Craftsman 917252590 Owner’s Manual

MODEL NUMBER 917.252590

° Assembly oOperation

° Customer Responsibilities o Service and Adjustments

Repair Parts

OWNER'S MANUAL

CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment.

FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOT LINE, CALL "TH_STOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-659-5917

_,, II I'1'11111 ' '111'

.......... ,,, j,,, ,

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: 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

SAFETY RULES

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual

and on the machine before starting.

• 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 areais 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 while backing.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the

entire grass catcher or the guard in place

• Slow down before turning

• Never leave a running machine unattended Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys

before dismounting.

• Turn off blades when not mowing

• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute.

. 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 operating near or crossing roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck_

!1, SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and

tipover accidents, which can result in severe injuryor death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the

slope or 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 siow speed. Choose a low gear so that you wiUnot have to stop or shift while on the slope

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheef

weights or counterweights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.

These can change the stabifity of the machine.

. Keep all movement on the slopes stowand 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:

• Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary,andthen,turnsiowty 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

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground

• Do not use grass catcher on steep siopes

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 Iast saw them

• Keep chiidren out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

o Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area

- Before arrd 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 exha 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

Never refuel the machine indoors Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight

• Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up_

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running_

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and

. Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

and keep equipment in good condition

operation regularly.

Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before storing

Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

deterioration, which could expose moving parts or alfow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and

replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-

essary.

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them

required

portant safety precautions, it means Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug

spark plug in order to prevent accidental wire and place wire where it cannot contact starting when setting up, transporting,

adjusting or' making repairs.

WARNING A

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATI_ONS on _,our purchase of a Sears tractor. It has been designea, engJneeree anct manuTac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance°

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen- tedDepartmenL We have competent, well-trained tech-

nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this trac- tor.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions wil!

enable you to assemble and maintain your unit properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",

vlODEL

NUMBER 917.252590

PRODUCT SPECIFBCAT ,ONS

HORSEPOWER: 15,5 GASOLINE CAPACITY 3.5 GALLONS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 10W-30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS

W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC

(GAP: 040")

VALVE CLEARANCE: NOT ADJUSTABLE

SERIAL

GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 562

REVERSE: 2.4

NUMBER

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 10 PSI

DATE OF PURCHASE THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT LBSo

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP 1NA SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE°

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any

unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov- ered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears maintenance agreement is available on this prod-

ucL Contact your nearest Sears store for details.,

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

. Read and observe the safety rules.

• Fol!ow a regutar schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor.

. Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-

ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

nl. n'"'ll, I'nuun'l . n .i n"l_._l,"_qH -

with aspark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained

in effective working order by the operator. In the state of California the above is required by law

(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar taws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler isavailable

through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center

(See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN R D1NG EQUIPMENT

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding 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 matedal

or workmanship, This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc o Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass

. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or accident or the failure to maintain the

equipment according to the instructions contained inthe owner's manual

. Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

LiMiTED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this dding equipment proves defective in matefiat or

workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge

IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT iS AVAILABLE AT NO-CHARGE FOR 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SERVICE CENTER. AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY TAKING YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIP- MENT TO YOUR NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER. (1N-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE BUT A STANDARD TRIP CHARGE WILL APPLY,) THIS WARRANTY

APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN THE UNITED STATES This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

i i .... lu u u uul=l u i ii •......... ................ i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 16-19

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................... 5

ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 7-9

OPERATION .......................................................... 10-15

NDEX

Accessories ............................................................... 5

Adjustments:

Brake .....................................................22

Carburetor ..........................................25

Mower

Front-To-Back .......................... 21

Side-To-Side ...................................21

Throttle Control Cable .......................25

Air Filter, Engine ...................................................19

Air Screen, Engine ............................... 18

Assembly ................................................................. 7-9

Battery:

Charging .....................................................8

Cleaning ........................................... 17

Starting with Weak Battery ..............24

Storage .........................................................26

Terminals ..................................................... 17

Belt:

Motion Drive

Removal/Replacement ..............22

Mower Belt(s)

Remova}/Replacement ...............22

Blade:

Sharpening ................................................17

Replacement .........................................17

Brake Adjustment .......................................22

Carburetor Adjustment ........................... 25

Controls, Tractor ...........................................11

Customer Responsibilities ...................16-19

Engine:

Air Filter ..................................................19

Air Screen ......................................18

Cooling Fins .....................................19

Englne Oil ...........................................13,18

Fuel Filter ..................................................19

Spark Plug(s) ............................. 19

Tractor:

Battery ..............................................17

Blade .....................................................17

Lubrication Chart ............................16

Maintenance Schedule ...............16

Tire Care ...................................... 8,17,26

Transaxle ,,...........................................18

Cutting Height, Mower .............................12

Electrical:

Intedocks and Relays ......................25

Schematic ..................................................29

Wiring Diagram ................................... 30

Engine:

Air Filter ...............................................19

Air Screen .............................................18

CoolingFins.....................................19

Oil Change ..........................................18

Oil Level .................................................. 18

Oil Type ......................................13,18

Preparation ..................................... 13

Repair Parts ..................................48-53

Starting .............................................. 14

Storage .......................................................26

Filter:

Air Filter ........................................... 19

Fuel .......................................................... 19

Fuel:

Type ........................................................ 14

Storage .............................................26

Fuse ....................................................... 24

Hood Removal/installation .........:..............24

Leveling Mower Deck ...............................21

Lubrication:

Chart ........................................................16

Engine ......................................................18

Maintenance Schedule ............................ 16

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Back ........... 2t

Adjustment, Side-to-Side ............... 2t

Blade Replacement ..........................17

Blade Sharpening ..............................t7

Cutting Height ..........................................12

Installation .........................................20

Operation ............................................13

Removal .............................................20

Mowing Tips ...............................................15

Muffler ............................................................19

Spark Arrester ...............................3,40

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 16

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 20-25

STORAGE ................................................................... 26

TROUBLESHOOTING .,.,,... ......... ..................... ,. 27-28

REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................ 30-47

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 48-53

PARTS ORDERINGISERVIOE ............... BACK COVER

Oil:

CoLd Weather Conditions ..........12,18

Engine ...................................................... 18

Storage ...............................................26

Operation ............................................................! 0-15

Operating Mower ...................................... 13

Options:

Accessories ..................................... 5

Spark Arrester .......................................3,40

Parking Brake ..................................... 11-12

Parts Bag .....................:..................................6

Parts, Replacement/Repair ...............30-47

P_oduct Specifications .....................................3

Repair Parts .........................................30-47

Safety Rules .................................................2

Seat .............................................................. 8

Service and Adjustments ............... 20-25

Carburetor° .................................................25

Fuse ............................................................... 24

Hood Removal/Installation ...............24

Motion Ddve Belt

Removal/Replacement ..............22

Mower Belt(s)

Removal!Replacement ................22

Mower Adjustment

Front-to-Back ...............................21

Side-to-Side ............................. 21

Mower Removalllnstallation .......... 20

Tire Care ......................................8,t7,23

Slope Guide Sheet .....................................55

Spark Plug(s) ........................................... 19

Specifications ............................................................3

Starting the Engine ............................ 14

Steering Wheel .........................................7,23

Stopping the Tractor ..................................12

Storage ...........................................................26

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ........25

Tires ..............................................................8,17,23

Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 27-28

Transaxle ....................................................18

Warranty ............................................................3

Wiring Diagram ............................. 30

\,Viri_:g 17:ilernatic ............................ 29

i1,,,i

........... , ,,,i

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

,,,= , i,, ,..... _ , , i...... i,l,,Hi

These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased, Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor.

ENGINE

SPARK'PLUGGASCAN

ENGINE OIL

FUEL STABILIZER

AIRFILTER

MAINTENANCE

I BLADES BELTS

PERFORMANCE

Sears offers a wide var ety of attachments that fit your tractor Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of how they can help you,, This list was current at the time of publication; however, it may change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes

may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available or fit your model Contact your nearest Sears store for the accessories and attachments that are available for your tractor.

Most of these attachments do not require additional hitches or conversion kits (those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy attaching and detaching,

AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn, Ta- pered 2,,5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10_inch diameter discs _uncture holes in soi! at close intervals to let moisture soak in

teel weight tray for increased penetration,

BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and leaves for a healthier, heater looking lawn Two Permanex containers hold

30-gallon plastic bags, BUMPER protects front end of tractor from damage,

CAR"rS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes available, plus accessories such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover,

protective mat and doily.

CORING AERATOR takes small plugs out of soil to allow mois- ture and nutrients to reach grass roots 36-inch swath. 24

hardened steel coring tips 150 lb. capacity weight tray, EASY OIL DRAIN VALVE makes oil changes easier, faster,

FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters in front of mower deck to reduce chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain

CAN G HITCH Iets you tow2 or 3 pull-behind attachments at once, such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with rollers, carts or other heavy attachments),

GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain. For mower decks not so equipped, MULCH RAKE!DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup. Twenty spring line teeth. Usefulto prepare bare areas for seeding. Available for front

or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION

SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 36-inch wide path and tosses thatch into large hopper. Mounts behind tractor MULCHING CLOSE-OUT PLATE KIT, once installed, lets you

much, discharge or bag clippings (bagger optional) without changing blades; For models not equipped as 3-ira1 Convertible

mowers, See MOWER in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

RAMP 'TOPS AND FEET Iet you toad and unload tractor from a

pickup truck Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 lumber.

ROLLER for smoother lawn surface, 36-inch wide, 18-inch d ameterwater-tightdrumholds upto3901bs ofweighL Rounded

edges prevent harm to turf, Adjustable scraper automaticaly cEeans drum,

SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14-inch high, 48-inch wide blade clears 42-inch path when angled left or right, Raises, lowers with side lever. Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversible scraper

bar. (Use with tire chains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar weight_,) SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath.. Drum-type auger handles

powdery and wet/heavy snow° Mounts easily with simple pin arrangement. Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat 6-inch diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet Lift controlled at tractor seat. (Use with chains and wheel weights and/or rear

drawbar weighL)

SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC etectric motor that connects to the

tractor battery or other 12_vott source. Includes booms for

automatic spraying and hand held wand for spot spraying., Wand has adiustabte spray pattern, For applying herbicides, insecti_

cides, fungicides and liquid fertilizers SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed kill-

ing easy, Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular de- icers and sand.

SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves,,

TILLER has 5 hp engine and 36-inch swath to prepare seed beds,

cultivate and compost garden residue, Tiller has its own built-in llft and depth control system and does NOT require asleeve hitch,

Fits any tawn, yard or garden trector, Simply hook up to thetractor

drawbar and go! Optional accessories convert unit for

dethatching, aerating, hilling ,.without tools,

TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extra-large cross

links give smooth dde, outstanding traction. TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel

frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree visibility, Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm

and dry,, Remove vinyl sides and windshields for use as sun protector in summer Optional accessories include: tinted/ tempered solid safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper;

12-volt amber caution light {or mounting on cab top. VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and leaves_

Optional wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach places, VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder_

WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications..

Uses (1) 55 [b, weighL

WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for

snow removal or dozing heavy materials,

........................ ,=,.....

CONTENTS OF

Parts Bag contents shown full size

i .....i

(1) Shoulder' Bolt

5/16-18

(1) Knob

(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x

HARDWARE PACK

,nn u,n, ,,,m ul

I',I'MI""U ..... hi' '1 '"

Parts packed separately in carton

Steering Mutcher

Wheel Plate

.,.., ............

Seat

F-q

Video

Cassette

(3)

(_ Tinnerman

Clips

(1) Locknut 3/8-24

(t) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 5/16-18

m,,u,, i

#10 x 5/8 (2) Lock

(2) Weld Nuts #10

(2) Washers 3/t6 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge

q nl,ul

Washers

I !

ManuaI

iH,,u,, ii u

Parts bag contents not shown full size

(2) Shoulder (2) Center- (2) Gauge

Bolts lock Nuts Wheels

Assemblies _._ (2)Washers 3/8

Extension

Shaft

Steering Steering Wheel

Wheel Adapter

Insert

Parts Bag

x 7/8 x 14 Gauge

(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4

_._.. (2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20 _k "-'I ,/9/32 x 5/8 (2) Lock

"_,d" x 16 Gao Washers 1/4

(2) Washers _

,,,i,,,u lum, n

(2) Keys

Steering

Sleeve

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes

To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor, al! parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use

the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness_

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier_ Standard wrench sizes are listed..

(1) 9/16" wrench

(1) 1/2" wrench

Utility knife Tire pressure gauge

(2) 7/16" wrench (t) 3/4" socket w/drive

ratchet

WHEEL

LARGE FLAT

WASHER

When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).

('TABTO OUTSIDE)

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons

from carton (See page 6).

• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners of carton, and iay panels flat.

o Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and

remove,

BEFORE ROLUNG TRACTOR OFF SKnD

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

PREASSEMBLE SLEEVE TO STEERING WHEEL (See

Fig° 1 Inset)

o install sleeve retainer clips, evenly spaced around

steering wheel hub, with formed tabs toward the out- side of hub.

- Press or lightly tap retainer clips fully onto steering wheel hub,.

• Press steering sleeve fully onto steering wheel hub and clips.

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT = Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft° Align

mounting holes in extention and _owershafts and instatl 5/!6 hex bolt and IocknuL Tighten securely.

IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO 18-22 FT. LBS TORQUE.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward

• Slide steering wheel adapter onto steering shaft exten- sion,

• Position steering wheel and sleeve assembly so cross

bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide onto adapter.

- Assemble large flat washer and 3/8-24 Iocknut and tighten securely.

,, Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering

wheel..

o Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill,

FIG, 1

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR

tS TO ROLL OFF SKID.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKiD (See Fig. 7)

o Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position, o Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake

pedal.

o Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to

disengage transmission (See "TO TRANSPORT" in Operation section of this manual),

- Roll tractor backwards off skid, = Remove banding holding discharge guard up against

tractor,.

CONNECT BATTERY (See Fig. 2)

nals. Before connecting battery, re- move metal bracelets, wristwatch

CAUTION: Do not short battery termi- bands, rings, etc.

Positive terminal must be connected

first to prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding°

- Lift hood to raised position. o Open terminal access doors, remove terminal protec-

tive caps and discard..

° tf this battery is put into service after month and year

indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.

= First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery

terminal with hex bolt, ftat washer, lockwasher and hex nut as shown., Tighten securely.

° Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) battery

terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex nuL Tighten securely°

• Close terminal access doorsv Use terminal access doors for:

° Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-

ware),,

* Inspection for corrosion. o Testing battery.

= Jumping (if required). o Periodic charging_

DISCARD

HEX NUT

LOCK FLAT WASHER WASHER

TERMINAL PROTECTIVE

CAPS _

TERMINAL "'" ACCESS DOOR ;' _.'_"_

NEGATIVE

(BLACK)

CABLE

VENT HOLE _ _ ._ j

(KEEP CLEAN

POSITIVE (RED)

CABLE

HEX

-BOLl"

FIG. 2

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. = Remove cardboard packing on seat pan,, o Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt.

° Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer Ioosely_

Do not tighten°

o Tighten shoulder bolt securely, o Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.

• Slide seat until acomfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch!brake pedal all the way

down°

° Get off seat without moving its adjusted position_

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.

SEAT

SEAT PAN

SHOULDER

BOLT

ADJUSTMENT

KNOB

FLAT WASHER

FIG, 3

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for

shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

o Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly teveled_ See 'q-O LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower bfade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual Verify that the belts are routed correctly°

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your' tractor, check to see

that the brake is properly adjusted, See "TO ADJUST

BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO MOWER

DECK (See Fig. 4)

Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. . Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See '_FOAD-

JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT in the Operation section of this manual).

o With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge

wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground° install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with

shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten securely.

. Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in

same adjustment ho!_

A$$ENBLY

_1 ii,m iHiim ,11,11

GAUGE WHEEL MOUNTING

BRACKET

3/8WASHER SHOULDER

GAUGE WHEEL

FIG. 4

iNSTALL MULCHER PLATE

(See Figs. 5 & 6)

. Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate using screw,

washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown,,

NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch hook by inserting weld nut from the top with hook pointing down.

, Tighten hardware securely°

• Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position,, o Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck

opening and slide into place, as shown.,

° Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck_ = Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.

!_ CAUTION: Do not remove discharge guard

................ i1,, i i,i1,11_

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARGING

Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installationof

optional grass catcher accessory. NOTE: It is not necessary to change blades. The mulcher

blades are designed for discharging and bagging alsoo

HOOK

, i,,,, i,,,11 ,,i ,,,,,i,

from mower. Raise and hold guard when attaching mulcher plate and allow it to rest

on plate while in operation.

WELD NUT HOOK FROM THE DOWN

LOCK WASHER

HOOK

DEFLECTOR SHIELD

LATCH

HOOKS

FIG. 6

,/CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW

TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THA T YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SA TtSFA CTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT,

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST';

,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.

¢" No remaining loose parts in carton. ¢" Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps)..

,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely,

•/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory)°

V Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling).

¢ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

,/ Check wiring_ See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped..

#' Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in

drive position.

WHILELEARNING HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT

ITEMS:

¢" Engine oil is at proper level,

,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasolineo

,/ Become familiar with all controls - their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine,

¢ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition_

¢ It is important to purge the transmission before you

operate your new tractor for the first time, Follow proper starting and transmission purging instructions (See "TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMIS- SION" in Operation section of this manual).

WASHER LOCK

MULCHER

PLATE _----SCREW

WASHER

WASHER NUT

FIG. 5

WELD

+ 21 hidden pages