloosening theknob,posilioningthe seatto the desired preference,then retighteningthe knob.

CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL

Theclutch-brake pedalislocated ontheleft sideof thelawntractor, alongthe running board. Depressthe clutch-brakepedal part way

downwhen slowingthetractor bychanging speeds(Referto Speed ControlLever).Depressthe pedalallthe waydown toengagethe disc

brakeand bring the tractorto acomplete stop. NOTE: The pedalmust bedepressed to start the engine.Referto

Safely InterlockSwitcheslaterin this section of lhis manual.

Gas and Oil Fill-up Oil IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroilintheengine.

However,youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Becareful nottooverfil!.

Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil,refertoCheckingThe EngineOilintheServiceandMaintenancesectionofthismanual.

Gasoline

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.

NOTE:Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleft overfromthepreviousseason,tominimizegumdepositsinthefuel system.

, Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonunleadedgasoline.Forbest

results,fillthefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasoline

witha pumpstickeroctaneratingof87orhigher.

• Gasohol(upto10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasofineby volume)is anapprovedfuel.Othergasofine/alcoholblends,such asE85,arenotapproved.

, MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasofineblends

(uptoa maximumof15%MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels.

Othergasoline/etherblendsarenotapproved.

• Fillfueltankoutdoorsorinwell-ventilatedarea.

• Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotorrun- ning.Allowenginetocoolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe

engine.

TO Add Gasoline

F: " FLI"tR11'

1. Turnthe engineoffand let enginecool atleast2 minutesbefore removingthe fuel cap. The gasolinetank islocatedunder the

hood. Removethe fuel cap byturning it counterclockwise.

2. Fillthe fueltankwithgasoline.Useonlyclean,fresh(no morethan 30daysold),unleadedgasoline.Filltankto nomorethan1/2 inch belowbottomoffillerneckto allowspacefor fuelexpansion.

3. Reinstallthe fuel cap.

IMPORTANT: Donotoverfill thetank. Filltankto no morethan 1/2

inch belowbottomoffillerneck toallow spacefor fuel expansion.See Fig.6.

Figure6

SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM

The safetyinterlock systemis designedfor safeoperation ofthe trac- tor. Ifthis systemshould ever malfunction,do not operatethe tractor.

Immediatelycontact 1-800-4-MY-HOMEto havethe systemserviced,

• The safetyinterlocksystem preventsthe enginefrom starting unless the parkingbrake isengagedand the PTO(Blade Engage) leveris inthe disengaged(OFF) position.

• The safety interlocksystem willautomatically shut offthe engineif the operatorleavesthe seatbeforeengagingthe parkingbrake.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshut offthe engineif theoperatorleavesthe tractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)

leverengaged,regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrakeis engaged.

• Theengine willautomaticallyshut offif the PTO(Blade Engage) leveris movedinto the engaged(ON) position with theshift lever

in Reverse.

Avoid Serious Injury or Death

• Go UPand down slopes,notacross.

Avoidsudden turns. Do not operatetheunit whereitcouldslip ortip.

If machinestopsgoing uphill,stopbladesand backdownhill slowly.

Do not mowwhen childrenor othersare around. Nevercarry children, evenwith bladesoff.

Lookdownand behindbeforeand whilebacking. Keepsafety devices(guards,shields, andswitches) inplace andworking. Removeobjects that couldbethrown bythe blades, Knowlocation and functionof allcontrols.

Besure blades and engineam stoppedbefore placinghandsor

feet nearblades.

• Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengage blades,engage parkingbrake,shut engineoff, and removekey.

Read Operator's Manual

IGNITION SWITCH

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine,insertkeyintothe

ignitionswitchandturnclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Releasethe keyintotheONposition onceenginehasfired.SeeFig.7.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheOFF

position.SeeFig.7.

SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT

1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacingthedeck liftleverinanyofthesixdifferentcuttingheightnotchesonthe

rightsideofthefender.

NEVERleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysdisengage PTO,moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setparkingbrake,stop engineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Start

off

Figure 7

IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertobothSafety interlockSystemandStartingTheEngineintheOperationsectionof

thismanualforfurtherdetailedinstructions.

ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE

To engage the parking brake:

1. Fuflydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholditdownwithyourfoot.

2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintotheparking brakeposition.

3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.

To release the parking brake:

1. Depresstheclutch+brakepedalandmovethespeedcontrollever outoftheparkingbrakepositionandintoadesiredspeed.

STARTING THE ENGINE

NOTE:RefertotheGasolineandOiJfill-upinstructionsearlierinthis section.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF) position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrottletchokeleverall thewayupintothechokeposition.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Aftertheengine starts,releasethekey.ItwillreturntotheON(orNormalMowing) position.

DO NOT holdthe keyin theSTARTpositionfor longerthan ten secondsat a time. Doingso maycausedamagetoyour engine's

electricstarter.

