Craftsman 917.254611 User Manual

BlEAm

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.254611

Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment

CRRFTSMRII®

12 HP

ELECTRIC START
38" MOWER DECK
5 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR

Assembly
Operation

Maintenance

Service and Adjustment

Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 li.S.A.

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT
OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAU
TIONS. IT MEANS - ATTENTION! BE

A

COME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS IN
VOLVED.

NOTE: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IM
PORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPERATION
AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR TRACTOR

CAUTION; LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT

IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS.

A

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 area
laws (if anyj. If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective woiking order by the operator. (See REPAIR PARTS for part
number identification!.

In the State of California the above is required by law {Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code) Other Slates m ay have similar
laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.

Know Ihe controls and how to stop quickly, READ THIS
OWNER'S MANUAL and instructions furnished with attach
ments.

Do not allow children to operate the machine Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper ¡nstrudbn.

3.

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

Always wear substantial footwear. Do no! wear toóse fitting
clothtng that could get caugnt in moving parts.

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

Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when not in
the driver's seat

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

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

9,

Disengage all attachment clutches before attempting to start
the engine,

10

Disengaoe power to attachments and stop the engine before
leaving the operator's posittori.

11

Disengage power to mower, stop the engine, and disconnect
spark plug wire(s) from spark piug(s) before cleaning, making
an adjustment, or repair. Be careful to avoid touching hot
muffier or engine components

12

Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not in
use.

13

Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle
unattended. Disengage the power take-off, lowerthe attach
ments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the
engine, and remove the Hey

14

Do not stop or start suddenty when going uphill or downhill
Mow up and down the (ace of stopas (not greater than 15“),
never across the face Refer to page 51,

15

Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to prevent
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 Ihe slope without stopping.

17

Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is unsure,
or at a speed which could cause a skid.

Ifl,

Slay 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 high
ways.

20

Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects in
order to prevent the blades from striking them. Never delib
erately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign objects

21

Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop

22

Never place hands or feat under Ihe mower, in discharge
chute, or near any moving parts while tractor or mower is
funning, 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 toads to those you can safely control

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

c. Do not turn sharply Use care when backing
d. Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested in

owner’s тапиаГ
24, Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways
25, When using any attachments, never direct discharge of

material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the ve
hicle while in operation,

26, Handle gasoline with care - it is highly llammable,

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 cool for several minutes after run

ning Never fill tank indoors Always clean up spilled

gasoline

c, C^en doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust

fumes are dangerous Do not run the engine indoors.
27 Keep the vehicle anci attachments in good operating condi

tion, and keep safety devices in place and working.

28. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip

ment is in safe working condition.

29. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a

building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

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

or excessive grease, Do not clean product while engine is
running

31. Except for adjustments, DO NOT operate engine if air cleaner

or cover directly over carburetor aif intake is removed.
Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.

32. Do not operate without a muffler, or tamper with exhaust

system, Damaged mufliers or spark arresters could create a
fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace it 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 overspead the

engine; severe damage or injury may result

35. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows:

a Mow only in daylight or tn good artificial light
b. Shot the engine off when unclogging chute,
c Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at

frequent intervals

36. Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place,

37. Disengage power to mower before backing up Do not mow

in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after

careful observation of the entire area behind the mower.

38 Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is subjecl

to deterioration and wear, ft should be checked frequently for
bag replacement Replacement bags should be checked to
ensure compliance with the original manufacturer’s recom
mendations or speciftoations.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Lawn Tractor, It has been designed, engineered and

SERIAL
NUMBER

you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest

Sears Service Department IVe have competent, well-

trained technicians and the proper tools to servte or

DATE OF PURCHASE

repair this unit

THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this
product. See the nearest Sears store or service centre
for details.

YOU SHOULD RECORD THESE NUMBERS AND KEEP
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read atKl retain this manual. Study and observe the safety rules. Always use care when using your tractor. Always
keep your tractor and mower clean, Folbw a regular schedule In maintaining, caring for, and using your tractor. A well
carecf for tractor will run better and last bnger.

ATTACHMENTS
This unit can use many attachments now available at your Sears store. It cannot use attachments that engage the ground

like a plow, harrow, cultivator, or tiller. See page SO for a list of available attachments.

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 according to

the operating and maintenance Instruction in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free o( charge any defect in

material or workmanship in this electric start riding equipment.

This wan-anty excludes blade(s), blade adapter(s), spark plugfs), air cleaner and belt(s), which are expendable 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 equip
ment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual; and

" riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes,

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 will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no
charge.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART­MENT.

