Craftsman 247.28886 Operator's Manual

perator's

I:RnFrSMRN°

LAWN TRACTOR

21 HP, Variation Speed

46" Deck

Model No. 247.28886

• 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.

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-06502A

For answers to your questions about

this product, Call:

1-800=659=5917

CraftsmanTractorHelpLine

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

(January28,2011)

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

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

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

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

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

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

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthe dateofpurchase,all non-expendablepartsof thisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterial

or workmanship.A defectivenon-expendablepartwillreceivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairisimpossible.

FORFIVEYEARSfromthe dateof purchase,theframeandfrontaxleof thisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor

workmanship.A defectiveframeor frontaxlewillreceivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairisimpossible.

FOR90 DAYSfromthedateofpurchase,thebattery(anexpendablepart)of this ridingequipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsin material

or workmanship(ourtestingprovesthatitwill not holda charge).A defectivebatterywill receivefreein-homereplacement.

ADDITIONALLIFETIMELIMITEDWARRANTYon CASTIRONFRONTAXLE(if equipped)

FORAS LONGASIT IS USEDbytheoriginalownerafterthefifthyearfromthedateofpurchase,thecastironfrontaxle (ifequipped)ofthis ridingequipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Withproofofpurchase,adefectivecastfrontaxlewill receive

freein-homereplacement.

WARRANTYSERVICE

Forwarrantycoveragedetailsto obtainfreerepairor replacement,call 1-800-659-5917orvisittheweb site:www.craftsman.corn inallcasesabove,ifpartrepairor replacementisimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbereplacedfreeofchargewiththe sameoranequivalentmodel.

All oftheabovewarrantycoverageis voidifthis ridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesor ifrentedto another

person.

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

• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthe warrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades, sparkplugs,air cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.

• Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,orglass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,or improperoperationormaintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnot limitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityof

the ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnot limitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedby improperstorage,failuretousethepropergradeandamountofengineoil, failureto keepthedeckclear offlammabledebris,or

failureto maintaintheridingequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscontainedinthe operator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).In general,fuelshouldbe usedwithin30 daysofitspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, Hoffman Estates, IL60179

EngineOil: SAE30 Fuel: UnleadedGasoline

SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC Engine: Briggs& Stratton

ModelNumber: Serial Number:

Dateof Purchase:

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron thepartof theoperatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson the machineand

in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate. Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfutureand regularreference andfororderingreplacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethismachine. Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithoutproper instruction.

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

thearea.

• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis tobe used. Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign objectswhichcouldbe pickedupandthrownbytheblade(s). Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

• Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeofmaterialtoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg- ingmaterialagainstawall orobstructionwhichmaycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandon themachine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

• Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionand do notpointit at anyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthe dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherinits properplace.

Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting

deck.Contactwiththeblade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet. A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact

or thrownobjectinjuries.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,or roads andwhilenotcuttinggrass.

• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This

machineis notintendedforuseonany public roadway.

• Donotoperatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof alcohol or drugs.

• Mowonly indaylightorgoodartificiallight.

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.

Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthe machineintoa trailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupordown ramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtipover,causingserious personalinjury.Themachinemustbe pushedmanuallyon ramp(s)to loador unloadproperly.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Donot touch.

Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow hangingtree branches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wherethe operatormaybestruckorpulledfromthe machine,whichcould resultinseriousinjury.

Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthebrakepedal completelybeforeattemptingto startengine.

Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa heightnomorethan10".Donotattemptto mowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.

Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthis machine bythemachinemanufacturer.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

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon it, do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usethe SlopeGuideincludedaspartofthis manual to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineonaslopedor hilly area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould

result.

Do:

Mowupanddown slopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution

whenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orother hiddenobjects.

Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingso that youwillnothavetostopor shiftwhileon the slope.Tiresmay losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning properly.Alwayskeepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopes totakeadvantageof enginebrakingaction.

• Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights or counterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call

1-800-659-5917.

• Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These canchangethestabilityofthe machine.

Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefrontofthemachineto lift andrapidlyflip overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

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

DoNot:

• Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossible.

• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Themower couldsuddenlyturnoverifawheelisovertheedgeofa cliff, ditch,or ifanedgecavesin.

• Donottry to stabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfootonthe ground.

• Donotusea grasscatcheron steepslopes.

• Donotmowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

• Donotattempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe operatortolosecontrolofthemachineresultingin seriousinjury

or death.

• Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)onslopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing downhill,theextraweighttendsto pushthetractorandmay causeyoutoloosecontrol(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingand steeringabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcause tractorto overturn).

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatorisnotalerttothepresence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthemowing activity.Theydonotunderstandthe dangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenoutof themowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

• Bealert andturnmachineoff ifa childentersthearea.

• 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 usedwhenchildrenorothersarearound. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer

burnsfroma hotmuffler.

• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto preventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis machine. Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsand

safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon themachineandshould betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

TOWING

Towonlywithamachinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.

Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.For recommendations,

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

Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof tractionandlossofcontrol.

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

Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop. Donotcoastdownhill.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingof Gasoline

Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled on yourselforyourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleorona truckortrailer bed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson the groundaway fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

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

refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwithaportablecontainer,rather

thanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthe fueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-

ning.Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling. Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto no morethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe

engine.

• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlightasona 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.

• Nevertamperwiththe safetyinterlocksystemorothersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

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

• Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothemachine whilethe engineis running.

• Grasscatchercomponentsandthe dischargecoveraresubject towearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor allow objectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual.Useof partswhichdo not meetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed oftheengine.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to protecttheenvironment.

• Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC) andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 270hours ofoperation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLife,buyanew machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatall mechanicaland safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.

Failuretodoso can resultinaccidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoid seriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway. Tamperingwiththe governorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineand causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal

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

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered, brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlessthe engine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(ifany).

