Craftsman 917270613 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRRFT$I4nH"

15.5 HP

ELECTRIC STAR_ 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSA_LE

LAWN TR. f TX3R

Model No.

917.270613

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

_,-- .............. r' "" ........i II r

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.

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

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Une

5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat

W_ .................................. ,,,.,..°,.*..°.2

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

Productspec _..O.n_s............................5

Assembly..................:.............................8

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

MaintenanceSchedule.........................17

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

ServiceandAdjustments......................21

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

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

RepairParts.........................................32

PartsOrdering.......................BeckCover

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMANRIDING EQUIPMENT Fortwo (2) yearsfrom thedateof purchase,ifthisCraftsmanRidingEquipmentismain-

tained,lubricatedandtunedupaccordingtothe instructionsintheowner'smanual, Searswillrepairor-rsplsce,free ofcharge,anypartsfound tobe defectivein materialor

worla'nanship. ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:.

• Expendableitemswhichbecomeworndudngnormaluse,suchas blades,spark plugs,aircleaners,belts,etc.

• Tiro replacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfrom outsideobjects,suchas nails,

thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,negligence,improperstorageoracci-

dent orthefailureto maintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedin theowner's manual.

• Ridingequipmentusedfor commsrciaior rentalpurposes.

LIMITED 90 DAYWARRANTY ON BATTERY Forninety(90) days fromdate ofpurchase,ifany batteryincludedwiththisridingequip

mentprovesdefectivein materialorworkmanshipand ourtestingdeterminesthe bat- terywill notholda charge,Sears willreplacethebatteryatnocharge.In-homewarranty serviceon yourCraftsmanridingequipment is availableat no chargefor 30 days from thedate ofpumhese.Pleasecontactyour nearestservicecenter.After30 daysfromthe dataof purchase,warrantyservice isavailablebytakingyourCraftsmanridingequip- mentto yournearestSears ServiceCenter.(In-homewarrantyservicewillstillbeavail-

ableafter 30 days from thedate of purchasebuta standardtripchargewillapply).This

warrantyappliesonlywhilethis productisinthe UnitedStates.This Warrantygivesyou specificlegalrights, andyoumayalsohave otherrightswhichmayvaryfromstateto state.

Sears, RoebuckandCo., D/817 WA, HoffmanEstates,IL 60179

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,and followail instruc- tionsinthe manuai andon the machine

beforestarting.

• Onlyallowresponsibleadults,whoare familiarwiththe instructions,tooperate

the machine.

• Clearthe area ofobjectssuchas rocks,

toys,wire, etc., whichcouldbepicked up andthrownbytheblade.

• Be surethe areais clearof otherpeople before.mowing"Stop machineifanyone

entersthe area.

• Nevercarrypassengers.

• Do notmowinreverseunlessabsolute- lynecessary.Alwayslookdawn and

behindbeforeand whilebacking.

• Beaware ofthe mowerdischargedirec- tionanddo notpoint it at anyone. Do

notoperatethe mowerwithouteither

the entiregrasscatcher orthe guardin place.

• Slowdawn beforetuming.

• Neverleavea running machine unat-

tended.Alwaystum offblades,set park- ingbrake,stopengine,andremove

keysbeforedismounting.

•Tum otf blades when not rnowing.

• Stop engine before removing grass

catcher or unclogging chute;

• Mowonly indeylight orgeed arlir_al

Ikjht.

• Do not operate the machine while under

. the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for treffic 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 Ioas- of-control and tipover accidents, which

can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot

back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

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

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven

terrain could overtum the machine. Taft grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so

that you wifl 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. If tires inse traction, disengage the blades

and proceed slowly strsight.down the slope.

DO NOT:

• Do nottum on slopes unless necessary,

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

• Do notmow near dropoffs, ditches, or

embankments. The mower could sod- denly tum over if a wheel isover the

edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

• Do nog__mowon wet grass. Reduced

traction could cause sliding.

• Do nottryto stabUizethe mach_e by

putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not ose grees catcher on 8tesp

slopes.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children.

Children are oftefl a_ to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

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

responsible adult.

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

• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children.

• Never carry children. They may fall off

and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

comers, 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 reguledy.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaveS, or other debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before stodng.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, If necesssPJ,

before restarting.

• Never makeadjustmentsorrepairswith theenginerefining.

• Grasscatchercomponentsam subject towear,damage, and deterioration,

whichcouldexposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobe thrown. Frequently

checkcomponents and replacewith

reanufacturer's recommendedpads, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing there.

• Check brake operation frequently.

Adjust and service as required.

• Besurethe area isclear of otherpeople beforemowing. Stopmachine if anyone

entemthe area.

• Never carrypassangem.

• Do notmowin reverseunlessabsolute-

lynecessary.Alwayslookdown and behindbeforeandwhile backing.

• Never carrychildren.Theymayfall off

and beseriouslyinjuredorinterferewith safe machineoperation.

• Keepchildren outofthe mowingarea and underthewatchfulcareofanother

respor,sib_eadutt.

• Be alertandturn machineoffif children

enterthearea.

• Beforeand whenbecking, lookbehind

and downforsmallchildren.

ALook forthissymboltopointoutimpor- tantsafetyprecautions.It meansCAU-

TIONI!! BECOMEAWAREIIIYOUR SAFE- TY IS iNVOLVED.

_,CAUTION: In ordertopreventacciden- talstartingwhensetting up, transpo_ng,

adjustingor makingrepairsalwaysdiscon- nectsparkplugwireand placewirewhere itcannotcontaCtsparkplug.

• 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 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 nottum on slopes unless necessary,

and then, tam slowly and gradually downhi,, if poseible.

_,WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of Callfomia to cause cancer,

birthdefects, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOU_ 1.25 GALLONS

CAPACITY UNLEADED AND TYPE: REGULAR

OIL'WPE SAE30 (above32_F)

_,PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE5W-30

(below32"F)

OILCAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS

3PARKPLUG: ChampionRC12YC

_AP:;030")

_/ALVE INTAKE: .003"-.057'

3LEARANCE: EXHAUST:.005"-.00"/"

3ROUND SPEED FORWARD:

VIPH): 1ST 1.1

2ND 1.4 3RD 2.2 4TM 3.3 5TM 4.4 6TM 4.9

REVERSE: 1.4

]'IRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 12 PSI

3HARGING 3AMPS BA'I-I'ERY SYSTEM: 5AMPS HEADLIGHTS

E3ATTERY: AMP/HR: 25

MIN. CCA: 190 CASE SIZE: U1R

BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS. TORQUE:

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

ASeara _ Agreementis avail- able onthisproduct.Cent=rotyournearest

Searestore fordetails.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety roles.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-

ing, cadng for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Malnta- 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, bnJsh-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped witha spark arrester meeting applicable local or state

laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it

should be maintained in effective working

order by the operator. In the state of California the above is

required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

CONGRATULATIONS on your pumhase of a Craftsman Tractor. Ithas been

designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should youexpedenceany problemyou cannoteasilyremedy,please contactyour

nearestSearsAuthorizedSewloe Center. We have competent, welt-trainedtechni-

ciansandthepropertoolsto service or

repairthistractor. Pleaseread and retainthis manual.The

instructionswillenableyoutoassemble andmaintainyourtractorproperly.Always

observethe =SAFETYRULES'.

Parts Bag contentsshownfull size

(1) Lockwasher 3/8

(1) Large Flat Washer

(2) Screws #10 x 5/8

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

(1) Knob

(1) Hex Bolt

3/8o16x 1

_x 1-1/4

(2) LockWashers #10

(2) Weld Nuts 010 I_

(1) Locknut 5/16-18

(1) Shoulder

Bolt 5/16-18

(1)Washer

17/32x 1-3/16x12 Gauge

Seat

Partspacked separately in carton

Manual

Muk:her Video

Plate Cassette

Steering

Boot

Parts Bag contentsnotshown fullsize

Shaft

12)Keys

Steor;ng

Wheel

Parts Bag

Steering Wheel

Insert

Siope Sheet

Steodng Wheel

, , Adapter

Yournowtractorhasbeenassembledatg_efactorywithexceptionofthosepadsleft

unassembledforshippingpurposes.Toensuresafeandproperoperationofyourtractor allparts 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

" Asocketwrenchsetwill makeassembly

easier.Standardwrenchsizesyouneed are listedbelow.

(1) 9/16"wrench (1) Utilityknife (2) 1/2"wrench (1) Pliers (1) _re pressure gauge (1) PhillipsScrewdriver

When rightor lefthand ismentionedin thismanual,itmeans fromyourpointof view,whenyou arein theoperatingposi- tion(seatedbehindthesteeringwheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose pads and

parts boxes from shipping carton (See page 6).

• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four comers of shipping carton, and lay panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or

boxes and remove.

BEFORE ROLUNG TRACTOR OFF SKID

ATrACH STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFTAND

BOOT

• Slideextensionshaftontolowersteer-

ingshaft.Alignmountingholesin exten- sionand lowershaftsand install5/16

hexboltand IncknuL_ghten securely.

IMPORTANT:Tightenboltand nutsecure- lyto 18-22ft. Ibs.torque.

• Placetabs ofsteeringbootovertab

slotsin dashandpushdownto secure.

INSTALLSTEERING WHEEL

• Positionfront wheelsof the tractorso they arepointingstraight forward.

• Slidesteeringwheel adapterontosteer-

ingshaftextension.

• Positionsteeringwheelsocrossbars

arehorizontal(leftto dght)andslide ir_e bootand ontoadapter.

• Assemble large flatwasher, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex belt 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 rolloff skid.

Insert

'_ F'_ 3/8 Hal Bolt

_3/8 I.._asher

Stee_teedng

Wheel _t

Extension _JF Adapter Shaft "'"---,...,.,_ i_ Hex

5/16 Lonlm_ o__ /

LowerSteedng......_/ _, "%'_--.

• • _ J i

t _. , t

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

function of controls)

• Press lift lever plunger and raise attach- ment liftlover to its highest position.

• Release parking brake by depressing

clutch/brake pedal.

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) posi-

tion.

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding discharge

guard up against tractor.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CHECK BATTERY

• Liftseat pan toraisedpos_dionandopen

battelyboxdoor.

• It thisbatteryisputinto se_ice after

monthandyear indicatedonlabel(label iocated between termi_ls) chargebat-

teryforminimumof onehourat 6-10

amps.(See "BA'I-rERY=in MAINTE-

NANCE sectionofthismanual for

charginginstructions).

Seat Pan

Label

Battery Be

INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob.

• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan,

• Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder boll -Rghten shoulder bolt

securely.

• Assemble adjustment knob and flat

washer loosely. Do not tighten.

• Lower seat into operating position and

sit on seat.

• slide seat un_l a comfortable positionis

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

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted

,position.

• R_,_e seat and tighten adjustment knob

securely.

- Seat

Seat Pan

INSTALL MULCHER PI.ATE

• instafltwo latch boolw tomusher plata using screw,washer,lockwasher,and

weld nutas shown.

NOTE: pre-aasembleweld nutto latch hookby insertingweldnutfromthetop

withhookpointingdown.

• Tightenhardwaresecurely.

• Raiseandholddeflectorshieldinup-

rightpos'_on.

• Placefrontofmuicherplateoverfrontof mowerdeckopeni_Jandslideinto

place,as shown.

• Hookfrontlatchintoholeonfrontof

mowerdeck.

• Hookrear latch intoholeonbackof

mowerdeck.

,_CAUTION: De notremovedischarge

guardfrom mower.Raiseand holdguard whenattachingmuicherplate andallow it

toreston platewhilein operation.

Weld Nut From Hoot( Points

The Top _o'_

Lock [_J

Weld Washer _ "_

Nut'x_ Screw _X_ tch

D\\ \weld.ut

Washer

M_cher '_ Screw

Plate

Shield

Deflector __

Shoulder

Belt

Adjustment Knob

Washer

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DIS- CHARGING

Simplyremovemulcherplateandstorein a safe place.Yourmoweris nowreadyfor dischargingor installationofoptional grasscatcheraccessory. NOTE: It is notnecessarytochange blades.The mulcherbladesare designed

for dischargingand baggingalso. _HECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tireson yourtractorwere overinflated

atthefactory forshippingpurposes. Correcttire pressureisimportantfor best

cu_ingperformance.

• Reducetirepressureto PSI shownin

=PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS"on page 5 ofthismanual.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS Forbestcuttingresults,mowerhousing

shouldbe propedyleveled.See "TO LEVELMOWER HOUSING"inthe

ServiceandAdjustmentssectionofthis manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER PosmoN OF ALL BELTS

See thefiguresthatare shownforreplac-

ingmotionand mowerbladeddvebelts in

the ServiceandAdjustmentssectoinof thismanual.Verifythatthe beltsare mut- ed correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

Afteryoulearnhowto operateyourtrac- tor,checktosee thatthe brakeispropedy adjusted.See "TO ADJUST BRAKE"in

the ServiceandAdjustmentssectionof this manual.

/ CHECKLIST

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING

CHECKLIST: / All assembly instructionshave been

completed.

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

charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).

,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and

tightened securely.

•/" Alltires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes, the tires were

ovednflated at the factory).

,/ Be sure mower desk is propedy leveled

side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting results. ('Rres must be propedy

inflated for leveling).

4" Check mower and drive belts. Be sure

they are muted propedy around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

,/ Check widng. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly clamped.

WHILE LEARNINGHOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAYEXTRAATTENTION TO

THE FOLLOWINGIMPORTANTITEMS: / Engineoilisat properlevel.

,/ Fueltankisfilled withfresh, clean,

regularunleadedgasoline.

,/ Becomefamiliarwithall controls-their

locationand function. Operatethem

beforeyoustart theengine.

4" Besurebrakesystemis in safe

operatingcondition.

These symbolsmayappear onyourtractororin literaturesuppliedwiththeproduct.

Leamand understandtheir meaning.

BATTERY CAUTION ON REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW

ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVELRTEMP t

FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT

WARNINQ

LOCKED

r_'_ R N H L

ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW pARKING BRAKE

CLUTCH ENGAGED

IGNmON CLUTCH DISENGAGED

ATTACHMENT

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

FREEWHEEL

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR R_D THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND 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

Ammeter ClutchLever Light

ThrottleChoke Switch

Control LiftLever

Clutch/Brake

Pedal

Gearshift

Lever

Ignition

Attachment Uft

Brake

Plunger

Height

Adjustment

Indicator

Ourtractorsconformto thesafetystandardsoftheAmerican

NationalStandardsInstitute.

A'r'rA_3HMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the mower blades, or other

attachments mounted to your tractor.

LIGHT SWITCH: Tums 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 ped_LJntothe 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 liftlever when changing its position.

IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and stopping the engine.

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

The operation of any tractor can result in foreige 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- manta or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over specta-

clse, or standard safety glasses.

HOWTOUSEYOURTRACTOR

Yourtractorisequippedwithan operator

presence sensing switch. When engine is running, any attempt bythe operator to

leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.

TO SET PARKING BRAKE

=BRAKE" position and hold.

i epress clutch/brake pedal into full

Place par.kingbrake 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.

Throttle/Choke AttachmentClutchLever Controllever "Engaged"Position

"Disengaged"

Clutc_rake

Pedal "Ddve" Position

Position

STOPPING

Position Lever

MOWER BLADES-

• Tostopmowerblades,moveattach-

mentclutchloverto "DISENGAGED" position.

GROUND DRIVE-

•-To stopgrounddrive,depress

clutch/brakepedal intofull "BRAKE" pusition.

• Movegearshiftlevertoneutral(N) posi- tion.

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

"back/ira'.

•Tum ignition key to "OFF" position and r,,move key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthodzed

use.

Position

Brake

Position

• 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 run-

ning, hot engine exhaust gases may cause =browning" of grass. To eliminate

this possibility,always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.

A CAUTION: Always stop tractor com- pletely, as described above, before leaving

the operator's position; to empty grass catcher, etc. THROTrLE CONTROL

Always operate engine at full throttle.

• 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 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: Bdng tractor to a complete stop before shifting or changing gears.

Failure to do so will shorten the useful life ofyour transaxle

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

determines the cuffing height.

• Grasp lilt lever.

Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position.

The cutting height range is approximately

1-1/2 to 4.'. The heights are measured

from the ground tothe blade tip with the

engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height ofgrass and

types of grass being mowed.

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

cool season and to over 3 Inches dudng

hotmonths. For healthier and better lookinglawns, mow often and after

moderate growth.

• Forbestcuttingperformance,grass over6inchesInheightshouldbe

mewedtwice.Makethefirstcutrelative-

ly high; the second to desired height.

TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator t_msenca sensing switch. Any attempt by

e operator to leave the seat with the

engine running end the attachment clutch

-engaged will shut off the engine.

• Select desired height of cut.

• Start mower blades by engaging attach- ment clutch control.

• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen- gage attachment clutch control.

_.CAUTION: Do not operate the mower

without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the discharge

guard in place. AttachmentLiftLever AttachmentLiftLever

Hig HighPosition

Low

Position Position

/ Guard

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

ACAUTION: 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.

• Avoldstopping or changing speed on

hills.

corltrollever to slower position. If stopping is absolutely necessary,

push clutch/brake pedal _uickly to brake

If slowing is necessary, move throttle position end engage perking brake.

Move gearshift lever to I st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to ronslighgy as you restart movement.

parking brake end clutcfVbrake pedal.

i To restart movement, slowly release

Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment liftto highest position

with attachment liftcontrol.

• When pushing or towing your tractor, be surf"gearshift lever is in neutral (N)

position.

• Do not push or tow tractor at mere than five (5) MPH.

NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting yourtractor 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, reinsertthe 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.

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

cold weather starting.

AWARNING: Experience indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids dudng storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while instorage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emp- tied before storage of 30 days or longer.

Drain the gas tank, start the engine end lot it run until _ fuel lines and carburetor

are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructionsfor additional information. Never use engine or carbure-

tor cleaner productsin the fuel tank or

permanent damage may occur.

_,CAUTION: Fig to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not ovedgl. Wlpe 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 flint 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 perking brake.

• 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 tum 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. Ifthe engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast

position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine stilldoes 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.

COLDWEATHER STARTING ( 50° FAND BELOW)

• Whenenginestarts,allow enginetorun with.th.eJhrottlecontrolinthechoke

positionuntiltheenginerunsroughly, thenmovethrottle controltofast posi-

tion.Thismay requireanenginewarm- upperiodfrom severalsecondsto sev-

eralminutes,dependingon thetemper- ature.

• The attachmentscanalsobe useddur-

ingthe enginewarm-upperiod.

NOTE: Ifat a highaltitude(above3000

feet) or incoldtemperatures(below32 F) the carburetor fuel mixturemay needtobe

adjustedfor best enginepedormance. See "TOADJUSTCARBURETOR"In the

Se_and Adjustmentssectionofthis manual.

NOTE: AtahighelUtude(above3000 feet) orIn coldtemperatures(below32 F) the carburetor fuelmixturemayneedto be adjustedforbestengineperformance.

See "TOADJUSTCARBURETOR"inthe ServiceandAdjustmentssectionofthis

manual.

MOWING TIPS

• Tim chains cannot be used when the mower housingis attached to tractor.

• Mower should be pmpedy leveled for best mowing pedormance. See "TO

LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service andAdjustments 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 ofthe machine. This will result in a more even distribu-

tion of clippings and more uniform cut- ting.

• When mowing large areas, stad 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 opposite direction making left hand turns untilfinished

• Ifgrass is extremely tall, 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.

• 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 pedormance as well as the quality of cut desired.

• When operating attachments, select a

ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best pedormance of the at-

tachment being used.

MULCHINGMOWING TIPS IMI_DRTAI/T: Forhest perlormance,

keepmowerhousingfree ofbuilt-upgrass andtrash. Cleanafter each use.

• The specialmulchingbladewillrecut

thegrassclippingsmany timesand reducethem in sizesothat astheyfall

ontothe lawnthey willdisperseintothe grassand notbe noticed.Also,the

mulchedgrasswillbiodegradequickly to providenutdantsforthelawn.

Alwaysmulchwithyourhighestengine

(blade)speedas thiswillprovidethe bestrecuttingactionoftheblades.

• Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhenit iswet.

Wet grasstendsto form clumpsand

interfereswiththemulchingaction. The besttimeto mowyourlawnis the early afternoon.Atthis timethe grasshas driedandthe newlycutarea willnotbe exposedtothe directsun.

• Forbest results,adjustthemowercut- tingheightsothat themowercutsoff

onlythe topone-thirdofthegrass blades.Forextremelyheavymulching,

reduceyourwidthof cutoneachpass

and mow slowly.

• Certaintypasof gressandgresscondi- tionsmayrequirethatan area he

mulched a secondtimeto completely hidethe clippings.Whendoinga Sac"

ondcut, mowacrossorperpendicularto thefirstcut path.

• Changeyourcuttingpatternfromweek toweek. Mownorthto southoneweek

thenchange toeast to westthe next week. Thiswillhelp preventmatting

andgrainingof the lawn.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE ATES

_o P_, iV' V"

Check Operator PzeS(n_ _

T _ede_ _ V' R _ _orLee_ Fat=._== I/ V', It/

Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades IIf4

T _bri_ _ I/' I/

O Check Battely Lm/el

R Clean Batter/and Terrnlnats _ I_

Check Trar,.saxla Cooling ik_ Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension (l_l

Ad)u=t Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Ks

Check Engine O11Level ti_ V _ Change Engine Oil V*t._ _1_

E Claan Air Filter V*=

N Claan_r Screen I/=

G Inspect Muffier/_ark Nrester

Rep4ace Oil Filter Of equipped) I1_1.=

N CieenEnglneCoolingFins I,/=

Replace Spark Plug I_ Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge , V*=

ReplaceFuelRlter

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractor does not cover

items that have bonn 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 pedodi-

cally to properly maintain your tractor. All adjustments in the Service and

Adju_stmentssection of this manual should be c'hecked 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-fuai mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check brake operation.

• Check tire pressure.

• Check operator presence and intedeck

.,s_'tems for proper operation.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION CHART

Zerk Zerk

• Front Wheel Wheel Beating Zerk Zerk

0 Atta_hrrm_t_

Beadng

_tch !

Pivot(s) i :

• SAE _0 or 10w30MotorOIL

• GeneralPurposeGrease Referto M&_ntenance"Engine"Secl_n

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 r_feofthe self- lubricating bearings. If you feel they must

be lubricated, use only a d_, powdered graphite type lubricant spanngly.

TRACTOR Alwaysobeervesafelyruleswhenper-

forminganymaintenance.

BRAKEOPERATION Iftractorrequiresmerethansix(6)feet

stoppingdistanceathighspeedinhighest gear,thenbrakemustbeadjusted.(See

"TO ADJUST BRAKE" inthe Service and

Adjustments section of this manual).

"TIRES

• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

on page 3 of this manual).

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil,or insect

control chemicals which can harm rub-

ber.

• 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, tiresealant

may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry

rot and corrosion. OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM

Be sure that operator presence and inter- lock systems are working properly. Ifyour

tractor does not function as descdbed

below, repair the problem immediately.

• The engine should not start unless the

clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed and attachment clutch control is in the

disengaged position.

• When the engine is running, any

attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the perking brake should shut off the engine.

• When the engine is running and the attachment clutch is engaged, any

attempt by the operator to leave the

ee_;tshould shut off the engine.

• The attachment clutch should never

operate unless the operat6r is in the seat.

BLADE CARE

Forbestresultsmowerbladesmusthe

keptsharp. Replacebentor damaged

blades.

BLADE REMOVAL

• Raisemowerto highestpositiontoallow accesstoblades.

• Removehex bolt,lockwasherand fiat w_r securingblade.

• Installnowor resharpenedbladewith

trailingedgeuptowardsdeckas shown.

IMPORTANT:Toensureproperassembly,

centerholeInblade mustalignwithstar on mandrelassembly.

• Reassemblehex belt,lockwasherand

flatwasherinexactorderas shown.

• Tightenboltsecurely(27-35 Ft. Lbs.

torque).

IMPORTANT:Bladeboltis Grade8 heat treated.

I EdgeUp MandrelAssembly

Blade

CenterHole;

Lock Washel

Star

Hex Bolt(Grade8)*

*AGrade 8 heattreatedboltcan be

identifiedby sixlinesonthebolthead.

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 gdnding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while it is on the mower.

• To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel belt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cons balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal- ancer).

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 onto 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 hod-

zontai position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end untilthe blade is balanced.

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