Craftsman 917254220 Owner’s Manual

MODEL NO.

917.254220

Caution:

Read and Follow

All Safety Rules And instructions

CRRFTSMRN®

I. T 10HP ELECTRIC START

4 SPEED - 36 ""MOWER

Before Operating

This Equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., i 60684 109494x-5.19.87 Rev. 2

I..A CTOR

Assembly

Operation

Maintenance Repair and Adjustment

Repair Parts

Ch cago, IL U.S.A. Printed in U,S.A.

SAFETY RULES

WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws fif 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 Cafifornia Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark arrester muffler parts number 677V1.

1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly, READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL and instructions furnished with

attachments,

2. Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not allow adults to operate it without proper instruction.

3. Do not carry passengers. Do not mow when children and others are around.

4, Always wear substantial footwear, Do not wear loose fit-

ting clothing that could get caught in moving parts,

5. Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower and the area being cut, Do not let other interests distract you.

6, Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when

not in the drivers seat.

7, Always get on or off your tractor from the operator's left

hand side,

8. Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc,) which might be picked up and thrown,

9. Disengage aft attachment clutches before attempting to start the engine.

10. Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine before leaving the operator's position,

1 1. Disengage power to mower, stop the engine and discon-

nect spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before clean- ing, making an adjustment or repair. Be careful to avoid

touching hot muffler or engine components.

12. Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not in use.

13. Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un- attended. Disengage the power-take-off, lower the at- tachments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key.

14. Do not stop or start suddenly when going, uphill or downhill. Mow up and down the face of slopes (not greater than ! 5 o); never across the face, Refer to page 47,

15, Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre-

vent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes,

16. While going up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Control Lever in 1st gear position to negotiate the slope without stopping.

1 7. Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is un-

sure or at a speed which could cause a skid,

1 B. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.

Keep away from drop-offs.

19. Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and public

highways.

20, Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects

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

objects, 2 1, Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop. 22, Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge

chute or near any moving parts while tractor or mower

are running. Always keep clear of discharge chute.

23. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment. a. Use only approved drawbar hitch points. b. Limit loads to those you can safely control. c. Do not turn sharply, Use care when backing. d. Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested

in the owner's manual.

24. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.

2 5, When using any attachments, never direct discharge of

material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the vehicle while in operation.

2 6. Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.

a. Use approved gasoline containers. b. Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add

gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that has not been allowed to coot for several minutes after

running. Never fi/f tank indoors, always clean up spill-

ed gasoline.

c. Open doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust

2 7. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con-

2 8. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the_quip-

29. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank in-

30. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves

• or excessive grease. Do not clean product while engine

3 1, Except for adjustments; DO NOT operate Engine if ati,

fumes are dangerous_ Do not run the engine indoors;

dillon, and keep safety devices in place and working.

ment is in safe working condition,

side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or

spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure,

is running, j" cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is

removed. Removal of such part could create a fire hazard,

32. Do not operate without a muffler or tamper with exhaust sy/stem. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create

a fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary.

33. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-

spected for damage after striking a foreign object and the damage should be repaired before restarting and operating

the equipment.

34. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed

the engine; severe damage or injury may result.

3 5. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows;

a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. b, Shut the engine off when unclogging chute.

c. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness

at frequent intervals.

3 6. Do not operate the mower without the deflectorshield in

place,

3 7, Disengage power to mower before backing up. Do not

mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then on- ly after careful observation of the entire area behind the

mo wer.

3 8, Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is sub-

ject to deterioration and wear. It should be checked fre-

quently for bag replacement. Replacement bags should be checked to ensure compliance with the original manufacturer's recommendations or specifications,

IMPORTANT:

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS --ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

LOOK FOR THiS WORD TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT EQUiP- MENT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears 10

HP Lawn Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and

manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service

Department. They have competent, weft-trained techni- cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO THE FENDER.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your Tractor pro-

perly. Always observe the "'SAFETY RULES".