Ifa sparkarrestoris used,it shouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveisrequired bylaw(Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarrestorforthemuffleris availablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson the machine 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 a vertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

or a fencepost

II "_""_ _ . a 15o,,,

15°

0 rrl

rrl

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

Donot operateyourlawnmoweron suchslopes.Donotmowoninclineswitha slope inexcessof 15degrees(ariseofapproximately2ol/2 feetevery10feet). A riding

mowercouldoverturnandcauseseriousinjury.Operateridingmowersupanddownslopes,neveracrossthe faceofslopes.

ROTATING BLADES CAUSE

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

DONOTMOWWHENCHILDRENOROTHERSARE AROUND

NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWITHBLADE(S)OFF. LOOKDOWNANDBEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE BACKING.

MOWINGINREVERSEISNOTRECOMMENDED.

WARNING

Thissymbol points out important safety instructions which, if notfollowed,could endangerthe personal

safety and/or propertyof yourself and others. Readand follow allinstructions inthis manualbeforeattempting

to operatethis machine.Failuretocomply withthese instructions mayresultin personalinjury.When you see this symbol HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe useof this powermachineto persons who

read, understand,and follow thewarnings and instruc- tions in this manual and on the machine.

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

level. Attaching the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato

causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red) wireto its terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmenthave beenleftdisconnectedfromthe terminalsatthefactory.Toconnect thebatterycables,proceedasfollows:

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

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

2. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe negativebattery terminaland attachtheblackcableto thenegativebattery terminal(-) withthebolt andhexnut.SeeFigure1.

Shipping Brace Removal

Makesurethe ridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey,

andset the parkingbrakebeforeremovingthe shippingbrace.Refer

ItotheOperationsectionfor instructionsonhowto settheparking lbrake.

• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompanyingwarning tagfoundonthe rightsideofthemower,betweenthedischarge chutedeflectorandthecuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.

Figure2

Figure1

3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.

NOTE:If thebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownon topof battery,chargethebatteryas instructedinthe Service& Maintenance sectionofthis manualpriorto operatingthetractor.

Placethedecklift leverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto

SettingtheCuttingHeightin theOperationsectionof thismanual. Whilepushingthedischargechuteddlectortowardsthemachinewith

yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp- ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.

Theshippingbrace,usedfor packagingpurposesonly,mustbe

removedand discardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.

Themowingdeck iscapableofthrowingobjects.Failureto operate the ridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperating

Ipositioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty ldamage.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcomeattached,the hardwareforattachingithas beenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel, beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypryoff the steeringwheel capandremovethe hardware.

1. Withthewheelsof the tractorpointingstraightforward,placethe steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthe cuppedsidedown)overthesteering wheeland securewiththehexbolt.SeeFig.3.

f..-

Adjusting the Seat Toadjustthepositionof the seat,pullupandholdtheseatadjustment

lever.Slidetheseatforwardorrearwardtothedesiredposition;then releasetheadjustmentlever.Makesure seatis lockedintopositionin

a seat-stopbeforeoperatingthe tractor.SeeFigure5.

Beforeoperatingthetractor,makesurethe seatisengagedina seat-stop.Engagetheparkingbrake.Standbehindthe machineand pull backon seatuntil it clicksintoplace.

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthecenterofthe steering

Figure3

wheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.

Attaching The Seat NOTE:Forshippingreasons,theseatiseitherfastenedtothe tractor

seat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,ormountedbackwardtothepivot bracket.Ineithercase,freetheseatfromits shippingpositionbeing carefulnotto bendor kinkthewiringharnessandfollowtheinstruc-

tionsbelowtoattach it.

1. Removethetwo hexscrewsandnutsfromtheseatpivotbracket.

2. Alignthefrontholesoftheseatmountingbracketwiththe holesin theseatpivotbracketonyourtractorand securewith previously removedhex screwsandnuts. SeeA in Figure4.

3. Plugthewiringharnessintotheseatsafetyswitchinthebottomof theseat,asshownin Bof Figure4.

NOTE:Thetractorwillnot operatewiththewiringharness disconnected.

Figure5

Tire Pressure

Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis 30 psi.Equal

tirepressureshouldbe maintainedatalltimes.Neverexceedthe

_maxmum nfatonpressureshownonthes dewa of thet re. Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:

Approximately10psi forthe reartires Approximately14psiforthefronttires

iMPORTANT:Refertothe tire sidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinfiate.Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

Figure4

Figure6

A ParkingBrakeLever

B Throttle/ChokeControlLever

C IgnitionSwitchModule

D Auto-drivePedal E DeckLift Lever

NOTE: Anyreferencein thismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperator'sseat positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontof tractor.

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

F PTOLever(BladeEngage)

G CupHolder H ShiftLever

I SeatAdjustmentLever

J BrakePedal

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

Toset the parkingbrake: Fullydepressthebrakepedal.Movethe parkingbrakeleverintotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasethebrake pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.

Toreleasethe parkingbrake: Depressthebrakepedalandthepark- ingbrakeleverwill moveoutofthe parkingbrakepositionon itsown. Theparkingbrakewillthen bereleased.Releasethebrakepedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbe setiftheoperatorleavestheseat withtheenginerunningor theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER

Thethrottle/chokecontrolleveris locatedontherightsideof thetrac-

tor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrols thespeedoftheengineandwhen pushedallthewayforward,the

chokecontrolalso.Whensetin a givenposition,thethrottlewill

maintaina uniformenginespeed. IMPORTANT: Whenoperating

thetractorwiththecuttingdeck engaged,thethrottle/chokecontrol levermustalwaysbeinthe FAST (rabbit)position.

CHOKE

FAST

l=, m

SLOW

IGNITION SWITCH

Thekeyswitchmoduleisusedto startand stoptheengine.Insert keyintothekeyswitchmodule

andturnclockwiseto theSTART position.Releasethe keyintothe

normalmowingpositiononceen- ginehasstarted.Theheadlights willbeactivatedautomatically.

