Craftsman 486.243292 User Manual

Owner's Manual

42-inch Universal
Tow Behind

POWER MOWER

Model No. 486.243292

®

CAUTION:

Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all
Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.

IMPORTANT - READ THIS FIRST!!!

For Missing Parts or Assembly Questions
Please Call 866-576-8388
Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm CST.
FAX [phone] or e-mail [e-mail]
Missing parts will be sent UPS in 24 hours directly to your home.

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

www.sears.com/craftsman

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts

FORM NO. 48839 (REV. 8/04)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARRANTY ............................................................... 2

SAFETY RULES .................................................... 3-4

CARTON CONTENTS ............................................... 5

ASSEMBLY ............................................................ 6-8

WIRING DIAGRAM ....................................................8

OPERATION......................................................... 9-13

LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWERED TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS

For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned
up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace free of charge any parts
found to be defective in material or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning
your Craftsman equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but
a trip charge will apply. This Warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.

MAINTENANCE ................................................. 14-15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ......................... 16-17

STORAGE ................................................................ 18

REPAIR PARTS LISTS ...................................... 20-22

SLOPE GUIDE .........................................................23

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE................ Rear Cover

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil
filters.

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or
glass.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by impacting
objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.

• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical
damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, or failure
to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or oxidized
(stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.

• Equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

LIMITED WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with the equipment proves defective in
material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the
battery at no charge. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning your Craftsman equipment to
your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will apply. This
Warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.

TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE SERVICE,
SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to
state.

2

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Tow Behind Mowers

WARNING: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand and follow all instructions in the

manual and on the machine before starting.

• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become

familiar with the controls and know how to operate
your mower properly.

• Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with

the instructions to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,

etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before

mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely

necessary. Always look down and behind before
and during backing.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do

not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower
without the guard in place.

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always

turn off blades and stop engine.

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the

influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when crossing or operating near

roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the

machine into a trailer or truck.

• Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower

when not in drivers seat.

• Disengage power to mower and stop engine when

transporting or when not in use.

• Exercise special care when mowing around fixed

objects in order to prevent the blades from striking
them. Never deliberately run tractor or mower onto
or over any foreign object.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and

as described in this manual.

• Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or

damaged in any manner. Always have damage
repaired before using your mower.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when

starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower when

barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid
shoes with good traction when mowing.

• Always make cutting height adjustments before

starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while
the engine is running.

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the

area being cut. Do not let other interests distract
you.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating

parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your

mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure
the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then
disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away
from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates

abnormally. Excessive vibration is and indication of
damage; stop the engine, safely check for the
cause of vibration and repair as required.

• Never operate your mower without proper guards,

plates or other safety devices in place.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will

not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for

wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose

traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then

turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The mower could suddenly turn
over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or
if an edge caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could

cause sliding.

3

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under

the watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the

area.

• Before and when backing, look behind and down

for small children.

• Never carry children. They may fall off and be

seriously injured or interfere with safe machine
operation.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,

shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.

They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the

engine running.

• Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not

smoke near or while operating mower.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container inside

a room where there is an open flame, such as
with a gas water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment

nuts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their

proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris

build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an

object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make adjustment or repairs with the engine

running.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the

blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and

service as required.

Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It
means CAUTION!!! BECOME
ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it
cannot contact spark plug in order to
prevent accidental starting when
setting up, transporting, adjusting or
making repairs.

4

5

REMOVING UNIT FROM CRATE

ASSEMBLY

• Remove top boards.

• Remove two Bolts from front of crate which hold

shipping anchors.

• Remove two Bolts from bottom at rear of crate

which hold shipping anchors.

• Remove Hitch Assembly and Parts Bag from crate.

• Remove Roller Bolt from Front Roller, Remove

shipping anchors and reinstall Roller Bolt.

• Remove Nuts from Height Adjustment Straps and

remove shipping anchors from each side of mower.
Reinstall Nuts to Height Adjustment Straps, then
loosen 1/4 turn to allow straps to pivot freely.

• Check all loose parts and bag contents against

Crate Contents and Bag Contents illustration on
page 5. If any part is missing or damaged contact
the store where you purchased the unit.

CAUTION: Before starting to
assemble mower, remove spark plug
wire from plug of mower engine.

OPERATOR ORIENTATION

When right and left are mentioned in this manual, it
means your right and your left when you are seated
behind the wheel in the operating position.

ENGINE OIL

VERY IMPORTANT:

Engine must be filled with oil before operation. See OIL
& FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS in engine Owner's
Manual for correct filling instructions and oil fill capacity.