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

SEARS. ROEBUCK AND GO, D/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO. IL 60684

NOTE: THE ILLUSTRATIONS SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL ARE TO AID IN THE ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION OF
YOUR TRACTOR. THEY MAY OR MAY NOT SHOW THE ACTUAL MODEL YOU HAVE PURCHASED,

A Filter:

Adjustments; Air Cleaner..............................16

Brake

________________.
Cariiuretor
Mower Drive Belt

........................

.......

.........

Mower Storage

Front'To-Rear

Side-TdSide

........

....................

Throttle Control Cable ....

Engine Valves

Air Cleaner
Air Screen, Engine

.......................

...................................

.............

...

Asserrtily......................................

Attachments

......................................„50

B Tractor Pivot Points................

.....

14

.

......18 Fuel:

.....

22

...............23 Fuse

.

.....

22

.....

18

......

18

Hood Removal/lnstallation

Fuel

................................

Type

............................

...

.....................

......................................

H

.............

.....18

.

.....10

.

....

.

.......19 Parts Bag

....

......16 Repair and Adjustments......... 14-24

........

.....

....

16

5^9

Leveling Mower Deck

L

................. .

.....22 Carburetor

Lubrication:

Chart

............................

..

.

....

Battery:

Charging
Cleaning
Installation
Levels

Preparation............................

Starting with Weak Batter) ....17 Battery......................

Storage

Terminals..................................15 Brake Adjustment...................

Belt: Engine Oil

Motion Drive Fuel Filler.............................

Mower Drive Sparkplug

Blade:

Sharpening

Replacement.............................

Brake Adjustment

CartHjretor Adjustment
Controls, Tractor
Cutting Level, Mower

...

...................

...........................

.....

...................

......................................

.....

.

.7, 17 M

.

.....

15 Maintenance

.

........8

15

Air Cleaner

Foam Pre-cleaner

........7 Air Screen, Engine ...

............................

Removal/Replacement

....

...

.23 Blade Sharpening

....

19

Lubrication Chart

Removal/Replacement Tire Care.

Adjustment

........................22

Mower;

Adjustment, Front-to-Rear

.................

..................................

... .....

...

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

.....14 Blade Sharpening

.

......

14 Blade Replacement

Cutting Level,

C

..........................

..........

...........................

.............................

E

....

.18

.........9 Removal

12,22

Installation
Operation

Mowing Tips
Muffler

.....................................................

Spark Arrester................................ .2,32

.......................

.........

............................

.........

...............

.

.....

........

......................

.................. ......24

.......

...........................18

....

.............. ..........

..................

............

.....

.......

...........12,22

...........

..........................

......................................

........................................

.................................

.......

.....

.

.........

.........

...

....

....

.....16

..,..15

....

.....14

.....16

.....18

..8,14

.

....

.....

.....

....

......

....

......

20 R

..24

17

„13

16 Mower Adjustment
16 Front- to-Rear

14

23

14
14

21

,11

21

,12

17

Cations:

Attachments...
Spark Arrester

...........................

......

..............2,32

P

Parking Brake

Parts,- Replacement/Repair

Blade...

Fuse

.........................

....

................................

.............

......

..................

........

.......

....

..................

............

.

......

Hood Removal/lnstallation .....20

Motion Drive Bell

Removal/Replacement

Mower Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement

..................

Side-to-Side
Mower Removal
Tire Care

Repair Parts

.....................

.....

..........

......................

..............................

.

S
Safety Rules

Seat............................

Service Record.........

........

....................

........................

.........

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

Sparkplug
Speed Control Chart
Starting the Engine
Steering Wheel,.

....................................

.............................

................

..... ...

.......................

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

Storage.....................................................

T

Throttle Control Cable

Adjustment

Tires.......................

..........................

.

......................

.........

Engine: Trouble Shooting Chart................

Air Screen
Oil Change

Oil Level.......................

Oil Type

Preparation.............................

Repair Parts
Starting
Storage

..................

......

.

.....................

.

.................................

.........

..................42-46

..................................

...........................

.

.....16

....

15 Oil;

.....16

.....

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

....

10

....

10

Cold Weather Conditions . .16

Storage

.............

Operation

.....................................

(Iterating Your Mower

0

...................

..............

.....23 Operating Your Tractor

Starting the Engine

.................

Stopping Your Tractor

Tractor Operation on Hills. .....12

............

_______

.....16

.....11

.....11

.....10

.

....

,9-12

23

10

Transaxle:

Repair Parts

Warranty

Transporting

....

_______________ _

Valve Adjustments.

Warranty

....................

Wiring Schematic

.................

.........

.........................48

V

................

.........

W

.........

.

.........................

.

.

....

.

........

.

.

50

....5-6

28-46

.....14

....

18

.....19

.....19

.....22

....

23

21

....

14

28-46

......

.......8

13

....

51

....

18

.....

12

......11

......

10

.....

23

.....18

.8,14

25-26

40-41

.....12

18

......

....

22

2

7

3

27

4

ASSEMBLY

To assemble tractor you will need;
(2) 7/1 &" wrenches Tire Pressure Gauge
{1) 1 /2" wrench Screwdriver

(2) 9/16" wrenches Utility Knife
{1) 3/4" wrench 5/16" Wrench

Take all of the Items out of the box. The box contains the Items shown below. Open the parts bag and check the
contents (see page 6).

Parts bag contents not shown full size

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

Terminal Guard

a. Seal d
b.
c

NOTE: RIGHT HAND(R.H ) AND LEFT HAND (L.H.) ARE

Steering wheel e. Owner's Manual

Battery

DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR’S POSITION
WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR

Battery Acid

f

9

Parts Bag
Steering Boot

(2) Keys

15° Slope Instruction

m

steering Wheel Adapter

Battery Caps and
Instructions

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects
thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam
age Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before start
ing your tractor and while moving We recommend Wide Vi
sion Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety
glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores

Steering Wheel Insert

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

BATTERY

BATTERY

TERMINALS

SEAT

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

(2) Wing Nut 1/4-20

(2) Hex Bolt 1/4-20x3/4 (2) Lock Washer 1/4

O

{2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga

(1) Adjustment Boll

(2) Hex Nut 1/4-20

STEERING

BUSHING

STEERING

WHEEL

(1) Washer 17/32 x

1-3/16 x 12 Ga

(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18

(2) Sheet Metal Screw 10-16 x 1/2 ABTBS

1. Pr^iare Banery

ASSEMBLY

Fill and charge battery {before installing)- NOTE: SEE DE
TAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WITH BATTERY
VENT CAPS FOUND IN BAG OF PARTS.

a. Fill each cell with battery acid. Add the acid until it

reachesihe bottom of the vent tubes (Fig. 1}, Do not
add the acid beyond this level or the additional acid
can come out when the battery is charged

b. After cells are filled, tilt battery from side to side to

release air bubbles.

c. Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty

minutes. If the level of acid falls below the point de
scribed in step (a), add more acid until the correct

level is reached. Install the battery caps, found in the
bag of parts, to coverthe vent tubes. Wash!he top of
the battery with water to remove any acid, then wipe
dry.

d. Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no

damage has occurred in handling

e. Neutralize excess battery ackJ for disposal by add

ing it to 2 gallons (7 litres) of water in a five gailon (20
litres) plastic container. Stirwith a wooden or plastic
paddle while adding baking soda until the addition of
more soda causes no more foaming

f. it is recommended that the battery be charged be

fore use. Use a 12 volt battery charger Charge bat
tery at a rate of 6 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: OB
SERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, LISTED IN BOX
ABOVE, REQUIRED FOR BATTERY CHARGING.
Check the acid level after the battery is charged. If
the acid has fallen below the correct level, add dis
tilled or iron free water

2. Unpack Tractor

a. Cut down four comers of the carton with utility knife

and fold down sides.

b. Disengage parking brake and position front wheels

straight ahead (see page 9)

c Install steering wheel

Slide the steering bushing over the steering

1.

shaft (Fig, 2).
Position steering shaft forward until screw hoies

in dash line up with steering bushing install two
(2) screws (Fig 2)

Position steering boot over steering shaft

3.

Place bottom of steering boot over two slots in

4,

dash (Fig 2)

1/2" NUT

2 -1/4” DIA. WASHER s

STEERING WHEEL ^

SCREW-

STEERING
WHEEL
ADAPTER

STEERING

BOOT

STEERING
BUSHING

STEERING SHAFT

(REC’D. POSITION)

STEERING SHAFT
(INST. POSITION)

FIGUREZ

5 Push steering boot down into aligning slofe on

dash­6 Place steering wheel adapter on steering shaft
7 With front wheels pointed straight ahead, place

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

ASSEMBLY

SHOULDER
BOLT

ADJUSTMENT

BOLT LOCK

WASHER

Fiauma

POSITIVE WASHER

TERMINAL

FLAT
WASHER

WASHER NEGATIVE

TERMINAL

3. Install Seat
a. Remove cardboard from seat pan.
b Place seal on seat pan. Screw adpstment bolt, lock

washer and flat washer into seat (Fig. 3). ^rew
shoulder bolt into seat (Fig. 3). Adjustment bolt,
shoulder bolt and washers found in bag of parts
(shown full size on page 6).

c. Tighten shoulder bolt using a 1/2" wrench. NOTE:

THE SHOULDER BOLT WILL BE LOOSE IN THE
SEAT PAN SLOT.

d Tighten adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat wash

er securely.

