Craftsman 917257740 Owner’s Manual

SWA/ S

MODEL NUMBER 917.257740 OWNER'SMANUAL

° Assembly +Operation

Customer Responsibilities Service and Adjustments

Repair Parts

f .......

s +

CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment.

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Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES

IMPORTANT; THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEEl AND TH ROWING OBJECTS,,

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

Io GENERAL OPERATION ° Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual

and on the machine before starting.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine

o Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers

,_ 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

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• 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 roadways

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

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to Ioss-of_controt and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath_ All stopes

require extra caution If you cannot back up theslope or ifyoufeel

uneasy on it, do not mow it. DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across. * Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

° Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain coutd

overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

, Use slow speed_ Choose a towgear so that you will not have

to stop or shift while on the slope

o Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel

weights or counterweights to improve stabitity_

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments These can change the stability of the machine.

• Keep al! movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not

make sudden changes in speed or direction.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, if tires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the

stope_ DO NOT; , Donotturnonstopesunlessnecessary, andthen, turnslowly

and gradually downhill, if possible.

• Do not mow near drop_offs, ditches, or embankments The

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge

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

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

sliding. , Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the

ground.

° Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

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

presence of children. Children are often attracted tothe machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

= Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

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 in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive

Use only an approved container. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke..

Never refuel the machine indoor& Never sto_e 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.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especiafly blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition..

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regufarly_

° Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.

Clean oil or fuel spillage 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.

• Grass catcher components are subject towear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and

replace with manufacturer s recommended parts, when nec-

essary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them

o Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

required

Look for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERTtt! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental startin_l when setting up,

transporting, adlusting or making repairs.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor_ It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/Department. 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

9! 7°257740

SERIAL NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE

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 SPECIFICATgONS

HORSEPOWER: 22 0 GASOLINE CAPACFTY 3,5 GALLONS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (AP1-SF/SG): SAE 10W-30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.,0PINTS

VV/O FILTER: 3.,5PINTS

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RCt2YC

GAP: 040")

VALVE CLEARANCE: iNTAKE: ,0015" - 0030"

EXHAUST: ,0020" - _0035"

GROUND SPEED (MPH): Forward LO HI

1st 08 1_8

2nd 1 4 3,,4 3rd 2 L4 &6

Reverse 0L9 22

TRANSAXLE OiL 4 QUARTS

CAPACITY AND TYPE: SAE 30 APt'SF/SG

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 10 PSI CHARGING SYSTEM: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30--35 FT LBS

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod- ucL Contact your nearest Sears store for details

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any

unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIISIL1TIES

• Read and observe the safety rules,

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your unit.

• FoItow the instructions under"Customer Responsibili- ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual,

(if any).. If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code)_

Other states may have similar laws, Federal laws apply on federal lands.. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/

Department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual)o

LIMmTED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRIC START RBDING EQUIPMENT

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this dding equipment is maintained, fubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or repiace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in materia! or

workmanship This Warranty does net cover: o Expendabfe items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside obiects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass. . Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or accident or the failure to maintain the

equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manuaIL

• Riding equipment used for cemmerciaf or rental purposes

LIIVllTED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or

workmanship and our testing determhes the battery will not hotd a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no 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.,

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.,, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

, ii,,Ul i U,l,nll ,, iii i ............................

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15-18

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

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

ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 7-10

OPERATION ........................................................... 11-14

INDEX

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

Adjustments:

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

Carburetor, ................................... 25

Clutch Pulley ................................ 21

Gauge Wheels ............................... 13

Mower

Front-To-Back .....................................20

Side-To-Side .....................................19

Throttle Control Cable ................ 25

Air Filter, Engine ...................................... 18

Air Screen, Engine ......................................18

Assembly .................................................... 7-t 0

Battery:

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

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

tnstat]ation ............................................10

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

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

Starting with Weak Battery ............21

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

Terminals_,: ................................... 17

Belt:

Motion Drive

Removal/Replacement ................22

Mower Drive

Remova!/Replacement ..................20

Mower Blade Drive

Removal/Replacement ............. 21

Blade:

Sharpening .............................................. 16

Replacement ............................ !6

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

Carburetor Adjustment ......................... 25

Clutch Pulley ..................................................21

Controls, Tractor .......................................11

Customer Responsibilities ...................15-t8

Engine:

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

Air Screen ..................................... t8

Cooling Fins ............................. 18

Engine O]1....................................13,16

Fuel Filter .................................. 18

Spark Plug(s) ................................ t8

Tractor:

Battery .................................................t 7

Blade ..............................................t 4

Lubrication Chart ...........................15

Maintenance Schedule .................15

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

Transaxle .............................................16

Cutting Height, Mower ..............................12

Electrical:

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

Schematic ...................... 30

Wiring Diagram ......................... 32

Engine:

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

Air Screen .............................. 18

Cooling Fins ......................................18

Oil Change ................................... 17

Oil Level ............................................17

Oil Type ..................................... 13,17

Preparation ................................. 13

Repair Parts ..................................48-55

Starting .......................................................13,14

Storage .................................................26

Filter:

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

Fuel .............................................. t 8

Oil ..................................................... t 8

Fuel:

Storage .......................................... 26

Type .............................................. 14

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

Headlights ........................................................ 24

Hood Removal/Installation ................ 24

Leveling Mower Deck ................................I9

Lubrication:

Chart ............................................. 15

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

Maintenance Schedule .................................15

Mower:

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

Adjustment, Side-to-Side ................19

Blade Replacement .................... 16

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

Cutting Height ............................. 12

Installation ................................ 19

Operation ................................... 13

Removal .......................... 19

Mowing Tips ................................ 14

Muffler .............................................. 18

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

Oil:

Cold Weather Conditions ..... 13,17

Engine ....................................................17

Storage ............................... 26

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 19-25

STORAG E .................................................................... 26

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 28-29

REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. 31-47

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 48-55

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER

Operation ........................................... 11-14

Operating Mower .........................................13

Options:

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

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

Parking Brake ............................... 11-12

Parts Bag ................................. 6

Parts, Replacement/Repair ............ 31-47

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

Repair Parts .................................... 31-47

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

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

Service and Adjustments ................. 19-25

Carburetor .............................................25

Clutch Pulley ................................. 21

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

Hood Removal/Installation ...............24

Motion Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement ............ 22

Mower Drive Belt

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

Mower Blade Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement ............ 21

Mower Adjustment

Front-to-Back ...................... 20

Side-to-Side .............................. 19

Mower RemovaVInsta!latien ......... 18

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

Slope Guide Sheet ............................ 59

Spark Plug(s) ....................................... 17

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

Starting the Engine ..................................13-14

Steering Wheel .........................................7,22

Stopping the Tractor ,,.....................................12

Storage ..................................... 26

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ..... 25

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

Troubleshooting Chart .......................28-29

Transaxle ........................................... 16,46-47

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

Wiring Diagram .........................................32

WMng Schematic ............................. 30

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACH ENT$

These accessories and attachments were available through most Soars rotaif outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased

Most Sears stores can order those items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

SPARK PLUG GAS CAN ENGINE OIL FUEL STABILIZER BLADES BE_S

PERFORMANCE

Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your tractor_ Many of these are fisted below with brief explanations of l_owtheycan help

you This fist was current at the time of publication; however, it may change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes

may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available or fit your model. 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

AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn Tapered

2.5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs puncture hotes in soil at ctose intervals to let moisture soak in Steei weight tray for increased penetration

BUMPER protects front end of tractor from damage CARTS make hauling easy Vadety of sizes available, ptus accesso-

ries such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover, proteclive mat and dolly,

CORING AERATOR takes small plugs out of soil to allow moisture and nutrientsto reach grass roots. 36-inch swath 24 hardened steel coring tips 150 Ib capacity weight tray

DISC HARROW has 2 gangs of 4 steel blades that angle from 10 to 20 degrees, 40 inches wide Can hook 2 units in tandem (Requires

sleeve hitch.) DOZER BLADE removes snow; grades dirt, sand and gravel 48

inches wide, 17 inches high, clears 44-inch path when angled, Master lift control lever for operator ease Spring trip for snow removal on uneven pavement; built-in float for blade to follow ground contour.

Reversible, replaceable scraper bar (Use with tire chains and wheel weights and!or rear drawbar weight.)

EASY OIL DRAIN VALVE makes oil changes easier, faster FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters in front of mower deck to reduce

chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain GANG HITCH lets you tow 2 or 3 pull-behind attachments at

once, such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with rollers, carts or other heavy attachments)

MULCH RAKE!DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup Twenty spring tine teeth Useful to prepare bare areas for seeding. Available for front or rear mounting, HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 36-inch wide path and tosses thatch into large hopper Mounts behind tractor

PLOW turns soil 6 inches deep, cuts 10-inch furrow Crank adjust- ment controls depth, 3-position yoke sets width. Heavy steel landside for straight furrowing (Requires sleeve hitch.)

RAMP TOPS AND FEET ret you load and unload tractor from a pickup truck.. Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 lumber

REAR GRADER BLADE is 42 inches wide and operated from driver's seat. Reversible steel blade can be angled at 30 degrees for grading Reverses for pushing snow backwards (Requires sleeve hitch )

ROLLER for smoother lawn sudace. 36-inch wide, t 8-inch diameter water-tight drum nolds up to 390 Ibs of weight. Rounded edges

prevent harm to turf Adjustable scraper automatically cleans drum

SLEEVE CULTIVATOR is 43 inches wider Prepares ground for seeding, helps weed control, Steel frame holds 5 adjustable sweeps. Adjusts vertically, horizontally (Requires sleeve hitch) Optional

accessory; steel furrow opener for wider openings for potatoes, corn, and other deep-seeded crops

SLEEVE HITCH for use with master lift system Single pin couples/ uncouples

SNOWTHROWER has 42-inch swath, Drum-type auger handles powdery and wet/heavy snow Mounts easily with simple pin arrange- ment, Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat 6-inch diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet, Lift controlled at tractor seat

(Use with chains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar weight ) SPRAYERS use "i2-volt DCelectric motor that connects to the tractor

battery or other 12-volt source includes booms for automatic sprayingandhandheldwandforspotspraying Wand has adjustable spray pattern For applying herbicides, insecticides,fungicides and liquid fertilizers,

SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed killing easy Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granutar de-icers and

sand SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves

TILLER has 8 hp engineto prepare seed beds, cultivate, and compost garden residue.. Chain-drive transmission Six 11-inch diameterone

piece heat-treated steel tines. Tills 30-inch path (Requires sleeve hitch) Or use 5 hp tow-behind TILLER wilh 36-inch swath to prepare seed beds, cultivate and compost garden residue, Tiller has its own built-in lift and depth control system and does NOT require a sleeve

hitch Fits any lawn, yard or garden tractor, Simply hook up to the tractor drawbar and go! Optional accessories for 5hp tiller convert unit for dethatching, aerating, hilling .without tools

TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extra-large cross links give smooth ride, outstanding traction,

TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree visibility,

Hinged metal doors with catch Keeps operator warm and dry,

Remove vinyl sides and windshields for use as sun protector in summer. Optional accessories include; tinted/tempered solid safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper; 12-volt amber caution tight for mounting on cab top

VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and leaves.

Optional wand attachment topick up debris inhard-to- reach places, VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder

WEIGHT B RACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications. Can

be mounted on front of tractor for plowing applications Uses (1) 55 •

Ebweight WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction forsnow

removal or dozing heavy materials

H,'Hm'= H =='=n

CONTENTS OF

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Parts Bag contents shown full size

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(1) Shoulder' Bolt 5/16-18

(1) Knob

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

HARDWARE PAC

!n.....................

Parts packed separately in carton

Seat

Battery acid

Battery

Steering Wheel

Double Loop

_ etainer Spdngs

(4) Retainer Springs

Single Loop

(2) Hex Bolts 1/4_20 x 3/4

(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20

(2) Washers 9/32 x 5/8 x t6 G&

H'J

I I I f

Parts Bag

,r,r,,,,,_ ..... ' ........

Parts bag contents not shown full size

(2) Gauge Wheels

(2) Shoulder Bolts

_(2) Front Link Assemblies

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

Steering Wheel Insert

3/8 x 7/8 x 14 Gauge

Terminal Guard

Owner's Manuat

(2) Washers L°o_)Nuts

Steering

Sleeve

(2) Lock Washers 1/4

(2) Wing Nuts 1/4-20

(2) Keys

15° Slope Sheet

Battery Caps

and Instructions

............ , ................................................ ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ..........................

ASSEMBLY

You r new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes_ 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.

(2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge (1) 1/2" wrench Utility knife (1) 9/16" wrench

(1) 3/4" socket with drive ratchet When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it

means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).,

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from carton (See page 6).

° Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners

of carton, and lay panels flaL

• Remove mower and packing materials.

o Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and

remove.,

BEFORE ROLMNGTRACTOR OFF SKiD

STEERING _\

STEERING

SHAFT

STEERING

St.EEVE

_ STEERING WHEEL

.-, HEX BOLT

_ j LOCKWASHER

(__ LARGEFLAT

WASHER

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

o Remove hex bolt, lock washer and large flat washer

from steering shaft

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

. Slide steering sleeve over steering shaft.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide onto steering wheel adapter.

. Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with hex bolt,

lock washer and large flat washer previously removed_

Tighten securely.,

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel,

° Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill. IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES

IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Fig. 7) ° Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. o Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake

pedal

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position

° Roll tractor backwards off skid.

FIG. 1

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,,n, IHn H nn nn n

iii i ..........................................................

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2)

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

accidentally incontact with battery acid.

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 tractor* has a battery charging system which is suffi- cient for normal use However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life,

• See instructions packed with vent caps in parts bag.

- Fitl battery with acid, Filf each cell until it reaches the

bottom of the vent well& Do not overfill

o Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty

minutes, After standing, check the battery cell acid level, tf below the vent wells, add more acid until the

correct level is reached.

White battery isstanding (after adding acid) and later, while battery isbeing charged, continue with assembly of tractor..

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..

= 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 after the battery is charged. If 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 wipe dry.

= Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no

damage has occurred in handling,

- Dispose of excess battery acid. Neutralize acid for disposal by adding it to two gallons 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 mote foaming..

° Follow instructions on how to install battery.

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. ° Remove cardboard packing on seat pan. = Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt.

= Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer' Ioosely_

Do not tighten.

, 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.. o Get off seat without moving its adjusted position_ ° Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely,,

SEAT

SEAT PAN

SHOULDER

BOLT

FLAT WASHER

ADJUSTMENT

KNOB

FIG. 3

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your'tractor were overinfiated at the factory for

shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

= Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you Iearn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted,, See "TO ADJUST

BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CUT AWAY VIEW

,VENT CAP

VENT WELL

BATTERY CELL ACID

LEVEL

FIG. 2 8

=,,= ,,,,=,, =-,,=,,-,,=,,,,H

ASSEMBLY

INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT

(See Figs. 4 and 7)

Be sure tractor is on level surface,. Engage parking brake.,

. Cut and remove tie down securing anti-sway bar,

Swing anti-sway bar to left side of mower deck.

• Relieve idler tension from belt,, Push idler forward and place a block (standard wood 2 x 4 or equivalent)

behind idler pulley.

• Slide mower under tractor with discharge guard to right side of tractor,

o Swing L,H gauge wheel bar forward by removing rear

retainer spring and pin°

. Install one front link in top hole of the Loll. front mower

bracketand L,,H.frontsuspensionbracket Retainwith two single loop retainer springs as shown,,

o Slide right side of mower deck forward, toward RH.

front tire

IMPORTANT: CHECK BELT FOR PROPER ROUTING IN ALL MOWER PULLEY GROOVES. INSTALL BELT INTO

ELECTRIC CLUTCH PULLEY GROOVE

o Install second front link in the top hole of the R.H,, front

mower bracket and R.H_ front suspension brackeL Retain with two single loop retainer springs as shown.

• Carefully remove block from behind idler pulley.

o Turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise until it

stops.

o Lower mower linkage with attachment lift lever..

CHASSIS

BRACKET

DOUBLE LOOP

RETAINER SPRING

DOUBLE LOOP RETAINER SPRING

(Inward pointing deck pins)

o Place the suspension arms on inward pointing deck

pins.. If necessary, rock and raise front of mower to align deck pins with the holes in suspension arms° Retain with double loop retainer spring&,

o Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket under left

footrest and retain with double loop retainer spring°

o Turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove

slack from mower suspension°

, Raise deck to highest position.

• Swing Loll gauge wheel bar back towards rear of mower and secure with pin and retainer spring re-

moved earlier°

• Assemble gauge wheels as shown using long shoulder bolts, 3/8 washers and 3/8-16 center Iocknuts_ Tighten

securely.

• Adjust gaugewheels before operating mower as shown in the Operation section of this manual

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, mower drive, and mower blade drive belts in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual Verify that the befts are

routed correctly. FRONT

SUSPENSION FRONT

ARMS LINKS

SUSPENSION BRACKET

ELECTRIC

CLUTCH

PULLEY

L.H, GAUGE WHEEL BAR

SHOULDER

BOLT

GAUGE

WHEEL

318WASHER

ANTI-SWAY

BAR

3t8-16

CENTER

LOCKNUT

FRONT SUSPENSION

BRACKET

SINGLE LOOPRETAINER

SPRINGS

FRONTMOWER

"_ BRACKET

PULLEY

BLOCK

(Wood2x4orequivo)

DISCHARGE GUARD

FIG. 4

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