YOU SHOULD RECORD THE SERIAL NUMBER AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE

MA,gNTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this

product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

REFERENCE.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe the safety rules. Always use care when using your tractor. Keep away from moving parts. DO NOT work on your tractor with engine running. Always keep your tractor and mower clean. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor. A well cared for tractor will run and last longer. Follow the instructions under "'Maintenance" and "'Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual.

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT

For one year from date of purchase, when this riding equipment is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up ac- cording to the operating and maintenance instruction in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge

any defect in material or workmanship in this electric start riding equipment.

This warranty excludes blade(s), blade adapter(s), spark plug(s), air cleaner and belt(s), which are expen-

dable and become worn during normal use.

This warranty does not cover:

Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects (such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass); and

repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure to maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual; and

riding equipment used for commercial or r entalDurposes.

FULL 90-DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

-For 90 days from the date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery wil! not hold a charge, Sears will replace

the battery at no charge.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART-

MENT IN THE UNITED STATES. This warranty applies only while this product is in use 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/698-731A, Sears Tower, Chicago, It 60684

iNDEX

Adjustments:

Brake ..................... 17

Carburetor .................. 20

Mower Drive Belt ............. 23

Mower

Front-To-Rear ............ 23

Side- To-Side ............. 22

Throttle Control Cable ......... 20

Air Filter

Cleaning .................... 1B

Element ..................... 18

Air Intake Screen, Engine ........ 19

Assembly ................... 5-11

Attachment ................... 3

Battery:

Charging .................... 20

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

Installation ................... 8

Levels ...................... 17

Preparation ................... 7

Starting with Weak Battery ..... 20

Storage ..................... 24

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

Belt:

Motion Drive Replacement ...... 21

Mower Drive Adjustment ....... 23

Mower Drive, Remove/Replace .. 10

Blade:

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

Replacement ................ 24

Brake Adjustment ............... 17

Carburetor Adjustment ........... 20

Controls, Tractor ............... 12

Cutting Level, Mower ............ 22

Engine:

Air Screen .................... 19

Oil Change .................. 16

Oil Level .................... 16

Oil Type ................... 16

"Starting ..................... 13

Storage ..................... 24

Fuel:

Type ....................... !3

Storage ..................... 24

Fuse ......................... 21

Hood Removal ................. 21

Lubrication:

Chart .................... 18

Tractor Pivot Points ......... 18

Maintenance ................ !6-19

Air Filter .................... 18

Air Filter Element ............. 18

Air Screen ................... 19

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

Blade Sharpening ............. 17

Brake Adjustment ............. 17

Engine oil ................... 16

Lubrication Chart ............. 18

Spark Plugs ................. 19

Tire Care .................... 17

Mo wet:

Adjustment, Front-to-Rear ...... 23

Adjustment, Side -to-Side ....... 22

Blade Sharpening ............ 17

Blade Replacement ............ 24

Cutting Level ................ 11

Installation .................. 10

Operation ................... 14

Removal .................... 22

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

Spark Arrester ................ 2

Oil

Cold Weather Conditions ....... 16

Engine ...................... 16

Storage ..................... 24

Operation ................... 12-15

Operating Your Mower ......... 14

Operating Your Tractor ......... 14

Starting the Engine ............ 13

Stopping Your Tractor ......... 13

Tractor Operation on Hills ...... 15

Parts .Bag ..................... 5, 6

Repair and Adjustments ....... 20-24

Blade ....................... 24

Carburetor .................. 20

Fuse ....................... 21

Hood Removal ............... 21

Motion Drive Belt Replacement .. 21 Mower Adjustment, Front-to-Rear 23 Mower Adjustment, Side-to-Side ,22

Mower Removal .............. 22

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

Seat .......................... 7

Service Record ................. 28

Slope Guide Sheet .............. 47

Spark Plugls) .................. 19

Speed Control Chart ............. 14

Starting the Engine .............. 13

Steering Wheel .................. 8

Stopping the Tractor ............. !3

Storage ....................... 24

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment., 20

Tires ......................... 17

Trouble Shooting Chart ........... 25

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

Wiring (Schematic) .............. 27

Know Your Tractor

ASSEMBL Y

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR. If you understand the machine and its operation, you will achieve efficient and peak performance, While reading the manual, compare the illustrations with

your Lawn Tractor to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments, Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Lawn Tractor and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Be sure to pay strict attention to aft notes and cautions; they are included for your safety. Save

this manual for future reference.

Unpacking instructions

1. Cut down four corners of the carton with a utility knife and fold down sides.

2. Remove items from carton. The box contains the items shown below.

3. Disengage Parking Brake.

4. Carefully guide the tractor off the skid. Be careful

to avoid rolling tractor over staples in skid.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields before starting your tractor and

while mowing. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for ever the spectacles or stan- dard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores,

Parts Bag Contents Not Shown Full Size:

,ll

..... IIlll'l"['t"tlllllIIIIII IIItl 1111111111I11IIIfi'i'_l'l'llll

(2) Battery Carriage Bolts - 1/4 - 20 x 7 - 1/2

Terminal Guard

a. seat b, steering wheel

c, battery

d, battery acid

15 ° Slope Instruction Sheet

i1,,i,i lU i1,1,1,, i j,,ll

e, owner's manual

f. parts bag

g. steering sleeve

Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Wheel Insert

(2) Keys

h, upper steering shaft

•A SSEMBL Y

A SSEMBL Y L OCA TION

BA TTERY

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

(2) Lockwasher, 7/4 int/Ext Tooth

i i i,ll m l ,Hll

(2} Wing Nut - 1/4 - 20

BATTERY

TERMINALS

STEERING SHAFT

SEAT

(2) Hex Bolt, 1/4 - 20 x 3/4

(2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga,

_ i1111111t1111111111111}

(2) Hex Bolt, 3/8- 16 x 1 - 1/4

,,,,,,, u u, ,,i,,,,,,.,,.,,

llillliliillL

L...

(2) Hex Bolt, 3/8 - 16 x 3/4

(2) Lockwasher 1/4

(2) Hex Nut, 1/4 - 20

,,, ,Ill m,,u, I,

(2) Locknut, 3/8 - !6

p,i

® G

(2) Lockwasher, 3/8

STEERING

WHEEL

(2) Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 12 Ga,

Locknut, 1/2-20

Washer, 2 1/4 d_a. " J

tt , ,_. • --

To assemble your tractor you will need:

(2) 9/16" wrenches Utility Knife (1) 3/4" wrench

t ___ (2) 7/16" wrenches Tire Pressure Gauge

ASSEMBL Y

NOTE: RIGHT HAND (R.H.) AND LEFT HAND (L.H.) ARE DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR.

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD, WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IM-

MEDIATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY IN CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.

CHARGED BATTERY ACID ARE

DO NOT SMOKE, FUMES FROM EXPLOSIVE.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUD- ED WITH THE BATTERY ACID CON-

TAINER. ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES, CLOTHING AND GOGGLES TO PRO-

TECT YOUR HANDS, SKIN AND EYES.

1. Prepare Battery

Fill and charge battery (before installing). NOTE:

SEE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED

WITH BATTERY.

Remove and discard the tape seal covering bat- tery tube. DO NOT REUSE.

k__.___l

BATTERY CELL

FIGURE I

SEAT

.ADJUSTMENT

BOLTS

SEAT SWITCH

Fill each cell wffh battery acid. Add the acid un- til it reaches the bottom of the battery tube (Fig,

1). Do not add the acid beyond this level or the additional acid can come out when the battery is charged.

After cells are filled, tilt battery from side to side

to release air bubbles.

Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thir-

ty minutes. If the level of acid falls below the

point described in step (c), add more acid until

the correct level is reached. NOTE: UNEVEN

FILLING OF CELLS WILL AFFECT THE BATTERY CAPACITY AND LIFE. instafl the vent caps to

cover the battery tube. Wash the top of the bat-

tery with water to remove any acid, then wipe

dry.

Check battery case for leakage to make sure that

no damage has occurred in handling.

Neutralize excess battery acid for disposal by ad- ding it to four inches of water in a five gallon

plastic container, Stir with a wooden or plastic paddle while adding baking soda until the addi-

tion of more soda causes no more foaming.

Use a 12 volt battery charger. Charge battery at

a rate of 6 amperes for I hour. NOTE: OBSERVE

ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED FOR BATTERY CHARGING. Check the acid level after

the battery is charged. If the acid has fallen below the correct level, add only distilled water.

FIGURE 2

Install Seat

a . Place seat on seat pan. Screw adjustment bolts,

Iockwashers and flat washers into seat (Fig. 2).

Adjustment bolts, Iockwashers and flat washers

found in bag of parts. Tighten finger tight.

b. Place seat in operating position. Sit on the seat

and press clutch-brake pedal all the way down. If operating position is not comfortable, adjust

Seat.

c. Raise seat. Loosen adjustment bolts (Fig. 2).

When adjusted for comfortable operation, tighten adjustment bolts securely with 9/16""

wrench.

ASSEMBL Y

_NSE RT

1/2" NUT

2 - 1/4- OlA. WASHER

STEERING WHEEL

STEERING WHEEL_

UPPER ADAPTER ------_

STEERING SHAFT

BOLTS

SLOTS

LOWER STEERING

SHAFT

iTS

STEERING SLEEVE

For easier assembly, tilt sleeve towards front of tractor,

Place bottom of sleeve over two front prongs on steering bushing.

Squeeze the two steering sleeve retainers in- ward to allow sleeve to pass over retainers.

Push sleeve down aligning notch on sleeve with

tab on steering bushing.

Place steering wheel adapter on upper steering shaft.

With front wheels pointed straight ahead, place

steering wheel on steering wheel adapter. Bars of steering wheel should point straight across tractor.

Place 2 - 1/4" diameter washer on upper steer- ing shaft and instafl a 1/2"" Iocknut shown furl

size below (found in bag of parts). Tighten securely.

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

STEERING RETAINER SPRING

ADJUSTMENT

BOLTS

.... _ WELL

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

BATTERY BATTERY

TERMINAL TERMINAL

FENDER

STEERING

RETAINER SPRING

k. Snap insert into steering wheel. I. Remove plastic on tractor hood.

4_ Check Tires

Reduce tire pressure to 14 PSI in front tires and 12 PSI in rear tires. (Tires were overinflated for shipp- ing purposes).

5. Install Battery

DO NOT SHORT BATTERY TERMINALS

_i BEFORE INSTALLING BATTERY, REMOVE

METAL BRACLETS, WRISTWATCH BANDS,

RINGS, ETC. FROM YOUR PERSON.

a. Lift seat (Fig. 4).

b.. Lower battery into fender well with battery

terminals toward front of tractor (Fig, 4), Make sure battery rests in battery tray (Fig. 6).

3. Install Steering Wheel

a. Slide upper steering shaft over lower steering

shaft until bolt holes line up with slots in lower

steering shaft (Fig 3).

b. Use two hex bolts 3/8 - 16 x 1-1/4 and two

Iocknuts 3/8 - 16 to retain upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft. Tighten securely.

c. Position sleeve over steering shaft assembly.

NOTE: BE SURE BATTERY DRAIN TUBE tS SECURELY

ATTACHED TO BATTERY TRAY DRAIN.

_ POSITIVE TERMINAL MUST BECONNECTED

FIRST TO PREVENT SPARKS FROM AC- CIDENTAL GROUNDING.

Connect RED battery cable to positive (+) bat-

c ASSEMBL Y

tery terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, Iockwasher and hex nut (shown full size below)

found in bag of parts (Fig. 6). Tighten securely with two 7/16" wrenches.

Connect BLACK ground cable to negative (-)

battery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat

washer, Iockwasher and hex nut (shown full size below) found in bag of parts (Fig. 6). Tighten securely.

WASHER

NEGATIVE

TERMINAL

NEGATIVE CABLE (BLACK)

.HEX

NUT

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE A WEAK BATTERY, SEE "STAR- TING YOUR TRACTOR WITH A WEAK BATTERY"

(PAGE 20).

Using the slot on one side of the battery support

(Fig. 7) slide battery bolt into frame slot (head of bolt down). Fasten the battery bolt to the ter-

minal guard using int./ext. Iockwasher, wing nut.

as shown in Fig. 7.

Assemble the remaining battery bolt to other side

of battery support and fasten terminal guard to

it with remaining int./ext. Iockwasher and wing

nut. Tighten wing nuts securely by hand (Fig. 7).

WASHER

POSITIVE £ABLE (RED)

LOCK

BATTERY TRAY

WING NUT_.._,..._

INTERNAL/

EXTEI LOCKWASHER

BATTERY

I I

WING

NUT _,_,,j_

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL _

LOCKWASHER _

TERMINAL GUARD

TUBE

LOCKWASHER

FIGURE 6

NOTE: USE TERMINAL ACCESS DOORS (FIG. 7) FOR:

1. INSPECTION FOR SECURE CONNECTIONS (TIGHTEN HARDWARE)

2. INSPECTION FOR CORROSION

3. TESTING BATTERY

4. JUMPING (IF REQUIRED)

5. CHARGING (IF REQUIRED)

I_ NoTKEEPTERMINAL DOORS CLOSED WHENIIN USE.

NOTE: DO NOT START ENGINE UNTIL INITIAL SER-

VICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED.

BATTERY

BOLT

SLOT

FIGURE 7

ATTACHMENT_

CLUTCH LEVER...._._.

"DISENGAGED

.OS,T,O.__

FIGURE 8

CLUTCH PARALLEL RETAINER

ROD RETAINER LINK FRONT SPRINGS

SPRING AXLE

LIFT LEVER

6. Mower Installation

Your 36" Mower Installs without the use of

tools. Raise lift Lever (Fig.8) to its highest position,

Turn height adjustment knob to lowest position (Fig. 11).

c. Sfide mower under tractor, discharge guard to

R,H. side,

d, Install front hinge pin through axle and parallel

link (Fig. 9). Secure with retainer spring.

Install front hinge pin through mower lift

brackets and parallel link (Fig. 9), Secure with retainer spring,

Install clutch rod in clutch lever (Fig. 10 - Inset).

NOTE: INSTALL RETAINER SPRING FROM THE BOTTOM OF CLUTCH ROD TO AVOID IN- TERFERENCE WITH MOWER DRIVE BELT.

g . Move lift lever (Fig. 8) forward to lower suspen-

sion arms, Slide trunnions through rift brackets holes and secure with retainer spring (Fig. I0).

h . Roll belt over mower drive pulley. Make sure belt

is inside belt guides (Fig, 11). See mower belt in-

stallation decal on mower housing..

FIGURE 9

HtNGE PiN

CLUTCH

CLUTCH ...._ / \ j_"_,

SUSPENSION \

ARM

RETAINER

SPRING

FRONT H]NGE

i. Use lift lever (Fig. 81 to raise mower.

j. Turn height adjustment knob clockwise (f_k) to

the middle of it's travel,

= Mower Drive Belt Installation

NOTE: MOWER BELT INSTALLATION DECAL

LOCATED ON MOWER HOUSING, REPLACE ONLY WITH THE BELTS SPECIFIED IN

THIS MANUAL.

a. Place attachment clutch lever in "'DISENGAG-

ED" position (Fig. 8),

b . Turn height adjustment knob to lowest position.

Move mower lift lever (Fig. 8) forward to lower mower to its lowest position.

c, Roll belt off engine pulley (Fig. 12),

d. Pull belt off both mandrels,

e . Spring belt guide away from idler pulley and pull

belt off idler pulley.

f. Slide belt from under extension spring,

8. Mower Drive Belt Replacement

RETAINER LIFT SPRING / BRACKET

TRUNNION

FIGURE 10

a. Slide belt under extension spring (Fig, 12):

b. Place belt on rear side of both mandrels.

c. Spring idler belt guide down and place belt

around rear side of idler pulley,

:d. Roll belt over engine pulley.

e. Make sure belt is inside all belt guides.

Final Assembly

a, Make sure aft fasteners are tight.

b, Read and follow the operation instructions (page

12). Know the location and purpose of all

controls.

c . Check oil and gasoline (page 13) before starting

the tractor.

10. Check the Cutting Level

The blade housing was set at the factory to cut level.

After mowing a short distance, look at the area that was

cut, If the blade housing cuts uneven; see the instruc- tions on "'Side-toSide and Front-to-Rear Mower Adjust-

ment" (page 22).

FIGURE 11

EXTENSION SPRING

L.H.

MANDREL

ENGINE

PULLEY

BELT _,_ _k__

IDLER

IDLER BELT GUIDE

K SHAFT

ASSEMBLY

R,H.

MANDREL

COTTER PiN

'FIGURE 12

OPERA TION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR. If you understand the machine and its operation, you will achieve efficient and peak performance. While reading the manual, compare the illustrations with your Lawn Tractor to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Study the operating

instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Lawn Tractor and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Be sure to pay strict attention to all notes and cautions; they are included for your safety. Save

this manual for future reference.

Light

Throttle

Clutch/Brake Pedal

Height Adjustment

Knob

Gear Shift Lever

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Push lever up and over to engage mower. There will be an engine hesitation as

the clutch engages.

ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Use the attachmeht rift lever

to raise and lower the attachment mounted to your trac- tor, Move the rift lever forward to lower attachment.

Attachment

Lift Lever

Clutch

Lever

Parkmg Brake

GEARSHIFT: Press the clutch/brake pedal down firmly and move gear shift lever to desired speed.

IGNITION: Place key in Lgnition and turn to the right to Start.

LIGHT SWITCH: Turns on and off the headlights,

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: The pe'dal has 2 functions; a

clutch and a brake. To engage the brake push the pedal completely.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB: Use the height adjust-

ment knob to adjust the mower height, With the attach- ment lift lever in the "up" position, turn knob clockwise

(F-_k) to raise cutting height and counterclockwise (_) to lower cutting height. Lower lift lever.

PARKING BRAKE: To set the parking brake, push the clutch/brake pedal completely forward. Place the park- ing brake lever in "Engaged" position and release

pressure from pedal. Clutch/brake pedal will remain ir brake position.

THROTTLE CONTROL: Use the throttle control to in-

crease or decrease the speed of the engine.

1. Stopping Your Tractor

NOTE: REMOVE KEY WHEN LEAVING TRACTOR TO PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED USE.

a. Push clutch-brake pedal into full "BRAKE"

position,

b . Place parking brake in "'ENGAGED" position and

release pressure from clutch/brake. Pedal should remain in "'BRAKE"position. NOTE: MAKE SURE

PARKING BRAKE WILL HOLD TRACTOR

SECURE.

c. Move gear shift lever to "'NEUTRAL'" position. d, Place attachment clutch lever in "'DISENGAGED"

position,

e. Move throttle control to "S'" (slow) position.

f. Turn ignition key to "'OFF" position. Never use

choke to stop engine.

2. Starting The Engine

YOUR TRACTOR IN A LARGE, OPEN AREA.

I_ LEARN TO START, STOP AND REVERSE J

NOTE: TRACTOR MUST HAVE FOOT PEDAL DEPRESS- ED AND CLUTCH LEVER IN "DISENGAGED" POSITION BEFORE TRACTOR WILL START.

a . This engine has been shipped filled with summer

weight oil (For cold weather operation see chart

page t6). Check engine off level with tractor on /evel ground. Remove and wipe dipstick (Fig, 13)

clean, screw it in tight for a few seconds, remove

and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until

"FULL" mark is reached.

b. Fill fuel tank (Fig, 13). Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded automotive gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide

deposits and reduce valve life). Capacity is 5 guarts.

WARNING: DO NOT USE PREMIUM UNLEADED. This type fuel reacts with water content in the fuel and tends

to form strong acids which can corrode metal parts and harm rubber and plastics.

FILL TO BOTTOM OF GAS TANK FILLER

SPILLED OIL OR FUEL. DO NOT STORE,

NECK. DO NOT OVERFILL. WIPE OFF ANY SPILL OR USE GASOLINE NEAR AN OPEN

FLAME.

c. Place attachment clutch lever in "'disengaged'"

position. (Fig, 14).

d. Push clutch/brake pedal fully into brake position

(Fig. t4).

e. Place gear shift lever in "'NEUTRAL'" positon (Fig.

14),

f. Move throttle control lever (Fig. 14) to "'FAST"

detent, then to the right and upward for

•'CHOKE'" position. At the "FAST" position the

lever has a stop. The stop is provided so that you

will know when you are at full throttle "'FAST"

position and prevent over travel into choke posfion,

g, Turn ignition key clockwise (F_k) tO "'START"

position and release key as soon as engine start_

(Fig. 14),

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE A WEAK BATTERY, SEE "STARTING YOUR TRACTOR WITH A WEAK BAT-

TERY", (PAGE 20}.

h. Immediately move throttle control lever mid-way

between "FAST" and "SLOW" positions,

OPERAON

FUEL FILLER

CAP

FUEL

TANK

FIGURE 13

LTi_A_G;D_vNETRoS|T!ON_

HEADLIGHT

SWI TCH "_

THROTTLE

CONTROL

/ I LH. SIDE

,/ I PANELBOLT

.I I

I \ \ "CLUTCH'* POSITION

CLUTCH/BRAKE "BRAKE" POSITION

NOTE: DO NOT RUN STARTER CONTINUOUSLY FOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN SECONDS PER

MINUTE.

i. If engine does not start after several attempts,

move throttle control lever mid-way between

"'FAST" and "SLOW" positions, wait a few

minutes and try again.

NOTE: ALLOW ENGINE TO WARM UP FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE OPERATING.

ALWAYS WEAR SUBSTANTIAL FOOT-

A WEAR AND AVOID LOOSE FITTING

CLOTHING THAT COULD GET CAUGHT IN

MOVING PARTS.

FIGURE14

OPERA TlOIV

FUNCTION GEARSHIFT THROTTLE

=ill im ,,,,,,,,,,,ll

Normal

Mowing

Heavy

Mowing

Snow

Blowing

Snow

Blade.

Transport

FIGURE 16

THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH IN- TERLOCK SWITCHES TO PREVENT STAR-

TING OF THE TRACTOR ENGINE WHILE THE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER IS IN

THE "ENGAGED" POSITION AND!OR THE FOOT PEDAL IS NOT FULLY DEPRESSED.

IMMEDIATELY REPLACE SWITCHES THAT ARE NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE PUR- POSE OF THESE SWITCHES.

2or3

1 or2

4-6

SLOW-FAST

FAST

3, Operating Your Tractor and'Mower

NOTE: THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPERATOR PRESENCE SENSING SWITCH. ANY AT=

TEMPT BY THE OPERATOR TO LEAVE THE SEAT WITH

THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE ATTACHMENT,

CLUTCH ENGAGED WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.

CAUTION

TO AVOID INJURY

1. Read owner's manual.

2, Know the location and function of all controls,

3. Keep guards, safety shields and switches in place and working.

4. Remove objects that can be thrown by blades.

6. Do not mow when children and other are around,

6. Never carry children or passengers,

7. Always look behind machine before backing.

B. Do not mow where machine can tip or slip.

9. If machine stops going uphill, stop blade and back slowly down.

10. Be sure blades and engine have stopped before Plac- ing hands or feet near the blades.

I. Remove key when leaving machine,

MAKE SURE PARKING BRAKE WILL HOLD TRACTOR SECURE.

NEVER PLACE HANDS OR FEET IN OR UNDER ANY POWERED ATTCHMENT

OR NEAR ANY MOVING PART WHILE

TRACTOR OR ANY POWERED ATTACH-

.........MENT IS RUNNING.

NOTE: ALWAYS OPERATE ENGINE AT FULLTHROTTLE

WHEN MOW NG TO ASSURE BETTER MOWING PER-t FORMANCE, LONG ENGINE LIFE AND PROPER

DfSCHARGE OFCUT MATERIAL, REGULATE GROUND SPEED BY SELECTING A LOW ENOUGH GEAR (FIG, 15)

TO GIVE THE MOWER CUTTING PERFORMANCE PLUS QUALITY OF CUT DESIRED.

YOUR

READ THE "RULES FOR SAFE OPERA- TION'" CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER.

THE MOWER MUST BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY FROM

FRONT TO REAR AND LEVELED FROM SIDE "TO SIDE BEFORE OPERATING. THIS IS NECESSARY FOR LEVEL

AND EFFICIENT MOWING. REFER TO PAGE 22.

DO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL WEIGHTI

IMPORTANT:

TO THE TRACTOR OTHER THAN THEI OPTIONAL WHEEL WEIGHTS. EX-_

CESSIVE WEIGHT MAY OVERLOAD I AND DAMAGE THE TRANSMISS!ON. I

THE DEFLECTOR SHIELD (DISCHARGE GUARD) IN PLACE.

a . Se/ect desired height of cut position using height

adjustment knob (page 12).

b. Raise lift lever and place attachment clutch lever

in disengaged position.

c. Start engine (page 13).

d, With engine running and warm place throttle con-

trol midway between "'S'" (slow) and "'F'" (fast) position,

e. Engage mower with the attachment clutch lever.

NOTE: "ENGAGE" OR "'DISENGAGE" MOWER BLADE CLUTCH LEVER SLOWLY.

f. Move gear shift lever to desired gear. g, Lower mower into cutting position using attach-

ment rift lever.

h. Release clutch/brake pedal to start movement

(Fig. 15).

i. Move throttle control to "'F'" (Fast) postion.

NOTE: SELECT A GROUND SPEED THAT WILL SUIT THE TERRAIN, QUALITY OF CUT AND ATTACHMENT BEING USED (See Chart above).

4. Mowing Tips

NOTE: TIRE CHAINS CANNOT BE USED WITH THE MOWER ATTACHED.

READ THE "SAFETY RULES" CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER. REFER TO PAGE 2.

a. Use the runner on the R.H. side as a guide; the blade

cuts approximately an inch outside the runner (Fig.

17).

Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut, Have the cut area to the right of

the machine, This will result in a more even, distribu- tion of clippings and more uniform cutting.

When mowing large areas (Fig. 18), start by turning to the right so that the clippings will discharge away

from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After two or three rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished.

d. if grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice.

The first time relatively high. The second time to the desired height.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB

OPERA TION

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER "DISENGAGED" POSITION

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH

LEVER "ENGAGED"

POSITION

LIFT LEVER

RUNNER

GUARD

e. The left hand side of mower should be used for

trimming.

5, Operating The Tractor On Hills

a. Move gear shift lever to '" 1ST" gear before starting

up or down hills.

b. AVOID STOPPING OR SHIFTING ON HILLS. c, If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever

to slower position.

LEAVE ENOUGH ROOM WHEN STOP-

PING AND STARTING TO ALLOW SLIGHT

TRACTOR ROLL DOWNHILL AS CLUTCH-

BRAKEPEDALMOVES THROUGH CLUTCH POSITION.

d. If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch-brake

pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.

e. To restart tractor movement, make sure tractor is in

the lowest speed range (" 1ST'" Gear) and that you have allowed room to roll slightly downhil!. Depress clutch-brake fully. Disengaged parking brake and release clutch-brake pedal SLOWLY to start tractor

movement.

f. Make all turns gradually.

FIGURE 17

ii illl

FIGURE 18

6. Flip-Up Discharge Guard,

Your mower has a flip-up discharge guard (Fig. 17) for

door or gate clearance when held in raised position.

MAKE SURE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER IS 1N "DISENGAGED" POSITION AND BLADES HAVE STOPPED BEFORE

RAISING DISCHARGE GUARD (DEFLEC-

TOR). NEVER OPERATE MOWER WITHOUT DISCHARGE GUARD IN

OpERATiNG POSITION,

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