Craftsman 247289810 Owner’s Manual

perator s

P R 0 F E S S I 0 N A

LAWN TRACTOR

26 HP, 50" Tractor

Electric Start PYT9000

Model No. 247.28981

• EspaSol, p. 62

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.

iMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety

Rules and instructions before

operating this equipment.

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-05600

For answers to your questions about

this product, Call:

1=800=659=5917

CraftsmanTractorHelpLine

5am = 5 pro, Mort =Sat

(January27,2010)

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

Safety instructions ............................................................ 3

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

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

Know your Lawn Mower .................................................. 13

Operation ........................................................................ 16

CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL FULL WARRANTY

Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifany non-expendablepartof thisridingequipmentfailsduetoa defectin materialor workmanshipwithintwo yearsfromthedateorpurchase,call1-800-659-5917toarrangeforfreein-homerepair.

Theframeandfrontaxlewill be repairedfreeofchargefor fiveyearsfromthe dateofpurchaseif defectiveinmaterialorworkmanship. Alloftheabovewarrantycoverageappliesforonlyone yearfromthedateof purchaseifthis ridingequipmentiseverusedfor commercialor

rentalpurposes. in allcases,if repairprovesimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbe replacedfreeofchargewiththesameoran equivalentmodel.

Thebatterywillbe replacedfreeofchargefor90 daysfromthe dateofpurchaseif defectiveinmaterialorworkmanship(ourtestingprovesthat it willnotholda charge).

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.SearswillNOTpayfor:

• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnot limitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,andoil filters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups. Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass.

Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance. Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnot limitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityofthe

ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframeor crankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthe deckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintainthe ridingequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).in general,fuelshouldbeused within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductiswithinthe UnitedStates.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalso haveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

Sears, Roebuckand Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

GrossHP: 26 EngineOil: SAE30

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC

Engine: Briggs& StrattonProfessionalSeries

Model Number Serial Number

Dateof Purchase

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

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

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron the partoftheoperatorcanresultinserious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethe followingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateof California 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,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthe machinewhile itisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Thoroughlyinspectthe areawheretheequipmentis tobe used. Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign objectswhichcouldbe pickedupandthrownbythe blade(s). Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

• Planyour mowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg- ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsin thismanualandon the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto the eyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

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

Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthe cutting

deck.Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet. A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact

or thrownobjectinjuries.

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

• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This

machineis notintendedforuseonanypublicroadway.

• Donot operatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof alcohol or drugs.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

Nevercarrypassengers.

• Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backup slowly. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingtoavoida

back-overaccident.

• Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

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

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

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

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot touch.

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

Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthebrakepedal completelybeforeattemptingto startengine.

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

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

659-5917. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are

involvedin a largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries. Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilityto operatetheriding mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom seriousinjury.

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

assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossof controlandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor if youfeeluneasyon it, do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthis manual to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineona slopedorhilly area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould

result.

Do:

Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution

whenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.

Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat youwill nothaveto stopor shiftwhileon the slope.Tiresmay losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning properly.Alwayskeepmachinein gearwhengoingdownslopes totakeadvantageof enginebrakingaction.

• Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights or counterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call

1-800-659-5917.

• Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These canchangethestabilityofthe machine.

Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefrontofthemachinetolift andrapidlyflip overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

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

DoNot:

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

• Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Themower couldsuddenlyturnoverifa wheelis overtheedgeofa cliff, ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.

• Donot try tostabilizethemachineby puttingyourfooton the ground.

• Donot usea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.

• Donot mowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

• Donot attempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe operatortolosecontrolofthe machineresultinginseriousinjury

or death.

• Donot towheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing downhill,theextraweighttendstopushthe tractorandmay causeyouto loosecontrol.(e.g.tractormayspeedup,braking and steeringabilityare reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand causetractorto overturn).

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothe machineandthe mowing activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

• Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childentersthearea.

• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownfor small children.

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

• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways, shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe machine.

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

shouldnotbe usedwhenchildrenor othersarearound. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer

burnsfroma hotmuffler.

• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine. Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe instructionsand

safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon the machineandshould betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

TOWING

Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.

Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.For recommendations,

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

Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof tractionandlossof control.

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

Travelslowlyandallowextradistanceto stop. Donotcoastdownhill.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingof Gasoline

Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled on yourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron a truckortrailerbed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

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

refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwithaportablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim ofthefueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuel machineindoors. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhilethe engineis hotorrun-

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

bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

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

engine.

• To reducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,spaceheater, furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

Allowa machineto coolat leastfiveminutesbeforestoring.

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.

• Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemorothersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

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

• Neverattemptto makeadjustmentsor 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 meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

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

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,buy anew machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatall mechanicaland safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.

Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

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

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal

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

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered, brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

Ifa sparkarresteris used,it shouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveis required bylaw (Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarresterforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product.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.

SLOPE GUIDE

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ROTATING BLADES CAUSE

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• DONOTMOWWHENORILORENOROTHERSARE

AROUND

• NEVERCARRyCHI_DREGEVENWITHBlADE(S)OFF,

• LOOKGOWNAND 8EHIND8EFOREANDWHILE

BACKING,

• MOWINGINREVERSEISNOTRECOMMENDED,

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructions which, if not followed,could endanger the personal

safety and/or property ofyourselfand others. Readand followall instructionsin this manual before attempting

to operatethis machine. Failureto comply with these instructionsmay result in personalinjury.Whenyou see

this symbol HEED ITSWARNING!

m _f

NOTE: IN BOTH MODES, WHEN OPERATOR LEAVES SEAT, ENGINE WILL 5TOp UNLESS pARKING BRAKE IS SET AND

BLADES ARE DISENGAGED,

*KEEP HANDSANDFEETAWAYFROMROTATINGPARTS, . REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCANDETHROWNBYTHEBLADEiNANY

*DO NOTMOWWHENCHILDRENDROTHERSAREAROUND,

oUSEEXTRACAUTIONOHSLOPES,DONOTMOWSLOPESGREATER

AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH

DiRECTiON,WEARSAFETYGLASSES, ,_ NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWITHBLADESOFF, ?_

THAN15=,MOWACROSS_T UPANDDOWN,AVOIDSUDDENTURNS,USELOWSPEED,

Your Responsibility Restrictthe use ofthis power machineto personswho read, understand,and followthe warnings and instruc-

tions inthis manualand on the machine.

