Craftsman 917259090 Owner’s Manual

CRnFTXMaN°

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259O9

Instruction manual

Please read these instructions

carefully and make sure you

understand them before using this
machine.

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3
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Safety specifications.
Sicherheitsbestimmungen.

Consignes de s_curit_.

Assembly.
Zusammenbau.

Montage.

Functional description.
Funktionsbeschreibung.

Description du fonctionnement._

Procedure before start.
MaBnahmen vor dem Anlassen.

Avant de dSmarrer.

Driving.

Betrieb.

Conduite.

Maintenance, adjustment.

Instandhaltung, Einstellung.
Entretien, r_glages.

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Faulttracing.

StSrungssuche.

Recherche des pannes.
Storage.

Aufbewahrung.
Rangement.

We reserve the right to changes without prior notice.

2

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 INJURY OR DEATH.

1. Safety Rules

I. Training

Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the equipment.

Never allow children orpeople unfamiliar with the instruc-
tions to usethe lawnmower. Local regulations may restrict
the age of the operator.

Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.

Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their

property.
All drivers should seek and obtain professional and prac-

tical instruction. Such instruction should emphasize:

- the need for care and concentration when working

with ride-on machines;

- control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will

not be regained by the application of the brake.

The main reasons for loss of control are:

a) insufficient wheel gdp;
b) being driven too fast;
c) inadequate braking;

d) the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
e) lack of awareness of the effect of ground

conditions,especia,y slopes;

f) incorrect hitching and load distribution.

II. Preparation

While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment isto be

used and remove atl objects which may be thrown by the
machine.

WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable.

- Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this

purpose.

* Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while refuel-

ing.

- Add fuel befom starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while the engine

is running or when the engine is hot.

- Ifpetrol isspilled, donot attempt tostart the engine but

move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol
vapors have dissipated.

- Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.

Replace faulty silencers.

Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or

damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in
sets to preserve balance.

On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one
blade can cause other blades to rotate.

III. Operation

• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.

Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

• Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.

Do not use on slopes of more than 10°.

Remember there is nosuch thing as a =safe" slope. Travel

on grassslopes requires particular care. To guard against
overturning;

- do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill;

- engage clutch slowly, always keep machine in gear,
especially when traveling downhill;

- machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;

- stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden

hazards;

- never mow across the face of the slope, unless the

lawnmower is designed for this purpose.

Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.

Use only approved drawbar hitch points:
Limit loads to those you can safely control.

Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.

Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when sug-

gested in the instruction handbook.

Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces

other than grass.
When using any attachments, never direct discharge of

material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.

Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards,
shields or without safety protective devices in place.

Do notchange the engine governor settings or overspeed

the engine. Operating the engine atexcessive speed may

increase the hazard of personal injury.
Before leaving the operator's position:

- disengage the power take-off and lower the attach-

ments;

- change into neutral and set the parking brake;

- stop the engine and remove the key.

Disengage ddve to attachments, stop the engine, and

disconnect the spai'k plug wire(s) or remove the ignition
key

- before cleaning blockages or unclogging chute;

- before checking, cleaning or working on the
lawnmower;

- afferstriking aforeign object. Inspectthelawnmower
for damage and make repairs before restarting and
operating the equipment;

- if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).

Disengage drive to attachments when transporting or not

in use,

Stop the engine and disengage drive to attachment

before refueling;
before removing the grass catcher;
before making height adjustment unless adjustment

can be made from the operator's position.

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• Reduce thethrottle setting duringengine run-out and, if the
engine is provided with a shut-off valve, tum the fuel off at
the conclusion of mowing.

IV. Maintenance and Storage

Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight tobe sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the equipment with petrol 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.
To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer,

battery compartment and petrol storage area free of grass,
leaves, or excessive grease.

• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deteriora-
tion.

Replace wom or damaged parts for safety.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done

outdoors.

On multi-bladed machines,take careasrotatingoneblade
can causeotherbladesto rotate.

When machine is to be parked, stored or left unattended,
lower the cutting means unless a positivemechanical lock

is used.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark plug inorder

to prevent accidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs.

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These symbols may appear on your machine or in the literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

R N H L "_ Q._ Q

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW FAST SLOW LIGHTS ON UGHTS OFF

ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED PARKING BRAKE BATTERY

CLUTCH CHOKE FUEL OIL PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL LOCK REVERSE FORWARD

IGNITION ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CAUTION MOWER HEIGHT BEWARE OF

CLUTCH ENGAGED THROWN OBJECTS

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(_ These symbols may appear on your machine or in the literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

NO OPERATION KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

L

!

MOWER LIFT

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT BAGGER OR DEFLECTOR

READ OWNERS MANUAL

EUROPEAN MACHINERY WARNING
DIRECTIVE FOR SAFETY

FREEWHEEL

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SHIELD I I IMMEDIATELY WITH

L_Z_I EYES. I I SULFURIC ACID WATER. G

EXPLOSIVE GASES I *SPARKS I CANCAUSE HELP FAST. _r(_

CAN CAUSE BLINDNESS ,FLAMES BLINDNESS OR
OR INJURY. I ,SMOKING I SEVERE BURNS.

RECYCLE

Mfg. byt

EPM Products

Baltimore, MD 21226

MADE IN U.S.A.

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2. Assembly.

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©

_) Before the tractor can be used certain parts must be assembled,

which for transportation reasons are enclosed in the packing.
The picture shows which parts must be assembled.

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Q

2

Install steering wheel

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Fit the steering wheel components in the sequence

shown.

Make sure that the front wheels point straight ahead and

that the steering wheel bar points across the tractor.

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2

Seat

Remove the hardware securing seat to the cardboard pack-
ing and set the hardware aside for assembly of seat to tractor.

Pivot seat upward and remove from cardboard packing.
Remove the cardboard packing and discard.

The seat is adjustable for individual setting in relation to the
clutch and brake pedal. Fold up the holder for the seat and

fit the barrel screw (1).

2

_Set the seat to the correct position by moving it forwards or

backwards. Tighten the adjustment bolt securelv _2_.

_) NOTE! 3

Check that the flex iscorrectly connected tothe safety switch
(3) on the seat holder.

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2

_) NOTE: If battery is put into service after month and year

indicated on label, charge battery for minimum of one hour
at 6-10 amps.

WARNING: Before installing battery remove metal brace-
lets, wrist watch bands, rings,etc. from yourperson. Touching

these items to battery could result in bums.
Open doors over battery poles, remove terminal portective

caps and discard. Connect the red cable to (+) and then the
black earth cable to (-). Screw tight the cables. Grease the
battery poles with vaseline to prevent corrosion.

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2

INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT

Be sure tractor isonlevel surface and mower suspension arms

are raised with attachment lift lever. Engage parking brake.

Cut and remove tie from anti-sway( 1) bar. Swing bar to left

side of mower.

• Slide mower under tractor.

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

ELECTRIC CLUTCH PULLEY GROOVE(2).

Install one front link(3) in top hole of the R.H, front mower
bracket(7) and R.H, front chassis bracket(6), Retain with

two single loop retainers(A).

Install second front link(3) in L,H. front chassis bracket(5)

and retain with single loop retainer(A).

Turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise until it
stops.

Lower mower linkage with attachment lift laver,
Place L.H. suspension arm(8A) on inward pointing pins(9).

• Slide left side of mower back and install the unattached
front link(3) in top hole of L.H. front mower bracket(4).

Retain w_th single loop retainer(A).

Place R.H. suspension arm(8B) on Inward pointing pins(9).

• Connect anti-sway bar(1) to chassis(t 0) under left footrest
and retain with double loop retainer(B).

• Retain both suspension arms to deck pins(9) with double
loop retainers(B).

Turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove slack

from mower suspension.

• Raise deck to highest position,

• Assemble gauge wheels(11 ) as shown. Tighten securely.

1. Anti-sway bar

2. Clutch pulley

3. Front links

4. L.H. front mower bracket

5. L.H. front chassis bracket

6. R.H. front chassis bracket

7. R.H. front mower bracket
8A, L.H. Suspension arm
8B. R.H, Suspension arm

9. Inward pointing pins

10. Chassis bracket

11. Gauge wheels

A. Single loop retainer
B. Double loop retainer

°\

11

10

9

8A8B

3

3

7

....

6

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3. Functional description.

(_ Positioning of controls

1. Light Switch.

2. Throttle control.

3. Brake and crutch pedat.

4. Gear Shift Lever.

5. Attachment clutch switch.

6. Quick lifting/lower of the cutting unit.
7, ignition lock.

8, Parking Brake.

9. Cutting height setting.

10. Choke control.

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3

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1. Light switch

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2. Throttle control

The throttle controlregulates the engine revsand thus the
rotation speed of the blades.

= Full speed

= Idling speed

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(_ 3. Brake and clutch pedal

When the pedal is pushed down the brake is applied and the

motor is disengaged,

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