Craftsman 917270312 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

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12.5 HP ELECTRIC START

38" MOWER 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE

LAWN TRACTOR

Model No.

917.270312

,, Safety

• Assembly ,, Operation

• Maintenance

° Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equip-

ment.

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

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

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

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

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

Product Specifications ............................ 5

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

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

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

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANT'/ON CRAFI"SMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maim

tained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or

workmanship. This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, etco

• 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 acci- dent 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 BA'I-FERY For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equip-

ment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the bat_

tery will not hold a charge, Sears wi}l replace [he 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 equip- ment to your nearest Sears Service Center. (In-home warranty service wil! still be avail,- able after 30 days from the date of purchase b_it a standard trip charge wilt 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

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tions 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.

o Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

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

Service and Adjustments ...................... 2I

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

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

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

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

o Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolute., ly necessary. Always look down and

behind before and while backing.

° Be aware of the mower discharge direc_

tion 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 unat- tended. Nways turn off blades, set park- ing brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

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° 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 unload-

ing the machine into a trailer or truck.

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, tf you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on

it, do not mow it. DO: o 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 recommen-

dations for wheel weights or counter-- weights 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 slow

and gradual° Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

° Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, tf

tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the

slope.

DO NOT:

° Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,

and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

• Do not mow near drop-ells, ditches, or embankments. The mower could sud-

denly turn over if a wheel is ever 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.

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.

o 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.

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 en- gine 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 equip- ment 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 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.

o 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 absolute-

ly necessary.. Always look down and behind before and while backing,

o 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 children

enter the area.

° Before and when backing, look behind

and down for small children.

,_kLook for this symbol to poir_t out impor-

tant safety precautions, it means CALI- TION!!I BECOME AWARE!l! YOUR SAFE-

TY IS INVOLVED.

,_CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden- tal starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs always discon-.

nect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

• Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), net across,

° Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

° Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven

terrain could overturn the machine. Taft

grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed, Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift

while on the slope.

- Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades

and proceed slowly straight down the

slope.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,

and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

,_I_WARNING; The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS

;CAPACITY UNLEADED

AND TYPE: REGULAR

OILTYPE SAE 30 (above 32°F) (API-SF/SGJSH): SAE 5W.._O

_ (below 32 F)

OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS SPARK PLUG: Champion J19LM or

RJ19LM

(GAP: .030")

VALVE INTAKE: .005"-o00T'

CLEARANCE: EXHAUST.' _009"-.011" GROUND SPEED

(MPH):

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY; AMP/HR: 25

FORWARD: i sT t.1

2ND 2.2 3RD 3.3 4TM 4.4 5TM 4,9

REVERSE: 1.4

REAR: !2 PSI

MIN, CCA: 190 CASE SIZE: UIR

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail., able 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

,_WARNING; This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion engine and

should not be used on or near any unim- proved 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 taw (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 (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS,

TORQUE:

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Craftsman 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 your

nearest Sears Authorized 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".

' I,I ' ' i I i1_,1 ..... _'1:':_,,, iiii, , ,

Parts Bag contents shown futl size

(1) Large Flat Washer

r ,,. , i, , i,,::111 i

(2) Sheet

Metal

Screws

#10-!6 x 1/2

(1) Locknut

318-24

(1) Knob

(1) Shoulder

Bolt 5/16-I 8

(1)Washer

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

-- iiii ir i_ _ , ,

Parts packed separately In carton

f' I

Seal

Video Steering

Cassette Wheel

___="

Sleeting ........ j_

Manual Boot Parts Bag

Parts Bag contents not shown full size

' i , i i1,,1111,,,=1,,,1111 iii I, i , _1, I ' i j , I,' I

_____ teering

Steering

Slope Sheet

Bushing

]Tt Sleeting Wheet

(2) Keys

Wheel Insert

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 wilt make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.

(1) 9/16" wrench (1) 5/16" wrench (2) 1/2" wrench (1) Pliers

(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 posi- tion (seated behind the steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM

CARTON UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and paris boxes from shipping carton (See

page 6),

° Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on

alt four corners of shipping carton, and tay panels flat.

° Check for any additional loose parts or

boxes and remove.

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel

• Remove protective materials from trac- tor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any staples inskid that may puncture tires

where tractor is to roll off skid.

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF SKID ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

• Slide the steering bushing over the steering shaft.

• Raise steering shaft forward until screw holes in dash line up with steering bush-

ing. Install two (2) sheet metal screws and tighten securely.

° Position steering boot over steering

shaft.

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

- Slide steering wheel adapter onto upper

steering shaft.

• Position front wheels of the tractor so

they are pointing straight forward.

° Position steering wheel so cross bars

are horizontal (left to right) and slide onto adapter.

• Assemble large flat washer and 3/8-24 Iocknut and tighten securely.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and

function of controls) , Press lift lever plunger and raise attach-

ment lift lever tO its highest position.

° Release parking brake by depressing

clutch/brake pedal.

- Place gearshift lever in neutrat (N) posi- tiono

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CHECK BATTERY

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

= If this battery is put int_, service after

month and year indicated on Jabel (label located between terminals) charge bat- tery for minimum of one hour at 6-10

amps, (See "BATTERY" in MAINTE- NANCE section of this manual for charg-

ing instructions).

Seat

Seat =an

Shoulder Bolt

"" Flat Washer

AdjustmentKnob

Seat Pan

Battery Box Door

Terminal

INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob, ° Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.

. Place seat on seat pan and assemble

shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt securely.

° Assemble adjustment knob 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 knob

securely.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were ovednflated

at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. ° Reduce tire pressure to PS1 shown in

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page

5 of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing

should beproperly 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 replac- ing motion and mower blade drive belts in

the Service and Adjustments sectoin 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

,/'CHECKLIST

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING

CHECKLIST:

All assembly instructions have been completed.

,/ No remaining loose parts in carton. ,/ Battery is properly prepared and

charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).

_" Seat is adjusted comfortably and

tightened securely

v" 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 clamped.

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO

THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS: J Engine oil is at proper level.

J" Fuel tank is filled 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.

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractoror inliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.

Learnandunderstandtheirmeaning.

BATTERY

ENGINE ON

FUEL

MOWER LIFT

CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD

WARNING

ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE CLUTCH

CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT

REVERSE NEUTRAL

DIFFERENTIAL

LOCK

HIGH

FAST

SLOW

LIGHTS ON

OVER TEMP

LIGHT

PARKING BRAKE

LOCKED

L c@};]

LOW PARKING BRAKE

UNLOCKED

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RUI ES SECTION)

IGNITION FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

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.

Attachment

Clulch Lever Ught

Ignition

Switch

ThrottleChoke Lift Lever

Control _" Plunger

Clutch/Brake Attachment Lift

Pedal

ght

Adjustment Indicator

Gearshift

Lever Brake

...... Our tractors €oniorrn t0 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. LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on

and off. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL; Used for starting and controlling engine speed.

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: Used for

declutching and braking the tractor and starting the engine.

PARKING BRAKE: Locks clutch/brake pedal into the brake position.

GEARSHIFT LEVER; Selects the speed

and direction of tractor. ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to

raise, Dower, and adjust the mower deck or

other attachments mounted to your tractor. LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release

attachment lift lever when changing its

position.

IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and

stopping the engine,

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR Your tractor is equipped with an operator

presence sensing switch. When engine Js running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting ,the parking brake will shut off the engine.

TO SET PARKING BRAKE

"BRAKE" position and holdo

i epress clutch/brake pedal into full

Place parking brake lever in "ENGAGED" position and release pres-

sure from clutch(brake pedal. Pedal should remain in BRAKE position°

Make sure parking brake will hold trac-

tor secure,

Attachment Clutch Lever

Throttle/Choke _ >. Engaged" Position

Control lever [(C _

\ "Disengaged°

-:=Z2_._..-.,,..-3_ _ _" Position

Pedal'Drive" '_'_._,.\ / _ _a_mg

•, .,.,..l_raKe

Position \ "_.-._ _ t , ,

o°L----'-Pos, oo

"Disengaged" . -- -.-..,._ Lever Posttion "Brake" Position

STOPPING MOWER BLADES-

• To stop mower blades, move attach- ment clutch tever to "DISENGAGED"

position.

GROUND DRIVE - ° To stop ground drive, depress

clutch/brake pedal into futl "BRAKE" position.

• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) posi- tion.

ENGINE -

o 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 choice 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 run-, ning, hot engine exhaust gases may

cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate this possibility, always stop engine when

_l_pping on grass areas.

pletefy, as described above, before leaving the operator's position; to empty grass catcher, etco

THROTTLE CONTROL Always operate engine at full throttle.

• Operating engine at less than full throb,

tle reduces the battery charging rate.

° Full throttle offers the best bagging and

mower performance,

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the gearshift lever.

• Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal

depressed and gearshift lever in neutral (N) position,

. Move gearshift lever to desired posi-

tion.

° 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

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The position of the attachment litt lever

determines the cutting height.

• Grasp lift lever:

° Press plunger with thumb and move

lever to desired position.

The cutting height range is approximate-.

ly 1-1/2 to 4", The heights are measured

from the ground to the blade tip 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 month& For healthier and better

looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.

tractor

CAUTION. Always stop tractor corn _

° Forbestcuttingperformance,grass

over6 inchesinheightshouldbe mowedtwice. Makethefirstcutrela-

tivelyhigh;thesecondtodesired

height.

TOOPERATEMOWER

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 attachment clutch engaged witl shut off the engine.

, Select desired height of cut. , Start mower blades by engaging attach-

ment clutch control.

, TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-

,_cage attachment clutch control

AUTION: Do not operate the mower

without either the entire grass catcher, on

mowers so equipped, or the discharge guard in place.

Attachment Lift Lever

High Attachment

Lift Lever High Position

"Disengagq

Position

f,_ Guard

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

,_CAUTION: Do not drive up oi" down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do

not drive across any slope. A slope guide

at the back of your manual is provided for your use°

• Choose the slowest speed before start- ing up or down hilfs.

• Avoid stopping or changing speed on

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 leverto 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

° To restart movement, slowly release

parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.

• Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment lift to highest position

with attachment lift control.

Low

Position

Discharge

o When pushing or towing your tractor, be

sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position.

° Do not push or tow tractor at more than

five (5) MPH.

NOTE: To protect hood from damage

when transporting your tractor on a truck

or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate

means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord,

etc.).

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

° The engine in your tractor has been

shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

= Check engine oil with tractor on level

ground.

- 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 necessary, add oil until °FULU' mark on dipstick is

reached. Do not overfill.

- For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See "OIL

VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainten- ance section of this manual)°

o 'To change engine oft, see the Mainten-

ance 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 lead 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 tempera- tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean

winter grade gasoline to help insure good ,_dwAWeather starting_

RNING: Experience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol 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. "[b avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emp-

tied 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 Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carbure- tor cleaner products in the fuel tank or per-.

_nent damage may occur.

OAUTION; 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 time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from

the tank to the engine_

- Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set

parking brake.

• Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) posi-

tion,

• Move attachment clutch to "DtSEN_ GAGED" position.

• Move throttle control to choke position.

NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

• 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)

• 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)

° 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 posi-

tiono This may require an engine warm- up period from several seconds to sev-

eral minutes, depending on the temper,- ature,

• The attachments can also be used dur- ing the engine warm.-up period.

NOTE; If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance.

See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this

manual.

MOWING TIPS

° T_re 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 tile

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

= The left hand side of mower should be

used for trimming.

° Ddve so that clippings are discharged

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

This will result in a more even distribu-

tion of clippings and more uniform cut- ting.

• When mowing large areas, start by turn- ing to the right so that clippings well dis-

charge away from shrubs, fences, drive- ways, 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 possi-

ble fire hazard from dried clippingSr

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 unde- sirable clumps. Allow grass to dry

before mowing.

° Always operate engine at full throttle

when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by se-

lecting a low enough gear to give the mower the best 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 at- tachment being used.

- <

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

AS YOU COMPLETE

, Check Brake Operation V' . If . ........

Check Tire Prep=sure _ V'

check Operator Presence end

T Interlock Systems tP#

a Check for Loose Fa.steners if

A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades

Lubrication Chart

0 Check Battery Level

R ! Clean Battery and Terminals

Checl( TransaxIe Cooling : : V'

j. v" 11"

t/,

A_j_stBta,_Celt(s)T, ns+.o.n..............

Adtust Morton Drive Belt(s) Tension

ii , i

Check Engtna Ott Level If V" Change Engine Oll

E Clean Air Rtter

N Clean Air Screen

Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrestor

V'2

..... V_;.2! ..... •....

Replace Olt Filter (If equipped) ; ,

Clean Engin e Cooling Fins

Replace Spark Plug .... V" V' ..... _.......

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge V*2 Replace Fuel Fiffer -- -- -- V*

1 -"Change m_='_, chat', whnrE op_,_'atJn9 urtd_t n he=vy _td _r In high _blet_{ torttperaturao S. tf equipped with adlu,_I,_t_o ay_lern, 2 - f; g'r,/Ic_ m_to oltBn who,", op,_rs_ s tn d_r_y ct du_ t'/c_ndttIons S ,. N_{ [oqu_'e_ I| _qUfpp_d With i'nt_tfi_oh_t_co,fret_ ba'{%_Ty 3 * If e_u_pp_d _ Oil filler, ¢l_ngO Oil _VO,'y SO t_OUt_ 7 - TIghlar_ t_r_ftl _)(le ptvr_{b_l_ _o 35 I_,Ib_t m_;r_utr,

.... v<,i

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 periodi- cally to properly maintain your tractor.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should

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

O Clutch

Pivo s l ,, .,

engine run better and last longer,

BEFORE EACH USE

° Check engine oil level.

• Check brake operation_ ° Check tire pressure.

• Check operator presence and interlock systems for proper operation.

• Check for loose fasteners.

_) Genera[ Purpose Grease {) Refer to Maintenance "Engine" Section

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease the pivot points which have special nylon bear-

ings. 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 sparingly.

v",

LUBRICATION CHART

nd{e

Zerk Zerk

Front

Front Wheel Wheel

Bearing

Bearing Zerk Zerk

_) Engine

t( )

• .#

SAE 30 or 10w30 Motor OIL

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