MTD 13BJ78SS099 Owner’s Manual

perator's

I:RnFrSMRN°

LAWN TRACTOR

19.5 HP, Variation Speed

42" Deck

Model No. 247.288843

• 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.769-06421D

this product, Call:

1-800=659=5917

CraftsmanTractorHelpLine

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

(November28,2012)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 26

Trou bleshooting .............................................................. 27

Labels ............................................................................. 28

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

Espa_ol ............................................................................ 60

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

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthe dateofpurchase,allnon-expendablepartsofthis ridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor workmanship.Adefectivenon-expendablepartwillreceivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairis unavailable.

BATTERYLIMITEDWARRANTY

FOR90 DAYSfromthe dateof purchase,thebattery(anexpendablepart)ofthis ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstany defectsin materialor workmanship.Anewbatterywillbesuppliedfreeof charge.Youare responsibleforthe laborcost of batteryinstallation.

ADDITIONALLIMITEDWARRANTIES

inthefollowingadditionalwarranties,youare responsibleforthelaborcostofpart installationafterthe secondyearfromthedateof purchase. FORFiVEYEARSfromthedateof purchase,the frameof thisridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstany defectsin materialorworkmanship.A

newframewillbe suppfiedfreeof charge. FORTENYEARSfromthe dateofpurchase,thefrontaxleofthisridingequipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsin materialorworkmanship.

A newfrontaxlewill be suppliedfreeofcharge. FORASLONGASITiSUSEDbytheoriginalownerafterthetenthyearfromthedateofpurchase,thecastironfrontaxle(ifequipped)ofthisriding

equipmentis warrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Withproofofpurchase,anewcastironfrontaxlewillbesuppliedfreeofcharge.

WARRANTYSERVICE Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainfree repairor replacement,carl1-800-659-5917or visitthe web site:www.craftsman.com inall casesabove,ifpartrepairor replacementis impossible,theridingequipmentwill be replacedfreeofchargewiththesameor anequivalent

model. All oftheabovewarrantycoverageisvoidifthis ridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorif rentedtoanotherperson.

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:

• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcan wearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,spark

plugs,air cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.

Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance.

Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityofthe ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthat bendtheframe,axleassemblyor crankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.

Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper storage,failuretousethepropergradeand amountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintainthe ridingequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscontainedin theoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedor oxidized(stale).ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused

within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement. Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

SearsBrands ManagementCor

_oration,Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

EngineOil: SAE30 Fuel: UnleadedGasoline

SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC

Model Number: Serial Number:

Dateof Purchase:

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

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

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethe followingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateof California tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand

in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate. Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfutureand regularreference andfororderingreplacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheir properoperation.Knowhow tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethis machine. Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper instruction.

• Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keep bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthe machinewhile itisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

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

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

Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseof thispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsin thismanualandon the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto the eyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

• Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionand do notpointit at anyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthe dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherinits properplace.

Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthe cutting

deck.Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet. A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact

or thrownobjectinjuries.

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

• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This

machineis notintendedforuseonanypublicroadway.

• Donotoperatethemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcohol or drugs.

• Mowonly indaylightorgoodartificiallight.

Nevercarrypassengers.

• Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backupslowly. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile backingtoavoida

back-overaccident.

• Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

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

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

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

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot touch.

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

Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthebrakepedal completelybeforeattemptingto startengine.

Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa heightnomorethan10".Donotattemptto mowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpiles of dryleaves.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. Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilityto operatetheriding mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom seriousinjury.

If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare andgoodjudgment.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossof controlandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon it, do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthismanual to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineona slopedor hilly area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould

result.

Do:

Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution

whenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.

Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat youwill nothaveto stopor shiftwhileon the slope.Tiresmay losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning properly.Alwayskeepmachinein gearwhengoingdownslopes totakeadvantageof enginebrakingaction.

• Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweightsor counterweightsto improvestability.

Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These

canchangethestabilityofthe machine.

Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefrontofthemachinetolift andrapidlyflip overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

• Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope.Iftireslosetraction,disen- gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdownthe slope.

DoNot:

• Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossible.

• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments.The mower couldsuddenlyturnoverifa wheelis overtheedgeofa cliff, ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.

• Donottry to stabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfootonthe ground.

• Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.

• Donotmowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

• Donotattempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe operatortolosecontrolofthe machineresultinginseriousinjury

or death.

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

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalert tothepresence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthe mowing activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

• Bealert andturnmachineoff ifa childentersthearea.

• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall children.

Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththe blade(s)shutoff.Theymay falloffandbe seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine operation.

• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways, shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild whomayrunintothe machine.

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

shouldnotbe usedwhenchildrenor othersarearound. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer

burnsfroma hotmuffler.

• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto preventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine. Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe instructionsand

safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon the machineandshould 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.

Travelslowlyandallowextradistanceto stop. Donotcoastdownhill.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingof Gasoline

Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein

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

• Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleorona truckortrailerbed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundaway fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

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

refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim of thefueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot use a nozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineis hotor run-

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

bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.

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

engine.

• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlight as ona 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.

• Nevertamperwiththe safetyinterlocksystemor othersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

• Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe sparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainstthe engine.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 not meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed ofthe engine.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to protecttheenvironment.

• Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC) andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),this product hasanAverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 270hours ofoperation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLife,buyanew machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatall mechanicaland safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnot wornexcessively.

Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

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

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal

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

SPARK ARRESTOR

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

Ifa sparkarrestoris used,it shouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveis required bylaw (Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarrestorforthemuffleris availablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct.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.

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 SLOPEISTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!

Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethis pageandfoldalongthedashedline.

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

3. Align eithersideoftheslope gaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1and Figure2).

4. Adjust gaugeupor downuntilthe left cornertouchesthe slope(SeeFigure1and Figure2).

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

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-overaccidentswhichcan resultin severe injury or death. Do not operatemachine on slopes in excess of 15degrees.All slopesrequire extra caution. Ifyou cannot backup the slope orif you feeluneasyon it, do not mowit.

Always mowup and down theface ofslopes, never mowacrossthe faceof slopes.

iMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroilin theengine. However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Refertothe Service& Maintenancesectionforinstructionson checkingtheoil

level. Attaching the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato

causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

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

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmenthave beenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsat the factory.Toconnect thebatterycables,proceedasfollows:

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

1. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebatteryterminal andattachthe redcabletothepositivebatteryterminal(+)with theboltand hexnut.SeeFigure1.

2. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebatteryterminal andattachthe blackcableto thenegativebatteryterminal(-) withtheboltandhex nut.SeeFigure1.

Shipping Brace Removal

Makesurethe ridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey,

andset the parkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer

ItotheOperationsectionfor instructionsonhowto setthe parking lbrake.

• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompanyingwarning tagfoundonthe rightsideof the mower,betweenthedischarge chutedeflectorandthe cuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.

Figure2

Figure1

3. Positiontheredrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminaltohelp protectit fromcorrosion.

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

Placethedecklift leverinthe highestcuttingposition.Referto

SettingtheCuttingHeightin the Operationsectionofthismanual. Whilepushingthedischargechuteddlectortowardsthemachinewith

yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp- ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.

Theshippingbrace,usedfor packagingpurposesonly,mustbe

removedand discardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.

Themowingdeckiscapableofthrowingobjects.Failureto operate the ridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperating

Ipositioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty ldamage.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcomeattached,the hardwareforattachingithasbeenpackedwithinthe steeringwheel, beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheel capandremovethe hardware.

1. Withthe wheelsof thetractorpointingstraightforward,placethe steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)overthesteeringwheel and securewiththehexbolt.SeeFig.3.

Adjusting the Seat Toadjustthe positionof theseat,pullupandholdtheseatadjustment

lever.Slidetheseatforwardor rearwardtothedesiredposition;then releasetheadjustmentlever.Makesure seatis lockedintopositionin

a seat-stopbeforeoperatingthe tractor.SeeFigure5.

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

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthecenterofthe steeringwheel

Figure3

andpushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.

Attaching The Seat NOTE:Forshippingreasons,theseatiseitherfastenedtothetractor

seat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or mountedbackwardtothepivot bracket.Ineithercase,free the seatfromits shippingpositionbeing carefulnotto bendor kinkthewiringharnessandfollowtheinstruc-

tionsbelowtoattachit.

1. Removethetwo hexscrewsandnutsfromtheseatpivotbracket.

2. Alignthefrontholesof theseatmountingbracketwiththe holesin theseatpivotbracketonyourtractorandsecurewith previously removedhex screwsandnuts. SeeA in Figure4.

3. Plugthewiringharnessintotheseatsafetyswitchinthebottomofthe seat,as shownin Bof Figure4.

NOTE:Thetractorwillnotoperatewiththe wiringharness disconnected.

Figure5

Tire Pressure

Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis30 psi.Equal

tirepressureshouldbe maintainedatall times.Neverexceedthe

_maxmum nfatonpressureshownonthesdewa of thet re. Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:

Approximately10psi forthe reartires Approximately14psi forthefronttires

iMPORTANT: Refertothe tire sidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedormaximumpsi.Donot overinfiate.Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

Figure4

A ParkingBrakeLever

B Throttle/ChokeControlLever

C IgnitionSwitchModule

D Auto-drivePedal E DeckLift Lever

NOTE:Anyreferenceinthismanualto theRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sseat positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontoftractor.

Rgure6

F PTOLever(BladeEngage) G CupHolder

H ShiftLever I SeatAdjustmentLever

J BrakePedal

MeetsANSiSafetyStandards

CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

ParkingBrakeLever

SeatAdjustmentLever

Tosettheparkingbrake:Fullydepressthebrakepedal.Movethe parkingbrakeleverintotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasethe brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake:Depressthebrakepedalandthe parkingbrakeleverwillmoveoutoftheparkingbrakepositionon itsown.Theparkingbrakewill thenbereleased.Releasethebrake pedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetiftheoperatorleavestheseat with theenginerunningortheenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

Throttle/chokeControlLever

Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedonthe leftsideofthetractor'sdashpanel.Thislever

controlsthespeedoftheengineandwhenpushed

allthewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.When setinagivenposition,thethrottle will maintaina uniformenginespeed.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperating the tractor with the cutting deck engaged, the throttle/choke control lever must always be inthe FAST (rabbit) position.

ignitionSwitch

Thekeyswitchmoduleisusedtostartandstoptheengine.Insert

mmmmmmm

SLOW

IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthe tractor,refertoboththe"Safety InterlockSystem"and"StartingThe Engine"laterinthissectionofthis

manualfordetailedinstructions regardingtheIgnitionSwitch

Module.

Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO(Blade EngageLever),moveshift [everintoneutralposition,set parking brake, stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

keyintothekeyswitchmoduleandturnclockwisetotheSTART position.Releasethe keyintothe normalmowingpositiononce enginehasstarted.Theheadlightswillbeactivatedautomatkally.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwiseto the STOPposition.

Theseatadjustmentleverislocatedbelowthefront/left oftheseat.Thelever allowsforadjustmentof theforeandaft positionof theseat.RefertotheAssembly sectionofthemanualformoredetailedinstructionsforadjustingtheseatposition.

Auto-drivepedal

Thedrivepedalislocatedontherightsideofthetractor,alongtherunningboard.

Depressthedrivepedalforwardandthetractorwi[[moveinthedirectionthatthe shiftleverisengagedin.Tocausethetractortotravelforward,whileata complete stop,movetheshift[everintotheForwardposition.Graduallysteponthedrive pedalandthetractorwill begintomoveforward.TomoveinReverse,follow the sameprocedureonlymovetheshift [everintothereverseposition.

Thegroundspeediscontrolledwith thedrivepedalThefurtherforwardthatthe pedalispivoted,thefasterthetractorwi[[travel.Thepedalwill returntoitsoriginal positionwhenit'snotdepressed.Referto theOperationsectionofthis manualfor detailedinstructionsregardingthedrivepedal

IMPORTANT:Always set the parking brake when leaving thetractor unattended.

DeckLiftLever

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leverisusedto changetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethelevertothe left, thenplaceinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.

PTO(BladeEngage)Lever

Foundonthetractor'srightfender,thePTO(bladeengage)lever isusedto engagepowertothecuttingdeckorother(separately available)attachments.Tooperate,movetheleveralltheway forward.Movingthe leverallthewayrearwardintothe PTOOFF positiondisengagespowertothecutting deck/attachment.

NOTE:ThePTO (blade engage) lever must be inthe disengaged (PTO OFF) position when starting the engine.

CupHolder

Thetractor'scupholderislocatedonthefendertotheleftoftheseat.

Shift Lover

Theshiftleverislocatedontheleftside ofthefenderandhasthreepositions,

FORWARD,NEUTRALandREVERSE.The brakepedalmustbedepressedandthe

tractormustnotbeinmotionwhenthe movingshiftlever. IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshift lever.

Doingsomayresultinseriousdamageto thetractor'stransmission.

REVEP_E

BrakePedal

Thebrakepedalislocatedontheleftsideofthelawntractor,alongtherunning board.Depressthebrakepedalto engagethediscbrakeandbringthetractortoa completestop.

NOTE:Thepedalmustbedepressedtostarttheengine.Referto SafetyInterlock Switcheslaterin thissectionofthismanual.

Gasand OilFill-up

Oil

IMPORTAfl#Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil intheengine.However,you MUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Becarefulnottooverfill.

Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil,refertoCheckingTheEngineOilin theServiceandMaintenancesectionofthismanual.

Gasoline

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.

Useextremecarewhenhandling gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable andthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoorsorwhile the

engineishotor running. Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipes,andother sourcesof gnt on.

NOTE:Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleftoverfromthe previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuelsystem.

Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonunleadedgasoline.Forbestresults,fill thefueltankwith onlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasolinewith apumpsticker octaneratingof 87orhigher.

Gasohol(upto10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolinebyvolume)isan approvedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblends,suchasE85,arenotapproved.

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

Fillfueltankoutdoorsorinwell-ventilatedarea. Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof

fillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotorrunning.Allow

engineto coolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling. Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengineandequipment.Movemachineto

anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

ToAddGasoline

1. Turntheengineoffandletenginecoolatleast2minutesbeforeremoving thefuelcap.Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Removethefuel capbyturningitcounterclockwise.

2. Fillthefueltankwithgasoline.Useonlyclean,fresh(nomorethan30days old),unleadedgasoline.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof fillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

3. Reinstallthefuel cap.

IMPORTAN_Donotoverfillthetank.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inchbelow bottomoffiller necktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.SeeFigure7.

Figure7

Avoid Serious Injury or Death

Goupanddownslopes,notacross. Avoidsuddenturns.

Donotoperatetheunitwhereitcouldsliportip. Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesandbackdownhillslowly.

Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersarearound. Nevercarrychildren,evenwith bladesoff.

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

Knowlocationandfunctionofallcontrols. Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsorfeet near

blades. Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengageblades,engage

parkingbrake,shutengineoff,andremovekey.

Read Operator's Manual

Safety Interlock System

Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedforsafeoperationofthetractor.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 automaticallyshutoff if thePTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintotheengaged(ON)positionwith theshift leverinReverse.

Ignition Switch

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insertkeyintotheignition switchandturnclockwisetotheSTARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheON positiononceenginehasfired. SeeFigure8.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theOFFposition.

Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO,move shift leverinto neutralposition,setparkingbrake,stopengineandremove

keyto preventunintendedstarting.

Start

off

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selecttheheightpositionof thecuttingdeckbyplacingthedecklift leverin anyofthedifferentcutting heightnotchesontherightsideofthefender.

2. Adjustthe deckwheelssothattheyarebetweenl_-inchand1/2-inchabove thegroundwhenthetractorisonasmooth,flat surfacesuchasadriveway.

Toadjust DeckWheels:

1. Removetheflangelocknutontheshoulderboltsecuringthedeckwheel.

2. Positionthewheeltothedesiredheightaslistedabove.SeeFigure9.

3. Securetheshoulderboltwiththeflangelocknut.

Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the dischargeopening of the cutting

deck.

NOTE:Thedeckwheelsareananti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandarenotdesigned tosupporttheweightofthecuttingdeck.RefertoLevelingintheMaintenanceand Servicesectionof thismanualformoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck adjustments.

Figure8

Engaging the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:

1. Fullydepressthe brakepedalandholdit downwithyourfoot.

2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintotheparkingbrake position.

3. Releasethebrakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.

Toreleasethe parkingbrake:

1. Depressthebrakepedalandmovethespeedcontrolleveroutoftheparking brakepositionandintoadesiredspeed.

Figure9

Starting the Engine

Donotoperatethe tractor ifthe interlocksystemismalfunctioning. This

systemwasdesignedforyoursafetyand protection.

NOTE:RefertotheGasolineandOilfill-up instructionsearlierinthissection.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

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

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. ActivatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrotNe/chokeleverallthewayupinto thechokeposition.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Aftertheenginestarts,

releasethekey.Itwill returntotheON(orNormalMowing)position.

DoNOTholdthe key inthe STARTpositionfor longerthan ten seconds at atime. Doingsomay causedamageto your engine's electric

starter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethethrottle controlin theFASTposition.

NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolon whileoperatingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina"rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorunpoorly.

Stopping the Engine

If you strike aforeign object, stop the engine, disconnectthe spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughlyinspectthe machine for anydamage. Repairthe damage before restartingand operating

Ifthebladesareengaged,placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

Turntheignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theSTOPposition.

Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintendedstarting.

DrivingTheTractor

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

Donotleavethe seatofthe tractor without first placingthe PTO(Blade

Engage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position,depressingthe brakepedal andengaging the parkingbrake.If leavingthe tractor unattended,also turn the ignition keyoffand removethe key.

Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile backingupto avoidaback- overaccident.

1. Depressthebrakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrakeandthenlet thepedal up.

2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placetheshift leverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSEposition.

IMPORTAN_DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethedirectionoftravelwhenthe tractorisin motion.Alwaysusethebrakepedaltobringthetractorto acomplete stopbeforeshifting.

4. Graduallybegintoapplypressuretothedrivepedal.Thefurtherdownthe pedalispushed,thefasterthetractorwilltravelinthedesireddirection basedonthepositionoftheshift lever.

5. Thelawntractorisbroughttoastopbyreleasingthedrivepedalandthen depressingthebrakepedal.

Beforeleavingthe operator'spositionfor anyreason,disengagethe blades, placethe shift leverin neutral,engagethe parking brake,shutengineoff andremovethe key.

Whenstopping the tractor for anyreasonwhile onagrasssurface, always:

Placetheshift leverinneutral,

Engagetheparkingbrake,

Shutengineoffand removethekey.Doingsowill minimizethepossibility ofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourtractor'srunning engine.

DrivingOnSlopes

RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEintheSafetyInstructionssectionofthe manualtohelp determineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethistractorsafely.

Donotmowon inclineswith a slopeinexcessof 15degrees(ariseof approximately2-112feet every10feet). Thetractor couldoverturnand causeseriousinjury.

Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross. Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes. Watchfor holes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.Uneventerrain

couldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles. Avoidturnswhendrivingonaslope.Ifa turnmustbemade,turndownthe

slope.Turningupaslopegreatlyincreasesthechanceof arollover. Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupaslope.If it isnecessarytostopwhile

drivingupaslope,startupsmoothlyandcarefullytoreducethepossibility offlippingthetractoroverbackward.

Engagingthe Blades

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

1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.

2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit allthewayforwardintothe engaged(ON)position.

3. Keepthethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)positionforthemostefficientuse ofthecutting deckorother(separatelyavailable)attachments.

NOTE:Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe PTOisengagedwith theshift leverinpositionforreversetravelwiththeignitionkeyin theONposition.

Mulching

Amulchkitisavailableasanattachment.Mulchingisaprocessofrecirculating grassclippingsrepeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fineclippingsare thenforcedbackintothe lawnwheretheyactasanaturalfertilizer.

Amulchkitcanbepurchasedthroughtheretaillocationinwhichyoupurchased thistractor.Formoreinformation,simplycontactSearsat 1-800-659-5917.

Mowing

Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrown object injury, keepbystanders,

helpers,childrenandpetsat least75;feet from the machinewhile it isin operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

Thefollowinginformationwill behelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeckwith your tractor:

Planyour mowing pattern to avoiddischargeof materialstoward roads, sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst awallor obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto ricochetback towardthe operator.

Donotmowat highgroundspeed,especiallyiramulchkitorgrasscollector isinstalled.

Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo lapsbecutwith the dischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirst twolaps,reversethe directiontothrowthedischargeto theoutsideforthebalanceofcutting. Thiswill giveabetterappearanceto thelawn.

Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowthandyellows quicklyindryweather.

Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfullthrottle.

Underheavierconditionsit maybenecessaryto gobackoverthecutareaa secondtimeto getacleancut.

DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsandextremelytall grass. Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclearbrush.

Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.RefertoCutting

Bladesin theServicesectionofthismanualforproperbladesharpening

instructions.

Headlights

ThelampsareONwheneverthetractor'sengineisrunning. Thelampsturn OFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedto theSTOPposition.

Usingthe DeckLiftLever

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe left,thenplaceitinthe notchbestsuitedfor yourapplication.Referto SettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin

thissection.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytype ofmaintenance/service,disengageallcontrols andstopthe engine.Waituntil all movingpartshavecometoacomplete stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundit againstthe engineto prevent unintendedstarting. Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationorwhile performing anyadjustmentsor repairs.

BeforeEachUse 1. Engineoil level 1.

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols 2.

3. Fingerguard 3.

Inthe FirstFiveHours 1. EngineOil 1. 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.

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

6. Lubricate

7. Lubricate

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice

guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackofcompleted

maintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearestParts&RepairServiceCenteror to

scheduleservice,simplycontact1-800-659-5917.

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

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagethePTO(Blade EngageLever),engagethe parkingbrake,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'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingtotheexpectedoperating temperature.Followthechartbelow.Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30, etc.)improvestartingin coldweather,theywill resultinincreasedoilconsumption whenusedabove32°ECheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlyto avoidpossible enginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

Colder _ 32°F _Warmer

Oil Viscosity Chart

Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

Ensurethatthetractorisonalevelsurface. Cleantheoilfill areaof anydebris.

1. Removethedipstickandwipewith acleancloth.

2. Insertandtightendipstick.

3. Removethedipstickandchecktheoillevel.ItshouldbeattheFullmarkon thedipstick.SeeFigure10.

4. Iflow,addoilslowlyintotheengineoilfill. Donotoverfill.Afteraddingoil, waitoneminuteandthenrechecktheoillevel.

ChangingEngineOil

Theengineoilshouldbechangedinthefirst5hoursandthenevery50hoursor onceaseason.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

I. WithengineOFFbutstill warm,disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepitaway

fromsparkplug.

2. Removetheoilfill cap/dipstkkfromtheoilfill tube.SeeFigure10.

3. Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytothe righttobetterexposethedrain plug.

4. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwith thismanual)ontotheoil drainport. Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveintoanappropriateoilcollection

containerwith acapacitygreatenoughtocollecttheusedoil.

5. Removetheoildrainplug,Theoilwill begintodrainoutoftheengine.

6. Aftertheoil hasfinisheddraining,replacetheoildrainplugandtighten.Be

carefulnottoovertighten.

Removetheoildrainsleeveandstoreforlateruse.7.

Refilltheenginewith newmotoroil untiltheoil levelonthedipstickreads FULL.Replacetheoilfill cap/dipstick.

Usedoil is a hazardouswaste product. Disposeof used oil properly. Donot discard with household waste. Checkwith your local authorities or or contact 1-800-659-5917 for a list of safe disposal/ recycling facilities.

Changingthe Oil Filter

I. Draintheoil fromtheengineasdescribedabove.

2. Removetheoilfilteranddisposeofproperly.SeeFigure11.

Donotoverfill. Overfilling with oil maycausethe engineto notstart, hard starting, orenginesmoking.If overthe FULLmarkonthe dipstick,drainoil to reduceoillevelto FULLmarkondipstick.

Replaceandtightendipstick.

OilDrain

Valve

Oil Drain Sleeve

Figure10

Figure11

3. Beforeyouinstallthenewoil filter, lightlylubricatetheoil filter gasket

with fresh,cleanoil.

4. Installtheoilfilter byhanduntilthegasketcontactsthe oilfilteradapter,

thentightentheoilfilter 1/2to3/4turns.

5. Addoilasdescribedabove.

6. Startandruntheengine.Astheenginewarmsup,checkforoil leaks.

7. Stoptheengineandchecktheoillevel.ItshouldbeattheFULLmarkonthe

dipstick.

FuelFilter

Gasolineanditsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fireor explosioncancausesevereburnsordeath.

Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat,andother ignitionsources.

Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksorleaks.Replace if necessary.

Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltankaspertheinstructions below.

Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengineadequatetimeto cool.Drainfuelintoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfromopenflame.

Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthefuel line fromthe in-linefuelfilter neartheengine.

Removethefuellinefromthe In-lineside(sidetowardsthefueltank)ofthe fuelfilter.

Replacementpartsmustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionas theoriginalparts.

Iffuelspills,wait untilit evaporatesbeforestartingengine. Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltank.Otherwise,fuelcanleak

outandcauseafireorexplosion.

To Drain the fuel:

1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichisroutedontheleftsideof theenginebetween thefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedtotheenginewith atie strap.Cutthetie strap,if present,thenpinchthein-lineclamponthefuelfilter withapairofpliers,slidetheclampupthefuelline.Pullthefuellinefreefrom thefilterandplacetheopenendofthelineintoanapprovedcontainertodrain

thefuel.

Tochange the fuel filter:

1. Useplierstosqueezethetabsontheotherclamp(theout-linesideofthe fuelfilter),thenslidetheclampawayfromthefuelfilter. Twistandpullthe fuellineoff ofthefuelfilter.SeeFigure12.

Clamp

Fuel Line

Air (:leaner

Theairfilter systemusesacylindricalcartridge.

1. RemovethefastenersCA)andtheairfiltercover(B).SeeFigure13.

2. Toremovethefilter (C),lift theendofthefilter andthenpullthefilter off theintake(D).

3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilter onahardsurface.Ifthefilter is excessivelydirty, replacewith a newfilter.

4. Installthefilteronthe intake.Pushtheendofthefilter intothebaseas shown.Makesurefilterfitssecurelyin thebase.

Installairfilter coverandsecurewith fasteners.5.

Figure13

SparkPlug

Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastsparkplug.Spark plugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushingandwashingwith a

commercialsolvent Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgaptomakesureitissetat.030".

SeeFigure14.

Electrode

Tab

Figure12

2. Checkthefuellinesforcracksorleaks.Replaceifnecessary.

3. Replacethefuelfilterwith an originalequipmentreplacementfilter.Call 1-800-659-5917to purchasetheoriginalequipmentreplacementfilter.

4. Securethefuellineswiththeclamps.

Figure14

Replacethesparkplug(ChampionRC12YC)onceaseason.

Muffler

Temperatureof muffler andnearbyengineareasmayexceed150° F(65°Q. Avoidcontactwith theseareas.

Inspectmufflerperiodically,andreplaceif necessary.Replacementparts forthemufflermustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionasthe originalparts.

CleanEngine

Dailyorbeforeeveryuse,deangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsdean.

Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeof anycombustibledebris. Keepingenginecleanaflowsairmovementaroundengine.

Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducetheriskofoverheatingand ignitionofaccumulateddebris.

re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wire toitsterminal first, followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnected tothecorrectterminals;reversingthemcouNchangethepolarityandresultin damageto yourengine'salternatingsystem.

CleaningBattery

Cleanthebatterybyremovingitfromthetractorandwashingwith abakingsoda andwatersolution.Ifnecessary,scrapethebatteryterminalswith awirebrushto removedeposits.Coatterminalsandexposedwiringwithgreaseorpetroleumjelly topreventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:

Incorrectinitialactivation Overcharging

Freezing Undercharging

Corrodedconnections

Donotusewaterto deanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel system.Usea brushordry cloth.

CarburetorAdjustment

Thecarburetoronthisengineisnotadjustable.

Lubrication

Before

lubricating,repairing, orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO(Blade [

EngageLever),moveshift leverinto neutral position,set parking brake,stopI

engneandremovekeytoprevent un ntendedstart rig. I

Pivot Points& Linkage

Lubricateallthepivotpointsonthedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift linkageat leastonceaseasonwith lightoil.

RearWheels

Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesonceaseason.Lubricatethe axlesandtherimswellwith anall-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendofthetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequippedwith agreasefitting. Lubricatewith agreasegunafterevery25hoursoftractoroperation.

Battery

Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbechecked.

Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalsdeanandfreeofcorrosive build-up.

Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applyalightcoatof petroleumjelly orgreasetobothterminals.

Alwayskeeptherubberbootpositionedoverthe positiveterminaltoprevent shorting.

IM PORTANT: Ifremovingthebatteryforanyreason,disconnecttheNEGATIVE (Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSITIVE(Red)wire.When

ThesefailuresareNOTcoveredbyyourtractor'swarranty.

Cleaningthe EngineAndDeck

Anyfueloroilspilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.DoNOTallow debristoaccumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengineoronanyotherpartof

themachine.

IMPORTANT: Theuseofa pressurewashertocleanyourtractorisNOT recommended.Itmaycausedamageto electricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys, bearingsortheengine.

Ascrewplugcanbefoundonyourtractor'sdecksurfaceasseenin Figure15.This plugcanbereplacedwith a waterporttobeusedaspartofaseparately-available deckwashsystem.

TheDeckWashSystemTM isusedtorinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sunderside andpreventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.

NOTE:Adeckwashsystemcanbepurchasedthroughtheretaillocationinwhich youpurchasedthistractor.Formoreinformation,carl1-800-659-5917.

Figure15

Adjustments SidetoSide

Ifthecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,asidetosideadjustmentcanbe performed.Adjustifnecessaryasfollows:

Neverattempt to makeanyadjustmentswhile theengineisrunning,except wherespecifiedinthe operator'smanual.

Levelingthe Deck NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeckleveling

adjustments.RefertoTiresintheServicesectionofthismanualformore informationregardingtirepressure.

FrontToRear

Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbyastabilizerbarthatcanbeadjustedto levelthedeckfromfrontto rear.Thefrontofthedeckshouldbebetween1A-inch

and_8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedona firm, levelsurface,placetheleverforliftingthe platformonthesecondtothetop notch(secondhighestposition)androtate thebladeascloseaspossibletothedischargechannelthat isparalleltothe

tractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthe bladetiptothegroundandthe rearofthe bladetip totheground.Thefirstmeasurementtakenshould

bebetweenlg,,and3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.Determine theapproximatedistancenecessaryforproperadjustmentandproceed,if

necessary,to thenextstep.

3. Locatetheflangelocknutonthefrontsideofthestabilizerbracket.See Figure16.

Tightentheflangelocknuttoraisethefrontofthedeck; Loosentheflangelocknuttolowerthefrontofthedeck.

1. Withthetractorparkedonafirm,levelsurface,placethedeckliftleverin thesecondfromthetopnotch(secondhighestposition)androtateboth bladessothattheyareperpendicularwiththetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheleft bladetiptotheground andthedistancefromtheoutsideoftherightbladetip to theground.Both measurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey'renot,proceedto thenext step.

3. Loosen,butdoNOTremove,thehexcapscrewontheleft deckhanger bracket.SeeFigure17.

4. Balancethedeckbyusinga wrenchtoturn theadjustmentgear(found immediatelybehindthehexcapscrewjust loosened)clockwise/upor counterclockwise/down.Thedeckisproperlybalancedwhenbothbladetip measurementstakenearlierareequal.

5. Retightenthehexcapscrewontheleft deckhangerbracketwhenproper adjustmentisachieved.

Figure16

Hex Cap Screw

Figure17

SeatAdjustment

RefertotheAssemblysectionofthismanualforseatadjustmentinstructions.

ParkingBrakeAdjustment

Neverattempt to adjust the brakeswhilethe engineisrunning.Always disengagePTO(bladeengage)lever,moveshift leverintoneutral position,

stopengineand removekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhenthebrakepedaliscompletely depressed,or ifthetractor'srearwheelscanrollwiththeparkingbrakeapplied, thebrakeis inneedofadjustment.ContactthenearestSearsServiceCentertohave yourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

Tolocatethe nearestParts& RepairService(enter orto scheduleservice, contact 1-800-659-5917.

Cutting DeckRemoval

Toremove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:

1. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)positionand engagetheparkingbrake.

2. Lowerthedeckbymovingthedecklift leverintothe bottomnotchonthe rightfender.

3. Removetheself-tappingscrew(A)thatsecuresthebelt-keeperrodfrom aroundthetractor'sPTOpulley,thenremovethebeltkeeperrod(B).See Figure18.

Note:Makeamentalnotewhatholetheotherendofthebelt-keeperrodis insertedinfor reinstallationpurposes.

4. Removethebelt (C)fromaroundthetractor'sPTOpulley.SeeFigure18.

///

Bow-TieClip

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyour fingersonthe idlerspringor betweenthe belt anda pulleywhile removingthe belt.

..... .........................! ......

Figure18

5. Lookingat thecuttingdeckfromtheleftsideofthetractor,locatethebow- tiepinthatsecuresthedecksupportrodontherearleftsideofthedeck.See Figure19.Removethebow-tiepinthatsecuresthedecksupportrod,and carefullyremovethedecksupportfromthedecklift arm.

6. Repeattheabovestepsonthetractor'srightside. NOTE:Thebow-tieclipsshouldbere-installedfromthetopdown.

7. Movethedecklift leverintothetopnotchontherightfendertoraisethe decklift armsupandoutoftheway.

Figure19

Removethebow-tiecotterpinsecuringthedeckstabilizerrodto thedeck. Slidethedeckliftrodfromthemountingbracketonthedeckasshownin Figure20.

..................._,@_.................................._,: _/ .......................................

....../

i ..................4_1 0

Figure20

9. Carefullyremovethe PTOcablefromtherearofthecuttingdeckby removingthe bow-tiecotterpinwhichsecuresit. Removethespringfrom

thedeckidlerbracket.SeeFigure21.

2. Connecttheotherendofthecabletothe(positive+)postofthejumper

battery.

3. Connectthesecondcable(negative-) to theotherpostofthejumper battery.

4. Connecttheotherendofthenegativecableto theengineblockofthe tractor,awayfromthebattery.Attachto anunpaintedparttoassureagood

connection.

Ifthejumperbattery isinstalledonavehicle(i.e.car,truck),doNOTstart

the vehicle'senginewhenjumpstarting yourtractor.

5. Startthetractor(asinstructedearlierinthissectionof thismanual).

6. Setthetractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables,inreverse orderofconnection.

Charging

Figure21

10. Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromtheleft side)outfromunderneaththe tractor,

Tires

Neverexceedthe maximum inflation pressureshown on the sidewall of tire.

Therecommendedoperating tire pressureis:

Approximately10psiforthereartires Approximately14psiforthefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedor maximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventirepressurecould

causethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

Battery

CaliforniaProposition65WARNING!Batteryposts,terminals,andrelated accessoriescontainleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiatocausecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Ifremovingthe battery, disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire from its terminalfirst, followed by the POSITIVE(Red)wire.Whenre-installing the battery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wire to itsterminal first, followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Batteries

awell ventilated areaand keepawayfrom an openflame or pilot light [ asona water heater,spaceheater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas [

lapp antes. J

Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,useonlyachargerdesignedfor 12Vlead-

[acidbatteries.Readyourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManualpriortocharging [yourtractor'sbattery.Alwaysfollow itsinstructionsandheeditswarnings.

Ifyourtractorhasnotbeenputintouseforanextendedperiodoftime,chargethe batteryasfollows:

1. Setyourbatterychargertodelivera maxof 10amperes.

2. Ifyourbatterychargerisautomatic,chargethebatteryuntilthecharger

giveoff an explosive gaswhile charging. Chargethe battery in[

indicatesthatchargingiscomplete.If thechargerisnotautomatic,charge fornofewerthaneighthours.

Fuse

One20AMPfuseisinstalledinyourtractor'swiringharnessto protectthetractor's

electricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessiveamperage.

Iftheelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,oryourtractor'senginewillnotcrank,

firstcheckto becertainthatthefusehasnotblown.It canbefoundattherearof theunit,underneaththefenderlocatedbythebattery.

Alwaysuseafusewith thesameamperagecapacityfor replacement.

JumpStarting

Neverjump start adamaged or frozen battery. Becertain the vehicles do not touch, and ignitions are off. Donot allow cable clamps to

touch.

Connectpositive(+)cableto positivepost(+) ofyourtractor'sdischarged battery.

CuttingBlades

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremoving the cutting blade(s)for sharpeningorreplacement.Protectyourhandsbyusingheavy

[g oveswhengraspngthebade.

Periodicallyinspectthe bladeand/or spindleforcracksordamage,

[especiallyafter you'vestruckaforeignobject.Donotoperatethemachine [until damagedcomponentsarereplaced.

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(refertoCuttingDeckRemoval earlierin thissection)thengentlyflipthedeckovertoexposeitsunderside.

2. Placeablockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffleandthe cuttingbladetoactasastabilizer.SeeFigure22.

3. Removethehexflangenutthatsecuresthe bladeto thespindleassembly.

HexFlangeNut

Ifthe cuttingedgeofthe bladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,or ifany metalseparationispresent,replacethe bladeswith newones.

Apoorlybalancedbladewill causeexcessivevibration, maycausedamageto the tractor and/orresultinpersonalinjury.

5. Testtheblade'sbalanceusingabladebalancer.Grindmetalfromthe heavysideuntilit balancesevenly.

NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besuretoinstallthebladewiththesideofthe blademarked"Bottom" (orwitha partnumberstampedinit)facingtheground whenthemowerisintheoperatingposition.

Useatorquewrenchto tighten thebladespindlehexflangenut to between 70Ibs-ftand 90Ibs-ft.

Changing the DeckBelt

Besureto shutthe engineoff, removeignitionkey,disconnectthe spark plugwire(s)and groundagainstthe enginetoprevent unintendedstarting beforeremovingthe belt.

Figure22

Toproperlysharpenthecutting blades,removeequalamountsof metal frombothendsofthe bladesalongthecuttingedges,paralleltothetrailing edge,ata25°-to 30° angle.Alwaysgrindeachcuttingbladeedgeequallyto maintainproperbladebalance.SeeFigure23.

Figure23

All beltsonyourtractor aresubjecttowear andshouldbe replacedifany signsofwearare present.

IMPORTANT: TheV-beltfoundonyourtractorisspeciallydesignedtoengage anddisengagesafely.Asubstitute(non-OEM)V-beltcanbedangerousbynot disengagingcompletely.Foraproperworkingmachine,useidenticalequipment beltsaslistedinthe partspagesofthisOperator'sManual.

Tochangeorreplacethedeckbeltonyourtractor,proceedasfollows:

Removethedeckasinstructedearlierinthissection.

1. Removethebeltcoversfromthespindlepulleysbyremovingthehexscrews thatfastenthecoversto thedeck.SeeFigure24.

2. Itmayalsobenecessaryto loosenthehexnutontheleft deckidlerpulleyto getthebeltoffthepulleyandaroundthebeltguard.

3. Carefullyremovethedeckbeltfromaroundthetwo spindlepulleysandthe twodeckidlerpulleys.SeeFigure24.

4. Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebeltaroundthetwoouterspindle

pulleysasshownin Figure24.

5. Thenroutethe beltaroundthetwodeckidlerpulleysasshownin Figure24.

6. Retightenthe beltkeeperrodloosenedearlier.

7. Remountthebeltguardsremovedearlier.

8. Re-installthedeck,makingsurethebeltremainsroutedaroundthepulleys asinstructed.Thecompletebeltroutingisshownin Figure24.

9. Pulltherightsideofthebelt,andplacethenarrowVsideofthebeltintothe

PTOpulley.

10. Whileholdingthebeltandpulleytogether,rotatethepulleyto theleft. Continueholdingandrotatingthepulleyandbeltuntilthebeltisfully rolled intothePTOpulley.

ParkingBrakeAdjustment

Neverattempt to adjustthe brakeswhile theengineisrunning.Always disengagePTO(BladeEngageLever),moveshift [everinto neutralposition, stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhentheclutch-brakepedalis completelydepressed,orif thetractor'srearwheelscanrollwiththeparkingbrake applied,thebrakeisinneedofadjustment.Contactthe nearestParts& Repair ServiceCenterto haveyourbrakesserviced.

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

Changing the TransmissionDrive ieit

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

impact wrench) in order 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.

Figure24

Neverstorelawn tractor with fuelintankindoorsor inpoorlyventilated areaswherefuelfumes mayreachanopen flame,spark,or pilot light ason afurnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gasappliance.

PreparingTheEngine

IM PORTANT: Fuelleft inthefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterioratesand

will causeseriousstartingproblems. Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetorandcausing

possiblemalfunctionoftheengine,thefuelsystemmustbeeithercompletely emptied,orthegasolinemustbetreatedwith astabilizertopreventdeterioration.

I. Ifusingafuelstabilizer:

a. Readtheproductmanufacturer'sinstructionsandrecommendations. b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountofstabilizerforthe

capacityofthefuelsystem.

c. Fillthefueltankwith treatedfuelandruntheenginefor2-3minutesto

getstabilizedfuelintothecarburetor.

2. Ifemptyingthefuelsystem: a. Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengineadequate

timetocool.Drainfuelintoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfrom openflame.

b. Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthe

fuellinefromthe in-linefuelfilter neartheengine.Seethecomplete instructionsforDrainingTheFuellaterinthissection.

Gasolineisextremelyflammableand canbeexplosiveundercertain conditions. Draingasolinebeforestoring theequipment for extended

periods.Drainfuelonly into anapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfrom anopenflame. Allowengineto cool.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipes, andothersourcesof ignition priorto drainingfuel. Storegasolineinan approvedcontainerinsafelocation.

DrainingTheFuel

1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichislocatedontheleftsideoftheengine,andmay beattachedtotheenginewith a tiestrap.

2. Cutthetiestrap,ifpresent,thenpinchthe in-lineclamponthefuelfilter with apairofpliers,slidetheclampupthefuel line.

3. Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplacetheopenendof thelineinto anapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.

PreparingThelawn tractor

Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedinthelubrication instructions.

2. Donotuseapressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Storemowerinadry,cleanarea.Donotstorenexttocorrosivematerials, suchasfertilizer.

c. Reconnectthefuellineandruntheengineuntilit startstofalter,then

usethechoketokeeptheenginerunninguntilall fuelinthecarburetor hasbeenexhausted.

d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainanyremaininggasolinefromthe

system.

Gasolineisatoxicsubstance.Disposeofgasolineproperly.Contactyour localauthoritiesforapproveddisposalmethods.

3. Removethesparkplugandpourone(1)ounceofengineoil throughthespark plugholeintothecylinder.Crankthe engineseveraltimestodistributethe oil. Replacethesparkplug.

Enginefailstostart

1. PTO/BladeEngageleverengaged.

2. Parkingbrakenotengaged.

3. Sparkplugwire(s)disconnected.

4. Throttle/Chokecontrollevernotincorrect

4. PlaceThrottle/ChokeleverintotheFASTposition.

startingposition.

5. Chokenotactivated

6. Fueltankempty,orstalefuel.

7. Blockedfuel line.

8. Faultysparkplug(s).

9. Engineflooded.

10. BlownFuse(s)

Enginerunserratically

1. UnitrunningwithCHOKEactivated.

2. Sparkplugwire(s)loose.

3. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

4. Ventingas cap plugged.

4. Clearventor replacecapifdamaged.

5. Wateror dirtinfuelsystem.

6. Dirtyair cleaner.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevellow. 1.

2. Air flowrestricted. 2.

Enginehesitatesat high RPM 1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1. Engineidlesrough 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyorgaptoowide. 1.

2. Dirtyair cleaner. 2.

Excessivevibration

1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.

2. Damagedorbentcuttingblade.

Mowerwillnotmulchgrass

1. Enginespeedtoolow.

2. Wetgrass.

3. Excessivelyhighgrass.

Unevencut

4. Dullblade.

1. Decknot leveledproperly.

4. Sharpenor replaceblade.

2. Dullblade.

3. Uneventire pressure.

1. Placeleverindisengaged(OFF)position.

2. Engageparkingbrake.

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

5. MovetheThrottle/Chokeleverintothe Choke position.

6. Filltankwithclean,fresh(lessthan30daysold)gas.

7. Replacethe fuellineandreplacefuelfilter.

8. Clean,adjustgapor replaceplug(s).

9. Crankenginewiththrottlein FASTposition.

10. ReplaceFuse(s)See"Fuse"inServiceand Maintenancesection.

1. Deactivatethe CHOKE.

2. Connectsparkplugwire(s).

3. Replacethe fuelline;filltankwithclean,fresh gasolineandreplacefuelfilter.

5. Drainfueltank.Refillwithclean,freshgasoline.

6. Replaceair cleanerpaperelementorcleanfoam pre-cleaner,ifequipped.

Fillcrankcasewithproperamountandweightof oil. Cleangrassclippingsanddebrisfromaroundthe

engine'scoolingfinsandhousing. Removesparkplugandresetthe gap.

Replacesparkplug.Setpluggap. Replaceair cleanerelementand/orcleanpre-

cleaner.

1. Tightenbladeandspindle.

2. Replaceblade.

1. Placethrottlein FAST(rabbit)position.

2. Donotmulchwhengrassiswet.

3. Mowonceat a highcuttingheight,thenmowagain atdesiredheightor makea narrowercuttingswath.

1. Performside-to-sidedeckadjustment.

2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

3. Checktirepressureinallfour tires.

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Craftsman RiderModel 247.288843

777X46403 777D17060 777D18562

• Description Stock NO. Part No. Oil Filter 24683 D3-492932S Air Filter 33991 D3-796931

Spark PJuq 89371 759"3336 Fuel Filter 33392 D3-3983983

DJades 33022 942"04308

_er Drive Belt 34909 954_68208

Lower Drive Bait 47900 95_08878 Deck S_ndle Belt 33074 954=OdD60D

Enq81eto Deck DOlt H/A N]A Deck Spindle 918-048228

Igeltten Keys 24698 625-94124 Fuel Cap 951-121798

Pa+tsavmilahleatmosl Sears RetailSt+resamdSe+vi+e Ce_+e_or_.II I-SOO._+-PART(7_TS)ifW" wan+thepart sent_irectlvto yo_Phome. ×+_o3

Spec_f+c tractor attachments for yo,r Craftsman tm_tor_va+lableat Se_rs St_es an_ Se_v_e Centers.

See _elo_for mhe_un+vers_lanac_mentsalsoavml_le.

Dascriptialm Stock Ha= M.lch Kit 33788

Ba91]er 24019 Bumper Klt _611

WeiuhtKit 34641

_, Weight

777123592

777D15654

777D18561

777D17038

777S33818

777D17042

777D17043

777123364

777123754

777X43688

DONOT

USE E85 OR FUEL

CONTAINING MORE

THAN 10% ETHANOL

777125080

777S35012

•REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCANBETHROWNBYTHEeLADEINABY DIRECTION.W_ARSAFETYGLASSES.

•DOHOTMOWWHEHCHILDHEHOROTHERSAREAROUHD.

[ HEVERCARRYCHILDREHEVEHWITHBLADESOFF.

•USEEXTRACAUTIONONSLOPE&O0HOTmOWSLOPESGREATER

777122454

777D15649

777D15648

777S33896

777X45529

[ MTD CONSUMER GROUPINC,

Thisequipnlentmeets U.S. EPAEVP regulations for 2012 model year. EVP Family: CMTDPRHEQRC1

L x45529

777X46245

MTD CONSUMER GROUPINC,

ThisequipmentmeetsU.S. EPAEVP regulations for 2013 model year.

EVP family: DMTDPNHEURP1

I* X46245

BEFOREOPERATING.

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