8E/AR8
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.25891
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer Responsibilities
oService and Adjustments
Repair Parts
OWNER'S MANUAL
CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment,
FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOT LINE, CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-659-5917
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers &
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE iS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS lNJURY OR DEATH,
I. 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.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up arrdthrown by the blade=
• Be surethe area isclear ofother 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°
o Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck..
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major' factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death,
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow ito
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc,
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Talt grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope..
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep atl movement on the slopes stow and gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid stading or stopping on a slope tf tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT;
• Donor turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn s!owly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-otis, 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.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children_ Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity° Never assume that
children wilt 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, took behind and down for small
chitdren_
• 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 biind 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 refuelingo Do not
smoke..
Never refuel the machine indoors
Never store the machine or fue! 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, especially blade attachment botts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
° 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, ifnecessary, before restarting..
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjecttowear, 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
,, Check brake operation frequently, Adjust and service as
required.
,i i1,,i i ii , i
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERTtff YOUR
SAFETY iS INVOLVED.
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiii ii i ii
iiiiiiiiii iiii i
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire an dplace wi rewhere it can not co ntact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs,
ii
iiiiiiiiii i i
A WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm,
,i,u i
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 CentedDepartment Department. We have com-
petent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to
service or repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual° The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
PRODUCT SPECnFICAT ONS
HORSEPOWER: 22.5
GASOLINE CAPACITY 3.5 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SFiSG): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W_30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.2 PINTS
W/O FILTER: 37 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
(GAP: .030")
MODEL
NUMBER 917°258910
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT,
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP !N A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-
uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITHES
o Read and observe the safety rules,
o Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining, caringforand
using your tractor°
• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili*
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
VALVE CLEARANCE: NOT ADJUSTABLE
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 0 - 5.8
REVERSE: 0-21
TiRE PRESSURE: FRONT: t4 PSI
HEAR: t0 PSi
CHARGING SYSTEM: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 35
MIN CCA: 280
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT_ LBS..
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
(if any),, Ifa 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 taws apply on
federal lands, A spa_rkarrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/
Department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
LiMiTED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RUDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according
to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material
or workmanship.
This Warranty does not cover."
• Expendable items which become worn during norma! Use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc.
, Tire rep!acement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, 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 instructionscontained inthe owner's manual
• Riding equipment used for commercial or rentai purposes.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in matedal or
workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears wilt replace the battery at no charge
IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO-CHARGE FOR 30
DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SERVICE CENTER. AFTER 30 DAYS
FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY TAKING YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIP-
MENT TO YOUR NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER. (IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE
AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE BUT A STANDARD TRiP CHARGE WILL APPLY) THIS WARRANTY
APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS 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, IL 60179
3
,,, ,,,,ll,, u..... i,,,, i i , i r,,
TABLE OF
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 16-19
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ..................................... 5,15
ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 7-10
OPERATION ........................................................... 12-16
iNDEX
A
Accessories .............................................. 5
Adjustments:
Brake ........................................................23
Carburetor, .............................................27
Clutch Pulley ..............................................23
Gauge Wheels ....................................14
Mower
Front*To-Back .......................... 22
Side-To-Side ............................ 21
Throttle Control Cable .................. 27
Air Filter, Engine ................................... 20
Air Screen, Engine ............................... 19
Assembly ............................................. 7-10
B
Battery:
Charging ..............................................8
Cleaning ....................................... 20
Stading with Weak Battery ............ 25
Storage ........................................ 28
Terminals ............................................t9
Belt:
Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement ............. 24
Mower Drive
Removal/Replacement ............ 22
Mower Blade Drive
Removal/Replacement ................23
Blade:
Sharpening ........................................ 18
Replacement ................................ ; 18
Brake Adjustment .......................................23
C
Carburetor Adjustment ........................ 27
Clutch Pulley ....................................... 23
Controls, Tractor .................................. 12
Customer Responsibilities .............. 17-20
Engine:
Air Filter ..................................... 20
Air Screen ......................................19
Cooling Fins ......................................20
Engine Oil ............................. I5,t9
Fuel Filter', .................................... 20
Spark Plug(s) ................................20
Tractor:
Battery ...................................... 18
Blade ........................................ 18
Lubrication Chart ....................... 17
Maintenance Schedule ............ 17
Tire Care .............................. 8,18,25
Transaxle ........................................t9
Cutting Height, Mower .......................... t3
Electrical:
lntedocks and Relays .................... 26
Schematic ..............................................31
Wiring Diagram ............................. 32
Engine:
Air Filter...............................................20
Air Screen ....................................... 19
Cooling Fins .......................................20
Oil Change ..................................... 19
Oil Level ........................................... t5
Oil Type .........................................15,t9
Preparation ........................................15
Repair Parts ............................. 51-58
Starting ...................................... 15-16
Storage .......................................... 28
Filter:
Air Filter_.......................................... 20
Fuel .....................................................20
Oil ...................................................... 20
Fuel:
Storage .................................................28
Type .......................................................15
Fuse .................................................................26
Headlights ...................................................26
Hood Removal/installation ................... 26
Leveling Mower Deck ................................22
Lubrication:
Chart ...................................................17
Engine ..................................................19
Maintenance Schedule ....................... 17
Mower:
Adjustment, Front-to-Back ........... 22
Adjustment, Side4o-Side .................21
Blade Replacement ..........................18
Blade Sharpening ......................... 18
Cutting Height ..........................................13
Installation .................................... 21
Operation ..................................... 14
Removal ......................................... 21
Mowing Tips ........................................... I6
Muffler .................................................. 20
Spark Arrester ............................. 3,40
Oil:
Cold Weather Conditions ..........15,t 9
Engine ..................................................19
Storage ..............................................28
CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 17
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 21-27
STORAGE ................................................................... 28
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 29-30
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. 32-50
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 51-58
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER
E
F
H
L
O
4
Operation .....................................................12-16
Operating Mower ..................................... 14
Options:
Accessories ................................................ 5
Spark Arrester ...............................3,40
P
Parking Brake .......................................... 13
Pads Bag .....................................................6
Pads, Reptacemen_Repair ................32-50
ProductSpecifications ................................3
R
Repair Pads .........................................32-50
S
Safety Rules ............................................ 2
Seat .....................................................................8
Service and Adjustments .......................21-27
Carburetor .........................................27
Clutch Pulley .....................................23
Fuse ...................................................26
Hood Removalllnstallation .............26
Motion Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ...................22
Mower Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ...............22
Mower Blade Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ............. 23
Mower Adjustment
Front-to-Back .....................................22
Side-to-Side ............................... 21
Mower Removalllnstallation ......... 21
Tire Care .................................. 8,16,25
Slope Guide Sheet .................................... 59
Spark Plug(s) ....................................................20
Specifications ..................................................3
Starting the Engine ...............................15-16
Steering Wheel .............................................7,24
Stopping the Tractor ............................. 13
Storage ............................................................ 28
T
Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ....... 27
Tires .......................................................8,18,25
Troubleshooting Chad_,°:o.................29-30
Transaxte ....................................................19
W
Warranty ................................................ 3
Wiring Diagram ...................................... 32
Wiring Schematic ................................ 31
.......... i,, .......... , ............ ,
AOOI$SOI!IS AND ATTAOHMEHT$
These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retat outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased.
Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG
PERFOF{MANCE
Sears offers awide variety of attachments that fityour tractor. Many of these are listed beIow with brief explanations of how they can help
you. This Ist was current at the time of publication; however, it may change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes
may be made inthese attachments, or some may no longer be avalable 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 de are indicated) and are designed for easy
attaching and detaching.
AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthylawn, Tapered
2.5-inch steel spikes mounted on lO-inch diameter discs puncture
holes insoil atclose intervals to let moisture soak in. Steel weight tray
for increased penetration
BUMPER protectsfront end of tractor from damage
CARTS make hautng easy Variety of sizes available, plus accesso-
riessuch as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover, protectivemat and
dolly°
CORING AERATOR lakes small plugs out of sol to allow moisture
andnutrients to reach grass roots° 36-inch swath. 24 hardenedsteel
coring tips. 150 lb capacity weight tray
DISC HARROW has 2 gangs of 4 steel blades that angle from !0 to
20 degrees, 40 inches w_de. Can hook2 units in tandem (Requires
sleeve hitch.)
DOZER BLADE removes snow; grades dirt, sand and gravel. 4B
inches wide, t7 incheshigh, clears 44-inch pathwhen angled. Master
lift control lever for operator ease_ Spring tdpfor snow removal on
uneven pavement; built-in float for blade to follow ground contour,
Reversible, replaceable scraper bar. (Use with tire chainsand 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 pu!l-behind attachments at
once, such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with
rolera, carts or other heavy attachments)
MULCH RAKFJDETHATCHER 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 fortront or
rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION SPRING
TINE DETHATCH ERcovers 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-
mentcontrols depth, 3-position yoke sets width, Heavy steel landside
Iorstraight furrowing, (Requires sleeve hitch)
RAMP TOPS AND FEET let you load and unload tractor from a
pickup truck Use with 2 x B or 2 x 10 lumber.
REAR GRADER BLADE is42 incheswide and operated fromddver's
seat. Reversible steel blade can be angled at 30degrees for grading.
Reverses for pushing snow backwards. (Requires sleeve hitch )
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch diameter
water-tight drum holds up to 390 lbs, of weight. Rounded edges
prevent harm to turf. Adjustable scraper automaticallycleans drum.
GAS CAN
ENGINEOIL I FUELSTABILIZER
SLEEVE CULTIVATOR is 43 inches wide_ Prepares ground for
seeding, helps weed control. Steel frame holds 5 adjustable sweeps,
Adjusts verlcaly, 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
powderyand wet!heavy snow Mounts easilywith simple pin arrange-
ment. Discharge chute adjusts from tractorseat. 6-inch diameter
spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet. Lift controled at tractor seat
(Use with chains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar weightr)
SPRAYERS use 12-voff DCelectric motor that connects to the tractor
battery or other 12-volt source° Includes booms for automatic
spraying end hand held wand forspot spraying Wand has adjustable
spray pattern. For applying herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and
fquid fertlizers
SPREADEPJSEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed killing
easy, Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular de-icers and
sand
SWEEPERS letyou colect grass clppings and leaves°
TILLER has Bhpe nginetoprepare seedbeds, cultivate, andcompost
garden residue, Chain-drive transmission, Six 1t-inch diameter one
piece heat-treated steel tines. Tils 30-inch path. (Requires sleeve
hitch°) Or use 5hp tow-behindTILLER with 36-inch swath to prepare
seed beds, cultivate and compost garden residue. Tiller has its own
buttqn lilt 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 for5 hptillerconvert
unit for dethetching, aerating, hilling...without tools,
TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extra-largecross links
give smooth ride,outstanding traction.
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric Over tubularsteel 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 sold
safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper; 12wolt amber
caution light for mounting on cab top,
VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and leaves.
Optional wand attachmentto pickupdebris inhard-to-reach places.
VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder.
WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbarfor snow removal applications. Can
be mounted on front of traelor for ptowing applications Uses (1) 55
Ib, weight
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for snow
removal ordozing heavy materials
AIR FILTER
MAINTENANCE
I BLADES BELTS
5
i, ,111...........
(4) Washers 3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga_
(4) Shoulder Bolt g i
Parts Bag contents shown
(4) Retainer Springs
(4) Bracket_
_ [z _ (doubletoop_ IIIt I('?1
. , Bolts .
f'_ (4) Clevis Pins _ _\
_ (4) Adjusting Bar
(4) Wheels
m
(12) CrownLock Nuts 3/16 x 8 (4) Loeknut 3/8-18
..................... i
(1) shoulder' Bolt
5/16-18 ----1
Steering Sleeve
Steering Seat
Wheel
(1) Knob Manual Cassette Parts Bag
i
Video
Parts bag contents not shown full size
(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _rq_._. •
I_L , u,
(2) Front Link Assemblies
bJ
iner Springs (single loop) Insert
_ (2) Keys _ Steedng
(__ Wheel
"_ ....................... _,I
ii, in, n,nl_ i, i
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 314 (2) Hex Nutsj¢:_,
1t4-20
(2) Washers _ (2) Lock Slope Sheet
9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga, "_" Washers 1/4
............... ii,u,ii,nl,, ,nnlii,i..............
6
ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled atthe factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purpose&
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) I/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
. Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
BEFORE ROLUNG TRACTOR OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
° Remove hex bolt, lock washer and large fiat 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,
o Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel.
- Remove protective materials from tractor hood and
grill
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR
IS TO ROLL OFF SKIDo
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation
section for location and function of controls)
° Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to
its highest position.
• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal,
• Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to
disengage transmission (See 'q'O TRANSPORT" in
the Operation section of this manual).
° Roll tractor forward off skid.
° Remove mower and packing materials.
o Remove ties from V-belts,
__. HEX BOLT
_ WHEEL
STEERING STEERING
WHEEL / SHAFT
ADAPTER .S"
/ "2 < .'
/ k
!/ I _l / t i
STEERING/ I / / / /
SLEEVE / L /
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CONNECT BATTERY (See Fig, 2)
, , ,, ,.,,,,,,, _
nals by allowing a wrench or any other
object to contact both terminals at the
CAUTION; Do not short battery termi-
same time, Before connecting battery,
remove metal bracelets, wristwatch
bands, rings, etc,
Positive terminal must be connected
first to prevent sparking from acciden-
tal grounding.
• Lift hood to raised position.
° Open terminal access doors, remove terminal protec-
tive caps and discard.
° If this battery is put into service after month and year
indicated on label (label located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
° First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery
terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut as shown_ Tighten securely°
o Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) bat-
tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock
washer and hex nut. Tighten securely.
• Close terminal access doors..
r
STEERING WHEEL INSERT
- LOCI( WASHER
FIG. 1
ASSEMBLY
ii i n,,u i.,!_l m ........
Use terminal access door's for':
Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-
ware),
o Inspection for corrosion.
. Testing battery.
o Jumping (if required).
o Periodic charging.
DISCARD HEX NUT LOCK
PROTECTIVE
CAPS
TERMINAL x WASHER
FLAT
WASHER
HEX
BOLT
CHECK TERE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor' were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
o Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor', check to see
that the brake is properly adjusted. See 'q'o ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual,
ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS AND BRACK-
ETS TO MOWER DECK (See Fig. 4)
TERMINAL ,°""
ACCESS ;
DOOR ,,-'
NEGATIVE
(BLACK)
CABLE
POSITIVE
(RED)
CABLE
FIG. 2
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob_
o Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
o Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt
• Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely,
Do not tighten,
, Tighten shoulder bolt securely,
o 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.,
• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position,
o Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
The gauge wheels are designed to keep the mower deck in
proper position when operating mower. Be sure they are
properly adjusted to ensure optimum mower performance.
• Attach front gauge wheel brackets marked front left
(FL), front right (FR) to mower' deck using (3)carriage
botts and (3) locknut& For ease of installation do not
tighten Iocknuts until all carriage bolts have been
installed.
° Attach rear gauge wheel brackets marked rear left (R
L), rear right (RR) to mower deck using (3) carriage
bolts and (3) Iocknuts. For ease of installation do not
tighten locknuts until all carriage bolts have been
installed,.
o Slide gauge wheel bar down into bracket channel, Be
sure that gauge wheel bar aligning holes are on top.
Assemble gauge wheels as shown using shoulder
bolts, 3/8 washers and 3/8-16 center' tocknuts and
tighten securely.
• Adjust gauge wheels to highest position for ease of
mower deck assembly,,
o Adjust gauge wheels before operating mower as shown
in the operation section of this manual
RETAINDER
PiN "\ CROWNLOCK
""_'-_SPRING\
NUT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
SEAT
\
FLAT WASHER
FIG. 3 8
BRACKET
SHOULDER
BOLT
WHEEL ,_-
ADJUSTING
BAR "*'_-._
3/8 WASHER
CAR RIAG E
_ BOLTS
318-I6 CENTER
LOCKNUT
FIG. 4
,, u, , u,,,i.u ............ i,,r............... i¸
ASSEMBLY
......................... i,,, ,............. ,_
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT o Place the suspension arms on inward pointing deck
(See Figs. 5 and 7) pins, If necessary, rock and raise front of mower to
Be sure tractor is on level surface and mower suspension Retain with double loop retainer springs with loops
arms are raised with attachment lift control. Engage park- down as shown,,
ing brake, o Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket under left
• Cut and remove ties securing anti-sway bar and belts, footrest and retain with doubte loop retainer spring,
Swing antFsway bar to left side of mower deck,, o Turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove
• Stide mower under tractorwith discharge guard to right stack from mower suspension_
side of tractor, o Raise deck to highest position,
IMPORTANT: CHECK BELT FOR PROPER ROUTING iN = Adjustgaugewheelsbeforeoperatingmowerasshown
ALL MOWER PULLEY GROOVES, INSTALL BELT INTO
ELECTRIC CLUTCH PULLEY GROOVE in the Operation section of this manual.
,, Install one front link in top hole of the LH. front mower
bracket and L,Hofront suspension bracket. Retain with
two single loop retainer springs as shown.
o Install second front link in R.Hofront suspension bracket
only and retain with single loop retainer spring as
shown.
• Slide right side of mower back and instaltlink intop hole
of R.H. front mower bracket. Retain with single loop
retainer spring as shown,
° Turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise until it
stops,
. Lower mower linkage with attachment lift control.
DOUBLE LOOP SUSPENSION
RETAINER ARMS
CHASSIS
SPRING (Outward
pointing deck pins)
atign deck pins with the holes in suspension arms,
CHECK MOWER LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower 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 ofthis manual. Verify that the belts are
routed correctly.
FRONT
BRACKETS
FRONT
MOWER ELECTRIC
BRACKET CLUTCH
FRONT PULLEY
GAUGE
WHEEL
/
DOUBLE
LOOP
RETAINER
SPRING
SINGLE LOOP
RETAINER
SPRINGS
ANTI-SWAY
BAR
DISCHARGE
GUARD
IDLER
PULLEY
FIG, 5