Craftsman 917.259870 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

ELECTRIC START

38" MOWER

5 SPEED TRANSAXLE

LAWN TRACTOR

Model No.

917.259870

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

This product has a low emission engine which operates

differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en-
gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.

CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.

For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

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

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2

Safety Rules ......................................... 3

Product Specifications .......................... 6

Assembly .............................................. 8

Operation ............................................ 11

Maintenance Schedule ...................... 17

Maintenance ....................................... 17

Service and Adjustments .................... 21

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

Troubleshooting ................................. 28

Repair Parts ........................................ 32

Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For one (1) year 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. Warranty service is available free of charge by taking your
Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty

service is available but a trip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this

product is in the United States.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts and oil filters.

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

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage
caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the riding equipment, impacting

objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over speeding the engine.

• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to,
electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the
proper grade and amount of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of flamrnable

debris, or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual.

• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contami-

nated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within thirty (30) days of its
purchase date.

• 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. Warranty

service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman riding equipment to your

nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge

will apply. This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE IN-HOME

WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME

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

IMPORTANT: This culling machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwin _ objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

serious mlary or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Road, understand, end follow all

instructions in the manual end on the

machine before starling.

• On_y 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 is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine

if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-

lutely 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.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a

large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators
_hould evaluate their ability to operate
the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from
serious iniury.

It. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss

control and tipover accidents, which

result in severe injury or death. All s]o
require extra caution. If you cannot bad
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do
mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not acres

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tn
limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could ovedurn the
machine. Tall grass can hide ob-

stacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low geaJ
so that you will not have to stop or st"

while on the slope.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommer

dations for wheel weights or counter
weights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass cafchers o
other attachments. These can chan!

the stability of the machine.

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

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope
tires lose traction, disengage the

blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless neces
sary, and then, turn slowly and grad
ally downhill, if possible.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,
embankments. The mower could

suddenly turn over if a wheel is oveq
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an e(

caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

traction could cause sliding.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine l
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 interfere
with safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to oper_,te 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 tree of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to coot 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 necessary.

• 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.

• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers or children
even with the blades off.

• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down

and behind before and while backing.

• Never carry children. They may fall off

and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.

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

responsible adult.

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

• Before and when backing, look behind

and down for small children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max),

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 obstacle_

4

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.

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

• If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse
and back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless neces-

sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.

,_Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONN! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_CAUTION: In order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
_lug.

CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in

neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.

,_CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufaclurer of
your tractor. Use common sense when
towing. Operate only at the lowest
possible speed when on a slope. Too
heavy of a load, while on a slope, is
dangerous. Tires can rose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control
of your tractor
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
,AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State oi California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS

CAPACITY UNLEADED

AND TYPE: REGULAR

31LTYPE SAE 30(ABOVE 32°F)

_,PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30

(Below 32°F)

3.0 PINTS
CHAMPION

RJ19LM OR J19LM
INTAKE: .005"-.007"

EXHAUST:.009"-.011"

FORWARD:

1ST 1.1
2ND 2.2
3RD 3.4
4TH 4.3

5TH 5.5

REVERSE: 1.7

TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI

PRESSURE: REAR: 12 PSI
CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY

SYSTEM: 5AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/HR; 25

MIN. CCA: 190
CASE SIZE:UIR

BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS
tORQUE:

31L CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG:

GAP: .030")

VALVE

CLEARANCE:

GROUND SPEED
(MPH):

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a new tractor. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and
performance.

Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact a
Sears or other qualified service center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians 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".

REPAIR AGREEMENT
A Repair Agreement is available on this

product. Contact your nearest Sears

store for details,

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Mainte-

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

_I,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-covered 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 authorized service
center/department (See REPAIR PARTS

section of this manual).

6

(1) Large Flat

Washer

Steering Wheel

Steering
Wheel

Adapter

Steering
Sleeve

t teering

Extension
Shaft

(1) Hex Bolt

3/8-16 x 1

Steering
Wheel
Insert

(1) Lock _

washer 3/8

Locknut

Keys

(2) Keys

(1) Hex Bolt

5/16-18 x 1-1/4

Seat

\ \

(1) Washer

17/32x 1-3/16x 12 Gauge

(1) Knob

Video Cassette

Slope Sheet

7

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, Review the video cassette before

you begin.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR

ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes you need

are listed below.

(1) 9/16" wrench (1) Pliers

(2) 1/2" wrench (1) Utility knife

(1) Tire pressure

gauge
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your point of

view, when you are in the operating
position (seated behind the steering

wheel).

TO REMOVETRACTOR FROM

CARTON
UNPACK CARTON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and parts cartons from carton.

2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines
on all four corners of carton, and lay

panels flat.

3. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT

1. 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.

2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to
secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

3. Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.

4. Remove steering wheel adapter from
steering wheel and slide adapter

onto steering shaft extension.

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

6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten

securely,

7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.

8. Remove protective materials from
tractor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where lractor is to roll off skid.

HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift seat pan to raised position and
open battery box door.

NOTE: 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. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).

8

Battery Box Laber

INSTALL SEAT

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.

1. Remove adjustment knob and flat
washer securing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for assembly of

seat to tractor.

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

3. Place seat on seat pan and assemble
shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt
securely.

4. Assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten.

5. Lower seat into operating position and

sit on seat.

6. Slide seat until a comfortable position

is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.

7. Get off seat without moving its
adjusted position.

8. Raise seat and tighten adiustment
knob securely.

Seat

Seat Pan

Shoulder
Bolt

Flat Washer

Adjustment Knob

NOTE: You may now roll or drive your

tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate

instruction below to remove the tractor
from the skid.

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See

Operation section for location and

function of controls)

1. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest

position.

2. Release parking brake by depressing

clutch/brake pedal.

3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N)

position.

4, Roll tractor forward off skid.

5. Remove banding holding deflector

shield up against tractor.

TO DRIMETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_WARNING: Before starting, read,

understand and follow all instructions in
the Operation section of this manual Be

sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be
sure the area in front of tractor is clear of

other people and objects.

1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.

2. Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank
with gasoline.

3. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
the parking brake.

4. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N)

position.

5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.

6. Start the engine. After engine has

started, move throttle control to idle
position.

7. Depress clutch/brake pedar into full

"BRAKE" position and hold. Move
gearshift lever to 1st gear.

8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and

slowly drive tractor off skid.

9. Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking

brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.

10.Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.

9

CHECKTIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated

at the factory for shipping purposes.
Correct tire pressure is impodant for best
culling performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
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.

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.

",/'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.

.4'No remaining loose parts in carton.
y Battery is properly prepared and

charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps),

y Seat is adjusted comfortably and

lightened securely.

yAll tires are properly inflated. (For

shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory).

y Be sure mower deck is properly leveled

side-tooside/front-to-rear for best cutting

results. (Tires must be properly inflated

for leveling).

yCheck mower and drive belts. Be sure

they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.

y/Check wiring. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly

clamped.
While learning how to use your tractor.
pay extra attention to the following

important items:
4" Engine oil is at proper level.

,/Fuel tank is tilled with fresh, clean,

regular unleaded gasoline.
y/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.

10

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product.

Learn and understand their meaning.

BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW

WARNfNG

ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP t

LIGHT

!

FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING DRAKE UNLOCKED

LOCKED

MOWER LIFT

R N H L

ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING RRAKE

CLUTCH ENGAGED

IGNITION

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

il

KNOWYOURTRACTOR
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Throttle/Choke

Attachment Clutch
Lever

Ignition Switch

ht Switch

Lever
Plunger

ent

Lift Lever

Clutch/

Height

Adjustment

' Indicator

Gearshift Lever

g Brake Lever

1

Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards

Institute.

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used
to engage the mower blades, or other
attachments mounted to your tractor.

ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to
raise, lower, and adjust the mower deck

or other attachments mounted to your
tractor.

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for
declutching and braking the tractor and

starting the engine.
GEARSHIFT LEVER - Selects the speed

and direction of tractor,

IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and
stopping the engine.

LIFT LEVER PLUNGER - Used to release
attachment lift lever when changing its

position.
LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on

and off.
PARKING BRAKE LEVER - Locks clutch/

brake pedal into the brake position.
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used

for starting and controlling engine speed.

12

r

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into
the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE

Your tractor is equipped with an operator

presence sensing switch. When engine

is running, any attempt by the operator to
leave the seat without first setting the
parking brake will shut off the engine.

1. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" position and hold.

2. Place parking brake lever in "EN-

GAGED" position and release

pressure from clutch/brake pedal.
Pedal should remain in "BRAKE"

position. Make sure parking brake will
hold tractor secure.

AttachmentClutch Lever

_Engaged"Position

Throttle/Choke
Control

\

Clutch/
Brake
Pedal

Position
Parking

Brake
"Engaged"

Position

Gearshift

Lever

"Brake.... Disengaged"

Position Position

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades,move attach-
menl clutch lever to "DISENGAGED"

position.

GROUND DRIVE -

• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/
brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position.

• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N)
position.

ENGINE -

• Move throttle control to slow position.

NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to
slow position and allowing engine to idle

before stopping may cause engine to
"backfire".

• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and
remove key. Always remove key when

leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized
use.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch
in any position other than "OFF" will

cause the battery to be discharged,

(dead).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when

tractor is standing idle with the engine

running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate
this possibility, always stop engine when

stopping tractor on grass areas.
_CAUTION: Always stop tractor
completely, as described above, before

leaving the operator's position; to empty

grass catcher, etc.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL

Always operate engine at full throttle.

• Operating engine at less than full
throttle reduces the battery charging

rate.

• Full throttle offers the best bagging and
mower performance.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACK-

WARD
The direction and speed of movement is

contro,ed by the gearshift lever.

1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal
depressed and gearshift lever in
neutral (N) position.

2. Move gearshift lever to desired
position.

3. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to

start movement.

IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to a complete

stop before shifting or changing gears.
Failure to do so will shorten the useful life

of your transaxle.

:13

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

The position of the attachment _iftlever

determines the cutting height.

• Grasp lifl lever.

• Press plunger with thumb and move
lever to desired position.

The cutting height range is approxi-
mately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are

measured from the ground to the blade
lip with the engine not running. These
heights are approximate and may vary

depending upon soil conditions, height of
grass and types of grass being mowed.

• The average lawn should be cut to
approximately 2-1/2 inches during the

cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months. For healthier and
better looking lawns, mow often and
after moderate growth.

• For best cutting performance, grass
over 6 inches in height should be

mowed twice. Make the first cut
relatively high; the second to desired

height.

TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator

presence sensing switch. Any attempt by
the operator to leave the seat with the

engine running and the attachmenl clutch
engaged will shut off lhe engine.

1, Select desired height of cut.

2, Start mower blades by engaging

attachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES-
disengage attachment clutch control.

_kCAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equipped, or the deflector

shield in place,

Attachment Clutch Lever
"Engaged" Position

Lilt Lever

_High Position

Low
Position

Position - .

Shield

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

_I,CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15° and
not drive across any slope.

• Choose the slowest speed before
starting up or down hills.

• Avoid stopping or changing speed o=

hills.

• If slowing is necessary, move throttle
control lever to slower position.

• If stopping is absolutely necessary,
push clutch/brake pedal quickly to

brake position and engage parking

brake.

• Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be

sure you have allowed room for tract(
to roll slightly as you restart movemer

• To restad movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal

• Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment lift to highest positi,
with attachment lift control.

• When pushing or towing your tractor,
be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (I_

position.

• Do not push or tow tractor at more th_
five (5) MPH,

NOTE: To protect hood from damage
when transporting your tractor on a truc
or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and

secured to tractor. Use an appropriate
means of tying hood to tractor (rope, co

etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTAC

MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are

recommended by and comply with
specifications o1 the manufacturer of yc
tractor. Use common sense when towin(

Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, i,,

dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the groLmd and cause you to lose contr,

o1your tractor.

14

BEFORE STARTINGTHE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been

shipped, from the factory, already filled

with summer weight oil.

1. Check engine oil with tractor on level

ground.

2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe

clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw
cap tight, wait for a few seconds,

remove and read oil level. If neces-

sary, add oil until "FULL" mark on
dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

• For cord weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See "OIL
VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manuar).

• To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section in this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline
will increase carbon and read oxide

deposits and reduce valve life). Do not
mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within 30

days to assure fuel freshness.

IMPORTANT: When operating in
temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean winter grade gasoline to help

insure good cold weather starting.
,_WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohor or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an

engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage rnstructions for

additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

_,CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first timeorif

the engine has run outof fuel, it wilttake extra

crankingtime to move fuel from the tank to
the engine,

1. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
parking brake.

2. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N)
position.

3. Move attachment clutch to "DISEN-

GAGED" position.

4. Move throttle control to choke position.

NOTE: Before starting,read thewarm and

cold startingproceduresbelow.

5. Insert key into ignition and turn key

clockwise to "START" position and

release key as soon as engine starts.
Do not run starter continuously for
more than fifteen seconds per minute.

If the engine does not start after
several attempts, move throttle control
to fast position, wait a few minutes and
try again. If engine still does not start,

move the throttle control back to the
choke position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and
above)

6. When engine starts, move the throttle
control to the fast position.

• The attachments and ground drive can

now be used. If the engine does not
accept the load, restart the engine and
allow it to warm up for one minute
using the choke as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and
below)

6. When engine starts, allow engine to
run with the throttle control in the

choke position until the engine runs
roughly, then move throttle control to

fast position. This may require an
engine warm-up period from several
seconds to several minutes, depend-
ing on the temperature.

• The attachments can also be used

during the engine warm-up period.

NOTE: If at a highaltitude(above3000 feet)
or incold temperatures (below 32 F) the
carburetor fuel mixturemay need to be

adjusted for best engine performance. See
"TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" intheService

and Adjustments section of this manual.

i5

MOWlNGTIPS

• Tire chains cannot be used when the

mower housing is attached to tractor.

• Mower should be properly leveled for
best mowing performance. See "TO

LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this

manual.

• The left hand side of mower should be
used for trimming.

• Drive so that clippings are discharged

onto the area that has been cut. Have
the cut area to the right of the tractor.

This will result in a more even distribu-
tion of clippings and more uniform
cutting.

• When mowing large areas, start by

turning to the right so that clippings wilt
discharge away from shrubs, fences,

driveways, etc. After one or two

rounds, mow in the opposite direction

making left hand turns until finished.

• If grass is extremely tall, it should be
mowed twice to reduce load and

possible fire hazard from dried clip-
pings. Make first cut relatively high; the

second to the desired height.

• Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet
grass will plug mower and leave

undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry
before mowing.

• Always operate engine at full throtUe
when mowing to assure better mowing

performance and proper discharge of
material. Regulate ground speed by

selecting a low enough gear to give the
mower cutting performance as well as

the quality of cut desired.

• When operating attachments, select a

ground speed that will suit the terrain
and give best performance of the

attachment being used.

I

16

2 • $_,vice _or_ c_len whe_ ope_tr,g in diay o_duSly cor,dd_ns

•_er,_¢e t_la_,_Sraore o_e_ wren r_,_wing insandy sol_

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this tractor does not

cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must
maintain tractor as instructed in this

manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your

tractor.

All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual

shourd be checked at least once each
season.

• Once a year you should replace the
spark plug, clean or replace air filter,

and check blades and belts for wear. A
new spark plug and clean air filter

assure proper air-fuel mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check brake operation,

3. Check tire pressure•

4. Check operator presence and
interlock systems for proper operation.

5. Check for loose fasteners.

6 NOl r,_,_r ed _ equ,_p,_f with m_r4enance Ir_,_bat_e_
7• T_ghle,_t_c_ta_l_ p;vo_bOl__o35 II t,s maximum

Oono1 overt_gaten

LUBRICATION CHART

d) Spindle _f_'_ r--- _J)Spindle

Zerk___ _.______=_ Zerk:t,I,,

q_FrontWheel _4 _-, (#Froilt Wheel

Bearing _ ..... _ ! ! Bearing Zerk

Zerk S, _ - _.__.;- - _ll_

(OSAEOR 10W30 MOTOR OIL
_)REFER TO MAINTENANCE "ENGINE"

SECTION

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease the
pivot points which have special nylon
bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract

dust and dirt that will shorten the life of

the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel

they must be lubricated, use only a dry,

powdered graphite type lubricant

17sparingly.