Craftsman 917255160 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

,H =1=1 i =,

917.255160

Caution:
Read and follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

®

12.0 HP OHV
ELECTRmC START

38" MOWER DECK
5 SPEED TRANSAXLE

LAWN TRACTOR

oAssembay
, Operation

- Customer ResponsibiUitDes
oService and Adjustment

Repair Parts

............... , , i,,, ,,, === ==III=I==I=I=IH=IIH,= H =I=l=

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

H i ==,=1==1== ,H,,

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLEOF AMPUTATING HANDSAND FEE]" AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE TH E FOLLOWING SAFETY iNSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

i. GENERAL OPERATION
. Road, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual

and on the machine before starting.

o Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the

instructions, to operate the machine,,

= Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etco,

which could be picked up and thrown bythe blade.

o Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing. Stop

machine if anyone enters the area,.
o Never carry passengers.,
o 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,

o Turn off blades when not mowing_

o 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 rdadways,

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

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Stopes are a major factorrelated to loss-of-controland tipover
accidents, whichcan result in severe injuryor death° All slopes

require extracaution. Ifyoucannot back uptheslopeorifyoufeet
uneasy on it,do not mow it.

DO:

o Mow up and down slopes, not across.
° Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree !labs, etc..
o Watch for holes ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the each no. Tallgrass can hide obstacles,

• Use slowspeed. Choose alowgear sothatyouwiltnothave
to stop or shift while on the slopeo

, Follow the manufacturer's recornmendationsfor wheel

weightsor counterweights to improvestabitity_

, Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.

These canchange the stability of the machine..

o Keep all movement on the slopessfowand gradual. Do not

i11. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the

presence ofchildren° Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain

where you last saw them.
° Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful

care of another responsibfe adult,,

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
o Before and when backing, look behind and down for smaU

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 extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV, SERVICE
. Use extra care inhandling gasoline and etherfuels, They are

flammable and vapors are explosive.

Use only an approved container°
Never remove gas cap oi 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

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

= Never run a machine inside a closed area.
o Keep nuts and bolts especially blade attachment bolts, tight

and keep equ pment n good cond tien°

° Never tamper with safety devices_ Check their proper

operation regulady_

o Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris buifd-up_

Clean oil or fuel spilrage, Allow machine to cool before
storing.

= Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object,,

Repair, if necessary, before restarting,,

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running_
= Grasscatcher'components are subject towear, damage, and

deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow

objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace withmanufacturer's recommen dad parts, when nec-

essary.

= Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them°

° Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

required.

make sudden changes inspeedordirectionu

,, Avoid starting orstopping ona slope_ iftires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceedslowtystraight down the
siopeo

DO NOT"

, Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary andthen turnstowly

tant safety precautions. It means

Look for this symbol to point out impor-

CAUTIONH! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

and gradualfydownhill, ifpossible.

, Donot mow near drop-offs, ditches, orembankments, The

mower could suddenly turn over if awheel is overthe edge

of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.

• Donot tryto stabilize the machine by putting yourfootonthe

ground..

_ plug wireand place wire where itcannot

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
contact spark plug in order to prevent

accidental startinl] when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

o Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes..

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Tractor° it has been designed, engineered and manu-
factured to give you the best possible dependability and

performance_
Should you experience any problem youcannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service
CentedDepartmento We have competent, well-trained

technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this
unit,

Please read and retain this manual° The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your unit properly.

Always observe the SAFETY RULES ,,

MODEL
NUMBER 917,255160

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 12.0

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL (1 QUART): SAE 30 (ABOVE32°F)

5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

SPARK PLUG (GAP+030IN ): CHAMPIONRL86C

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE ,002 IN

EXHAUST ,,004IN

GROUND SPEED: FORWARD

tst 1 10 MPH

2nd 200 MPH
3rd 300 MPH

4th 4,20 MPH
5th 5 00 MPH

REVERSE:150 MPH

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: t4 PSI

REAR: 12 PSI

CHARGING SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

3 AMPS BATTERY

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 30+35 FT LBS

WARNING: Th!s unit is equ!pped with an internalcombus +

A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable on this prod-
uct, Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules+
° Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and

using your unit,

Follow the instructions under "Customer ResponsibilF

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

tion engine ano should not be use{] on or near any unim-
proved forest-covered t brush-covered or grass-covered

land unless the engine s exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws {if

any)_ tf a spark arrester Jsused, it should be maintained =n
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 laws, Federal laws apply on

federal land& A spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center

(See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual),

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT

For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this riding equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the
instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wil! repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or

workmanship

This Warranty does not cover:

o Expendable itemswhich becomewornduring normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts.
° Tire replacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfrom outside objects, such as nails,thorns, stumps, or glass.

o Repairs necessary because of operatorabuse,negligence, improper storage or accident or the failure to maintainthe

equipment according tothe instructionscontained in the owner's manual

= Ridingequipment usedfor commercial or rentalpurposes..

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For90 days from date ofpurchase, ifany battery included with this ridingequipment provesdefective inmaterialorworkmanship
and our testing determines the battery will not hold-8charge, Searswill replacethebatteryatno charge

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE RIDING EQUIPMENT TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE

CENTER!DEPARTMENT 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

Sear, Roebuck and Co+, D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.Ao

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................ 3

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 4

INDEX ............................................................................ 4

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

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

iNDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

Brake ............................................ 21

Carburetor ...........................................24

Mower

Front-To-Back .......................... 19

Side-To-Side ............................ 18

Throttle Control Cable ..............i .o._24

Air Fitter, Engine ................................ 16

Ai_ Screen, Engine .............................. 16

Assembty ........................................... 7-9

B

Battery:

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

Cleaning .............................. 16

Installation ...................................... 9

Levels ................................. 8,16

Preparation ................................. 8

Starting with Weak Battery ............22

Storage .............................................. 25

Terminals ..........................................16

Belt:

Motion Drive

Removal/Replacement ............2I

Mower Blade Drive

Removal/Replacement ............20

Blade:

Sharpening .............................. t 5

Replacement .............................. 15

Brake Adjustment ...................................21

C

Customer Responsibilities ............ 14-17

Air Filter ........................................ 16

Air Screen, Engine ...........................16

Battery ......................................... 16

Blade .....................................................15

Cooling Fins, Engine .................... 17

Engine 0il ....................................... 16

Fuel Filtel ....................................... 17

Lubrication Chart ......................... 14

Schedule ...........................................14

Spark Plugs .................................... 17

Tire Care ................................ 8,15,22

Carburetor Adjustment ..................... 23

Controls, Tractor ............................. 10

Cutting Height, Mower ....................... 11

Electrical:

Interlocks and Relays ................... 22

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

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

Engine:

Air Filter ........................................... 16

Air Screen ....................................... 16

Cooling Fins, Engine ............... 17

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

OilLevel................................... 12,16

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

Preparation ............................... 12

Repair Parts ..............................46-49

Starting ........................................ 13

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

Filter:

Air Filter ............................................16

Fuel ................................................. 17

Fuel:

Type ................................................12

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

Fuse .......................................................22

Hood Removal/Installation .................. 22

Leveling Mower Deck ................... 18-19

Lubrication:

Chart..................................................14

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Back .......... 19

Adjustment, Side4o-Side ...............18

Blade Sharpening ..............................16

Blade Replacement ....................... 15

Cutting Height ................................11

Installation ...................................... 18

Operation ......................................... t2

Removal ........................................t8

Mowing Tips ........................................... 13

Muffler ..................... :............................. 17

Spark At rester ................... 338

Oil:

Cold Weather Conditions ..... 12,16

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

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

OPERATION .......................................................... 10-13

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................... 14-17

SERVICE AND ADJ USTMENTS ............................ 18-23

STORAGE ................................................................... 24

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................... 25-26

REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................. ,.............. 28-45

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 46-49

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................. BACK PAGE

E

Operation .........................................10-13

Operating Mower .....................................12

Options:

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

Spark Arrester .............................3,38

P

Parking Brake ................................ 10-11

PartsBag .......................................................6

Parts, Replacement/Repair ................ 28-49

Product Specifications ............................. 3

R

Repair Parts ........................................30_51

F

H

L

M

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

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

Service and Adjustments .............. 18-23

Carburetor ....................................... 23

Fuse .............................................22

Hood Removal/Installation .............22

Motion Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement .............20

Mower Blade Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement ........... 20

Mower Adjustment

Front- to-Back .......................... 19

Side-to-Side .............................. 18

Mower Removat ..............................18

Tire Care ......................................8,15,21

Slope Guide Sheet ................................ 51

Spark Plugs ............................................. 17

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

Starting the Engine ........................ 12-13

steering Wheel ................................... 7,21

Stopping the Tractor ............................... 11

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

S

T

Throttle Control Cable

Adjustment ..........................................23

Tires ......................................................8,15,21

Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 25-26

Transaxle:

Repair Parts .............................. 44-45

O

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

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

Wiring Schematic ................................ 29

W

4

ACCESSORIES AN ATTACHMENTS

i, ii i ii ,,,i, ii .................... i iii1,11

These accessories and attachments were available when the tractor was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail outIets,
catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor°

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR RLTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STAB|UZER

PERFORMANCE

Sears offers awide variety ofattachments that fit your trastor,. Many ofthese are listed below withbrief explanations of how they can help
you. This list was current at the time of publication; however, it may change infuture years - more attachments may be added, changes

may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be avai{able or fit your me:teL 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.

MAINTENANCE

BLADES BELTS

PERMANEX BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and

leaves for a healthier, nester looking Iawm Two Permanex

containers hold 30-gallon plastic bags.

LAWN SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and ieavaso
LAWN VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and

leaves° Wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach
places°

CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes available.
ROLLER for smoother lawn sudace, 36-inch wide, 18-inch

dtameterwater-t[ght drumholds upto3901bs, ofweighto Rounded
edges prevent harm to tuff Adjustable scraper automatically

cleans drum.
SPREADERtSEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed

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

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 tb. capacity weight tray_
AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn. Ta-

pered 2.5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs
puncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in
Steel weight tray for increased penetration.

MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and
matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup Twenty spring tine

teeth° Usefultopreparebare areasforseeding. Availableforfront

or rear mounting.
SPRAYERS use 12-vott DC electric motor that connects to the

tractor battery or other 12-volt source. Includes booms for

automatic spraying when pulling, and hand held wand for spot
spraying_ Wand has adjustable spray pattern° For applying

herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and liqu d fertilizers.

SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14-inch high, 42-inch
widebladeclears38-inchpath when angled left or right, Raises,

lowerswith side lever. Adjustable skids; rejolaceabte,reversible
scraperbar. (Usewithtire chains,wheelweights, or rear drawbar

weighL)
SNOWTHROWERhas40-inchswath°Drum-typeaugerhandles

powdery and wet/heavy snow. Mounts easily with simple pin
arrangement.rDischargechute adjustsfrom tractor seat° 6-inch
diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50feet° Lift controlled at

tractor seat. (Use with chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight°)

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

links give smooth ride, outstanding traction°

WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snow removal ordozing heavymaterials Inpairs. (30Ibs each.)

TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubularsteel
frame,ABSplastictop; clearplasticwindshield offers 360 degree
visibitity_ Hinged metaldoors with catch. Keeps operator warm

and dry. Removevinylandwindshields for use as sun protector
in summer. (Catalog only.)

Optional accessories for tractor cab: tinted/tempered solid
safety glass windshield with handoperatedwiper; 12-vott amber
caution light for mounting oncab top° (Catalog only.)

TRACTOR COVER protects tractor from weather° Made of

Evolution 3 fabric (water-repellent, extremely breathable, light

weight, soft, non-abrasive pliable in all temperatures, durable,
sta n/tear/puncture resistant, will notshrink orstretch.) (Catalog

only..)

TILLER has 5hp engine and36-inchswathtoprepare seedbeds,
cultivate, andcompost garden residue. Tiller has its own built-in

liftanddepth control systemanddoes NOT require asleeve hitch.
Fits any lawn, yard, or garden tractor. Simply hook up to the

tractor drawbar and go!

......................... I'M'UUU " I ..... ,, ' ...... IIU I= .................

CONTENTS OF PACK

.................... i,, inn n .......................................... i' i i,l,,u, j[i,ii,,u,,, i

nlnnl ii n i, i IIInUIIlU ......................... i I

Parts Bag contents shown full size

ii, ii iiiii ii i i iiiii i iiiiii1,1,1

Parts packed separately in carton

Metal

(2) Sheet

Sor'ews

x 1/2

(1) Locknut 3/8-24

(1) 2-3/8" Di& Washer

(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 1t2-13 x 1

i

Seat

Steering

Wheel

Steering

Boot

Owner's Manual

u,,nu i

Battery acid

Battery

Parts Bag

Parts bag contents not shown full size

{1) Lock Washer 112

(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Ga.

iiii1,111 inlnlinl I ]/ i ............:

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

(2) Hex Nuts 114- 20

(2) Lock Washers 1/4

(2) Washers 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga_

@

Wheel

Insert

Steering Wheel

Adapter

<_(2) Keys

Steering

Bushing

15° Slope Sheet

iql ,,i ,i

I teering

-_ ........ =j"

i

Battery Caps

and lnstructmns

,,,i,,, i , , _

6

............... i ,i i ,_,u,,.i,,.,_,_,Li,,,=.... M ..........

' ' I''""1 ...... I' "11........ _;;;,;_,;,;,,;_,,;,_

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposeso
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor, all 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) 5/16" wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches

('1) 1/2" wrench
(1) 9/16" wrench

(1) 3/4" wrench

Tire pressure gauge

Screwdriver
Utility knife

When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it

means when you are in the operating position (seated

behind the steering wheel).

TO REMOVE UNiT FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons

from carton (See page 6).

• Cut along dotted lines on carton, from top to bottom, all
four corners of carton and lay panels flaL

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and

remove,,

BEFORE ROLLING UNiT OFF SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

= Slide the steering bushing over the steering shaft.

- Raise steering shaft forward until screw holes in dash
line up with steering bushing Install two (2) sheet
metal screws and tighten securely..

o Position steering boot over steering shaft_
° Place tabs of steering boot over slots in dash and push

down to secure.

o Slide steering wheel adapter onto upper steering shaft,

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

° Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal

(left to right) and slide onto adapter°

° Assemble large flat washer and 3/8-24 hex Iocknut and

tighten securely°

o Snap insert into center of steering wheel°

• Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill,

INSERT

_ 3/8_24 HEX LOCKNUT

,i LARGEFLATWASHER

RINGWHEEL

\ _ _y_LJ" / SHEET

WHEEL I SCREW
ADAPTER

, TABS

STEERING _ _

STEERING SHAFT _ TAB

' ' HOLE

POSITION)

TABSLOT

t

STEERING SHAFT "_ '
(SHIPPING POSITION)

FIG. 1

IMPORTANT: CHECK FORAND REMOVE ANY STAPLES

iN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE UNIT IS

TO ROLL OFF SKID°

TO ROLL UNIT OFF SKID (See Fig. 6)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal

• Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position,

• Roll unit backwards off skid.

= Remove banding holding discharge guard up against

tractor.

7

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield.
Wash hands or clothing immediately if

accidentally in contactwith batteryacid,

Do not smoke. Fumes from charged
battery acid are explosive.

Read the instructions included with the
battery vent caps. Always wear gloves,

clothing and goggles to protect your

hands, skin and eyes.

Your unit has a battery charging system which issufficient
for normal use_ However', periodic chargin.g' of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life_

• See instructions packed with vent caps in parts bag°
o Fill battery with acid. Fill each cell until it reaches the

bottom of the vent wells Do not overfill.

• Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty
minutes After' standing, check the level of acid.. If

below the vent wells, add more acid until the correct

level is reached.

While battery is standing (after adding acid) and later, while
battery is being charged, continue with assembly of unit.

IMPORTANT: TO MAXIMIZE THE LIFE OF YOUR
BATTERY, IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE BATTERY BE

CHARGED BEFORE USE FAILURE TO CHARGE
BATTERY CAN RESULT IN A SHORTENED BATTERY

LIFE.
o Charge battery at a rate of 6 amperes for 1 hour. Use

a 12 volt battery charger. Observe all safety precau-

tions required for' battery charging.

. Check the acid level afterthe battery ischarged, tf the

acid has fallen below the correct level, add distilled or
iron free water'.

o install the vent caps to cover the vent wells. Wash the

top of the battery with water to remove any acid, then
w_pedry°

o Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no

damage has occurred in handling.

o Dispose of excess battery acid. Neutralize acid for

disposal by adding 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 addition of
more soda causes no more foaming.

° Follow instructions on how to install battery.

CUT AWAY VIEW

FIG. 2 8

VENT CAP

BATTERY

CELL ACID
LEVEL

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt,
o Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.

= Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt.

o Assemble adjustment bolt, tockwasher and flat washer

loosely Do not tighten

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

• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached
which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the

way down (See Fig 6).

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position°

° Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.

SEAT

SEAT PAN

SHOULDER

BOLT

•FLAT WASHER

ADJUSTMENT LOCK WASHER

BOLT

FIG. 3

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for

shipping purposes° Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance_

• Reduce tirepressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATION on page 3 of this manual.

S"

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled.. See "TO 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 blade 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 th_e.brake is properly adjusted See TO ADJUST

BRAKE in the Service and Adjustments section of this

manual..