Craftsman 88998 User Manual
perator's
PROFESSIONAL
33-inch Wide Cut Mower
Model No. 247.889980
For answers to your questions about this product,
call 1-800-4MY=HOME.
CAUTION: Before using this
product, read this manual and
follow all safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman
, SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
ESPANOL R 48
FormNo.769-04684A
(December21,2009)
Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3
Slope Guide ....................................................................... 5
Safety Labels .................................................................... 6
Assembly ........................................................................... 8
Know your Lawn Mower .................................................. 11
Operation ........................................................................ 14
Service and Maintenance .............................................. 16
Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 26
Accessories and Attachments ........................................ 26
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 27
Parts List ......................................................................... 28
Espa_ol ............................................................................ 48
Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL FULL WARRANTY
Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifthis CraftsmanProfessionalproductfailsdueto a defectinmaterialor
workmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateor purchase,call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®toarrangefor freerepair(orreplacementif repairproves
impossible).
Thiswarrantyappliesforonlyone yearfromthe dateof purchaseifthis productis everusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.SearswillNOTpayfor:
• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,andoilfilters.
Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.
Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass.
Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthatbendtheframeor
crankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper
storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountof engineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintainthe
equipmentaccordingtothe instructionscontainedinthe operator'smanual.
Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfuel determinedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused
within30 daysof itspurchasedate.
Normaldeteriorationandwearof theexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductiswithinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears, Roebuckand Co., Noffman Estates,IL 60179
GrossHP: 12.5
EngineOil: SAE30
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& StrattonPowerBuiltTM
© SearsBrands,LLC 2
Model Number
Serial Number
Dateof Purchase
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber,
anddateof purchaseabove.
which,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonal
__IL hissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions
safetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers.Read
andfollowall instructionsinthismanualbefore
attemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththese
instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethissymbol,
HEEDITSWARNING!
Your Responsibility: Restricttheuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understand,andfollowthe warningsand instruc-
tionsinthis manualandonthe machine.
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingto therulesfor
safeoperationinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe partof theoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetand
throwingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructions
couldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
__ate ofCaliforniatoI
causecancerandbirthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presenceofchildren.Chil-
drenareoftenattractedto mowerandmowingactivity.Theydo notunderstand
thedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
,, Keepchildrenoutof themowingareaand underwatchfulcareof a
responsibleadult otherthanthe operator.
,, Bealert andturn moweroff if achild entersthe area.
,, Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
,, Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthat mayobscureyourvisionof achildwhomay
runintothemower.
,, Keepchildrenawayfrom hotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburns
fromahot muffler.
,, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operatea powermower.
Children14years oldand overshouldreadandunderstandoperation
instructionsandsafetyrulesin this manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
GENERAL OPERATION
,, Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin itsentirety beforeattempting
toassemblethismachine.Read,understand,andfollow all instructions
onthe machineandinthe manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletely
familiarwiththe controlsandthe properuseof thismachinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfutureandregular
referenceand fororderingreplacementparts.
,, Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,nota plaything.
Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.Yourunithasbeen
designedto performonejob:to mowgrass. Donotuseitfor anyother
purpose.
,, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis machine.
Children14years oldand overshouldreadandunderstandthe instruc-
tionsinthis manualand shouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbe allowedto usethis machine.
,, Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Remove
allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand otherforeignobjectswhichcould
betrippedoveror pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects
cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.
Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawall orobstructionwhich may
causedischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
,, To helpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,stayin operator
zonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystanders,helpers,andpetsat
least75feet frommowerwhileitis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyone
entersarea.
,, Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performingan adjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
,, Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthearmsand legs andsteel-toedshoes
arerecommended.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeet,sandals,
slipperyor light weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
,, Donot puthandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor undercuttingdeck.
Contactwith bladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
,, A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactor
thrownobjectinjuries.
,, Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultof the mowerbeingpulledoverthefoot
duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.Do notholdon tothe mowerif
youarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.
,, Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyou whileyouare walking.If youmust
backthe mowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirst lookdownand
behindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:
a.Step backfrom mowertofully extendyourarms.
b.Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pull backslowly,no morethanhalfwaytowardsyou.
d.Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
,, Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.
,, Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitsso equippedwhile
startingengine.
,, Theblade controlhandleisasafety device.Neverattemptto bypassits
operation.Doingso makesthesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresult
inpersonalinjurythroughcontactwiththerotatingblade.The blade
controlhandlemustoperateeasily inbothdirectionsand automatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
,, Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A
slip andfallcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouare losing
yourfooting, releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe blade
will stoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
,, Mowonly indaylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
,, Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
3
• If theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand
checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationisgenerallya warningof
trouble.
• Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthebladecomesto acompletestop
beforeremovingthegrass catcheroruncloggingthechute.
Thecuttingblade continuestorotatefora fewseconds aftertheengine
isshut off.Neverplaceanypart ofthe bodyinthe bladearea untilyou
aresure the bladehasstoppedrotating.
• Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass
catcher,bladecontrolhandle,orothersafety protectivedevicesin place
andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failure
todoso can resultin personalinjury.
• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donottouch.
• Only usepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machinebymanufacturer.
Failureto dosocanresult in personalinjury. Forrecommendedacces-
sories,call 1-800-659-5917.
• If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredinthismanual,usecareand
goodjudgment.ContactyourSearsServiceCenterfor assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfall accidentswhichcan resultin
severeinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon
aslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usethe slopeguideincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unitona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
• Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverup anddown. Exerciseextreme
cautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich cancause
youto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
• Alwaysbe sureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourbalance,releasethe bladecontrol
handleimmediately,andthebladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
• Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,whereyoucould
loseyourfootingorbalance.
• Do notmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe
slopegauge.
• Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
SERVICE
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
• Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein
handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthevaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineis spilledon
yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.
• Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailerbedwith a
plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyour
vehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailerand refueliton
theground.Ifthis isnot possible,thenrefuelsuchequipmentonatrailer
witha portablecontainer,ratherthan fromagasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or container
openingat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Donot usea nozzle
lock-opendevice.
• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesandothersources
ofignition.
• Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulate
inthearea.
• Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhile engineis hotor running.
Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfill fuel tank.Fill tankto no morethanV2inch belowbottom
offiller neckto provideforfuel expansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• If gasolineisspilled,wipe it offthe engineand equipment.Moveunit
toanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting engine.
• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainernearan openflame, spark
or pilotlightason a waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer,
or othergasappliances.
• To reducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves,or other
debrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilorfuel spillageandremoveany fuel
soakeddebris.
• Allowa mowerto coolat least5minutesbeforestoring.
General Service:
• Neverrunan engineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthebladeand
all movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand
groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
• Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsfor
propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,
cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththeoriginalequipmentmanufac-
ture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedin thismanual.Use ofpartswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceandcompromisesafety!
• Mowerbladesaresharpand cancut.Wrapthe bladeor weargloves,
anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.
• Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equipmentisin
safeworkingcondition.
• Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe spark
plugwireand groundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
mowerforany damage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingand
operatingthemower.
• Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunning.
• Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare
subjectto wearanddamagewhichcould exposemovingpartsor
allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual.Useof parts
whichdonotmeet theoriginal equipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceand compromisesafety!
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingoroverspeedthe engine.
Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedof the
engine.
• Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposalof
fluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
4
Usethispageasa guideto determineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafely.Donot operate thelawnmoweronsuchslopes.
!
l
I
I
!
!
!
Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnot followed,could endangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfand
others.Readandfollowallinstructionsinthis manualbeforeattemptingtooperatethis machine.Failureto complywiththeseinstructionsmay
resultinpersonalinjury.Whenyou seethissymbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
WARNING
Thissymbol pointsout importantsafety instructions
which,if notfollowed,couldendangerthe personal
safetyand/or property ofyourself and others.Read and
followall instructionsin this manualbeforeattempting
to operatethis machine. Failureto comply with these
instructionsmay result in personalinjury.When you see
thissymbol HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe useof this power machineto personswho
read, understand,and followthe warnings and instruc-
tionsin this manualand on the machine.
6
Thispageleftintentionallyblank.
7
IMPORTANT:Thisunitis shippedwithoilin theengine.After
assembly,see page12forfuelandoil details.
IMPORTANT:Referencetorightor leftsideof themoweris observed
fromtheoperatingposition.
Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundit againsttheengineto
preventunintendedstarting.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
Thefollowingitemsare packagedina bag:
Operator'sManual,Oildrainhose,Waterhosecoupler,EngineManual
TOOLS NEEDED FOR ASSEMBLY
A setofadjustablewrenchesandtiregauge
MOWER SET-UP
Shipping Brace Removal
Makesurethe lawnmower'sengineisoff.Removetheignitionkey
beforeremovingthe shippingbrace.
1. Locatetheshippingbrace,if present,foundon the rightsideof
thecuttingdeck.SeeFigure1.
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE:The positivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative
batteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothepositivebattery
terminal(+)withahexboltandhexnutat thefactory.
Thenegativecable(heavyblackwire)maybe securedtothenegative
batteryterminalat thefactory.If ithasn'tbeenattached,proceedas
follows:
Removethe carriageboltandhexnut fromthepositivecable
(heavyredwire).
.
Removethe redplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebattery
terminalandattachthe positivecabletothe positivebattery
terminal(+)withtheboltandhexnut.See Figure2.
f
Figure1
.
Whileholdingthe dischargechutewithyourlefthand,removethe
shippingbracewithyourright handbygraspingit betweenyour
thumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.
Theshippingbraceis usedfor packagingpurposesonly.Remove
anddiscardtheshippingbracebeforeoperatingyourlawnmower.
Themowingdeckis capableofthrowingobjects.Failuretooperate
Ithe mowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperatingposi-
ltion could resultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orpropertydamage.
Figure2
3. Removethecarriageboltandhexnutfromthenegativecable
(heavyblackwirel
4. Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebat-
tery terminalandattachthe negativecableto thenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltand hexnut.SeeFigure2.
5. Makecertainthehold-downrodisinpositionoverthebattery,
securingit inplaceandmakecertainthattheredrubberbootcov-
ersthe positivebatteryterminaltohelpprotectit fromcorrosion.
NOTE:Ifthe batteryis putinto serviceafterthe dateshown
on top/sided battery,chargethebatteryas instructedinthe
Maintenancesectionof thismanualpriortooperatingthemower.
8
Unfolding the Handle
1. Removethestar knobsandcarriagescrewsfromthelower
handle.SeeFigure3.
Attaching the Shift Lever
1. Removethescrewandthe locknutthatsecurestheshift leverto
theshift leverplate.SeeFigure5.
f
Figure3
.
Pivottheupperhandleintooperatingposition.Becarefulnotto
crimpcables.SeeFigure4.
Figure4
3. Reinstallthecarriagescrewsandknobsremovedearlier.
4. Tightentheupperandlowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewsto
securetheupperhandleto thelowerhandle,SeeFigure4.
5. Thehandleheightcanbeadjustedto anyof threepositions.
Forinstructions,refertoHandleHeightin theMaintenanceand
Adjustmentssectionofthis manual.
Figure5
2. Removetheremainingscrewandnutfromthelowershiftlever
plate.SeeFigure5.
3. Positiontheuppershiftleverintoa verticalpositionaligningthe
holesinthe leverwiththe holesinthe shiftplate.SeeFigure6.
f
..t'
Figure6
Securethelevertothe plateusingthe two screwsandtwo nuts
removedearlier.SeeFigure6.
9
Checking Tire Pressure
Maximumtirepressureunderanycircumstancesis30 psi.Equaltire
pressureshouldbemaintainedatalltimes.
Thereartiresonyour unitmaybeover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.
Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperatingthemower.Recommended
operatingtire pressureisapproximately20p.s.i.Checkthesidewallof
tirefor maximump.s.i.
Gas and Oil
Thefuel tankhasa capacityof twogallons.Removethe fuelcap by
turningit counterclockwise.Useonly clean,fresh(nomorethan30
daysold),unleadedgasoline.Fillthetankno higherthanfourinches
belowthetopof thefiller necktoallow spaceforfuel expansion.
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthe machine
indoorsorwhiletheengineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars,pipesandothersourcesofignition.
NOTE:Yourlawnmoweris shippedwithoil intheengine.However,
youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Refertothe Service
andMaintenanceSectionfor CheckOilinstructions.
Alwayschecktheengineoil levelbeforeeachuse.Addoilas neces-
sary.Failuretodo so mayresultinseriousdamagetoyourengine.
10
Fuel Tank Ca
f
oil
Dipstick
Deck Height
Lever ===='_
Air
-- Cleaner
Handle
ignition Switch
Systems indicator Monitor
Drive Control
Gear Shift Lever
Figure7
Spark Plug
Referto the Maintenancesectionforinstructionsonsparkplug
replacement.
Oil Cap/Dipstick
Referto the Maintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil.
MOWER CONTROLS
_,, J
Figure8
ENGINE CONTROLS
Referto Figure8forlocationsofthe enginecontrols.
Oil Drain Valve
Usetheoil drainvalvetodrainoilfromthe engine.Refertothe
Maintenancesectionforinstructions.
Air Cleaner Handle
Theair cleanerhandleis usedtogainaccessto theaircleaner.Theair
cleanercartridgecanbe removedandcleanedor replaced.Referto
theMaintenancesectionfor details.
Referto Figure7 forlocationsofthe mowercontrols.
Throttle/Choke Control
NOTE:Whenoperatingthe mowerwiththe
cuttingdeckengaged,becertainthatthe
throttle/chokecontrolis inthe fastposition.
THEthrottle/chokecontrolisusedtoadjust
enginespeeds,toactivatetheenginechoke
andto stopthe engine.Alwaysrunengine
withthethrottle/chokecontrolleverinthe
fastpositionfor bestmowerperformance.
CHOKE:Usewhenstartingacold engine.
FAST:Useduringmoweroperation.
SLOW:Usewhenidlingengine.
STOP:Stopstheengine.
REFERtoStartingTheEngineinthe
Operationsectionofthismanualfordetailed
startinginstructions.
11
Choke==_
Fast
Slow ==_
Stop
Deck Height Lever
Usethisleverto adjustthemowingdeck'scuttingheight.Touse,move
thelevertothe left,then placetheleverin the notchbestsuitedfor
yourapplication.
ignition Switch
Drive Control
Thedrivecontrolisusedtoengageand
disengagedrivetothe wheels.Toengage
this control,squeezethe drivecontrol
againstthehandlebargrip.Tostopthedrive,
releasethedrivecontrol.
f
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysdisengage
blades,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
The four-position switch is used to start and stop the engine on
electric-start models, To start the engine, insert the key into the
ignition position,
Release key into the RUN _ position<,:_once the engine has started,
Move the key into the RUN/LIGHT _)_ position to run the mower
with the headlight on, Turn the key 0 to stop the engine,
See Figure 9,
switch and turn clockwise to the START (;_
to'STOP
Run/Light
Stop 1
Position _ Run
@
Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.Failureto
do somayresultin seriousdamagetoyourtransmission.
Blade Control
Locatedonthe right-handhandle,theblade
controlisusedtoengagethemowingdeck.
Tooperate,pressand holdthe leveragainst
thehandlebargrip.Tostopthe blades,
releasethebladecontrol.
,ik
@
Figure9
NevermovethekeyintotheStartpositionwhiletheengineisrunning;
doingsomaycausedamagetothe engine'sstarter.
Neverattempttostart theenginewiththe bladecontrolengaged.
Alwaysreleasethebladecontrolwhenstartingtheengine.Failureto
do somayresultinprematureweartoyourengine'selectricstarter.
12
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
Usethisleverto selectanyoffour forwardgroundspeeds,neutral,or
reverse.
Forward
Fourforwardspeedsareavailable.Positionone (1)is theslowestand
positionfour(4) is thefastest.
Reverse
Toselectreverse,puttheleverin theReverse(R)position.
Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stopthe
mowerbladesbeforeoperatinginreverse.
Neutral
Placethe leverinneutral(N)beforestartingthemowerandwhenthe
mowerisnot inuse.Inaddition,the mowercanbe manuallypushed
orpulledbyplacingthegearshiftleverintoN(neutral)positionand
pressingthedrivecontrolagainstthehandlebargrip.
Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.Failureto
dosomayresultin seriousdamagetoyourtransmission.
SYSTEMS INDICATOR MONITOR/HOUR METER
BATTERY
jJ
j j/
42.0
/// HOURS 1/10 \\\
jf
Figure10
LCD
Whenthe ignitionkeyisrotatedoutofthe STOPpositionbut not
intothe STARTposition,thesystemsindicatormonitordisplaysthe
battery'soutput,involts,onitsLCDforapproximatelyfiveseconds,
afterwhichitdisplaysan hourglassandthehoursofmoweroperation.
Oncetheengineis started,the monitorcontinuallydisplaysan hour
glassandthehoursofmoweroperationonits LCD.SeeFigure10.
NOTE:Hoursof moweroperationarerecordedanytimethe ignition
keyis rotatedoutofthe STOP_i _position,regardlessof whetherthe
engineisstarted.
TheIndicatorMonitorwillalso remindtheoperatorofmaintenance
intervalsfor changingtheengineoil.The LCDwillalternatelyflashthe
recordedhours,"CHG"and"OIL'forfive minutes,afterevery50 hours
of recordedoperationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallastsfortwo
hours(from50-52, 100-102,150-152,etc.).The LeD willalsoflash
asdescribedaboveforfiveminuteseverytimethemower'sengine
hasbeenstartedduringthismaintenanceinterval.Beforetheinterval
expires,changetheengineoilas instructedintheMaintenancesection
ofthis Operator'sManual.
Battery
Itis normalforthe Batterylighttoilluminatewhiletheengineis
crankingduringstart-up,butif it illuminatesduringoperation,whilethe
engineisrunning,thebatteryisin needof a chargeorthe engine's
chargingsystemisnot generatingsufficientamperage.Chargethe
batteryasinstructedin theServicesectionof thismanualor havethe
chargingsystemcheckedby Searsoranotherqualifiedservicedealer.
13
STARTING THE ENGINE
Refertothe Serviceand Maintenancesectionof thismanualfor
GasolineandOilfill-up instructions.
1. Disengageallcontrolsonthe mower.
2. Movethegearshiftleverinto theneutral(N)position.
3. Insertthe keyintotheignitionswitch.
4. If startingacoldengine,placethethrottle/chokecontrolallthe
wayforward,intotheCHOKE1'_,1position.Ifrestartingawarm
engine,placethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheFast'_ position.
5. Turntheignitionkeyclockwisetothe START___position.After
theenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returntotheRUN(_q)
position.
6. Movethekeyto theRUN/LIGHT_-:i'_i:positionto operatethe
mowerusingthe headlight.
Totravelin REVERSE,
a. Checkthatthe areabehindisclear.
b. PlacethegearshiftleverinReverse(R).
c. Slowlysqueezethe DriveControlagainstthelefthandlegrip
andthemowerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.
DoNOTattempttochangethe directionoftravelwhenthemoweris
in motion.Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolandbringthe mowertoa
completestopbeforerepositioningthegearshift leverfromaforward
gearintoReverse.Failuretodo so mayresultin seriousdamageto
rourtransmission.
Donot leavetheoperator'spositionwithoutfirstreleasingtheBlade
Control.Ifleavingthe mowerunattended,alsoturntheengineoffand
removetheignitionkey.
DoNOTholdthe keyintheSTARTpositionforlongerthan five
secondsata time.Doingsomaycausedamagetoyourengine's
electricstarter.
7. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheFAST_ position.
NOTE:Neverleavethethrottle/chokecontrolinthe CHOKEI_,1
positionwhileoperatingthemower.Doingsowillresultin a "rich"fuel
mixtureandcausetheengineto runpoorly.
Stopping the Engine
e beforerestartinc
1. Ifthe bladesareengaged,releasethe BladeControl.
2. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolintotheSTOPI_ position.
3. Turntheignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theSTOP0 position.
4. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended
starting.
ENGAGING THE DRIVE
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.
Starttheengineas instructedearlierin thissectionandmovethe
throttle/chokecontrolintothe FAST'_ position.
TotravelFORWARD:
a. Placethegearshiftleverinanyof thefourforwardground
speeds.Selecta speedappropriatefor theconditionsanda
paceyou'recomfortablewith.
b. SlowlysqueezetheDriveControlagainstthelefthandlegrip
andthemowerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.
ENGAGING THE BLADES
Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,keepbystand-
lets,helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthemachinewhile
lit is inoperation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.
1. Movethethrottle/chokecontroltotheFAST_ position.
2. SlowlysqueezetheBladeControlagainstthe righthandlegrip
andthebladeswillengage.Releaseit andthe bladeswillstop.
OPERATING ON SLOPES
Refertothe SLOPEGUIDEonpage5 to helpdetermineslopeswhere
youmayoperatethemowersafely.
Donot mowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a rise
ofapproximately2-1/2feetevery 10feet).The mowercouldoverturn
andcauseseriousinjury.
• Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
• Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcan
causeyouto sliportrip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcan causeserious
personalinjury.Ifyou feelyou arelosingyourbalance,release
thebladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,youcould
loseyourfootingor balance.
• Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownon the
slopegauge.
• Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.
14
USING THE DECK HEIGHT LEVER
Toraiseor lowerthecuttingdeck, movethedeck heightleverto the
left,then placeit inthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.
MOWING
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenoperatingyourmower.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialstoward
roads,sidewalks,bystanders.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againstawallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
• Donotmowatfastgroundspeeds,especiallyifamulchkitor
grasscollectoris installed.
• Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassisproneto weed
growthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather.
• Alwaysoperatethemowerwiththethrottle/chokecontrolinthe
FAST_ positionwhilemowing.
• Forbestresultsitis recommendedthatthe firsttwolaps becut
withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo
laps,reversethedirectiontothrowthedischargetotheoutside
forthe balanceofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearanceto the
lawn.
INSTALLING/REMOVING MULCH BAFFLE
Beforeinstallingor removingthemulchbaffle,disengageblades,sto
theengineand removekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
Stoptheengineandwaitforall partsto stopmoving.
Installing the Mulch Baffle
1. Insertthe right-sidetab(A)ofthebaffleintothebracketonthe
deck.SeeFigure11.
2. Insertthe mulchbaffleintothedischargeopening(B).See
Figure11.
3. Onceit'spositionedin thedeckopening,pushthebaffletowards
therearof themower(C) tosecureit inplace.
SeeFigure11.
DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsor extremelytall
grass.Yourmoweris designedtomowlawns,NOTclear brush.
Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe spark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
mowerforany damage.AlwaysInspectthebladetimingbeltas
instructedin theMaintenancesectionof thismanual.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.
MULCHING
TheCraftsmanProWideCutmoweris equippedwitha mulchkit(sup-
pliedwiththemower),whichusesspecialbladestorecirculategrass
clippingsrepeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fineclippings
arethenforcedbackinto thelawnwheretheyact asa naturalfertilizer.
Observethefollowingpointsfor thebestresultswhenmulching.
• Neverattempttomulchif the lawnisdamp.Wetgrasstends
tostickto theundersideof thecuttingdeckpreventingproper
mulchingofthe clippings.
DoNOTattemptto mulchmorethan1/3the totalheightof the
grass.Doingsowill causetheclippingsto clumpupbeneaththe
deckandnotbemulchedeffectively.
• Maintaina slowgroundspeedto allowthe grassclippingsmore
timetoeffectivelybemulched.
• Alwayskeepthethrottlecontrolleverinthe FAST,_ position
whilemowing.Failingtokeepthe engineatfull throttleplaces
strainon themower'sengineanddoesnotallowthebladesto
properlymulchthegrassclippings.
Figure11
Removing the Mulch Baffle
Slidethebaffleto theright(towardthefrontofthemower)todisen-
gagetheslotfromthe mowerdeckandthenprythe left-sideofthe
baffleoutward.
15
MAINTENANCE
Beforeperformingany maintenanceor repairs,disengageblades,
stopengineand removekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganytypeof
maintenanceon themower.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcoveritemsthathave
beensubjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefull
valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras
instructedinthismanual.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeachseason.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesuretheyare tight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Engine Oil
Checkoillevelbeforeeachuse.Stopengineandwaitseveralminutes
beforecheckingoil level.Withengineon levelground,
theoil mustbe toFULLmarkondipstick.
1. Removethe OilCap/Dipstickandwipewitha
cleancloth.
2. ReplaceandtightenOilCap/Dipstick.Remove
OilCap/Dipstickandcheckoil level.Level
shouldbeat FULLmark.
.
Togainaccessto theoil drainvalveonthe engine,pivotthe right
handlebracetubeforward.
a. Removetheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewontheright
sideof thehandle,Figure12.
b. Pivotthebracetubetowardsthefrontofthemowertoallow
roomtoconnectthe oildrainhoseto theoil drainvalve,
Figure12.
Figure12
.
Popoff theprotectivecapon theendof theoil drainvalveto
exposethedrainport.SeeFigure13.
f
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
3. If needed,addoilslowlyintothe engineoilfill. Recheckoil level.
Donotoverfill.
4. ReinsertOilCap/Dipstickandtighten.
Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoilmaymakethe enginehardtostart,
ornotto start.If overthe FULLmarkon thedipstick,drainoil levelto
FULLmarkondipstick.
Changing the Engine Oil
Iftheenginehasbeenrecentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur-
roundingmetalsurfaceswillbe hotandcancauseburnstotheskin.
Exercisecautionto avoidburns.
Theoil intheengineshouldbechangedafterthefirsttwohoursof
operationand every25 hoursof operation.
1. Runthe engineforafewminutestoallowtheoilinthecrankcase
towarmup. Warmoilwillflowmorefreelyandcarryawaymoreof
theenginesedimentwhichmayhavesettledat thebottomof the
crankcase.Usecaretoavoidburnsfromhotoil.
\
\
Figure13
4. Removetheoilfillcap/dipstickfromtheoil filltube,Figure13.
5. Pushtheoildrainhose(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoildrain
port.Routetheoppositeendd thehoseintoanappropriateoilcollec-
tioncontainerwithatleasta2.5quartcapacity,tocollecttheusedoil.
6. Releasethevalvebypressingthetwotabsinwardwhilepulling
thevalveout.The oilwillbeginto drainoutof theengine.
16
7. Aftertheoil hasfinisheddraining,pressthetwo tabsinwardand
pushthe oildrainvalvebackin tolockthe valveclosed.Remove
thehose,andre-captheendoftheoildrainvalveto keepdebris
fromenteringthedrainport.
8. Refilltheenginewithnew motoroiluntiltheoil levelonthe
dipstickreadsFULL.Replacetheoil fill cap/dipstick.
9. Pivottheright handlebracetubebackintoposition.Alignthe
middleholeinthe bracetubewiththeholein the handle.Secure
withthestarknobandcarriagescrewremovedearlier.
Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SForSG. Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingtoyour
expectedoperatingtemperature,Figure14.Althoughmulti-viscosity
oils(5W30,10W30etc.)improvestartingincoldweather,thesemulti-
viscosityoilswill resultinincreasedoil consumptionwhenusedabove
32°RCheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoidpossible
enginedamagefromrunninglowon oil.
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Iffilters,or coversarenotinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath
couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattempttostartthe enginewith
themremoved.
Donot usepressurizedairor solventstoclean theair cleaner
cartridge.
Cleanorreplacetheaircleanerevery25 hoursof operation.
1. Pullup onaircleanerhandle,Figure10,andpull backtowardsthe
engine.
.
Removethe aircleanercover,Figure16.
f
Oi!ViscositY Gila!! _j
Figure14
Checking the Spark Plug
Cleansparkplugand resettheelectrodegapto0.030"atleastoncea
season;replaceevery100hoursof operation.
1. Cleanareaaroundthe sparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark
plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing
andwashingwitha commercialsolvent
2. Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgapto makesureit is
setat.030".See Figure15.
.
Replacethesparkplugif electrodesarepitted,burned,orthe
porcelainiscracked.Usea Champion®RC12YCsparkplug.
f
Electrode Porcelain "_
1 ;
AirCleanerCover AirCleaner Cartridge
\
AirCleanerHandle
-.. J
Figure16
3. Carefullyremoveaircleanercartridgeand pre-cleaner(if
equipped)fromtheblowerhousing.
4. Cleanthebaseoftheaircleanercartridgecarefullytoprevent
debrisfromenteringtheengine.
5. Placethepre-cleaner,if equipped,andcartridgebackintothe
blowerhousing.The cartridgemustbeplacedsecurelyinto
position.
6. Aligntabsoncoverwithslotsin blowerhousingandreplacethe
cover.
_ .030 inch(.76rnm)gap
Figure15
17
BATTERY
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntothe StateofCaliforniatocause
cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
1. Positionthemowerona level,clearspoton yourlawn,near
enoughforyourgardenhosetoreach.
Makecertainthemower'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfrom
yourhouse,garage,parkedcars,etc.
Thebatteryis sealedandismaintenance-free.Acid levelscannotbe
checkedandfluidcannot beadded.
• Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeof
corrosivebuild-up.
• Aftercleaningthe batteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof
petroleumjellyor greaseto bothterminals.
If removingthe batteryforcleaning,disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)
wirefromit'sterminalfirst,followedbythePOSITIVE(Red)wire.When
re-installingthe battery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wireits
terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.Becertainthat
thewiresareconnectedtothecorrectterminals;reversingthemcould
resultinseriousdamageto yourengine'salternatingsystem.
TIRE PRESSURE
Maximumtirepressureunderanycircumstancesis30psi.Equaltire
pressureshouldbemaintainedatalltimes.
Periodicallycheckthe pressureon bothyour mower'sreartires.
Uneventirepressurewillcausethecuttingdecktomowunevenly
andmayresultin mowerto veeringtoeithertheleftor rightduring
operation.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureisapproximately20
p.s.i.Checkthe sidewalloftire formaximump.s.i.
CLEANING THE MOWER
Anyfuel oroil spilledonthe machineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do
NOTallowdebristoaccumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengine,
thetransmission'scoolingfanoronanyotherpartofthe machine,
especiallythebeltsandpulleys.
Smart Jet
Yourmower'sdeckisequippedwitha waterportonitssurfaceaspart
ofitsdeckwashsystem.
UsetheSmartJetto rinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside
andpreventthebuildupof corrosivechemicals.Completethe following
stepsAFTEREACHMOWING:
Beforeusingthedeckwashsystem,alwaysdisengagethe Blade
Control,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
.
Threadthe hosecoupler(packagedwithyourmower'sOperator's
Manual)ontotheendof yourgardenhose.
Attachthe hosecouplerto thewaterporton the decksurface.
See Figure17.
Figure17
4. Turnthe wateron.
5. Starttheengineandplacethethrottleleverinthe FAST,_
position.
6. Whileinthe operator'spositionbehindthemower,movethe
BladeControlintothe ONposition.
7. Remainin theoperator'spositionwiththecuttingdeckengaged
fora minimumoftwominutes,allowingtheundersideofthe
cuttingdeckto thoroughlyrinse.
8. MovetheBladeControlintotheOFFposition.
9. Turnthe ignitionkeytotheSTOP(_ positionto turnthemower's
engineoff.
10. Turnthe wateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewater
porton yourdeck'ssurface.
AftercleaningyourdeckwiththeSmartJet system,startthemower's
engine,returntothe operator'spositionandengagetheblades.Keep
thecuttingdeckrunningfora minimumoftwo minutes,allowingthe
undersideofthecuttingdecktothoroughlydry.
LUBRICATION
Beforelubricating,repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO,
setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintended
starting.
18
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricateall thepivotpointson thedrivesystemandlift linkageat
leastoncea seasonwithlightoil.
Rear Wheels
Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromtheaxlesoncea season.
Lubricatetheaxlesandrim hubswellwithanall-purposegrease
beforereinstallingthem.
Front Wheels
Eachof thefrontwheelaxlesandcastersisequippedwitha grease
fitting.SeeFigure18.LubricatewithaNo.2 multi-purposegrease
appliedwitha greasegunafterevery50 hoursofmoweroperation.
BLADE TIMING BELT
Thecuttingdeckspindlesaredrivenbya timing(cogged)belt,
assuringthatthedeckbladesarealwaysperpendiculartoeachother.
Atleastoncea season,orafterstrikinganyforeignobject,checkthe
timingbeltas follows:
1. Removethebeltcoverby removingthethreescrewsandwashers
whichsecureitto theframe.SeeFigure20.
Donot operatemowerwithoutthebelt coverinstalled.Failuretofol-
lowthisinstructioncouldresultin personalinjuryor propertydamage.
Figure18
Deck Spindles
Greasefittingscanbe foundoneachdeckspindle.SeeFigure19.
Lubricatewith251HEPgreaseoran equivalentNo.2 multi-purpose
lithiumgrease.Usinga greasegun,applytwostrokes(minimum)or
sufficientgreasetothe spindleshaft.
\
Figure20
Thetop ofeachspindlepulleyis markedwithanarrow.See
Figure21.Thearrowsshouldbe perpendicular(ata90°angle)to
eachother.
Figure21
Figure19
19
3. Ifthearrowson thesurfaceofeachspindlepulleyarenot
perpendicular(ata 90°angle)toeachother,seeyourSearsor
otherqualifiedservicedealerto havethe timingbeltreset.
Donotoperatethemachinewithoutthedeck'stimingbelt properly
set.Failuretofollowthisinstructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryor
propertydamage.
ADJUSTMENTS
CUTTING DECK REMOVAL
Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengageblades,
stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
Toremovethecuttingdeck,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethebeltcoverby removingthethree screwsandwashers
whichsecureitto theframe.SeeFigure23.
Shutthe engineoffand removetheignitionkeybeforemaking
adjustments.
Handle Height
Theupperhandleis securedtotwosupportbarsthatcanbe adjusted
toraiseor lowerthehandleheight.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:
1. Removethe upperstarknobandcarriagescrewonthe rightside
ofthe handleandtheIdt side ofthe handle.
SeeFigure22.
Donot operatemowerwithoutthebelt coverinstalled.Failuretofol-
lowthisinstructioncouldresultin personalinjuryorpropertydamage.
J
Figure23
2. Placethedeckheightleverinits highestposition.
3. Positionwoodblocksatvariousplacesunderthedeck'sedge.
Thesewilltemporarilysupportthedeckin theprocessofremovingit.
4. Usethedeckheightleverto lowerthedeck,sothat itrestsonthe
woodblocks.
Figure22
2. Pivotthehandleforwardor rearwardtoalignoneof thethree
holesoneach supportbarwiththeholesonthehandle.
3. Reinstalltheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewonthe rightside
ofthe handleandtheIdt side ofthe handlewhena comfortable
heightis achieved.
2O
5. Removethescrewandflangenutwhichsecuresthebelt keeper
rodtothe left sideof themower'sframe.SeeFigure24.
j'
/
/
.................................
\
\
\
\
\
13. Pulltheclick pinoutandunhookthedrivespringcablefromthe
idlerarmassembly.SeeFigure26.
Figure24
.
Removethebeltkeeperrodandremovethedeckbeltfrom
aroundthemower'senginepulley.
.
Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleft side,locateandcarefully
removethehairpinclipsthatsecurethe decksupportsontherear
left sideandfrontleftside ofthedeck.SeeFigure25.
Lift Arm
Figure25
8. Repeattheprevioussteponthe mower'srightside.
9. Carefullyremovethefrontdeck supportsfromthedecklift arms,
Figure25.
10. Carefullyunhookthemower'sliftassemblyfromthereardeck
supports.
11. Usethedeck heightleverto raisethelift assemblytoits highest
position.
12. Removethewoodenblocksfromunderthedeckandgentlyslide
thecuttingdecktowardtherearofthemachine.
Figure26
14. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeckto theright,outfrombeneaththe mower.
Toinstallthe cuttingdeck,followtheabovestepsinthe oppositeorder
and mannerofremoval.
21
CUTTING BLADES
Shutthe engineoffand removeignitionkeybeforeremovingthe
cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protectyour hands
usingheavygloveswhengraspingtheblade.
Periodicallyinspectthe bladeand/orspindleforcracksor damage,
especiallyafter you'vestruckaforeignobject.Donotoperatethe
machineuntil damagedcomponentsare replaced.
Toremovetheblades,proceedas follows.
1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththemower,(referto CuttingDeck
Removalearlierinthis section)thengentlyflip thedeckoverto
exposeitsunderside.
2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffle
andthecuttingbladetoact asa stabilizer.SeeFigure27.
.
Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamounts
of metalfrombothendsof thebladesalongthecuttingedges,
paralleltothe trailingedge,ata 250.to300angle.Alwaysgrind
eachcuttingbladeedgeequallytomaintainproperbladebalance.
See Figure28.
Ifthecuttingedgeof thebladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,or if
anymetalseparationispresent,replacethebladeswithnewones.
A poorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibration,maydamage
tothe mowerand/orresultin personalinjury.
Figure27
.
Removethe hexflangenutthatsecuresthe bladeto thespindle
assembly.SeeFigure27.
Figure28
5. Testthe blade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetalfrom
theheavyend untilthebladebalancesevenly.
NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,be suretoinstallthe bladewiththe
J
sideof theblademarked"Bottom"(orwitha partnumberstampedin
it) facingthe groundwhenthe moweris inthe operatingposition.
Usea torquewrenchtotightenthebladespindlehexflangenutto
between70Ibs-ftand90 Ibs-ft.
Thecuttingbladesmust be installedperpendicularto eachother.If
thebladescannotbeinstalledperpendicularto eachother,theblade
timingbeltmust bereset.SeeyourSearsorotherqualifiedservice
dealerto havethedecktimingbeltreset.
22
TRAIL SHIELD Jump Starting
Neveroperatethe mowerwithoutthe trailshieldin placeandworking.
Failuretodo socan resultinpersonalinjury.
Toreplacethetrail shield,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethescrewwhichsecuresthetrailshieldto theright side
ofthe mower.See Figure29.
f . _ ...............
\
\
\
Figure29
2.
Bowthe trailshieldinwardoneach sideto releaseitfromthe
mowerframe.
3. Installthe replacementtrail shieldby followingthestepsabovein
theoppositeorderandmannerof removal.
BATTERY
Neverjumpstarta damagedor frozenbattery.Becertainthe vehicles
do nottouch,andignitionsareoff.Do notallowcableclampsto
touch.
1. Connectpositive(+)cableto positivepost(+)ofyour mower's
dischargedbattery.
2. Connecttheotherendofthecableto the(positive+)postof the
jumperbattery.
3. Connectthe secondcable(negative-) totheotherpostofthe
jumperbattery.
4. Makethefinalconnectionontheengineblockof themower,away
fromthebattery.Attachtoan unpaintedpartto assurea good
connection.
Ifthejumperbatteryis installedona vehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOT
startthe vehicle'senginewhenjumpstartingyourmower.
5. Startthemower(asinstructedin theOperationsectionofthis
manual).
6. Removethejumpercablesinreverseorderof connection.
Charging
Batteries
giveoff an explosivegaswhilecharging.ChargethebatteryI
in a wellventilatedareaandkeepawayfroman openflameorpilot I
lightas on a waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryeror I
othergas appliances. J
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntothe StateofCaliforniatocause
cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
If removingthe battery,disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire
from it'sterminalfirst,followedbythePOSITIVE(Red) wire.When
re-installingthe battery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wireits
terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.
When
chargingyourmower'sbattery,useonlyachargerdesignedforI
12Vlead-acidbatteries.Readyourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManualI
priortochargingyourmowersbattery.Alwaysfollowits instructions I
andheeditswarnings.
Ifyourmowerhasnotbeenput intouseforanextendedperiodoftime,
chargethe batteryasfollows:
SETyourbatterychargertodelivera maxof 10amperes.
IFyourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthe
chargerindicatesthatchargingis complete.If thechargerisnot
automatic,chargeforat leasteighthours.
23
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