INSTALL TOWBAR TUBE TO REAR
QUADRANT

• Cut and remove the Plastic Tie which holds the Wire

Harness and the Clutch Cable to the Rear
Quadrant. (See Fig. 1)

• Remove two 3/8 Bolts, two 3/8 Lock Nuts and one

3/8 Flat Washer from the rear of the Towbar Tube.

• Place tube into Rear Quadrant, align holes, insert

3/8-16 x 2-1/2 Hex Bolt through rear hole of tube.

• Secure tightly with 3/8-16 Lock Nut then loosen Nut

1/4 turn to allow tube to pivot freely inside Rear
Quadrant.

• Assemble a 3/8 Flat Washer onto a 3/8-16 x 2-1/2

Hex Bolt.

• Insert Bolt and Washer through slot of Rear

Quadrant and hole in Towbar Tube.

• Secure tightly with 3/8-16 Lock Nut then loosen Nut

1/4 turn to allow tube to pivot freely inside Rear

Quadrant.
NOTE: Towbar Tube must pivot freely inside Rear
Quadrant when latch is pulled from notch.

INSTALL CLUTCH CABLE AND WIRE
HARNESS TO TOWBAR TUBE.

• Unwrap the Wire Harness and the Clutch Cable

from around the Engine.

• Lay the Clutch Cable along the left side of the

Towbar Tube and lay the Wire Harness along the

right side of the Towbar Tube.

• Install three 3/8" Cable Clips on the Clutch Cable

and three 1/2" Cable Clips onto the Wire Harness.

• Align all six Cable Clips with the holes in the Towbar

Tube and secure them with three #10 Self-Tapping

Screws.

INSTALL CLUTCH CABLE TO THE HITCH
ASSEMBLY

• Remove the 1/4" Lock Nut and 1/4" x 3/4" Bolt from

the Clutch Cable Eyelet.

• Screw one 5/16" Nut off the Clutch Cable Housing

and onto the bare cable wire. Screw the second

5/16" Nut all the way onto the Clutch Cable Hous-

ing. Insert the Clutch Cable Eyelet through the

slotted hole in the Cable Anchor on the Hitch

Assembly.
NOTE: The loose 5/16" Nut on the cable wire must be
cocked at an angle to fit through the slotted hole.

• Fasten the Clutch Cable Eyelet to the Clutch Lever,

reusing the 1/4" x 3/4" Hex Bolt and 1/4" Lock Nut.

Tighten the 1/4" Lock Nut securely and then loosen

approximately two turns to allow the cable to pivot

freely on the bolt.

• Screw the loose 5/16" Nut back onto the Clutch

Cable Housing. Use the 5/16" Nuts to adjust the

cable to the proper tension.

VERY IMPORTANT
See DRIVE TENSION on page 16 in the SERVICE AND
ADJUSTMENTS Section of this manual for proper
Clutch Cable adjustment.

6

INSTALL THE WIRE HARNESS AND THE
ON/OFF SWITCH

• Slide the Wire Harness under the Cable Anchor of

the Hitch Assembly.

• Connect two 1/4 Female Spade Connectors from

the Wire Harness to the prongs of the ON/OFF
Switch.

• Insert the Seat Switch Plug of the Wire Harness into

the Hitch Assembly, Pulling it up and through the
right top side of the Switch Mounting Bracket.

• Remove one Ring Nut from the ON/OFF Switch and

adjust the second Ring Nut 1/4 Inch from the top of
the threads.

• Insert the ON/OFF Switch up through the Switch

Mounting Bracket and secure it by reinstalling the

Ring Nut.
NOTE: The notch in the threads of the ON/OFF Switch
must face toward the "ON" of the ON/OFF Switch Decal
to insure proper ON/OFF control.

FIG. 1

7

SAFETY SEAT

SAFETY SWITCH
(NORMALLY OPEN)

WIRING DIAGRAM

AUTOMATIC GROUND
COUPLER

BLACK WIRE (E)

FROM MODULE TO

ENGINE GROUND

FROM ON/OFF SWITCH

TO MAGNETO GROUND

RED WIRE

SWITCH

BLUE WIRE FROM MAGNETO GROUND
TO LOWER SPADE ON SWITCH

BLACK WIRE(D)

FROM MODULE TO SWITCH

(UPPER SPADE)

RED WIRE (F) FROM MODULE
TO MAGNETO GROUND

BLACK WIRE (A)
FROM MODULE TO SWITCH
(UPPER SPADE)

A B C D E F

SWITCH
ENGINE ON/OFF

BLUE WIRE FROM SAFETY SEAT

TO LOWER SPADE OF SWITCH

BLACK WIRE

FROM ON/OFF SWITCH

TO ENGINE GROUND

ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULE

ENGINE

OIL

8