Tostoptheengine,turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theSTOPposition.

IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthe tractor,refertoboththe "Safety InterlockSystem"and"StartingThe Engine"laterinthissectionof this manualfordetailedinstructionsregardingtheIgnitionSwitchModule.

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

SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

Theseatadjustmentleverislocatedbelowthefront/leftoftheseat.The leverallowsforadjustmentof the foreandaft positionoftheseat.Refer totheAssemblysectionof themanual formoredetailedinstructionsfor adjustingthe seatposition.

AUTO-DRIVE PEDAL

Thedrivepedalislocatedontherightsideofthetractor,alongthe

runningboard.Depressthedrivepedalforwardandthetractorwill moveinthedirectionthattheshiftleveris engagedin.Tocausethe

tractorto travelforward,whileat acompletestop,movethe shiftlever

intotheForwardposition.Graduallysteponthedrivepedalandthe

tractorwill beginto moveforward.Tomovein Reverse,followthe same

procedureonlymovetheshiftleverintothereverseposition.

Thegroundspeediscontrolledwiththedrivepedal.Thefurther forwardthatthepedalis pivoted,thefasterthetractorwilltravel. Thepedalwill returntoits originalpositionwhenit'snotdepressed.

Referto the Operationsectionofthismanualfordetailedinstructions regardingthedrivepedal.

IMPORTANT=Alwayssetthe parkingbrakewhenleavingthetractor unattended.

DECK LIFT LEVER

Foundonyour tractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris used

tochangetheheightofthe cuttingdeck.To use,movethe

levertotheleft,thenplaceinthe notchbestsuitedfor your

application.

PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER

Foundonthe tractor'srightfender,thePTO(bladeengage) leverisusedtoengagepowertothecuttingdeckorother (separatelyavailable)attachments.Tooperate,movethe leverallthewayforward.Movingtheleveralltheway rearwardintothePTOOFFpositiondisengagespowertothe

cuttingdeck/attachment.

NOTE=ThePTO(bladeengage)levermustbe inthe

disengaged(PTOOFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.

CUP HOLDER

Thetractor'scupholderis locatedonthefendertotheleftof theseat.

SHIFT LEVER

Theshiftleveris locatedonthe left

sideof thefenderandhasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRAL

and REVERSE.The brakepedal

mustbedepressedandthe tractor mustnotbe in motionwhenthe

movingshift lever. IMPORTANT: Neverforcethe shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin

seriousdamagetothetractor's

transmission.

REVERSE

BRAKE PEDAL

Thebrakepedalis locatedon theleftside ofthelawntractor,alongthe

runningboard.Depressthebrakepedaltoengagethediscbrakeand bringthetractortoa completestop.

NOTE=Thepedalmustbe depressedto starttheengine.Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheslaterin thissectionof thismanual.

GAS AND OiL FILL-UP

0il

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil intheengine. However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Becareful

notto overfill. Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil, referto CheckingThe

EngineOilin the ServiceandMaintenancesectionofthismanual.

Gasoline

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors

orwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,

_ppes,andothersourcesof gn t on. NOTE : Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Do notusegasolineleft

overfromthe previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuel system.

• Thisengineis certifiedtooperateonunleadedgasoline.Forbest results,fillthefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasoline witha pumpstickeroctaneratingof87or higher.

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

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

• Fillfueltankoutdoorsorin well-ventilatedarea.

• Donotoverfillfuel tank. Filltanktono morethan1/2inch below bottomoffillerneckto allowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhilethe engineishotor run- ning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe engine.

To Add Gasoline

1. Turntheengineoff andletenginecoolat least2 minutesbefore removingthe fuelcap.The gasolinetankislocatedunderthe hood.Removethe fuelcapbyturningitcounterclockwise.

2. Fillthe fueltankwithgasoline.Useonlyclean,fresh(nomore than30 daysold),unleadedgasoline.Filltankto nomore than1/2inchbelowbottomoffillernecktoallowspacefor fuel expansion.

3. Reinstallthefuelcap.

IMPORTANT: Donot overfillthetank.Fill tanktono morethan1/2 inchbelowbottomof filler necktoallowspacefor fuelexpansion.See

Fig.7.

Figure7

Avoid Serious Injury or Death

• Go upanddownslopes,notacross.

• Avoidsuddenturns.

• Donotoperatetheunitwhereitcouldslipor tip.

• Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesand backdownhill slowly.

• Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersarearound.

• Nevercarrychildren,evenwith bladesoff.

• Lookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebacking.

• Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,andswitches)inplace andworking.

• Removeobjectsthat couldbethrownby theblades.

• Knowlocationandfunctionofall controls.

• Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsor feetnearblades.

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

Read Operator's Manual

SAFETY iNTERLOCK SYSTEM

Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedforsafeoperationofthetrac- tor.Ifthis systemshouldever malfunction,do not operatethetractor. Immediatelycontact1-800-4-MY-HOMEto havethesystemserviced.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstarting unlesstheparkingbrakeis engagedandthePTO(BladeEngage) leveris in thedisengaged(OFF)position.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengineif theoperatorleavesthe seatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutoffthe engine ifthe operatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(Blade

Engage)leverengaged,regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrake isengaged.

IGNITION SWITCH

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostartthe engine,insertkeyintothe ignitionswitchandturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe keyintotheONpositiononce enginehasfired.

Tostoptheengine,turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwisetothe OFF position.

Start

off

SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT

1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacingthedeck liftleverinanyofthedifferentcuttingheightnotchesontheright

sideof thefender.

2. Adjustthedeck wheelssothattheyarebetween1A-inchand Y2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractoris onasmooth,fiat

surfacesuchas a driveway.

To adjust Deck Wheels:

1. Removetheflangelocknuton theshoulderboltsecuringthe deckwheel.

2. Positionthewheeltothedesiredheightaslistedabove.SeeFig.

3. Securetheshoulderboltwiththeflangelocknut.

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningof thecutting

deck.

NOTE:Thedeckwheelsarean anti-scalpfeatureofthedeckand

are notdesignedtosupporttheweightofthecuttingdeck.Referto

LevelingintheMaintenance& Servicesectionofthismanualformore

detailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeckadjustments.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO, moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setparkingbrake,stopengine andremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE

To engage the parking brake:

1. Fullydepressthe brakepedalandholdit downwithyourfoot.

2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintothe parkingbrakeposition.

3. Releasethe brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.

To release the parking brake:

1. Depressthebrakepedalandmovethe speedcontrolleveroutof theparkingbrakepositionandintoa desiredspeed.

Figure8

STARTING THE ENGINE

Donot operatethetractoriftheinterlocksystemis malfunctioning.

Thissystemwasdesignedforyoursafetyand protection.

NOTE:Refertothe GasolineandOilfill-up instructionsearlierin this section.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

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

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrottle/chokeleverall

thewayupintothechokeposition.

5. Turntheignitionkeyclockwisetothe STARTposition.Afterthe enginestarts,releasethekey.It will returntotheON (orNormal Mowing)position.

DoNOTholdthekeyinthe STARTpositionfor longerthanten secondsata time.Doingsomaycausedamagetoyourengine's

electricstarter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethe throttlecontrolinthe FASTposition.

NOTE: DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperatingthetractor. Doingso willresultina "rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheengineto run poorly.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark plugwire(s)andgroundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machinefor anydamage.Repairthedamagebeforerestartingand operating

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

2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

3. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended starting.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

Donot leavetheseatofthetractorwithoutfirst placingthePTO (BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position,depressing thebrakepedalandengagingthe parkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractor unattended,alsoturntheignitionkeyoff andremovethe key.

Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackinguptoavoida back-overaccident.

1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrakeandthenlet thepedalup.

2. Movethethrottleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placetheshift leverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSE position.

IMPORTANT: DoNOTusethe shiftlevertochangethedirection oftravelwhenthetractorisin motion.Alwaysusethebrakepedalto bringthetractorto acompletestopbeforeshifting.

4. Graduallybeginto applypressureto the drivepedal.Thefurther

downthe pedalis pushed,thefasterthetractorwilltravelinthe desireddirectionbasedon thepositionoftheshift lever.

5. Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbyreleasingthedrive pedal

andthendepressingthe brakepedal.

Beforeleavingthe operator'spositionforanyreason,disengagethe blades,placethe shiftleverinneutral,engagetheparkingbrake, shutengineoff andremovethe key.

Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileon agrasssurface, always:

1. Placetheshiftleverinneutral,

2. Engagetheparkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoffand removethekey.Doingsowillminimizethe possibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfrom yourtractor'srunningengine.

DRiViNG ON SLOPES

RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEintheSafetyInstructionssectionof the manualto helpdetermineslopeswhereyou mayoperatethistractor safely.

Donotmowon inclineswitha slopein excessof 15degrees(a rise ofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Thetractorcouldoverturn andcauseseriousinjury.

MOWING

Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand- ers,helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthemachine whileitis in operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.

Thefollowinginformationwill be helpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck withyourtractor:

• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross. Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhiddenobjects. Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles. Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.Ifa turnmustbemade,turn

downthe slope.Turningupa slopegreatlyincreasesthechance ofarollover.

Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupaslope.Ifit is necessaryto stop whiledrivingupa slope,startup smoothlyandcarefullytoreduce thepossibilityofflippingthetractoroverbackward.

ENGAGING THE BLADES

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowerto thecuttingdeck orother(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades, proceedasfollows:

1. Movethe throttle/chokecontrolleverto theFAST(rabbit)position.

2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitalltheway forwardintothe engaged(ON)position.

3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthe most efficientuseof thecuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)

attachments.

NOTE:Theenginewill automaticallyshutoff ifthePTOisengaged withtheshiftleverin positionforreversetravelwiththe ignitionkeyin theONposition.

MULCHING

A mulchkit isavailableasan attachment.Mulchingisa processof recirculatinggrassclippingsrepeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.The ultra-fineclippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwheretheyact as

a naturalfertilizer. A mulchkit canbe purchasedthroughtheretaillocationinwhichyou

purchasedthistractor.Formore information, simply contact Sears at 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe left,thenplace itinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.RefertoSettingThe CuttingHeightearlierinthissection.

Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialstoward

roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarging materialagainstawallor obstructionwhichmaycausedischarged materialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

Donot mowat highgroundspeed,especiallyifa mulchkit or

grasscollectorisinstalled.

• Forbestresultsitisrecommendedthatthefirst twolapsbecut withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthe firsttwo

laps,reversethedirectionto throwthedischargetotheoutside

forthebalanceofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe

lawn.

• Donotcutthe grasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowth andyellowsquicklyin dry weather.

• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfullthrottle.

• Underheavierconditionsit maybe necessaryto go backoverthe cut areaa secondtimetogeta cleancut.

• Do NOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsandextremely tallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclear

brush.

• Keepthe bladessharpand replacethebladeswhenworn.Refer to CuttingBladesintheServicesectionof thismanualforproper

bladesharpeninginstructions.

HEADLIGHTS

• Thelampsare ONwheneverthetractor'sengineis running.