6. Aftertheengine starts, deactivatethechoke controland placethe throttlecontrol inthe FASTposition.

NOTE: Do NOTleave the chokecontrolonwhileoperatingthe tractor. Doingso willresultina "rich" fuel mixtureand cause theengineto run

poorly.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark

plugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebeforerestartingand

operating

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

2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

3. Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtopreventunintended starting.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

Avoidsudden starts, excessivespeedand suddenstops.

Do not leavetheseat of the tractorwithoutfirst placingthe PTO (Blade Engage) leverin thedisengaged(OFF) position,depressing the brakepedaland engagingtheparking brake. Ifleavingthe tractor

unattended,alsoturn theignitionkeyoff and removethe key.

1. Depressthe clutch-brakepedalto releasethe parkingbrakeand thenletthe pedal up.

2. Movethe throttle leverintothe FAST(rabbit) position.

3. Placethe shift leverin eitherthe FORWARDorREVERSE position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOTusethe shift leverto changethe directionof

travelwhenthe tractoris in motion.Always usethe clutch-brake pedat to bringthe tractor to a complete stopbeforeshifting.

4. Releasethe parkingbrakeby depressingtheclutch-brake pedal

and positioningthe speed controlleverin the desiredposition.

IMPORTANT: First-timeoperatorsshoulduse speedpositions1or

2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththe tractor'soperationand controls

beforeoperating thetractorin higherspeed positions.

5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto put unitinto motion.

6. The lawntractor isbroughtto astop by depressingthe clutch-

brakepedal.

NOTE: Whenoperatingthe unitinitially,therewillbe little difference betweenthe highesttwo speedsuntilafter the belts haveseated themselvesinto the pulleysduringthe break-inperiod.

rP1 [.el

WARNING! Beforeleavingthe operator'spositionfor any reason, disengagethe blades,place theshiftlever inneutral,engagethe

parkingbrake,shut engine offand removethe key.

IMPORTANT;Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileona grasssurface,always:

1. Placetheshiftleverinneutral,

2. Engagetheparkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoffandremovethekey.Doingsowillminimizethe possibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfrom

yourtractor'srunningengine.

Ifunitstallswithspeedcontrolinhighspeed,or ifunitwillnotoperate

withspeedcontrolleverina lowspeedposition,proceedasfollows:

1+ PlaceshiftleverinNEUTRAL.

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully. 5+ Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.

7. PlaceshiftleverineitherFORWARDor REVERSE,andfollow normaloperatingprocedures.

DRIVING ON SLOPES RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEintheSafetyInstructionssectionofthe

manualtohelpdetermineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethistractor safely.

Do not mowon inclineswitha slopein excessof 15degrees(a rise

ofapproximately 2-1/2feet every10feet). Thetractorcouldoverturn andcause serious injury.

• Mow upand down slopes,NEVERacross.

• Exercise extremecautionwhenchangingdirection onslopes.

• Watch for holes, ruts,bumps, rocks,or otherhiddenobjects.

Uneventerrain could overturnthe machine.Tallgrasscan hide obstacles.

, Avoidturns whendriving on aSlope.If aturn mustbe made,turn

downthe slope.Turningup a slopegreatly increasesthe chance ofa roll over.

• Avoidstoppingwhendriving upa slope. Ifit is necessaryto stop whiledriving upa slope,start up smoothlyandcarefully to reduce thepossibilityofflipping thetractoroverbackward.

ENGAGING THE BLADES

Engagingthe PTO(Blade Engage)transfers powerto thecutting deck

or other(separately available)attachments.Toengagethe blades,

proceedas follows:

1. Movethe throtUeichokecontrolleverto theFAST(rabbit) position.

2. Graspthe PTO (Blade Engage)leverand pivotitall theway forwardinto theengaged(ON) position.

3. Keepthe throttle leverin theFAST(rabbit) positionfor the most efficientuse ofthe cutting deckor other(separatelyavailable)

attachments.

NOTE: Theengine will automaticallyshut offif thePTO(Blade Engage)lever is movedintothe engaged(ON) positionwith the shift

leverin Reverse.

MULCHING

A mulch kit isavailable asan attachment, Mulching isa processof recirculating grassclippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck, The ultra-fine clippings arethen forced backinto the lawn where

. they act asa natural fertilizer.

A mulch kitcan be purchased.See the ReplacementParts & Attach- mentssection of this manualfor more information.

USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER

Toraisethe cuttingdeck,movethedeck liftleverto the left, thenplace

it in thenotch bestsuited for yourapplication. Referto SettingThe CuttingHeight earlierin thisOperationsection.

MOWING

I_he machine

while it is in operation.Stop machineif anyone entersthe area.

