MTD 14AW94PK099 Owner’s Manual

perator s

P R 0 F E S S I 0 N A

GARDEN TRACTOR 28 HP, 54" Tractor

Electric Start

PGT9000

Model No. 247.289841

= EspaSol, p. 63

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.

iMPORTANT: Read and foJlow aJJSafety

RuJes and instructions before operating this equipment.

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-%507A

For answers to your questions about

this product, Call:

1=800=659=5917

CraftsmanTractorHelpLine

5am = 5 pro, Mort =Sat

(January7,2011)

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

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

Slope Guide ....................................................................... 8

Safety Labels .................................................................... 9

Assembly ......................................................................... 10

Know your Lawn Mower .................................................. 13

Operation ........................................................................ 16

Service and Maintenance .............................................. 19

Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 30

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 31

Parts List ......................................................................... 34

Espa_oi ............................................................................ 63

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

CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateof purchase,all non-expendablepartsofthis ridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor

workmanship.Adefectivenon-expendablepartwill receivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairis impossible.

FORFiVEYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,theframeandfrontaxleofthis ridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor

workmanship.Adefectiveframeorfrontaxlewillreceivefreein-homerepairorreplacementif repairisimpossible. All oftheabovewarrantycoverageappliesforonly oneyearfromthedateof purchaseifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileproviding

commercialservicesor ifrentedto anotherperson.

FOR90 DAYSfromthedateof purchase,the battery(anexpendablepart)of this ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsin materialor

workmanship(ourtestingprovesthatitwillnot holdacharge).A defectivebatterywillreceivefreein-homereplacement.

ADDITIONALLIFETIMELIMITEDWARRANTYon CASTIRONFRONTAXLE(if equipped)

FORASLONGASiT iSUSEDbytheoriginalownerafterthefifthyearfromthedateof purchase, thecast ironfrontaxle (if equipped)ofthisridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsin material or workmanship.Withproofofpurchase,a defectivecastfrontaxlewill receivefreein-homereplacement.

WARRANTYSERVICE

Forwarrantycoveragedetailsto obtainfreerepairor replacement,call 1-800-659-5917or visittheweb site:www.craftsman.corn

Inall casesabove,if part repairor replacementisimpossible,the ridingequipmentwill bereplacedfreeof chargewiththesameor anequivalent model.

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:

• Expendableparts(exceptforbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbut notlimitedtoblades,

sparkplugs,air cleaners,belts,andoil filters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oil changes,ortune-ups.

• Tirereplacementor repaircausedby puncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,orglass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbut not limitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityof

theridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendthe frame,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper

storage,failuretouse thepropergradeandamountofengineoil, failureto keepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,or failureto maintaintheridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedin theoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuel system)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedto be contaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbe

usedwithin30daysofits purchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegal rights,andyoumayalso haveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

SearsBrands ManagementCor

_oration,Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

EngineOil: SAE30 Fuel: UnleadedGasoline

SparkPlug: Champion@RC12YC Engine: Briggs& StrattonProfessionalSeries

Model Number Serial Number

Dateof Purchase

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

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

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

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

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateof California tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorother reproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson the machineand

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

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethis machine. Children14yearsoldandover shouldreadandunderstandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithoutproper instruction.

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

thearea.

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

• Planyour mowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarg- ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsin thismanualandon the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe eyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

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

Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthe cutting

deck.Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet. A missingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontact

or thrownobjectinjuries.

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

• Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This

machineis notintendedforuseonanypublic roadway.

• Donotoperatethemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcohol or drugs.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

Nevercarrypassengers.

• Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backupslowly. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingtoavoida

back-overaccident.

• Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

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

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

Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineintoa trailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupordown 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".Donot attempttomowthroughunusually tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpiles ofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.

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

659-5917. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are

involvedin a largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries. Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheriding mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom seriousinjury.

If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare andgoodjudgment.Contact1-800-659-5917forinformationand

assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossof controlandtip-over accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackupthe slopeor ifyoufeel uneasyon it, do notmowit.

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

result.

Do:

Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution

whenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.

Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles.

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

• Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheelweights or counterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call

1-800-659-5917.

• Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherattachments.These canchangethestabilityof the machine.

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

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

DoNot:

• Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand graduallydownhill,ifpossible.

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

• Donottry to stabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the ground.

• Donotuseagrasscatcheronsteepslopes.

• Donotmowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

• Donotattempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe operatortolosecontrolof the machineresultingin seriousinjury

or death.

• Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing downhill,theextraweighttendstopushthetractorandmay causeyouto loosecontrol.(e.g.tractormayspeedup,braking and steeringabilityare reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand causetractorto overturn).

CHILDREN

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

• Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.

• Bealert andturnmachineoff ifa childentersthearea.

• 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 usedwhenchildrenor othersarearound. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer

burnsfroma hotmuffler.

• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto preventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis machine. Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe instructionsand

safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon the machineandshould betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.

TOWING

Towonlywitha machinethathasahitchdesignedfortowing.Do notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe hitchpoint.

Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.For recommendations,

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

Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof tractionandlossof control.

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

Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop. Donotcoastdownhill.

SERVICE

SafeHandlingof Gasoline

Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein

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

Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors. Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhilethe engineishotor run-

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

bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

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

engine.

• To reducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlightasona 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 safetyinterlocksystemorothersafety devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

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

• Neverattemptto makeadjustmentsor repairstothemachine whilethe engineis running.

