Craftsman 917270630 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

1&0 HP ELEOTRmO START

42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE

LAW TRACTOR

Model No.

917.270($30

o Safety o Assembly

o Operation o Maintenance

o 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 pm, 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 TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is mair

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 o workmanship° This Warranty does not cover:

o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark

plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc.

o Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails,

thorns, stumps, or glass.

o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or acci-

dent or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained i

the owner's nlanual. o Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes_ LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding 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 warrant service on your Craftsman riding equipment is available at no charge for 30 days from

the date of purchase. Plaase contact your nearest service center. After 30 days from th 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 after 30 days from the date of purchase but a standard trip charge will apply). This

warranty applies only while this product is in the United States. This Warranty gives yo[

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GENERAL OPERATION

o Read, understand, and follow all instruc-

tions in the manual and on the machine before starting.

o Only allow responsible adults, who are

familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

o Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by'the blade.

, Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

o Never carry passengers.

o Do not mow in reverse unless absolute

ly necessary. Always look down and

behind before and while backing.

° Be aware of the mower discharge dire_

tion and do not point it at anyone. Do

not operate the mower withouteither the entire grass catcher or the guard ir

place.

o Slow down before turning. ° Never leave a running machine unat-

tended. Always turn off blades, set par ing brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting=

,, Turn off blades when not mowing. o Stop engine before removing grass

catcher or unclogging chute.

o Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

o Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of atcohol or drugs°

o 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 feet uneasy on it, do not mow it

DO:

o Mow up and down slopes, not across. o Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.,

o Watch for holes, ruts, 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°

o Follow the manufacturer's recommen-

dations for wheel weights or counter- weights to improve stability,

o Use extra care with grass catchers or

other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

o 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 traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the

sloper DO NOT: o Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,

and then, turn slowly and gradually

downhill, if possible.

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

embankments° The mower could sud-

denly turn over if a wheel is over the

edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge

caves in, o Do not mow on wet grass° Reduced

traction could cause sliding

o Do not try to stabilize the machine by

putting your foot on the ground°

o 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. o 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 chitdren.

o Never carry children° They may fall off

and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.,

o Never allow children to operate the

machine.

o Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision°

SERVlCE

• 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 refuelthe 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.

o 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.

o 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 wi|h the engine running.

Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objectsto be thrown. Frequently

check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.

o Mower blades are sharp and can cuL

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.

o Never carry passengers. o Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely

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.

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.

,_kLook for this symbol to pointout impor-

tant safety precautions. It means CAU- TIONH! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFE- "Pt'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.

Q Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not

across.

o Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

o Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps_ Uneven

terrain could overturn the machine. Tall

grass can hide obstac/es.

° Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so

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

o Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If

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

slope.

o Do not turn 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 Californiato cause cancer,

birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS CAPACITY UNLEADED

&ND TYPE: REGULAR

OIL TYPE SAE 30 (above 32°F)

IAPI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30

(below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 3°0 PINTS SPARK PLUG: Champion RC12YC

GAP: .030")

GROUND SPEED

MPH):

IRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

CHARGING 3AMPS BATTERY SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 25

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°

FORWARD:

I sT 1.0

2 ND 1.3

3RD 2.1

4TM 3ol

5TM 4,0

6TM 51

REVERSE: 1.6

REAR: t2 PSI

MINo CCA: 190 CASE SIZE: U1R

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"°

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavail-

able on this product, Contact your nearest Sears store for details,

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules. o 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 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 near-

est Sears Authorized Service Center (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

(1)LargeFlat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt

3/8-I6 x 1

(1) Lockwasher

3/8

(1) Hex Bolt

5/16-18

5/16-18x 1-1/4 _ (1) Locknut

(1) Shoulder Bolt

5/16-18

(t) Washer

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

(2) Hex Bolts 114-20x 3/4 (2) Hex Nuts 1t4-20

O 2 Washers _ hers 1/4

( ) _ ",--/J (2) LockWas

(1) Knob

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

(2) Screws (2) Lock

#t 0 x 5/8 Washers #10

(2)WeldNuts

#10

3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge "_=_,_

Parts packet separately in carton

Seat

-,, Video

Steering Whe_ Parts Bag ,_

Manual

Mulcher

'_,) Cassette

Plate

Steering

Boot

(2) Washers

Parts Bag contents not shown full size

(2) Latch Hook

Assemblies

Steering

Wheel Insert

Steering Wheet

Adapter

(2) Keys

Steering

Extension

Shaft

Slope Sheet

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

(1) Utility knife

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 parts boxes from shipping carton (See

page 6).

° Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on

all four corners of shipping carton, and

lay panels flato

o Check for any additional loose parts or

boxes and remove.

(2) 7/16" wrenches (1) Phillips Screw-

driver

(1) Tire pressure

gauge

= Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock

washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely°

o Snap steering wheel insert into center

of steering wheet.

o 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

3/8 Hex Bolt

Lockwasher

Wheel _Boot

/_/ Adapter

Extension __,

Shaft5/16L_5/t6B°lt Hex

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF

SKiD

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND 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- ty to 18-22 ft. Ibs. torque.

o Place tabs of steering boot over tab

slots in dash and push down to secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

o Position front wheels of the tractor so

they are pointing straight forward.

° Slide steering wheel adapter onto steer-

ing shaft extension.

o Position steering wheel so cross bars

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

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 neutral (N) posi.. tion.

o Roll tractor forward off skid. = Remove banding holding discharge

guard up against tractor:

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 terminals at the

same time° Before connecting battery, re-

move metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etco Positive terminal must be con- nected first to prevent sparking from acci-

dental grounding° o Remove cardboard packing from seat

pan and lift seat 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.

o First connect RED battery cable to posi-

tive (+) terminal with hex bolt, flat wash-

er, lock washer and hex nut as shown°

Tighten securely..

o 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:

,, Inspection for secure connections

(to tighten hardware).

o Inspection for corrosion. o Testing battery°

o ,Jumping (if required)_. o Periodic charging_

Positive (Red) Cable

Seat Pan

Discard Terminal Proctective Caps

Lock Washer

Flat Washer

Hex He× 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 downs

o Get off seat without moving its adjusted

position_

o Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob

securely..

Seat

Shoulder

Bolt

Seat Pan _

Flat 'Washer

Adjustment Knob

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE

o Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate

using screw, washer, lock washer, and

weld nut as shown.

NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch

hook by inserting weld nut from the top with hook pointing down.

• Tighten hardware securely_

• Raise and hold deflector shield in up- right position°

, Place front of mulcher plate over front of

mower deck opening and slide into

place, as shown.

, Hook front latch into hole on front of

mower deck.

• Hook rear latch into hole on back of

,_jkmower deck,

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge

guard from mower. Raise and hold guard when attaching mutcher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in operation°

Battery

Door

Weld Nut From

The Top

Lock

Weld Washer

Latch

Washer

Mulcher Plate

Deflector

Shield

Washer

Screw

Hook Points

Down

Latch Hook

Nut

Lock Washer

Latch Hooks

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARGING Simply remove mulcher plate and store in

a safe place. Your mower is now ready for

discharging or installationof optional grass catcher accessory.

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 overinflated

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

cuttingperformance_ o Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 5 ofthis manual.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing

should be properly leveled. See "TO

LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for 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 %0 ADJUST BRAKE" in

the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

/ CHECKLIST

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING

CHECKLIST: v" All assembly instructions have been

completed.

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

charged° (Minimum 1 hour at 6 arnps).

v_ Seat is adjusted comfortably and

tightened securely.

,X All tires are properly inflated. (For

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

/ Be sure mower deck is propedy levele_

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

inflated for leveling).

,X 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:

/ 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.

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororin literaturesuppliedwiththe product,

Learnandunderstandtheirmeaning,

BATTERY

ENGINE ON

FUEL

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

CAUTION OR

WARNING

ENGINE OFF

REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW

OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP _"

CHOKE

REVERSE NEUTRAL

MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT

LIGHT

LOCKED

N L

HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE

IGNITION

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFE'( RULES SECTION)

HYDROSTATIC FREE WHEEL

(Hydro Models only)

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of

various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future reference.

Attacilment

Clutch Lever

Light

Switch

Ignition

Switch

Lift Lever

" "__ Plunger

Attachment Lift

Lever

Motion Control

Lever

Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American

National Standards Institute.

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the mower blades, or other

attachments mounted to your tractor:

LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on

and off° THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Used for starting and controllingengine speed.

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: Used for declutching and brakingthe tractor and

starting the engine.

PARKING BRAKE: Locks clutch/brake

pedal into the brake position.

Height

Adjustment

Indicator

PARKING BRAKE

MOTION CONTROL 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 (.).

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

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. When engine

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

parldng brake will shut off the engine.. TO SET PARKING BRAKE

o Depress clutch/brake pedal into full

"BRAKE" position and hold.

o Place parking brake lever in

"ENGAGED" position and release pres- sure from clutch/brake pedal Pedal

should remain in "BRAKE" position_ Make sure parldng brake will hold trac-

tor secure. Attachment Clutch Lever

Throttle/Choke

"Engaged" Position

Control lever

"Disengaged" Position

Pedal "Drive", Parking Position

/ "Engaged"

Position

Motion

"Disengagq Contorl Position Position

Lever

STOPPING MOWER BLADES -

o 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 position. NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to

slow position and allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to

"backfire". o 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

pping tractor On grass areas.

CAUTION: 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,

o 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,

o Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal

depressed and gearshift lever in neutral (N) position°

o Move gearshift lever to desired posi-

tion.,

= Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to

start movemenL

IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to a complete stop before shifting or changing gears_

Failure to do so wilt shorten the useful tile of your transaxte

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

determines the cutting heighL ° Grasp lift lever.

o Press plunger with thumb and move

lever to desired position°

The cutting height range is approximately

1di2 to 4'L 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. o 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.

= Forbestcuttingperformance, grass

over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relative-

ly high; the second to desired height.

TO OPERATE MOWER "-(ourtractor 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 will shut off the engine.

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

ment clutch control.

o 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 Attachment Lift Lever

High Position .._ f:_.. High Position

"Disengaged"_/i lJ ) ,:_..._Low

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 STARTnNG THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

° The engine in your tractor has been

shipped, from the factory, already filled

with summer weight oil.

o Check engine oil with tractor on level

ground.

o Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe

clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw

cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oi! level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is

reached. Do not ovedill.

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 oil, see the Maintem

ance section in this manual.

_ 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. o Choose the slowest speed before start-

ing up or down hills.

o Avoid stopping or changing speed on

hills°

= If slowing is necessary, move throttle

control lever to slower position.

° If stopping is absolutely necessary,

push clutcfVbrake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.

• Move gearshift lever to 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.

o Make all turns slowly_ ......

TO TRANSPORT o Raise attachment lift to highest position

with attachment lift control.

ADD GASOLINE

= Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular'

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will

increase carbon and lead oxide depositsand reduce valve iife)o 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

,_dwAWeatherstarting.

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. "1oavoid 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.,

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, itwill take extra cranking time to move fuel from

the tank to the engine. o Sit on seat in operating position,

depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

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

tion.

o Move attachment clutch to "DISEN-

GAGED" position°

o Move throttle control to choke position. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below. o 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)

o 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)

o 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 'q'O ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this

.manual,

MOWIING TIIPS

• Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor.

o Mower should be properly leveled for

best mowing performance° See 'qO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

o The left hand side of mower should be

used for trimming°

o Drive 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,

o When mowing large areas, start by turn-,

ing to the right so that clippings will dis- charge away from shrubs, fences, drive- ways, etco After one or two rounds,

mow in the opposite direction making

left hand turns until finished

o tf grass 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°

o 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 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.

o When operating attachments, select a

ground speed that will suit the terrain

and give best performance of the at- tachment being used_

MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS

IMPORTANT; For best perfomlance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass

and trash. Clean after each use.

o The special mulching blade will recut

the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall

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

mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blade&

• 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

aftemoono At this time the 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 stowly.

Max 1/3

o 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.

o 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 lawno

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check Brake Operation 6_ 6## Check Tire Pressure _#P 64#

Check Operator Presence and

T Interlock Systems

R Check for Loose Fasteners _/

i Sharpen/Replace Mower Btades 6#44

cA ..........

T ' Lubri_ti0n C'ha_ e/ J ...........

0 Check Battery Level _ ..................................

R Clean Battery and Terminals/Recharge _ _#"

Check Transaxle Cooling _#'

Adjust Blade Be!t{s ) Tension ....... e/_ ....................

Adjust Mort[on Drive Belt(s) Tension 6fs

Check Engine Ofl Level Q_'

Change Engine Oi_ _.2._

E Clean A_r Filter _ ,

N Clean Air Screen _,_ I_ inspect Muffler/Spark Arresler

RoplaceOi,F;;i r("eqUtppee) I I IH 1..............liiillI

, Replace Spark Plug ........................... _ , _ ......................

Replace Air Filter Paper Car_ridge 64#2

. Replace Fuel Filter ,

I - Change more ottor_ whorl opotat_r_g under a he_v'f load or in high _mb{ont tornporaluro_ 5 - If equipped wi_ adJust,'_t_lo system.

:_ _ Service more ot_.orl whorl opoi'atl_g _rl dirty or dusty ¢ondiUoP._ 3 _ tf equipped w_th oll filter, chnngo o_ every SO hout_.

4 _ Replace _n_o_ more often when mowlr_g lrl _nndy _oil

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 Wheel

adjustments will need to be made periodi- Bearing cally to properly maintain your tractor. Zerk All adjustments in the 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 @Attach

ment

check blades and belts for wear., A new Clutch spark plug and clean air filter assure Pivot(s)

proper air-fuel mixture and help your

engine run better and last Ionger.

BEFORE EACH USE

o Check engine oil level. ° Check brake operation, o Check tire pressure,,

° Check operator presence and interlock

systems for proper operation.

= Check for loose fasteners,,

@SAE 30 or 10W30 Motor Oil

General Purpose Grease

Refer to Customer Responsibilities "ENGINE"

Section IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease the pivot points

which have special nylon bearings Viscous lubri- cants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the

life of the self-lubricating beadngso If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricantsparingly,

SERVICE

Wheel

Bearing

Zerk

OGear

shift

Pivots

gine

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

o Maintain proper air pressure in all tires

(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 5 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, 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

° Raise mower to highest positionto allow

access to blades.

o Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat

washer securing blade.

° Install new or resharpened blade with

trailing edge up towards deck as shown.

o 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°

Assembly

Bladher___ Mandrel

Flat Was Trailing

Edge Up

Lock Washer._ _

Hex Bolt 8)_,.._ "<_,-_

*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be

identified by six lines on the bolt head°

(Grade

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

balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with bal- ancer).

• 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 hori-

zontal positiorL If either end of the blade

moves downward, sharpen the heavy

end until the blade is balanced.

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

appear to be centered, but are not.

Center Hole

Blade

5/8=Bolt or Pin

BATTERY

Your'tractor has a battery charging system

which is sufficientfor normal use. However, periodiccharging of the battery

with an automotive charger will extend its life.

° Keep battery and terminals clean. o Keep battery bolts tight. ,, Keep small vent holes open,

o 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 battery and ter-

minals can cause the battery to "leak" power.

• Open battery box door.

• Disconnect BLACK battery cable first

then RED battery cable and remove

battery from tractor.

+ 39 hidden pages