• ThelampsturnOFFwhenthe ignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOP

position.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

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

BeforeEachUse

IntheFirstFiveHours Every10Hours

1. Engineoil level

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols

3. Fingerguard

1. EngineOil

1. Hood/Dashairvents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Deckspindlesand idler

1. Check

2. Clean

3. Clean

1. Change

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

bracket

Every25 hours

1. Air filter'sprecleaner*

2. Air filter*

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

shafts,andaxles

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

1. Change/Replace

2. Check

1. Replace

2. Replace

3. Replace

4. Clean

5. Replace

6. Clean

7. Removeandgreaseaxles

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

Every50 hours

Annually

BeforeStorage

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

1. Engineoil/Oil filter

2. Muffler

1. Air filter

2. Air filter'spre-cleaner

3. Sparkplug

4. Air coolingsystem*

5. Fuelfilter

6. SteeringGears

7. RearWheels

1. Hood/Dashairvents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

6. Deckspindlesand idler

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

6. Lubricate

bracket

7. Pedalpivotpoints

7. Lubricate

*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrack ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest Parts&

RepairServiceCenteror to scheduleservice,simplycontact

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagethePTO (BladeEngageLever),engagethe parkingbrake,stoptheengine

and removethekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Iftheenginehasbeen recentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur- roundingmetalsurfaceswill behotand cancauseburnsto theskin.

Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Engine Oil Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassification

SF,SG,SH,orSJ, Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthe chartbelow.

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

usedabove32°ECheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

('_older _ 32°F _War me'_r

Oil Viscosity Chart

Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

• Ensurethatthetractorisona levelsurface.

• Cleantheoil fillareaofanydebris.

1. Removethedipstickandwipewithacleancloth.

2. Insertandtightendipstick.

3. Removethedipstickandchecktheoillevel.It shouldbeat the Fullmarkonthedipstick.SeeFigure9.

Dipstick-_

Changing Engine Oil

Theengineoilshouldbechangedinthefirst 5 hoursandthenevery 50 hoursoronce a season.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedas

follows:

1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepit awayfromsparkplug.

2. Removetheoilfillcap/dipstickfromtheoilfilltube.SeeFigure9.

3. Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotherighttobetterexposethedrain plug.

4. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoildrainport. Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveintoanappropriateoilcollection

containerwithacapacitygreatenoughtocollecttheusedoil.

5. Removetheoildrainplug,Theoilwillbegintodrainoutoftheengine.

6. Aftertheoilhasfinisheddraining,replacetheoildrainplugandtighten. Becarefulnottoovertighten.

7. Removetheoildrainsleeveandstoreforlateruse.

8. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroiluntiltheoillevelonthedipstick readsFULL.Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly. Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyour localauthori-

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

recyclingfacilities.

Changing the Oil Filter

1. Draintheoil fromthe engineasdescribedabove.

2. Removetheoilfilteranddisposeofproperly.See Figure10.

Oil Drain Sleeve

Figure9

If low,addoil slowlyintothe engineoilfill. Donotoverfill.After addingoil,waitoneminuteandthenrecheckthe oil level.

Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheengineto notstart, hardstarting,orenginesmoking.If overthe FULLmarkonthe dipstick,drainoil toreduceoil leveltoFULLmarkondipstick.

5. Replaceandtightendipstick.

OilDrain

Valve

3. Beforeyou installthenewoil filter, lightlylubricatetheoilfilter gasketwithfresh,cleanoil.

4. Installtheoil filterbyhanduntilthegasketcontactstheoil filter adapter,then tightentheoilfilter 1/2to 3/4 turns.

5. Addoil as describedabove.

6. Startand runthe engine.Astheenginewarmsup,checkfor oil

leaks.

7. Stoptheengineandchecktheoil level.It shouldbeatthe FULL markonthedipstick.

Figure10

Fuel Filter Air Cleaner

Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire orexplosioncancausesevereburnsor death.

• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat, andotherignitionsources.

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

• Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthe fueltankas perthe instructionsbelow.

• Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowthe engine

adequatetimetocool. Drainfuelintoan approvedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

• Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthe tankby disconnectingthe fuellinefromthein-linefuelfilterneartheengine.

• Removethefuellinefromthe In-lineside(sidetowardsthefuel tank)of thefuel filter.

• Replacementpartsmustbethesameand installedin thesame positionastheoriginalparts.

• Iffuel spills,waituntil itevaporatesbeforestartingengine.

• Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthe fueltank.Otherwisefuel

canleakoutandcausea fireor explosion.

ToDrainthe fuel:

1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichisroutedontheleftsideoftheengine betweenthefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedto theenginewitha tiestrap.Cutthetie strap,ifpresent,then pinch thein-lineclamponthefuelfilterwitha pairofpliers,slidethe clampupthefuelline.Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplace theopenendofthe lineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.

Tochangethe fuel filter:

1. Useplierstosqueezethe tabsontheotherclamp(theout-line sideof thefuelfilter),thenslidetheclampawayfromthefuelfilter. Twistandpullthe fuellineoffofthefuelfilter.SeeFigure11.

Clamp

Fuel Line

Tab

Figure11

2. Checkthefuellinesforcracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

3. Replacethe fuelfilterwithan originalequipmentreplacement filter.Call1-800-4-MY-HOME®topurchasetheoriginalequip- mentreplacementfilter.

4. Securethefuellineswiththe clamps.

Iffilters,or coversarenotinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath

couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattemptto starttheenginewith themremoved.

Donot usepressurizedair or solventstocleantheaircleaner

cartridge.

Theairfiltersystemusesa cylindricalcartridge.

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

12.

Figure12

2. Toremovethefilter(C),lifttheendofthefilterandthenpullthe filteroff the intake(D).

3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthe filterona hardsurface,if thefilter isexcessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.

4. installthefilterontheintake.Pushtheendofthefilterintothe baseas shown.Makesurefilterfitssecurelyin the base.

5. installairfiltercoverandsecurewithfasteners.

Spark Plug

1. Cleanareaaroundthe sparkplugbase.Donot sandblastspark plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingor wirebrushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent

2. Removeandinspectthe sparkplug.Checkgaptomakesureitis setat .030".SeeFigure13.

3. Replacethesparkplug(Champion®RC12YC)oncea season.

Electrode Porcelain

Temperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150°F

(65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.

• inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.Replace- mentpartsforthemufflermustbethe sameand installedin the samepositionastheoriginalparts.

Clean Engine

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

• Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.

• Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine.

• Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat- ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.

Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel system.Useabrushordrycloth.

Carburetor Adjustment

• Thecarburetoron thisengineisnotadjustable.

LUBRICATION

Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,set parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeytopreventunintended starting.

Pivot Points & Linkage Lubricateall thepivotpointsonthedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift

linkageat leastoncea seasonwithlightoil. Rear Wheels

Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromthe axlesoncea season. Lubricatethe axlesandtherimswellwithanall-purposegreasebefore

re-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendofthetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequippedwithagrease fitting.Lubricatewithagreasegunafterevery25hoursoftractoroperation.

Battery

Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbe checked.

• Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

• Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof

petroleumjellyorgreasetobothterminals.

• Alwayskeepthe rubberbootpositionedoverthe positiveterminal to preventshorting.

IMPORTANT: if removingthe batteryforanyreason,disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSI-

TIVE(Red)wire.Whenre-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe

POSITIVE(Red)wiretoits terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE

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

Cleaning Battery

Cleanthebatterybyremovingit fromthe tractorandwashingwith 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 Anyfuelor oil spilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do

NOTallowdebristoaccumulatearoundthe coolingfinsoftheengine or onany otherpartof themachine.

IMPORTANT: Theuseofa pressurewashertocleanyourtractoris

NOTrecommended.Itmaycausedamagetoelectricalcomponents,

spindles,pulleys,bearingsor theengine.

Deck Wash System Yourtractor'sdeckis equippedwitha waterporton itssurfaceaspart

of itsdeckwashsystem.

Usethedeckwashto rinsegrassclippingsfromthe deck'sunderside and preventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.Completethefollowing

stepsAFTEREACHMOWING:

1. Drivethetractortoalevel,clearspoton yourlawn,nearenough foryourgardenhosetoreach.

Makecertainthetractor'sdischargechuteis directedAWAYfromyoul

house,garage,parkedcars,etc.

2. Disengagethe PTO(BladeEngage),settheparkingbrakeand stoptheengine.

3. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourtractor'sOperator's Manual)ontotheendofyourgardenhose.

4. Attachthe hosecouplertothewaterportonyourdeck'ssurface. SeeFigure14.

J _; .......... ........

Figure14

5. Turnthewateron.

6. Whilesittinginthe operator'spositiononthe tractor,startthe engineandplacethethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position.

7. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intotheONposition.

8. Remainintheoperator'spositionwiththecuttingdeckengaged foraminimumoftwo minutes,allowingthe undersideofthe cuttingdecktothoroughlyrinse.

9. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intotheOFFposition.

10. Turntheignitionkeytothe STOPpositiontoturnthetractor's engineoff.

11. Turnthewateroff anddetachthehosecouplerfromthewater portonyourdeck'ssurface.

12. Repeatsteps4through11on the oppositesideofthe cutting deck.

Aftercleaningyourdeck,returntotheoperator'spositionandengage thePTO.Keepthecuttingdeckrunningfora minimumoftwominutes, allowingtheundersideof thecuttingdecktothoroughlydry.

ADJUSTMENTS

Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhiletheengineis running, exceptwherespecifiedintheoperator'smanual.

Leveling the Deck NOTE: Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeck

levelingadjustments.Referto Tiresinthe Servicesectionofthis manualformoreinformationregardingtirepressure.

Front To Rear Thefrontofthe cuttingdeckis supportedbya stabilizerbarthatcan

beadjustedtolevelthe deckfromfronttorear.Thefrontof thedeck

shouldbe between_A-inchand3A-inchlowerthanthe rearofthedeck. Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedona firm, levelsurface,placethe lever forliftingtheplatformonthe secondtothetopnotch(second highestposition)and rotatethebladeascloseas possibleto the dischargechannelthatis paralleltothetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontof thebladetiptotheground andthe rearofthebladetipto theground.Thefirstmeasure-

menttakenshouldbe between_A"and3A"lessthanthesecond measurement.Determinethe approximatedistancenecessaryfor

properadjustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothenextstep.

3. Locatetheflangelocknut onthefrontsideof thestabilizer bracket.SeeFig.15.

• Tightentheflangelocknuttoraisethefrontofthedeck;

Loosentheflangelock nutto lowerthefrontof thedeck.

f__

Figure15

Side to Side

Ifthecuttingdeckappearstobe mowingunevenly,a sideto side

adjustmentcan beperformed.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedona firm, levelsurface,placethe decklift leverin thesecondfromthetop notch(secondhighestposition) and rotatebothbladessothat theyareperpendicularwiththe

tractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheleftbladetiptothe groundandthedistancefromthe outsideoftherightbladetipto theground.Bothmeasurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey're not, proceedto thenextstep.

3. Loosen,butdoNOTremove,thehexcap screwonthe leftdeck hangerbracket.SeeFig. 16.

4. Balancethedeckby usinga wrenchto turntheadjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthehexcapscrewjust loosened) clockwise/uporcounterclockwise/down.Thedeckis properly balancedwhenbothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierare equal.

He× Cap Screw

'_._. j

Figure16

5. Retightenthe hexcap screwon theleftdeckhangerbracket whenproperadjustmentisachieved.

Seat Adjustment RefertotheAssemblysectionofthismanualforseatadjustment

instructions. Parking Brake Adjustment

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhiletheengineisrunning.Always disengagePTO(bladeengage)lever,moveshiftleverintoneutral position,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

If thetractordoes notcometo acompletestopwhenthebrakepedal iscompletelydepressed,or ifthetractor'srearwheelscanrollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeisinneedofadjustment.Contactthe nearest SearsService Centerto haveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

TolocatethenearestParts&RepairServiceCenteror toschedule service,contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

CUTTING DECK REMOVAL

Figure17

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingerson the idlerspringor betweenthebeltanda pulleywhileremovingthebelt.

Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleftsideofthetractor,locatethe bow-tiepinthatsecuresthedecksupportrodontherearIdtsided the

deck.SeeFig.18.Removethebow-tiepinthatsecuresthedecksupport

rod,andcarefullyremovethedecksupportfromthedeckliftarm.

To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:

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

2. Lowerthe deck by movingthe deck lift leverintothe bottom notchon the rightfender.

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

NOTE: Makea mentalnotewhatholetheotherendofthebelt-keeper rodisinsertedinfor reinstallationpurposes.

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

Figure18

6. Repeattheabovestepsonthetractor'srightside. NOTE:Thebow-tieclipsshouldbe re-installedfromthe topdown.

7. Movethe decklift leverintothe topnotchon the rightfenderto

raisethedecklift armsupandoutofthe way.

Removethe bow-tiecotterpin securingthe deckstabilizerrodto thedeck. Slidethedecklift rodfromthemountingbracketon the deckasseenin Fig.19.

..........._'_¢& _ .......................................

The recommended operating tire pressure is:

• Approximately10psi for thereartires

• Approximately14psi for thefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothetire sidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventire pres-

surecould causethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

BATTERY

CaliforniaProposition65 WARNING!Batteryposts,terminals,and

relatedaccessoriescontainleadandleadcompounds,chemicals knowntotheStateofCaliforniatocausecancerandreproductive harm.Washhandsafterhandling.

If removingthe battery,disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)wire

fromits terminalfirst,followedbythe POSITIVE(Red)wire.When

re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wireto

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

JUMP STARTING

Figure19

CarefullyremovethePTOcablefromthe rearofthecuttingdeck byremovingthebow-tiecotterpinwhichsecuresit. Removethe springfromthe deckidlerbracket.SeeFig.20.

PTOCable

Neverjump starta damagedorfrozenbattery.Becertainthevehicles

do nottouch,andignitionsareoff.Do notallowcableclampsto touch.

1. Connectpositive(+)cableto positivepost(+)ofyourtractor's dischargedbattery.

2. Connecttheotherendof thecableto the positive(+)postofthe jumperbattery.

3. Connectthesecondcablenegative(-) tothenegativepost(-) of thejumperbattery.

4. Connecttheotherendof thenegativecableto the engineblockof thetractor,awayfromthebattery.Attachtoanunpaintedpartto assurea goodconnection.

Ifthejumperbatteryis installedona vehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOT startthe vehicle'senginewhenjump startingyourtractor.

5. Startthetractor(as instructedearlierinthissectionof this manual).

6. Setthetractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables, in reverseorderofconnection.

CHARGING

Figure20

10. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromthe left side)out from underneaththetractor.

TIRES

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewall oftire.

Batteries

giveoffan explosivegas whilecharging.ChargethebatteryI

ina wellventilatedareaandkeepawayfroman openflameor pilot

ghtasona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,cothesdryeror |

othergas appliances.

Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,useonlya chargerdesignedfor I

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

land heed ts warnngs. j

If yourtractorhasnot beenputintousefor anextendedperiodoftime, chargethebatteryasfollows:

1. Setyourbatterychargertodeliveramaxof 10amperes.

If yourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethe batteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthatchargingiscomplete.Ifthe chargerisnot automatic,chargefor nofewerthaneight hours.

FUSE

One20AMPfuseisinstalledin yourtractor'swiringharnesstoprotect thetractor'selectricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessive

amperage. If theelectricalsystemdoesnot function,oryourtractor'senginewill

notcrank,firstcheckto be certainthatthefusehasnot blown.It can befoundattherearoftheunit,underneaththefenderlocatedbythe

battery.

Alwaysusea fusewiththesameamperagecapacityforreplacement.

CUTTING BLADES

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

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamounts of metalfrombothendsof thebladesalongthecuttingedges,

parallelto thetrailingedge,at a250.to 300angle.Alwaysgrind

eachcutting bladeedgeequallytomaintainproperbladebalance.

SeeFig.22.

Figure 22

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

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows.

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

2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffle andthecuttingbladeto actasa stabilizer.SeeFig.21.

3. Removethehexflangenutthat securesthe bladeto thespindle assembly.SeeFig.21.

Ifthecuttingedgeofthebladehas previouslybeensharpened,or if

anymetalseparationis present,replacethebladeswithnewones.

A poorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibration,maycause damagetothetractorand/or resultin personalinjury.

5. Testthe blade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetal from theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.

NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,be suretoinstallthebladewiththe sideof theblademarked"Bottom"(orwitha part numberstampedin it)facingthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperatingposition.

Usea torquewrenchtotightenthebladespindlehexflangenut to

between70Ibs-ftand 90Ibs-ft.

CHANGING THE DECK BELT

Besuretoshuttheengineoff,removeignitionkey,disconnectthe

Isparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunin- ltendedstartingbeforeremovingthebelt.

Figure 21

All beltsonyourtractoraresubjecttowearandshouldbereplacedif anysignsof wearare present.

IMPORTANT: TheV-beltfoundonyourtractoris speciallydesigned toengageanddisengagesafely.A substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan bedangerousbynotdisengagingcompletely.Fora properworking machine,useidenticalequipmentbeltsas listedin thepartspagesof thisOperator'sManual.

Tochangeor replacethedeckbeltonyourtractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckasinstructedearlierinthis section.

