Craftsman 917270612 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RRFTSMnNo

15.5 HP
ELECTRIC START

42" MOWER

6 SPEED TRANSAXLE

LAWN TRACTO

Model No.

917.270612

, Safety

° Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

,, Repair Parts

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
5am-5 pro, Mort- Sat

Sears, Roebuck and C;o., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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

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

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

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

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

Maintenance Schedule ............................ ! 7

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is main-

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, 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 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 BATTERY
Foi ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery inctuded with this riding equip-

ment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the bat-
tery 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 dale 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 will still be avail-
able alter 30 days from the date of purchase but a standard trip charge will apply). Thls
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 VVA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 th_ blade.

. Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine il 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.

° 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,. Always turn off blades, set park-
ing brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.

2

° ']'urn off blades when not mowing,

o 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_ ,

o 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. 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, rats, or bumps. Uneven

terrain could overturn the machine. Tal!

grass can hide obstacles.

o Use stow speed. Choose a low gear so

that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.

o Follow the manufacturer's recommem

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.

o Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If

tires lose ti'action, disengage the blades

and proceed slowly straight down the

slope,

DO NOT:

° Do notturn on slopes unless necessary,

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

° Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or

embankments. Tl_e mower could sud-
denly turn over if a wheel is over the

edge of a cliff or ditch_ or if an edge
caves in.

° Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

traction could cause sliding.

° Do not try to stabilize the machine by

putting your foot on the ground.

, Do not use grass catcher on steep

slopes.

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,

o Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

o 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.

o Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.

SERVICE

o 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.

o 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 fue!

spillage. Allow machine to coot before
stodng.

° Stop and inspect the equipment if you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.

o

Never make adjustments or repairs with

the engine running.

o

Grass eatcher 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 pads,

when necessary.

o Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

o 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,

,, Never carry children. They may fall off

and be seriously injured or interfere with

safe machine operation.

o 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.

o Before and when backing, look behind

and down for small children.

._Look for this symbol to poin_ out impor-

tant safety precautions, it means CAU-
TIONIII BECOME AWARE!_! 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 o Max), not

across,

° Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, rats, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

o 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 notturn on slopes unless necessary,

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

_WARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

4

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOL---'_NE 1.25 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED

AND TYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30
(below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: Champion RJ19LM or

(GAP: ,030") J19LM
STD361458

VALVE INTAKE: .005"-,00"Y'
CLEARANCE: EXHAUST: o009"-.011"

GROUND SPEED
(MPH):

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY
SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 25

FORWARD:

1sT 1.0
2N(_ 1.3
3RD 2.1

4TH 3.1
5TH 4.0

6TH 5.1

REVERSE: 1o6

REAR: 12 PSI

MIN, CCA: 190

CASE SIZE: U1R

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product. Contact your nearest

Sears store for details.

=

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

o Read and observe the safety rules_

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

o 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 law (_ection 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".

5

t,

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

(t) Large Flat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt

&/8-16 x 1

318

(1) Lockwasher

5/16_18x I-1/4 (1) Locknut

(1) Hex Bolt

5/_6-t8

(1) Shoulder Bolt

5/16-18

(I) Washer

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

(2) Hex Bolts I/4-20 x 3/4 (2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20 Ft,_"_k

(2) Washers (2) Lock Washers 1/4

9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge

': 6

(1) Knob

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

(2) Screws _'_'-\ (2) Lock

#10 x 5/8 _ Washers #10

(2) Wet_ Nuts

#_0

(2) Washers

3/'16 x 3/4 x I6 Gauge

Parrs packet separately in carton

Seat

Mulcher

Plate__

Steering Wheel

Steering

Manual

Boot

Video

Cassette

Parts Bag

! 1

Parts Bag contents not shown full size

(2) Latch Hook

Assemblies

Steering

Wheel Insert

!

Steering Wheel

Adapter

(2) Keys

Steering =

Extension

Shaft

Slope Sheet

7

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleft
unassembledfor shippingpurposes.Toensuresafe andproperoperationofyourtractor

a!lpartsandhai-dwareyou assemblemustbetightenedsecurely.Usethecorrecttools
asnecessarytoinsurepropertightness.Reviewthe videocassettebeforeyoubegin.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR

ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set wi!l make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes you need

are listed below°
(1) 9116" wrench

(2) 1/2" wrench
(1) Pliers

(1) Utility knife

(2) 7/i 6" wrenches
(1) Phillips Screw-

driver

(!)'Fire 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 atl accessible loose parts and

parts boxes from shipping carton (See
page 6).

o Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on

all four corners of shipping carton, and
lay panels flat.

° Check for any additional loose parts or

boxes and remove.

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF

SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFTAND
BOOT

,, Slide extension shaft onto lower steer-

ing shaft. Align mounting holes in exten-
sion and lower shafts and install 5/16

hex bolt and Iocknut. Tighten securely.

IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut secure-
ly to 18-22 ft. Ibs, torque.

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

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

° Position front wheels of the tractor so

they are pointing straight forward.

. Slide steering wheel adapter onto steer-

ing shaft extension.

o Positionsteering whe_l so cross bars

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

- Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 tock

washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely°

= 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 in skid that may puncture tires

where tractor is to roll off skid.

Insert

Wheel

Extension Adapter

Shaft5/l6 L__,_/5f16Bolt Hex

Lower $teenna....., _ -_ .... ,

Shaft

',. , J) ,' t

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See

Operation section for location and

function of controls)
o 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 neutral (N) posi-
tion.

• Rotltractor forward off skid.

• Remove ba_ndingholding discharge

guard up against tractor.

8

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CONNECT BATTERY

_kCAUTION: Do not short battery termi-

nals by allowing a wrench or any other

object to contact both term=nalsat the

same time. Before connecting battery, re-
move metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,

rings, etc. Positive terminal must be con-
nected first to prevent sparking from acci-

dental grounding.

° Remove cardboard packing from seat

pan and liftseat pan to raised position.

o Open battery box door and remove pro-

tective plastic,

o Remove terminal protective caps and

discard.

o If this battery is put into service after

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

amps.

= First connect RED batterycable to posi-

tive (+)terminal with hex bolt, flat wash-
er, lock washer and hex nut as shown.

Tighten securely,

° Connect BLACK grounding cable to

negative (-) terminal with remaining hex
bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex

nut. Tighten securely.

o Close battery box door. Open battery

box door for:

o inspection for secure connections

(to tighten hardware).
° Inspection for corrosion.
° Testing battery.

= Jumping (if required).

• Periodic charging.

Battery Box
Door

Positive
(Red) Cable

Discard Terminal

Proctective Caps

,\

Lock Washer

Rat Washer

Hex Bolt

Negative
(Black)

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.

o Slide seat until a comfortable position is

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

o 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

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
° Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate

using screw, washer, _ock 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 up-

right position.

• Place front of mulcher plate over front of

mower deck opening and slide into

place, as shown.

o 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.

9

Weld Nut From _ Hook Points
The Top Down

Lock

Weld Washer
Nul

Latch Latch
Hook Hook

Nut

Washer

Mulcher '_._ Screw
Plate

Deflector
Shield

f Latch

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

Simply remove mulcher plate and store in
a safe place. "(our mower is now ready for

discharging or installation of optional
grass catcher accesso_

NOTE; It is not necessary to change

blades. The mulcher blades are designed
for discharging and bagging also.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were everinflated

at the factory for shipping purposes.
Correct tire pressure is important for best

cutting performance_

• Reduce tire p_'essure to PSi shown in

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on
page 5 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.

Lock Washer

Washer

Hooks

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 rout-

ed correctly,
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your trac-
tor, check to see that the brake is properly

adjusted. See "TO 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.

,/ All tires are properly inflated. (For

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

,/ Be sure mower deck ts 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 A"fTENTION TO
THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT iTEMS:

,/' Engine oil Is at proper level.

#" Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,

regular unleaded gasoline.

,/ Become familiar with all controls - their

location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.

# Be sure brake system is In safe

operating condition.

10

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororin literaturesuppliedwiththeproduct.

Learnandunderstandtheirmeaning.

BATTERY CAUTION !OR

WARNING

ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF •

FUEL

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT

REVERSE NEUTRAL

REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW

OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON

PARKING BRAKE

LOCKED

OVER TEMP

LIGHT

UNLOCKED

MOWER LIFT

L

HIGH

LOW

PARKING BRAKE

ATTACHMENT

IGNITION

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPEHAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Modeis only)

11

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_

Ammeter

ThrottleChoke

Control ,,-"

Clutch/Brake

Pedal

Attachment

Clutch Lever Light

\ ignition Switch

Switch

Lift Lever

Plunger

Attachment Lift
Lever

O1

Height

Ad]ustment

Indicator

Parking Brake

Gearshift;

Lever,

?

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

dectutching 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, lower, 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.

AMMETER: Indicates battery charging (+)
or discharging (-).

12

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the

eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glass-
es or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjust-

ments or repai_rs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over the
spectacles, or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

'(our tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch. When engine

is running, any attempt by the operator to
leave the seat without first settingthe

parking brake wilt shut off the engine.

TO SET PARKING BRAKE

° Depress clutch/brake pedal into full

"BRAKE" position and:hold.

= Place parking brake lever in

ENGAGED" position and-release pres-

sure from clutc_dbrake pedal. Pedal

should remain in BROOKE" position.

Make sure parking brake wilt hold trac-
tor secure.

Throttle/Choke Attachment Clutch Lever
Control lever "Engaged" Position

"',_.'-__"" Disen gaged"

Position . " \_", \_/_ Brake

Position Position

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES -

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

position.

GROUND DRIVE-

o To stop ground drive, depress

clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE"
position.

• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) posi-

tion.

ENGINE -

o Move throttle control to slow po_,ition.
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,

o Never use choke to stop engine.

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

stopping tractor on grass areas.

,ACAUTION.- Always stop tractor com-

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

THROTTLE CONTROL
Always operate engine at full throttle.

o Operating engine at less than full throt-

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 cfutch_rake pedal ;_;

depressed and gearshift lever in neutral
(N)position.

° Move gearshift lever to desired posi-

tion.

o 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 positionof the attachment lift lever

determines the cutting height.
° Grasp lift lever.
° Press plunger with thumb and move

lever to desired position.

The cutting height range is approximately

!-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 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 relative-
ly high; the second to desired height.

13

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 attachment clutch

engaged wilt shut off the engine.
o Select desired height of cut'.

o Start mower blades by engaging attach-

ment clutch control.

o TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-

gage attachment clutch control.

J_kCAUTION: Do not operate the mower

without either the entire grass catcher, on

mowers so equipped, or the discharge

guard in place.
Attachment Lift Lever Attachment Lift Lever

High Position .._High_ Position
"Disengaged" __.__'_'_.. Low

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,
etco).

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 "FULL" 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).

. To change engine oil, see the Mainten-

ance section in this manual,

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

,_CAUTION: Do not drive up or 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 hills.

. Avoid stopping or changing speed on

hills.

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

• If stopping ls absolutely necessary,
push clutch!brake pedal quickly to brake
position and engage parking brake.

° Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be

sure you have atlowed room for tractor
to rol/slightly as you restart movement.

= To restart movement, slowly release

parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.

. Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
o Raise attachment lift to highest position

with attachment lift control.

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) MPHo

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

B7 octane, (Use of leaded gasoline wilt
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

cold weather starting.
,_.WARNING: 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. To avoid engine
problems, thefuel 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
permanent damage may occur.

14

,_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 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.

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

tion,

• Move attachment clutch to "DISEN-
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

pos!tion, wait a few minutes and try
again. If engine still does not start,

move the throttle control back to the
choke pos!tion and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and
above)

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

o 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-

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

eral minutes, depending on the temper _
ature.

o 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.

NOTE; At a high altitude (above 3000

feet) or In cold temper_.tures (below 32 F)
the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance.

See %0 ADJUSTCARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjus!ments section of this

manual.

MOWING TIPS

o 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.

o The left hand side of mower should be

used for tdmmingo

° Drive so that clippings are discharged

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

This wil! 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 will dis-
charge away from shrubs, fences, drive_
ways, etc. After one or two rounds,, "

mow in the opposi!e direction making
left hand turns untd finished

o If grass is extremely tatt, it should be

mowed twice to reduce load and possi-
ble fire hazard from dried clippings.
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.

o Always operate engine at ful! throttle

when mowing to assure better mowing

performance and proper discharge of
material. Regulate ground speed by se-

lecting a tow enough gear to give the
mower the best cutting performance as

well as the quality of cut desired.

o When operating attachments, select a

ground speed that will suit the terrain
and give best performance of the at-
tachment being used.

15

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up grass
and trash, Clean after each use_ "

The special mulching blade will recur
the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall

onto the lawn they wilt disperse into the
grass and not be noticed. Also, the

mulched grass will btodegrade quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn.

Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this wilt provide the

best recutting action of the blades.

o Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.

Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon° At this t_Jmethe grass has

dried and the _newly cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun,

o For best results, adjust the mower cut-

ting height so that the mower cuts off
only the top one-third of the grass
blades. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your width of cut on each pass
and mow slowly.

• Certain types of grass and grass condi-
tions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a sec-

ond cut, mow across or perpendicular to
the first cut path.

= Change your cutting pattern from week

to week. Mow north to south one week

then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting

and graining of the lawn,

Max 1/3

16

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

AsYoucoMP, r.

C ckB. .opera.o. V'

Check Tke Pressure _ , _ .....................................

Check Operator Presence and

T interlock Systems
R Check for Loose Fasteners

SharperVReplace Mower Blades
Lubrication Chart

0 Check Battery Level
R (;lean Battery end Terminal#Recharge

Check Trar-,,sa_xleCooling

Clean Air Scroen

Inspect MuffierlSpark Ar_estet

Replace Oil Ftllef (tf equipped)

Clean Engine Cooling FJr_
Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
Replace Fue! Filter

v" V'-3 .......

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 inthe Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should

be checked at least once each season.

o 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

- Check engine oi! level.
° Check brake operation.

• Check tire pressure.
° Check operator presence and interlock

systems for proper operation.

o Check for loose fasteners.

@ Spl Spindle

Zerk Zerk

31"

Front Wheel

Bearing Zerk

Engine

@ Attachment I i
Clutch i i

Pivot(s) l i

@ SAE 30 or 10w30 Motor OIL
@ General Purpose Grease

L. J

q Beadng

Wheel

_) 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 d_, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.

17

Front

TRACTOR _
Always observe safety rules when per-

forming any maintenance.

BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet

stopping distance at high speed in highest
gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See

"TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual)_

TIRES !
° Maintain proper air pressure in all tires

(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
on page 5 of this manual).

o Keep tires free of gasoline, oi!, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rub-

ber.

o Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.

NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent

flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant

may be purchased from your local parts
dealer, Tire sealant also prevents tire dry
rot and corrosion,

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades.
BLADE REMOVAL

o Raise mower to highest position to allow

access to blades_

• Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat
washer securing blade.

o Install new or resharpened blade with

trailing edge up towards deck as shown.

,, Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and

flat washer in exact order as ,shown.

° Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.

torque).

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat

treated.

Blade

\

Flat Washer,...

Lock Washer__" Up

He×Bo.(a aN Z

*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be
identified by six Fineson the bolt head.

TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

blade, but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

excessive vibration and eventual damage

to mower and engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while it is on the mower.

o To check blade balance, you will need a

5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone

batancer. (When using a cone balancer,

follow the instructions supplied with bal-
anGer).

NOTE" Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may

appear to be centered, but are not,
,, Slide blade on[u an unthreaded portion

of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt
or pin parallel with the ground. If blade

is balanced, it should remain in a hori-
zontal position° tf either end of the blade

moves downward, sharpen the heavy
end until the blade is balanced.

Center Hole

Blade

5/8" Bolt
or Pin

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system

which is sufficient for normal use. Howev-
er, periodic charging of the battery with an

automotive charger will extend its tife_

• Keep battery and terminals clean.

° Keep battery botts tight.
, Keep small vent holes open.
, Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.

NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free Do not

attempt to open or remove caps or covers.
Adding or checking level of electrolyte is

not necessary.

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the batter/and ter-

minals can cause the battery to "leak"
power,

° Remove terminal guard_
° Disconnect BLACK battery cable first

then RED battery cable and remove
battery from tractor.

18