E/AR8
MODEL NUMBER 917.259580 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
o Operation
o Customer 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, CALLTHIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-659-5917
[]
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers _
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND TH ROWING 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 surethe 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
tipove raccidents, which can result in severe irrjury 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 slopes, not across
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine Tall 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 stabilityof the machine,
Keep all movement on the slopes s/owand 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:
, Donor turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible=
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over ifa wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves ir].
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
II1. 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 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 inhandling 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 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 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
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
Look for this symbol to point out im-
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
A
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs_
A WARNING
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.
2
CONGRATULATIONSon 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/DepartmenL We have competent, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES'L
MODEL
NUMBER 917259580
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THEMODELANDSERIALNUMBERSWILLBEFOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-
ucL Contact your nearest Sears store for details,
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILiTiES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
o Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
[,sing your tracton
o Follow the instructions under"Customer Responsibili-
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
PRODUCT SPECIFiCATiONS
HORSEPOWER: 15.5
GASOLINE CAPACITY &5 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (APFSF/SG/SH): SAE t0W30 (above32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 40 PINTS
SPAR '( 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 foresFcovered, 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 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
SAE 5W-30 (below 32 F)
W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS
1st 11
2nd 15
3rd 2.3
4th 35
5th 4.4
6th &7
REVERSE: 1.7
REAR: 10 PSI
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
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 wom 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 use d 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 dding 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,, 13/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3_15-19
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................... 5
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 7-9
OPERATION ........................................................... 10-14
INDEX
A
Accessories ............................................. 5
Adjustments:
Brake .............................................. 22
Carburetor .................................. 25
Mower:
Front-To-Back ......................... 21
Side-To-Side ..............................21
Tbrottle Control Cable ................... 24
Air Filter, Engine .................................. 18
Air Screen, Engine .............................. 18
Assembly ............................................... 7-9
B
Battery:
Charging .................................... 8
Cleaning ........................................ 17
Starting with Weak Battery ........... 23
Sto_age .......................................... 26
Terminals .................................... 17
Belts:
Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement .......... 22
Mower Blade Drive
Removal/Replacement ........... 22
Blade:
Sharpening ................................. 16
Replacement .................................. 16
Brake Adjustment .................................... 22
o
Carburetor Adjustment ....................... 25
Controls, Tractor .............................. 11
Customer Responsibilities ............. 15-19
Engine:
Air Filter................................... 18
Air Screen, Engine .....................18
Battery ...................................... 17
Cooling Fins, Engine ....... :........ 18
Engine Oil ................................... 17
Fuel Filter ........................................ 19
Spark Plugs ................................ 19
Tractor:
Blades ...................................... 16
Lubrication Chad ...................... 15
Maintenance Schedule ........... 15
Tire Care ......................... 9,16,23
Cutting Height, Mower. ...................... 12
E
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
Oil 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 .................................... 9
Hood Removal/Installation ................. 24
Leveling Mower Deck .............................21
Lubrication Chart .............................. 15
Maintenance Schedule ................... 15
Mower:
Adjustment, Front-to-Sack .......... 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 ................................................ 19
Spark Arrester .......................... 3,40
Mulcher Plate ........................................ 9
Oil:
Cold Weather Conditions ....... 13,17
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
Operation .................................. 10-14
Operating Mower ......................................13
Options:
Accessories .................................... 5
Spark Arrester ............................. 3,40
P
Parking Brake ...................................11-12
Parts Bag ................................................ 6
Pads, Replacement/Repair ............. 30-47
Product Specifications ............................. 3
F
Repair Parts ....................................... 30-47
Safety Rules .......................................... 2
Seat ............................................................ 8
Service and Adjustments ............. 20-25
Brake .......................................... 22
G
H
L
M
O
Carburetor .................................... 25
Fuse ............................................... 24
Hood Removal/Instalation ............ 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 ........................................ 19
Specifications ........................................ 3
Starting the Engine ....................... 13-14
Steering Wheel .................................... 7,23
Stopping the Tractor .............................. 12
Storage ..................................................... 26
Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ,,... 24
Tires ............................................... 9,16_23
Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 27-28
Transaxle Repair Parts.................. 46-47
Warranty ................................................... 3
Wiring Diagram .................................... 30
Wiring Schematic ................................... 29
R
S
T
W
4
ACCE$SORME$ 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 ENGINE OIL
FUELSTABILIZER AIR FILTER
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
%
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 in future 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 Idts (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
_uncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in_
tee] weight tray for increased penetration
BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and leaves for a
healthier, neater 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 oil changes easier, faster.
FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters in front of mower deck to reduce
chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain
GANG HITCH lets you tow 2 or 3pull-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 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 tine
teeth. Useful to prepare bare areas for seeding. Available forfront
or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION
SPRING TINE DETHATCHER 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
diameterwater-tight drum holds up to 390 Ibs. of weighL Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf_ Adjustable scraper automatically
cleans drumr
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_ Ad ustable skids; replaceable, reversible scraper
bar. Use w th t re chains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar
weight)
SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath Drum-type auger handles
powdery and web'heavy snow Mounts easily with simple pin
arrangement Discharge chute adjusts from tractorseat 6-inch
diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feel 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 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 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.._withouf 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-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,
5
CONTENTS OF PACK
Parts Bag contents shown full size
_____ i i i
(1) Shoulder Bolt
5/16-18
(1) }<nob -_
Parts packed separately in carton
Seat
r-q
Video
Wheel
Steering
Mulcher
Plate
Cassette
i
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 G&
(2) Screws #10 x 5/8
(2) LockWashers #10
(2) Weld Nuts #10 _ !
(2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
J(q
LJ
@
Manual
Parts bag contents not shown full size
(2) Shoulder'
Bolts
____ (2)Washers 3/8x 7/8 x 14 Gauge
Steering
Wheel
Insert
©
(2) Center-
lock Nuts
_(_/)h eG_luge
Parts Beg
Steering
Sleeve
4(2) Keys
@
(2) Washers
9/32 x5/8x 16Ga.
(¢
(2) Lock Washers 1/4
Assemblies
Slope Sheet
6
ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembied for shipping purpose&
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness,,
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(2) 7/16" wrenches
(1) 1/2" wrench
(t) 9/16" wrench
Utility knife
When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (seated
behind the steering wheel).
3/4" Socket w/drive ratchet
Tire pressure gauge
Phillips Screwdriver
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
, Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton (See page 6).
• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners
of carton, and lay panels flaL
, Remove mower and packing materials.
• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove,
BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF SKiD
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig, 1)
Remove Iocknut and large flat washer from steering
shafL
• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forwar&
Slide the steering sleeve over the steering shaft,
Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide onto adapter.
• Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with Iocknut
and large flat washer previously removed, Tighten
securely,
• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel,
° Remove protective materials from tractor hood and
grill
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.
STEERING WHEEL
INSERT
HEX LOCKNUT
_ FLATWASHER
STEERING
WHEEL
FIG. 1
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFFSKID (See Operation
section for location and function of controls)
• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment liftlever to
its highest position.
o Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal
Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position,
Roll tractor backwards off ski&
o Remove banding holding discharge guard up against
tractor,
7
LY
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CONNECT BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-
nals by allowing a wrench or any other
object to contact both terminals at the
same time. Before cormecting battery,
remove metal bracelets, wristwatch
bands, rings, etc.
Positive terminal must be connected
first to prevent sparking from acciden-
tal grounding.
Lift hood to raised position.
Open tem'_inal access doors, lemove terminal protec-
tive caps and discard.
If this battery is put into service after month and year
indicated on label (label located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 arnps.
First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery
terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut as shown Tighten securely
o Connect SLACK grounding cable to negative (-) bat-
tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock
washer and hex nut Tighten securely
Close terminal access doors.
Use terminal access doors for:
Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-
ware)
Inspection for corrosion_
,, Testing battery_
,, Jumping (if required).
Periodic charging.
HEX NUT WASHER WASHER
JISCARD TERMINAL
PROTECTIVE CAPS \ BOLT
ACCESS
DOOR ]L
LOCK FLAT
NEGATIVE
(BLACK)
CABLE
FIG. 2
POSITIVE
(RED)
CABLE
HEX
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob_
° Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
o Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder boll
° Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely.
Do not tighten.
Tighten shoulder bolt securely
• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat
• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way
down
Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
o Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
SEAT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
FLAT WASHER
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 3
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on yourtractor were ovednflated 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 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
8
LY
, r_
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Figs. 4 and
5)
• 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,
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.
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: It isnet necessary to change blades. The mulcher
blades are designed for discharging and bagging also.
HOOK POINT_
WELD NUT DOWN
WELD WASHER
NUT
LATCH_
HOOK _"_'LATCH
WASHER
MULCHER
PLATE
LOCK
SCREW
HOOK
LOCK WELD
WASHER NUT
WASHER
_""_'SCREW
FIG. 4
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
LATCH
HOOKS
FIGo5
9