2. Removethe beltcoversfromthespindlepulleysby removingthe hexscrewsthatfastenthecoversto the deck.SeeFig.23.

3. It mayalsobenecessaryto loosenthehex nuton the leftdeck idlerpulleytogetthe beltoffthepulleyandaroundthebeltguard.

4. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthetwospindle pulleysandthetwo deckidlerpulleys,SeeFig,23,

5. Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebeltaroundthetwo outerspindlepulleysasshowninFig,23,

6. Thenroutethebeltaroundthe twodeckidlerpulleysasshownin Fig.23,

7. Retightenthebeltkeeperrodloosenedearlier.

8. Remountthebeltguardsremovedearlier,

9. Re-installthedeck,makingsurethebeltremainsroutedaround thepulleysas instructed.Thecompletebeltroutingisshownin Fig,23.

10. Pullthe rightsideofthe belt,and placethenarrowVsideofthe beltintothePTOpulley.

11. Whileholdingthebeltandpulleytogether,rotatethepulleytothe left.Continueholdingandrotatingthe pulleyand beltuntilthe belt isfullyrolledintothePTOpulley.

PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhiletheengineis running.Always

disengagePTO(BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutral

position,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometoa completestopwhentheclutch-brake pedaliscompletelydepressed,or ifthetractor'srearwheelscan roll withtheparkingbrakeapplied,the brakeis inneedof adjustment. Contactthe nearest Parts & RepairService Centertohaveyour

brakesserviced, Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenteror to schedule

service, contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE

BELT

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

siondrivebeltserviced. Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenteror to schedule

service, contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

Hex Washer Screws

BeltGuard

_ _oo Deckidier Pu,,ey

This portion of the belt routes around

the PTO Pulley

Belt Cover

Figure 23

Neverstorelawntractorwithfuel intankindoorsorinpoorly ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachan openflame,spark, orpilotlightas onafurnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas appliance.

PREPARING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT:Fuelleftinthefuel tankduringwarmweatherdeterio-

ratesandwillcauseseriousstartingproblems.

Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetor andcausingpossiblemalfunctionof theengine,thefuel systemmust be eithercompletelyemptied,orthe gasolinemustbe treatedwitha stabilizertopreventdeterioration.

1. Ifusingafuel stabilizer: a. Readtheproductmanufacturer'sinstructionsandrecom-

mendations.

b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountof stabilizer

forthecapacityof the fuelsystem.

c. Fillthe fueltankwithtreatedfuelandruntheenginefor2-3

minutestogetstabilizedfuelintothecarburetor.

2. Ifemptyingthefuelsystem: a. Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowthe engine

adequatetimeto cool.Drainfuelintoanapprovedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

b. Drainanylargevolumeof fuelfromthetank bydisconnect-

ing thefuellinefromthe in-linefuelfilterneartheengine. Seethecompleteinstructionsfor DrainingTheFuellaterin

this section.

DRAiNiNG THE FUEL

1. Locatethe fuelfilter,whichis locatedonthe leftsideof the engine,andmaybeattachedtotheenginewitha tiestrap.

2. Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthein-lineclamponthe fuelfilterwitha pairofpliers,slidethe clampupthefuelline.

3. Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplacetheopenendof the

lineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthe fuel.

PREPARING THE LAWN TRACTOR

1. Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrica- tioninstructions.

2. Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyour unit.

3. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto corrosive materials,suchas fertilizer.

Gasolineisextremelyflammableandcanbeexplosiveundercertain

conditions.Draingasolinebeforestoringtheequipmentforextended

periods.Drainfuelonlyintoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,away froman openflame.Allowenginetocool.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipes,andothersourcesofignitionpriortodrainingfuel.

Storegasolineinan approvedcontainerinsafelocation.

c. Reconnectthefuellineandruntheengineuntil it startsto

falter,thenusethechoketo keeptheenginerunninguntilall fuelinthecarburetorhasbeenexhausted.

d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainanyremaininggasoline

fromthesystem.

Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeofgasolineproperly.Contact

yourlocalauthoritiesforapproveddisposalmethods.

3. Removethesparkplugandpourone(1)ounceofengineoil throughthe sparkplugholeintothe cylinder.Cranktheengine severaltimesto distributetheoil. Replacethesparkplug.

Enginefailstostart

1. PTO/BladeEngageleverengaged.

2. Parkingbrakenotengaged.

3. Sparkplugwire(s)disconnected.

4. Throttle/Chokecontrollevernotincorrect

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. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

4. Ventingascapplugged.

4. Clearventor replacecapifdamaged.

5. Waterordirtinfuel system.

6. Dirtyair cleaner.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow. 1.

2. Airflowrestricted. 2.

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

2. Dirtyair cleaner. 2.

Excessivevibration

1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.

2. Damagedor bentcuttingblade.

Mowerwill notmulchgrass

1. Enginespeedtoolow.

2. Wetgrass.

3. Excessivelyhighgrass.

Unevencut

4. Dullblade.

1. Decknot leveledproperly.

4. Sharpenor replaceblade.

2. Dullblade.

3. Uneventire pressure.

1. Placeleverindisengaged(OFF)position.

2. Engageparkingbrake.

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

5. MovetheThrottle/Chokeleverintothe Choke position.

6. Filltankwithclean,fresh(lessthan30 daysold) gas.

7. Replacethe fuellineandreplacefuelfilter.

8. Clean,adjustgapor replaceplug(s).

9. Crankenginewiththrottlein FASTposition.

10. ReplaceFuse(s)

1. Deactivatethe CHOKE.

2. Connectsparkplugwire(s).

3. Replacethe fuelline;filltankwithclean,fresh gasolineandreplacefuelfilter.

5. Drainfueltank.Refillwithclean,freshgasoline.

6. Replaceair cleanerpaperelementorcleanfoam pre-cleaner,ifequipped.

Fillcrankcasewithproperamountandweightof oil. Cleangrassclippingsanddebrisfromaroundthe

engine'scoolingfinsandhousing. Removesparkplugandresetthegap.

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. Checktirepressureinallfourtires.

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Craftsman 247.28886 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual