Craftsman 917271070 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTSl4ANo

16 HP

ELECTRIC START

42" MOWER

6 SPEED TRANSAXLE

LAWN TRACTOR

Model No.

917.271070

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equip- ment.

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

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

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

Visit our Craftsman Website: www.sears.condcraftsman

Warranty ............... _................................. 2

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

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

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

Operation .............................................. 12

Maintenance Schedule ......................... 18

LIMITED'TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT For two (2) years fi'om 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 BAT-rERY 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 warranty service on your Craftsman riding equipment is available at no charge for 30 days from the date of purchase. Please contact your nearest service center. After 30 days from the date of purchase, warranty service is available by taking your Craftsman riding equip-

ment to your nearest Sears Service Center. (In-home warranty service will still be avail-

able at(er 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 you

specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to

state. Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Maintenance ......................................... 18

Service and Adjustments ...................... 22

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

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

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

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

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and fellow all instruc- tions in the manual and on the machine

before starting.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate

the machine. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked

up and thrown by the blade.

• 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.

• 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.

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Stop engine before removing grass

catcher or unclogging chute.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or

crossing roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unload- ing the machine into a trailer or truck.

SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-

of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All

slopes require extra caution. 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 overturn the machine. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so

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

• Follow the manufacturer's recommen- dations for wheel weights or counter-

weights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or

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

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

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, 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. 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.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

• DO nottry to stabilize the machine by

putting your foot on the ground.

• Do not use grass catcher on steep

slopes.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where

you last saw them.

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

responsible adult.

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

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

• Never carry children. They may fall off

and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

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

SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and

vapors are explosive.

Use only an approved container.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel

with the engine running.Allow en- gine to cool before refueling. Do not

smoke. Never refuel the machine indoors.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an

open flame, such as a water heater.

• Never run a machine inside a closed

area.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade

attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.

Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

beforerestarting.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with

the engine running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

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

enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• 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.

• 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.

,_Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions. It means CAU- TION!I! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFE-

TY IS INVOLVED.

_CAUTION: tn order to prevent acciden-

tal starting when setting up, transporting,

adjusting or making repairs always discon- nect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

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

• Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually

downhill, if possible.

_WARNING: The engine exhaust from this productcontains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 1.25GALLONS

CAPACITY UNLEADED AND TYPE: REGULAR

_)ILTYPE SAE 10W-30 API-SF/SG/SH): (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30

(below 32°F)

)IL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS

W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS

;PARK PLUG: Champion RC12YC 3AP: .040")

VALVE CLEARANCE: NOTADJUSTABLE

GROUND SPEED

IMPH):

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

CHARGING SYSTEM: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30

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:

1ST. 1.2

2ND 1.5

3RD 2.3 4TM 3.5

5TM 4.8 6TM 5.4

REVERSE: 1.5

REAR: 10 PSI

MIN. CCA:240 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 is avail-

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-

ing, caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Mainte- nance" and "Storage" sections of this

owner's manual.

_WARNING: This tractor is equipped

with an internal combustion engine and

should not be used on or near any unim- proved forest-covered, brush-covered or

grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark

arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it

should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is

required by 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).

Parts Bag contents shown full size

(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

(1) Hex Bolt

3/8-16 x 1

(1) Lockwasher 3/8

(1) Large Rat Washer

(1) Knob

(1) Locknut 5/16-18

(1) Shoulder

Bolt 5/16-18

(1) Washer

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

(2) Lock Washers #10

(2) Weld

Nuts #10

(2) Screws #10 x 5/8

(2) Washers

3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge

Steering

Boot

Parts packed separately in carton

Seat

Mulcher

Plate

Video

Cassette

Manual

Parts Bag contents not shown full size

Slope Sheet

[_ Steering Wheel

, , Adapter

PartsBag

t teering

(2) Keys

Extension

Shaft

Steering

Wheel

_ teering

Insert

LatchHook Assemblys

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 Asocket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.

(1) 9/16" wrench (1) Utility knife (2) 1/2" wrench (1) Tire pressure

(1) 3/4" Socket w/

drive rachet

(1) Phillips Screw-

driver

gauge When rightor 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).

• Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock 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

_-_'_ 3/8 Hex Bolt

________3/8 Lockwasher

_ Large Rat

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 comers of shipping carton, and

lay panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or

boxes and remove.

Steering _ Steering

Wheel Boot

Extension

5/16 5/16 Hex

Shaft L_Adapte r

Tabs

Bolt

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- 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.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars

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

Lower Shaft : ,_/_

k "-. . Tab

"" "-. , ' ' Slots

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.

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding discharge

guard up against tractor.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CHECK BATTERY

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

• If this battery is put 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. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance

section of this manual for charging instructions).

Seat Pan

Battery

Box Door

Terminal Terminal Seat

INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob.

• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.

• P_ace seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt

securely,

• Assemble adjustment knob and flat

washer loosely. Do not tighten.

• Lower seat into operating position and

sit on seat.

• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press

clutch/brake pedal all the way down.

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted

position,

° Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob

securely.

Seat Pan

Shoulder

Bolt

Adjustment Knob

Flat Washer

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated

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

cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSi shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section

of this manual.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing

should be properly leveled. See "TO

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

manual. CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF

ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replac-

_otion 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. INSTALL MULCHER PLATE

• 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 heok pointing down.

• "13ghtenhardware 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

mower deck.

Weld Nut From The Top

Lock

Weld Washer

Latch

Washer

Mulcher

Plate

Deflector

Shield

ACAUTION: 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.

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING Simply remove mulcher plate and store in

a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory.

NOTE: It is not necessary to change blades. The mulcher blades are designed

for discharging and bagging also.

'_./Screw

Hook Points

Down

Latch Hook

| Nut

Lock Washer

Latch

Hooks

v"CHECKLIST

Please review the following checklist:

•/ All assembly instructions have been completed.

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

charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).

4 Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-

ened securely.

•/ All tires are properly inflated. (For ship- ping purposes, the tires were overinflat-

ed at the factory).

,/Be sure mower deck is properly leveled

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

results. (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling).

•/ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure

they are routed propedy around pulleys

and inside all belt keepers.

,/Check wiring. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are propedy 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, regu-

lar 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 operat- ing condition.

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

Learn and understand their meaning.

BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW

ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE CLUTCH LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP

WARNING

LIGHT

CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED

LOCK LOCKED

! R N H L

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE

MOWER LIFT

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

IGNITION FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

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

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

Light Switch

Attachment Ignition Clutch Lever Switch

Ammeter .... . Plunger

Position

LiftLever

Throttle/Choke

c.Z.

Control

Attachment Lift Lever

Height

Adjustment

Knob

Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American

National Standards Institute,

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

LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on

and off. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Used to

control engine speed. CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: Used for

declutching and braking the tractor and starting the engine.

GEARSHIFT LEVER: Selects the speed and direction of the tractor.

HEIGHT ADJUASTMENT KNOB: Used to Adjust the mower cutting height.

Parking Brake

Gearshift

Lever

ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise and lower 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 (-).

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

Theoperationofanytractorcan resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe

eyes,whichcanresultinsevereeye damage. Always wear safety glasses

or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles, or stan- dard 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 parking brake will shut off the engine. TO SET PARKING BRAKE

• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full

"BRAKE" position and hold.

• Place parking brake lever in "EN-

GAGED" position and release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should

remain in "BRAKE" position. Make sure

parking brake will hold tractor secure.

Throttle/

Choke Control\

=Brake" Parking Brake

,Position . "Engaged"

Clutch/Brake =Disengaged" Pedal "Odve" Position

Position

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades, move attach-

ment clutch lever to "DISENGAGED" position.

GROUND DRIVE -

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

position.

• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) 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

"backfire".

AttachmentClutch Lever

=Disengaged"

Gear Shift

Lever

• Turn ignition key to "OFF' position and

remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized

use.

• Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch

in any position other than "OFF" will cause the battery to be discharged, (dead).

NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine run-

ning, hot engine exhaust gases may

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

stopping tractor on grass areas. ,_ CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-

pletely, as described above, before leaving

the operator's position; to empty grass catcher, etc. THROTTLE 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: 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 CUITING HEIGHT

The cutting height is controlled by turning

the height adjustment knob in desired

direction.

• Turn knob clockwise (G) to raise cutting

height.

• Turn knob counterclockwise (_) to

lower cutting height.

The cutting height range is approximately

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

from the ground to the blade tip with the

engine not running. These heights are ap-

proximate 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 rela-

tively high; the second to desired height.

TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted

when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in

operating position. Gauge wheels then

keep the deck in proper position to help

prevent scalping in most terrain condi- tions.

• Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.

• Adjust mower to desired cutting height

(See "1"O ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of

this manual).

• With mower in desired height of cut po- sition, gauge wheels should be assem-

bled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole

with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-

16 Iocknut and tighten securely.

• Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

Gauge Wheel Mounting

Bracket

3/8-16 Locknul

Shoulder

Gauge

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 will shut off the engine.

• Select desired height of cut.

• Lower mower with attachment lift con-

trol.

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

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

A CAUTION: Do not operate the mower

without either the entire grass catcher, on

mowers so equipped, or the discharge guard in place.guard in place.

Attachment Clutch Lever "En(

Position

=Disengaged" Low

Position Position

TO OPERATE ON HILLS ACAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do

not drive across any slope.

• 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 is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi- tion 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.

• Make all turns slowly.

Attachment Lift Lever High Position

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment lift to highest position

with attachment lift control.

• 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.).

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER A'I-FACHMENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended by and comply with specifications

of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use

15common sense when towing. Too heavy of

aload,whileona slope,isdangerous. Tirescanlosetraction with the ground and

cause you to lose control of your tractor. 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.

• Unthread and remove oil fill cap/dip-

stick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick

into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the

tube. Remove and read oil level. If nec- essary, 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 Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Customer

Responsibilities section in this manual.

ADD GASOUNE

• 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 ,_d 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, 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

gasolir_e_ear an open.flame.

TO START ENGINE When starting the engine for the first time

or ifthe engine has run out of fuel, it will

take extra cranking time to move fuel from

the tank to the engine.

• Sit on seat in operating position,

depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

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

• Move attachment clutch to "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 position, wait a few minutes and try

again. If engine still does not start,

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

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F AND ABOVE)

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

• The attachments and ground drive can

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

the choke as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F AND BELOW)

• When engine starts, allow engine to run

with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly,

then move throttle control to fast posi- tion. This may require an engine warm-

up period from several seconds to sev-

eral minutes, depending on the temper-

ature.

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

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F)

the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be

adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

MOWINGTiPS

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

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

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

manual.

• The left hand side of mower should be

used for trimming.

• Drive so that clippings are discharged

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

This will result in a more even distribu- tion of clippings and more uniform 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 opposite direction making left

hand turns until finished.

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

ble fire hazard from dried 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 performance as

well as the quality of cut desired.

• When operating attachments, select a

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

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 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 recut-

ting action of the blades.

• 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 time the grass has

dried and the newly cut area will not be

exposed to the direct sun.

• 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.

1/3

, ,

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

AsYouCOMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE _'%_,_-,>_'z,_'fSERVICE DATES

Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure _V' _

Check Operator Presence and

T Interlock Systems V'

.....

R Check for Loose Fasteners I_ 1_7 V'

T Lubrication Chart I_

0 Check Battery Level

CA Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _4

R Clean Battery and Terminals IkS

Check Transaxle Cooling Jl_

Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension I_s

Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension I_s

Check Engine Oil Level V' Change Engine Oil I_t,2,= I_

E Claan Air Filter _:

N Clean Air Screen

G Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester

Replace Oil Filter (If equipped) ._:

N Clean Engine Cooling Fins

Replace Spark Plug _

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge I_=

Replace Fuel Filter ll_

1 - Change more oftim when op_'ating undm" a heavy _ or in high anlblent temp_ltutes. 5 - I! oqu_ped with adjustable system.

2 - Son,ice more often when 0pe_if ng in dlrly or duety co_dlifons. 3 - If equipped with oil filter, change oiJ every 50 ho_$.

4 - Reface t_d_s moreoften when mowing in sandy soil

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

6 - Not r_lufrod if _ with maintenance-free batter/. 7 - Tighten front ax_ pivot bolt to 35 ft.-Ibs, maximum.

Do not overt_hten.

LUBRICATION CHART

The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have been subjected to operator

Zerk

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.

O Front Wheel Wheel

BearingZerk Bearing

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

be checked at least once each season.

O Engine

• 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.

aEFORE EACH USE

Check engine oil level.

, Check brake operation.

• Check tire pressure.

• Check operator presence and interlock

systems for proper operation.

• Check for loose fasteners.

O SAE 5w30 or 10w30 Motor OIL

O General Purpose Grease . O 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 w!!I shorten the life of the self-lubricatil...]

beari_:gs. If you feel they must be lubricate_, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubri-

cant sparingly.

_indle

Front

Zerk

0 Gear

Shift

Pivots

+ 42 hidden pages

Craftsman 917271070 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual