Craftsman 917259544 Owner’s Manual

MODEL NUMBER 917.259544

eAssembly

®Operation

Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments Repair Parts

OWNER'S MANUAL

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat

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

L ........ 'I"_ "_1...................

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.

SAFETY RULES

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 and thrown by the blade

Be sure the area isclear of other people before mowing Stop

machine if anyone enters the area

Never carry passengers

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always look down and behind before and while backing

Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place

Slow down before turning.

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting

Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging

chute

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light

Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways

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

I1. 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 it.

DO:

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

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the machine. Tafl 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 all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down tile slope

DO NOT:

• Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary, andthen,turnsiowly

and gradually downhill, if possible. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments The

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in

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

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes

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 will remain where you last saw them.

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

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

children Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously

injured or 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 irrdoors 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 debris build-up Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before storing

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running

Grass catcher components are sub oct to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or a ow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and

replace with manufacturer'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

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

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

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

spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

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.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears

Tractor It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance,

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/Department We have competent, well- trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this 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 917,259544

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUM.BER 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.

RODUCT SPECIRCATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 15.5 GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.25 GALLONS '

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 10W30 (abeve32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4_0 PINTS

W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS

SPARK PI_UG: CHAMPION RC 12YC

(GAP: .040")

VALVE CLEARANCE: NOT ADJUSTABLE

GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:

1st 11 2nd 1 5 3rd 23 4th 35

5th 44

6th 57

REVERSE: 1.7

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 10 PSI

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30

MIN. CCA: 240 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 an% 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 laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available

through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/

Department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUmPMENT

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 owneCs 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 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 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 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 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

Adjustments:

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

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

Blade:

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

Replacement ............................... 16

Brake Adjustment ......................... 22

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

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

Customer Responsibilities ............ 16-19

Engine:

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

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

Battery ................................ 17

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

Engine Oil ............................. 17

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

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

Tractor:

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

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

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

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

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

Electrical:

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

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

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

Engine:

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

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

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

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

Oil Level ............................ 13,17

OII Type ................. 17

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 Removal/Installation ....... 24

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

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

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

Mower:

Adjustment, Front4o-Back .......... 21

Adjustment, Side-to=Side ...............21

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

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

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

Installation .............................. 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil:

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

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

Options:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repair Parts .......................................30-47

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hood Removal/InstaUatlon .......... 24

Motion Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement ......... 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 ........................ 9,16_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 Parts .................. 46-47

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

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

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

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

SPARK PLUG GAS CAN ENGINEOIL FUEL STABILIZER AIR FILTER

PERFORMANCE

Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your tractor Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of how they can help you_ This list was current at the time of publication; however, it may change infuture 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 net require additional hitches or conversion kits (those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy attaching and detaching

MAINTENANCE

BLADES BELTS

AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a health)/lawn. Ta-

pered 2 5-inch 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 collect grass clippings and leaves for a healthier, nearer looking lawn Two Permanex containers hold

30-gallon 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 36-inch swath 24

hardened steel coring tips 150 Ib capacity weight tray EASY OIL DRAIN VALVE makes oi! changes easier, faster

FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters in front of mower deck to reduce

chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain

GANG HITCH lets you tow 2 or 3 pull-behind attachments at once, such as sweepers, dethatchera, aerators (not for use with rollers, carts or other heavy attachments)

GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce chances of "scalping" on uneven ter rain 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 tine

teeth Useful to prepare bare areas for seeding. Available for front or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION

SPRING TINE DE'THATCHER covers 36-inch 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

diameter water-tight drum holds up to 390 Ibs. of weight Rounded edges prevent harm to turf Adjustable scraper automatically

cleans drum

SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14-inch high, 48-inch wide blade clears 42-inch path when angled left or right 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 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 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 pattern For applying herbicides, 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 a sleeve hitch Fits any lawn, yard or garden tractor Simply hook up to the tractor

drawbar and go! Optional accessories convert unit for dethatching, aerating, hilling, without tools

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

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

visibility Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm

and dry Remove vinyl sides and windshields for use as sun protector in summer Optional accessories include: tinted/ tempered solid safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper;

12-volt amber caution light for mounting On cab top VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and leaves

Optional wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach places VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredden

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

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Parts Bag contents shown full size

(1) Large Flat Washer

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

(2) Screws #10 x 5/6

(2) Lock Washers #_]

(1) Lockwasher 3/8

(1) Locknut 5/16-16

(1) Hex Bolt

3/8-15 x 1

Parts packed separately in carton

Seat

Steering

Wheel

Steenng

Boot

Mulcher

Plate

Manual

Video

Cassette

Parts Bag

I I I I I

I I

(2) Weld Nuts #10 _J

(2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge

(1) Shoulder' Bolt

5/16-18

) Washer

x 12 Gauge

(1) Lock Washer 1/2

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

®®

9/32 x 5/8 X 16 Gauge

(2) Lock Washers 1/4

(1) Hex Bolt

1/2-13 x 1

(2) Hex Nuts

1/4-20

Parts bag contents not shown full size

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

(2) Shoulder

Bolts

'_ Wheels

Steering Wheel

Adapter'

_C_ teering

Slope Sheet

(2) Gauge

(2) Center-

lock Nuts

Wheel

Insert

Extension Shaft

I teering

(2) Keys

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) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge (2) 1/2" wrenches Phillips screwdriver

(1) 9/16" wrench Utility knife

(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

,,_/INSERT

3/8 HEX BOLT

_3/8 LOCK WASHER

LARGE FLAT WASHER

STEERING

UNPACK CARTON

Remove all accessible loose parts and p_rts cartons

from carton (See page 2)_

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

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 Iocknut. 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 steed ng wheel adapter onto steering shaft exten-

sion.

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

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and

grill. IMPORTANT: CH ECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation

section for location and function of controls)

o 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 PIEX BOLT

5/16 LOCKNUT

LOWER STEERING

SHAFT

FIG. 1

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CONNECT BATTERY (See Figs. 2 and 3)

CAUTION: Do not short battery termi- nals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the 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 lift seat pan to raised position.

• Open battery box door. Remove terminal protective 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 (+) terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex nut as

shown_ Tighten securely

• ConnectBLACKgroundingcabletonegative(-)termi- nalwithremaininghexbolt,flatwasher,lockwasher

andhexnut Tightensecurely

° Closebatteryboxdoor_ Openbatteryboxdoorfor':

• Inspectionfor secureconnections(totightenhard- ware).

Inspectionforcorrosion

° Testingbattery

Jumping(ifrequired) Periodiccharging.

,_ --. DISCARD TERMINAL

PBOTECT,VECAPS

(,_/./,_ J LOCK

HE×WASHEBFLAT

POSITIVE NEGATIVE (RED) CABLE (BLACK) CABLE

PIG, 2

WASHER

BOLT

SEAT PAN

SHOULDER BOLT

LARGE FLAT WASHER

ADJUSTMENT

BOLT

LOCK WASHER

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" 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 manual,

SEAT

PAN

BOXDOOR

FIG. 3

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment boll

• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.

• Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt, Tighten shoulder bolt securely

= Assembleadjustment bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer

loosely. Do not tighten.

° 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

• 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 'q"O 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.

o 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 be assembled so they are slightly off the ground Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with

shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten securely_

° Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in

same adjustment hole

GAUGE WHEEL MOUNTING BRACKET

LOCKNUT

3/8"WASHER

GAUGE WHEEL

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. o Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck

opening and slide into place, as shewn_

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

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge

guard from mower. Raise and hold guard when attaching mulcher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in operation.

HOOK POINTS

LOCK

WASHER

DOWN

HOOK

WELD

NUT

WELD NUT FROM THE TOP \

LOCK

WELD WASHER

NUT

_, SCREW

LATCH HOOK

WASHER

MULCHER PLATE

WASHER

\_'-SCREW

FIG. 5B

LATCH HOOKS

FIG, 5C

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

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 TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM

THIS QUALITY PRODUCT

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

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

,/ Batteryis properly prepared and charged (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps).

,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely ,/ All 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 clampe&

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY

EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING 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.

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