Craftsman 917259530 Owner’s Manual

917.259530 OWNER'S MANUAL

oAssembly oOperation oCustomer Responsibilities

oService and Adjustments o Repair Parts

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

IIIII/1//1/1//I/II /11

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SAFETY RULES

_k Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS,

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Reed, understand, and followall instructions in the manual and on the machine before starling.

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

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire etc., wh ch could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

• Be surethe areais clear of other peopte 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 _{ndwhile 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 oniy 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 loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to toss-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 iL

DO:

• Mow up and down stepes, not across.

. Remove obstacles such as recks, tree limbs, etc

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Taft grass can hide obstacles..

• Use slow speed Choose a low 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 oil movement on the slopes slow and 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 slope.

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible,

• Do not mow near drop.errs, ditches, or embankments The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a clilf 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 to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that

children wili remain where you last saw them° o Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful

care of another responsible adulL

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

• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

• Never carry chiidren 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 indoors. Never store 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, especially blade attachment bolts, 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 debfls 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 catchercomponents are subject to wear, 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.

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portant safety precautions. It means

Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERTt!! YOUR

.....,,1

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plu g

spark plug in order to prevent accidental

wire and ptace wire where it cannot contact starting when setting up, transporting,

adjusting or making repairs,

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A WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains cl_emicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

reproductive harm.

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/Departmento We have competent, 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"°

MODEL NUMBER 917,259530

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT. YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE OFPURCHASEAND KEEPtN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE..

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 15.5 GASOLINE CAPACITY 1..25 GALLONS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (APFSF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OiL CAPACITY: 30 PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ 19LM

(GAP: .030") VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .005" _.007"

EXHAUST: .009" - .011"

GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 0- 55

REVERSE: 0- 2.4

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSi

REAR: 10 PSi

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 25

MIN CCA: t90 CASE SIZE: U1R

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT" LBS

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod- uct Contact your nearest Sears store for details_

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

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),. 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

= Read and observe the safety rules.

• FoIIow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor..

• FoIIow the instructions under"Customer Responsibili-

ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual..

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal

combustion engine and should not be used on or near any

i,i i1,,i i inll,,i,nl,lUU,nnlUii i, i ................

(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code)° Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on

federal rand& A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/

Department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).r

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING 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 wilt repair or repiace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or

workmanship

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, bells, etc.

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

• 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 manual..

° Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For ninety (go) days from 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

IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT 1S 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 EQUIPMENT 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 16-20

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 4

INDEX ............................................................................ 4

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

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 7-9

iNDEX

Accessories ....................... :........... .......5

Adjustments:

Brake .................................... 23

Carburetor ...................................... 26

Mower:

Front-To-Back ...............................22

Side-To-Side ................................22

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

Air Filter, Engine .................................... 19

Air Screen, Engine .................................19

Assembly ...................................................7-9

Battery:

Charging ...............................................7-8

Cleaning ............................................18

Connecting ......................................7°8

Starting with Weak Battery .......... 24

Storage ...................................... 27

Terminals .................................... 18

Belts:

Motion Drive

Removal/Replacement ........ 23

Mower Blade Drive

Removal!Replacement ............23

Blade:

Sharpening .......................................17

Replacement ............................. 17

Brake Adjustment ............................. 23

Carburetor Adjustment ..............................26

Controls, Tractor .......................................1t

Customer Responsibilities ............. 16-20

Engine:

Air Filter ...........................................19

Air Screeh, Engine ................... 19

Battery ...........................................18

Cooling Fins, Engine .............. 19

Engine Oil .....................................18

Fuel Filter ................................... 20

Spark Plugs ..................................26

Tractor:

Blades ......................................... 17

Lubrication Chart ........................16

Maintenance Schedule .............t 6

Tire Care .......................... 8,17,24

Culling Height, Mower ............................12

Electrical:

Interlocks and Relays ....................25

Schematic ........................................31

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

Engine:

Air Filter ........................................... 19

Air Screen ..................................... 19

Cooling Fins, Engine .........................19

Oil Change .................................... 18

Oil Level .........................................13,18

Oil Type ........................................... 18

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

Repair Parts ...................................50-55

Starting ............................................ 15

Storage ....................................... 27

Filters:

Air. ........................................................19

Fuel ...................................................20

Fuel:

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

Storage ........................................... 27

Fuse ....................................................... 25

Gauge Wheels ................................. 8

Hood Removal/Installation .................. 25

Leveling Mower Deck ......................... 22

Lubrication Chart ................................. 16

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 16

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-t0-Back ........... 22

Adjustment, Side-to-Side ............. 22

Blade Sharpening .......................... 17

Blade Replacement ...................... 17

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

Installation ....................................... 21

Operation ....................................... 14

Removal ....................................... 2t

Mowing Tips ......................................... 15

Muffler ......................................................20

Spark Arrestor. ............................3,42

Mulcher Plate ............................................9

OPERATION ........................................................... 10-15

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 16

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 21-26

STORAGE ................................................................... 27

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

REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. 32-49

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 50-55

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................. BACK PAGE

Oil:

Cold Weather Conditions ....... 14,18

Engine ............................................ 18

Storage ......................................... 27

Operation ..............................................1O-15

Operating Mower ....................................t3

Options:

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

Spark Arrester .......................... 3,42

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

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

Parts, Replacement/Repair ........... 32-49

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

Repair Parts ................................... 32-49

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

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

Service and Adjustments ............... 21-26

Brake ............................................... 23

Carburetor ..................................... 26

Fuse .................................................. 25

Hood Removal/Installation .............25

Motion Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement .......... 23

Mower Blade Drive Belt

RemovaltReplacement ............23

Mower Adjustment:

Front-to-Back .......................... 22

Side-to-Side ............................ 22

Mower' Installation ........................ 21

Mower Removal ........................... 21

Tire Care ............................... 8,17,24

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

Spark Plugs ........................................ 20

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

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

Steering Wheel ................................ 7,24

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

Storage .................................................. 27

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ..... 25

Tires .............................................. 8,17,24

Trouble Shooting Chart ......................28-29

Transaxle Repair Parts ................. 48_49

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

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

Wiring Schematic ......................................31

ACCESSORIES AN ATTACH ENTS

These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail 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 MAINTENANCE

SPARK PLUG GAS CAN ENGINEOIL FUEL STABILIZER AIR FILTER [ BLADES BELTS

[

PERFORMANCE

Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your ti:aclor. Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of hew they can help you This list was current at the time of publicalion; however, it may change in fulure 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 delaching

AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn. Ta- pered 2 5qnch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch 'diameter discs

puncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in

Steel weight tray for increased penetration. BAGGER lets you coIlect grass clippings and leaves for a

healthier, neater looking lawn. Two Permanex containers hold 30-ga]ton plastic bags.

BUMPER protects front end of tractor from damage. CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes available, plus

accessories such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover, protective mat and dolly.

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

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 terraln.

GAN G HITCH lets you tow 2 or 3 pull*behind attachments at once, such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with roiEers, carts or other heavy attachments)

GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce

chances of"sca]ping" on uneven terraln For mower decks not so equipped..

MULCH RAKE!DETHATOHER loosens soil and flips thatch and

matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup. Twenty spring tine teeth Useful to prepare bare areas tor seeding. Available for front or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION

SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 36qnch wide path and

tosses thatch into large hopper Mounts behind tractor.

MULCHING CLOSE-OUT PLATE KIT, once installed, lets you

mulch, discharge or bag clippings (bagger optional) without

changing blades. For models not equipped as 3-in-1 Convertible

mowers. See "MOWER" in the Repair Parts section of this

manual.

RAMP TOPS AND FEET let you load and unload tractor from a

pickup truck Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 lumber

ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch

dIameterwater-tightdrumholdsupto3901bs, efweight Rounded

edges prevent harm to tuff.. Adjustable scraper automatically

cleans drum

SNOW BLADE forsnow removal only. 14-inch high, 48-inch wide bladeclears42-inchpathwhenangledleftorright, Raises, lowers with side lever Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversible scraper bar. (Use with tire chains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar weight.)

SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath. Drum-type auger handles

powdery and wet/heavy snow Mounts easily with simple pin arrangemenL Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat. 6qnch

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 12-volt DC electric motor thai connects to the

tractor battery or other 12-volt source Includes booms for

automatic spraying and hand held wand for spot spraying. Wand

has adjustable spray pattern. For app y ng herb cides, insecti- cides, fungicides and liquid fertilizers..

SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed kill-

ing easy. Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular de-

icers and sand

SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves

TILLER has 5 hp engine and 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 asleeve hitch..

Fits any lawn, yard or garden tractor Simply hook up to the tractor

drawbar and go! Optional accessories convert unit for

dethatchlng, 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 melaI doors wilh 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 light for mounting on cab top

VACS for powerful co!lection of heavy grass clippings and leaves. Optional wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach places VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder.

WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications

Uses (1) 55 Ib weight

WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for

snow removal or dozing heavy materials.

= i i H,I

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Parts Bag contents shown full size

_,_u i = = m,m,= =,H,,,

Large

Flat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

(1) Shoulder

___ Bolt 5/16q8

m = 11,

(1) Hex Bolt

3t8-16 x 1

(1) Lock washer 3/8

(1) Locknut

5/t6-18

Parts packed separately in carton

Seat

Steering

Wheel

=in= mmnm

Mutcher

Plate

Video

Cassette

(1) Washer 17/32 x

1-3/16 x 12 Gauge

_ (2) Screws #t0 X5/8 (_

(2) Washers g ii I

(2) Lock Washers #!0 _,y.//__

3/16 x 314x 16 Gauge _ I

(2) Weld Nuts #10

liiil!l!.t liIJ

(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4

9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge

(2) Washers

(2) Lock Washers 1/4

(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20

Steering

Manual Boot

Parts Bag

= = n mui= H = ,, n,,H,N,iH,

' = m=' nn,mNn,

Parts bag contents not shown full size

_ (2)Washers 3/8 \kjJ x 7t8 x 14 Gauge

Shoulder

(2)

Bolts

/_ _ (2) Center-

( i_#j )1 _ lock Nuts

\ [.j/y(2) Gauge

"-...._._J Wheels

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Steering Extension

(2) Keys

Shaft

, ....

Steering Wheel

Adapter

Steering Wheel

Insert

(2) Latch Hook

Assemblys

Slope Sheet

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IIIHI'"I'I II III IIIIIII1'1II II

ASSEMBLY

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Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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/t6" wrenches Phillips Screwdriver (1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge (l) 9/16" wrench Utility knife

(1) 3/4" Socket w/drive rachet

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 flat,

° Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and

remove,

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Stide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align mounting holes in extension and lower shafts and

install 5/16 hex bolt and Iocknut° Tighten securely.

IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO 18-22 FT LBS TORQUE°

• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure,

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

° Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing

straight forward,, Slide steering wheel adapter onto steering shaft exten-

sion,

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

Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex

bolt and tighten securely. Snap steering wheel insed 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 tS TO ROLL OFF SKID.

TO ROLL TRACTOR 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 "TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation section of this manual),

FIG. 1

• Roll tractor backwards off skid,

• Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CONNECT BATTERY (See Figs. 2 and 3)

,mH'HHI I H I I H

CAUTION: Do not short battery termi- move metal bracelets, wristwatch

_ nals. Before connecting battery, re-

bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected

first to prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding.

H'," '1I' I I

• Remove cardboard packing from seat pan and liftseat

pan to raised position,

,, Open battery box door, ,' Remove terminal protective caps and discard,

• tf 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 ampso

o First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) terminal

with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex nut as shown, Tighten securely_

== =,,,m =,,,

m ,,, v = = ......................................

ASSE

utuuu,tt = un m,

° Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) termi-

nal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex nut Tighten securely.

• Close battery box door. Open battery box door for:

° Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-

ware)

,, Inspection for corrosion,

- Testing battery

• Jumping (if required)°

• Periodic charging.

DISCARD TERMINAL PROTECTIVE CAPS

LOCK WASHER

= Slide seat until acomfortable position is reached which

allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down,

- Get off seat without moving its adjusted position,

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.

SEAT

SEAT PAN

SHOULDER

BOLT _ _

LARGEFLAT WASHER

ADJUSTMENT BOLT

FIG. 4

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for

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

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" or] page 3 of this manual,

"LOCK WASHER

POSITIVE NEGATIVE (RED) CABLE (BLACK) CABLE

FIG. 2

SEAT

PAN

BOX DOOR

FIG. 3

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)

Adjust seat before fightenfflg adjustment bolt

• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan. Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder boil

• Assemble adjustment bolt, tock washer and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.

* Tighten shoulder bolt securely,

• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.

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 POSrf'lON OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly,

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn 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

ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO MOWER

DECK (See Fig. 5) Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on a fiat level surface, ° Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO AD-

JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual),

o With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge

wheels should beassembled so they are slightly off the

ground_ lnstatl gauge wheel in appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer and 3/8-16 locknut and

tighten secureiy_

- Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

GAUGE WHEEL MOUNTING

BRACKET

3_-16

LOCKNUT

3/8"WASHER

GAUGE WHEEL

FIG. 5

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Figs. 6 & 7)

o Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate using screw,

washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown..

NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch hook by inserting

weld nut from the top with hook pointing down. o Tighten hardware securely.

o Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position_ ° Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck

opening and slide into place, as shown..

• Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck° ° Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck..

mHH N= 11 ,=',=",",'=H= " 1' =

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge guard from mower. Raise and hold

guard when attaching muleher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in operation.

WELD NUT FROM THE TOP HOOK POINTS DOWN

LOCK

WELD WASHER NUT.

X_ SCREW

LATCH

WASHER

MULCHER _'_-.,,,_ PLATE 'SCREW

1,,,1,1 = 1,

FIGo6

WASHER

LOCK

WASHER

HOOK

WELD NUT

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place.

Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory,

DEFLECTOR SHIELD

LATCH

HOOKS

FIG. 7

7CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE

THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SA TISFAC TION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.. ,t" No remaining loose parts in carton.

,/ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps).

¢" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely° ,/ Al! tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results.. (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling)

¢" Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

¢" Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

¢ Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in

drive position.

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PA Y

EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLL OWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

,/ Engine oil is at proper level. ,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

,/ Become familiar with all controls - their location and

function.. Operate them before you start the engine.

,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition. ,/ It is important to purge the transmission before operat-

ing your tractor for the first time.. Follow proper starting and transmission purging instructions (See "TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Op- eration section of this manual).

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