TRACTOR SET-UP

Moving The Tractor Manually Yourtractor'stransmissionisequippedwitha hydrostaticreliefvalve

foroccasionswhenitis necessaryto movethe tractormanually.Open- ingthisvalvepermitsthefluidin the transmissionto bypassitsnormal route,allowingthereartiresto "freewheel."Toopenthehydrostatic reliefvalve,proceedasfollows:

1. Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodintherearofthetractor.See Figure1.

Shipping Brace Removal

Makesurethe lawntractor'sengineisoff,setthe parkingbrakeand removethe ignitionkeybeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.

1. Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andwarningtagfoundon the rightsideofthecuttingdeck.SeeFigure2.

Figure1

2. Pullthehydrostaticbypassrodoutward,thendown,tolockit in place.

NOTE:The transmissionwillNOTengagewhenthehydrostatic bypassrodis pulledout. Returnthe rodto itsnormalpositionpriorto operatingthetractor.

Neverattemptto movethetractormanuallywithoutfirstopeningthe hydrostaticreliefvalve.Doingsowillresultinseriousdamagetothe

tractor'stransmission.

Figure2

Whileholdingthe dischargechutecoverwithyourlefthand,

removethe shippingbracewithyourrighthandbygraspingit

betweenyourthumband indexfingerand rotatingitclockwise.

Theshippingbraceis usedforpackagingpurposesonly.Removeant discardtheshippingbracebeforeoperatingyourlawntractor.

Themowingdeckis capableofthrowingobjects.Operatingthe riding mowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperatingposition couldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orpropertydamage.

CONNECTING THE BATTERY CABLES Checking Tire Pressure

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniato cause

cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

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

Toconnectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows: NOTE:The positivebatteryterminalismarkedPositive(+).The

negativebatteryterminalismarkedNegative(-).

1. Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthepositive(+)battery terminalandattachthe redcable tothepositive(+)battery terminalwiththebolt andhex nut.SeeFigure3.

Donot overinflatetires.Checksidewalloftiresformaximumpsi. Equaltire pressureshouldbemaintainedat all times.

Thetiresonyourtractormaybeoverinflatedforshippingpurposes.

Reducethe tirepressurebeforeoperatingthetractor.Checksidewall

oftiresformaximumpsi.

Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels Movethe tractoron afirmand levelsurface,preferablypavement,and

proceedas follows

1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckby placingthedeck liftleverin thenormallydesiredmowingheightsetting(anyofthe sixdifferentcuttingheightnotchesontherightfender).

2. Checkthegaugewheelsfor contactor excessiveclearancewith thesurfacebelow.Thedeckgaugewheelsshouldhavebetween

1A"and1/2"clearanceabovethegroundasfollows:

Ifthegaugewheelshaveexcessiveclearanceorcontactwiththe surface,adjustas follows:

Figure3

2. Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthenegative(-) battery terminalandattachtheblackcabletothe negative(-) battery terminalwiththebolt andhex nut.SeeFigure3.

3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.

NOTE:Ifthebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownontop/ sided battery,chargethebatteryasinstructedintheServiceand Maintenancesectionofthis Operator'sManualpriortooperatingthe

tractor.

Figure4

a. Raisethe decklift handleto its highestsetting.

b. Removethefrontandreargaugewheelsbyremovingthe

locknutsandshoulderscrewswhichsecurethemto the

deck.SeeFigure4.

c. Placethedecklift leverinthedesiredmowingheightsetting. d. Reinsertthe shoulderscrew(witheachgaugewheel)into

theindexholethatleavesapproximately_/2-inchbetweenthe

bottomofthewheelandthe pavement.

Referto Levelingthe Deckin the Serviceand Maintenancesection ofthis manualformoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck adjustments.

Adjusting the Seat Toadjustthe positionoftheseat,pullup andholdtheseatadjustment

lever.Slidetheseatforwardor rearwardtothedesiredposition;then releasetheadjustmentlever.Makesureseatislockedintopositionin a seat-stopbeforeoperatingthe tractor.SeeFigure5.

Beforeoperatingthe tractor,makesuretheseatisengagedina seat-stop.Engagethe parkingbrake.Standbehindthe machineand pullbackon seatuntilitclicksintoplace.

Figure5

Gas and Oil Thefuel tankis locatedunderthehoodandhasa capacityofthree

and-a-halfgallons.Removethefuelcap by turningitcounterclockwise. Useonlyclean,fresh(no morethan30daysold), unleadedgasoline.

Donotoverfillthetank.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthemachine indoorsorwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipesandothersourcesofignition.

NOTE:Yourtractorisshippedwithoil in theengine.However,you MUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.SeeCheckingtheEngine

Oilin the ServiceandMaintenancesectionofthis manual.

Alwayschecktheengineoil levelbeforeeachuseas instructedinthe maintenancesectionofthismanual.Addoilas necessary.Failureto dosomayresultin seriousdamagetoyourengine

SystemsIndicator

Monitor

FuelTank Cap

Throttle/ChokeControl_

FuelLevelIndicator

BrakePedal

SeatAdjustmentLever

Cup Holder"

ParkingBrake/

Cruise Control Lever

Ignition Switch

Module

PTO(Blade

Knob

DrivePedal

Pedal

Lift Lever

Figure6

LawnTractorcontrolsandfeaturesareillustratedinFigure6and describedon thefollowingpages.

Readandfollowallsafetyrulesandinstructionsinthismanual, includingtheentireOperationsection,beforeattemptingtooperate

this machine.Failuretocomplywithall safetyrulesandinstructions

mayresultin personalinjury.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL

Thethrottle/chokecontrolis locatedon theleftsideof thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed

ofthe engineand,whenpushedallthewayforward, closesthechokeforcoldstarting.Whensetin agiven position,thethrottlewillmaintaina uniformengine speed.

NOTE:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththe cutting deckengaged,becertainthatthethrottle/choke controlisalwaysintheFAST(rabbit)position.

BRAKE PEDAL

Thebrakepedalis locatedon theleftfront

sideof thetractoralongthe runningboard. Thebrakepedalcanbeusedfor sudden

stopsorsettingtheparkingbrake.

NOTE:Thebrakepedalmustbefully depressedto activatethesafetyinterlock

switchwhenstartingthetractor.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

Theseatadjustmentleveris locatedbelowthefront!leftof theseat. Theleverallowsforadjustmentoftheforeto aft positionofthe operator'sseat.RefertotheAssemblysectionofthismanualformore

detailedinstructions.

DECK LiFT LEVER

Foundonyour tractor'srightfender,the V decklift leverisusedto changetheheight

ofthe cuttingdeck.To use,movethelever tothe left, thenplaceinthenotchbest A

suitedforyour application.

iGNiTiON SWITCH MODULE

Tostart theengine,insertthe keyinto theignitionswitchand turnclockwise tothe STARTposition.Releasethekey

intothe NORMALMOWINGMODE positiononcethe enginehasfired.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkey counterclockwiseto the STOPposition.

(BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremove topreventunintendedstarting.

Priortooperatingthetractor,referto bothSafetyInterlockSwitches andStartingTheEngineinthe Operationsectionofthismanual

fordetailedinstructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleand

[operatngthetractor n REVERSECAUTONMODE.

SUTTON

REVERSE PUSH

DRIVE PEDAL

Thedrivepedalislocatedon therightsideof thetractor,alongthe runningboard.Pressthe drivepedalforwardto causethe tractortotravel forward.Groundspeedisalsocontrolledwith thedrive pedal.Thefurtherforwardthe pedalis pivoted,thefasterthetractorwilltravel.Thepedal willreturnto itsoriginalpositionwhenit'snot pressed.

REVERSE PEDAL

Thereversepedalislocatedontherightsideof the tractoralongthe runningboard. Groundspeedis alsocontrolledwiththe reversepedal.Thefurther downwardthe pedalispivoted,thefasterthe tractorwilltravel.Thepedalwillreturnto itsoriginal positionwhenit'snotpressed.

SYSTEMS INDICATOR MONITOR/HOUR

METER LCD

Whenthe ignitionkeyis

rotatedout oftheSTOP

positionbutnot intotheSTART position,thesystem'sindicator monitordisplaysthebattery's output,involts,on itsLCDfor approximatelyfiveseconds, afterwhichitdisplaysanhour glassandthehoursof tractor operation.Oncethetractoris started,themonitorcontinually displaysanhourglassandthe hoursof tractoroperationonitsLCD.

NOTE:Hoursof tractoroperationarerecordedanytimetheignition keyisrotatedout oftheSTOPposition,regardlessof whetherthe engineisstarted.

TheIndicatorMonitorwillalso remindtheoperatorofmaintenance intervalsforchangingtheengineoil.The LCDwill alternatelyflash the recordedhours,"CHG"and"OIL."for fiveminutes,afterevery50 hoursof recordedoperationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallasts fortwo hours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).TheLCDwillalso flashasdescribedaboveforfiveminuteseverytimethe tractor's enginehasbeenstartedduringthismaintenanceinterval.Beforethe intervalexpires,changetheengineoilasinstructedintheServiceand

Maintenancesectionof thisOperator'sManual. Brake

ifthe Brakelightilluminateswhenattemptingtostart thetractor's

engine,depressthebrakepedal.

PTO (Blade Engage) IfthePTOlight illuminateswhenattemptingto startthetractor's

engine,movePTOknobinto thedisengaged(OFF)position. Oil

ItisnormalfortheOillightto illuminatewhiletheengineiscranking

duringstart-up,butifit illuminatesduringoperation,whiletheengineis

running,stopthetractorimmediatelyandchecktheengineoil levelas

instructedinthis Operator'sManual.

Battery

Itis normalfortheBatterylighttoilluminatewhilethe engineis crankingduringstart-up,butifitilluminatesduringoperation,whilethe engineisrunning,thebatteryis inneedof a chargeortheengine's chargingsystemisnotgeneratingsufficientamperage.Chargethe batteryas instructedin theServicesectionof thismanualor havethe chargingsystemcheckedbyaSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.

o (P) o

FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR

TheFuelLevelIndicatorislocatedontheleftsideof thetractor's dashandindicatestheamountoffuel inthe gastank.

PTO/BLADE ENGAGE KNOB

Activatingthe PTOengagespowerto the cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)

attachments.Pulloutwardon thePTO/Blade Engageknobto activateit. PushthePTO/

BladeEngageknobinwardto disengagethe powertothecuttingdeckorother(separately available)attachments.

NOTE:The PTO/BladeEngageknobmust bein the disengaged(OFF)positionwhen startingtheengine.

PTO

OFF 0N

PARKING BRAKE/CRUISE CONTROL LEVER

Locatedinthecenterofthe tractor'sdashpanelbelow thesteeringwheel,the ParkingBrake/CruiseControl

leveris usedtoengagethe parkingbrakeandthe cruise control.Refertothe Operationsectionof thismanualfor detailedinstructionsregardingtheparkingbrake.

NOTE:The parkingbrakemustbe setiftheoperator leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningorthe engine _,#_,

willautomaticallyshutoff.

,krPJ

NOTE:Cruisecontrolcan NOTbeengagedatthe tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.If theoperatorshould attempttodo so,thetractorwill automaticallydecelerate tothe fastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekey

to preventunintendedstarting.

SAFETY iNTERLOCK SWITCH ES

Thistractoris equippedwitha safetyinterlocksystemforthe protection ofthe operator.Ifthe interlocksystemshouldevermalfunction,do not operatethetractor.Contacta Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.

• The safetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromcrankingor startingunlessthe parkingbrakeisengaged,andthe PTO(Blade Engage)knobis in thedisengaged(OFF)position.

Theenginewill automaticallyshutoffif theoperatorleavesthe seatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

• TheelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomaticallyshut off iftheoperatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(Blade Engage)knobinthe engaged(ON) position,regardlessof whetherthe parkingbrakeisengaged.

• Withthe ignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition,the electricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)knobismovedintotheengaged(ON) positionwiththedrive pedalinpositionfor reversetravel.

Donotoperatethetractorifthe interlocksystemis malfunctioning.