The followinginformation will behelpfulwhen usingthe cutting deck

withyourtractor:

HEADLIGHTS

, The lampsare ON wheneverthe tractor'sengineis running. , The lampsturn OFF whenthe ignition keyis movedtothe STOP

position.

Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialstoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarging materialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischarged

materialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

• Do notmowat highgroundspeed, especiallyifa mulch kitor grasscollector isinstalled.

• Forbest resultsit is recommendedthatthe first two laps becut with the dischargethrowntowardsthe center.After thefirsttwo laps, reversethe directiontothrowthe discharge to the outside forthe balanceofcutting.This willgivea better appearancetothe

lawn.

• Do notcutthe grasstoo short. Short grass invitesweedgrowth andyellowsquickly indry weather.

• Mowing should alwaysbe donewith theengine at full throttle.

• Underheavier conditionsitmaybe necessaryto go back overthe

cut areaa secondtimeto geta cleancut.

• Do NOTattemptto mowheavy brushand weedsand extremely tall grass.Yourtractor is designedto mowlawns,NOT clear

brush.

• Keep the bladessharpandreplacethe blades whenworn. Refer toCutting Bladesin the-Servicesection of this manualfor proper

bladesharpeninginstructions.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintanance/ser_ce,disengageall 1

controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo t acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe t

enginetopreventunintendedstarting.AlwayswearsafetyglassesduringI operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs, i

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrack

ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.To locatethe nearestParts&

RepairServiceCenterorto scheduleservice,simplycontact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

I_ _ [_l_j

BeforeEachUse

Inthe FirstFiveHours Ever),10 Hours

Every25 hours

4. Check

5. Clean

6. Clean

8. Change

12. Clean

13. Clean

14. Lubricate

20. Clean

2I. Clean

22. Lubricate

1. Engineoi!level

2. Mufflerarea andcontrols

3. Fingerguard

7. EngineOil

9. Hood/Dash air vents

10. Battery terminals

11. Deck spindlesand idler bracket

15. Air filter'sprecieaner*

16. Airfilter*

17. Midsteering arms,pivot shafts,andaxles

18. Frontwheelbearings

19. Frontdeckwheels

25. Engineoil/Oil fitter

26. Muffler

29. Air filter

30. Air filter'spre-cfeaner

31. Sparkplug

32. Air coolingsystem*

33. Fuelfilter

34. SteeringGears

35. RearWheels

43. Hood/Dash air vents

44. Battery terminals

45. Mid steeringarms, pivot shafts,andaxles

46. Frontwheelbearings

47. Frontdeckwheels

48. Deck spindlesand idler bracket

49. Pedalpivot points

Every50 hours

Annually

BeforeStorage

23.

24.

27.

28.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

50.

51.

52.

Lubricate Lubricate

Change! Replace Check

Replace Replace Replace

Clean Replace

Clean Removeand grease axles

Clean

Lubricate

53. Lubricate

54. Lubricate

55. Lubricate

56. Lubricate

*Service merefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

Beforeperforming anymaintenanceor repairs,disengagethe PTO (Blade Engage Lever),engagethe parkingbrake,stop theengine andremovethe key to preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthe enginehasbeenrecently run,theengine,muffler and sur- roundingmetalsurfaceswill be hot andcancause burnsto the skin.

Exercisecautionto avoid burns.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Engine Oil OnlyusehighqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassification

SF,SG,SH,orSJ.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow. Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting incoldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoilconsumptionwhen

usedabove32°1:.Checkyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

/CColder_ 32°F _ Warmer_

SAE30

Oil Viscosity Chart j

Tochecktheengine oil, proceedas follows:

• Ensurethatthe tractorison a levelsurface.

• Cleanthe oil fill areaof anydebris.

1. Removethedipstick andwipewitha cleancloth.

2, Insertand tightendipstick.

3. Removethedipstick and checkthe oil level.It should beat the Fullmark onthe dipstick. See Figure9.

Dipstick__

OilDrain Sleeve

OilDrain Valve

Figure9

4. If low,add oil slowlyintothe engineoilfill. Do notoverfill.After addingoil, waitone minuteand thenrecheckthe oil level.

5. Replaceand tightendipstick.

Changing Engine Oil Theengineoilshouldbechangedinthefirst5 hoursandthenevery50

hoursor oncea season.Tochangethe engineoil,proceedas follows:

1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand keepit awayfromsparkplug.

2. Removetheoilfill capldipstickfromthe oilfill tube.SeeFigure9.

3. Turnthe steeringwheelall lhe waytothe rightto betterexposethe

drain plug.

4. Clipthe oil drainsleeve(packedwith this manual)onto theoil drain

port. Routetheoppositeendofthe sleeveintoanappropriateoil collectioncontainerwitha capacitygreatenough tocollectthe used

oil,

5. Removethe oildrainplug,The oilwill begintodrain outofthe engine.

6. Afterthe oilhasfinisheddraining,replacethe oildrainplugand tighten.Becarefulnottoovertighten.

7. Removethe oitdrainsleeveandstorefor lateruse.

8. Refillthe enginewithnewmotoroil untilthe oillevelon thedipstick readsFULL,Replacetheoil fillcap/dipstick.

It'_ist of safedisposal!

recyclingfacilities.

Changing the Oil Filter "L Draintheoilfromthe engineas describedabove.

2. Removetheoilfilteranddisposeofproperly.SeeFigure10.

-Oil Filter

Figure10

3. Beforeyou installthenewoilfilter,lightlylubricatethe oil filter gasketwith fresh,cleanoil.

4. Installthe oilfilterby hand untilthegasketcontactsthe oilfilter adapter,thentightentheoilfilter I/2 to 3/4turns,

5. Add oilas describedabove.

6. Startandrunthe engine.As theenginewarmsup,checkfor oil leaks.

7. Stop theengineand check the oillevel.It shouldbeat the FULL markon the dipstick.

Fuel Filter

Air Cleaner

Gasolineanditsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire

orexplosioncancausesevereburnsordeath.

, Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames, pilotlights,heat,

andother ignitionsources,

• Check fuel lines,tank, cap,and fittingsfrequentlyfor cracks or leaks. Replaceif necessary.

• Before replacingthe fuelfilter,drain thefueltank as perthe instructionsbelow.

• Do notdrainfuel whenthe engineis hot.Allow theengine adequatetimeto cool. Drainfuelinto an approvedcontainer outdoors,awayfrom openflame.

,, Drainanylarge volumeof fuelfrom the tank bydisconnectingthe

fuel linefromthein-line fuel filternear theengine.

• Removethefuel linefromthe In-lineside (sidetowardsthefuel tank)of the fuelfilter.

, Replacementparts must bethe sameand installedin the same

positionas the originalparts.

• If fuelspills, waituntil itevaporatesbefore starting engine.

• Beforereplacingthefuelfilter, drainthe fueltank.Otherwise,fuel can leak out andcause a fireor explosion.

To Drainthe fuel:

I. Locatethefuel filter,which isroutedon the left sideof theengine

betweenthe fueltank andthe carburetor,and maybeattachedto the enginewith atie strap.Cutthe tie strap,if present,thenpinch the in-lineclampon thefuelfilterwith a pairof pliers,slidethe

clampupthefuel line.Pullthe fuellinefree fromthefilterand place the openendofthe lineintoan approvedcontainerto drainthe fuel.

Tochange thefuel filter:

1. Use pliersto squeezethetabs on the other clamp(the out-line sideof the fuelfilter), thenslide the clampawayfrom thefuelfilter,

Twistand pullthe fuelline off ofthe fuel filter.See Figure11.

2. Checkthe fuellinesfor cracks orleaks.Replace ifnecessary.

3. Replacethe fuel filterwithan original equipment replacement filter.Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME@to purchasetheoriginalequip-

mentreplacementfilter.

4. Securethe fuel lines withthe clamps.

Clamp

Fuel

Line

Tab

Iffilters,orcoversarenotinstalledcorrectlysedousinjuryordeath couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattempttostarttheenginewith

themremoved.

Donotusepressurizedairorsolventstocleantheaircleaner cartridge.

Theairfiltersystemusesacylindricalcartridge.Thismodelalso includesapre-cleanerthatcanbewashedandreused.

1. Removethefasteners(A)andtheairfiltercover(B),SeeFigure12.

2. Toremovethefilter(C),lifttheendofthefilterandthenpullthefilter offtheintake(D).

3. Removethepre-cleaner(E),ifequipped,fromthefilter.

4. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilterona hardsurface,ifthefilter isexcessivelydirty,replacewithanewfilter.

Figure12

5. Wash the pre-cleanerin liquiddetergentandwater.Thenallow it to thoroughlyair dry.Do not oilthe pre-cleaner.

6. Assemblethe dry pre-cleanerto thefilter.

7. Installthefilterontheintake.Pushthe endofthefilterintothe baseas shown.Make surefilter fits securely inthe base.

8. Installair filtercoverand securewith fasteners.

Figure11

.... J

Spark Plug

1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastsparkplug. Sparkplugshouldbecreanedbyscrapingorwirebrushingand

washingwitha commercialsolvent

2. Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgaptomakesureitisset at.030".SeeFigure13.

Electrode Porcelain

.030 (.76 ram) gap

_,,,,, ...........

Figure13

3. Replacethesparkplug(Champion®RC12YC)onceaseason.

Muffler

iTemperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150"F

(65'C).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.

• Inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary. Replace- rnent partsfor the mufflermust bethe same and installedinthe samepositionasthe original parts.

Clean Engine

• Dailyor beforeeveryuse, cleangrass,chaff oraccumulated debrisfrom engine.Keeplinkage, spring, andcontrolsclean.

• Keep area aroundand behindmufflerfree ofany combustibJe debris.

• Keeping engineclean allowsair movementaroundengine.

• Enginepartsshould bekept cleanto reduce the riskof overheat- ingand ignitionof accumulateddebris.

system.Useabrushordrycloth.

Carburetor Adjustment

• Thecarburetoronthisengineisnotadjustable.

LUBRICATION

Beforelubricating,repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,set parkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintended starting.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricateallthepivotpointsonthedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift linkageatleastonceaseasonwithlightoil.

Rear Wheels

Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesonceaseason. Lubricatethe axlesandtherimsweftwithanall-purposegreasebefore

re-instaUingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendof the tractor'sfront pivot bar maybe equippedwithagrease fitting.Lubricatewith a greasegun afterevery25 hoursof tractor operation.

Battery

The batteryis sealedand is maintenance-free.Acidlevels cannotbe

checked.

• Always keepthe battery cablesandterminalscleanandfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

• Nter cleaningthe batteryandterminals,apply a lightcoatof petroleumjefly orgreasetobothterminals.

• Alwayskeep the rubberbootpositionedoverthe positiveterminal toprevent shorting.

IMPORTANT: If removingthe batteryfor any reason,disconnect the NEGATIVE(Black)wirefrom itsterminalfirst, followedby the POSi-

TIVE(Red) wire.When re-installingthe battery,alwaysconnect the POSITIVE(Red)wireto itsterminalfirst, followed bythe NEGATIVE (Black)wire. Becertain thatthe wires are connectedtothe correct

terminals; reversingthem could changethe polarity and resultin

damageto your engine's aFternatingsyslem. Cleaning Battery

Clean thebatterybyremovingit fromthe tractorand washingwith a bakingsodaand water solution, if necessary,scrapethe battery terminalswith a wirebrushto removedeposits. Coatterminalsand exposed wiringwith grease or petroleumjelly toprevent corrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncauses for batteryfailureare:

• Incorrect initialactivation

• Overcharging

• Freezing

• Undercharging , Corrodedconnections

Thesefailures areNOTcovered by yourtractor'swarranty.

CLEANING THE ENGINE AND DECK Anyfueloroilspilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do

NOTallowdebristo accumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengine oronanyotherpartofthe machine.

IMPORTANT:Theuseofapressurewasherto cleanyourtractoris NOTrecommended.Itmaycausedamagetoelectricalcomponents,

spindles,pulleys,bearingsortheengine. A screwplugcanbefoundonyourtractor'sdecksurfaceasseenin

Fig.14.Thisplugcanbereplacedwithawaterporttobeusedaspart ofa separately-availabledeckwashsystem. TheDeckWashSystemTM isusedtorinsegrassclippingsfromthe deck'sundersideandpreventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.

NOTE:Adeckwashsystemcanbepurchasedthroughtheretail locationinwhichyoupurchasedthistractor.Formoreinformation,catl

1-800-4-MY+HOME@.

Figure14

ADJUSTMENTS

,,J

Leveling the Deck NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeck

levelingadjustments.RefertoTiresintheServicesectionofthis

manualformoreinformationregardingtirepressure. Front To Rear

The frontofthe cutting deck issupported by a stabilizerbar that can be adjustedto level the deckfromfront to rear.Thefront ofthe deck

shouldbe between¼-inch and3,_-inchlowerthantherear of the deck. Adjust if necessaryas follows:

1. With thetractor parkedon afirm,level surface,place the ]everfor liftingthe platformon the second to thetop notch (second highest position)and rotatethe bladeas close as possibleto the dischargechannel thatisparallelto thetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetiptotheground andtherearofthebladetiptotheground.Thefirstmeasure-

menttakenshouldbebetween¼"and"_"lessthanthesecond measurement.Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor

properadjustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothenextstep.

3. Locatetheflangelocknutonthefrontsideofthestabilizerbracket. SeeFig.I5.

, Tightentheflangelocknutto raisethefrontofthedeck;

Loosentheflangelocknuttolowerthefrontofthedeck.

Figure I5

Side to Side Ifthe cutting deck appearsto be mowingunevenly,a side to side

adjustmentcanbe performed.Adjust ifnecessaryas follows:

Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,placethedecklift lever inthe secondfrom thetop notch (second highestposition)and

rotateboth blades so thatthey areperpendicularwith thetractor.

2. Measurethe distancefromthe outsideof the teft blade tip to the groundand thedistancefromthe outsideofthe rightbladetipto

the ground. Bothmeasurementstaken should be equal.If they're not,proceedtothe next step.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,the hexcapscrew onthe leftdeck

hangerbracket.See Fig.16.

4. Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchtoturntheadjustment gear(found

immediatelybehindthe hex cap screwjust loosened)clockwise/ up orcounterclockwise!down.The deckis propertybalanced

when both blade tip measurementstaken earlierare equal.

5. ReUghtenthe hexcap screwon theleft deckhanger bracketwhen

properadjustmentisachieved.

HexCapScrew

_,.,,,,,,

Figure16

Seat Adjustment

Referto theAssemblysection of thismanualfor seatadjustment instructions.

Parking Brake Adjustment

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhilethe engineisrunning.Always disengagePTO (bladeengage)lever,moveshift lever intoneutral position,stopengineand removekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometo acompletestopwhenthebrakepedal iscompletelydepressed,orif thetractor'srearwheelscanrollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeisinneedofadjustment.Contactthe

nearestSearsServiceCentertohaveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

TolocatethenearestParts&RepairServiceCenterortoschedule service,contact1-800-4-MY-HOME®,

CUTTING DECK REMOVAL

To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:

1. Placethe PTO(Blade Engage) leverinthedisengaged (OFF) position andengagethe parkingbrake.

2. Lower the deck bymovingthe deck lift leverinto the bottom notch on therightfender.

3. Removetheself-tappingscrew (A)that secures the belt-keeper rodfrom aroundthe tractor'sPTOpulley,then remove thebelt keeperrod(B), See Fig.17.

NOTE; Make a mentalnotewhathole the otherend of the belt-keeper

rodisinsertedin for reinstallationpurposes.

4. Removethe belt(C) from aroundthe tractor's PTOpulley.See Fig.17.

Figure17

Lookingatthecutting deck fromthe leftside ofthe tractor,locate

the bow-tiepin thatsecuresthe deck supportrodon therear

leftside of the deck.See Fig. 18.Removethe bow-tiepinthat securesthe decksupportrod, andcarefullyremovethe deck support fromthe decklift arm.

Bow-TieClip J

....................... J

Figure18

6. Repeatthe above stepsonthe tractor's rightside. NOTE=The bow-tieclipsshould be re-installedfrom thetop down.

7. Movethe decklift leverintothetop notchonthe rightfenderto raise

thedecklift armsupand out of the way.

8. Removethe bow-tiecotter pin securingthe deck stabilizerrod to the deck. Slidethe decktiftrodfrom themountingbracket onthe

deckas seen in Fig. 19.

f -..,

Figure19

Carefullyremovethe PTO cablefrom therearofthe cutting deck byremovingthebow-tiecotterpinwhichsecuresit. Removethe springfromthe deck idlerbracket.See Fig.20.

PT0Cable

Figure20

10. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromtheleftside)outfrom underneaththetractor,

TIRES

lF; lrir/ l'itT .dlI_

Neverexceedthe maximum inflationpressureshown onthesidewall oft re.

The recommended operating tire pressure is:

, Approximately10psiforthereartires

° Approximately14psiforthefronttires IMPORTANT:Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi,Donotoverinflate,Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdecktomowunevenly.

CalifomiaProposition65WARNING!Battery posts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainlead and leadcompounds, chemicals

knownto the State ofCaliforniato causecancer andreproductive harm,Wash handsafter handling.

_OSITIVE (Red) wire to

its terminal first,followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

JUMP STARTING

1. Connectpositive (+)cableto positive post(+) of your tractor's dischargedbattery.

2. Connectthe other endofthe cable to the (positive+) postof the

jumper battery.

3. Connectthe second cable(negative-) tothe otherpost ofthe

jumper battery.

4. Connectthe otherend of the negativecable to the engineblockof the tractor,away fromthe battery.Attachto an unpaintedpart to

assurea goodconnection.

Ifthejumper batteryisinstalled ona vehicle(i.e. car, truck),doNOT

start the vehicle'senginewhenjump startingyourtractor.

5. Start thetractor(as instructedearlierin thissection ofthismanual).

6. Set thetractor'sparking brakebefore removingthejumper cables,

in reverseorder of connection.

CHARGING

IBatteriesgiveoff anexplosivegas while charging.Chargethe batteryI

in a wellventilatedareaand keepawayfrom an openflameor pilot I lightas on a waterheater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryeror I

other gasappliances. I

Ifyourtractorhasnotbeenputintouseforanextendedperiodof time, 3.

chargethebatteryasfollows:

1. Setyourbatterychargertodelivera maxof 10amperes. 4.

Ifyourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthatchargingiscomplete,tfthechargerisnot

automatic,chargefornofewerthaneighthours.

FUSE

One20AMPfuseisinstalledinyourtractor'swiringharnesstoprotect _'- thetractor'selectricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessive

amperage. iftheelectricalsystemdoesnotfuncfion,oryourtractor'senginewill

notcrank,firstchecktobecertainthatthefusehasnotblown,itcan befoundattherearoftheunit,underneaththefenderlocatedbythe

battery.

CUTTING BLADES

Shuttheengineoffandremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningorreplacement.Protectyourhands

byusngheavygoveswhengraspngthebado.

Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthebladetothespindle assembly.SeeFig.21.

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamountsof metalfrombothendsofthebladesalongthecuttingedges,

paralleltothetrailingedge,at a25° to30°angle.Alwaysgrind eachcuttingbladeedgeequallytomaintainproperbladebalance.

SeeFig.22.

Figure 22

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows.

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(refertoCuttingDeck Removalearlierinthissection)thengentlyflipthedeckoverto exposeitsunderside.

2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffle andthecuttingbladetoactasa stabilizer.

SeeFig.21.

,,, ......,..........

Figure 21

5. Testtheblade'sbalanceusingabladebalancer.Grindmetalfromthe heavyside untilit balancesevenly.

NOTE; When replacingthe blade,besure to install the bladewith the side ofthe blademarked "Bottom" (orwitha part number stampedin

it) facingthe ground whenthe mowerisin the operatingposition.

Use a torque wrenchto tightenthebladespindrehexflange nut to between70 Ibs-ftand 90 Ibs-ft.

CHANGING THE DECK BELT

Allbeltsonyourtractoraresubjecttowearandshouldbereplacedif anysignsofweararepresent.

IMPORTANT:TheV-beltfoundonyourtractorisspeciallydesigned toengageanddisengagesafely.Asubstitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan bedangerousbynotdisengagingcompletely.Fora properworking

machine,useidenticalequipmentbeltsaslistedinthepartspagesof

thisOperator'sManual. Tochangeorreplacethedeckbeltonyourtractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckasinstructedearlierinthissection.

2. Removethebeltcoversfromthespindlepulleysbyremovingthe hexscrewsthatfastenthecoverstothedeck.SeeFig.23.

3. It mayalsobenecessaryto loosenthehexnutontheleftdeck idlerpulleytogetthebeltoffthepulleyandaroundthebeltguard.

4. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthetwospindle pulleysandthetwodeckidlerpulleys.SeeFig.23.

5. Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebeltaroundthetwo outerspindlepulleysasshowninFig.23.

6. Thenroutethebeltaroundthetwodeckidlerpulteysasshownin Fig.23.

7. Retightenthebeltkeeperrodloosenedearlier.

8. Remountthebeltguardsremovedearlier.

9. Re-installthedeck,makingsurethebeltremainsroutedaround

thepulleysasinstructed.Thecompletebeltroutingisshownin

Fig.23.

10. Pulltherightsideofthebelt,andplacethenarrowVsideofthe

beltintothePTOpulley.

1t. Whileholdingthebeltandpulleytogether,rotatethepulleytothe

left.Continueholdingandrotatingthepulleyandbeltuntilthebelt isfullyrolledintothePTOpulley.

PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhiletheengineisrunning.Always disengagePTO(BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutral

position,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometoa completestopwhentheclutch-brake

pedaliscompletelydepressed,orifthetractor'srearwheelscanroll withtheparkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeisinneedofadjustment. Contactthe nearestParts&RepairServiceCentertohaveyour

brakesserviced.

TolocatethenearestParts&RepairServiceCenterortoschedule service,contact1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE

BELT

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedandspecialtools(i.e. aidimpactwrench)inordertochangethetractor'sdrivebelt.Contact

thenearestParts&RepairServiceCentertohaveyourtransmis- siondrivebeltserviced.

TolocatethenearestParts&RepairServiceCenterortoschedule

service,contact1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

_ This portion of the

/(/" !l "_,,_..._I_ belt routes around

- -'--'-_--'-'----_ _ /_'_ the PTO Pul|ey

He_ _/spier__ndie pul,ey

Figure 23

Neverstorelawntractorwithfuelintankindoorsorinpoorly ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark, orpilotlightasonafurnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,orgas

appliance,

PREPARING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT:Fuelleftinthefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterio- ratesandwillcauseseriousstartingproblems.

Topreventgumdepositsfrom forminginsidethe engine'scarburetor andcausingpossible malfunctionofthe engine,the fuel systemmust

be eithercompletelyemptied,or the gasolinemust betreatedwith a stabilizerto preventdeterioration.

1. If usinga fuel stabilizer: a. Readthe productmanufacturer'sinstructionsand recom-

mendations.

b. Add to clean,freshgasoline the correctamountof stabilizer

forthe capacityof the fuelsystem.

c. Fillthe fuel tankwithtreated fueland run the enginefor 2-3

minutesto getstabilizedfuel intothe carburetor.

2. If emptyingthe fuel system: a. Donot drainfuel whentheengineis hot.Allow theengine

adequatetime tocool.Drain fuel intoanapproved container outdoors,awayfrom openflame.

b. Drainany largevolume of fuelfrom the tank bydisconnect-

ingthe fuel line fromthe in-line fuelfilter neartheengine. See the completeinstructionsfor Draining The Fuellaterin

thissection.

DRAINING THE FUEL

1. Locatethefuel filter,whichislocatedontheleftsideofthe engine, and maybe attachedtothe enginewith a tie strap.

2, Cut the tiestrap, if present,then pinchthe in-lineclamp on the

fuelfilter witha pairofpliers, slide theclampupthe fuel line.

3. Pull the fuelline free fromthe filterand placethe open end of the lineinto anapprovedcontainerto drainthe fuel.

PREPARING THE LAWN TRACTOR

1, Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughly as described in thelubrica-

tioninstructions.

2. Do not usea pressurewasheror gardenhoseto clean your unit.

3. Storemowerin a dry;clean area.Do not storenext tocorrosive materials,such asfertilizer.

-,.-,

!Gasolineis extremelyflammableand canbe explosiveundercertain _conditions. Dramgasolinebeforestoringthe equipmentfor extended

_periods.Drainfuet only intoan approvedcontaineroutdoors, away

from an open flame.Allowengine tocool. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,pipes, and othersources of ignitionpriorto drainingfuel. Store gasolinein an approvedcontainer in safelocation.

c. Reconnectthefuel line andrun the engine untilitstarts to

falter,then usethe choketo keep the engine runninguntil all fuel inthe carburetorhas been exhausted.

d. Disconnectthe fuel lineand drainany remaininggasoline

from the system.

I i .....

Gasolineis atoxic substance.Disposeof gasolineproperly.Contact

your localauthoritiesforapproved disposal methods.

3. Removethe spark plugand pourone (1)ounce ofengine oil throughthespark plughole intothe cylinder.Crankthe engine severaltimesto distributetheoil. Replacethe sparkplug.

Enginefailsto start

Enginerunserratically

1. PTOIBladeEngageleverengaged,

2, Parkingbrakenotengaged.

3. Sparkplugwire(s)disconnected.

4. ThrutttelChokecontrollevernotincorrect startingposition,

5, Chokenotactivated

6, Fueltankempty,orstalefuel.

7. Blockedfuelline.

8, Faultysparkplug(s), 9, Engineflooded.

!0, BlownFuse(s)

t. UnitrunningwithCHOKEactivated, 2, Sparkplugwire(s)loose.

3. Blockedfuellineorstalefuel

4. Vent in gascap plugged.

5. Wateror dirtin fuel system.

6. Dirty air cleaner.

Engineoverheats t. Engineoillevel low. 1.

2. Air flowrestricted. 2.

Enginehesitatesathigh RPM I. Sparkplug gaptoo close. 1. Engineidles rough 1. Spark plugfouled, faulty or gaptoo wide. 1.

2. Dirty aircleaner. 2.

Excessivevibration

Mowerwill notmulch grass

Uneven cut

1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.

2. Damagedor bentcuttingblade.

1. Enginespeedtoo low.

2. Wetgrass.

3. Excessivelyhighgrass.

4, Dullblade.

1. Decknotleveledproperly.

2. Dullblade.

3. Uneventirepressure.

1. Placeleverindisengaged(OFF)position,

2. Engageparkingbrake. 3, Connectwire(s)tosparkplug(s), 4, PlaceThrottle/ChokeleverintotheFASTposition.

5. Move the Throttle/Chokelever intothe Choke position.

6. Fill tank withclean,fresh(less than30 daysold) gas.

7, Replacethe fuelline and replacefuel filter.

8. Clean,adjust gapor replaceplug(s).

9. Crankengine withthrottle in FASTposition.

10. ReplaceFuse(s)

1. Deactivatethe CHOKE.

2. Connectspark plugwire(s).

3. Replacethe fuelline; filltank with clean,fresh gasolineand replacefuelfilter.

4. Clear ventorreplace cap ifdamaged.

5. Drain fueltank. Refillwithclean,freshgasoline.

6. Replace aircleaner paper elementor cleanfoam pro-cleaner,ifequipped.

Firlcrankcasewith proper amountand weighi oi"oill Cleangrass clippings anddebrisfrom aroundthe

engine'scooling finsand housing. Removesparkplug andreset the gap. Replacespark plug.Set pluggap.

Replaceair cleaner elementand/or cleanpro-

cleaner.

I. Tightenblade andspindle.

2. Replaceblade.

1. Placethrottle inFAST(rabbit) position.

2. Do notmulch whengrassiswet.

3. Mow onceatahigh cutting height,then mowagain at desiredheight or makea narrowercuttingswath.

4. Sharpen or replaceblade.

1. Perform side-to-sidedeck adjustment.

2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

3. Checktire pressurein a]lfourtires.

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Craftsman 247.28883 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual