Craftsman 917259541 Owner’s Manual

SWAINS

MODEL

° Assembly ° Operation ° Customer Responsibilities ° Service and Adjustments

Repair Parts

917.259541 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

IIIIIIIIIIIIIHIII

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE fS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

SAFETY RULES

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting,

• Only atiow 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 and thrown by the blade

• Be sure ihe area isclear of other people before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters the area

Never carry passengers Do no! mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always

look down and behind before and while backing,,

• Be aware of the mower discharge dilection and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the

entire grass catcher or the guard in place

• Stow down before turning,

° Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off

blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting

° Turn elf blades when not mowing

• SLop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chuie

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light, Do not operaie the machine while under the infiuence of

alcohol or drugs

. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways,

• Use extra care when foRding or unbadlng 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 ordeath.

All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it..

DO:

• Mow up and down stopes, not acros s.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbsl etc

Watch for hobs, ruts, or bumps, Uneven ierrain could

overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles

• Use slow speed.. Choose a tow gear so that you will not have

to slop or shill while on the slope

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

• Use exlra care wilh grass catchers oi' other attachments These can change the stability of the machine.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If liras lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope

DO NOT:

Do not lurn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly 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..

• De not iry to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the

ground

• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes..

IIL 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 wi!l remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adut!

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter lhe area

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

,, Never carry children They may fall otf and be seriously

injured or intedere 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 slore 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 debris build-up Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before storing,.

• Stop and inspect the equipment il you strike an objecL Repair, if necessary, before restarling

• Never make adjustmenls or repairs with the engine running,

• Grass catcher components are subjeci towear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving paris or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manulacturer's recommended pads, 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.

H i HmHN,ll mH,,,,,I I I J

portent safety precautions. It means Look for this symbol to point out im.

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ill

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains cl'iemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

reproductive harm.

,,i,J,i i i imml iHll ill

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 CentedDepartmenL 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 259541

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERSWILLBE 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,

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-

uct, Contact your nearest Sears store for details,

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules. . Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and

using your tractor.

. Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-

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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 15.5

iGASOLINE CAPACITY 125 GALLONS ANw...D TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F)

OlL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC (GAP: ,040")

VALVE CLEARANCE: NOT ADJUSTABLE GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30

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).. 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 taws 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),

,,, i

SAE 5W-30 (below 32 F)

W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS

1st 1,,1

2rid 1,5 3rd 2,3 41h 35 5th 4 4 6th 57

REVERSE: 1.7

REAR: 10 PSI

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

MIN. CCA: 240 CASE SIZE: U1R

IL....................

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 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 normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from ou!side 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 instructions contained in the owner's manual

• Riding equipment used for commercial or rental 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 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 RICING 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 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, 15-19

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

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

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

OPERATION ............... ............................................ 10-14

iNDEX

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

Adjuslments:

Brake ...................................... 22

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

Mower:

Front-To-Back ........................ 21

Side-To-Side .......................... 21

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

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

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

Assembly ......................................... 7.9

Battery:

Charging ................................ 7

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

Starting with Weak Battery ......... 23

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

Terminals ..................................... 16

Belts:

Motion Drive

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

Mower Blade Drive

RemovalfReplacement .......... 22

Blade:

Sharpening ................................ !6

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

Brake Adiustment ................................ 22

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

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

Customer Responsibilities ............ 15-19

Engine:

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

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

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

Cooling Fins, Engine ............... 18

Engine OIl ............................... 17

Fuel Filter ................................ 19

Spark Plugs ............................. 18

Tractor:

Blades ....................................... 16

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

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

Tire Care ......................... 9,16,23

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

Electrical:

Interlocks and Relays ................. 24

Schematic ...................................... 29

Wiring Diagram ........................... 30

Engine:

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

Atr Screen ...................................... 18

Cooling Fins, Engine ......................18

OIl Change ................................... 17

OIl Level ..................................... 13,17

Oil Type .......................................... t 7

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

Repair Parts ......................... 48-53

Starting ....................................... 14

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

Filters:

Air ................................................ 18

Fuel .......................................... 19

Fuel:

Type ........................................... 13

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

Fuse .....................................................24

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

Hood Removaltlnstallation .................. 24

Leveling Mower Deck ........................ 21

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

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

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Back .......... 21

Adjustment, Stde.,to.Slde ............ 21

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

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

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

Instaitatlon .................................... 20

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

Removal ...................................... 20

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

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

Spark Arrestor ............................3,40

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

Oi1:

Cold Weather Conditions ....... 14,17

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

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

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

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 20-25

STORAGE ................................................................... 26

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 27-28

REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. 30-47

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 48-53

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

Operation .................................. 10-t 4

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

Options:

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

Spark Arrester ...................... 3,40

Parking Brake .............................. t 1-12

PartsBag ......................................................6

Parts, Replacement/Repair ...........30-47

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

Repair Paris ............................... 30-47

Safely Rules ........................... 2

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

Service and Adjustments ............ 20-25

Brake ............................................. 22

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

Fuse ..............................................24

Hood Removaltlnstaflation .......... 24

Motion Drive Belt

Removat/Replacemenl .......... 22

Mower Blade Drive Belt

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

Mower Adjustment:

Front-to-Back ........................ 21

Side-to-Side ................. 21

Mower Installation ................... 20

Mower Removal ........................ 20

Tire Care ........................... 9,!6,23

Slope Guide Sheet .............................. 55

Spark Plugs ....................................... 18

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

Starting the Engine ......................... 13.14

Steering Wheel ................................ 7,23

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

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

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment .... 25

Tires ........................................ 9,16,23

Trouble Shooting Chart ............. 27-28

Transaxle Repair Paris .............. 46-47

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

Wiring Diagram ................................... 30

Wiring Schematic ................................ 29

.................................................... i ........................... i uu,L

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

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 tractor Many of these are listed below with brief exp anations of how they can help you Ti_is list was current at the time of publication; however itmay change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes

may be made n 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 attachmenls 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, Ta- pered 2 5*inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs

puncture holes in soil at c!ose intervals to let moisture soak in_

Steel weight tray for increased penetration°

BAGGER lets you collecl grass clippings and leaves for a healthier, nealer looking lawn_ Two Permanex containers hold 30-gallon plastic bags

BUMPER prelects 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 nutrienls to reach grass roots_ 36-inch swath. 24

hardened sleet coring tips 150 lb_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 terrain,

GANG HITCH lets you tow2 or 3puli-behlnd attachments atonce,

such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with rolIers, carts or other heavy atlachments),

GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce

chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain, For mower decks not so equipped

MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup,, Twenty spring line

leeth. Useful to prepare bare areas forseeding, Available for front or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION

SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 36-inch wide path and tosses lhatch info 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 t0 lumber ROLLER for smoother lawn surface, 36-inch wide, t8qnch

diameterwater-tight drum holds upto3901bs, ofweight., Rounded edges prevent harm to turf. Adjustable scraper automatically

cleans drum

SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14÷inch high, 48qnch wide bladeclears42-inchpalhwhenangledleftorright 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 arrangement Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat 6-inch diameter spout discharges snow 10 !o 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 that 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 f3attern For applying herbicides insecfi-

cides, lung c des and liquid fertilizers SPREADERISEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed kill-

ing easy, Broadcast spreaders are also useful Ior granular de- icers and sand,

SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves TILLER has 5hp 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 iothe tractor drawbar and go! Optional accessories convert unit for

delhatching, aerating, hilling, ,without tools. TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extra-large cross

links give smooth ride, outstanding traction.,

TRACTOR CAB has heavy duly 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 [n summer, Optional accessories include: tinted/

tempered solid safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper 12-volt amber cau ion I ght for mounting on cab lop

VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and leaves, Optional wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach

places, VACtCHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications

Uses (1) 55 lb weight

WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for snow removal or dozing heavy materials

Seat

Steering

Wheel

(1) Large Flat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt 5/16q8 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 5/16-18

(2) Screws #10 x 5/8

(2) Lock Washers #10 -.

(2) Weld Nuts #10 _ I

(1) Lockwasher 3/8

,,, (2) Washers 3/16 X3,/4,x !6 Gauge

(t) Hex Bolt

112-13 x 1

(1) Shoulder Bolt

5/16_18

Steering

Boot

Mulcher

Plate

Manual

Parts bag contents not shown full size

(2) Shoulder

Bolts

Steering Wheel

...................... i mHHHH Hn,

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

Adapter

Video

Cassette

Parts Bag

inn, i1,11

(2) Gauge

Wheels

(2) Center-

lock Nuts

1) Washer x 1-3/16

x 12 Gauge

Wheel

Steering

Insert

Steering Extension Shaft

(2) Keys

Slope Sheet

ASSEMBLY

i ,., i .nuul i ,.lU i ...............i..... n,, i, , i,,, H,,i

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 alf 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 (2) 1/2" wrenches Phillips screwddver (I) 9/16" wrench Utiiity knife (1) 3/4" socket with drive ratchet

When dght 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

_-__W-/ _1,-------3/8LOCKWASRER

STEERING "_--"---_'_-_--_J WHEEL

_ INSERT

%_) STEE_ING

UNPACKCARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from carton (See page 2).

• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners of carton, and lay panels fiaL

o Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align mounting holes in extension and lower shafts and install 5/16 hex bolt and locknut, Tighten securely,

iMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO

18-22 FT LBSTORQUE

• 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 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 insert into center of steering wi_eel.

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES

INSKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERETRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.

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 gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Roll tractor backwards off skid,

° Remove banding holding discharge guard up against

tractor.

_._ BOOT

ADAPTER

EXTENSION SHAFT

5/16 HEX BOLT

5116 LOCKNUT

LOWER STEERING

SHAFT

FIG. I

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CONNECT BATTERY (See Figs. 2 and 3)

CAUTION: DO not short battery termi- object to contact both terminals at the

nals by allowing a wrench or any other

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.

Remove cardboard packing from seat pan and fift seat pan to raised position.

• Open battery box door.

• Remove terminal protective caps and discard, o If this battery is put into service after month and year

indicated on tabel (label located between terminals)

charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.

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

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

• ,11

i,i,n i ,i,ii lUl,n n i

i ii nil ,,, n iinlllll Ill,I i illlll,lllllmlll I

ASSEMBLY

n illllllll, i I n i ii illlllll unlnl,lU I

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

nal with rernaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer

and hex nuL Tighten securely., = Close battery box doon Open battery box door for:

. Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-

ware),

• Inspection for corrosion_

• Testing battery,

• Jumping (if required),

Periodic charging.

POSITIVE NEGATIVE (RED) CABLE (BLACK) CABLE

FIG. 2

,i ii i lUUl i i ill lunnlllllllll,i

EAT,A. III

BOLT

FIG. 4

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were ovefinflated 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 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 manua!,

SEAT

PAN

BATTEF BOX DOOR

FIG. 3

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.

° Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.

• Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt.

• Assemble adjustment bolt, Iockwasher and flatwasher loosely, Do not tighten.

o Tighten shoulder bolt securely. . Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.

. Slide seat until a comfo rtabte position is reached which

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

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted positionv

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION 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. 5A)

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.

. Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level

surface.

• Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO AD- JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT In the pelat' n section of this manual).

. With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge

wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the groun& Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with

shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely,

o Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in

same adjustment holeo

" " O tO

ASSEMBLY

1,,,,,,,1,,,,=u= 1,11 = = m,== = . ,,,,,,1,,,1

GAUGE WHEEL MOUNTING

BRACKET

318-16 LOCKNUT

318" WASHER

GAUGE WHE

SHOULDER BOLT

FIG. 5A

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Figs. 5B and

5C)

° 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,

° Tighten hardware securely. . 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.. o Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.

=m=M,rml,m,=,=, = .................

guard from mower. Raise and hold guard when attaching mulcher plate

and allow it to rest on plate while in

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge ]

,,,,=,,,,,,H= H== H

WELD WASHER

NUT "_,

LATCH *-. HOOK

WASHER

MULCHER

=LATE

operation.

HOOK POINTS

WELD NUT DOWN

LOCK

WASHER

SCREW

FIG. 5B

HOOK

WELD

NUT

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

LATCH

HbOKs

FIG. 5C

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

Simply remove mufcher plate and store in a safe place.

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

NOTE: Itis not necessary to change blades The mulcher blades are designed for discharging and bagging also,

CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW

TRACTOR, WE WISH TOASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SA TISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.

v" No remaining loose parts in carton,

,/ Batteryis properly prepared and charged (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps).

,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely,.

,/ Alltires 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 al! connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

v" Engine oil is at proper level.

,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

¢' Become familiar with all cbntrols - their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine.

,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.

+ 19 hidden pages