Craftsman 917255919 Owner’s Manual

OWNERS

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.255919

Caution: Read and Follow

All Safety Rules And instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

GT 18HP TWiN 6 SPEED - 44"" MO WER

GARDEN TRACTOR

Assembly

Operation

Maintenance Repair and Adjustment

Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co. Chicago, IL 60684 U_S,Ao

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAU-

TIONS. IT MEANS - ATTENTION! BE-

CAUTION: LOOK FOR THIS WORD 3"0 POINT OUT

IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS.

COME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS IN- VOLVED.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

WARNING: This unitis equipped withan internal combustionengine and shouldnotbe us'edon or near any unimproved forest-covered,

brush.covered orgrass covered land unless the engine'sexhaust system isequippedwitha spark arrestet meeting applicable Iocal orarea laws (ifany). ff a spark arrester is used, it shouldbe maintained in effective workingorder be theoperator)°

See your local Sears Authorized Service Centre forspark arrester,See Repair Parts page 34°

1o Know the controls and how to stop quickly, READ THIS

OPERATOR'S MANUAL and instructions furnished with attachments.

2, Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not allow

adults to operate it without proper instruction°

3_ Do not carry passengers. Do not mow when children and

othersare around,

4. Always wear substantialfootwear. Do not wearloose fitting

clothingthat couldget caughtin moving parts_

5. Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower, and the

area being cut. Do not let other interests distractyou.

6.. Do not attempt tooperate your tractoror mower when not in

the drivers seal

7. AIwaysget on oroffyour tractorfromthe operator'slaft hand

side.

8o Clear the work area of objects(wire, rocks, etco)which might

be picked up and thrown.

9. Disengage all attachment clutches before attempting to start the engine°

10. Disangage powerto attachmants and stap theangine before leavingthe operators position°

11. Disengage powerto mower, stoP the engine, and disconnect sparkplug wire(s)from sparkplug(s) before cleaning, making

an adjustment, or repa#: Be careful to avoid touching hot

muffler or engine components°

12. Disengage powerto attachments when transporting or not in

USer

13. Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle unattended. Disengage thepower-take-off, lowerthe attach,

ments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the

engine, and remove the key.

14 Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill.

Mow upand down the face of slopes (notgreater than 15_);

never across the face. Refer to page 51.

1_ Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually toprevent

tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes_

16. While _loing up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Control

Lever in 1st gear position to negotiate the slope without

stopping°

17, Nevermow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is unsure,

or at a speed which could cause a skid,

18. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards°

Keep away from drop-otis.

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 delib- erately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign objects.

21. Never shift gears untiltractor comes to a stop.

22. Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge chute, or near any moving parts while tractor' or mower are

running. Always keep clear of discharge chute_

23. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment. a. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.

b. Limit loads to those you can safely control. c. Do not turn sharply°Use care when backing. do Usecounterweight or wheel weights when suggestedin

owners manuals,

24. Watch out fortraffic when crossing or near roadways. 25_ When using any attachments, never direct discharge of

material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the ve_ hic/e while in operation.

26. Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable° a. Use approved gasoline containers.

b. Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add

gasoline toarunningor hot engineor an engine that has not been allowed tocool for several minutes after run.

ning. Never fill tank indoors, always clean up spilled gasoline°

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

fumes are dangerous. Do not run the engine indoors.

2Z Keep the vehicle and 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, Toreduce fire hazard, keep theengine free ofgrass, leaves,

ot excessive grease, Do not clean product while engine is

runmng.

31. Except for adjustments, DO NOT operate Engine ff 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 tamper with exhaust

system. Damaged mufflers or spark attesters could create a

fire hazard, inspect pen'odicallyand replace if necessary.

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

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

the equipment.

34. Donot change the engine governorsettings or overspeed the

engine; severe damage or injury may result.

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

a, Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. bo Shut the Engine off when unclogging chute, c. Check the blade mounting bolts forproper tightness at

frequent intervals.

36° Do not operate the mower' without either the entire grass

catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the the deflector shield

in place,

3Z 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. Undernorma/usagethegrasscatcherbagmateria/issubject

todeteriorationand wear. itshould be checkedfrequentlyfor bag replacement Replacement bags should be checked to

ensure compliance with the original manufacturer's recom-

mendations or specifications,

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears GT

18HP Garden Tractor, It has been designed, engineered

and manufactured to give you the best possible depen- dability and performance,

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Department. We have competent, well-trained techni-

cians 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 Tractor pro-

peflyo Always observe the "'SAFETY RULES",

MAINTENANCE A GREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product_ Contact your nearest Sears store for details°

YOUR NEW GT 18 HP GARDEN TRAC- TOR FEATURES...

CRAFTSMAN 18HOP. TWIN--CYLINDER ENGINE--cool - running performance and long fife with plenty of power

to take on a variety of yard, gardening or snow removal tasks_

MODEL NUMBER

SERIAL

NUMBER .......

DATE OF

PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE FENDER. YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER

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

i_lL i i

ALL GEAR TRANSAXLE--six speeds forward, two reverse speeds-.to let you select the proper speed for

the terrain and the job. Automotive-.type differential helps guard against turf scuffing

CONTROL PANEL--with Throttle, Choke, Light Switch, Ignition Switch, Parking Brake Lever and Clutch Switch-.

conveniently grouped for ease of use,

ATTACHMENT VERSATILITY--handles a large va, iety of Sears Yard and Garden Tractor Attachments See

pages 49-50

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe the safety rules. Always use care when using your tractor° Keep away from moving parts, DO NOT work on your tractor with engine running_ Always keep your tractor and mower clean,

Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor, A well cared for tractor will run and last longer Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" se.ctions of this Owner's Manual

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY

ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT

For two years 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 of charge

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

This warranty excludes blade(s), blade adapter(s), spark plug(s), air cleaner and belt(s), which are expen- dable and become worn during normal use_

This warranty does not cover:

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

or glass); and

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

riding equipment used for commercial or 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/DEPART-

MENT IN THE UNITED STATES, This warranty applies on!y while this product is in use in the United States°

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

SEARS, ROEBUCK and CO., D/698-731A, Sears Tower, Chicago, II 60684

INDEX

Adjustments:

Attachment Lift Spring 25 Brake 16 Carburetor 20

Electric Clutch 21

Gauge Wheels 13

Mower Drive Belt 10 Mower

Front- To-Rear 24

Side-To-Side . 24

Throttle Control Cable 20

Air Filter

Cleaning 17 Paper Cartridge . I 7

Air Intake Screen, Engine _19

Assembly • Attachment Lift Spring Adjustment S'-

Attachments ................. 49-50

Battery;

Charging Cleaning:_

Installation Levels

Preparation ....

Starting with Weak Battery

Storage. Terminals

Belt;

Blade Drive (Blade-to- Blade)

Removal/Replacement

Motion Drive, Remove/Replace Mower Drive (Engine-to-Mower

Adjustment

Mower Drive Belt Installation

Blade.:

Sharpening Replacement

Brake Adjustment

Carburetor Adjustment

Clutch,_ Electric, Adjustment

Controls, Tractor Cutting Level, Mower

Filter, Air 17 Fuel:

Type 12

Storage 26

Fuse 23

Gauge Wheels 13

Hood Removal 23

Lubrication,:

Chart 18

Steering & Front Wheels 19

Tractor Pivot Points 18

18 M

17 Maintenance 15-19

7 Air Filter . t 7

19 Air Filter Paper Cartridge 17

26 Air Screen 19

18 Battery t 7

Blade Sharpening 17 Brake Adjustment 16

25 Engine oil 15 21 Lubrication 18

Spark Plugs 19

10 Tire Care 17 10 Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Rear 24

17 Adjustment, Side-to-Side 24

26 Blade Sharpening 17

16 Blade Replacement 26

Cutting Level 10

Installation 10

Operation 13

20 Removal • 23 21 Mowing Tips 14

11 Muffler 19 10 Spark Attester 2

Stopping Your Tractor • 12 Tractor Operation on Hills 14

Options

Attachments ................ 49,50

Spark Attester ................... 2

Parts Bag 5,6

Repair and Adjustments 20-26

Attachment Lift Spring 25

Blade Drive Belt 25 Blade 26

Carburetor 20 Electric Clutch 21

Fuse , 23 Hood Removal 23

Motion Drive Belt • • 21

Motion Drive Belt Replacement 21 Mower Front-to-Rear 24

Mower Side-to.Side 24

Mower Removal, 23 Throttle Control Cabie 20

Transaxle Oil Level 23

Safety Rules 2 Seat ,7 Service Record 28

Slope Guide Sheet 51 Spark Plugs 19

Speed Control Chart 14 Starting the Engine 12

Steering Wheel _B Stopping the Tractor 12

Storage 26

Engine:'

Air Screen

Oil Change

Off Level Oil Type Starting

Storage

Oil

Cold Weather Conditions 16

Engine 15

19 Transaxle 23

18 Storage 26 16 Operation 11-14

I 6 Operating/7¥actor and Mower 13 12 Speed 14

26 Starting the Engine 12

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment 20 Tires 17

Transaxle Oil Levei 23

Trouble Shooting Chart 27

Warranty •3 Wiring (Schematic) 29

A Y

Unpacking instructions

t, Remove box from carton.. The box contains the items

shown below,

2o Cut down four corners of the carton with a utility

knife and fold down sides,,

3. Remove mower deck from skid_

4. Shift tractor into "N"neutral position and release park. ing brake

5. Carefully guide the tractor backwards off the skid.

The operation of any tractor can result in

foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage Always

wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tractor and while mowing We

recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog

Stores,

Parts Bag Contents Not Shown Full Size:

]_""_ :: ilflf"lti'ltlli[tl"l't')_tlililt!l{'H"l'!l!ltjl'j{ Hjtl llfl

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

a_ seat b, steering wheat

c, battery

a..

d,, battery acid e,. owner's manual

f,, parts bag

Terminal Guard

{21 Keys

15 o Slope Instruction Sheet

Battery Caps

And Instructions

V-Belt

Steering Wheel Cap

ASSEMBL Y

ASSEMBLY LOCATION

BATTER Y

BATTERY

TERMINALS

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

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

{2) Lockwasher 1/4

(2) Wing Nut - 1/4 - 20

(2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga°

(2) Hex Nut, 1/4 - 20

SUSPENSION ARMS

SEA T

(4) Spring Retainer '

(1) Hex Bolt, 1/2- 13 x 1

Grade5

tlJ Shoulder bolt 5/16 - 18

(4) Washer 17/32 x 1 - 1/16 x 13 Ga.

(J) Lockwasher 1/2

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

x 12 Ga.

To assemble and adjust your tractor you will need:

(2) 7/t6" wrenches (1) 3/4"" wrench

(2) 9/16" wrench

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

SEATED ON THE TRACTOR.

(2) 1/2" wrenches

Tire Pressure Gauge

Screwdriver

Utility Knife

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD.

WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IMMEDI-

ATELY IFACCIDENTALLY tNCONTACT

WITH BATTERY ACID.

DO NOT SMOKE, FUMES FROM CHARGED BATTERY ACID ARE EX-

PLOSIVE.

ASSEMBL Y

Place seat in operating position Sit on the seat and press clutch/brake pedal all the way down /f oper-

ating position is not comfortable, adjust seat

To adjust Raise seat, Loosen adjustment bolt Slide

seat to desired position Tighten adjustment bolt securely

CUTAWAYVIEW

___................... _-VENT CAP

LIQUID BATTERY

LEVEL TUBE

NOTE: THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPERATOR PRESENCE SENSING SWITCH, ANY AT- TEMPT BY THE OPERATOR TO LEAVE THE SEAT WITH

THE ENGINE RUNNING AND ATTACHMENT CLUTCH

ENGAGED WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE°

1. Prepare Battery

READ INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH OF PARTS, ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES,

THE BATTERY VENT CAPS FOUND IN BAG

CLOTHING AND GOGGLES TO PROTECT

YOUR HANDS, SKIN AND EYES,,

andc aitery berorein talling).,NbTE "'SEE

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WITH BAT- TERY VENT CAPS IN BAG OF PARTS-

b, Fill battery with battery acid to bottoms of tubes in cells

(Fig. I) NOTE:' DO NOT OVERFILL OVERFILLING WILL RESULT tN DAMAGE TO TRACTOR.

c, Check level of battery acid after 30 minutes. Add addi.

tional battery acid ifnecessaryr, NOTE: TIGHTEN VENT CAPS SECURELY,,

d,, It is recommended, that the battery, be charged

betor use. Charge oattery at a rate of six amperes

for one hour.

e, Neutralize excessbattery acid fordisposal by adding #

tofour inches of water in afive ga!lon plastic container,

Stirwith awooden orplastic paddle while adding baking

soda until the addition of more soda causes no more foaming°

2. Install Seat

Seat position should be adjusted forward or backward so that

the operator can comfortably reach Clutch/Brake Pedal and

safely operate the tractor (Fig. 2J.

BATTERY

CELL

FIGURE I

SEAT

SHOULDER- DJUSTMENT

BO_

=UEL

CAP

CLUTCH!BRAKE PEDAL

FIGURE 2

a Place Seat on Seat Pan° Screw Adjustment Bolt, Flat

WasherandLockwasher, and ShoulderBoltinto Seat(Figo

oAdjustment Bolt, Washers, and Shoulder Bolt Found

Bag of Parts.,,

b. TightenShoulderBoltusinga 1/2"wrench_Notethatthe

Shoulder Bolt witl be loose in the Seat Pan sloL

co Tighten hex bolt (adjustment bolt), lockwasher and flat

washer using a 3/4" wrench.

I - MACH,NEScREW-'oCKWASHER* T!

I WASHER MUST SE TIGHTENED SECURE- i

l .......................... , .............I

LY TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF SEAT

FIGURE 3

BATTERY COMPARTMENT

STEERING WHEEL CAP

2 - 3/8" DIA, WASHER

EERING WHEEL

,,.,_,---- STEERING WHEEL ADAPTER

HOOD

3. Install Steering Wheel

NOTE: POSITION FRONT WHEELS FORWARD.

a. Use a 9/16"" wrench to remove hex bolt,

Iockwasher and 2-3/8" diameter washer (shown full size below) hom steering shaft (Fig 3)

b ,. Position steering wheel over steering adaptor.

FIGURE 4

LOCKWASHER

GFIILL

NUT

LOCKWASHER

WASHER

HEX BOLTS

BLACK (NEGATIVE)

CABLE

c, Secure steering wheel to steering shaft using

hex bnlt, tockwasher and 2-3/8" diameter washer (Fig 3L

d, Snap steering wheel cap in place on steering

wheel,, Steering wheel cap found in bag of partso

4. Check Tires

Reduce tire pressure to 14 PSI in front and 10 PSI in rear tires, (Tires were overinflated for shipping purposes),

DO NOT SHORT BATTERY TERMINALS, BEFORE INSTALLING BATTERY, REMOVE

METAL BRACELETS, WRISTWATCH BANDS, RINGS, ETC.

5o Install Battery

a_ Remove hood - See page 23

b. Remove tape from plastic tray, Make sure drain

tube (Fig. 5) is fastened to drain hole in battery tray and battery tray is positioned in hole of bat- tery support.

c , Place battery in plastic tray (Battery terminals to

front of tractor)(Fig= 5),

FIGURE 5

DRAIN TUBE

NECTED FIRST TO PREVENT SPARKS

POSITIVE TERMINAL MUST BE CON- FROM ACCIDENTAL GROUNDING,

do Connect RED battery cable to positive (+) bat-

tery terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, iockwasher and hex nut (shown full size on page

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

Cor}nect BLACK ground cable to negative (-) bat- ._. tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat

washer, Iockwasher and hex nut (shown full size on page 6) found in bag, of parts (Fig 6) Tighten

securely.

NOTE: tF YOU HAVE A WEAK BATTERY, SEE "STARTING

_fOUR TRACTOR WITH A WEAK BATTERY" PAGE 19

Using the square hole on one side of the battery

support (Fig. 6) insert onebattery bolt, head ofbolt down. Fasten the battery bolt to the terminal guard

using wing nut as shown in (Fig. 6)_

ASSEMBL Y

WING WING NUT

NUT

/ ,t'

Assemble the remaining battery bolt to other side of battery support and fasten tern'final guard to it

with remaining wing nut,, Tighten wing nuts se- curely by hand (Fig,,6)°

h+ Remove Plastic on tractor hood and close

NOTE: USE TERMINAL ACCESS DOORS (FIG. 6) FOR:

1o INSPECTION FOR SECURE CONNECTIONS

(TIGHTEN HARDWARE)

2. INSPECTION FOR CORROSION 3o TESTING BATTERY

4o JUMPING (IF REQUIRED)

5. CHARGING (IF REQUIRED)

HEIGHT LiFT LEVER

ADJUSTMENT ....> ;+_,' -I- "'HIGHEST"

KNOB :"_'_ POSITION

MOWER . -,,,_ ARM

\'tJ

,,..,,.

ATTACHMENT

_,p._ ATTACHMENT

FRONT SUSPENSION

BRACKET

FIGURE 6

LIFT LEVER

MOWER

BRACKET

RELEASE PiN

FIGURE 7

KEEP TERMINAL ACCESS" DOORS CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE.

DO NOT START ENGINE UNTIL

MOWER SUSPENSION BRACKET HAS

BEEN-RELEASED. SEE MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION, PAGE 10,,

SPRING

FIGURE 8

A Y

MOWER DRIVE

FIGURE 9

WHEEL GAUGE/

BAR

GAUGE WHEEL

FIGURE 10/PIN

CLUTCH PULLEY

TENSION PULLEY

FIGURE 11

/ CLEVIS

_ ETAINER

SPRING

BRACKET

MOWER DRIVE

BELT

IDLER PULLEY

6o Mower Installation

ao Remove band from mower suspension bracket,

b_ Remove banding from suspension arms (Fig. 7), c_ Slide mower under tractor, deflector to R_H.

side°

d._ Slide front suspension brackets into mower

brackets° Retain with release pins (Fig° 7)_

e o Turn depth adjustment knob counterclockwise

( _ ) until it stops_

f, Push attachment rift lever forward to lower

mower to ground (page 11).,

g, Slide studs through lift links on both sides of

tractor (Fig. 8)° Retain with washers and re- tainer springs found in bag of parts.

h • Place the suspension arms on brackets on both

sides of frame (Fig. 8). Retain with washers and retainer springs found in bag of parts.

i, Turn height adjustment knob (Fig. 7) clockwise

( _ ) to remove slack from mower suspension,

j ,. Roll drive belt over primary mandrel (Fig_ 9)°

7. Mower Drive Belt Installation

Remove hood and grill (See page 23),

Pull mower drive belt over front mower suspen- sion bracket (Fig. 9)_

Place mower drive belt over clutch pulley and under idler pulley and tension pulley (Fig. 1I).

NOTE: PULL LEVER UP TO SWING TENSION PULLEY FOR BELT CLEARANCE, Make sure

narrow "'V'" side of belt is engaged in each pulley,. _

Replace hood and grill

8, Mower Drive Belt Adjustment

a, Lower mower using attachment lift lever.

b, If dimension -A" on idler bracket assembly

measures 1/4" or less, mower drive belt must be adjusted (Fig_ 1 l-Inset).

c, Disengage attachment clutch switch_ d. Using two 9/t6"' wrenches, remove bolt, (2)

washers, lock washer and nut from idler pulley (Fig_ 1t-Inset) (original position),

e Place v-belt and idler pulley #1 'WEW" pulley

position (Fig_ 11-Inset). Replace bolt, (2)

washers, Iockwasher and nut. Tighten securely,

f _ Check v-belt for properinstallation on all pulley

grooves°

9. Check the Cutting Level

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

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

cut.. if the blade housing cuts uneven; see the instruc- tions on "Side-to-Side And Front-to Rear Mower Adjust-

men/'" (page 24)"_

10. Final Assembly

a ,, Make sure aft fasteners are tight_ b. Read and follow the operation instructions

Know the location and purpose of aft controls.

c_ Check oil and gasoline before starting

the tractor_

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

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

Your Garden Tractorto familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Study the operating

instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Garden Tractor and to prevent in-

jury to yourself and others, Be sure to pay strict attention to all notes and cautions; they are included for your safety.

Save this manual for future reference.

Control

Attachment Clutch Switch

Ammeter

Clutch/Brake Pedal

Choke I ,_

Height

Adjustment

Knob

Gear Shift Lever

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH: Pull switch out and

up to engage attachment, There will be an engine hesita _ t/on as the clutch engages.

ATTACHMENT LiFT LEVER: Use the attachment rift lever

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

CHOKE: To start a cold engine, pull choke out to engage,

Attachment

Lift Lever

Switch

Ignition

................ Parking Brake

Shift Lever

AMMETER: Each time you start your tractor, check your ammeter. The needle should move towards the I + )

charging mark indicating the battery is being charged as

you operate the tractor, The headlights will not show a discharge on the ammeter because they are not con-

nected to the battery (they have their own electrical $our_e),

LIGHT SWITCH: Turns on and off the headlights

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: The pedal has 2 functions: a

clutch and a brake,. To engage push the pedal corn-

p/etely down.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB: Use the height adjust- ment knob to adjust the mower height. With attachment

rift lever in the furl "'UP" position, turn clockwise (_) to raise mower end counterclockwise (4"-_) to lower

mower,

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

IGNITION: Place key in ignition and turn to the right to

start.

PARKING BRAKE LOCK: To set the parking brake, push

the clutch/brake pedal completely forward° Place the

parking brake lever in "Engaged" position and release pressure from pedal., Clutch/brake pedal will remain in brake position,

RANGE SHIFT LEVER: The HioLo range shift lever gives you the versatility of 6 speed selections: Lo 1, 2, 3, and

Hii, 2,3.

THROTTLE CONTROL: Use the throttle control to in.

crease or decrease the speed of the engine.

OPERA TION

ENGINE

FIGURE 12

SEAT

SEAT PAN IIW|TCH

DIPSTICK

HAT

1. Stopping Your Tractor

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

a. Push clutch/brake pedal into furl "'BRAKE'"

position.

b. Place parking brake in "ENGAGED" position and

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

PARKING BRAKE WiLL HOLD TRACTOR SECURE_

c. Move gear shift lever to "NEUTRAL'" position_

d_=Place attachment clutch switch in "DISENGAG-

ED'" position_ e. Move throttle control to "'S" (slow) position° f_ Turn ignition key to "OFF" position. Never use

choke to stop engine,

2. Starting The Engine

LEARN TO START, STOP AND REVERSE I YOUR TRACTOR IN A LARGE, OPEN AREA_

NOTE: THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH INTERLOCK

SWITCHES TO PREVENT STARTING OF THE TRACTOR ENGINE WHILE THE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH OR THE

CLUTCHIBRAKE PEDAL IS ENGAGED,

CLUTCH

BRAKE/PEDAL

FIGURE 13

ATTACHMENT CLUT(

CHOKE

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT'

KNOB

FIGURE 14

GEAR SHIFT CONTROL LEVER

FUEL TANK CAP

/ \

THROTTLE

KEY

PARKING BRAKE

RANGE

LEVER

CAUTION:

IMMEDIATELY REPLACE SWITCHES THAT ARE NOT IN PROPER WORKING ORDER,

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

a. This engine has been shipped filled with summer

weight oil (for cold weather operation see Chart

page t6)_ Check engine oil level with tractor on

level ground. Wipe dipstick (Fig. 12) clean, screw it in tight for a few seconds, remove and read oil level If necessary, add oil until "'FULL'" mark is

reached,

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 ANENGINE 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 ENGINE AND

LET IT RUN UNTIL THE .FUEL LINES AND CARBURETOR ARE EMPTY. USE FRESH

FUEL NEXT SEASON. SEE STORAGE IN- STRUCTIONS FOR ADI_ITIONAL INFOR-

MATION (PAGE 26)° NEVER USE ENGINE OR CARBURETOR

CLEANER PRODUCTS IN THE FUEL TANK OR PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.

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

unleaded automotive gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life)o Capacity is 3-1/2

gallons.,

co Place attachment clutch switch in "'DISENGAG-

ED'" position.

do Push clutch/brake pedal fully into brake position_ e o Place gear shift lever in "'N'" neutral, start posi-

tion (Fig. 14).

f o Place range shift lever in "'N" neutral position (Fig,

14)_

go Pull choke out {Fig t4)_ h _ Move throttle control to middle position (Fig, 14)_ i. Turn ignition to "START" position until engine

starts (Fig, 14). NOTE: DO NOT RUN STARTER

CONTINUOUSLY FOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN SECONDS PER MINUTE, tf engine does not start

after several attempts, move throttle control to

"'F'" (fast) position, wait a few minutes and try

again_

j. After engine is warm, push choke in,

The first time you start the engine, it will take extra

cranking time to move fuel from tank to engine, NOTE:

ALLOW ENGINE TO WARM UP FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE ENGAGING CLUTCHtBRAKE PEDAL OR AT-

TACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH,

k o When restarting a warm engine, move throttle

control midway between "'S'" (slow) and "'F'" (fast) position, Choke may not have to be used.

BEFOREDRIVING THETRACTOR, INSTALL

MOWER OR REMOVE FRONT MOWER SUS-

PENSION BRACKET AND SUSPENSION

ARMSo(FIG.8)

TO AVOID INJURY

!_ Read owner's manual

24 Know location and function of al! controls

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

4,. Remove objects that can be thrown by blades.

5o 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 machine 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.•

NEVER PLACE YOUR HANDS OR FEET IN OR UNDER ANY POWERED ATTACHMENT

OR NEAR ANY MOVING PART WHILE TRACTOR OR ANY POWERED ATTACH_

MENT IS RUNNING.

DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITHOUT THE DEFLECTOR SHIELD IN PLACE

TION

DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITHOUT

EITHER THE ENTIRE GRASS CATCHER,

ON UNITS SO EQUIPPED, OR THE DEFLEC- TOR GUARD IN PLACE.

CAUTION : DO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL WEIGHT

ADJUSTMENT

DEPT.

GAUGE WHEEL _ _,*

3. Operating Your Tractor and Mower

NOTE: THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN

OPERATOR PRESENCE SENSING SWITCH, ANY AT- TEMPT BY THE OPERATOR TO LEAVE THE SEAT WITH TI;IE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE,

L _ READTHE"SAFETYRULES"CAREFULLY t

Use the height adjustment knob (Fig !4) to adjust

mower height With the attachment lift lever in the furl

"UP" position, turn height adjustment knob clockwise

('-_) to raise cutting height and counterclockwise (_-'}

to lower cutting height Lower attachment hft lever to

check adjustment

a° To adjust gauge wheels (Fig, 15) lower attach-

ment rift lever,

b . Remove retainer spring and clevis pin from gauge

wheels°

c. Move gauge wheels to the adjustment hole that

will provide the desired cut,,

d,, Replace retainer spring and clevis pin. e. Move attachment rift lever to its full "UP"

position.

f o With engine running and warm, place throttle con_

trol midway between "'S" (slow) and "F'" (fast) position (Fig° 14)oo.

g. To engage mower puff attachment clutch switch

(Fig. 14) out and up.

TO THE TRACTOR OTHER THAN THE OPTIONAL WHEEL WEIGHTS, EX-

CESSIVE WEIGHT MAY OVERLOAD

AND DAMAGE THE TRANSM4SSlON

PLUNGER

ATTACHMENT

LIFT LEVER

CLEVIS PIN FIGURE I5

BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER.

OPERATION

L.....

FUNCTION

Normal

Mowing

Heavy

Mowing

Snow

Removal

Tilling

Plowing

GEARSHIFT

2H* or 3L*

1H or 2L

THROTTLE

FAST

MID THROTTLE

h ,, Move range shift lever to "'LO" (low) postion (Fig_

14L

i. Move gear shift lever to desired gear (Fig 14L

jr Use attachment lift lever to lower mower into cut-

ting position,

k,. Release clutch/brake pedal SLOWLY to start

movement,

I, Start mowing at slow and increase ground speed

by increasing throttle as conditions will permtt,

NOTE: BRING TRACTOR TO COMPLETE STOP BEFORE SHIFTING GEARS

4. Mowing Tips

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

Do i°g 1L

Grading 2L

:_ ,,,,,,,, =

Transport 3H

FIGURE 16

FIGURE 17

i-_ f X

Jtr .... t

lIT.'._ "

SLOW-FAST

" Indicates Range Shift Lever position:

"'H" for High "'L" for low

RH, RUNNER

DISCHARGE GUARD

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

a_ Use the runner on the R,H, side as a guide; the

blade cuts approximately an inch outside the run-

ner (Fig_ t 7).

b, Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the

area that has been cutu Have the cut area to the right of the machine, This will result in a more

even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting_

c, When mowing large areas (Fig. 18), start by tur-

ning to the right so that the clippings will be discharged away from shrubs, fences, driveways,

etc. After two or three rounds, mow in the op- posite direction making left hand turns until

finished.

d, If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed

twice. The first time cut relatively high_ The se- cond time to the desired height,,

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

trimming,

f,, DO not mow tall, dry grass over 6 inches talL It is a

fire hazard

5, Operating The Tractor On Hills

a. Choose the lowest gear BEFORE starting up or

do wn hills_

DO NOT DRIVE UP OR DOWN HILLS WITH SLOPES GREATER THAN 15 ° AND DO NOT DRIVE ACROSS ANY SLOPE, REFER

TO PAGE 51,

b=, Avoid ,stopping or shifting on hills. c ,. If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever

to middle position,,

LEAVE ENOUGH ROOM WHEN STOPPING AND STARTING TO ALLOW SLIGHT TRAC-

TOR ROLL DOWNHILL AS CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL MOVES THROUGH CLUTCH

.................................POSITION.

FIGURE 18

d, tf stopping is absolutely necessary, push

clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake pbsition and engage parking brake,

To restart your tractor, make sure tractor is in 7st

gear and that you have allowed room to roll slight- ly downhill. Disengage parking brake and release

clutch/brake pedal SLOWLY to start tractor for-

ward movement°

f. Make all turns slowly°

To keep your tractor running better,

longer, perform necessary service using

the following maintenance schedule:

BEFORE MAKING ANY INSPECTION, ADJUSTMENT OR REPAIR: (FIG. 19):

!, PUSH TRACTOR CLUTCH/BRAKE

PEDAL COMPLETELY INTO BRAKE POSITION.

2o MOVE GEAR SHIFT CONTROL

LEVER TO NEUTRAL POSTION.

3_ PLACE PARKING BRAKE IN

"ENGAGED" POSITION .AND RE-

MOVE FOOT FROM PEDAL.

4, TURN OFF ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH SWITCH°5o SHUT OFF THE ENGINE,

6o MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE THE

BLADES AND ALL MOVING PARTS HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED.

7. DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG WIRES FROM THE SPARK PLUGS AND KEEP WIRES AWAY FROM

THE SPARK PLUGS TO PREVENT INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL STARTING. BE CAREFUL TO

AVOID TOUCHING HOT ENGINE OR MUFFLER COMPONENTS,

With Every Mowing

Io Make sure all nuts on bolts are tight and cotter pins

and retainer springs are secure,

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK AND FILL TUBE

INTENANCE

FIGURE 19

SIDE

2. Observe a!l safety precautions

3, Keep tractor well lubricated (refer to page 18),

First 2 Hours (Two Mowings)

1o Change Engine Oil

Changing off after the first two hours (or two mow-

ings) will help eliminate break-in residue which might

be damaging to your engine.

NOTE: BE CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT TO ENTER

THE ENGINE WHEN (_HANGING OIL.

a,, Drain oil with engine warm., b .. Remove hood and grill (see page 23)_ co Loosen oil drain wing nut (Fig, 20 - Inset),

Catch oil in a suitable container.

d. Tighten oil drain wing nut after all oil has been

removed from engine°

eo Refill engine oil., Refill capacity is 3 pints.

NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL.

f o Replace dipstick.

FIGURE 20

MAINTENANCE

SHIFT COVER SF.

Recommended SAE Viscosity Grades

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

0 o 32 °

, ,,,.,.,

60 ° 80 ° 100 °

Ill lily, k,.......

30 or 10W-30

FIGURE 21

FIGURE 22

Capacity is 3 pints, NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL. Dipstick assembly must be securely tightened into tube at atl times when eng/ne is operating,

CAUTION: TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE STAR-

TING SYSTEM, USE SAE 5W30 OIL WHEN THE TEMPERATURE FALLS

BELOW 32°_

Every 5 Hours (Five Mowings)

1. Check Engine Oil Level

NOTE: DO NOT CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

Several minutes after stopping engine, check engine oil level with tractor on level ground. Wipe dipstick (Fig, 20) clean, screw it down tight for a few seconds, remove

and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL ""mark is reached. NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL

Every 25 Hours (Twice a Mowing Season)

(Operating in dusty conditions may require more frequent

servicing3

WITH ENGINE RUNNING.

FIGURE 23

..... 1 t

t t

BLADE !

1o Brake Adjustment

IF TRACTOR REQUIRES MORE THAN

SIX FEET STOPPING DISTANCE INHIGHEST GEAR ON A LEVEL DRY CONCRETE OR PAVED SURFACE

THEN BRAKE MUST BE ADJUSTED.

a. Remove (4) hex washer head tapping screws from

shift cover plate (Fig° 21), located on top of trac- tor frame. Remove the cover plate,

b. Loosen jam nut (G) on brake rod (B) at clevis (c)

(Fig. 22). If you find it difficult to loosen jam nut (G), remove cover plate in LoHoframe tail.

c, Rotate brake rod (B) counterclockwise (V"_) tur-

ning brake rod out of clevis (C) four to six turns.

d. Start tractor with tramsmission in 'W" (neutral)

position.

e_ Depress clutch/brake pedal to the point where belt

stops moving.

+ 36 hidden pages