Thissystemwasdesignedforyoursafetyandprotection. StartingtheEngine NOTE:Referto theAssembly& Set-Upsectionofthismanualfor

GasolineandOilfill-up instructions.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengineanddisconnectthe

sparkplugwire(s).Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforanydamage.

Repairthedamagebeforerestartingandoperating.

1. Ifthebladesareengaged,placethe PTO/BladeEngageknobin thedisengaged(OFF)position.

2. PlacethethrottlecontrolneartheSLOWposition.

3. Turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwisetothe STOPposition.

4. Removethe keyfromthe ignitionswitchtopreventunintended starting.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

1. Lightlypressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake.Move thethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.

2. TotravelFORWARD,slowlypressthe upperportionofthe drive pedalforwarduntilthe desiredspeedisachieved.SeeFigure7.

1. Insertthe tractorkeyintotheignitionswitchmodule.

2. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)knobinthedisengaged(OFF) position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrolby movingthethrottle/chokecontrolall thewayforwardintothechokeposition.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.After theenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returntotheNORMAL MOWINGposition.

DoNOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionforlongerthan ten secondsata time.Doingso maycausedamagetoyourengine's

electricstarter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol.

NOTE:Do NOTleavethechokecontrolon whileoperatingthetractor. Doingso willresultina "rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheengineto run poorly.

/ O 'ti 0.,vow.o,

ReversePedal

Figure7

3. Totravelin REVERSE,checkthattheareabehindis clear,then slowlydepressthe reversepedalwiththeballof yourfoot(NOT

yourheel)untilthe desiredspeedisachieved.SeeFigure7.

DoNOTattemptto changethedirectionoftravelwhenthetractoris

in motion.Alwaysbringthetractortoa completestopbeforemoving thetractorfromforwardto reverseorviceversa.

Donot leavetheseatof thetractorwithoutfirstplacingthePTO (BladeEngageknob)in thedisengaged(OFF)positionandengaging theparkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractorunattended,alsoturn the engineoff andremovetheignitionkey.

REVERSE CAUTION MODE

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionof thekeyswitchmodule allowsthetractorto beoperatedinreversewiththe blades(PTO) engaged.

NOTE:Mowinginreverseisnotrecommended.

Useextremecautionwhileoperatingthetractorin theREVERSE CAUTIONMODE.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile backing.Donotoperatethetractorwhenchildrenorothersare

around.Stopthetractorimmediatelyif someoneentersthearea.

Touse theREVERSECAUTIONMODE: NOTE:The operatorMUSTbe seatedinthe tractorseat.

1. Starttheengineaspreviouslyinstructedon thepreviouspage.

2. Turnthekeyfromthe NORMALMOWING(Green)positiontothe REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)positionofthe keyswitch module.SeeFigure8.

F "

Reverse

DRIVING ON SLOPES

Referto the SLOPEGUIDEon page8 to helpdetermineslopeswhere

youmayoperatethetractorsafely.

Donot mowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a rise approximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).The tractorcouldoverturnanc causeseriousinjury.

• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhiddenobjects. Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles. Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.If a turnmustbe made,turn

downthe slope.Turningupa slopegreatlyincreasesthechance ofa rollover.

Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.If itisnecessaryto stop whiledrivingup a slope,startupsmoothlyandcarefullytoreduce thepossibilityof flippingthetractoroverbackward.

ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE/ SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL

NOTE:Theparkingbreakandcruisecontrolarecontrolledbythe samelever.Ifusingthe brakewhenengagingtheparkingbrake/

cruisecontrollever,theparkingbrakewillengage.Ifusingthe drive

pedalwhenengagingtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrollever,thecruise

controlwillengage.

Figure8

3. PresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,TriangularButton) atthe top,rightcornerofthe keyswitchmodule.Theredindicator lightat thetop,leftcornerofthekeyswitchmodulewillbeON whileactivated.SeeFigure8.

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcan bedrivenin reversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebackingtomake surenochildrenarearound.Afterresumingforwardmotion, returnthe keytotheNORMALMOWINGposition.

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill remainactivateduntil:

a. ThekeyisplacedineithertheNORMALMOWINGposition

orSTOPpositionor

b. Theoperatorieavestheseat.

Parking Brake NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperatorleavestheseat

withtheenginerunningor theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff. Tosettheparkingbrake:

1. Pressthebrakepedalcompletelydownwith yourleftfootand holditinthat position.

2. Pushtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrolleverdownwardandholdit inthatposition.

3. Removeyourfootfromthe brakepedal.

4. Releasepressurefromtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrollever.

Aftercompletingstep3,the brakepedalshouldremaininthedown

position.Ifitdoesn't,theparkingbrakeisnot engaged.Repeatsteps 1-4toengagethe parkingbrake.

Todisengagetheparkingbrake,lightlypressthebrakepedal.

(BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremove to preventunintendedstarting.

CruiseControl

Neverengagethe cruisecontrolleverwhiletravelinginreverse.

Tosetthe cruisecontrol:

1. Slowlypressthedrivepedalwithyourrightfootuntilthedesired speedis achieved.

2. Lightlypresstheparkingbrake/cruisecontrolleverdownwardand holditin thatposition.

3. Removeyourfootfromthedrivepedal.

4. Releasepressurefromtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrollever.

Aftercompletingstep3, thedrivepedalshouldremaininthedown positionandthetractorwillmaintainthe sameforwardspeed.If it doesn't,thecruisecontrolis notengaged.Repeatsteps1-4toengage

thecruisecontrol. Todisengagethe cruisecontrol,lightlypressthedrivepedalor the

brakepedal. NOTE:Cruisecontrolcannotbesetatthetractor'sfastestground

speed.If theoperatorshouldattempttodo so,thetractorwillautomati- callydeceleratetothefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.

Tochangethedirectionof travelfromforwardto reversewhencruise controlisengaged,pressthebrakepedalto disengagethecruise controlandbringthetractortoa completestop.Thenslowlypressthe reversepedalwiththeballofyourfootto travelinreverse.

USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift leverto theleft,thenplace itin thenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.

OPERATING THE HEADLIGHTS

ThelampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyisrotatedoutoftheSTOP position.ThelampsturnOFFwhenthe ignitionkeyis movedto the STOPposition.

ENGAGING THE PTO

Engagingthe PTOtransferspowertothecuttingdeckor other (separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagethe PTO:

1. MovethethrottlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.

2. Pullthe PTO/BladeEngageknoboutwardinto theengaged(ON) position.SeeFigure9.

NOTE:Alwaysoperatethetractorwiththethrottleleverin theFAST (rabbit)positionfor themostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckor other (separatelyavailable)attachments.

I _"

!I,

Figure9

MOWING

Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand- ers,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthemachinewhile it isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.

Thefollowinginformationwill behelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck withyourtractor.

Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialstoward

roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarging materialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischarged materialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

• Donot mowat highgroundspeed,especiallyif a mulchkitor grasscollectoris installed.

• Donot cutthe grasstooshort.Shortgrassis proneto weed growthandyellowsquicklyindryweather.

• AlwaysoperatethetractorwiththethrottleleverintheFAST (rabbit)positionwhilemowing.

• Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthatthefirst twolaps becut withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo laps, reversethedirectionto throwthedischargeto theoutside forthe balanceofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearanceto the

lawn.

OFF

DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushand weedsorextremelytall

grass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclearbrush.

• Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe engineto preventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.Usethe ServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest SearsService Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

BeforeEachUse

Inthe First FiveHours Every10Hours

Every25 hours

Every50 hours

Annually

BeforeStorage

1. Engineoillevel

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols

1. EngineOil

1. Hood/Dashair vents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Deckspindlesandidler bracket

1. Airfilter'sprecleaner*

2. Airfilter*

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

1. Engineoil

2. Muffler

1. Airfilter

2. Airfilter'spre-cleaner

3. Sparkplug

4. Aircoolingsystem*

5. Fuelfilter

6. SteeringGears

7. RearWheels

1. Hood/Dashair vents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

6. Deckspindlesandidler bracket

7. Pedalpivotpoints

1. Check

2. Clean

1. Change

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

1. Change

2. Check

1. Replace

2. Replace

3. Replace

4. Clean

5. Replace

6. Clean

7. Removeandgreaseaxles

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

6. Lubricate

7. Lubricate

*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

(BladeEngageLever),engagethe parkingbrake,stoptheengine

removethe keyto preventunintendedstarting.

If theenginehasbeenrecentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur- roundingmetalsurfaceswill behotandcancauseburnstothe skin.

Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.

CUTTING DECK REMOVAL

Toremovethecuttingdeck, proceedasfollows:

1. Placethe PTO/BladeEngageknobinthedisengaged(OFF) positionandengagetheparkingbrake.

2. Lowerthedeckby movingthedeck liftleverintothebottomnotch ontherightfender.

LocatethePTOclutchunderthefrontof yourtractor.See Figure10.

NOTE:Ifthereis too muchtensionon thebeltforit to be easilyre- movedfromtheelectric PTOclutch,cardully inserta 3/8"driveratchet wrench(setto loosen)intothesquareholefoundin the left-handdeck idlerbracketandpivotittowardthe tractor'srightsideto relievetension on thebelt.SeeFigure11.

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingersonthe idlerspringor betweenthebeltanda pulleywhileremovingthe belt.

InsertRatche;c

Here

Figure10

Removethe beltguardand beltfromthePTOpulleyasfollows. RefertoFigure10:

a. Removethehexscrews. b. Pullthebeltkeeperrodtotherightanddownto remove.

c. Removethedeckbeltfromaroundthe tractor'selectricPTO

clutch.

Figure11

Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromthe leftsideof thetractor,locate

thedecksupportpinon therearleftsideof thedeck.

6. Pullthedeck supportpinoutwardtoreleasethedeckfromthe deckliftarm.See Figure12.

DeckSupport Pin

Figure12

Repeattheabovestepsonthetractor'srightside.

Movethedecklift leverintothetopnotchtoraisethedecklift armsupandoutoftheway.

Removethecotterpinfromthe endof thestabilizerrodandslide thestabilizeroutofthehangerbracketonthedeck.SeeFigure13.

CHANGING THE DECK BELT

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protectyourhands usingheavygloveswhengraspingbladesand pulleys.

TheV-beltsfoundon yourtractorarespeciallydesignedto engage anddisengagesafely.A substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan bedanger- ousby notdisengagingcompletely.Foraproperworkingmachine, usefactoryapprovedbeltsas listedin the PartsListmanual.

All beltsonyourtractoraresubjectto wearandshouldbereplacedif anysignsof wear arepresent.Tochangeor replacethedeck belton yourtractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckasinstructedon page20.

2. Removethe beltcoversfromtheouterspindlesby removingthe hexscrewsthatfastenthemtothedeck.SeeFigure14.

Hex

Screws

Belt Keeper

Rod

___'

Figure13

10. Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck(fromtherightside)outfrom underneaththetractor.

Figure14

3. Loosen,butdonotremovethe belt keeperrodonthepulley locatednearthebackof thedeck.SeeFigure14.

4. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthethreespindle pulleysandthetwodeckidlerpulleys.

Toplacethenewbelt beginby routingthebeltaroundthetwo outerspindlepulleys,thenaroundthefront spindlepulleyas shownin Figure15.

6. Thenroutethebeltaroundthe twodeckidlerpulleysasshownin Figure15.

FrontSpindle

" Deck

Pulleys ....

Outer Spindle

Pulleys

Figure15

7. Retightenthebeltkeeperrodloosenedearlier.

8. Remountthebeltcoversremovedearlier

9. Reinstallthedeckasfollows: a. Withthedeck beneaththemowerframe,attachthestabilizer

rod.SeeFigure13.

b. Reconnectthedeck liftarms.SeeFigure12.

10. Pulltherightside ofthe beltandplacethe narrowVsideofthe beltintothePTOpulley.SeeFigure16.

CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT

Severalcomponentsmustbe removedand specialtoolsusedinorder tochangethetractor'stransmissiondrivebelt.Seea Searsorother qualifiedservicedealerto havethetransmissiondrivebeltreplaced.

CUTTING BLADES

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protectyourhands usingheavygloveswhengraspingthe blade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeand/orspindlefor cracksordamage, especiallyafter you'vestrucka foreignobject.Donotoperatethe machineuntildamagedcomponentsare replaced.

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(refertoCuttingDeck Removalearlierinthissection)thengentlyflip thedeckoverto

exposeitsunderside.

2. Placea blockof woodbetweenthe centerdeckhousingbaffle andthecuttingbladeto actas a stabilizer. See Figure17.

Block of Wood

FlangeLockNut

)

PTO Belt

Figure16

11. Whileholdingthe beltandpulleytogether,rotatethepulleytothe left(See Figure18).Continueholdingandrotatingthepulleyand beltuntilthebeltis fullyrolledintothePTOpulley.

12. Replacethe PTOpulleybeltguard.SeeFigure10.

Figure17

3. Removethe flangelocknutthat securesthebladetothespindle assembly.SeeFigure17.

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamounts

4. Jump Starting ofmetalfrombothendsofthebladesalongthecuttingedges,

paralleltothetrailingedge,ata 250.to300angle.Alwaysgrind eachcuttingbladeedgeequallytomaintainproperbladebalance. SeeFigure18.

Ifthecuttingedgeof thebladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,orif

anymetalseparationis present,replacethebladeswithnewones.

A poorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibration,maycause

damage to the tractor and/or result inpersonal injury.

\..\

Neverjump starta damagedor frozenbattery.Becertainthevehicles

do nottouchandignitionsareoff.Donot allowcableclampstotouch.

1. Connectpositive(+)cabletopositive(+) postof yourtractor's dischargedbattery.

2. Connectthe otherendofthecableto thepositive(+) postof the jumperbattery.

3. Connectthe negative(-) cabletothe negative(-) postof the jumperbattery.

4. Makethefinalconnectionon theengineblockof thetractor,away fromthebattery.Attachtoan unpaintedparttoassurea good

connection.

Ifthejumperbatteryisinstalledona vehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOT

startthe vehicle'senginewhenjumpstartingyourtractor.

5. Startthe tractor(asinstructedintheOperationsectionofthis

manual).

6. Setthetractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables.

Removecablesinreverseorderofconnection.

Charging

Figure18

5. Testtheblade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetalfrom theheavyside untilit balancesevenly.

NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besureto installthe bladewiththe sided theblademarked"Bottom"(orwitha partnumberstampedin it)facingthe groundwhenthemowerisin theoperatingposition.

Useatorquewrenchtotightenthe bladespindlehexflangenutto between70ft-lbsand90ft-lbs.

BATTERY

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniato cause

cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

If removingthe battery,disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)wire |

from itsterminalfirst,followedby thePOSITIVE(Red)wire.When

reinstallingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wiretoit

terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Batteriesgiveoff an explosivegas whilecharging.Chargethebattery[ in a wellventilatedareaandkeepawayfroman openflameorpilot [ lightas on a waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryeror [

othergas appliances. J

Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,use onlyachargerdesignedfor

12Vlead-acidbatteries.Readyourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManual priortochargingyourtractor'sbattery.Alwaysfollowitsinstructions andheeditswarnings.

Ifyourtractorhasnotbeenputintouseforanextendedperiodoftime,

chargethe batteryasfollows:

1. Setyourbatterychargertodelivera maxof10amperes.

2. Ifyour batterychargeris automatic,chargethe batteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthatchargingis complete.If thechargerisnot automatic,chargefor nofewerthaneighthours.

TIRES

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewall

ofthe tire.

Referto thetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer'srecommendedor maximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.

Uneventire pressurecouldcausethecuttingdecktomowunevenly.

FUSE

4. Attachthe hosecouplerto thewaterportonyourdeckssurface. See Figure19.

Beforeservicing,repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremove topreventunintendedstarting.

Afuse isinstalledinyourtractor'swiringharnessto protectthetrac- tor'selectricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessiveamperage.

Iftheelectricalsystemdoesnot function,or yourtractor'senginewill notcrank,firstcheckto becertainthatthe fusehasnotblown.It is locatedunderthehood,mountedbehindthetop ofthedashpanelon thesupportbar.

Alwaysusea replacementfusewiththe sameamperagecapacityas theblownfuse.

MAINTENANCE

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagePTO (BladeEngageknOb),setparkingbrake,stopengineand remove topreventunintendedstarting.

CLEANING THE TRACTOR

Anyfuel oroil spilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do NOTallowdebristoaccumulatearoundthe coolingfinsofthe engine, thetransmission'scoolingfanor onanyotherpartofthe machine, especiallythebeltsandpulleys.

Deck Wash System Yourtractor'sdeckisequippedwithawaterportonitssurfaceaspart

ofitsdeckwashsystem. Usethedeckwashtorinsegrassclippingsfromthe deck'sunderside

andpreventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.Completethefollowing stepsAFTEREACHMOWING:

1. Drivethetractorto a level,clearspotonyour lawn,nearenough foryourgardenhoseto reach.

Makecertainthetractor'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfromyoul house,garage,parkedcars,etc.

Figure19

5. Turnthe wateron.

6. Whilesittingin the operator'spositionon the tractor,startthe engineand placethethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)position.

7. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intothe ON position.

8. Remainintheoperator'spositionwiththecuttingdeckengaged fora minimumoftwominutes,allowingthe undersideofthe cuttingdeckto thoroughlyrinse.

9. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intothe OFFposition.

10. TurntheignitionkeytotheSTOPpositiontoturnthetractor's engineoff.

11. Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewater porton yourdeck'ssurface.

12. Repeatsteps4 through11ontheoppositesideofthe cutting deck.

Aftercleaningyourdeck,returntotheoperator'spositionandengage the PTO.Keepthecuttingdeck runningfora minimumof two minutes, allowingtheundersideofthecuttingdecktothoroughlydry.

LUBRICATION

2. DisengagethePTO(BladeEngage),settheparkingbrakeand stoptheengine.

3. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourtractor'sOperator's Manual)ontotheendofyour gardenhose.

Beforelubricating,repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO, setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintended starting.

Front Wheels Eachof thefrontwheelaxlesandrimsisequippedwitha grease

fitting.SeeFigure20.Lubricatewitha No.2 multi-purposegrease appliedwitha greasegunafterevery25 hoursoftractoroperation.

\ \

Figure20

Pivot Points & Linkage Lubricateall thepivotpointson thedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift

linkageat leastoncea seasonwithlightoil. Deck Wheels

Eachof thetractordeck'sfrontgaugewheelsisequippedwitha greasefitting.Lubricatewitha No.2 multi-purposegreaseappliedwith a greasegunafterevery25 hoursoftractoroperation.

Deck Spindle Greasefittingscanbe foundon eachdeckspindle.SeeFigure21.

Lubricatewith251HEPgreaseoran equivalentNo.2 multi-purpose lithiumgrease.Usinga greasegun,applytwostrokes(minimum)or sufficientgreasetothe spindleshaft.

f \J

ADJUSTMENTS

Shutthe engineoff,removethe ignitionkeyandengagetheparking brakebeforemakingadjustments.Protectyourhandsbyusingheavy gloveswhenhandlingthe blades.

NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperformingany deck levelingadjustments.Referto Tireson page23 forinformationregard-

ingtirepressure. Leveling the Deck (Front To Rear)

Thefrontofthecuttingdeckis supportedby a stabilizerbarthatcan

beadjustedto levelthedeckfromfrontto rear.Thefrontof thedeck shouldbebetween1/4"and3/8"lowerthanthe rearofthedeck.Adjust ifnecessaryasfollows:

1. Parkthetractorparkedonafirm, levelsurfaceandplacethedeck liftleverinthemiddleposition.

2. Rotatethebladenearestthe dischargechutecoversothat itis parallelwiththetractor.

3. Measurethedistancefromthe frontof thebladetiptothe ground

andthe rearofthebladetip tothe ground.Thefirst measurement takenshouldbebetween1/4"and3/8"lessthanthesecond

measurement.

Determinethe approximatedistancenecessaryfor properadjustment

and proceed,ifnecessary.

1. Loosen(threadoutward)thehexlocknutontheendofthedeck hangerrod.SeeFigure22.

Figure21

Figure22

2. Toraisethe frontof the deck,tighten(threadinward)theinner hexnutagainstthefronthangerbracket.

3. ToIowerthe frontofthedeck,loosen(threadoutward)thehex nut,awayfromthefronthangerbracket. SeeFigure22.

4. Retightenthe locknutagainstthehexnutwhenproperadjust- mentisachieved.

Leveling the Deck (Side to Side) Ifthecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a sidetoside

adjustmentcanbe performed.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedon a firm,levelsurface,placethedecklift leverinthe middlepositionandrotatebothbladessothattheyare perpendicularwiththetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideofthe leftbladetip to the groundandthedistancefromtheoutsideof therightbladetip to theground.Bothmeasurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey're not,proceedtothenextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thehexboltonthe left deckhanger bracket.See Figure23.

Adjustment

Steering Adjustment

Ifthetractorturnstighterinonedirectionthantheother,or iftheball jointsarebeingreplacedduetodamageorwear,the steeringdrag linksmayneedto beadjusted.

Adjustthedraglinkssothatequallengthsofeach arethreadedinto theballjointonthe left sideandtheballjointonthe rightside:

1. Removethehexnut belowtheballjoint.SeeFigure24.

Figure23

4. Usinga wrench,raiseorlowerthe leftsideof thedeck byturning theadjustmentgear.SeeFigure23.

Thedeckis properlyleveledwhenbothbladetip measurements takenearlierareequal.Retightenthehexboltontheleftdeckhanger bracketwhenproperadjustmentis achieved.

Parking Brake Adjustment Ifthetractordoesnotcometo a completestopwhenthebrakepedal

iscompletelydepressed,or ifthetractor'srearwheelscanrollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied(andthehydrostaticreliefvalveopen),thebrake isin needof adjustment.Seea Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer tohavethebrakeproperlyadjusted.

Adjusting the Seat Refertothe Assemblysectionofthismanualforseatadjustment

instructions.

Figure24

2. Threadthe balljoint inwardto shortenthedraglink.Threadthe balljointoutwardtolengthenthedraglink.

3. Replacethehexnut afterproperadjustmentisachieved.

NOTE:Threadingtheballjointstoofarontothedraglinkswillcause thefronttiresto"toe-in"toofar. Propertoe-in is between1/16"and

5/16".

4. Fronttiretoe-incan be measuredasfollows: a. Placethesteeringwheelinpositionforstraightaheadtravel.

b. Infrontoftheaxle,measurethe distancehorizontallyfrom

theinsideoftheleft rimtothe insideof the rightrim.Notethe distance.

c. Behindthe axle,measurethedistancehorizontallyfromthe

insideoftheleft rimtothe insideofthe rightrim.Notethe distance.

d. Themeasurementtakeninfrontoftheaxleshouldbe

between1/16"and5/16"lessthanthe measurementtaken behindtheaxle.

Beforeoperatingthe tractor,makesuretheseatis engagedin the seat-stop.Engagethe parkingbrake.Standbehindthe machineand pullbackon seatuntilitclicksintoplace.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Engine Oil Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassification

SF,SG,SH,or SJ.Selecttheoil's SAEviscositygradeaccordingto theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthe chartbelow.

Changing the Engine Oil

Iftheenginehasbeenrecentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur- roundingmetalsurfaceswill behot andcancauseburnsto the skin.

Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.

Colder"_ 32°F _Warmer

Oil Viscosity Chart

Althoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting in coldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoilconsumptionwhen usedabove32°RCheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

Ensurethatthe tractorisonalevelsurface.

Cleantheoil fill areaof anydebris.

Removethedipstickandwipewithacleancloth.

Insertandtightendipstick.

Removethedipstickandcheckthe oil level.It shouldbeatthe Fullmarkonthedipstick.SeeFigure25.

NOTE:Theoil filtershouldbe changedateveryoil changeinterval.To

completeanoilchange,proceedasfollows:

1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand keepit awayfromsparkplug.

2. Removethe oilfill cap/dipstickfromtheoil fill tube.SeeFigure26.

Figure26

3. Disconnecttheoil drainhosefromthesideofthe engine.

4. Turnandremovethe oil draincap. Cardullylowerthequickoil drainintoan approvedcontainer.

5. Aftertheoilhasdrained,installtheoil draincap.Attachtheoil drainhoseto the sideof theengine.

,,. j

Figure25

6. If low,addoil slowlyintotheengineoilfill. Do notoverfill.After addingoil,waitoneminuteand thenrechecktheoil level.

Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheenginetonotstart, hardstarting,orenginesmoking.IfovertheFULLmarkonthe dipstick,drainoil toreduceoilleveltoFULLmarkondipstick.

7. Replaceandtightendipstick.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly.

IDo notdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori- _tiesorSearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

6. Reconnectsparkplugwire.

Air Cleaner

Iffilters,orcoversarenotinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryor death couldresultfrombackfire.Do notattempttostarttheenginewith

themremoved.

Spark Plug

1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedby scrapingor wirebrushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent

2. Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgapto makesureitis setat .030".SeeFigure28.

Donotusepressurizedair or solventstocleantheaircleaner cartridge.

1. Removetheair filtercover.

2. Toremove the air filter,liftthe end of the filter.See Figure27.

/Cover

--ngine Figure27

3. Removethe pre-cleanerfromthefilter.

4. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilterona hardsurface.Ifthefilter isexcessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.

5. Washthepre-cleanerin liquiddetergentandwater.Allowit to thoroughlyairdry.Donot oil thepre-cleaner.

6. Assemblethedrypre-cleanertothefilter.

7. Installthefilterinto theenginebaseandpushdownuntilthefilter snapsin place.

8. Installthecover.

Electrode Porcelain

_ _-'-.030 (.76 ram) gap

Figure28

3. Replacethesparkplug(Champion®RC12YC)onceaseason. Fuel Filter

Gasolineandits vaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire or explosioncancausesevereburnsordeath.

• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilot lights,heat,

andotherignitionsources.

• Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracks

or leaks.Replaceif necessary.Seea Searsorotherqualified servicedealerto replacefuelline.

• Beforereplacingthe fuelfilter,drainthe fueltankor closethe fuel

shut-offvalve.

• Replacementpartsmustbethesameandinstalledinthesame

positionasthe originalparts.

• Iffuelspills,waituntilitevaporatesbeforestartingengine.

ToDrainthe Fuel:

1. Locatethefuel filter,whichisroutedontheleft sideoftheengine

betweenthefuel tankandthe carburetor,andmaybe attachedto theenginewitha tiestrap.

2. Cutthetiestrap,if present,then pinchthein-lineclamponthe

fuelfilterwitha pairof pliers.

3. Slidetheclampup thefuelline.

4. Removethe in-linefuellineanddrainthefuelintoanapproved

container.

ToReplacethe Fuel Filter:

1. Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthe fueltankor closethefuel

shut-offvalve.Otherwise,fuelcanleakoutandcausea fire or explosion.

2. Useplierstosqueezetabson theclamps,then slidetheclamps awayfromthefuel filter.Twistand pullthefuellinesoff of the fuel filter.SeeFigure29.

f Clamp

Hydrostatic Transmission

Thehydrostatictransmissionis sealedatthefactoryandis mainte-

nance-free.The fluid levelcannotbecheckedandthe fluidcannotbe

changed.

Battery

FuelLine

Figure29

3. Checkthefuellinesfor cracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

4. Replacethefuel filterwithanoriginalequipmentreplacement filter.

5. Securethefuellineswiththeclamps.

Muffler

Temperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150°F

(65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.

Inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.Replacement partsforthemufflermustbethesameandinstalledinthesame positionasthe originalparts.

Clean Engine

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknownto theStateofCaliforniato cause cancerand reproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbe checkedandfluid cannotbe added.

• Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof

petroleumjellyorgreasetobothterminals.

Ifremovingthebatteryforcleaning,disconnecttheNEGATIVE (Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythe POSITIVE(Red) wire.Whenre-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE (Red)wire toitsterminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)

wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnectedto thecorrectterminals;

reversingthemcouldresultinseriousdamagetoyourengine's alternatingsystem.

Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel system.Useabrushordrycloth.

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

• Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible debris.

• Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine.

• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat- ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.

Carburetor Adjustment Thecarburetoronthisengineisnot adjustable.

Neverstorelawntractorwithfuelintankindoorsorin poorly ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark, or pilotlightasona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas appliance,

PREPARING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT:Fuelleftinthefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterio- ratesandwillcauseseriousstartingproblems.

Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetor andcausingpossiblemalfunctionoftheengine,thefuelsystemmust beeithercompletelyemptied,or thegasolinemustbetreatedwitha stabilizerto preventdeterioration.

If usingafuelstabilizer:

a. Readthe productmanufacturer'sinstructionsand recom-

mendations.

b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountofstabilizer

forthecapacityofthefuelsystem.

c. Fillthefueltankwithtreatedfueland runtheenginefor2-3

minutestogetstabilizedfuelintothecarburetor.

If emptyingthefuelsystem:

a. Donotdrainfuel whentheengineishot.Allowtheengine

adequatetimetocool. Drainfuelintoan approvedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

b. Drainanylargevolumeof fuelfromthetankbydisconnect-

ingthefuellinefromthein-linefuelfilterneartheengine. SeeToDraintheFuelonpage28.

PREPARING THE LAWN TRACTOR

• Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedin the

lubricationinstructions.

• Do notusea pressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyour unit.

• Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.

Gasolineisextremelyflammableandcanbeexplosiveundercertain conditions.Draingasolinebeforestoringtheequipmentforextended periods.Drainfuelonlyintoan approvedcontaineroutdoors,away fromanopenflame.Allowengineto cool.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipes,andother sourcesofignitionpriortodrainingfuel. Storegasolinein anapprovedcontainerin safelocation.

c. Reconnectthe fuellineand runtheengineuntilit startsto

falter,thenusethe choketo keeptheenginerunninguntilall fuelin thecarburetorhasbeenexhausted.

d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainanyremaininggasoline

fromthesystem.

Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeof gasolineproperly.Contact yourlocal authoritiesforapproveddisposalmethods.

Removethesparkplugandpourone(1)ounceofengineoilthrough thesparkplugholeintothe cylinder.Cranktheengineseveraltimesto distributetheoil. Replacethe sparkplug.

+ 70 hidden pages

Craftsman 247289810 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual