MTD 13A277SS099 Owner’s Manual

perator's

I:RnFrSMRN°

LAWN TRACTOR

7 Speed, Shift-on=the=Go

42" Deck

Model No. 247.288820

• Espanol, P. 61

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.769-08538

this product, Call:

1-800=659=5917

CraftsmanTractorHelpLine

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

(November26,2012)

Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2

Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3

Slope Gauge ..................................................................... 8

Assembly ........................................................................... 9

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

Service and Maintenance .............................................. 17

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

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

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

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

Espafiol ............................................................................ 61

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

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,all non-expendablepartsofthis ridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsin materialor workmanship.Adefectivenon-expendablepartwill receivefree in-homerepairorreplacementif repairisunavailable.

BATTERYLIMITEDWARRANTY

FOR90 DAYSfromthedateofpurchase,thebattery(anexpendablepart)of this ridingequipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor workmanship.Anewbatterywillbesuppliedfreeof charge.Youareresponsibleforthe laborcostof batteryinstallation.

ADDITIONALLIMITEDWARRANTIES

Inthe followingadditionalwarranties,youare responsibleforthe laborcost ofpartinstallationafterthe secondyearfromthedateof purchase. FORFIVEYEARSfromthedateof purchase,the frameofthis ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.A

newframewill be suppliedfreeof charge. FORTENYEARSfromthe dateofpurchase,thefrontaxleof thisridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstany defectsin materialorworkmanship.

A newfrontaxlewillbe suppliedfreeof charge. FORASLONGASIT ISUSEDbytheoriginalownerafterthetenthyearfromthedateofpurchase,thecastironfrontaxle(ifequipped)ofthisriding

equipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Withproofofpurchase,anewcastironfrontaxlewillbesuppliedfreeofcharge.

WARRANTYSERVICE

Forwarrantycoveragedetailsto obtainfreerepairor replacement,call1-800-659-5917orvisitthewebsite: www.craftsman.com Inallcasesabove,if partrepairor replacementisimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbe replacedfreeofchargewiththe sameor anequivalent

model. Allofthe abovewarrantycoverageis void ifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesor if rentedtoanotherperson.

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:

• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthe warrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedto blades,spark plugs,air cleaners,belts,andoil filters.

Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups. Tirereplacementor repaircausedby puncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance. Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityofthe

ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine. Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedby improper

storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountof engineoil,failureto keepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintainthe ridingequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscontainedin theoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfuel determinedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).In general,fuelshouldbeused within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, HoffmanEstates,IL 60179

Model Number:

EngineOil: SAE30 Serial Number: Fuel: UnleadedGasoline Dateof Purchase:

SparkPlug: F6RTC(951-10292) Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

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

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failureto complywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.As withanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknownto StateofCalifornia tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand

in themanual(s)beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate. Keepthis manualinasafeplacefor futureand regularreference andfororderingreplacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow tostopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethis machine. Children14yearsoldandover shouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultsto operatethismachinewithoutproper instruction.

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

thearea.

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

• Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg- ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseof thispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandonthemachine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairtoprotectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

• Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionand do notpointit at anyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthe dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherinits properplace.

Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting

deck.Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet. A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact

or thrownobjectinjuries.

• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,orroads andwhilenotcuttinggrass.

• Watchfor trafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This

machineis notintendedforuseonanypublicroadway.

• Donot operatethemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcohol or drugs.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

Nevercarrypassengers.

• Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backupslowly. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingto avoida

back-overaccident.

• Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machinesmoothly.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.

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

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do not touch.

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

Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthe brakepedal completelybeforeattemptingto startengine.

Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa heightnomorethan10".Donotattemptto mowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesof dryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfire hazard.

Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthis 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.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeel uneasyon it, do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthis manual to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineona slopedor hilly area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould

result.

Do:

Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution

whenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchfor holes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.

Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat youwill nothavetostopor shiftwhileon theslope.Tiresmay losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning properly.Alwayskeepmachineingearwhen goingdownslopes totakeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.

• Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweightsor counterweightsto improvestability.

Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherattachments.These

canchangethestabilityof the machine.

Keepallmovementonthe slopesslowandgradual.Donotmake suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefrontof themachinetolift andrapidlyflip overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

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

DoNot:

• Donot turnonslopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossible.

• Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments.The mower couldsuddenlyturnoverif a wheelisovertheedgeof a cliff, ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.

• Donot try tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the ground.

• Donot useagrasscatcheronsteepslopes.

• Donot mowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

• Donot attempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe operatortolosecontrolof themachineresultinginseriousinjury

or death.

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

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatorisnotalerttothepresence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto themachineandthemowing activity.Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

• Bealertandturnmachineoff ifachildentersthearea.

• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownfor small children.

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

• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways, shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe machine.

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

shouldnotbe usedwhenchildrenorothersarearound. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer

burnsfroma hotmuffler.

• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofageto operatethismachine. Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsand

safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon themachineandshould betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

TOWING

Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.

Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.

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.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled on yourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron a truckortrailerbed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck or trailerandrefuelitontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then

refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuel machineindoors. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineis hotorrun-

ning.Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling. Neveroverfillfuel tank.Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffillerneckto allowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe

engine.

• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuel spillageandremoveany fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

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.

• Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemorothersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

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

• Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothemachine whilethe engineis running.

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

• Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed ofthe engine.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to protecttheenvironment.

• Accordingto the ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC) andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or 270hours ofoperation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLife,buyanew machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatallmechanicaland safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.

Failuretodosocan resultinaccidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoid seriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway. Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineand causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal

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

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineand shouldnot beusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered, brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

Ifa sparkarrestoris used,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking orderbythe operator.Inthe Stateof Californiatheaboveis required bylaw (Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarrestorforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson themachine 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.

15° Slope

(OK)

'_. _ Figure1

(TOO STEEP)

Figure2

15°

dashedline

USETHISSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE

IFA SLOPEIS TOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!

Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethis pageandfold alongthedashedline.

2. Locatea verticalobject onor behindthe slope(e.g.a pole, building,fence, tree,etc.)

3. Align eithersideoftheslope gaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 and Figure2 ).

4. Adjust gaugeupor downuntilthe left cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1and Figure2).

If thereisagap belowthegauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-over accidents which can resultin severe injury or death. Do not operatemachine on slopes in excess of 15degrees.All slopesrequireextra caution. Ifyou cannotbackup the slope orif you feeluneasyon it, do not mow it.

Always mowup and down theface ofslopes, never mowacrossthe face of slopes.

IM PORTANT: Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil intheengine.However, youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Referto theService& Maintenance sectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoillevel.

Attaching the Battery Cables

Shipping BraceRemoval

Makesurethe ridingmower'sengineisoff, removethe ignition key,and

setthe parkingbrakebeforeremovingthe shippingbrace.Refertothe

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand lead

compounds,chemicalsknown tothe Stateof Californiato causecancerand

reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.

Whenattachingbattery cables,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wire to its terminalfirst, followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmayhavebeenleft disconnectedfromtheterminalsat thefactory.Toconnectthe batterycables, proceedasfollows:

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegativebattery terminalismarkedNeg.(-).

1. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebatteryterminaland attachtheredcabletothepositivebatteryterminal(+) with theboltand hexnut.SeeFigure1.

2. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebatteryterminaland attachtheblackcableto thenegativebatteryterminal(-) with theboltand hexnut.SeeFigure1.

Operatonsect onfor nstructonsonhowto setthe parkngbrake.

Locatetheshippingbrace,if present,andaccompanyingwarningtagfound ontherightsideofthemower,betweenthedischargechutedeflectorand thecuttingdeck.SeeFigure2.

Figure2

Placethedecklift leverin thehighestcutting position.RefertoSettingthe

CuttingHeightintheOperationsectionofthismanual. Whilepushingthedischargechutedeflectortowardsthemachinewithyourleft

hand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygraspingitbetweenyour thumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.

Figure1

3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminaltohelp protectitfromcorrosion.

NOTE:Ifthe batteryisput intoserviceafterthedateshownontopofbattery, chargethe batteryasinstructedin theService& Maintenancesectionofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.

Theshippingbrace,usedforpackagingpurposesonly,mustberemovedand discardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.

Themowingdeckiscapableof throwing objects. Failuretooperatethe

ridingmowerwithout the dischargecoverinthe properoperating position

coudresut nsetouspersona njury and/orproperty damage.

Attaching TheSteeringWheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordidnotcomeattached,thehardwarefor attachingithasbeenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel,beneaththesteeringwheel cap.Carefullypryoffthe steeringwheelcapandremovethehardware.

1. Withthewheelsof thetractorpointingstraightforward,placethesteering wheeloverthesteeringshaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)overthesteeringwheeland securewith thehexbolt.SeeFigure3.

Figure3

Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthesteeringwheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.

Attaching TheSeat

Iftheseatforyourtractorwasnotattachedat thefactory,refertothefollowing steps.

NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastenedtothetractorseat'spivot bracketwith a plastictie, ormountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase, freetheseatfromitsshippingpositionandremovetheadjustmentknobfromthe bottomofseatbeforeproceedingwith theinstructionsbelow.

1. Asalreadyinstructed,removetheseatadjustmentknobinstalledbythe factoryin thebottomoftheseat.See"a"inFigure4.

Slidetheseatrearwardin theseatpivotbracket(c),liningupthecenter rearslotinthepivotbracketwith theremainingholeintheseat'sbase.See

FigureS.

Note:Becertainthetwo seattabsengaugethepivotbracketasshownin thebottominsetof Figure5.

Figure5

4. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith theadjustmentknob removedearlier(dinFigure5).

5. Toadjustthepositionof theseat,removetheadjustmentknobonthe bottomof theseat.Slidetheseatforwardorbackwardasdesired.Reinstall

theadjustmentknob.SeeFigure5.

TirePressure

Figure4

Aligntheseatovertheseatpivotbracketasshownin Figure4andfit the seatontothepivotbracketinsertingthetwo tabsontheseatbottominto theslotsonthepivotbracket.

Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis30psi.Equaltire pressure shouldbemaintainedat alltimes. Neverexceedthe maximuminflation

)ressureshownonthe sidewallofthe tire.

Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:

Approximately10psiforthereartires Approximately14psiforthefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothe tire sidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventire

pressurecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

Figure6

A SpeedControlLever/ ParkingBrakeLever

B Throttle/chokecontrollever

C IgnitionSwitch

D DeckLiftLever E PTOLever(BladeEngage) F CupHolder

G ShiftLever

H Clutch-BrakePedal

NOTE:Anyreferenceinthis manualto theRIGHTorLEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperator'sseatpositionfacingforward towardsthefrontoftractor.

MeetsANSISafety Standards

CraftsmanTractorsconformto thesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

SpeedControlLever

Thespeedcontrollever,Moatedontheleftsideofthetractor's dashconsole,allowsyoutoregulatethegroundspeedofthelawn tractor.Touse,depressthedutch-brakepedalandmovethelever outofthe parkingbrakenotchandforwardtoincreasethetractor's groundspeed.Whenadesiredspeedhasbeenreached,releasethe leverintoanappropriatenotchtomaintainthat speed.

Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,depressthedutch-brakepedal andmovethespeedcontrolleverrearwardandreleaseitintoa

notch.

ParkingBrake

Tosettheparkingbrake,fully depresstheclutch-brakepedal.Move thespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintothe parkingbrake position.Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbrake toengage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethespeed controlleveroutofthenotchesto thedesiredposition.Releasethespeedcontrol leverandtheclutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperatorleavestheseatwiththeengine runningortheenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

(Q)

PARK

BRAKE

Throttle/Choke ControlLever

Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedontherightsideofthe tractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeedof theengine andwhenpushedallthewayforward,thechokecontrolalso. Whensetinagivenposition,thethrottlewill maintainauniform enginespeed.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecuttingdeck

engaged,thethrottle/chokecontrollevermustalwaysbeinthe

FAST(rabbit)position.

Ignition Switch

Thekeyswitch moduleisusedto

startandstopthe engine.Insertkey intothekeyswitch

moduleandturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethekeyinto

thenormalmowingpositiononce enginehasstarted.Theheadlightswill beactivatedautomatically.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition. IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboththe"SafetyInterlock

System"and"StartingTheEngine"laterinthissectionofthismanualfordetailed instructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModule.

Shift Lever

Theshiftleverislocatedontheleftside ofthefenderandhasthreepositions,

FORWARD,NEUTRALandREVERSE.The

clutch-brakepedalmustbedepressed andthetractormustnotbein motion

whenthemovingshift lever.

IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshift lever. Doingsomayresultin

seriousdamagetothetractor's transmission.

DeckLift Lever

Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leverisusedto changetheheight ofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethelevertotheleft,thenplaceinthe notchbest suitedforyourapplication.

PTO(BladeEngage)Lever

Foundon thetractor'srightfender,thePTO(bladeengage)lever isusedto engagepowertothecuttingdeckorother(separately available)attachments.Tooperate,movetheleveralltheway forward.Movingthe leverallthewayrearwardintothePTOOFF positiondisengagespowertothecuttingdeck/attachment.

NOTE"ThePTO(bladeengage)levermustbein thedisengaged(PTO OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.

CupHolder

Thetractor'scupholderislocatedonthefendertotheleftofthe seat.

SeatAdjustment Knob

Theseatadjustmentknobislocatedonthebottomsideoftheseat.

Usethisknobtoadjusttheseatforwardorrearwardto a comfortable operatingpositionbylooseningtheknob,positioningtheseatto the desiredpreference,thenretighteningtheknob.

Clutch-BrakePedal

Thedutch-brakepedalislocatedontheleft sideofthelawntractor,alongthe runningboard.Depressthedutch-brakepedalpartwaydownwhenslowingthe tractorbychangingspeeds(Referto SpeedControlLever).Depressthe pedalallthe waydowntoengagethediscbrakeandbringthetractortoacompletestop.

NOTE:Thepedalmustbedepressedtostarttheengine.Referto SafetyInterlock Switcheslaterinthissectionofthismanual.

Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO(Blade EngageLever),moveshift leverintoneutral position, setparkingbrake, stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Gasand Oil Fill-up

Oil

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroilintheengine.However,you MUSTchecktheoiilevelbeforeoperating.Becarefulnottooverfill.

Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil,refertoCheckingTheEngineOilin theServiceandMaintenancesectionofthismanual.

Gasoline

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.

Useextremecarewhen handling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammable andthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoorsorwhile the

engineishotorrunning. Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipes,andother sourcesof gnt on.

NOTE:Purchasegasolinein smallquantities.Donotusegasolineleft overfromthe previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuelsystem.

Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonunleadedgasoline.Forbestresults,fill thefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasolinewith apumpsticker octaneratingof 87orhigher.

Gasohol(upto 10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolinebyvolume)isan approvedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblends,suchasE85,arenotapproved.

MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends(uptoa maximumof 15%MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels.Othergasoline/ether blendsarenotapproved.

Fillfueltankoutdoorsorinwell-ventilatedarea. Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof

fillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineis hotor running.Allow

engineto coolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling. Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengineandequipment.Movemachineto

anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

ToAddGasoline

1. Turntheengineoffandletenginecoolatleast2minutesbeforeremoving thefuelcap.Thegasolinetankisundertherearfender,with thefuelfill cap locatedin thecenteroftherearfender.Thefuelcapistetheredtothetractor topreventitsloss.Donotattempttoremovethecapfromthetractor.

2. Fillthefueltankwithgasoline.

3. Reinstallthefuelcap.

Note:Thetractorisfitted with atethered,ratchetingfuelcap.STOPfilling thetank oncethefuelisseeninsidethefiller neck.Thisensuresthataproperexpansion volumeiscreated,otherwisethefuelcanoverflowcreatinga hazardoussituation. DoNOTtopoffthe fueltank.SeeFigure7.

Figure7

Avoid Serious Injury or Death

Goupanddownslopes,notacross. Avoidsuddenturns.

Donotoperatetheunitwhereit couldsliportip. Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesandbackdownhillslowly. Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersarearound.

Nevercarrychildren,evenwithbladesoff. Lookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking.

Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,andswitches)inplaceandworking. Removeobjectsthat couldbethrownbytheblades.

Knowlocationandfunctionofallcontrols. Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsorfeet near

blades. Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengageblades,engage

parkingbrake,shutengineoff,andremovekey.

Read Operator's Manual

SafetyInterlock System

Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedfor safeoperationofthetractor.Ifthis systemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.Immediatelycontact

1-800-659-5917to havethesystemserviced.

Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstartingunless theparkingbrakeisengagedandthePTO(BladeEngage)leverisinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

Thesafetyinterlocksystemwill automaticallyshutofftheengineifthe operatorleavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

Thesafetyinterlocksystemwill automaticallyshutofftheengineifthe operatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)leverengaged, regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrakeisengaged.

Theenginewill automaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintotheengaged(ON)positionwith theshiftleverinReverse.

Ignition Switch

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insertkeyintotheignition switchandturnclockwisetotheSTARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheON positiononceenginehasfired.SeeFigure8.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheOFFposition.See Figure8.

Setting the CuttingHeight

1. Selecttheheightpositionof thecuttingdeckbyplacingthedecklift leverin anyofthesixdifferentcutting heightnotchesonthe rightsideofthefender.

Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the dischargeopening of the cutting

deck.

Starting the Engine

Neverleavea running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever intoneutral position, set parking brake, stop engine

land remove key to prevent un ntended start ng. IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertobothSafetyInterlockSwitches

andStartingTheEngineintheOperationsectionof thismanualforfurtherdetailed instructions.

Start

Off

Figure8

Donotoperatethe tractor if the interlocksystemismalfunctioning.This

systemwasdesignedforyour safetyandprotection.

NOTE:Referto theGasolineand0ii fill-up instructionsearlierinthissection.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrottle/chokeleverallthewayup intothechokeposition.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Aftertheenginestarts, releasethekey.Itwill returntotheON(orNormalMowing)position.

DoNOTholdthekeyinthe STARTpositionfor longerthanten

secondsat atime.Doingsomaycausedamagetoyourengine's electricstarter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethethrottle

controlintheFASTposition.

NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperatingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina"rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorunpoorly.

Engagingthe ParkingBrake

Toengagethe parking brake:

I. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholditdownwithyourfoot.

2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintotheparkingbrake position.

3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedalto allowtheparkingbraketoengage.

Toreleasethe parking brake:

I. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethespeedcontrolleveroutofthe

parkingbrakepositionandintoadesiredspeed.

Stoppingthe Engine

Ifyoustrikeaforeign object,stoptheengine,disconnectthe sparkplug

wire(s)andgroundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machinefor

anydamage.Repairthe damagebeforerestarting and operating

1. If thebladesareengaged,placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

3. Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintendedstarting.

Driving TheTractor

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

Donotleavethe seatofthe tractor without first placingthePTO(Blade Engage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position,depressingthebrakepedal andengagingtheparking brake.Ifleavingthetractor unattended,also turn the ignition keyoff andremovethe key.

Alwayslookdownandbehind beforeandwhile backingupto avoidaback- overaccident.

1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrakeandthenlet the pedalup.

2. Movethethrottle leverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.

3. PlacetheshiftleverineithertheFORWARDorREVERSEposition.

IMPORTANT: DoNOTusetheshift levertochangethedirectionof travelwhen thetractorisinmotion.Alwaysusetheclutch-brakepedaltobringthetractorto a completestopbeforeshifting.

4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-brakepedaland positioningthespeedcontrolleverinthedesiredposition.

IMPORTANT: First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedpositions1or2.Become completelyfamiliarwith thetractor'soperationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthe tractorinhigherspeedpositions.

5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlytoputunitintomotion.

6. Thelawntractorisbroughttoastopbydepressingtheclutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Whenoperating the unit initially, there will be little difference between the highest two speeds until after the belts have seated themselves into the pulleys during the break-in period.

Before leaving the operator's position for any reason, disengage the blades, place the shift lever in neutral, engage the parking brake, shut engine off and remove the key.

2. Engagetheparkingbrake.

3. Shutengineoffandremovethekey.Doingsowill minimizethepossibility ofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourtractor'srunning engine.

Ifunitstallswith speedcontrolinhighspeed,orifunitwill notoperatewith speed

controlleverinalowspeedposition,proceedasfollows:

1. PlaceshiftleverinNEUTRAL

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.

5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.

7. PlaceshiftleverineitherFORWARDorREVERSE,andfollownormaloperating procedures.

Driving OnSlopes

RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEin theSafetyInstructionssectionofthemanualtohelp

determineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethistractorsafely.

Donotmow oninclineswith aslopein excessof 15degrees(ariseof approximately2-I12feetevery10feet). Thetractor couldoverturnand causeseriousinjury.

Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.Uneventerrain couldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

Avoidturnswhendrivingonaslope.Ifaturn mustbemade,turndownthe slope.Turningupaslopegreatlyincreasesthechanceofa rollover.

Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.If it isnecessarytostopwhile drivingupa slope,start upsmoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibility offlippingthetractoroverbackward.

Engagingthe Blades

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothecuttingdeckorother (separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:

1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.

2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitallthewayforwardintothe engaged(ON)position.

3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthemostefficientuse ofthecuttingdeckorother(separatelyavailable)attachments.

NOTE:Theenginewill automaticallyshutoff ifthe PTO(BladeEngage)leveris

movedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshift leverinReverse.

IMPORTANT: Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileonagrass surface,always:

1. Placetheshiftleverinneutral.

Mulching

Amulchkitisavailableasanattachment.Mulchingisaprocessofredrculating grassclippingsrepeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fineclippingsare thenforcedbackintothelawnwheretheyactasanaturalfertilizer.

Amulchkitcanbepurchased.Seethe ReplacementParts&Attachmentssectionof thismanualformoreinformation.

Usingthe DeckLift Lever

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedeckliftlevertothe left,thenplaceit inthe notchbestsuitedfor yourapplication.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin thisOperationsection.

MOWING

Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrown objectinjury,keepbystanders,

[ helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfrom the machinewhile itisin [ operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthe area.

Thefollowinginformationwill behelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeckwithyour tractor:

Planyourmowingpattern to avoiddischargeofmaterialstoward roads, sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst awall orobstructionwhich maycausedischargedmaterialto ricochetback towardthe operator.

Headlights

ThelampsareONwheneverthetractor'sengineisrunning. Thelampsturn OFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOPposition.

Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifamulchkit orgrasscollector isinstalled.

Forbestresultsitisrecommendedthatthefirsttwo lapsbecutwith the dischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethe directiontothrowthedischargeto theoutsideforthe balanceofcutting. Thiswill giveabetterappearanceto thelawn.

Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowthandyellows quicklyindryweather.

Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfull throttle. Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogobackoverthecutareaa

secondtimeto getacleancut. DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsandextremelytallgrass.

Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclearbrush. Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.Referto Cutting

BladesintheServicesectionofthismanualfor properbladesharpening

instructions.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controls andstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometoacomplete stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundit againsttheengineto prevent unintendedstarting.AlwayswearsafetyglassesduringoperationorwhUe performinganyadjustmentsor repairs.

BeforeEachUse I. Engineoil level I.

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols 2.

3. Fingerguard 3.

Inthe FirstFiveHours I. EngineOil I. Every10Hours I. Hood/Dashairvents I.

2. Batteryterminals 2.

3. Deckspindlesandidlerbracket 3.

Every25hours 1. Airfilter'sprecleaner* 1.

2. Airfilter* 2.

3. Midsteeringarms,pivotshafts, 3. andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings 4.

5. Frontdeckwheels 5.

Every50hours 1. Engineoil/Oil filter 1.

2. Muffler 2.

Annually 1. Airfilter 1.

2. Airfilter'spre-cleaner 2.

3. Sparkplug 3.

4. Aircoolingsystem* 4.

5. Fuelfilter 5.

6. SteeringGears 6.

7. RearWheels 7.

BeforeStorage 1. Hood/Dashairvents 1.

2. Batteryterminals 2.

3. Midsteeringarms,pivotshafts, 3. andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

6. Deckspindlesandidlerbracket

7. Pedalpivotpoints

*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice

guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackofcompleted

maintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest Parts& RepairServiceCenteror to

scheduleservice,simplycontact 1-800-659-5917.

Check Clean

Clean Change

Clean Clean

Lubricate

Clean Clean

Lubricate

Lubricate Lubricate

Change/Replace Check

Replace Replace Replace

Clean

Replace

Clean

Removeandgreaseaxles

Clean Clean

Lubricate

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

6. Lubricate

7. Lubricate

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceorrepairs,disengagethe PTO(Blade EngageLever),engagethe parking brake,stopthe engineandremovethe keyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,the engine,muffler andsurrounding metalsurfaceswill behot andcancauseburnsto the skin.Exercisecaution

to avoidburns.

Engine Maintenance

Checkingthe EngineOil

OnlyusehighqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassificationSF,SG, SH,or SJ.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto theexpectedoperating temperature.Followthechartbelow.Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30, etc.)improvestartingin coldweather,theywill resultinincreasedoilconsumption whenusedabove32°1:.Checkyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlyto avoidpossible enginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

Colder _ 32°F _Warmer

Changingthe EngineOiland Filter

Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,the engine,muffler andsurrounding metalsurfaceswill behotand cancauseburnsto theskin.Exercisecaution

toavoidburns.

NOTE:Theoilfiltershouldbechangedateveryoilchangeinterval. Theengineoilshouldbechangedinthefirst5hoursandthenevery50 hoursor

onceaseason.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

1. Runtheengineforafew minutesto allowtheoilinthecrankcasetowarm up.Warmoilwill flow morefreelyandcarryawaymoreoftheengine

sedimentwhichmayhavesettledatthe bottomofthecrankcase.Usecareto avoidburnsfromhotoil.

Oil Viscosity Chart

Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

Ensurethatthetractorisonalevelsurface. Cleantheoilfill areaofanydebris.

Removethedipstick,seeFigure9,andwipewith acleancloth.

Reinsertdipstickandpresscompletelydown.

Removethedipstickandchecktheoillevel.ItshouldbeattheFullmarkon thedipstick.

Dipstick

2. Openthetractor'shoodandlocatetheoildrainportontherightsideofthe

engine.SeeFigure9.

3. Disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepitawayfromsparkplug.

4. Removetheoilfill cap/dipstkkfromtheoilfill tube.SeeFigure9.

5. Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytothe rightto betterexposethedrain plug.

6. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwith thismanual)ontotheoil drainportas

showninFigure10.Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveinto anappropriate oilcollectioncontainerwith acapacitygreatenoughtocollectthe usedoil.

OilDrain

Figure9

4. If low,addoii slowlyintotheengineoiifill. Donotoverfill.Afteraddingoii, waitoneminuteandthenrechecktheoillevel.

Donotoverfill. Overfillingwithoii maycausethe engineto notstart, hard starting, orenginesmoking.Ifoverthe FULLmarkonthedipstick,drain oil to reduceoillevelto FULLmarkondipstick.

5. Replacedipstick,andtighten.

Figure10

Removedrainpluganddrainoilintoasuitablecontainerwith a capacityof nolessthan64oz.

8. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroil untiltheoil levelonthedipstickreads FULL.Replacetheoilfill cap/dipstick.

9. Replacetheoilfilter,seeFigure11,byremovingand disposingofit properly.

10. Partiallyfilltheoil filterapproximately3/4ofthewayfullwith clean,fresh oil. Beforeyouinstallthenewoil filter, lightly lubricatetheoil filter gasket with someoftheoilbysimplydippingyourfingerintheoilandrunningit aroundthegasket.

Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltank.Otherwise,fuelcanleak outandcauseafire orexplosion.

ToDrainthe fuel:

Locatethefuelfilter,seeFigure12,whichisroutedontheleftsideofthe enginebetweenthefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedtothe enginewithatie strap.Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthetabsonthe in-lineclamponthefuelfilterwithapairofpliers,slidetheclampupthefuel line.Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplacetheopenendofthelineinto anapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.

Tochangethe fuel filter:

1. Usepliersto squeezethetabsontheotherclamp(theout-linesideofthe fuelfilter),thenslidetheclampawayfromthefuelfilter. Twistandpullthe fuellineoffof thefuelfilter.SeeFigure12.

Oil Filter

Figure11

11. Installtheoil filter byhanduntilthegasketcontactstheoilfilter adapter, thentightentheoilfilter 1/2to 3/4turns.

12. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroiluntiltheoillevelonthedipstickreads FULL.Replacetheoilfill cap/dipstkk.

Usedoil isahazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoilproperly.Donot discardwith householdwaste.Checkwith your local authoritiesororcontact 1-800-659-5917for a listof safedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

13. Startandruntheengine.Astheenginewarmsup,checkforoilleaks.

14. Stoptheengineandchecktheoil level.ItshouldbeattheFULLmarkonthe dipstick.

FuelFilter

Gasolineanditsvaporsareextremelyflammable andexplosive.Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsordeath.

Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat,andother ignitionsources.

Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replace if necessary.

Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltankaspertheinstructions below.

Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengineadequatetimeto cool.Drainfuelintoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfromopenflame.

Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthefuelline fromthe in-linefuelfilter neartheengine.

RemovethefuellinefromtheIn-lineside(sidetowardsthefueltank)ofthe fuelfilter.

Replacementpartsmustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionas theoriginalparts.

Iffuelspills,waituntil it evaporatesbeforestartingengine.

Fuel Filter

Tab

Fuel Line

Figure12

2. Checkthe fuellinesforcracksorleaks.Replaceifnecessary.

3. Replacethefuelfilter withanoriginalequipmentreplacementfilter. Call 1-800-659-5917topurchasetheoriginalequipmentreplacementfilter.

4. Securethefuellineswith theclamps.

Iffilters, orcoversarenot installedcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeathcould resultfrom backfire.Donot attempt to startthe enginewith themremoved,

Donotusepressurizedairor solventsto cleanthe aircleanercartridge.

Air Cleaner

Paperfilterscannotbecleanedandshouldbereplacedevery100operatinghours; moreoftenif usedin extremelydustyconditions.

Neverusegasolineor lowflash point solventsfor cleaningtheair filter element.Afire orexplosioncouldresult.

IMPORTANT:Neverruntheenginewithout theairfilter. Rapidenginewearwill result.

1. Unscrewthethumbscrewsandremovetheairfilter cover.SeeFigure13.

Thumb

Screw

Air FHter

Removethefoampre-fiIterfromaroundthepaperairfilter. SeeFigure

15.Replacepaperelementwhendirtyordamaged.Cleanfoamelementor replacewhendamaged.

Air FHter

Removetheairfilter. SeeFigure14.

Figure13

Figure15

4. Tocleanfoamelement,washinamildliquiddetergentandwater.Squeeze orpressthefoamelementtorinseout dirtandwater.Donottwist;this coulddamageortearthefoamelement.Allowtodrythoroughlybefore

using.DONOToil thefoamelement.

5. Attachthenewairfilterwith foamelement,aligningtheholeintheairfilter with theintakemanifold.SeeFigure16.

Manifold

Figure14

Figure16

Attachtheairfilter cover,makingsuretoalignplasticribfeaturesonthe shroudtotheplasticfeaturesontheairfilter cover.SeeFigure17.Turn thumbscrewsclockwiseuntilsnug.Checkfor anymisalignment.

Air Filter

Cover

Plastic

Feature

Shroud

Feature

Figure17

SparePlug Service

Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedand freeofdeposits.

1. Removethesparkplugbootanduseasparkplugwrenchtoremovethe plug.SeeFigure18.

Measurethepluggapwithafeelergauge.Correctasnecessarybybending sideelectrode.SeeFigure19.Thegapshouldbesetto0.024-0.031in.

Electrode

_=--_0.024-0.031 in,

Figure19

4. Checkthatthesparkplugwasherisingoodconditionandthreadthespark pluginby handtopreventcross-threading.

5. Afterthesparkplugisseated,tightenwith asparkplugwrenchtocompress thewasher.

NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2turnafterthespark plugseatstocompressthewasher.Whenreinstallinga usedsparkplug, tighten1/8-1/4turn afterthesparkplugseatstocompressthewasher.

IMPORTANT:Thesparkplugmustbesecurelytightened.Animproperly tightenedsparkplugcanbecomeveryhotandmaydamagetheengine.

Muffler

Temperatureof muffler and nearbyengineareasmayexceed150° F(65°C).

Avoidcontactwith theseareas.

Spark Plug

Ifthe enginehasbeenrunning,the muffler will beveryhot.Becareful not

to touchthe muffler.

Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugif thereisapparent wear,orif theinsulatoriscrackedorchipped.Cleanthesparkplugwitha

wirebrushifit istobereused.

Inspectmufflerperiodically,andreplaceif necessary.Replacementparts forthe mufflermustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionasthe originalparts.

CleanEngine

Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.

Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.

Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.

Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheatingand ignitionof accumulateddebris.

Donotusewater to cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel

system.Useabrushor drycloth.

CarburetorAdjustment

Thecarburetoronthisengineisnotadjustable.

Lubrication

Beforelubricating,repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO(Blade EngageLever),moveshift leverintoneutral position, setparkingbrake,stop

IMPORTANT: Theuseofa pressurewashertocleanyourtractorisNOT recommended.It maycausedamageto electricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys, bearingsortheengine.

Adjustments

engne andremovekeytopreventun ntendedstart rig.

Pivot Points& Linkage

Lubricateallthepivotpointsonthedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift linkageat leastonceaseasonwith lightoil.

RearWheels

Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesonceaseason.Lubricatethe axlesandtherimswellwith anall-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendofthetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequippedwith agreasefitting. Lubricatewith agreasegunafterevery25hoursof tractoroperation.

Battery

Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbechecked.

Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeofcorrosive build-up.

Aftercleaningthe batteryandterminals,applyalightcoatof petroleumjelly orgreasetobothterminals.

Alwayskeeptherubberbootpositionedoverthepositiveterminaltoprevent shorting.

IM PORTANT: If removingthebatteryforanyreason,disconnecttheNEGATIVE (Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSITIVE(Red)wire.When re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wireto itsterminal first,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire. Becertainthatthewiresareconnected tothecorrectterminals;reversingthemcouldchangethepolarityandresultin damageto yourengine'salternatingsystem.

Neverattempt to makeanyadjustmentswhile the engineisrunning,except

wherespecifiedintheoperator'smanual.

Levelingthe Deck NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeckleveling

adjustments.RefertoTiresintheServicesectionofthismanualformore informationregardingtirepressure.

FrontTo Rear

Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbyastabilizerbarthatcanbeadjustedto levelthedeckfromfrontto rear.Thefrontof thedeckshouldbebetween1g-inch

and_8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedonafirm,levelsurface,placetheleverfor liftingthe platformon thesecondto thetopnotch(secondhighestposition)androtate

the bladeascloseaspossibleto thedischargechannelthatisparalleltothe tractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetiptothegroundandthe rearofthebladetipto theground.Thefirst measurementtakenshould

bebetweenlg"and_8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.Determine

theapproximatedistancenecessaryforproperadjustmentandproceed,if

necessary,tothenextstep.

3. Locatetheflangelocknutonthefrontsideofthestabilizerbracket.See Figure20.

Tightentheflangelocknutto raisethefrontofthedeck;

Loosentheflangelocknutto lowerthefrontofthedeck.

CleaningBattery

Cleanthebatterybyremovingit fromthetractorandwashingwith a bakingsoda andwatersolution.Ifnecessary,scrapethebatteryterminalswitha wirebrushto removedeposits.Coatterminalsandexposedwiringwith greaseorpetroleumjelly topreventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesforbatteryfailureare:

Incorrectinitialactivation Overcharging

Freezing Undercharging Corrodedconnections

ThesefailuresareNOTcoveredbyyourtractor'swarranty.

Cleaningthe EngineAnd Deck

Anyfueloroilspilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.DoNOTallow debristo accumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengineoronanyotherpartof

themachine.

Sideto Side

Ifthecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,asidetosideadjustmentcanbe performed.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedonafirm, levelsurface,placethedecklift leverin thesecondfromthetop notch(secondhighestposition)androtateboth bladessothattheyareperpendicularwith thetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideof theleft bladetip to theground andthedistancefromtheoutsideoftheright bladetipto theground.Both measurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey'renot,proceedto thenext step.

3. Loosen,butdoNOTremove,thehexcapscrewontheleft deckhanger bracket.SeeFigure21.

4. Balancethedeckby usingawrenchtoturntheadjustmentgear(found immediatelybehindthehexcapscrewjustloosened)clockwise/upor counterclockwise/down.Thedeckisproperlybalancedwhenbothbladetip measurementstakenearlierareequal.

5. Retightenthehexcapscrewontheleftdeckhangerbracketwhenproper adjustmentisachieved.

Cutting Deck Removal

Toremovethe cutting deck,proceedasfollows:

1. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF)positionand engagetheparkingbrake.

2. Lowerthedeckbymovingthedecklift leverintothebottomnotchonthe rightfender.

3. Removetheself-tappingscrewCA)that securesthebelt-keeperrodfrom aroundthetractor'sPTOpulley,thenremovethebeltkeeperrod(B).See

Figure22.

Note:Makea mentalnotewhatholetheotherendofthe belt-keeperrodisinserted

inforreinstallationpurposes.

4. Removethebelt(C)fromaroundthetractor'sPTOpulley.SeeFigure22.

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingers onthe idler springor between the beltand apulleywhile removingthe belt.

Hex Cap Screw

Figure21

SeatAdjustment

RefertotheAssemblysectionofthis manualforseatadjustmentinstructions.

Parking BrakeAdjustment

Neverattempt toadjust the brakeswhile theengineisrunning.Always disengagePTO(bladeengage)lever,moveshift leverinto neutral position, stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhenthe brakepedaliscompletely depressed,orif thetractor'srearwheelscanrollwith theparkingbrakeapplied, thebrakeisin needofadjustment.ContactthenearestSearsServiceCenterto have yourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

Tolocatethe nearestParts&RepairService(:enterortoscheduleservice, contact1-800-659-5917.

Figure22

Movethedeckliftleverintothetopnotchontheright fendertoraisethe decklift armsupandoutoftheway.

PTOCable

Figure23

Removethebow-tiecotterpinsecuringthedeckstabilizerrodtothedeck. Slidethedecklift rodfromthe mountingbracketonthedeckasshownin Figure24.

,,__ /,__ ,........................

,.. j

Figure24

7. CarefullyremovethePTOcablefromtherearofthecuttingdeckby removingthebow-tiecotterpinwhichsecuresit.Removethespringfrom thedeckidlerbracket.SeeFigure25.

8. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromthe leftside)outfromunderneaththe tractor.

Figure25

Tires

Neverexceedthemaximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewallof tire.

Therecommended operating tire pressureis:

Approximately10psiforthereartires Approximately14psiforthefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothetire sidewallforexacttire manufacturer's

recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventirepressurecould causethecuttingdecktomowunevenly.

Battery

CaliforniaProposition65WARNING!Batteryposts,terminals,andrelated accessoriescontainleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Ifremovingthe battery,disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire from its terminal first, followed bythe POSITIVE(Red)wire. Whenre-installing the battery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wireto itsterminalfirst, followed bytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.

JumpStarting

Neverjumpstart adamagedorfrozen battery.Becertainthevehiclesdo not touch,andignitionsareoff. Donotallow cableclampstotouch.

1. Connectpositive(+) cableto positivepost(+)of yourtractor'sdischarged battery.

2. Connecttheotherendofthecabletothe(positive+) postofthejumper battery.

3. Connectthesecondcable(negative-) totheotherpostofthejumper battery.

4. Connecttheotherendofthenegativecabletotheengineblockofthe tractor,awayfromthebattery.Attachtoanunpaintedparttoassureagood

connection.

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(refertoCuttingDeckRemoval earlierinthissection)thengentlyflip thedeckovertoexposeitsunderside.

2. Placeablockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffleandthe cuttingbladeto actasastabilizer.SeeFigure26.

3. Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthebladetothespindleassembly.

Ifthejumperbatteryisinstalledonavehicle(i.e.car,truck),doNOTstart thevehicle'senginewhenjumpstartingyourtractor.

5. Startthetractor(asinstructedearlierinthissectionofthismanual).

6. Setthetractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables,inreverse orderofconnection.

Charging

Batteriesgive off anexplosivegaswhile charging.Chargethebattery ina wellventilatedareaandkeepawayfrom anopenflame or pilotlight asona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryeror other gasappliances.

Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,useonlya chargerdesignedfor 12Vlead- acidbatteries.Readyourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManualpriortocharging yourtractor'sbattery.Alwaysfollowitsinstructionsandheeditswarnings.

Ifyourtractorhasnotbeenputintouseforanextendedperiodoftime,chargethe batteryasfollows:

1. Setyourbatterychargertodeliveramaxof10amperes.

2. If yourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthecharger indicatesthatchargingiscomplete.Ifthechargerisnotautomatic,charge forno fewerthaneighthours.

Fuse

One20AMPfuseisinstalledin yourtractor'swiringharnessto protectthetractor's electricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessiveamperage.

Iftheelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,oryourtractor'senginewillnotcrank, firstcheckto becertainthatthefusehasnotblown.Itcanbefoundatthe rearof

theunit,underneaththefenderlocatedbythebattery.

HexFlangeNut

Figure26

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamountsofmetal frombothendsof thebladesalongthecuttingedges,parallelto thetrailing edge,at a25°-to 30°angle.Alwaysgrindeachcuttingbladeedgeequallyto maintainproperbladebalance.SeeFigure27.

Alwaysuseafusewith the sameamperagecapacityfor replacement.

Cutting Blades

Shutthe engineoffand removeignitionkeybeforeremovingthecutting blade(s)for sharpeningorreplacement.Protectyourhandsbyusingheavy gloveswhengraspingthe blade.

Periodicallyinspectthe bladeand/orspindlefor cracksordamage, especiallyafter you'vestruckaforeign object.Donotoperatethe machine until damagedcomponentsarereplaced.

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows:

Figure27

Ifthe cutting edgeofthe bladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,orif any

metal separationispresent,replacethebladeswith newones.

Apoorlybalancedbladewill causeexcessivevibration,maycausedamageto the tractor and/orresult inpersonalinjury.

Testtheblade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetalfromthe heavysideuntil itbalancesevenly.

NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besureto installthebladewith thesideofthe blademarked"Bottom"(orwith a partnumberstampedin it)facingtheground whenthemowerisintheoperatingposition.

Usea torque wrenchto tighten the bladespindle he×flange nutto between 70[bs-ft and90[bs4t.

Changingthe DeckBelt

Besureto shut theengineoff, removeignitionkey,disconnectthe spark plugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengineto preventunintendedstarting

[before removngthe bet.

5. Thenroutethe beltaroundthetwodeckidlerpulleysasshowninFigure28.

6. Retightenthe beltkeeperrodloosenedearlier.

7. Remountthe beltguardsremovedearlier.

8. Re-installthedeck,makingsurethebeltremainsroutedaroundthepulleys asinstructed.Thecompletebeltroutingisshownin Figure28.

9. Pulltherightsideofthebelt,andplacethenarrowVsideofthebeltintothe

PTOpulley.

10. Whileholdingthebeltandpulleytogether,rotatethepulleytotheleft. Continueholdingandrotatingthepulleyandbeltuntilthebeltisfullyrolled intothePTOpulley.

ParkingBrakeAdjustment

Allbeltsonyour tractorare subjectto wearand shouldbe replacedif any signsof weararepresent.

IM PORTANT: TheV-beltfoundonyourtractorisspeciallydesignedto engage anddisengagesafely.Asubstitute(non-OEM)V-beltcanbedangerousbynot disengagingcompletely.Foraproperworkingmachine,useidenticalequipment beltsaslistedinthepartspagesof thisOperator'sManual.

Tochangeor replacethedeckbeltonyourtractor,proceedasfollows: Removethedeckasinstructedearlierinthissection.

1. Removethebeltcoversfromthespindlepulleysbyremovingthehexscrews thatfastenthecoversto thedeck.SeeFigure28.

2. It mayalsobenecessarytoloosenthehexnutontheleftdeckidlerpulleyto getthebeltoffthe pulleyandaroundthebeltguard.

3. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthetwospindlepulleysandthe twodeckidlerpulleys.SeeFigure28.

Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebeltaroundthetwoouterspindle pulleysasshowninFigure28.

Neverattempt to adjustthe brakeswhile theengineisrunning.Always

[disengagePTO(BladeEngageLever),moveshift leverintoneutralposition, [stopengineand removekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometo acompletestopwhentheclutch-brakepedalis completelydepressed,orif thetractor'srearwheelscanrollwith theparkingbrake applied,thebrakeisinneedofadjustment.ContactthenearestParts& Repair ServiceCentertohaveyourbrakesserviced.

Tolocate the nearestParts& RepairServiceCenterorto scheduleservice, contact1-800-659-5917.

Changingthe TransmissionDriveBelt

NOTE"Several components must be removed and special tools (i.e. air/

impactwrench) inorder to change the tractor's drive belt. Contact the nearest Parts & Repair Service Center to have your transmission

drive belt serviced. Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenterorto scheduleservice,

contact1-800-659-5917.

Neverstorelawn tractorwith fuel intank indoorsor inpoorlyventilated areaswhere fuelfumesmayreachan openflame,spark,or pilot light ason afurnace,water heater,clothesdryer,orgasappliance.

PreparingTheEngine

IMPORTANT: Fuelleft inthefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterioratesand

will causeseriousstartingproblems. Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetorandcausing

possiblemalfunctionoftheengine,thefuelsystemmustbeeithercompletely emptied,orthegasolinemustbetreatedwith astabilizerto preventdeterioration.

I. Ifusinga fuelstabilizer:

a. Readtheproductmanufacturer'sinstructionsandrecommendations. b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountofstabilizerforthe

capacityofthefuelsystem.

c. Fillthefueltankwith treatedfuelandruntheenginefor 2-3minutesto

getstabilizedfuelintothecarburetor.

2. Ifemptylngthefuelsystem: a. Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengineadequate

timetocool.Drainfuelinto anapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfrom openflame.

b. Drainanylargevolumeof fuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthe

fuellinefromthein-linefuelfilter neartheengine.Seethecomplete instructionsforDrainingTheFuellaterin thissection.

Gasolineisextremelyflammable and canbeexplosiveundercertain conditions. Draingasolinebeforestoring theequipmentfor extended

periods.Drainfuel onlyinto anapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfrom anopenflame.Allowengineto cool.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipes, andothersourcesofignition prior todraining fuel. Storegasolinein an approvedcontainerinsafelocation.

DrainingTheFuel

1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichislocatedonthe leftsideoftheengine,andmay beattachedtotheenginewithatiestrap.

2. Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthe in-lineclamponthefuel filter with apairofpliers,slidetheclampupthefuelline.

3. Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplacetheopenendofthelineinto anapprovedcontainerto drainthefuel.

PreparingThelawn tractor

Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrication instructions.

2. Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosivematerials, suchasfertilizer.

c. Reconnectthefuellineandruntheengineuntil it startstofalter,then

usethechoketokeeptheenginerunninguntilallfuelin thecarburetor hasbeenexhausted.

d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainanyremaininggasolinefromthe

system.

Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeof gasolineproperly.Contactyour

localauthoritiesfor approveddisposalmethods.

3. Removethesparkplugandpourone(1)ounceofengineoilthroughthespark plugholeintothecylinder.Cranktheengineseveraltimestodistributethe oil. Replacethesparkplug.

Enginefailsto start

1. PTO/BladeEngageleverengaged.

2. Parkingbrakenotengaged.

3. Sparkplugwire(s)disconnected.

4. Throttle/Chokecontrollevernotincorrect

2. Engageparkingbrake.

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

4. PlaceThrottle/Chokeleverintothe FASTposition.

startingposition.

5. Chokenotactivated

6. Fueltankempty,orstalefuel.

7. BIockedfuelline.

8. Faultysparkplug(s).

9. Engineflooded.

5. MovetheThrottle/Chokeleverintothe Choke

6. Filltankwithclean,fresh(lessthan30 daysold) gas.

7. Replacethefuellineandreplacefuelfilter.

8. Clean,adjustgapor replaceplug(s).

9. Crankenginewiththrottlein FASTposition.

10. BlownFuse(s)

Enginerunserratically

1. UnitrunningwithCHOKEactivated.

2. Sparkplugwire(s)loose.

3. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel.

4. Ventingascap plugged.

5. Waterordirtinfuel system.

6. Dirtyaircleaner.

2. Connectsparkplugwire(s).

3. Replacethefuelline;filltankwithclean,fresh

4. Clearventor replacecapifdamaged.

5. Drainfueltank. Refillwithclean,freshgasoline.

6. Replaceaircleanerpaperelementor cleanfoam

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow. 1.

2. Airflowrestricted. 2.

Enginehesitatesat highRPM 1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1. Engineidles rough 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoowide. 1.

2. Dirtyaircleaner. 2.

Excessivevibration

Mowerwill notmulchgrass

Unevencut

1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.

2. Damagedor bentcuttingblade.

1. Enginespeedtoolow.

2. Wetgrass.

3. Excessivelyhighgrass.

4. Dullblade.

1. Decknotleveledproperly.

2. Dullblade.

3. Uneventirepressure.

2. Replaceblade.

2. Do notmulchwhengrassiswet.

3. Mowonce ata highcuttingheight,thenmowagain

4. Sharpenorreplaceblade.

2. Sharpenorreplaceblade.

3. Checktire pressureinallfour tires.

1. Placeleverindisengaged(OFF)position.

position.

10. ReplaceFuse(s)

1. DeactivatetheCHOKE.

gasolineandreplacefuelfilter.

pre-cleaner,ifequipped. Fillcrankcasewithproperamountandweightof oil.

Cleangrassclippingsanddebrisfromaroundthe engine'scoolingfinsandhousing.

Removesparkplugandresetthe gap. Replacesparkplug.Set pluggap.

Replaceair cleanerelementand/orcleanpre-

cleaner.

1. Tightenbladeandspindle.

1. Placethrottlein FAST(rabbit)position.

at desiredheightor makea narrowercuttingswath.

1. Performside-to-sidedeckadjustment.

NEE]) MORE HELP?

Find this and all your other product manuals online. Get answers from our team of home experts.

Get a personalized maintenance plan for your home, Find information and tools to help with home projects.

777122454

777S34008

777D17044

777D17045

777X43688

DONOT

USEE85OR FUEL

CONTAININGMORE

THANIO%ETHANOLI

777D15624 (Side Hood - qty. 2)

777D17061 (Rear Fender)

777123364

777125063 777123754

777D18490

777D18491

777X46377

rDescription

OilFilter

Air Filter 951-12260

SparkPlug 951-10292 FeelFilter 751-3013 Blades 33022 942-04308

UpperDriveBelt 954-0241A LowerDriveBelt 33079 954-04249

OeckSpindleBelt 33074 954-04060B Engineto DeckBelt N/A DeckSpindle 918-04822A IgnitionKeys 24698 025-04124 FuelCap 951-12179A

PartsavailableatmostSeatsRetailStoresandService Centersorcall1-800-36G-PART(7279)ifyouwantthepart

sentdirectlytoyogrholue. X46377 Specific tractor attachmentsfor your Craftsman

tractoravailableatSearsStoresandServiceCeaters. Seebelowforotheruniversalattachmentsalsoavailable.

Description Stock No.

MulchKit 33748 Bagger 24019

BumperKit 24611 WeightKit 24641

Weight ;

777S33896

777D17038

777S33183

•KEE_HANDS_tgFEETAWAyFROMROT_TINapAR_ "J

ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO THIS UNIT/- BEFORE OPERATING.

+ 67 hidden pages