Craftsman 917255275 Owner’s Manual
ISears ]
OWNERS
MANUAL
MODEL NO,
917.255275
Caution:
Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and Instruction s
Carefully
36" RIDING
LAWN TRACTOR
ELECTRIC START
Assembly
Installation
Operation
Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicagor-ffL 60684, USA.
MODEL
NUMBER
SERIAL
NUMBER
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS
WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL
PLATE ATTACHED TO THE CHASSIS
ASSEMBLY_ (REFER TO PAGE 18L
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH MODEL
AND SERIAL NUMBERS AND KEEP
IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE_
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured '
to give you the best possib{e dependability and performance_
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily reme-
dy. please contact your nearest Sears, Roebuck and Co. Store_
They have competent, we_-trained technicians and the proper
tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions wilt enable
you to assemble, operate and maintain your Tractor properly.
Always observe the "RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION".
_> FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY
'=_ ON ELECTRBC START LAWN TRACTOR c_
For one year from the date of purchase,when this Lawn Tractor isusedfor persona]household
purposes, Searswill repair any defect in material or workmanship in this Lawn Tractor, except €;_
the battery, at nocharge°
If this Lawn Tractor is usedfor commercial or rentalpurposes,this warranty applies for only 30
daysfrom the dateof purchase.
FULL 90=DAY WARRANTY Ot=_ BATTERY
For 90 days from the date of purchase,if any battery included with the Lawn Tractor proves
defective in material or workmanship and will not hold a charge, Searswilt replace the battery,
at no charge.
UMBTED WARRANTY ON BATTERY
From the 91st day until one year from the date of purchase,if any battery included with the
Lawn Tractor provesdefective in material or' workmanship andwilt not hold acharge,;Searswill
replacethe battery, charging1/12th of the price of the new battery for each full month from the
date of purchase°
Warranty service is available at your home, at no charge, by simply contacting the nearest Sears
store €.r Service Center throughout the United States,,
This warranty gives you specificlegal rights, and you may alsohave other'rights which vary from
state to state.
Sears,Roebuck and Co.
SearsTower
BSC 41-3
Chicago,IL 60684
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION ........................ 1 TROUBLE SHOOTING ........................ 11
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ................................ 2 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS - MOWER ............. 14
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS - TRACTOR ............... 5 MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS - MOWER ......... 15
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS - TRACTOR ............ 7 REPAI R PARTS .................................. 17
RUILES FOB SAFE OPERATnoN
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 engme s exhaust system is equipped with aspark arrester meeting applicable
local or state laws (if any), tf a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator°
in the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code), Other states may
have similar laws, Federal laws apply on federal lands See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark arrester muffler part
number 673A223.
1, Know the controls and how to stop quickly,, READ THE
OWNER'S MANUAL.
2,. Do not allow children to operate the vehicle. Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction.,
3, Do not carry passengers Keep children and pets a safe dis-
tance away,
4, Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fitting
clothing that could get caught in moving parts,
5, Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower and the
area being cut Don't let other interests distract you..
6. Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when
not in drivers seat,,
Z. Always get on or off your tractor from the operators left
hand side,
8, Clear the work area of objects which might be picked up
and thrown.
9, Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into neutral be-
fore attempting to start the engine.
10, Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine be-
fore leaving the operator's position.
11_ Disengage power to mower, stop the engine and disconnect
spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before cleaning, mak-
ing an adjustment or repairs.
12. Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not
in use.,
13., Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un-
attended, such as disengaging the power-take-off, lowering
the attachments, shifting into neutral, setting the parking
brake, stopping the engine, and removing the key.
14., Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or down-
hill. Mow up and down the face of slopes (not greater than
15°); never across the face°
t5_ Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre-
vent tipping or loss of control, Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes..
t6 Do not shift gears while going up or down slopes. Choose
a gear low enough to negotiate the slope without stopping
and shifting gears To reduce speed, move throttle lever
to slow,
17 Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is um
sure or at a speed which could cause a skid.
18o Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards,
19o 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
deliberately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign
object.,
21,, Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop,.
22, Never place hands or feet under the mower, in the deflector
(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
this owner's manual,
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 flammable°
a, Use approved gasoline containers,,
b, Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline to
a running or hot engine, or fill the fuel tank indoors.
Wipe up spilled gasoline,
c, Open doors if the engine is run in the garage., exhaust
fumes are dangerous, Do not run the engine indoors_
27, Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con-
dition, and keep safety devices in place.
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,
31, Except for adjustment; DO NOT operate Engine if air
cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is re-
moved. Removal of such part could create a fire hazard_
32., DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT A MUFFLER OR TAM-
PER WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM°, Damaged mufflers
or spark arresters could create a fire hazard. Inspect period-
ically and replace if necessary
33, The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and inspect-
ed for damage after striking a foreign object, and the dam-
age should be repaired before restarting and operating the
equipment,
34, Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine,
35,, When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows:
a,, Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light°
b, Never make a cutting height adjustment while the engine
is running if the operator must dismount to do so.
c Shut the engine off when removing the grass catcher or
unclogging chute,
d. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at
frequent intervals,
36. Check the grass catcher bags frequently for wear or deterio-
ration Replace with new bags for safety protection,
37 Do not operate the Mower without either the entire grass
catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in
place,
38. 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,
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS,, IT MEANS - ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED,,
-I-
CUT AWAY VIEW VENT CAP
BATTERY
TUBE
To assembleyour Tractor you will need:
one 3/4" socket wrench and two 7/16" wrenches
NOTE: RIGHT HAND (R,H) AND LEFT HAND (L,.H,)
ARE DETERMINED FROM OPERATORS POSITION
WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR.
ASSEMBLY
1_ Remove Shipping Strap Banding, B_ttery, Steering Wheel
and Bag of Parts,
2, Filling and charging Batter,/ (BEFORE I_STALLING ON
TRACTOR),
WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD, 1'
a, Battery Electrolyte: SEE DETAILED iNSTRUCTIONS
PACKAGED WITH BATTERY
b Fill Battery with electrolyte to bottoms of tubes incells "
(Fig 1)NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL, (OVERFILLING
WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO TRACTOR),
ATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY tN CONTACT|
WITH ELECTROLYTE. /
c, Check level of electrolyte after 30 mlnutes. Add addi-
tional electrolyte if necessary. NOTE: TIGHTEN CAPS
SECURELY,
d. Charge Battery at a rate not exceeding three a_peres
for' about two and one half hours,
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
DO NOT SMOKE, FUMES FROM CHARG-L'!
ED ELECTROLYTE ARE EXPLOSlVE.J
e, Neutralize excess electrolyte for disposal by adding [t to
four inches of water in a five gatlod plastic container
Stir with a wooden or plastic paddle while adding bak-
ing soda until the addition of mo_e soda causesno more
foaming,.
3. Installing Battery using: two Flat Washers, two Wing Nuts
(shown futl size below) and
lii_ligil|{|ltHg .............. L_
two Battery Bolts and Battery Ho_d Down Rod found in
Bag of Parts,.
a, Hook one Battery Bolt into stot in the rear of the Bat-
tery Support (Fig 2) NOTE: SHAPE OF BATI'ERY
BOLT.
b. Place Battery in Battery Tray {Fig_ 2)
c_ Fasten Battery to installed Battery Bolt with the Battery
Hold Down Rod. Washer and Wing Nut (Fig,. 2),.
d_ Hook remaining Battery Bolt to front of Battery Sup-
port and fasten Battery Hold Down Rod to it with re-
maining Fiat Washer and W_ng Nut,, Tighten Wing Nuts
securely by hand {Fig. 3).
NOTE: BE SURE BATTERY DRAIN TUBE iS SECURE-
-2-
LY ATTACHED TO BATTERY TRAY DRAIN (FIG, 3),
4. Connecting Battery Cables using: two Hex Bolts, two Flat
Washers, two Lockwashers and two He× Nuts (shown full
size below) and a Terminal Cover found in Bag of Parts.
@©
ao Position Terminal Cover over RED Battery Cable (Fig.
4),
POSITIVE TERMINAL MUST BE CON-
NECTED FIRST TO PREVENT SPARKS
FROM ACCIDENTAL GROUNDING°
b, Connect RED Battery Cable to Positive (+) Battery Ter-
minal with Hex Bolt. Flat Washer, Lockwasher and Hex
Nut {Fig_ 3). Form Cable in an upward position (Fig_
4) and tighten securely, Place Terminal Cover over Ter-
minal. NOTE: PULL TERMINAL COVER FORWARD
TO ENCLOSE BATTERY TERMINAL (FIG. 5),
c, Connect BLACK Ground Cable to Negative (-) Battery
Terminal with remaining Hex Bolt, Flat Washer, Lock-,
washer, and Hex Nut° Tighten securely (Fig 3)
5, Install Steering Wheel using Flat Washer, Hex Jam Nut
(shown full size below) and
TERMINAL
COVER
@
Steering Wheel Insert found in Bag of Parts,
a, Secure the Steering Wheel to Steering Shaft with Washer
and Hex Jam Nut i.Fig=6) Tighten securely,
b, Install the Steering Wheel Insert
NOTE: A SPARK ARRESTOR MUFFLER (PAGE 23) tS
AVAILABLE AS AN ACCESSORY PART FOR YOUR
TRACTOR,, CHECK LEGAL REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR
AREA,
FIGURE
8NITBAL ADaUSTMENTS
1, REDUCE TIRE PRESSURE TO 14 POUNDS IN FRONT
AND 12 POUNDS IN REAR TIRES. (Tires were overin*
flared for shipping purposes)_
2 Seat position should be adiusted forward or backward so
that operator can comfortably reach Ctutch,.Brake Pedal
(Fig 8).
a, Loosen the Bolt beneath the Seat Spring (Fig. 7), Slide
the seat forward or backward Tighten Bolt securely,
3 Check mower alignment page 13 and a'djust if r_ecessary
FIGURE7
SEAT SPRING
SEAT BOLT
s_
IINgTOAL SERVllCE
NOTE: BE CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT TO ENTER
THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING OIL OR
FUEL
t Pu$t Hood Latches away from Latching Pins (Fig 8)+ Raise
Hood.
2 Check Engine Oil Love] with Tractor on tevel ground+ Re-
move and wipe Dipstick (Fig° 9} clean, screw it in tight for'
a few seconds remove and read Oil Level. If necessary, add
Oil untii "FULL mark is reached. In summer use S.A.E+
30 (SC, SO, SE or SF) Oil. tn winter (below 32°F+} use
S,A,E, t0W30 (SC, SD, SE or SF}. in extreme cotd (below
0+F.) use S.A E. 5W20 (SC, SD, SE or SF} DO NOT USE
10W40 OIL. NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL
3, Flit Fuel Tank (Fig. 9) with fresh, clean regular grade fead-
ed or low-lead automotive gasoline ' only, Cap_acity is 3
quar_s. NOTE: DO NOT SWITCH FROM LEADED TO
LEAD.FREE GASOLINE
WARNING: DO NOT USE GASOHOL. Gasehot type al-
cohols react with water content in the fuel and tend to
form strong acids which can corrode metal parts, even eat
rubber and plastics
FILL 'to BOTTOM OF GAS TANK FILL,
ER NECK. DO NOT OVERFILL, WIPE
OFF ANY SPILLED OIL OR FUEL.
-4+
OPERATBON
NOTE: MOWER OPERATION IS LISTED ON PAGE 14,
THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH
INTERLOCK SWITCHES TO PREVENT
STARTING OF THE TRACTOR ENGINE
WHILE THE MOWER BLADE CLUTCH
LEVER IS IN THE "ENGAGED" POSI-
TION (FIG. 10) AND/OR THE GEAR SH! FT
LEVER IS NOT IN "NEUTRAL" POSITION
(FIG. 12), IMMEDIATELY REPLACE
SWITCHES THAT ARE NOT IN PROPER
WORKING ORDER. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF THESE
SWITCHES,,
YOUR TRACTOR' IN A LARGE, OPEN
LEARN TO START, STOP AND REVERSE
AREA.
CAUTSON
1o Keep eli shields in place,.
2,, Before leaving operator's position:
a Shift lever to neutra{ (Fig° 12)
b Set parking brake (Fig, 11),
c., Disengage attachment clutch (Mower Blade Clutch
Lever) (Fig 10)
do Shut off engine.
e. Remove ignition key.
3o Wait for all movement to stop before servicing machine.
4., Keep people and pets a safe distance away from machine°
STARTgNG THE ENGINE
1., Disengage Mower Blade Clutch Lever {Fig. 10),
2. Depress Clutch-Brake Pedal fully,, Raise Parking Brake
Lever and hold in "LOCK" position (Fig 11) Release
Clutch-Brake Pedal.
FIGURE
FIGURE
[ _ CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL SHOULD RE-
3. Place Gear Shift Lever in "NEUTRAL" position (Fig 12)
4, Move Throttle Control Lever (Fig. 13) to full throttle stop,
then to the right and upward for "CHOKE" position,, At
the "FAST" position the Lever has a stop. The stop ispro_
vided so that you will know when you are at full throttle
"FAST" position and prevent over travel into choke posi-
tion,
5, Turn Ignition Key clockwise to "START" position and
release Key as soon as engine starts (Fig,, 13). immediately,
move Throt,_le Control Lever mid-way between "FAST-
and "'SLOW" positions.
NOTE: DO NOT RUN STARTER CONTINUOUSLY FOR
MORE THAN THIRTY SECONDS AT A TIME. If Engine
does not start after severel,attem_,ts, mo_e Throttle Control
Lever mid,,way between FAST and "SLOW' positions,
wait a few minutes, and try again,
MAIN COMPLETELY DEPRESSED WHEN
FOOT PRESSURE IS RELEASED_
WEARANDAVO,DLOOSEF,TT,NG
CLOTHING THAT COULD GET CAUGHT
ALWAYSWEARSUBSTANT,ALFOOT-
IN MOVING PARTS.
WARMONG UP THE ENGnNE
Move Throttle Control Lever mid-way between FAST and
,t iI ....
SLOW positions (Fig,. 13). As engine warms up, move Throt-
tle Control Lever to -FAST" position NOTE: ALLOW EN-
GINE TO WARM UP FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE
OPERATING
When restarting a warm engine_ move Throttle Control Lever
to "FAST" position, "'CHOKE-may not have to be used,
TROL LEVER UNLESS ENGINE IS RUN*
DO NOT OPERATE THROTTLE CON- {
NING (FIG. 13).
:tGURE
5-
DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITI_-
OUT EITHER THE ENTIRE GRASS CATo
CriER, ON MOWERS SO EQUIPPED, OR
THE DEFLECTOR SHIELD (DISCHARGE
GUARD) IN PLACE.
TRANSPORTING YOUR T_ACTOR
For pushing or towing your tractor, _l_ce Gear Shift Lever
in "NEUTRAL" ,position (Fig. 12}, Push Clutch-Brake Peda!
down firmly to UNLOCK Parking Brake (Fig, 11} NOTE:
DO NOT TOW YOUR TRACTOR FASTER THAN SIX
MILES PER HOUR,,
TRACTOR OPERATgON ON HgLILS
1,. Move Gear Shift Lever to "IST" Gear before starting up o;
down hills.
@PERATB@N
1,, Depress button at top of Mower Lift Lever and move Lever
rearward to its "HIGHEST POSITION" (Fig° 14).
Z With engine running and warm, place Throttle Control
Lever m_dway between FAST and SLOW pos=tlon,
3_ Push Clutch-Brake Pedal down firmly to "UNLOCK" Park-
ing Brake (Fig, t t),
4_ Move Gear Shift Lever to "1ST" Gear (Fig_ 12),,
5o Release Clutch-Brake Pedal SLOWLY to start forward
movement_
6_ If ground travel is too slow, move Throttle Control Lever
_tl II , ,
to FAST posnt=on or press Clutch-Brake Pedal to stop
and shift to a different gear, NOTE: ALWAYS SELECT A
GROUND TRAVEL SPEED THAT WILL SUIT THE
TERRAIN AND 'THE ATTACHMENT BEING USED,
MAKE SURE PARKING BRAKE WILL
HOLD TRACTOR SECURE.
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°
NOTE: ALWAYS OPERATE ENGINE AT FULL ENGINE
RPM WHEN MOWING TO ASSURE BETTER MOWING PER-
FORMANCE, LONG ENGINE LIFE AND PROPER DIS-
CHARGE OF CUT MATERIAL REGULATE GROUND
SPEED BY SELECTING A LOW ENOUGH GEAR (FIG. 12)
TO GIVE THE MOWER CUTTING PERFORMANCE PLUS
QUALITY OF CUT DESIRED
STOPPING YOUR TRACTOR
1, Push Clutch-Brake Pedal completely into "BRAKE" posi-
tiono
2, Move Gear Shift Lever to '*NEUTRAL" position.
3, Place Parking Brake in "LOCK" position., Raise Parking
Brake Lever and hoed in "LOCK'* position (Fig.. 11L Re-
lease Clutch-Brake Pedal,
4o Move Throttle Control Lever to "SLOW" positiom
5. Disengage Mower Blade Clutch Lever.
6, Turn ignition Key to "OFF" position (Fig,, 13}.
TOR TO PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED
REMOVE KEY WHEN LEAVING TRAC-
USEo
BRING TRACTOR TO COMPLETE S3[OP
BEFORE SHIFTING GEARS.
DO NOT DRIVE UP OR DOWN HILLS
WITH SLOPES GREATER THAN 15 ° ,
AND DO NOT DRIVE ACROSS ANY
SLOPE.
2. AVOID STOPPING OR SHIFTING ON HILLS_
a,. tf slowing is necessary, move Throttle Control Lever to
slower position.
LEAVE ENOUGH ROOM WHEN STOP-
SLIGHT TRACTOR ROLL DOWNHILL AS
PING AND STARTING 3['O ALLOW
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL MOVES
THROUGH CLUTCH POSITION.
b, If stopping is absolutely necessary, push Clutch-Brake
Pedal quickly to brake position and lock Parking Brake_
c_ To restart tractor movement, make sure tractor is in the
lowest speed range ( 1ST Gear) and that you have
allowed room to rolt slightly downhill. Depress Clutch-
Brake fully, Unlock Parking Brake and release Clutch-
Brake Pedal SLOWLY to start tractor movement.
3. Make all turns gradually,,
tl tl
STARTING YOUR TRACTOR
'dVItTH A LOW BATTERY
If your Battery is too tow to start the engine, it should be
recharged. If Jumper Cables are used for emergency starting
follow this procedure. NOTE: YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIP-
PED WITH A 12 VOLT NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM.
THE OTHER VEHICLE MUST ALSO BE A 12 VOLT NEGA-
TIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM.
1, Connect each end of the RED Cable to the POSITIVE (+)
terminals of each battery (taking care not to short against
chassis)_
2, Connect one end of the BLACK Cable to the NEGATIVE
(-) terminal of fully charged battery.
3, Connect the other end of the cable to ENGINE BLOCK
or good CHASSIS GROUND on tractor (away from Gas
Tank or Battery),
4., Disconnect cables in reverse order:
a. Engine Block or chassis of tractor_
bo Negative terminal of fully charged battery.
c, Positive terminals_
I
-6-
1| II .
LEAD*ACID BATTERIES GENERi_TE EX-
PLOSIVE GASES. KEEP SPARKS, FLAME,
AND SMOKING MATERIALS AWAY
FROM BATTERIES. ALWAYS WEAR EYE
PROTECTION AROUND BATTERIES°
DO NOT USE YOUR TRACTOR BAT-I
TERY TO START OTHER VEHICLES,
I
1
MAIINTENANCE
MOWER MAINTENANCE tS LISTED ON PAGE t5.,
To keep your tractor running better, longer; perform neces-
saw service using the following Maintenanc_ Schedule..
REFER TO "STOPPING YOUR TRAC-
TOR" PAGE 6 AND DISCONNECT SPARK
PLUG WIRE TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL
STARTING BEFORE MAKING ANY IN-
SPECTION, ADJUSTMENT OR REPAIR
(EXCEPT CARBURETOR)..
D gLV t ABNTENANCE
Make sure all nuts on bolts are tight and cotter pins are secure.
Observe all safety precautions Keep Tractor well lubricated
(refer to page 12)
FIIRST _ HOURS
1. CHANGE,ENGINE OIL
Changing Oil after the first two hours wilt help e{iminate
break4n residue which might be damaging to your Engine.
NOTE: Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the Enginewhen
changing,, oil. Move Mower Blade Clutch Lever to--EN-
GAGED" position.
a. Drain Oil with Engine warm. Unscrew Oil Drain Plug
(Fig. 15) and remove Dipstick. Catch Oit in a suitable
container. Replace Ptug
b. Refill Engine Oil. tn summer use S,A.E, 30 (SC, SD, SE
or SF) Oil, In winter (below 32°F.) use S.AE. 10W30
(SC, SD, SE or SF). In extreme cold {below O°F.} use
SAE. 5W20 (SC. SD. SE or SFL DO NOT USE 10W40
Of L. Refill capacity is 3 pints., NOTE: DO NOT OVER-
FILL Replace Dipstick.
c, Disengage Mower Blade Clutch Lever.,
FREQUENTILY
1_ CHECK BATTERY
a. Electrolyte solut{on level in each Battery Cell should be
even with bottoms of tubes in cells (Fig, !6). Add dis-
ti{led water if necessary. NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL.
b. Keep Battery and Terminals ctean. Refer to page 10.
c Keep Battery Bolts tight_
d, Keep Vent Caps tight and smatl Vent holes in caps
open.
e. Recharge SLOWLY at 3 amperes if necessary.
2o CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
Tire pressure in front Tires should be 14 pounds; rear'Fires
t2 pounds.
3. CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air Screen (Fig. 15) must be kept free of dirt andchaff to
prevent Engine damage from overheating.
4. CHECK BRAKE OPERATION
This tractor is equipped with an adjustable disc brake
mounted on the right side of the transaxle..
CUT AWAY VIEW VENT CAP
_ /BATTERY'
i BATTERY
.'t'
FIGURE 17
IF TRACTOR REQUIRES MORE THAN
SIX FEET STOPPING DISTANCE INHIGHEST GEAR, THEN BRAKE MUST BE
ADJUSTED,
NOTE; R,H, REAR WHEEL WAS REMOVED FOR ILLU-
STRATING ONLY (FIG., 17).
A 5/64 INCH ALLEN SET SCREW WRENCH IS RE-
QUI RED TO ADJUST THE BRAKE.,
a. To adjust, tighten set screw until Brake Disc cannot be
moved by hand, approximately 1/4 to t/2 turns clock-
wise, Now loosen Set Screw until Brake Disc is just
moveable by hand (Fig,, 17).
b., Road test tractor as stated above. Readjust if necessary... 7 -
.ou.s
(EVERY 15 HOURS IF OPERATING
IN VERY DUSTY CONDITIONS)
1. CLEAN AIR CLEANER ELEMENT (FIG'S. 18 AND 19)
a, Remove two Screws and lift off complete air cteaner
assembly.
b. Remove Screen and Spacers from foam element
c, Remove foam element from air cleaner bqdy
d Wash foam element in liquid de_'er_ent and water to
remove dirt,
e. Wrap foam in cloth and squeeze dry,
f. Saturate foam in engine oiL. Squeeze to remove excess
FIGURE 19
HOUSING
g, Assemble parts - securely fasten to carburetor with
screws_
When assembling make certain the lip of the foam element'
extends over edge of the air cleaner body. The foam ele-
ment lip will form a protective seal
NOTE', NEVER RUN ENGINE WITH AIR CLEANER
REMOVED.
2,_CHANGE ENGINE OIL
The best time to change Engine Oil is at the end of a days
operation when all dirt and foreign material is suspended
in the hot Oit_ Refer to page 7,
=vE.v .ou.s
1,. CLEAN ENGINE COOLING FINS
Keep Engine Cooling Fins free of dust, d_rt and oil t_ pre-
vent Engine damage from overheating,
a. Remove Blower Housing (Fig,, 18) and Cylinder Head
Cover_
b,_Clean Engine Cooling Fins with a stiff brisded brush or
compressed air, Reassemble Cylinder Head Cover to En-
gine,
WEARSAFETYGLASSESUSINGCOM-
PRESSED AIR.
2, MUFFLER
Do not operate the tractor without a Muffter (Fig, 19) or
tamper with the exhaust system., Damaged Mufflers or
spark arrestors could create a fire hazard, Inspect periodi-
cally and replace if necessary_ if your engine is equipped
with a spark arrestor screen assembly, remove every 50
hours for cleaning and inspection, Replace if damaged,,
EVERY HOURS
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
DO NOT CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
WITH ENGINE RUNNING,.
Several minutes after stopping Engine, check Engine Oit
Level with Tractor on tevel ground. Remove and wipe Dip-
stick ctean (Fig. 18), screw it in tight for a few seconds re-
move and read Oil Level. If necessary, add Oil until _ FULL
mark is reached, In summer use SA.E, 30 (SC, SD, SE or SF)
Oil In winter (below 32°F,) use S,A,E. t0W30 (SC, SD, SE or
(SF),. In extreme cold (below O=F,) use S.A.E, 5W20 (SC, SD,
SE or SF) DO NOT USE 10W40 OIL NOTE: DO NOT
OVERFILL,. -8-
The Spark Plug should be changed every 100 hours of opera-
tion or at the beginning of each mowing season,.To remove
the Spark Plug a 3/8 Drive Deep Well 3/4 Socket is required,,
Set Spark Plug gap at 030 inch {Fig. 20)
It /!
=v=.v
REPLACE AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
A+S NEEDED:
1+ CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
Never attempt to change maximum engine speed This is
preset at the factory and should only be changed by a quali-
fied service technician who has the necessary equipment
a. Adjust Carburetor to suggested initial Settings+
-- Turn High Speed Adjusting Needle clockwise, closing
finger tight ONLY, and then turn counterclockwise
I ..1/2 turns (Fig. 21}_
NOTE: VALVES MAY BE DAMAGED BY TURN-
ING THEM TOO FAR,
-+ Turn Idle Adiusting Needle clockwise closing finger
tight ONLY, and then turn counterclockwise ! + 1/4
turns,,
REFER TO "STARTING THE ENGINE"
PAGE 5_
b. Start Engine and aliow to warm for five minutes
c. Make final adjustments with Engine running and Gear
Shift Lever in "NEUTRAL" position..
-- With Throttle Control Lever in ++RUN" position, turn
High Speed Adjusting Needle counterclockwise until
+ ii t! , , .
engine runs rough then turn clockwise unt+l end+no
begins to miss Turn Needle to a point midway be
tween these positions
With Throttle Control Lever in "SLOW ++position.
hold Throttle Lever so that Idle Speed Adiusting
Screw is against Carburetor, turn Idle Adjusting
Needle counterclockwise until engine runs "rough"
and then turn clockwise until engine begins to die
Turn Idle Needle to a point midway between these
positions
NOTE: tf engine hesitates when moving Throttle Control
Lever from "SLOW" to "FAST Hpositions, turn Idle Speed
Adjusting Screw counterclockwise one-eighth turn
IDLE SPEED ADJUSTING
• FIGURE 21
2. TO REMOVE TRACTOR BELT
REPLACE ONLY WITH THE BELTS SPECIFIED IN THIS
MANUAL.
a,, Engage Parking Brake,
b, Place Mower Blade Clutch Lever in "DISENGAGED"
position (Fig,, 10)+
c, Remove Mower Belt from around Engine Pulley (Fig
22)
d+ Loosen the three Belt Snubbers (Fig's, 22 and 23) and
swing away from Transaxle Pulley (Fig, 23) and Station-
ary Idler Pulley (Fig, 22}+
e, Remove Nut from Traction Drive Idler Pulley and re,.
move Pulley,
f., Remove LH, Torque Strap on Transaxte (Page 24, Key
No, 32).
g+ Remove Belt from around Transaxle Pulley by rolling
Belt over top of Pulley (Fig. 23),,
h, Remove Belt from around Engine Pulley,
i, Disconnect Wires on Interlock Switch (Key No+ 16, page
26),
j+ Form a loop in Belt and push it through opening con+,
raining Shift Lever in the Chassis° Pull loop up over
Shift Lever and remove Belt.
k. Assemble Belt by reversing above procedures. NOTE:
Set Belt Snubbers 1/16 of an inch away from Belt with
Idler engaged+
-9+
FIGURE 23A
3. ISO-MOUNT REPLACEMENT
Should you need to replace your Iso-Mount Assembly
order 674A166 listed on page 23, (674A166 contains only,,
one of the four assemblies illustrated in Fig,. 23AL Included
in 674A166 are two Washers,. Set a Washer on edge on
Washer Gauge (Fig 23A), to determine which is Washer
"A" and which is Washer "B". NOTE: USE WASHER
"A" ONLY IN tSO-MOUNT POSITION NO. 1. USE
WASHER "B" iN POSITION NO, 2,3 AND4 DISCARD
THE WASHER THAT IS NOT REQUIRED
4. CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the Battery and Terminals cause
the Battery to "leak"power,,
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES GENERATE EX-
PLOSIVE GASES. KEEP SPARKS, FLAME,
AND SMOKING MATERIALS AWAY
FROM BATTERIES. ALWAYS SHIELD
EYES AROUND BATTERIES.
a Disconnect BLACK Battery Cable then RED Battery
Cable and remove Battery from Tractor. Wash Battery
with four tablespoons of baking soda to one gallon of
water, NOTE: BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET THE SODA
SOLUTION INTO THE CELLS. Rinse the Battery with
plain water, dry and reinstall on Tractor
b, Clean terminals and Battery Cable ends with a wire
brush until bright,. Replace Battery Cables. connecting
RED Battery Cable first, then BLACK Battery Cabte to
respective terminals° Coat terminal connections with
Vasofine, Replace Terminal Cover
SQUARE
E.RING
WASHER
FIGURE 25
5. TIRE CARE
a Maintain tire pressure in front tires at 14 pounds;
rear tires at 12 pounds,
b Keep tires free of gaso{ine, o11,or insect controt chemi-
cals which can destroy rubber
c Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts and other hazards that
may cause tire damage, ,"
d. Removing front wheel for tire repair (Fig,. 24),
,.-Block up front axle securely or use a Sears Tractor
Jack.
-,. Remove Klip Ring and Washer and remove wheel.
-- Repair tire and reassemble_ Replace Washer, snap
Klip Ring securely in axle groove.
e, Removing rear wheel for tire repair (Fig 25)
.,. Block up rear axle securely or use a Sears Tractor
Jack.
- Remove E, Ring and Washer (1 to 3 as required} and
remove wheel,.
-- Repair tire and reassemble., Replace Washer (Washers)
and snap E,,Ring securely in Axle Groove,
-- Make sure Square Key is in place on Axle Shaft,
BEADS ARE SEATED, OVER INFLATION
WHEN MOUNTING TIRES, UNLESS
CAN CAUSE AN EXPLOSION.
6., FINISH
Keep tractor finish and seat free of gasoline, oit, insect
chemicals or battery e}ectrolvte Protect painted surfaces
with automotive type wax
-10-
TROUBLE SHOOTaNG
POSSI BLE CAUSE POSSIBLE R EMEDY
WILL NOT START
Shift Lever in gear
Mower Blade Clutch Lever engaged
No gasoline in Fuel Tank or clogged Fuel
Line
Blown Fuse
Dead Battery
HARD TO START
Choked improperly, flooded Engine
Clogged Fuel Tank
Dirty Air Cleaner
Spark P|ug dirty or improper gap
Defective Battery
Defective ignition or loose wiring
Water in gasoline or old fuel
improper Carburetor adjustment
ENGINE MISSES OR LACKS POWER
Engine overload
Clogged Fuel Tank
Partially plugged Air Cleaner
Improper Carburetor adjustment
Dirty Engine Air Screen
Low oil level or dirty oil
Spark Plug dirty, improper gapor wrong type
Faulty ignition
Poor compression
Oil in gasoline
ENGINE OVERHEATS
Dirty Air Screen
Low oil level or dirty oil
Dirty Engine
Partially plugged Muffler
Partially plugged Air Cleaner
Stale fuel or improper Carburetor adjustment
NO LIGHTS
No Headlights with Light Switch on Check Fuse, Switch and wire connections
Place in neutral
Disengage Lever {Fig t0)
Fill Tank with Gasoline. Check Fuet Line and
Carburetor (clean if necessary1
Check for fault and replace Fuse
Recharge or replace Battery
Place Throttle Control in "FAST" position
(Fig 131 and run starter several times to
clear out gas
Remove and clean
Remove and clean (Fig 19)
Clean, adjust gap or replace (Fig, 20}
Recharge or replace
Check the wiring and Spark Plug
Drain Fuel Tank and Carburetor, use fresh fuet
and replace Spark Plug
Make necessary adjustments (Fig 21)
Shift to a lower gear (Fig 12) or reduce load
Remove and clean
Remove and clean (Fig, t9}
Make necessary adjustments (Fig 21)
Clean Air Screen (Fig 15)
Add or change oil (Fig. t51
Replace Spark Plug (Fig 201
Check Spark Ptug and for loose wires
Major Engine overhaul
Drain and refill Gas Tank and Carburetor
Clean Air Screen (Fig, 15)
Add or change oil (Fig. 15)
Clean Engine Cooling Fins (Page 81
Remove and clean Muffler or replace'
Remove and clean (Fig_ 19)
Use fresh fuel and adjust Carburetor (Fig. 21)
Replace Sealed Beam Headlights
WON'T CHARGE
Blown Fuse Check for fault and replace
Defective Battery Replace
Defective Regulator _Rectifier Replace
Defective Alternator Replace
ETORAGE
1. ENGINE OIL
Drain (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oi!.,
Refer to page 7,
2. FUEL SYSTEM
a. Drain fuel tank and carburetor by allowing the engine to
run outof gasoline. NOTE: GASOLINE LEFT IN YOUR
ENGINE WILL LEAVE GUM DEPOSITS CLOGGING
FUEL SYSTEM,
b. Dispose of gasoline if not to be used. NOTE: GASO..
LINE STORED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS LOSES
ITS VOLATILITY (AStLITY TO BURN EFFECT..
tVELYI,.
3, CYLINDER
a, Remove Spark Plug.,
b. Pour one ounce of engine oil through spark plug hole
into cylinder,
c Turn ignition key to "START" position fo_ a few
seconds to distribute oil
d. Replace with new Spark Plugo
4, BATTERY
a, Remove battery if tractor is not used regularly during
winter months Store in cool. dry place (above 50°F),
b, Re-charge each month if necessary, NOTE: BATTERIES
NOT IN USE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND NOT
KEPT FULLY CHARGED, PRODUCE SULPHUR
DEPOSITS ON PLATES WHICH CANNOT BE RE-,
MOVED BY RECHARGING
5. GENERAL CLEANING
Clean engine, battery, finish, seat, etc, of all foreign matter,
-!1-
LUBRICATIONCHART
SPINDLES @
(_ TIE
(_ CUTTING HEAD --_--..._
PIVOT POINT
@ MOTION DRIVE .
TIE ROD @
DRAG LINK @
STEERING GEARS 8= 1/'_1
COMPONENTS
't \ t"
_"_ MOWER IDLER @
@ SAE 30 MOTOR OIL
@ GENERAL PURPOSE GREASE
v
I
SERVICE RECORD
FILL tN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
Check Engine OIlLevel ,
Change Engine Oil
OIl Pivot Points
.... ,,, , _ . _ ,,,
Check Brake Operation _iP
Clean Air Screen .......... _ ...........
Clean Air Cleaner Element _ ....
Replace Air Cleaner Element
Clean Engine Cooling Fins
Replace Spark Plug _!_
Check Battery Levels
Check '[ire Pres,_ure _l_ ]
Tighten Front Axle Pjyo_Bolt _ _ _i_I
o(pane28,KeyLe_e,'F") ......
12-
SERVICE DATES
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