MTD 13AX79ST099 Owner’s Manual
perator's
I:RnFrSMRN°
LAWN TRACTOR
22 HP, Hydrostatic Drive
46" Deck
Model No. 247.289150
• Espanol, P. 60
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.769-08541
this product, call:
1-800=659=5917
CraftsmanTractorHelpLine
7 am = 7 pm CT, Mort. =Sun.
(November1,2012)
Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3
Slope Gauge ..................................................................... 8
Assembly ........................................................................... 9
Operation ........................................................................ 11
Service and Maintenance .............................................. 17
Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 27
Trou bleshooting .............................................................. 28
Labels ............................................................................. 29
Parts List ......................................................................... 30
Espafiol ............................................................................ 60
Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateof purchase,all non-expendablepartsofthis ridingequipmentare warrantedagainstanydefectsin materialor
workmanship.Adefectivenon-expendablepartwillreceivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairis unavailable.
BATTERYLIMITEDWARRANTY
FOR90 DAYSfromthe dateof purchase,thebattery(an expendablepart)ofthis ridingequipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor
workmanship.Anewbatterywillbesuppliedfreeofcharge.Youareresponsibleforthelaborcostof batteryinstallation.
ADDITIONALLIMITEDWARRANTIES
inthefollowingadditionalwarranties,youareresponsibleforthelaborcostofpartinstallationafterthe secondyearfromthedateof purchase.
FORFiVEYEARSfromthedate ofpurchase,theframeofthis ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.A
newframewill be suppfiedfreeofcharge.
FORTENYEARSfromthe dateofpurchase,the frontaxleofthisridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsin materialor workmanship.
A newfrontaxlewill be suppliedfreeof charge.
FORASLONGASIT iSUSEDbytheoriginalownerafterthetenthyearfromthedateofpurchase,thecastironfrontaxle(ifequipped)ofthisriding
equipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Withproofofpurchase,a newcastironfrontaxlewillbesuppliedfreeofcharge.
WARRANTYSERVICE
Forwarrantycoveragedetailsto obtainfreerepairor replacement,carl1-800-659-5917orvisitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com
inallcasesabove,if part repairor replacementis impossible,theridingequipmentwill be replacedfree of chargewiththesameor anequivalent
model.
Allofthe abovewarrantycoverageisvoid ifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorif rentedtoanotherperson.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedto blades,spark
plugs,air cleaners,belts,andoil filters.
Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.
Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,orglass.
• Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityofthe
ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,orover-speedingthe engine.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnot limitedto,electricaland mechanicaldamagecausedby improper
storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountof engineoil, failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailureto maintainthe
ridingequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscontainedin theoperator'smanual.
• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused
within30 daysof itspurchasedate.
• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalso haveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, Hoffman Estates,iL60179
Model Number:
EngineOil: SAE30 Serial Number:
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline Dateof Purchase:
Engine: KohlerCourageSV620-3215 Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,
anddateof purchaseabove,
© SearsBrands,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowallinstructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failureto complywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothe safeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.As withanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron the partoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknownto Stateof California
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand
in themanual(s)beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.
Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfutureand regularreference
andfororderingreplacementparts.
• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow
tostopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethismachine.
Children14yearsoldandover shouldreadandunderstandthe
operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
• Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithoutproper
instruction.
• Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keep
bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe
machinewhile itisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
thearea.
• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentisto be used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign
objectswhichcouldbe pickedupandthrownbytheblade(s).
Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
• Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
Your Responsibility--Restricttheuse ofthispowermachineto
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
dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherinits properplace.
Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet.
A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
• Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,orroads
andwhilenotcuttinggrass.
• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This
machineis notintendedforuseonanypublicroadway.
• Donot operatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcohol
or drugs.
• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Nevercarrypassengers.
• Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backup slowly.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingto avoida
back-overaccident.
3
• 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.Do not
touch.
Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow
hangingtree branches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wherethe
operatormaybestruckor pulledfromthemachine,whichcould
resultinseriousinjury.
Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthe brakepedal
completelybeforeattemptingto startengine.
Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa
heightnomorethan10".Donot attemptto mowthroughunusually
tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesofdry leaves.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.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over
accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire
extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon
it, do notmowit.
Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthis manual
to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineona slopedor hilly
area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope
Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould
result.
Do:
o
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 slopeseventhoughthebrakesarefunctioning
properly.Alwayskeepmachineingearwhen goingdownslopes
totakeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.
• Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweightsor
counterweightsto improvestability.
Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherattachments.These
canchangethestabilityof the machine.
Keepallmovementonthe slopesslowandgradual.Donot make
suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor
brakingcouldcausethefrontof the machinetolift andrapidlyflip
overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
• Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslosetraction,disen-
gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdowntheslope.
DoNot:
• Donot turnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand
graduallydownhill,ifpossible.
• Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.The mower
couldsuddenlyturnoverif a wheelisovertheedgeofa cliff,
ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.
• Donot try tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the
ground.
• Donot usea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.
• Donot mowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.
• Donot attemptto coastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe
operatortolosecontrolof themachineresultingin seriousinjury
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).
4
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatorisnotalertto thepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto the machineandthemowing
activity.Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand inwatchfulcareof a
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
• Bealertandturnmachineoffifa childentersthe area.
• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)shutoff.Theymay
falloffandbe seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine
operation.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionof a 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 operatethis machine.
Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsand
safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon themachineandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
TOWING
Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do
notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe hitchpoint.
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-poweredequipmentfromthe truck
or trailerandrefueliton theground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor
containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof
ignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoors.
Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-
ning.Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neveroverfillfuel tank. Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow
bottomoffillerneckto allowspaceforfuel expansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff the engineandequipment.Move
machineto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe
engine.
• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany
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.
• 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!
• Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed
ofthe engine.
Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor gas,oil, etc.to
protecttheenvironment.
• Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or 270hours
ofoperation.Attheendof the AverageUsefulLife,buyanew
machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor
otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatallmechanicaland
safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.
Failuretodosocan resultinaccidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoid seriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa 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 beusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(if any).
Ifa sparkarrestoris used,itshouldbemaintainedin effectiveworking
orderbythe operator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveis required
bylaw (Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestorforthemuffleris availablethroughyournearestSears
PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
6
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachine
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.
O
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.
A
WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
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.
7
15° Slope
15° Slope
X
(OK)
'_. _ Figure1
(TOO STEEP)
Figure2
15°
dashedline
USETHISSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE
IFA SLOPEISTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfoldalongthe dashedline.
2. Locateaverticalobject onor behindtheslope(e.g.a pole, building,fence, tree,etc.)
3. Align eithersideofthe slopegaugewith the object(SeeFigure1 and Figure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeupor downuntil the left cornertouchestheslope (SeeFigure1andFigure2).
5.
If thereisagap belowthegauge,theslope istoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-over accidents whichcan resultin severeinjury ordeath. Do not operatemachine onslopes
in excess of 15degrees.All slopesrequire extra caution. Ifyou cannotbackup theslope orif you feeluneasyon it, do not mowit.
Always mowup and down theface ofslopes, never mowacrossthe face of slopes.
IM PORTANT: Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil intheengine.However,
youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Referto theService& Maintenance
sectionforinstructionsonCheckingTheEngineOil.
Attachingthe BatteryCables
California Proposition65
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)
wireto its terminalfirst,followedby theNEGATIVE(Black)wire.
Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmay
havebeenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsatthe factory.To
connectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows:
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegativebattery
terminalismarkedNeg.(-).
1. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe positivebattery
terminaland attachthe redcableto thepositivebatteryterminal
(+)withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.
2. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebatteryterminal
andattachthe blackcableto thenegativebatteryterminal(-)
withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.
ShippingBraceRemoval
Makesurethe ridingmower'sengineisoff, removetheignitionkey,
andset theparkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer
jtothe Operationsectionforinstructionsonhowto settheparking
lbrake.
* Locatetheshippingbrace,if present,andaccompanyingwarning
tagfoundonthe rightsideofthemower,betweenthe discharge
chutedeflectorandthe cuttingdeck.SeeFigure2.
j Attaching The SteeringWheei
Figure1
3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminaltohelp
protectit fromcorrosion.
NOTE:Ifthebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownontopofbattery,
chargethebatteryasinstructedintheService&Maintenancesectionofthis
manualpriortooperatingthetractor.
Figure2
Placethedecklift leverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto
SettingtheCuttingHeightin theOperationsectionofthismanual.
Whilepushingthedischargechutedeflectortowardsthemachinewith
yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp-
ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.
Theshippingbrace,usedfor packagingpurposesonly,mustbe
removedand discardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.
Themowingdeckiscapableof throwingobjects.Failureto operate
the ridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverinthe properoperating
[positioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty
[damage.
Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcomeattached,the
hardwareforattachingithasbeenpackedwithinthe steeringwheel,
beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypry off thesteeringwheel
capandremovethe hardware.
1. Withthe wheelsofthetractorpointingstraightforward,placethe
steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.
2. Placethewasher(withthe cuppedsidedown)overthesteering
wheeland securewiththe hexbolt.SeeFigure3.
9
f
Figure 3
3. Placethe steeringwheel capoverthe centerofthe steering wheel and
push downward until it "clicks" into place.
Attaching The Seat
Iftheseatforyourtractorwasnotattachedat thefactory,refertothefollowing
steps.
NOTE:Forshippingreasons,theseatmayhavenotbeenattachedatthefactory.In
thiscase,freetheseatfromitsshippingpositionandproceedusingthe instructions
below:
4. Positiontheseatassemblyovertheseatmountingbracket,aligningtheholes
provided.See"A"in Figure4.
5. Installtwoshoulderboltsincludedwithyourhardwarepackandsecurewithtwo
locknuts.SeeFigure4.
6. Feedthewiringharnessthroughtheseatmountingbracketandplugintothesafety
switchonthebottomoftheseat,asin"B"of Figure4.
7. Toadjustthepositionoftheseat,pullupandholdtheseatadjustmentlever.
Slidetheseatforwardorrearwardto thedesiredposition;thenreleasethe
adjustmentlever.Makesureseatislockedintopositionbeforeoperatingthe
tractor.SeeFigure5.
i_ WARN ING! Beforeoperatingthetractor,makesuretheseatis
engagedin theseat-stop.Engagethe parkingbrake.Standbehind
themachineandpullbackonseatuntilit clicksintoplace.
Figure4
/
Figure5
TirePressure
Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 psi. Equal
tire pressure should be maintained at all times. Neverexceed the
[max mum nfat on pressure shown on the s dewa of the t re.
The recommended operating tire pressure is:
• Approximately 10psi for the rear tires
Approximately 14psi for the front tires
IMPORTANT: Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer's
recommended or maximum psi. Do not overinflate. Uneven tire pres-
sure could cause the cutting deck to mow unevenly.
10
A
l)
H
Figure6
NOTE:Anyreferenceinthismanualto the RIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractoris
observedfromoperator'sseatpositionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontof tractor.
MeetsANSiSafetyStandards
CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNational
StandardsInstitute(ANSI).
A ParkingBrakeLever
B Throttle/ChokeControlLever
C IgnitionSwitch
D DeckLift Lever
E PTOLever(BladeEngage)
F CupHolder
G BrakePedal
H SpeedControlLever
11
Parking Brake
Tosettheparkingbrake,fully depresstheparkingbrakepedal.Movethe parking
brakeleverintotheONposition.Releasetheparkingbrakepedaltoallowthe
parkingbraketoengage.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depressthe parkingbrakepedalandmovethe
parkingbrakeleveroutoftheONpositionandintotheOFFposition.
flOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperatorleavestheseatwith theengine
runningortheenginewill automaticallyshutoff.
Throttle/chokeControl Lever
Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedontheright sideofthe
tractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeedoftheengineand,
whenpushedallthewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.When
setinagivenposition,thethrottle will maintainauniformengine
speed.
IM PORTANT: Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecutting
deckengaged,becertainthatthethrottleleverisalwaysinthe
FAST(rabbit)position.
Ignition Switch
Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insertkey
intotheignitionswitchandturnclockwiseto theSTARTposition.
ReleasethekeyintotheONpositiononceenginehasfired.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetothe
OFFposition.SeeFigure7.
Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO,move
shift leverinto neutralposition,setparking brake,stopengineandremove
keyto preventunintendedstarting.
SeatAdjustmentLever
Theseatadjustmentleverisontheleft sideoftheseat.Usethislevertoadjustthe
seatforwardorrearwardtoacomfortableoperatingposition.Seethe"Service&
Maintenance"sectionlaterinthismanualorinstructions.
DeckLiftLever
Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leverisusedto
changetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethelevertothe
Z
left, thenplaceinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.
PTO(Blade Engage)Lever
Foundonthetractor'srightfender,thePT0(bladeengage)lever
isusedto engagepowertothecuttingdeckorother(separately
m m
o
W
available)attachments.Tooperate,movetheleveralltheway
forward.Movingthe leverallthewayrearwardintothe PT0OFF
positiondisengagespowertothecuttingdeck/attachment.
m
z
o
NOTE-ThePT0(bladeengage)levermustbein thedisengaged(PT0
OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.
CupHolder
Thetractor'scupholderislocatedonthefendertotheleftof theseat.
Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO,move
shift leverinto neutralposition,set parkingbrake,stopengineandremove
keyto preventunintended starting.
IM PORTANT: Priortooperatingthetractor,refertobothSafetyInterlock
SwitchesandStartingTheEngineintheOperationsectionofthismanualforfurther
detailedinstructions.
Oil
Start
off
J
Figure7
SpeedControl Lever
Thespeedcontrollever,locatedontheleft rearfender,controlsthegroundspeedof
thelawntractoraswellasthedirectionof travel.
Todriveforwardorinreverse,slowlymovethespeedcontrollevertothedesired"F"
forwardor"R" reversespeed.
Tostop,movethespeedcontrollevertothe"N" neutralposition.
Whenmowing,placethespeedcontrolleverin
the"CuttingSpeed"position,oraslowerforward
speedforthe bestresults.
flote: Donotusetheparkingparkingbrakepedal
tocontrolthegroundspeedofthelawntractor.
Alwaysusethespeedcontrollevertoslowthe
groundspeedof thelawntractor.Depressingthe
parkingparkingbrakepedalwith thespeedcontrol
leverengagedaspartof regularoperationwill
resultinprematurewearofthedrivebelt.
IMPORTANT: Donotattempttochangethe
directionoftravelwhenthetractorisinmotion.
Seriousdamageto thetractor'stransmissioncould
result.Alwaysbringthetractortoacomplete
stopbeforemovingthespeedcontrolleverfrom
forwardtoreverseorviceversa.
12
ParkingBrakePedal& Lever
Theparkingparkingbrakepedalislocatedonthe left siderunning
boardofthelawntractor.It isusedtobothsettheparkingbrake
andtostopthelawntractorinsuddensituations.
Theparkingbrakeleverislocatedontheleftsideofthetractor's
dashpanel.Tosettheparkingbrake,fullydepresstheparking
parkingbrakepedal.Movetheparkingbrakeleveralltheway
downandintotheparkingbrakepositionandthenreleasethe
parkingbrakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depressthe parkingbrakepedaland
theparkingbrakeleverwillautomaticallymoveoutof theparking
brakeposition.
Inansuddensituation,fullydepressthe parkingbrakepedalto
bringthetractortoastopandthenimmediatelymovethespeed
controllevertothe"N" neutralposition
IMPORTANT: Donotusetheparkingparkingbrakepedalto
controlthegroundspeedofthelawntractor.Doingsowill resultin
prematurewearofdrivebelt.AlwaysusetheSpeedControlLever
tocontrolthegroundspeedofthelawntractorandtostopthetractorundernormal
circumstances.
Note:Theparkingparkingbrakepedalmustbedepressedtostarttheengine.
Theparkingbrakemustalsobesetiftheoperatorleavestheseatwith theengine
runningortheenginewill automaticallyshutoff.RefertoSafetyInterlockSwitches
laterinthissection.
Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan 1/2inchbelowbottomof
fillernecktoallowspacefor fuelexpansion.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotorrunning.Allow
engineto coolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
Turntheengineoffandlet enginecoolatleast2minutesbeforeremoving
thefuelcap.Thegasolinetankisunderthehood,with thefuelfill cap
locatedontheleft handsideofthetank.
2. Fillthefueltankwith gasoline.
3. Reinstallthefuelcap.
Note:STOPfilling tankoncefuelisseeninsidethefiller neck.Thisensuresthata
properexpansionvolumeiscreated,otherwisethefuelcanoverflowcreatinga
hazardoussituation.DoNOTfill tothetopof thefillerneck.SeeFigure8.
/
Oil
IMPORTANT: Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroilintheengine.However,
youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Becarefulnottooverfill.
Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil,refertoCheckingTheEngine0il in
theServiceandMaintenancesectionof thismanual.
Gasoline
Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoorsorwhile the
engineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipes,andother
sourcesof gnt on.
NOTE:Purchasegasolinein smallquantities.Donotusegasolineleft overfromthe
previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuelsystem.
Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonunleadedgasoline.Forbestresults,fill
thefueltankwith onlyclean,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.
J
Figure8
AvoidSeriousInjury or Death
Goupanddownslopes,notacross.
Avoidsuddenturns.
Donotoperatetheunitwhereit couldsliportip.
Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesandbackdownhillslowly.
Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersarearound.
Nevercarrychildren,evenwith bladesoff.
Lookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking.
Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,andswitches)inplaceandworking.
Removeobjectsthat couldbethrownbytheblades.
Knowlocationandfunctionofallcontrols.
Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsorfeetnear
blades.
Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengageblades,engage
parkingbrake,shutengineoff,andremovekey.
ReadOperator'sManual
13
Safety interlock System
Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedforsafeoperationofthetractor.Ifthis
systemshouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethetractor,immediatelycontact
1-800-4-MY-HOMEtohavethesystemserviced.
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstartingunless
theparkingbrakeisengagedandthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverisin the
disengaged(OFF)position.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutoffthe engineifthe
operatorleavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengineif the
operatorleavesthetractor'sseatwith thePTO(BladeEngage)leverengaged,
regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrakeisengaged.
Engagingthe ParkingBrake
Toengage the parking brake:
1. Fullydepressthe parkingparkingbrakepedalandholdit downwith your
foot.
2. Movetheparkingbrakeleverallthewaydownandintotheparkingbrake
(ON)position.
3. Releasetheparkingparkingbrakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo
engage.
Torelease the parkingbrake:
1. Depressthe parkingparkingbrakepedalandmovetheparkingbrakelever
outoftheparkingbrake(ON)positionandintotheOFFposition.
Setting the CuttingHeight
1. Selecttheheightpositionof thecuttingdeckbyplacingthedecklift leverin
anyof thesixdifferentcuttingheightnotchesontheright sideofthefender.
2. Adjustthedeckwheelssothattheyarebetween1g-inchand1/2-inchabove
thegroundwhenthetractorisonasmooth,flat surfacesuchasadriveway.
3. Adjustthedeckwheelsbyremovingtheflangelocknutandshoulderbolt
thatsecureseachwheelandmovingit intooneoftheholesthat allows
thewheelstobebetween1g-inchand1/2-inchabovethegroundwhenthe
tractorisonasmooth,flat surfacesuchasadriveway.SeeFigure9.
f
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningofthecuttingdeck.
NOTE:Thedeckwheelsareananti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandarenotdesigned
tosupporttheweightof thecuttingdeck.RefertoLevelingintheServiceand
Maintenancesectionofthismanualformoredetailedinstructionsregardingvarious
deckadjustments.
Starting the Engine
Donotoperatethetractorif theinterlocksystemismalfunctioning.Thissystem
wasdesignedforyoursafetyandprotection.
NOTE:RefertotheGasolineandOilfill-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.See
Figure10.
DoNOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionforlongerthantensecondsatatime.
Doingsomaycausedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethethrottle
controlinthe FASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperatingthetractor.Doingsowill
resultina"rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorunpoorly.
f
Oil
Start
off
Figure9
Figure10
14
Stopping the Engine
Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)
andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforanydamage.
Repairthedamagebeforerestartingandoperating
1. Ifthebladesareengaged,placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe
disengaged(OFF)position.
2. Turntheignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theSTOPposition.
3. Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintendedstarting.
DrivingTheTractor
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.
Donotleavetheseatofthetractorwithoutfirst placingthePTO(BladeEngage)
leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position,depressingthebrakepedalandengaging
theparkingbrake.If leavingthetractorunattended,alsoturntheignitionkeyoff
andremovethekey.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackinguptoavoida back-over
accident.
1. Movethethrottle leverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.
NOTE:Alwaysoperatethetractorwiththethrottle/chokecontrolleverinthe
FAST(rabbit)positionforthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments.
2. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingthe parkingbrakepedal
3. Slowlymovethespeedcontrolleverindesired"F"forwardor"R"reverse
position.Thefurtherforwardor rearwardthattheleverismoved,thefaster
thetractorwill travel.
Settheparkingbrakebyfullydepressingthe parkingbrakepedaland
keepingit depressedwhileplacingtheparkingbrakeleverinthe ON
position.Releasetheparkingbrakepedalto allowtheparkingbraketo
engage.
Beforeleavingtheoperator'spositionforanyreason,disengagetheblades,place
thespeedcontrolleverin neutral,engagetheparkingbrake,shutengineoffand
removethekey.
IM PORTANT: Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileon agrass
surface,always:
1. Placethespeedcontrolleverin N(neutral),
2. Engagetheparkingbrake,
3. Shutengineoffandremovethekey.
Doingsowill minimizethepossibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhot
exhaustfromyourtractor'srunningengine.
DrivingOnSlopes
Referto theSLOPEGAUGEintheImportantSafeOperationPracticessectionofthe
manualtohelpdetermineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.
Donotmowoninclineswith aslopeinexcessof15degrees(ariseof
approximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Thetractorcouldoverturnandcause
seriousinjury.
Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.Uneventerrain
couldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Avoidturnswhendrivingonaslope.Iraturnmustbemade,turndownthe
slope.Turningupaslopegreatlyincreasesthechanceofa rollover.
Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.Ifit isnecessaryto stopwhile
drivingupa slope,start upsmoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibility
offlippingthetractoroverbackward.
DoNOTattemptto changethedirectionof travelwhenthetractorisin motion.
Alwaysbringthetractorto acompletestopbeforemovingthespeedcontrol
leverfromforwardto reverseorviceversa.Failuretodosocouldresultinserious
damagetoyourtractor'stransmission.
IIViPO RTA N T: First-timeoperatorsshoulduseslowerspeeds.Become
completelyfamiliarwith thetractor'soperationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthe
tractorata higherspeed.
4. Tostop,movethespeedcontrollevertothe"N" neutralposition.
IMPORTANT: Inasuddensituation,fullydepressthebrakepedaltobring
thetractortoastopandthenimmediatelymovethespeedcontrollevertothe"N"
neutralposition.
Engagingthe Blades
Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothecuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:
1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolleverto theFAST(rabbit)position.
2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitallthewayforwardintothe
engaged(ON)position.
3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthemostefficientuse
ofthecuttingdeckorother(separatelyavailable)attachments.
IM PORTANT: IntheReverseCautionModetheenginewill automaticallyshut
off ifthe PTOisengagedwith thespeedcontrolleverinpositionforreversetravel
with theignitionkeyin theNORMALMOWINGposition.
Usingthe DeckLift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertotheleft,thenplaceitinthe
notchbestsuitedforyourapplication.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin
thissection.
15
Mowing
Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,keepbystanders,helpers,
I childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe machinewhileitisinoperation.Stop
[ machineifanyoneentersthearea.
Thefollowinginformationwill behelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeckwithyour
tractor:
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialstowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawall
orobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialtoricochetbacktowardthe
operator.
Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifamulchkit orgrasscollector
isinstalled.
Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthat thefirst twolapsbecutwith the
dischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirst twolaps,reversethe
directiontothrowthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceofcutting.
Thiswill giveabetterappearanceto thelawn.
Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowthandyellows
quicklyindryweather.
Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfullthrottle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessaryto gobackoverthecutareaa
secondtimetogetacleancut.
DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsandextremelytallgrass.
Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclearbrush.
Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.Referto Cutting
BladesintheServiceandMaintenencesectionofthismanualforproper
bladesharpeninginstructions.
MovingTheTractorManually
Yourtractor'stransmissionisequippedwith a hydrostaticreliefvalveforoccasions
whenit isnecessarytomovethetractormanually.Activatingthisvalveforces
thefluidin thetransmissionto bypassits normalroute,allowingthe reartiresto
"freewheel."Toengagethehydrostaticreliefvalve,proceedasfollows:
1. Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodinthe rearofthetractor.SeeFigure11.
2. Pullthehydrostaticbypassrodoutward,thendownto lockitintoplace.
NOTE:Thetransmissionwill NOTengagewhenthehydrostaticbypassrodispulled
out.Returntherodtoitsnormalpositionpriortooperatingthetractor.
IM PO RTANT: Neverattemptto movethetractormanuallywithoutfirst
engagingthehydrostaticreliefvalve.Doingsowill resultinseriousdamagetothe
tractor'stransmission.
Figure11
Headlights
16
ThelampsareONwheneverthetractor'sengineisrunning.
ThelampsturnOFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOP
position.
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageallcontrols
andstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometoacomplete
stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduringoperationorwhile
performinganyadjustmentsorrepairs.
BeforeEachUse 1. Engineoil level 1.
2. Mufflerareaandcontrols 2.
3. Fingerguard 3.
Inthe FirstFiveHours 1. EngineOil 1.
Every10Hours I. Hood/Dashair vents 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,simply contact1-800-4-MY-HOME_.
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 parkingbrake,stopthe engineandremovethe
keyto preventunintendedstarting.
Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,the engine,muffler andsurrounding
metalsurfaceswill behot andcan causeburnsto the skin. Exercisecaution
to avoidburns.
17
EngineMaintenance
Checking the Engine Oil
OnlyusehighqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassificationSF,SG,
SH,or SJ.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto theexpectedoperating
temperature.Followthechartbelow.Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30,
etc.)improvestartingin coldweather,theywill resultinincreasedoilconsumption
whenusedabove32°I.Checkyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlyto avoidpossible
enginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.
_ow-so__[___
_mm 5W-30
[°F} -200 0° 20°32 °400 500 60° 80° I00 °
{°C)-30°-20°-10 ° 0° 10o 20° 300 400
Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:
Ensurethat thetractorisonalevelsurface.
Cleantheoilfill areaofanydebris.
1. Removethedipstick,seeFigure12,andwipewith acleancloth.
2. Reinsertdipstickandpresscompletelydown.
3. Removethedipstickandchecktheoillevel.ItshouldbeattheFullmarkon
thedipstick.
SAE 30 m
L
Changingthe EngineOiland Filter
Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,the engine,muffler andsurrounding
metalsurfaceswill behot andcancauseburnsto theskin. Exercisecaution
toavoidburns.
NOTE:Theoilfiltershouldbechangedateveryoilchangeinterval.
Theengineoilshouldbechangedin thefirst5hoursandthenevery50hoursor
onceaseason.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedasfollows:
1. Runtheengineforafew minutesto allowtheoilinthecrankcaseto warm
up.Warmoilwill flow morefreelyandcarryawaymoreoftheengine
sedimentwhichmayhavesettledatthe bottomofthecrankcase.Usecareto
avoidburnsfromhotoil.
2. Openthetractor'shoodandlocatetheoildrainportontheleftsideoftheengine.
3. Disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepitawayfromsparkplug.
4. Popopentheprotectivecapon theendofthe oildrainvalvetoexposethe
drainport.SeeinsetofFigure13.
Dipstick
FuelFilter
// 7
//
AirCleanerCover OilDrainValve OilFilter
Figure12
4. Iflow,addoilslowlyintotheengineoilfill. Donotoverfill.Afteraddingoil,
waitoneminuteandthenrechecktheoillevel.
Donotoverfill. Overfilling with oil maycausethe engineto notstart, hard
starting, orenginesmoking.Ifoverthe FULLmarkonthe dipstick,drainoil
to reduceoiilevelto FULLmarkon dipstick.
5. Replacedipstick,pressingit completelydown.
18
Figure13
5.
Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotherighttobetterexposethedrainplug.
6.
Pushtheoildrainhose(packedwith thismanual)ontotheoildrainport.
Routetheoppositeendofthehoseintoanappropriateoil collection
containerwith at leasta 2.5quartcapacityto collecttheusedoil.
Theengineisequippedwith atwist-and-pulldrainport.Turntheoildrain
valveY4-turn,then pulloutwardtobegindrainingoil.Aftertheoilhas
finisheddraining,pushtheendoftheoildrainvalvebackinandturnY4-turn
tosecureit backinplace.Removetheoildrainhoseandstorefor lateruse.
Re-captheendoftheoil drainvalvetokeepdebrisfromenteringthedrain
port.SeeFigure13.
Replacetheoilfilter,seeFigure12,byremovingand disposingofit
properly.
Partiallyfilltheoil filterapproximately3/4ofthewayfull with clean,fresh
oil. Beforeyouinstallthenewoil filter, lightly lubricatetheoil filter gasket
with someoftheoilbysimplydippingyourfingerintheoilandrunningit
aroundthegasket.
Installtheoilfilterbyhanduntilthegasketcontactstheoilfilteradapter,
thentightentheoilfilter1/2to3/4turns.
10.
Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroiluntiltheoillevelonthedipstickreads
FULL.Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.
Usedoilisahazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly.Donot
discardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyouriota[ authoritiesor orcontact
1-800-4-MY-HOMEforalistofsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
11. Startandruntheengine.Astheenginewarmsup,checkforoilleaks.
12. Stoptheengineandchecktheoil level.ItshouldbeattheFULLmarkonthe
dipstick.
FuelFilter
Tochangethe fuel filter:
I. Usepliersto squeezethetabsontheotherclamp(theout-linesideofthe
fuelfilter),thenslidetheclampawayfromthefuelfilter. Twistandpullthe
fuellineoffof thefuelfilter.SeeFigure14.
f
Clamp
Fuel
Line
Tab
Gasolineanditsvaporsareextremely flammableandexplosive.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)of the
fuelfilter.
Replacementpartsmustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionas
theoriginalparts.
Iffuelspills,wait until it evaporatesbeforestartingengine.
Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltank.Otherwise,fuelcanleak
outandcauseafireorexplosion.
ToDrain the fuel:
Locatethefuelfilter,seeFigure12,whichisroutedontheleftsideofthe
enginebetweenthefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedtothe
enginewithatiestrap.Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthetabsonthe
in-lineclamponthefuelfilterwithapairofpliers,slidetheclampupthefuel
line.Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplacetheopenendofthelineinto
anapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.
J
Figure14
2. Checkthe fuellinesforcracksorleaks.Replaceif necessary.
3. Replacethefuelfilter withanoriginalequipmentreplacementfilter. Call
1-800-4-MY-HOME®to purchasetheoriginalequipmentreplacementfilter.
4. Securethefuellineswith theclamps.
Iffilters, orcoversarenot installedcorrectlyseriousinjury ordeathcould
resultfrom backfire.Donot attempt to startthe enginewith them removed
Donotusepressurizedair orsolventsto cleanthe aircleanercartridge.
19
Air Cleaner
NOTE:Operatingenginewith looseordamagedaircleanercomponentscouldcause
prematurewearandfailure.Replaceallbentordamagedcomponents.
NOTE:Paperelementcannotbeblownoutwith compressedair.
Loosenknobsandremoveaircleanercover,seeFigure15.
Precleaner(ifequipped):
1. Removeprecleaner.
2. Replaceorwashprecleanerinwarmwaterwith detergent.Rinseandallow
toairdry.
3. Saturateprecleanerwith newengineoil;squeezeout excessoil.
4. Reinstallprecleanerintocover,aligningholeinprecleanerwith uppercover
knob.
PaperElement:
1. Removeelementfrombase;replaceelement.
2. Installelementwithpleatedsideoutandseatrubbersealontoedgesof
base.
3. Reinstallaircleanercoverandsecurewith knobs.
Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgaptomakesureit issetat .030".
SeeFigure16.
Electrode Porcelain
.030 (.76 mm) gap
J
Figure16
3. Replacethesparkplug(Champion®RC12YC)onceaseason.
Muffler
Temperatureof muffler and nearbyengineareasmayexceed150°F(65°C).
Avoidcontactwith theseareas.
Inspectmufflerperiodically,andreplaceif necessary.Replacementparts
forthemufflermustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionasthe
originalparts.
Figure15
SparkPlug
1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastsparkplug.Spark
plugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushingandwashingwith a
commercialsolvent
CleanEngine
Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom
engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducetheriskofoverheatingand
ignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Donotusewater to cleanengineparts. Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Useabrushor drycloth.
Carburetor Adjustment
Thecarburetoronthisengineisnotadjustable.
Lubrication
Beforelubricating, repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO(Blade
EngageLever),moveshift leverinto neutralposition,setparkingbrake,stop
leng neandremovekeyto preventunntendedstart rig.
Pivot Points& Linkage
Lubricateallthepivotpointsonthedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift linkageat
leastonceaseasonwith light oil.
RearWheels
Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesonceaseason.Lubricatethe
axlesandtherimswellwith anall-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem.
20
FrontA×les
Eachendofthetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequippedwith agreasefitting.
Lubricatewith agreasegunafterevery25hoursoftractoroperation.
Drivethetractortoa level,clearspotonyourlawn,nearenoughforyour
gardenhosetoreach.
Battery
Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbechecked.
Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeofcorrosive
buiN-up.
Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatofpetroleumjelly
orgreasetobothterminals.
Alwayskeeptherubberbootpositionedoverthepositiveterminaltoprevent
shorting.
IMPORTANT: Ifremovingthebatteryforanyreason,disconnecttheNEGATIVE
(Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSITIVE(Red)wire.When
re-installingthe battery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wiretoitsterminal
first,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnected
tothecorrectterminals;reversingthemcouldchangethe polarityandresultin
damagetoyourengine'salternatingsystem.
CleaningBattery
Cleanthe batterybyremovingit fromthetractorandwashingwith a bakingsoda
andwatersolution.If necessary,scrapethebatteryterminalswith awirebrushto
removedeposits.Coatterminalsandexposedwiringwith greaseorpetroleumjelly
topreventcorrosion.
Battery Failures
Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:
Incorrectinitialactivation
Overcharging
Freezing
Undercharging
Corrodedconnections
Makecertainthe tractor'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfrom your house,
garage,parkedcars,etc.
2. DisengagethePTO(BladeEngage),settheparkingbrakeandstopthe
engine.
3. Threadthehosecoupier(packagedwithyourtractor'sOperator'sManual)
ontotheendofyourgardenhose.
4. Attachthehosewithhosecouplertothewaterportonthecuttingdeck
surface.SeeFigure17.
Turnthewateron.5.
6.
Whilesittingintheoperator'spositiononthetractor,starttheengineand
placethethrottle leverintheFAST(rabbit)position.
7. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intotheONposition.
8. Remainintheoperator'spositionwith thecuttingdeckengagedfora
minimumoftwominutes,allowingtheundersideofthecuttingdeckto
thoroughlyrinse.
9. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intothe0FFposition.
10. Turntheignitionkeytothe STOPpositionto turnthetractor'sengineoff.
11. Turnthewateroffanddetachthehosecouplerfromthewaterportonyour
deck'ssurface.
IMPORTANT: After cleaningyourdeckwith the DeckWashSystemTM return
tothe operator'spositionandengagethe PTO.Keepthecutting deckrunning
foraminimumoftwo minutes,allowingtheundersideof the cutting deckto
thoroughlydry.
ThesefailuresareNOTcoveredbyyourtractor'swarranty.
Cleaningthe EngineAnd Deck
Anyfueloroilspilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoffpromptly.DoNOTallow
debristo accumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengineoronanyotherpartof
themachine.
IM PORTANT: Theuseofapressurewasherto cleanyourtractorisNOT
recommended.It maycausedamagetoelectricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,
bearingsortheengine.
DeckWashSystemTM
Yourtractor'sdeckisequippedwithawaterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsDeck
WashSystemTM, followtheseinstructionstoutilizethisfeature.
UsetheDeckWashSystemTM torinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sundersideand
preventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.CompletethefollowingstepsAFTER
EACHMOWING:
Figure17
21
Adjustments
Neverattempt to makeanyadjustmentswhile the engineisrunning,except
wherespecifiedintheoperator'smanual.
Levelingthe Deck
Note:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeckleveling
adjustments.RefertoTiresintheServicesectionofthismanualformore
informationregardingtirepressure.
Front ToRear
Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbyastabilizerbarthatcanbeadjustedto
levelthedeckfromfront to rear.ThefrontofthedeckshouldbebetweenIA-inch
and_8-lnchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:
I. Withthetractorparkedon afirm, levelsurface,placetheleverforlifting the
platformonthesecondto thetopnotch(secondhighestposition)androtate
thebladeascloseaspossibletothedischargechannelthat isparalleltothe
tractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetip tothegroundandthe
rearofthebladetiptotheground.Thefirstmeasurementtakenshould
bebetweenIA"and3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.Determine
theapproximatedistancenecessaryforproperadjustmentandproceed,if
necessary,to thenextstep.
3. Locatetheflangelocknuton thefrontsideofthestabilizerbracket.See
Figure18.
Tightentheflangelocknutto raisethefrontofthedeck;
Loosentheflangelocknuttolowerthefrontofthedeck.
1. Withthetractorparkedonafirm, levelsurface,placethedecklift leverin
thesecondfromthetopnotch(secondhighestposition)androtateboth
bladessothattheyareperpendicularwith thetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideofthe left bladetiptotheground
andthedistancefromtheoutsideoftherightbladetip totheground.Both
measurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey'renot,proceedto thenext
step.
3. Loosen,butdoNOTremove,thehexcapscrewontheleftdeckhanger
bracket.SeeFigure19.
4. Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchtoturntheadjustmentgear(found
immediatelybehindthehexcapscrewjustloosened)clockwise!upor
counterclockwise/down.Thedeckisproperlybalancedwhenbothbladetip
measurementstakenearlierareequal.
S. Retlghtenthe hexcapscrewontheleft deckhangerbracketwhenproper
adjustmentisachieved.
J
,.. J
Figure18
SidetoSide
Ifthecuttingdeckappearstobemowingunevenly,asidetosideadjustmentcanbe
performed.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:
He× Cap Screw
Figure19
SeatAdjustment
Referto theAssemblysectionofthismanualforseatadjustmentinstructions.
ParkingBrakeAdjustment
Neverattempt to adjustthe brakeswhilethe engineisrunning.Always
IdisengagePTO(bladeengage)lever,moveshift leverinto neutralposition,
Istopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
Ifthetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhenthebrakepedaliscompletely
depressed,orif thetractor'srearwheelscanrollwith theparkingbrakeapplied,
thebrakeis inneedof adjustment.ContactthenearestSearsServiceCenterto have
yourbrakesproperlyadjusted.
Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServkeCenteror to scheduleservke,
contact1-800-4-M¥-NOME_.
22
CuttingDecklemovai
Toremove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:
1. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)positionand
engagetheparkingbrake.
2. Lowerthedeckbymovingthedecklift leverintothe bottomnotchonthe
rightfender.
3. Removetheself-tappingscrew(A)thatsecuresthebelt-keeperrodfrom
aroundthetractor'sPTOpulley,thenremovethebeltkeeperrod(B).See
Figure20.
flote: Makeamentalnotewhatholetheotherendofthebelt-keeperrodisinserted
inforreinstallationpurposes.
4. Removethebelt(C)fromaroundthetractor'sPTOpulley.SeeFigure20.
Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingers onthe idlerspringor
betweenthebelt anda pulleywhile removing the belt.
Bow-TieClip
w
.J
Figure21
Removethebow-tiecotterpinsecuringthedeckstabilizerrodtothedeck.
Slidethedecklift rodfromthemounlngbracketonthedeckasseenin
Figure22.
#
!
®
J
Figure20
5. Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleftsideofthetractor,locatethebow-
tiepinthatsecuresthedecksupportrodontherearleftsideofthedeck.See
Figure21.Removethebow-tiepinthat securesthedecksupportrod,and
carefullyremovethedecksupportfromthedecklift arm.
6. Repeattheabovestepsonthetractor'srightside.
Note:Thebow-tieclipsshouldbere-installedfromthetopdown.
7. Movethedecklift leverintothetopnotchontherightfendertoraisethe
decklift armsupandoutoftheway.
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Figure22
Carefullyremovethe PTOcablefromtherearofthecuttingdeckby
removingthe bow-tiecotterpinwhichsecuresit. Removethespringfrom
thedeckidlerbracket.SeeFigure23.
L
23
/'
/
/
PTOCable
Figure23
10. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromtheleftside)outfromunderneaththe
tractor.
2. Connecttheotherendofthecabletothe(positive+) postofthejumperbattery.
3. Connectthesecondcable(negative-) to theotherpostofthejumper
battery.
4. Connecttheotherendofthenegativecableto theengineblockofthe
tractor,awayfromthebattery.Attachtoanunpaintedpartto assureagood
connection.
Ifthejumperbattery isinstalled onavehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOTstart
the vehicle'senginewhenjump startingyour tractor.
5. Startthetractor(asinstructedearlierinthissectionof thismanual).
6. Setthetractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables,in reverse
orderofconnection.
Charging
Batteriesgiveoff anexplosivegaswhile charging.Chargethe batteryin a
[wellventilated areaand keepawayfrom anopenflame orpilot light asona
lwater heater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
Tires
Neverexceedthe maximum inflation pressureshownonthe sidewallof tire.
Therecommendedoperating tire pressureis:
Approximately10psifor thereartires
Approximately14psiforthefronttires
[M PORTANT: Refertothetiresidewallfor exacttiremanufacturer's
recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotovednflate.Uneventirepressurecould
causethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.
Battery
CaliforniaProposition65WARNING!Batteryposts,terminals,andrelated
accessoriescontainleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknowntothe Stateof
Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Ifremoving the battery,disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire from its
terminalfirst, followedbythe POSITIVE(Bed)wire. Whenre-installing
the battery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Bed)wire to itsterminalfirst,
[fo owedbythe NEGATME(Back)w re.
JumpStarting
Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,useonlyachargerdesignedfor12Vlead-
acidbatteries.Readyourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManualpriortocharging
tourtractor'sbattery.Alwaysfollow itsinstructionsandheeditswarnings.
Ifyourtractorhasnotbeenputintouseforanextendedperiodoftime,chargethe
batteryasfollows:
1. Setyourbatterychargertodeliveramaxof 10amperes.
2. Ifyourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthecharger
indicatesthatchargingiscomplete.Ifthechargerisnotautomatic,charge
fornofewerthaneighthours.
Fuse
One20AMPfuseisinstalledinyourtractor'swiringharnessto protectthetractor's
electricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessiveamperage.
Iftheelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,oryourtractor'senginewill notcrank,
first checkto becertainthatthefusehasnot blown.Itcanbefoundattherearof
theunit, underneaththefenderlocatedbythe battery.
Alwaysuseafusewith thesameamperagecapacityfor replacement.
Cutting Blades
Shutthe engineoff and removeignitionkeybeforeremovingthecutting
blade(s)for sharpeningor replacement.Protectyourhandsby usingheavy
gloveswhen graspingthe blade.
Neverjumpstarta damagedorfrozen battery.Becertainthe vehiclesdo not
touch,and ignitionsareoff. Donot allow cableclampsto touch.
Connectpositive(+)cableto positivepost(+) ofyourtractor'sdischarged
battery.
Periodicallyinspectthe bladeand/orspindlefor cracksor damage,
especiallyafter you'vestruckaforeignobject. Donotoperatethe machine
until damagedcomponentsare replaced.
24
Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(refertoCuttingDeckRemoval
earlierin thissection)thengentlyflipthedeckoverto exposeitsunderside.
2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffleandthe
cuttingbladetoactasastabilizer.SeeFigure24.
3. Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthebladeto thespindleassembly.
F
HexFlangeNut
5. Testtheblade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetalfromthe
heavysideuntil it balancesevenly.
NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besuretoinstallthe bladewith thesideofthe
blademarked"Bottom" (orwith apartnumberstampedinit)facingtheground
whenthe mowerisintheoperatingposition.
Useatorquewrench totighten the bladespindlehexflange nut to between
70Ibs-ftand 90Ibs-ft.
Changingthe DeckBelt
Besureto shutthe engineoff, removeignitionkey,disconnectthe spark
plugwire(s)and groundagainstthe engineto prevent unintendedstarting
_beforeremovng the bet.
All beltson yourtractor aresubjectto wear andshouldbereplacedifany
signsofweararepresent.
Figure24
4.
Toproperlysharpenthecutting blades,removeequalamountsof metal
frombothendsofthebladesalongthecuttingedges,paralleltothetrailing
edge,ata25°- to 30°angle.Alwaysgrindeachcuttingbladeedgeequallyto
maintainproperbladebalance.SeeFigure25.
Figure25
Ifthe cutting edgeof thebladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,or if any
metalseparationispresent,replacethe bladeswith newones.
IM PORTANT: TheV-beltfoundonyourtractorisspeciallydesignedtoengage
anddisengagesafely.Asubstitute(non-OEM)V-beltcanbedangerousbynot
disengagingcompletely.Foraproperworkingmachine,useidenticalequipment
beltsaslistedinthepartspagesofthisOperator'sManual.
Tochangeorreplacethedeckbeltonyourtractor,proceedasfollows:
Removethedeckasinstructedearlierinthissection.
1. Removethebeltcoversfromthespindlepulleysbyremovingthehexscrews
thatfastenthecoverstothedeck.SeeFigure26.
2. Itmayalsobenecessarytoloosenthehexnutontheleft deckidlerpulleyto
getthebeltoffthe pulleyandaroundthebeltguard.
3. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthetwo spindlepulleysandthe
twodeckidlerpulleys.SeeFigure26.
4. Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebeltaroundthetwoouterspindle
pulleysasshownin Figure26.
5. ThenroutethebeltaroundthetwodeckidlerpulleysasshowninFigure26.
6. Retightenthebeltkeeperrodloosenedearlier.
7. Remountthebeltguardsremovedearlier.
8. Re-installthedeck,makingsurethebeltremainsroutedaroundthepulleys
asinstructed.ThecompletebeltroutingisshowninFigure26.
9. Pulltherightsideofthebelt,andplacethenarrowVsideofthebelt intothe
PTOpulley.
10. Whileholdingthe beltandpulleytogether,rotatethepulleytotheleft.
Continueholdingandrotatingthepulleyandbeltuntilthebelt isfullyrolled
intothe PTOpulley.
Apoorly balancedbladewill causeexcessivevibration, maycausedamageto
thetractor and/or result inpersonalinjury.
25
ParkingBrakeAdjustment
Neverattempt toadjustthe brakeswhile theengine isrunning. AMays
disengagePTO(BladeEngageLever),moveshift leverinto neutral position,
stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
Ifthetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhentheclutch-brakepedalis
completelydepressed,orifthetractor'srearwheelscanrollwith theparkingbrake
applied,the brakeisinneedofadjustment.ContactthenearestParts& Repair
ServiceCenterto haveyourbrakesserviced.
Tolocate the nearestParts& RepairServiceCenterorto scheduleservice,
contact1-800-4-MY-HOME_.
f
Hex Washer Screws
Changing the TransmissionDrive Belt
NO}E:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedandspecialtools(i.e.air/
impactwrench)inorderto changethetractor'sdrivebelt.Contactthe
nearest Parts & RepairService Centerto haveyourtransmission
drivebeltserviced.
Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairServiceCenterorto scheduleservice,
contact1-800-4-MY-HOME_.
_ortion of the
belt routes around
the PTO Pulley
Figure26
Belt Cover
26
Neverstorelawn tractor with fuel intank indoorsor in poorlyventilated
areaswhere fuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark,or pilot light ason
afurnace,water heater,clothesdryer,or gasappliance.
PreparingTheEngine
IMPORTANT: Fuelleft inthefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterioratesand
will causeseriousstartingproblems.
Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetorandcausing
possiblemalfunctionoftheengine,thefuelsystemmustbeeithercompletely
emptied,orthegasolinemustbetreatedwithastabilizerto preventdeterioration.
I. Ifusinga fuelstabilizer:
a. Readtheproductmanufacturer'sinstructionsandrecommendations.
b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountofstabilizerforthe
capacityofthefuelsystem.
c. Fillthefueltankwith treatedfuelandruntheenginefor 2-3minutesto
getstabilizedfuelintothecarburetor.
2. Ifemptylngthefuelsystem:
a. Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengineadequate
timetocool.Drainfuel intoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfrom
openflame.
b. Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthe
fuellinefromthein-linefuelfilter neartheengine.Seethecomplete
instructionsforDrainingTheFuellaterin thissection.
Gasolineisextremelyflammableand canbeexplosiveundercertain
conditions. Draingasolinebeforestoring theequipmentfor extended
periods.Drainfuel onlyinto anapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfrom
anopenflame.Allowengineto cool.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipes,
andother sourcesof ignitionprior to draining fuel.Storegasolineinan
approvedcontainerinsafelocation.
DrainingTheFuel
1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichislocatedontheleftsideoftheengine,andmay
beattachedtotheenginewithatiestrap.
2. Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthe in-lineclamponthefuelfilter
with apairofpliers,slidetheclampupthefuelline.
3. Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplacetheopenendofthe lineinto
anapprovedcontainerto drainthefuel.
PreparingThelawn tractor
Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrication
instructions.
2. Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosivematerials,
suchasfertilizer.
c. Reconnectthefuel lineandruntheengineuntilit startstofalter,then
usethechoketokeeptheenginerunninguntilallfuelin thecarburetor
hasbeenexhausted.
d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainanyremaininggasolinefromthe
system.
Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeof gasolineproperly.Contactyour
localauthoritiesforapproveddisposalmethods.
3. Removethesparkplugandpourone(1)ounceofengineoilthroughthespark
plugholeintothecylinder.Cranktheengineseveraltimestodistributethe
oil. Replacethesparkplug.
27
Enginefailsto start
1. PTO/BladeEngageleverengaged.
2. Parkingbrakenotengaged.
3. Sparkplugwire(s)disconnected.
4. Throttle/Chokecontrollevernot incorrect
2. Engageparkingbrake.
3. Connectwire(s)to sparkplug(s).
4. PlaceThrottle/Chokeleverintothe FASTposition.
startingposition.
5. Chokenotactivated
6. Fueltankempty,or stalefuel.
7. BIockedfuelline.
8. Faultysparkplug(s).
9. Engineflooded.
5. MovetheThrottle/Chokeleverintothe Choke
6. Filltankwithclean,fresh(lessthan30daysold) gas.
7. Replacethefuellineandreplacefuelfilter.
8. Clean,adjustgapor replaceplug(s).
9. CrankenginewiththrottleinFASTposition.
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 gaptoo wide. 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)See"Fuse"in Serviceand
Maintenancesection.
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.
NEED MOREHELP?
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