Craftsman 486243293 Owner’s Manual

Owner's ManuaJ

42-inch Universal

Tow Behind

ModeJ No, 486,243293

®

,, Safety

CAUTION:

Before using this product, read
this manuaU and follow aH Safety

RuUes and

Operating Instructions.

IMPORTANT - READ THiS FIRST!!!

For Missing Parts or AssembUy Questions
PUease Call 866-576-8388

Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm CST.
FAX [phone] or e-maiU info@ aaji-fab.com

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. FORM NO. 49638 (1/05)

,, AssembLy

• Operation
,, Maintenance

,, Parts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

WiRiNG DIAGRAM ..................................................... 8

OPE RATION ........................................................... 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 materia! 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 oi!, 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 commercia! 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 wil! 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 wil! apply. This Warranty appties 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.

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.

L 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.

H. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to toss-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 s!opes stow 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 stowly 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.

Ill.CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalertto
thepresenceofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto

themachineandthemowingactivity.Neverassumethat
childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

* Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandunderthe

watchfulcareofanotherresponsibleadult.
* Bealertandturnmachineoffifchildrenenterthe

area.
* Beforeandwhenbacking,lookbehindanddownfor

smallchildren.
* Nevercarrychildren.Theymayfalloffandbe

seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine

operation.
* Neverallowchildrentooperatethemachine.

* Useextracarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayobscure

vision.

IV. SERVICE

* Useextracareinhandlinggasolineandotherfuels.

Theyareflammableandvaporsareexplosive.

* Useonlyanapprovedcontainer.

* Neverremovegascaporaddfue!withthe

enginerunning.

* Allowenginetocoolbeforerefueling.Donot

smokenearorwhileoperatingmower.

* Neverrefuelthemachineindoors.

* Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside

aroomwherethereisanopenflame,suchas

withagaswaterheater.
* Neverrunamachineinsideaclosedarea.

* Keepnutsandbolts,especiallybladeattachment

nuts,tightandkeepequipmentingoodcondition.
* Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir

properoperationregularly.
* Keepmachinefreeofgrass,leavesorotherdebris

build-up.Cleanoilorfuelspillage.Allowmachineto

coo!beforestoring.
* Stopandinspecttheequipmentifyoustrikean

object.Repair,ifnecessary,beforerestarting.
* Nevermakeadjustmentorrepairswiththeengine

running.
* Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthe

blade(s)orweargloves,anduseextracautionwhen

servicingthem.
* Checkbrakeoperationfrequently.Adjustand

serviceasrequired.

Lookforthissymboltopointout

importantsafetyprecautions.It
meansCAUTION!!!BECOME

ALERT!!!YOURSAFETYIS

INVOLVED.

CAUTION:Alwaysdisconnectspark
plugwireandplacewirewhereit
cannotcontactsparkpluginorder
topreventaccidenta!startingwhen
settingup,transporting,adjustingor
makingrepairs.

4

Please read and keep this manual The instructions will
enable you to assembJe and maintain your Power
Mower propedy. Atways observe the "Safety Rules."

Record serial number and date of purchase in space
provided below.

MODEL

NUMBER: 486.243293

SERIAL
NUMBER:

DATE OF
PURCHASE:

The model and serial numbers will be found on a

pKateattached to the right side of the Drive Housing.

You should record both serial number and date of
of purchase and keep in a safe place for future

reference.

WARNING: This unit is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered or grass-covered land

unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped

with a spark attester meeting applicable local or

state laws (if any). If a spark attester is used, it
shoumd be ma#_tained in effective working order by

the operator.

mnthe state of California the above is required by
law {Section 4442 of the California Public Resources

Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal
_aws apply on federal _ands° A spark attester for the
muffler is available through your nearest Sears
Authorized Service Center.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 10.5
DISPLACEMENT: 21 CU. }N.

GASOLINE TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (APFSF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OfL CAPACITY: 28 OUNCES

C CARTON

PARTS PACKED SEPARATELYtN CRATE

PARTS BAG

MOWER DECK

SPARK PLUG: (GAP: .030")

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 o.006 gN.

EXHAUST: .004 o.006 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE 35_40 FT. LBS.

TIRE PRESSURE 10 PSI
WIDTH OF CUT 42 INCHES

PARTS BAG CONTENTS

CABLE GUIDE (2)

OPERATOR PRESENCE SEAT

HITCH ASSEMBLY "_!_

1/2 CABLE CLIP (3)

3t8 CABLE CLIP (3)

_SCREW (3)

REMOVING UNmT FROM CRATE

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 oi! before operation. See
OIL & FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS in engine Owner's

Manual for correct filling instructions and oi! fit! 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.

o insert Bolt and Washer through slot of Rear

Quadrant and hole in Towbar Tube.

o 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.

mNSTALL 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.

o 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.

mNSTALL CLUTCH CABLE TO THE HUTCH

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 Housing,

Insert the C!utch 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.

114"

ONtOFF
SWITCH

RING NUT

REAR QUADRANT /S;_._

318 LOCK NUT

#!0 SELF

BOLT 3/8 X 2--112 TAPPING

3/8 FLAT WASHER MOUNTING

3/8 CABLE CUP (3)_,,._

1/2 CABLE CLIP CLUTCH CABLE

TOW BAR TUBE

SCREW

_£_ SWITCH

I BRACKET

CABLE

WIRE HARNESS HITCH ASSEMBLY

-1

t_ I/ il

//

n If

u Ii

t

COND

RING NUT

©

©

II

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.

CLUTCH CABLE
HOUSING

CABLE
AN(

NUT 5/16(2)

CABLE EYELET

CABLE

GUIDE

WiRE HARNESS

MOWER BLADE
CLUTCH LEVER

FiG. 1

BOLT 1/4 X 3t4

H_TCH
ASSEMBLY

SWITCH
MOUNTING

BRACKET

G, SWITCH

RING NUT

SEAT SWITCH
CONNECTOR

-J_ LOCK NUT

CABLE GUIDE

OPERATOR PRESENCE SEAT

INSTALL OPERATOR PRESENCE SEAT TO
TRACTOR

Your Mower is equipped with and Operator Presence
Seat to provide for your safety. The Operator Presence

Seat must be installed on the seat of the tow vehicle
and must be plugged in to the Wire Harness of the
Mower for proper operation of this unit.

WIRE

CONNECTOR

SAFETY SEAT ..........\

FJGoIA

\\

\\

SEAT STRAPS

SEAT

NOTE: In order to sta4 the mower _ you must
have the Operator Presence Seatplugged into the Wire
Harness of the Mower and the Mower Blade Clutch

Lover in the disengaged position. In order to en a e the
and on the Operator Presence Seat.

• Place the Operator Presence Seat on the Tractor
Seat with the Wire toward the bottom and secure

with the seat strap. (See Fig. 1A)

o Lift Tractor Seat and install a cable guide in the

middle of the Tractor rear fenders,
P_ace Operator Preseace Seat Wire into Cable

Guide with the connector toward the rear so as to
connect with the Seat Switch Plug of the Wire

Harness,

,, Lower Tractor Seat

o Connect Operator Presence Seat wire to the Seat

Switch Plug of the Wiring Harness.

WiRiNG DIAGRAM

Blades You must be seated on the Tow Vehicle

\

\

\

\

SWITCH
ENGINE ON/OFF

_WITCH

(NORMALLY OPEN I

BLUE WIRE FROM SAFETY SEAT

TO LOWER SPADE OF SWITCH

BLACK WiRE --/

FROM ON/OFF SWITCH

TO ENGINE GROUND

BLACK WIRE(E)_

FROM MODULE TO \\

ENGINE GROUND

FROM ON/OFF SWITCH

TO MAGNETO GROUND

RED WIRE \

SWITCH /

:ROM MODULE TO

(UPPER SPADE)

TO MAGNETO GROUND

(F) FROM MODULE

/ BLACKWIRE (A)

FROM MODULE TO SWITCH
(UPPER SPADE)

MODULE