Kmart 02969460-1 Owner’s Manual

perator's

I:RnFrSMRN°

LAWN TRACTOR

21 HP, Variation Speed

46" Deck

Model No. 247.28885

• Espanol, P. 58

This product has a low emission engine which operates differently

from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and

understand this Operator's Manual.

For answers to your questions about

Before using this equipment, read this manual and follow

all safety rules and operating

instructions.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-06474

this product, Call:

1-800=659=5917

CraftsmanTractorHelpLine

7 am = 7 pm CT, Mort. =Sun.

(November15,2010)

Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 27

Trou bleshooting .............................................................. 28

Labels ............................................................................. 29

Parts List ......................................................................... 30

Espafiol ............................................................................ 58

Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover

CRAFTSMAN TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,ifanynon-expendablepartofthisridingequipmentfailsdue toadefectinmaterialorworkman- ship,visitwww.craftsman.com or call 1-800-659-5917to arrangeforfreein-homerepair.

Theframeandfrontaxle will berepairedfreeofchargeforfiveyearsfromthedateofpurchaseifdefectiveinmaterialorworkmanship. Inallcases,ifrepairprovesimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbe replacedfree ofchargewiththe sameoran equivalentmodel.

Thebatterywillbe replacedfreeofchargefor90 daysfromthe dateofpurchaseifdefectiveinmaterialor workmanship(ourtestingprovesthatit willnot holda charge).

Thiswarrantyisvoidif thisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.

This warranty covers ONLYdefects in materialand workmanship. Warrantycoverage does NOTinclude:

• Expendableitemsthatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnot limitedto blades,sparkplugs,air cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups. Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass.

Tireorwheel replacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,or improperoperationormaintenance. Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityof

theridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendthe frameor crankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine. Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper

storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil, failuretokeepthedeckclearof flammabledebris,or failureto maintainthe ridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedinthe operator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfuel determinedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbe usedwithin30 daysof itspurchasedate.

Normaldeteriorationandwearofthe exteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,andyoumayalso haveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, HoffmanEstates,IL60179

EngineOil: SAE30 Fuel: UnleadedGasoline

SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC Engine: Briggs& Stratton

Model Number: Serial Number:

Dateof Purchase:

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers. Readandfollowallinstructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothe safeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron the partofthe operatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateof California tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorother reproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand

in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate. Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfutureand regularreference andfororderingreplacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheir properoperation.Knowhow tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethismachine. Children14yearsoldandover shouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper instruction.

• Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keep bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe machinewhile itisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used. Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign objectswhichcouldbe pickedupandthrownby theblade(s). Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.

• Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeofmaterialtoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg- ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

Your Responsibility--Restricttheuse of thispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandon themachine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

• Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionand do notpointit at anyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthe dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherin its properplace.

Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthe cutting

deck.Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet. A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact

or thrownobjectinjuries.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,or roads andwhilenotcuttinggrass.

• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This

machineis notintendedforuseonanypublic roadway.

• Donotoperatethemachinewhile underthe influenceofalcohol or drugs.

• Mowonly indaylightorgoodartificiallight.

Nevercarrypassengers.

• Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backupslowly. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingtoavoida

back-overaccident.

• Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntil theblade(s)cometoa completestopbeforeremovinggrass catcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor debris,or makinganyadjustments.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff blade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeybefore dismounting.

Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineintoa trailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupor down ramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtip over,causingserious personalinjury.Themachinemustbe pushedmanuallyon ramp(s)to loador unloadproperly.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot touch.

Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow hangingtree branches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wherethe operatormaybestruckor pulledfromthemachine,whichcould resultinseriousinjury.

Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthebrakepedal completelybeforeattemptingto startengine.

Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa heightnomorethan10".Donotattemptto mowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpiles ofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.

Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor this machine bythe machinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwiththe approvedaccessoryorattachment. Fora list ofapprovedaccessoriesandattachments,call 1-800-

659-5917. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are

involvedin a largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries. Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheriding mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom seriousinjury.

If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare andgoodjudgment.Contact1-800-659-5917for informationand

assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackupthe slopeorifyoufeel uneasyon it, do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartof this manual to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineona slopedor hilly area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould

result.

Do:

Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution

whenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orother hiddenobjects.

Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat youwill nothaveto stopor shiftwhileon theslope.Tiresmay losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning properly.Alwayskeepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopes totakeadvantageof enginebrakingaction.

• Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheelweights or counterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call

1-800-659-5917.

• Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherattachments.These canchangethestabilityof the machine.

Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefrontofthe machinetolift andrapidlyflip overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

• Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslosetraction,disen- gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdowntheslope.

DoNot:

• Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossible.

• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments.Themower couldsuddenlyturnoverif a wheelis overtheedgeof a cliff, ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.

• Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the ground.

• Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.

• Donotmowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

• Donotattempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe operatortolosecontrolof the machineresultingin seriousinjury

or death.

• Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing downhill,theextraweighttendstopushthetractorandmay causeyouto loosecontrol(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingand steeringabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcause tractorto overturn).

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalertto the presence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothe machineandthe mowing activity.Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

• Bealertandturnmachineoffifachildentersthe area.

• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall children.

Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)shutoff.Theymay falloffandbe seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine operation.

• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways, shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionof a child whomayrunintothe machine.

Toavoidback-overaccidents,alwaysdisengagethecutting blade(s)beforeshiftingintoReverse.Ifequipped,the"Reverse CautionMode"(bladesoperatewhilemachineridesinreverse)

shouldnotbe usedwhenchildrenor othersarearound. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer

burnsfroma hotmuffler.

• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis machine. Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe instructionsand

safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon the machineandshould betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

TOWING

Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe hitchpoint.

Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.For recommendations,

call1-800-659-5917. Neverallowchildrenor othersinoron towedequipment.

Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof tractionandlossof control.

Alwaysuseextracautionwhentowingwitha machinecapableof makingtightturns(e.g."zero-turn"ride-onmower). Makewide turnstoavoidjack-knifing.

Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop. Donotcoastdownhill.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingof Gasoline

Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled on yourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron a truckortrailerbed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck or trailerandrefueliton theground.Ifthis isnot possible,then

refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rim ofthefueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot use a nozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhilethe engineishotor run-

ning.Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff the engineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe

engine.

• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlight asona waterheater,spaceheater, furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

Allowa machineto coolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService

• Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe blade(s)andallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended starting.

• Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocomplete stopwithinapproximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthe bladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthe thistimeframe,yourmachineshouldbeservicedprofessionally byaSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.

• Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedtowearduring normaloperation.Adjustandserviceasrequired.

• Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsatfrequent intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade(s) fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,bent,cracked).Replacethe blade(s)withtheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.) blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonot meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper performanceandcompromisesafety!

• Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.

• Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesuretheequipmentis

insafeworkingcondition.

• Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor othersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe sparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly inspectthemachineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore startingandoperating.

• Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothe machine whilethe engineis running.

• Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoverare subject towearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor allow objectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual.Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed ofthe engine.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil, etc.to protecttheenvironment.

• Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC) andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or270hours ofoperation.Attheendofthe AverageUsefulLife,buy anew machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatall mechanicaland safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnot wornexcessively.

Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoid seriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway. Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and ThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)if so equipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered, brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

Ifa sparkarrestoris used,it shouldbemaintainedin effectiveworking orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveis required bylaw (Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarrestorforthemuffleris availablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product. Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson the machine beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate

DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.

DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES

Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

BYSTANDERS Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in

operation.

WARNING-- SLOPE OPERATION

Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching.

DANGER- ROTATING BLADES

To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass

catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

Sight and hold this levelwith avertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

15 °

Use this page asa guideto determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

Donot operateyourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.Donotmowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a riseofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet). A riding

mowercouldoverturnandcauseseriousinjury.Operateridingmowersupanddownslopes,neveracrossthefaceof slopes.

ROTATING BLADES CAUSE

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

DONOTMOWWHENCHILDRENOROTHERSARE AROUND

NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWITHBLADE(S)OFF. LOOKDOWNANDBEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE BACKING.

MOWINGINREVERSEISNOTRECOMMENDED.

WARNING

Thissymbol points out important safety instructions which, if notfollowed,could endangerthe personal

safety and/or propertyof yourself and others. Readand follow allinstructions inthis manualbeforeattempting

to operatethis machine.Failureto comply with these instructions mayresultin personalinjury.When you see this symbol HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe useof this powermachineto persons who

read, understand,and follow thewarnings and instruc- tions in this manual and on the machine.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil in theengine. However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Refertothe Service& Maintenancesectionforinstructionson checkingtheoil

level. Attaching the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato

causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red) wireto its terminalfirst,followedby theNEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmenthave beenleftdisconnectedfromthe terminalsat thefactory.Toconnect thebatterycables,proceedasfollows:

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative batteryterminalis markedNeg.(i).

1. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe positivebattery terminaland attachthe redcableto thepositivebatteryterminal (+)withthebolt andhexnut.See Figure1.

2. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe negativebattery terminaland attachtheblackcabletothenegativebattery terminal(-) withthe bolt andhexnut.SeeFigure1.

Shipping Brace Removal

Makesurethe ridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey,

andset theparkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer

ItotheOperationsectionfor instructionsonhowto setthe parking lbrake.

• Locatetheshippingbrace,if present,andaccompanyingwarning tagfoundonthe rightsideofthemower,betweenthedischarge chutedeflectorandthe cuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.

Figure2

Figure1

3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthe positivebatteryterminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.

NOTE:If thebatteryisput into serviceafterthedateshownon topof battery,chargethebatteryas instructedintheService& Maintenance sectionofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.

Placethedecklift leverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto

SettingtheCuttingHeightin the Operationsectionofthismanual. Whilepushingthedischargechuteddlectortowardsthemachinewith

yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp- ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.

Theshippingbrace,usedfor packagingpurposesonly,mustbe

removedand discardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.

Themowingdeckiscapableofthrowingobjects.Failureto operate the ridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperating

Ipositioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty ldamage.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcomeattached,the hardwareforattachingithasbeenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel, beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheel capandremovethe hardware.

1. Withthe wheelsofthetractorpointingstraightforward,placethe steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)overthesteering wheeland securewiththe hex bolt.SeeFig.3.

f..-

Adjusting the Seat Toadjustthe positionoftheseat,pullupandholdtheseatadjustment

lever.Slidethe seatforwardor rearwardtothedesiredposition;then releasetheadjustmentlever.Makesureseatis lockedintopositionin

a seat-stopbeforeoperatingthe tractor.SeeFigure5.

Beforeoperatingthetractor,makesurethe seatis engagedina seat-stop.Engagetheparkingbrake.Standbehindthe machineand pull backon seatuntil it clicksintoplace.

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthe centerof the steering

Figure3

wheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.

Attaching The Seat NOTE:Forshippingreasons,the seatis eitherfastenedtothetractor

seat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or mountedbackwardtothe pivot bracket.Ineithercase,free theseatfromits shippingpositionbeing carefulnotto bendor kinkthewiringharnessandfollowtheinstruc-

tionsbelowtoattachit.

1. Removethetwo hexscrewsandnutsfromthe seatpivotbracket.

2. Alignthefrontholesoftheseatmountingbracketwiththeholesin theseatpivotbracketonyourtractorandsecurewithpreviously removedhex screwsandnuts. SeeA inFigure4.

3. Plugthewiringharnessintothe seatsafetyswitchinthebottomof theseat,asshownin Bof Figure4.

NOTE:Thetractorwillnotoperatewiththe wiringharness disconnected.

Figure5

Tire Pressure

Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis 30 psi.Equal

tirepressureshouldbe maintainedatall times.Neverexceedthe

_maxmum nfatonpressureshownonthesdewa of thet re. Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:

Approximately10psi forthe reartires Approximately14psiforthefronttires

iMPORTANT:Referto the tiresidewallfor exacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donot overinfiate.Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

Figure4

Figure6

A ParkingBrakeLever

B Throttle/ChokeControlLever

C IgnitionSwitchModule

D Auto-drivePedal E DeckLift Lever

NOTE: AnyreferenceinthismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideof the tractorisobservedfromoperator'sseat positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontof tractor.

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

F PTOLever(BladeEngage)

G CupHolder H ShiftLever

I SeatAdjustmentLever

J BrakePedal

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

Toset the parkingbrake: Fullydepressthebrakepedal.Movethe parkingbrakeleverintotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasethebrake pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.

Torelease the parkingbrake:Depressthebrakepedalandthepark- ingbrakeleverwill moveoutofthe parkingbrakepositiononitsown. Theparkingbrakewillthenbereleased.Releasethe brakepedal.

NOTE:The parkingbrakemustbe setif theoperatorleavestheseat withtheenginerunningor theenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER

Thethrottle/chokecontrolleveris locatedontheright sideofthe trac-

tor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrols thespeedofthe engineand when pushedallthewayforward,the

chokecontrolalso.Whensetin a givenposition,thethrottlewill

maintaina uniformenginespeed. IMPORTANT: Whenoperating

thetractorwiththecuttingdeck engaged,thethrottle/chokecontrol levermustalwaysbeintheFAST (rabbit)position.

CHOKE

FAST

l=, m

SLOW

IGNITION SWITCH

Thekeyswitchmoduleisusedto startand stoptheengine.Insert keyintothekeyswitchmodule

andturnclockwiseto theSTART position.Releasethe keyintothe

normalmowingpositiononceen- ginehasstarted.The headlights willbeactivatedautomatically.

Tostopthe engine,turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theSTOPposition.

IMPORTANT:Priorto operatingthe tractor,refertoboththe"Safety InterlockSystem"and"StartingTheEngine"laterinthissectionof this manualfordetailedinstructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModule.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setpark- ingbrake,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

Theseatadjustmentleveris locatedbelowthefront/leftofthe seat.The leverallowsforadjustmentoftheforeandaft positionofthe seat.Refer totheAssemblysectionof themanual formoredetailedinstructionsfor adjustingthe seatposition.

AUTO-DRIVE PEDAL

Thedrivepedalislocatedontherightsideofthe tractor,alongthe

runningboard.Depressthedrivepedalforwardandthetractorwill moveinthedirectionthattheshiftleveris engagedin. Tocausethe

tractorto travelforward,whileat acompletestop,movetheshiftlever

intotheForwardposition.Graduallysteponthe drivepedalandthe

tractorwill beginto moveforward.Tomovein Reverse,followthesame

procedureonlymovetheshiftleverintothe reverseposition.

Thegroundspeediscontrolledwiththe drivepedal.Thefurther forwardthatthepedalispivoted,thefasterthetractorwill travel. Thepedalwill returntoits originalpositionwhenit'snotdepressed.

Referto the Operationsectionofthismanualfordetailedinstructions regardingthedrivepedal.

IMPORTANT=Alwayssetthe parkingbrakewhenleavingthetractor unattended.

DECK LIFT LEVER

Foundonyour tractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris used

tochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethe

levertotheleft,thenplaceinthe notchbestsuitedfor your

application.

PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER

Foundonthe tractor'srightfender,the PTO(bladeengage) leverisusedto engagepowertothe cuttingdeckorother (separatelyavailable)attachments.Tooperate,movethe leverallthewayforward.Movingtheleveralltheway rearwardintothePTOOFFpositiondisengagespowerto the

cuttingdeck/attachment.

NOTE=ThePTO(bladeengage)levermustbeinthe

disengaged(PTOOFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.

CUP HOLDER

Thetractor'scupholderis locatedonthe fendertotheleft of theseat.

SHIFT LEVER

Theshift leverislocatedontheleft

sideof thefenderandhasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRAL

and REVERSE.The brakepedal

mustbedepressedandthe tractor mustnotbe in motionwhenthe

movingshift lever. IMPORTANT: Neverforcethe shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin

seriousdamagetothe tractor's

transmission.

REVERSE

BRAKE PEDAL

Thebrakepedalis locatedon theleftsideofthe lawntractor,alongthe

runningboard.Depressthebrakepedaltoengagethediscbrakeand bringthetractortoa completestop.

NOTE=Thepedalmustbe depressedto starttheengine.Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheslaterin thissectionof thismanual.

GAS AND OiL FILL-UP

0il

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil intheengine. However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Becareful

notto overfill. Forinstructionsonhowto checktheengineoil, referto CheckingThe

EngineOilin theServiceandMaintenancesectionofthis manual.

Gasoline

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthe hood.Donotoverfill.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuel machineindoors

orwhilethe engineis hotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,

_ppes,andothersourcesof gn ton. NOTE : Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotuse gasolineleft

overfromthe previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuel system.

• Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonunleadedgasoline.For best results,fillthe fueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasoline witha pumpstickeroctaneratingof 87or higher.

• Gasohol(upto 10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolineby volume)isanapprovedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblends,such asE85,arenotapproved.

• MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends (uptoa maximumof 15%MTBEbyvolume)are approvedfuels. Othergasoline/etherblendsare notapproved.

• Fillfueltankoutdoorsorin well-ventilatedarea.

• Donotoverfillfuel tank. Filltanktono morethan 1/2inchbelow bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishot or run- ning.Allowenginetocool at leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipe itoff theengineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe engine.

To Add Gasoline

1. Turntheengineoff andlet enginecoolatleast2 minutesbefore removingthe fuelcap.Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthe hood.Removethe fuelcapbyturningitcounterclockwise.

2. Fillthe fueltankwithgasoline.Useonlyclean,fresh(nomore than30 daysold),unleadedgasoline.Filltankto nomore than1/2inchbelowbottomoffiller neckto allowspaceforfuel expansion.

3. Reinstallthefuelcap.

IMPORTANT: Donot overfillthetank.Fill tankto no morethan1/2 inchbelowbottomof fillernecktoallowspacefor fuelexpansion.See

Fig.7.

Figure7

Avoid Serious Injury or Death

• Go upanddownslopes,notacross.

• Avoidsuddenturns.

• Donotoperatetheunitwhereitcouldslipor tip.

• Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesandbackdownhill slowly.

• Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersare around.

• Nevercarrychildren,evenwith bladesoff.

• Lookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebacking.

• Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,andswitches)inplace andworking.

• Removeobjectsthat couldbethrownbytheblades.

• Knowlocationandfunctionofall controls.

• Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsor feetnearblades.

• Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengage blades,engageparkingbrake,shutengineoff,and removekey.

Read Operator's Manual

SAFETY iNTERLOCK SYSTEM

Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedforsafeoperationofthetrac- tor.Ifthis systemshouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethetractor. Immediatelycontact1-800-4-MY-HOMEto havethesystemserviced.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventsthe enginefromstarting unlesstheparkingbrakeis engagedandthe PTO(BladeEngage) leveris in thedisengaged(OFF)position.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutoffthe engineif theoperatorleavesthe seatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwill automaticallyshutofftheengine ifthe operatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(Blade

Engage)leverengaged,regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrake isengaged.

IGNITION SWITCH

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine,insertkeyintothe ignitionswitchandturnclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Releasethe keyintotheONpositiononceenginehasfired.

Tostopthe engine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheOFF position.

Start

off

SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT

1. Selecttheheightpositionofthe cuttingdeckbyplacingthedeck liftleverinanyof thedifferentcuttingheightnotcheson theright

sideof thefender.

2. Adjustthedeck wheelssothattheyarebetween1A-inchand Y2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractoris ona smooth,fiat

surfacesuchas a driveway.

To adjust Deck Wheels:

1. Removetheflangelocknutontheshoulderboltsecuringthe deckwheel.

2. Positionthewheelto thedesiredheightaslistedabove.SeeFig.

3. Securetheshoulderboltwiththeflangelocknut.

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthe dischargeopeningofthecutting

deck.

NOTE:Thedeckwheelsarean anti-scalpfeatureofthe deckand

are notdesignedtosupporttheweightof thecuttingdeck.Referto

LevelingintheMaintenance& Servicesectionof thismanualformore

detailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeckadjustments.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO, moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setparkingbrake,stopengine andremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE

To engage the parking brake:

1. Fullydepressthe brakepedalandholdit downwithyour foot.

2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintothe parkingbrakeposition.

3. Releasethe brakepedaltoallow theparkingbraketoengage.

To release the parking brake:

1. Depressthebrakepedalandmovethespeedcontrolleveroutof theparkingbrakepositionandintoa desiredspeed.

Figure8

STARTING THE ENGINE

Donot operatethetractorifthe interlocksystemismalfunctioning.

Thissystemwasdesignedforyoursafetyand protection.

NOTE:Referto the GasolineandOilfill-upinstructionsearlierin this section.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF) position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrolby movingthethrottle/chokeleverall

thewayupintothechokeposition.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Afterthe enginestarts,releasethekey.It will returntotheON(orNormal Mowing)position.

DoNOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionfor longerthanten secondsata time.Doingso maycausedamagetoyourengine's

electricstarter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethe chokecontroland placethe throttlecontrolinthe FASTposition.

NOTE: DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperatingthetractor. Doingso willresultina "rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheengineto run poorly.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe spark plugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machinefor anydamage.Repairthedamagebeforerestartingand operating

1. Ifthe bladesareengaged,placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF)position.

2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

3. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended starting.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedand suddenstops.

Donot leavetheseatof thetractorwithoutfirstplacingthePTO (BladeEngage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position,depressing thebrakepedalandengagingtheparkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractor unattended,alsoturntheignitionkeyoff andremovethe key.

Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackinguptoavoida back-overaccident.

1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrakeandthenlet thepedalup.

2. Movethethrottleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.

3. PlacetheshiftleverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSE position.

IMPORTANT: DoNOTuse the shiftlevertochangethedirection oftravelwhenthetractoris in motion.Alwaysusethebrakepedalto bringthetractortoacompletestopbeforeshifting.

4. Graduallybeginto applypressuretothedrivepedal.Thefurther

downthe pedalispushed,thefasterthetractorwilltravelinthe desireddirectionbasedon thepositionofthe shiftlever.

5. Thelawntractoris broughttoa stopbyreleasingthedrivepedal

andthendepressingthe brakepedal.

Beforeleavingthe operator'spositionforanyreason,disengagethe blades,placethe shiftleverinneutral,engagetheparkingbrake, shutengineoff andremovethekey.

Whenstoppingthetractorfor anyreasonwhileon agrasssurface, always:

1. Placetheshiftleverinneutral,

2. Engagetheparkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoffand removethe key.Doingsowillminimizethe possibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfrom yourtractor'srunningengine.

DRiViNG ON SLOPES

Refertothe SLOPEGAUGEinthe SafetyInstructionssectionof the manualto helpdetermineslopeswhereyou mayoperatethis tractor safely.

Donotmowon inclineswitha slopein excessof15degrees(arise ofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Thetractorcouldoverturn andcauseseriousinjury.

MOWING

Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand- ers,helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthemachine whileit is in operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.

Thefollowinginformationwillbe helpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck withyourtractor:

• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross. Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhiddenobjects. Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles. Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.Ifa turn mustbemade,turn

downthe slope.Turningupaslopegreatlyincreasesthechance ofa rollover.

Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.Ifit isnecessaryto stop whiledrivingupa slope,start up smoothlyandcarefullytoreduce thepossibilityofflippingthe tractoroverbackward.

ENGAGING THE BLADES

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe cuttingdeck orother(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagethe blades, proceedasfollows:

1. Movethe throttle/chokecontrolleverto theFAST(rabbit)position.

2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all the way forwardintothe engaged(ON)position.

3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthe most efficientuseof thecuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)

attachments.

NOTE:The enginewill automaticallyshutoff if thePTOis engaged withtheshiftleverin positionforreversetravelwiththeignitionkeyin theONposition.

MULCHING

A mulchkit isavailableasan attachment.Mulchingisa processof recirculatinggrassclippingsrepeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.The ultra-fineclippingsarethenforcedbackintothelawnwheretheyact as

a naturalfertilizer. A mulchkit canbe purchasedthroughtheretaillocationinwhichyou

purchasedthistractor.For more information, simply contact Sears at 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe left,thenplace itin thenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.RefertoSettingThe CuttingHeightearlierinthis section.

Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialstoward

roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarging materialagainstawallor obstructionwhichmaycausedischarged materialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

Donot mowat highgroundspeed,especiallyifa mulchkit or

grasscollectorisinstalled.

• Forbestresultsitis recommendedthatthefirsttwolapsbecut withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo

laps,reversethedirectionto throwthedischargetotheoutside

forthe balanceofcutting.Thiswill givea betterappearanceto the

lawn.

• Donotcutthegrasstooshort. Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowth andyellowsquicklyin dry weather.

• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineat fullthrottle.

• Underheavierconditionsit maybe necessaryto go backoverthe cut areaa secondtimetoget a cleancut.

• Do NOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsandextremely tallgrass.Yourtractoris designedtomowlawns,NOTclear

brush.

• Keepthe bladessharpand replacethebladeswhenworn.Refer to CuttingBladesintheServicesectionofthismanualforproper

bladesharpeninginstructions.

HEADLIGHTS

• Thelampsare ONwheneverthe tractor'sengineis running.

• ThelampsturnOFFwhenthe ignitionkeyismovedto theSTOP

position.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.

BeforeEachUse

Inthe FirstFiveHours Every10Hours

1. Engineoil level

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols

3. Fingerguard

1. EngineOil

1. Hood/Dashairvents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Deckspindlesand idler

1. Check

2. Clean

3. Clean

1. Change

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

bracket

Every25 hours

1. Air filter'sprecleaner*

2. Air filter*

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

shafts,andaxles

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

1. Change/Replace

2. Check

1. Replace

2. Replace

3. Replace

4. Clean

5. Replace

6. Clean

7. Removeandgreaseaxles

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

Every50 hours

Annually

BeforeStorage

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

1. Engineoil/Oil filter

2. Muffler

1. Air filter

2. Air filter'spre-cleaner

3. Sparkplug

4. Air coolingsystem*

5. Fuelfilter

6. SteeringGears

7. RearWheels

1. Hood/Dashairvents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

6. Deckspindlesand idler

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

6. Lubricate

bracket

7. Pedalpivotpoints

7. Lubricate

*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrack ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest Parts&

RepairService Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontact

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagethePTO (BladeEngageLever),engagetheparkingbrake,stopthe engine

and removethekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Iftheenginehasbeen recentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur- roundingmetalsurfaceswill behotand cancauseburnsto theskin.

Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Engine Oil Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassification

SF,SG,SH,or SJ, Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.

Althoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting in coldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen

usedabove32°ECheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

('_older _ 32°F _War me'_r

Oil Viscosity Chart

Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

• Ensurethatthetractorisona levelsurface.

• Cleantheoil fillareaof anydebris.

1. Removethedipstickandwipe withaclean cloth.

2. Insertandtightendipstick.

3. Removethedipstickandcheckthe oil level.Itshouldbeatthe Fullmarkonthedipstick.SeeFigure9.

Dipstick-_

Changing Engine Oil

Theengineoil shouldbechangedinthefirst5 hoursandthenevery 50 hoursoroncea season.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedas

follows:

1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepit awayfromsparkplug.

2. Removetheoilfillcap/dipstickfromtheoilfilltube.SeeFigure9.

3. Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytothe righttobetterexposethedrain plug.

4. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoildrainport. Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveintoanappropriateoilcollection

containerwithacapacitygreatenoughtocollecttheusedoil.

5. Removetheoildrainplug,Theoilwillbegintodrainoutoftheengine.

6. Aftertheoilhasfinisheddraining,replacetheoildrainplugandtighten. Becarefulnottoovertighten.

7. Removetheoildrainsleeveandstoreforlateruse.

8. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroiluntiltheoillevelonthedipstick readsFULL.Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly. Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-

ties oror contact1-800-4-MY-HOMEfor alist ofsafedisposal/

recyclingfacilities.

Changing the Oil Filter

1. Draintheoil fromtheengineasdescribedabove.

2. Removetheoilfilteranddisposeofproperly.See Figure10.

OilDrain

Valve

Oil Drain Sleeve

Figure9

If low,addoil slowlyintotheengineoilfill. Donotoverfill.After addingoil,waitoneminuteand thenrechecktheoil level.

Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheenginetonot start, hardstarting,orenginesmoking.If overtheFULLmarkonthe dipstick,drainoil toreduceoil leveltoFULLmarkondipstick.

5. Replaceandtightendipstick.

3. Beforeyou installthenewoil filter, lightlylubricatethe oil filter gasketwithfresh,cleanoil.

4. Installtheoil filterbyhanduntilthegasketcontactstheoil filter adapter,then tightentheoilfilter 1/2to3/4 turns.

5. Addoil asdescribedabove.

6. Startand runthe engine.Asthe enginewarmsup,checkforoil

leaks.

7. Stoptheengineandcheckthe oil level.It shouldbeatthe FULL markonthedipstick.

Figure10

Fuel Filter Air Cleaner

Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire orexplosioncan causesevereburnsor death.

• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat, andotherignitionsources.

• Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

• Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthe fueltankasperthe instructionsbelow.

• Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengine

adequatetimetocool. Drainfuelintoan approvedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

• Drainanylargevolumeof fuelfromthetankby disconnectingthe fuellinefromthein-linefuelfilterneartheengine.

• RemovethefuellinefromtheIn-lineside(sidetowardsthefuel tank)of thefuel filter.

• Replacementpartsmustbethe sameand installedinthesame positionastheoriginalparts.

• Iffuelspills,waituntilitevaporatesbeforestartingengine.

• Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthe fueltank.Otherwisefuel

canleakoutandcausea fireor explosion.

ToDrainthe fuel:

1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichisroutedontheleftsideoftheengine betweenthefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedto theenginewitha tiestrap.Cutthetie strap,ifpresent,thenpinch thein-lineclamponthefuelfilterwitha pairofpliers,slidethe clampupthefuelline.Pullthe fuellinefreefromthefilterandplace theopenendof thelineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.

Tochangethe fuel filter:

1. Useplierstosqueezethetabsontheotherclamp(theout-line sideof thefuelfilter),thenslidethe clampawayfromthe fuelfilter. Twistandpullthefuellineoff ofthefuelfilter.SeeFigure11.

Clamp

Fuel Line

Tab

Figure11

2. Checkthefuellinesforcracksor leaks.Replaceifnecessary.

3. Replacethe fuelfilterwithan originalequipmentreplacement filter.Call1-800-4-MY-HOME®topurchasetheoriginalequip- mentreplacementfilter.

4. Securethefuellineswiththeclamps.

Iffilters,or coversarenotinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath

couldresultfrombackfire.Do notattemptto starttheenginewith themremoved.

Donot usepressurizedair or solventstocleantheaircleaner

cartridge.

Theairfiltersystemusesa cylindricalcartridge.

1. Removethefasteners(A)andtheairfiltercover(B).SeeFigure

12.

Figure12

2. Toremovethefilter(C),lifttheendofthefilterandthenpullthe filteroff the intake(D).

3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilteron a hardsurface,ifthefilter isexcessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.

4. installthefilterontheintake.Pushtheendofthefilterintothe baseas shown.Makesurefilterfits securelyinthebase.

5. installairfiltercoverandsecurewithfasteners.

Spark Plug

1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donot sandblastspark plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedby scrapingor wirebrushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent

2. Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgaptomakesureitis setat .030".SeeFigure13.

3. Replacethesparkplug(Champion®RC12YC)oncea season.

Electrode Porcelain

Temperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150° F

(65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.

• inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.Replace- mentpartsforthemufflermustbethesameand installedin the samepositionasthe originalparts.

Clean Engine

• Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.

• Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.

• Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine.

• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat- ingandignitionof accumulateddebris.

Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel system.Usea brushordrycloth.

Carburetor Adjustment

• Thecarburetoron thisengineisnot adjustable.

LUBRICATION

Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageLever),moveshift leverintoneutralposition,set parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeyto preventunintended starting.

Pivot Points & Linkage Lubricateall thepivotpointson thedrive system,parkingbrakeandlift

linkageat leastonceaseasonwithlightoil. Rear Wheels

Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromtheaxlesoncea season. Lubricatethe axlesandthe rimswellwithanall-purposegreasebefore

re-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendofthetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequippedwithagrease fitting.Lubricatewithagreasegunafterevery25hoursoftractoroperation.

Battery

Thebatteryissealedandis maintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbe checked.

• Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfree of corrosivebuild-up.

• Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof

petroleumjellyorgreasetobothterminals.

• Alwayskeeptherubberbootpositionedoverthepositiveterminal to preventshorting.

IMPORTANT: if removingthe batteryforany reason,disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSI-

TIVE(Red)wire.When re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe

POSITIVE(Red)wiretoits terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE

(Black)wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnectedtothecorrect terminals;reversingthemcouldchangethe polarityandresultin damageto yourengine'salternatingsystem.

Cleaning Battery

Cleanthebatteryby removingitfromthetractorandwashingwith a bakingsodaandwatersolution.Ifnecessary,scrapethe battery terminalswitha wirebrushto removedeposits.Coatterminalsand exposedwiringwithgreaseor petroleumjellyto preventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:

• incorrectinitialactivation

• Overcharging

• Freezing

• Undercharging

• Corrodedconnections Thesefailuresare NOTcoveredbyyourtractor'swarranty.

CLEANING THE ENGINE AND DECK Anyfuelor oil spilledonthe machineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do

NOTallowdebristoaccumulatearoundthecoolingfinsof the engine or onany otherpartof themachine.

IMPORTANT: Theuseofa pressurewashertocleanyourtractoris

NOTrecommended.Itmaycausedamagetoelectricalcomponents,

spindles,pulleys,bearingsor theengine.

Deck Wash System Yourtractor'sdeckisequippedwitha waterporton itssurfaceaspart

of itsdeckwashsystem.

Usethedeckwashto rinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside and preventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.Completethefollowing

stepsAFTEREACHMOWING:

1. Drivethetractortoa level,clearspoton yourlawn,nearenough foryourgardenhosetoreach.

Makecertainthe tractor'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfromyoul

house,garage,parkedcars,etc.

2. Disengagethe PTO(BladeEngage),setthe parkingbrakeand stoptheengine.

3. Threadthehosecoupler(packagedwithyourtractor'sOperator's Manual)ontotheendof your gardenhose.

4. Attachthe hosecouplertothewaterport onyourdeck'ssurface. SeeFigure14.

J _; .......... ........

Figure14

5. Turnthewateron.

6. Whilesittingintheoperator'spositiononthetractor,startthe engineandplacethe throttleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position.

7. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intotheON position.

8. Remainintheoperator'spositionwiththecuttingdeckengaged fora minimumoftwo minutes,allowingtheundersideofthe cuttingdeckto thoroughlyrinse.

9. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intotheOFFposition.

10. Turntheignitionkeytothe STOPpositiontoturnthetractor's engineoff.

11. Turnthewateroff anddetachthehosecouplerfromthe water portonyourdeck'ssurface.

12. Repeatsteps4through11on theoppositesideofthe cutting deck.

Aftercleaningyourdeck,returntotheoperator'spositionandengage thePTO.Keepthe cuttingdeckrunningfor a minimumoftwominutes, allowingtheundersideof thecuttingdecktothoroughlydry.

ADJUSTMENTS

Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhiletheengineis running, exceptwherespecifiedinthe operator'smanual.

Leveling the Deck NOTE: Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeck

levelingadjustments.Referto Tiresinthe Servicesectionofthis manualformoreinformationregardingtirepressure.

Front To Rear Thefrontof thecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizerbarthatcan

beadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfronttorear.Thefrontofthedeck

shouldbe between_A-inchand3A-inchlowerthanthe rearofthe deck. Adjustifnecessaryas follows:

1. Withthe tractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,placethe lever forliftingtheplatformonthesecondtothe topnotch(second highestposition)and rotatethebladeascloseas possibletothe dischargechannelthatis paralleltothetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetip totheground andthe rearofthe bladetip to theground.Thefirstmeasure-

menttakenshouldbe between_A"and3A"lessthanthe second measurement.Determinethe approximatedistancenecessaryfor

properadjustmentandproceed,if necessary,to thenextstep.

3. Locatetheflangelocknut onthefrontsideofthe stabilizer bracket.SeeFig.15.

• Tightentheflangelocknutto raisethefrontof thedeck;

Loosentheflangelock nutto lowerthefrontof thedeck.

f__

Figure15

Side to Side

Ifthecuttingdeckappearstobe mowingunevenly,a sideto side

adjustmentcan beperformed.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:

1. Withthe tractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,placethe decklift leverin thesecondfromthe topnotch(secondhighestposition) and rotatebothbladessothat theyare perpendicularwiththe

tractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideofthe left bladetipto the groundandthedistancefromtheoutsideofthe rightbladetipto theground.Bothmeasurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey're not, proceedto thenextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thehexcap screwonthe leftdeck hangerbracket.SeeFig. 16.

4. Balancethedeckbyusinga wrenchtoturntheadjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthehexcap screwjustloosened) clockwise/uporcounterclockwise/down.Thedeckis properly balancedwhenbothbladetip measurementstakenearlierare equal.

He× Cap Screw

'_._. j

Figure16

5. Retightenthe hexcap screwon theleft deckhangerbracket whenproperadjustmentisachieved.

Seat Adjustment Refertothe Assemblysectionofthismanualforseatadjustment

instructions. Parking Brake Adjustment

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhiletheengineis running.Always disengagePTO(bladeengage)lever,moveshiftleverintoneutral position,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

If thetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhenthe brakepedal iscompletelydepressed,or ifthe tractor'srearwheelscan rollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeis in needofadjustment.Contactthe nearest SearsService Centerto haveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

Tolocatethenearest Parts&Repair ServiceCenteror toschedule service,contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

CUTTING DECK REMOVAL

Figure17

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingerson theidlerspringor betweenthebeltanda pulleywhileremovingthebelt.

Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleftsideofthetractor,locatethe bow-tiepinthatsecuresthedecksupportrodontherearIdtsided the

deck.SeeFig.18.Removethebow-tiepinthatsecuresthedecksupport

rod,andcarefullyremovethedecksupportfromthedeckliftarm.

To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:

1. Placethe PTO(Blade Engage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF) positionandengagethe parkingbrake.

2. Lowerthe deck by movingthe deck lift leverintothe bottom notchon therightfender.

3. Removetheself-tappingscrew(A) thatsecuresthebelt-keeper rodfromaroundthetractor'sPTOpulley,thenremovethe belt keeperrod(B). SeeFig. 17.

NOTE: Makea mentalnotewhatholetheotherendofthebelt-keeper rodisinsertedinforreinstallationpurposes.

4. Removethebelt(C) fromaroundthetractor'sPTOpulley.See Fig.17.

Figure18

6. Repeattheabovestepsonthetractor'srightside. NOTE:The bow-tieclipsshouldbe re-installedfromthetop down.

7. Movethe decklift leverintothetop notchon therightfenderto

raisethedecklift armsupandoutof the way.

Removethe bow-tiecotterpin securingthedeckstabilizerrodto thedeck. Slidethedecklift rodfromthemountingbracketon the deckasseenin Fig.19.

..........._'_¢& _ .......................................

The recommended operating tire pressure is:

• Approximately10psi for thereartires

• Approximately14psi for thefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothe tire sidewallforexacttire manufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donot overinflate.Uneventire pres-

surecould causethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

BATTERY

CaliforniaProposition65 WARNING!Batteryposts,terminals,and

relatedaccessoriescontainleadandleadcompounds,chemicals knowntothe Stateof Californiatocausecancerandreproductive harm.Washhandsafterhandling.

If removingthe battery,disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)wire

fromits terminalfirst,followedbythe POSITIVE(Red) wire.When

re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wireto

Its termna f rst,fo owedbytheNEGATVE (Back) wre.

JUMP STARTING

Figure19

CarefullyremovethePTOcablefromtherearof thecuttingdeck byremovingthebow-tiecotterpinwhichsecuresit.Removethe springfromthe deckidlerbracket.SeeFig.20.

PTOCable

Neverjump starta damagedorfrozenbattery.Becertainthevehicles

do nottouch,andignitionsareoff. Do notallowcableclampsto touch.

1. Connectpositive(+)cableto positivepost(+)ofyourtractor's dischargedbattery.

2. Connecttheotherendof thecabletothe positive(+)postofthe jumperbattery.

3. Connectthesecondcablenegative(-) tothe negativepost(-) of thejumperbattery.

4. Connecttheotherendof thenegativecableto the engineblockof thetractor,awayfromthe battery.Attachtoanunpaintedpartto assurea goodconnection.

Ifthejumper batteryis installedona vehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOT startthe vehicle'senginewhenjumpstartingyourtractor.

5. Startthetractor(asinstructedearlierin thissectionofthis manual).

6. Setthe tractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables, in reverseorderofconnection.

CHARGING

Figure20

10. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromtheleft side)out from underneaththetractor.

TIRES

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewall oftire.

Batteries

giveoffan explosivegaswhilecharging.ChargethebatteryI

ina wellventilatedareaandkeepawayfroman openflameor pilot

ghtas ona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,cothesdryeror |

othergas appliances.

Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,useonlyachargerdesignedfor I

12Vlead-acidbatteries.ReadyourbatterychargersOwners Manual priortochargingyourtractorsbattery.Alwaysfollowits instructions I

land heed ts warnngs. j

If yourtractorhasnotbeenputintouseforanextendedperiodof time, chargethebatteryas follows:

1. Setyourbatterychargerto delivera maxof 10amperes.

If yourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthatchargingiscomplete.Ifthechargerisnot automatic,chargefor nofewerthaneighthours.

FUSE

One20AMPfuseisinstalledin yourtractor'swiringharnesstoprotect thetractor'selectricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessive

amperage. If theelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,or yourtractor'senginewill

notcrank,firstchecktobe certainthatthe fusehasnotblown.It can befoundat therearoftheunit,underneaththefenderlocatedbythe

battery.

Alwaysusea fusewiththe sameamperagecapacityforreplacement.

CUTTING BLADES

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protectyourhands byusingheavygloveswhengraspingtheblade.

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamounts of metalfrombothendsofthebladesalongthecuttingedges,

parallelto thetrailingedge,ata250.to 300angle.Alwaysgrind

eachcutting bladeedgeequallytomaintainproperbladebalance.

SeeFig.22.

Figure 22

Periodicallyinspectthebladeand/or spindleforcracksordamage, especiallyafter you'vestrucka foreignobject.Donotoperatethe machineuntil damagedcomponentsare replaced.

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows.

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(refertoCuttingDeck Removalearlierinthis section)thengentlyflip thedeckoverto exposeitsunderside.

2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffle andthecuttingbladetoactasa stabilizer.SeeFig.21.

3. Removethehexflangenutthat securesthebladetothe spindle assembly.SeeFig.21.

Ifthecuttingedgeof thebladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,or if

anymetalseparationis present,replacethebladeswithnewones.

A poorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibration,maycause damagetothetractorand/orresultin personalinjury.

5. Testthe blade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetal from theheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.

NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besureto installthebladewiththe sideof theblademarked"Bottom"(orwitha partnumberstampedin it)facingthe groundwhenthemoweris inthe operatingposition.

Usea torquewrenchtotightenthe bladespindlehexflangenutto

between70Ibs-ftand 90Ibs-ft.

CHANGING THE DECK BELT

Besureto shutthe engineoff,removeignitionkey,disconnectthe

Isparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainstthe engineto preventunin- ltendedstartingbeforeremovingthebelt.

Figure 21

All beltsonyourtractoraresubjectto wearandshouldbereplacedif anysignsof wearare present.

IMPORTANT: TheV-beltfoundonyourtractorisspeciallydesigned toengageanddisengagesafely.A substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan bedangerousbynotdisengagingcompletely.Fora properworking machine,useidenticalequipmentbeltsas listedin thepartspagesof thisOperator'sManual.

Tochangeor replacethedeckbelt onyourtractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckasinstructedearlierinthis section.

2. Removethe beltcoversfromthespindlepulleysbyremovingthe hexscrewsthatfastenthecoverstothedeck.SeeFig.23.

3. It mayalsobenecessaryto loosenthehexnuton theleftdeck idlerpulleyto getthebelt offthe pulleyandaroundthebeltguard.

4. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthe twospindle pulleysandthetwo deckidlerpulleys,SeeFig,23,

5. Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebeltaroundthe two outerspindlepulleysas shownin Fig,23,

6. Thenroutethebeltaroundthetwodeckidlerpulleysasshownin Fig.23,

7. Retightenthebelt keeperrodloosenedearlier.

8. Remountthebeltguardsremovedearlier,

9. Re-installthedeck,makingsurethebeltremainsroutedaround thepulleysas instructed.Thecompletebeltroutingis shownin Fig,23.

10. Pulltherightside ofthe belt,and placethenarrowVsideofthe beltintothePTOpulley.

11. Whileholdingthebeltandpulleytogether,rotatethepulleytothe left.Continueholdingandrotatingthe pulleyandbeltuntilthe belt isfullyrolledintothe PTOpulley.

PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

Neverattempttoadjustthebrakeswhiletheengineisrunning.Always

disengagePTO(BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutral

position,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometo a completestopwhentheclutch-brake pedaliscompletelydepressed,or ifthe tractor'srearwheelscan roll withtheparkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeis inneedofadjustment. Contactthe nearest Parts & RepairService Centertohaveyour

brakesserviced, Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenteror to schedule

service, contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE

BELT

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustberemovedandspecialtools(i.e. air/impactwrench)inordertochangethetractor'sdrivebelt.Contact the nearest Parts & RepairService Centerto haveyourtransmis-

siondrivebeltserviced. Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenteror to schedule

service, contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

Hex Washer Screws

BeltGuard

_ _oo Deckidier Pu,,ey

This portion of the belt routes around

the PTO Pulley

Belt Cover

Figure 23

Neverstorelawntractorwithfuelintankindoorsorin poorly ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark, orpilotlightas ona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,orgas appliance.

PREPARING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT:Fuelleftin thefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterio-

ratesandwillcauseseriousstartingproblems.

Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetor andcausingpossiblemalfunctionof theengine,thefuelsystemmust be eithercompletelyemptied,orthegasolinemustbe treatedwitha stabilizertopreventdeterioration.

1. Ifusingafuel stabilizer: a. Readtheproductmanufacturer'sinstructionsandrecom-

mendations.

b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountof stabilizer

forthe capacityofthefuelsystem.

c. Fillthe fueltankwithtreatedfuelandruntheenginefor2-3

minutestogetstabilizedfuelintothe carburetor.

2. Ifemptyingthefuel system: a. Donotdrainfuel whentheengineis hot.Allowtheengine

adequatetimeto cool.Drainfuelinto anapprovedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

b. Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetank bydisconnect-

ing thefuellinefromthein-linefuelfilternearthe engine. SeethecompleteinstructionsforDrainingTheFuellaterin

this section.

DRAiNiNG THE FUEL

1. Locatethe fuelfilter,whichis locatedonthe leftsideofthe engine,andmaybe attachedtotheenginewitha tiestrap.

2. Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthein-lineclamponthe fuelfilterwitha pairof pliers,slidetheclampupthe fuel line.

3. Pullthefuellinefreefromthe filterandplacetheopenendofthe

lineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.

PREPARING THE LAWN TRACTOR

1. Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrica- tioninstructions.

2. Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Do notstorenextto corrosive materials,suchasfertilizer.

Gasolineisextremelyflammableandcanbeexplosiveundercertain

conditions.Draingasolinebeforestoringtheequipmentfor extended

periods.Drainfuelonlyintoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,away froman openflame.Allowengineto cool.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipes,andothersourcesofignitionpriortodrainingfuel.

Storegasolineinan approvedcontainerinsafelocation.

c. Reconnectthefuellineandrunthe engineuntilitstartsto

falter,thenusethechoketo keeptheenginerunninguntilall fuelin thecarburetorhasbeenexhausted.

d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainanyremaininggasoline

fromthesystem.

Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeofgasolineproperly.Contact

yourlocalauthoritiesforapproveddisposalmethods.

3. Removethesparkplugandpourone(1)ounceofengineoil throughthe sparkplugholeintothecylinder.Cranktheengine severaltimesto distributetheoil.Replacethesparkplug.

Enginefailsto start

1. PTO/BladeEngageleverengaged.

2. Parkingbrakenotengaged.

3. Sparkplugwire(s)disconnected.

4. Throttle/Chokecontrollevernotincorrect

4. PlaceThrottle/ChokeleverintotheFASTposition.

startingposition.

5. Chokenotactivated

6. Fueltankempty,orstalefuel.

7. BIockedfuelline.

8. Faultysparkplug(s).

9. Engineflooded.

10. BlownFuse(s)

Enginerunserratically

1. UnitrunningwithCHOKEactivated.

2. Sparkplugwire(s)loose.

3. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

4. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Clearventorreplacecapifdamaged.

5. Waterordirtinfuel system.

6. Dirtyair cleaner.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow. 1.

2. Airflowrestricted. 2.

Enginehesitatesat highRPM 1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1. Engineidles rough 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1.

2. Dirtyair cleaner. 2.

Excessivevibration

1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.

2. Damagedor bentcuttingblade.

Mowerwill notmulchgrass

1. Enginespeedtoolow.

2. Wetgrass.

3. Excessivelyhighgrass.

Unevencut

4. Dullblade.

1. Decknot leveledproperly.

4. Sharpenor replaceblade.

2. Dullblade.

3. Uneventire pressure.

1. Placeleverindisengaged(OFF)position.

2. Engageparkingbrake.

3. Connectwire(s)to sparkplug(s).

5. MovetheThrottle/Chokeleverintothe Choke position.

6. Filltankwithclean,fresh(lessthan30 daysold) gas.

7. Replacethe fuellineandreplacefuelfilter.

8. Clean,adjustgapor replaceplug(s).

9. Crankenginewiththrottlein FASTposition.

10. ReplaceFuse(s)

1. Deactivatethe CHOKE.

2. Connectsparkplugwire(s).

3. Replacethe fuelline;filltankwithclean,fresh gasolineandreplacefuelfilter.

5. Drainfueltank.Refillwithclean,freshgasoline.

6. Replaceair cleanerpaperelementorcleanfoam pre-cleaner,ifequipped.

Fillcrankcasewithproperamountandweightof oil. Cleangrassclippingsanddebrisfromaroundthe

engine'scoolingfinsandhousing. Removesparkplugandresetthe gap.

Replacesparkplug.Set pluggap. Replaceair cleanerelementand/orcleanpre-

cleaner.

1. Tightenbladeandspindle.

2. Replaceblade.

1. Placethrottlein FAST(rabbit)position.

2. Donotmulchwhengrassiswet.

3. Mowonceat a highcuttingheight,thenmowagain atdesiredheightor makea narrowercuttingswath.

1. Performside-to-sidedeckadjustment.

2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

3. Checktirepressureinallfourtires.

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