NOTE: SEAT POSITION SHOULD BE ADJUSTED FOR

WARD OR BACKWARD SO THAT THE OPERA

TOR CAN COMFORTABLY REACH CLUTCH/

BRAKE PEDAL AND SAFELY OPERATE TRAC

TOR.

e Place seat in operating position. Sit on the seat and

press clutch/brake pedal all the way down, if operat

ing position is not comfortable, adjust seat.

f. To adjust: raise seal. Loosen adjustment bolt. Slide

seat to desired position. Tighten adjustment bolt se

curely.

POSITIVE
CABLE

(RED)

FIGURES

WING NUT

BATTERY

TRAY

FIGURES

d.
e
f

NEGATIVE
CABLE

HEX NUTS''

TERMINAL
GUARD

BATTERY
DRAIN TUBE

8 Place 2 1/4” diameterwasheron steering shaft

and install a 1/2" locknut (washer and locknut
found in bag of parts) Tighten securely.

9. Snap insert into steering wheel
Remove plastic on tractor hood.

Raise attachment lift handle (see page 9)

Roll Tractor off skid. Be careful of staples in skid

WING NUT

BATTERY
BOLT

ACCESS
DOORS

KEY

HOLE

ADJUSTMENT BOLT, LOCK WASHER
AND FLAT WASHER MUST BE TIGHT

A

4. Check Tires

Check the air pressure in the tires. Tires with too much air
pressure will cause the unit to ride tough. The wrong air
pressure will also keep the mower from cutting level. The
correct air pressure is shown on the side of the tires, if the air

ressure is not shown, set to pressures shown in the RE

P

AIR AND ADJUSTMENT section (page 14).

S. Install Battery

A

A

ENED SECURELY TO PREVENT MOVE
MENT OF SEAT.

BEFORE INSTALLING BATTERY. RE
MOVE METAL BRACELETS, WRIST
WATCH BANDS, RINGS, ETC. FROM
YOUR PERSON. TOUCHING THESE
ITEMS TO BATTERY TERMINALS
COULD RESULT IN BURNS.

WEAR EYE AND PACE SHIELD.
WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IMMEDI

ATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY IN CONTACT
WITH BATTERY ACID.

DO NOT SMOKE. FUMES FROM
CHARGED BATTERY ACID ARE EX
PLOSIVE.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED
WITH THE BATTERY VENT CAPS IN
THE BAG OF PARTS. ALWAYS WEAR
GLOVES, CLOTHING AND GOGGLES
TO protect your HANDS, SKIN AND

EYES.

8

ASSEMBLY

a Lift seal (Fig 3)
b Lower battery into fender well with battery terminals

toward front of tractor {Fig 4) Make sure battery
rests in battery tray (Fig 5)

NOTE: BE SURE BATTERY DRAIN TUBE IS SECURELY

ATTACHED TO BATTERY TRAY DRAIN (Fig 5)

POSITIVE TERMINAL MUST BE CON
NECTED FIRST TO PREVENT SPARKS

A

FROM ACCIDENTAL GROUNDING.

Connect RED battery cable to positive {+) battery
terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and

hex nut (shown full size on pg 6) found in bag of
parts Tighten securely with two 7/16" wrenches
(Fig 4)

d Connect BLACK ground cable to negative (-) bat

tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer,
lock washer and hex nut (shown full size on pg 6)
found in bag of parts Tighten securely (Fig 4),

e To prevent corrosion, apply grease to the battery

terminals after installing cables.

f Slide two battery bolts through terminal guard and

start the wing nuts onto the threads (Fig 5)

g Position terminal guard over battery as shown (Fig

5) and align bolt heads with key holes next to battery
tray (Fig,5)

h Lower boll heads into key holes and slide square

shafts of bolts into slots of key holes (Fig, 5)
i Tighten wing nuts
j Close terminal access doors

CAUTION:

DO NOT START ENGINE UNTIL YOU HAVE
REVIEWED THE OPERATION SECTION OF
THIS MANUAL

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Push lever up to engage
attachment There will be an engine hesitation as the clutch
engages

ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Use the attachment lift lever
to raise and lower the attachment rrounted to your tractor.
Pul! lever back slightly and push button, then move the lift
lever forward to lower attachment

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: The pedal has 2 lunctions; a
clutch and a brake To engage the brake push the pedal
completely down

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Use the height adjustment slots
to adjust the mower height. Push the attachment lift lever
plunger down and position the attachment lilt lever into the
desired slot Release lilt lever plunger

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

IGNITION: Place key in ignition and turn to the right to start
The switch spring returns from the start position

LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and off
PARKING BRAKE: To set the parking brake, push the

clutch/brake pedal completely down. Hold the parking brake
lever in "Engage" position and release pressure from pedal
Clutch/brake pedal will remain in brake position.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Use the throttle control to
increase or decrease the speed of the engine, and to choke
the engine for starting Push lever to the right andfonwardto
choke

NEUTRAL LOCKOUT POSITION: Transmission is disen
gaged when gearshift lever is in tWs position.

OPERATION

AIR SCREEN

IGNITION KEY

1. Stopping Your Tractor

NOTE; REMOVE KEY WHEN LEAVING TRACTOR TO

PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED USE:

a Push clutch-brake pedal into lull “BRAKE" position.

Keep your foot on pedal (Fig 7).

b Place attachment clutch lever in "DISENGAGED"

position.

c. Move gear shift lever tp “NEUTRAL" position.

d. Lift up to place parking brake in "ENGAGED" posi

tion (Fig. 10) and release pressure from clutch/
brake. Pedal should remain in "BRAKE" position.

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

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

to stop engine,

2. Preparing the Engine

LEARN TO STOP YOUR TRACTOR BE

FORE ATTEMPTING TO START THE EN

A

a This engine has been shipped filled with summer

Changing oil after the first two hours (or two mowings) will
help eliminate break-in residue which might be damaging to
your engine

b Fill fuel tank (Fig. 6). Use fresh, clean, regular un

GINE.

weight oil (For cold weather operation see chart

page 16). Check engine oil level. Refer to REPAIR
AND ADJUSTMENT section (page 16)

leaded gasoline. Capacity is 5 quarts (4.73 litres).

NOTE: FRESH. CLEAN WINTER GRADE FUEL MUST

BE USED TO INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING

FILL TO BOTTOM OF GAS TANK
FILLER NECK. DO NOT OVERFILL.

WIPE OFF ANY SPILLED OIL OR FUEL.

A

CAUTION:

DO NOT STORE, SPILL OR USE GASO
LINE NEAR AN OPEN FLAME.

EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL
BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR
USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN AT
TRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO
SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS
DURING STORAGE, ACIDIC GAS CAN
DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF ANY EN
GINE WHILE IN STORAGE.

TO AVOID ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE FUEL
SYSTEM SHOULD BE EMPTIED BEFORE
STORAGE FOR 30 DAYS OR LONGER

DRAIN THE GAS TANK. START THE EN

GINE AND LET IT RUN UNTIL THE FUEL

LINES AND CARBURETOR ARE EMPTY,
USE FRESH FUEL NEXT SEASON. SEE
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDI
TIONAL INFORMATION

NEVER USE ENGINE OR CARBURETOR
CLEANER PRODUCTS IN THE FUEL TANK
OR PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.

10

3. starting the Engine

a. Move throttle control lever (Fig, 7) past "FAST” to

the “CHOKE" position.
b. Fully depress clutch/brake pedal
c. Turn ignition key to “START" and release key as

soon as engine starts

CAUTION: DO NOT RUN STARTER CONTINUOUSLY

FOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN SECONDS PER
MINUTE.

d. If engine does not start alter (our or fiYe tries, move

throttle control lever to “FAST* position, wait a few

minutes and try again It the engine does not start
after four or five more tries, see the
TROUBLESHOOTING Chart (page 25}

e. After the engine starts move throttle control lever

slowly to the “SLOW" position

I To start a hot engine move the throttle control lever

to a position between “FAST and “SLOW"

OPERATION

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH
LEVER “ENGAGED"

POSITION

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH / LIFT LEVER

LEVER “DISENGAGED" PLUNGER
POSITION

LIFT LEVER

"HIGHEST"
POSITION

LIFT LEVEF

“LOWEST"
POSITION

READ THE "RULES FOR SAFE OPERA

TION" CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERAT

ING YOUR MOWER.
DO NOT OVER LOAD TRACTOR BY

TOWING WEIGHTS GREATER THAN
150 POUNDS (68 KG).

ALWAYS WEAR SUBSTANTIAL FOOT

A

WEAR AND AVOID LOOSE FITTING
CLOTHING THAT COULD GET
CAUGHT IN MOVING PARTS.

DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITH
OUT EITHER THE ENTIRE GRASS
CATCHER, ON MOWERS SO
EQUIPPED, OR THE DEFLECTOR
SHIELD IN PLACE.

CAUTION

TO AVOID INJURY

1. Read owner’s manual.

2. Know location and function of alt controls.

3. Keef) guards, safety shield and switches in place and
working.

4. Remove objects that can be thrown by blades.

5. Do not mow when children and others are around.

6 Never carry children or passengers.

7. Always look behind machine before backing.

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

9. If machiné stops going uphill, stop blades and back

slowly down.

10. Be sure blades and engine have stopped before placing
hands or feet near the blades.

11. Remove key when leaving machine .

R.H. RUNNER

DISCHARGE

GUARD

WHEN PARKING BRAKE IS ENGAGED,

MAKE SURE IT WILL KEEP TRACTOR
FROM MOVING.

A

NEVER PLACE YOUR HANDS OR FEET
IN OR UNDER ANY POWERED ATTACH
MENT OR NEAR ANY MOVING PART
WHILE TRACTOR OR ANY POWERED
ATTACHMENT IS RUNNING.

4. Operating Your Lawn Tractor and Mower

NOTE: THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPERA

TOR PRESENCE SENSING SWITCH. ANY AT
TEMPT BY THE OPERATOR TO LEAVE THE
SEAT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ENGAGED WILL
SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.

CAUTION: DO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL WEIGHT

TO THE TRACTOR OTHER THAN THE OP
TIONAL WHEEL WEIGHTS. EXCESSIVE
WEIGHT MAY OVERLOAD AND DAMAGE THE
TRANSAXLE,

a Depress lift lever plunger and move the attachment

lift lever to the highest position See Fig 8.
b Start the engine. (See Starting the Engine)
c Move the throttle lever to mid range position. Fully

depress clutch/brake pedal. Select a low (Is! or 2nd)

gear until you become more familiar with the opera

tion of the unit

11

FIGURES

OPERATION

r

figure 9

FUNCTION

Normal

Mowing

Heavy Mowing

Snow Blowing

r

c

«

................

SPEED SELECTION GUIDE

...

: "

GEARSHIFT

2 or 3

1 or 2

1

. j

)

j

THROTTLE

‘

Ì9>

FAST

- '

Ì

/

a. Mower should be adjusted properly front to back

and side to side for good mowing performartce. Re
fer to REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT section {page

22)

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

blade cuts approximately an irrch outside the runner

(Fig. 8).

c Drive so that clippings are discharged onto thè 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.

d.

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

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice
The first time cut relatively high; the second time to
the desired height

The left hand side of mower should be used for trim

f,

ming.
See Speed Selection Guide (above)

g

Do not mow tall, dry (brown) grass over 6 inches

h.

(15 24 cm) tail It is a fire hazard

6. Operating the Tractor on Hills

4-5

2

SLOW-

FAST

Snow Blade

Transport

d. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and proceed to

the mowing area.

e Stop the unit, then select a mowing speed {See

Speed Selection Guide, page 12).

f. Move throttle lever to half throttle and slowly move

attachment clutch lever to engaged position, Fig 8
g Slowly release clutchA)rake pedal
h Move throttle lever to fast position

i Observe height of cut and readjust as desired (see

page 9)

CAUTION: BEFORE YOU MOVE THE GEARSHIR

LEVER, COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.

FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN GEAR

BOX DAMAGE

5. Mowing Tips

NOTE: TIRE CHAINS CANNOT BE USED WITH THE

MOWER ATTACHED.

DO NOT DRIVE UP OR DOWN HILLS

WITH SLOPES GREATER THAN 15“

AND DO NOT DRIVE ACROSS ANY

A

a. Move gearshift lever to 1st" gear before starting up

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

SLOPE. REFER TO PAGE 51.

or down hills

to slower position

LEAVE ENOUGH ROOM WHEN STOP
PING AND STARTING TO ALLOW
SLIGHT TRACTOR ROLL DOWNHILL

A

e To restart tractor movement, make sure tractor is in

f Make all turns gradually

AS CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL MOVES
THROUGH CLUTCH POSITION.

If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/
brake pedal quickly to brake position.

the lowest speed range (“1st" Gear) and release
ciutch/brake pedal SLOWLY.

7. Transporting Your Tractor

For pushing or towing your tractor, place gearshift lever

in “N" positon Do not tow or push at more than 6 MPH

(9 7KPH),

12

To kmpyourtmctorrunning better and longer,

perform necessary service using the follow

ing maintenance schedule:

WITH EVERY MOWING
1 Make sure all nuts on bolts are tight and cotter pins and

retainer springs are secure
2 Observe all safety precautions,
3 Keep tractor well lubricated (refer to page 24)
4 Make sure areas around muffler, engine and mower

deck are clean and free of debris buildup.

MAINTENANCE

FOR ANY ADJUSTMENTS, INSPEC

TION OH MAINTENANCE:

1. PUSH TRACTOR CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL COMPLETELY INTO
"BRAKE" POSITION.

2. MOVE gearshift TO "N” NEUTRAL
POSITION.

3. PLACE PARKING BRAKE IN “EN

GAGED” POSITION. REMOVE FOOT
FROM PEDAL.

4. PLACE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH
LEVER IN "DISENGAGED" POSI

TION.

A

5. TURN IGNITION KEY TO "OFF" PO

SITION.

6. MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE THE
BLADES AND ALL MOVING PARTS
HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED.

7. REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY.

8. DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG

WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG AND
KEEP WIRE AWAY FROM THE PLUG
TO PREVENT INJURY FROM ACCI
DENTAL STARTING. BE CAREFUL

TO AVOID TOUCHING HOT ENGINE

OR MUFFLER COMPONENTS.

SERVICE RECORD

FILL IN DATES

Change Engine Oil

Check Brake Operatton
Check Tire Pressure

Clean Air Screen
Clean Air Cleaner
Lubricate Pivot Points (see page 24)

Check Battery Level and Recharge
Clean Battery and Terminals
Carburetor Adjustment
V-Belt Adjustment
Clean Engine Cooling Fins
Chedt Muffler

Replace Air Cleaner Paper Cartridge

Replace Spark Plug
Replace Fuel Filter

REGULAR SERVICE ocnviuc i co

|/

✓

DATES

✓

✓

✓

✓

Adjust Valves

13

REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT

HUB CAP WASHERS

SQUARE KEY
(REAR TIRE ONLY)

FIGURE 11

1. Brake Adjustment

This tractor is equif^jed with an adjustable brake system
mounted on the ngnt side of the fransaxle (F^. 10).

IF TRACTOR REQUIRES MORE THAN
SIX FEET (1.8 METERS) STOPPING

A

a Depress ciutch/brake pedal and engage parking
b Measure distance between brake operating arm
c. If distance is other than 1-1/2" (3.81 cm), loosen

Road lest tractor for proper stopping distance as stated
above Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still
greater than 6 feet (18 meters) in highest gear, further
maintenance is necessary Contact your local Sears Serv

ice Center

DISTANCE IN HIGHEST GEAR, THEN
BRAKE MUST BE ADJUSTED.

brake. . .
and nut “A” on brake rod,

jam nut (Fig. 10) and turn nut until distance be

comes 1-1/2” (3 81 cm). Retighten jam nut against
nut “A".

2, Tire Care

a Maintain tire pressure in front at 14 PSt (1Kg/cm^)

and rear tires at 10 PSI (0.7 Kg/cm'')

b Keep tires free of gasoline, oil. or insect control

chemicals which can harm rubber

c Avoid stumps, stones, deep mfs, sharp objects and

other hazards that may cause tire damage

d, Removing wheel for lire repair (Fig 11).

1 Block up axle securely

2. Remove hub cap, klip ring and washer to allow
wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square

key - Do Not Lose).

3. Repair lire and reassemble. Align slots in rear
wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. Re

place washers and snap klip ring securely in
axle groove. Replace hub cap.

NOTE: USE GREASE FITTINGS TO LUBRICATE FRONT

WHEELS WITH GENERAL PURPOSE GREASE.
APPLY AN ANTI-SEIZE OR GOOD GENERAL

PURPOSE GREASE TO LUBRICATE REAR AX
LES,

3. Blade Care

For best resutts,nvDwer blades must be kept sharp, The
blades can be sharpened with a few strokes of a file, or on a
grinding wheel. We suggest they be sharpened after every
25 hours of mowing Do not attempt to sharpen while on

mower. If you mow in sandy soil check the blades after each
two mowings The sand wears the blades away rapidly

a Blade Replacement

Raise mower to highest position to permit access lo

blades

1. Remove the hex head bolt, lockwasher and flat
washer (Fig 12) (turn counterclockwise)

2. Retrave and discard old blade

3. Clean top and bottom of mower housing
4 Install new blade with SHARP EDGE DOWN

and secure with flat washer, lockwasher and
hex head bolt. TIGHTEN SECURELY.

A GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED
BOLT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY
THREE LINES ON THE BOLT
HEAD AS SHOWN AT LEFT.

14

A

ALWAYS USE GRADE 5 HEAT

TREATED BOLTS TO ATTACH

BLADES. DO NOT USE PLATED BOLTS.
CHECK BOLTS IN BLADES OCCASION
ALLY TO MAKE SURE BOLTS ARE
TIGHT. TORQUE BOLTS TO 30-35
FT.-LBS (41-47 Nm).

b. When grinding, care should be taken to maintain

blade balance and the blade should be checked for
proper balance before réinstallation on mower. An
unbalanced or bent blade will cause excessive vi
bration when running, and eventual damage to
mower or engine. Replace bent or damaged blades

c. To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or

wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail ex-

osed. Place center hole of clean blade over the

K

ead ot the nail (Fig. 13). NOTE: CENTER HOLE
OF BLADE ON NAIL. IF BLADE IS PROPERLY
BALANCED. BLADE SHOULD REMAIN IN POSI
TION SHOWN IN FIG. 13. IF EITHER END OF THE
BLADE MOVES DOWNWARD. BLADE IS NOT
BALANCED SHARPEN THE HEAVY END UNTIL
BLADE IS BALANCED

4. Battery Care

CHECK BATTERY

a. Battery acid solution level in each battery cell should

be even with bottoms of vent tubes in cells (Fig. 14)
Add ONLY distilled or iron free water if necessary.

NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL,
b. Keep battery and terminals clean,
c Keep battery bolls tight,
d. Keep vent caps light and small vent holes in caps

open.
e. Recharge with auto battery charger.

REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT

BATTERY

NOTE: OVERCHARGING WILL SHORTEN BATTERY

LIFE

CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals cause the
battery to leak” power and hinders the operation of the

charger.

LEAD-ACID BATTERIES GENERATE
EXPLOSIVE GASES. KEEP SPARKS,
FLAME AND SMOKING MATERIALS

A

a Remove terminal guard

b. Disconnect BLACK battery cable, then RED battery

c Wash battery with lour tablespoons (6 grams) of

d. Rinse the battery with plain water, dry and reinstall
e Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire

AWAY FROM BATTERIES. ALWAYS
SHIELD YOUR EYES AROUND BAT
TERIES.____________________________

cable, and remove battery from tractor

baking soda in one gallon (3.8 litres) of water.
NOTE: BECAREFULLNOTTOGETTHESODA

SOLUTION INTO THE CELLS

on tractor
bnjsh until bright

bie to negative terminal Coat terminal connections
with grease after installation of cables,

g Replace terminal guard

5. Change Engine Oil

The best time to change engine oil is at the end of a day's
operation when all dirt and foreign materiais are suspended

in the hot oil
Capacity is 1 quart (.94 litres). NOTE: DONOTOVERFILL.

Dipstick assembly must be securely tightened into tube at
ail times when engine is operating. 15

REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT

AIR

a Remove oil drain plug to drain engine oil. Tighten

plug securely before filling with fresh oil.

b Add oil through the oil filler cap/dipstick (Fig. 15).

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAP
AND DIPSTICK

AIR CLEANER
COVER

^CARTRIDGE j ^ rbER

‘ ‘ WASHERS

NUTS

FOAM

ELEMENT

T -20“

“C -29“

100“

38“

e. Check Engine Oil Level

NOTE: DO NOT CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL WITH EN

Several minutes after stopping engine, check engine oil
level with tractor on level ground. Wipe dipstick (Fig, 15)
clean, screw it down tight tor a few seconds, remove and
read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL" mark is
reached (See chart above) NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL.

GINE RUNNING

7. Clean Air Cleaner Element (Fig. 16)

a. Remove two wing nuts and remove air cleaner

cover.

b- Remove foam pre-deaner.

1. Wash prifr“Cleaner in liquid detergent and warm

water to rerrove dirt.

2. Wrap pre-cleaner in ctoth and squeeze dry.

3. Wipe foam with a light coat of engine oil. Do not
saturate. Squeeze in rag or towel to remove ex
cess oil.

c Remove two nuts from lop of cartridge,
d Remove cartridge and dean air deaner body care

fully to prevent dirt from entering carburetor.

e. Clean cartridge by gentiy tapping on flat surface. If

very dirty, replace cartridge.

f. Reassemble air cleaner.

NOTE: NUTS HOLDING AIR CLEANER CARTRIDGE

NOTE: NEVER RUN ENGINE WITH AIR CLEANER RE

MUST BE INSTALLED WITH FIBER WASHERS
DOWN ON CARTRIDGE PUTE TO PREVENT
DIRT FROM ENTERING CARBURETOR.

TIGHTEN NUTS BY HAND. OVER TIGHTENING

COULD COLLAPSE CARTRIDGE.

MOVED

AIR CLEANER
BODY

FIGURE 16

IMPORTANT: TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE STARTING

SYSTEM. USE SAE 5W30 OIL WHEN
THE TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW
32°F (0°C).

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

Determine temperature range expected before next oil
change All oil must meet API, service classification SD, SE
or SR

8. Clean Air Cleaner and Engine Cooling Fins

ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND FACE PRO
TECTION WHEN USING COMPRESSED
AIR.

Air screen and cooling fins (Figs. 16 and 17} must be kept
free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from over

heating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to re
move dirt and dried gum fibers,

Remove hood (page 20).

a.

Remove air deaner cover (Fig. 16).

b
c

Remove 3 screws securing air cleaner body (Fig.

17) and remove. (Covercarburetorto prevent entry

of dirt.)

Remove oil dipstick and cover opening to prevent

entry of dirt.

Remove 3 screws from blower housing and lift
housing off engine (Fig 17),

16