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

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed ofthe engine.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to protecttheenvironment.

• Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC) andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or390hours ofoperation.Attheendofthe AverageUsefulLife,buy anew machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatall mechanicaland safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnot wornexcessively.

Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesor death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

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

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal

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

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonor 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

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

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

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

DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES

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

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

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

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

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

operation.

WARNING-- SLOPE OPERATION

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

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

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

DANGER- ROTATING BLADES

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

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

SLOPE GUIDE

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ROTATING BLADES CAUSE

_HEN CHI_REHOROTHERSARE

AROUND I •

_HILDREN EVENWITHBLADE(S)OFF.J _HIND BEFOREANDWHILE J

BACKING. I

_RSE ISNOTRECOMMENDED, I

1. DISENGAGE BLADES/PTO, (POWER TAKE OFF)

2. ENGAGE THE TRACTOR'S PARKING BRAKE.

3. ACTIVATE THROTTLE TO RUN SETTING, (MAN. SETTING NOT RECOMMENDED).

4. TURN KEY TO START ENGINE, AFTER START RELEASE KEY.

YOU MUST DISENGAGE SLADES/PTO, (FO_ TAKEOFF) BEFORE TRAVELING IN REVERSE.

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructions which, if not followed,could endangerthe personal

safety and/or property ofyourselfand others. Readand followall instructionsin this manualbeforeattempting

to operatethis machine. Failureto comply with these instructionsmay result in personalinjury.Whenyou see

this symbol HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility Restrictthe use of this power machineto personswho read, understand,and followthe warnings and instruc-

tions inthis manualand on the machine.

AVO|D SER|OUS |HJURY OR DEATH

"KEEPHANDSAHDFEETAWAYFROMROTATIRGPARTS.

'=REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCARDETHROWNBYTHEBLADEJRANY

DIRECTIOR.WEARSAFETYGLASSES.

'=DOROTMOWWHENCHILDRENOROTHERSAREAROUND,

NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVERWITHBLADESOFF.

"USEEXTRACAUTIORONSLOPES.DOROTMOWSLOPESGREATER

THAH15°.MOWACROSSHOTUPANDDDWR.AVOIDSUDDERTURNS,USELOWSPEE

TRACTOR SET-UP

Moving The Tractor Manually Yourtractor'stransmissionisequippedwitha hydrostaticreliefvalve

foroccasionswhenitis necessaryto movethetractormanually.Open- ingthisvalvepermitsthefluidin thetransmissionto bypassitsnormal route,allowingthereartiresto "freewheel."Toopenthehydrostatic reliefvalve,proceedasfollows:

1. Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodintherearof thetractor.See Figure1.

Shipping Brace Removal

Makesurethe gardentractor'sengineisoff,settheparkingbrake

and removetheignitionkeybeforeremovingthe shippingbrace.

1. Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andwarningtagfoundon

the rightside ofthe cutting deck. See Figure 2.

f _

Figure1

2. Pullthehydrostaticbypassrodoutward,thenup,to lock itin place.

NOTE:The transmissionwillNOTengagewhenthehydrostatic bypassrodis pulledout. Returnthe rodto itsnormalpositionpriorto operatingthetractor.

Neverattemptto movethetractormanuallywithoutfirstopeningthe hydrostaticreliefvalve.Doingsowillresultinseriousdamagetothe

tractor'stransmission.

Figure2

2. Whileholdingthedischargecoverchutedeflectorwithyourleft hand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasping it betweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingit clockwise.

Theshippingbraceis usedforpackagingpurposesonly.Removeant discardtheshippingbracebeforeoperatingyourgardentractor.

Themowingdeckis capableofthrowingobjects.Operatingthe riding mowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperatingposition couldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orpropertydamage.

Connecting the Battery Cables Checking Tire Pressure

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniatocause

cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthe POSiTiVE(Red) wireto its terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmay havebeenleft disconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.To connectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows:

NOTE:The positivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).The negative batteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).

NOTE:Ifthepositivebatterycableisalreadyattached,skipaheadto step2.

1. Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthepositivebattery terminalandattachthe redcabletothepositivebatteryterminal (+)withthebolt andhexnut.See Figure3.

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewall

ofthe tire.Do notoverinfiatetires.Checksidewalloftiresformaxi- mumpsi.Equaltirepressureshouldbemaintainedatall times.

Thetiresonyourtractormaybeoverinfiatedforshippingpurposes.

Reducethe tirepressurebeforeoperatingthetractor.Checksidewall

oftiresformaximumpsi. Adjusting the Seat

Toadjustthe positionoftheseat,pullupandholdtheseatadjustment

lever.Slidethe seatforwardor rearwardtothedesiredposition;then releasetheadjustmentlever.Makesureseatis lockedintopositionin

a seat-stopbeforeoperatingthe tractor.SeeFigure4.

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

Figure3

2. Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthenegativebattery terminalandattachtheblackcableto the negativebattery terminal(-) withthebolt andhexnut.SeeFigure3.

3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.

NOTE:Ifthebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownontop/ sided battery,chargethebatteryasinstructedintheServiceand Maintenancesectionofthis Operator'sManualpriortooperatingthe

tractor.

Figure4

Toadjustthe angleofthearmrests,liftthe armrestsandrotatethe

heightadjustknobclockwisetolowertheangleor counterclockwiseto raisetheangle.SeeFigure4.

Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels and Roller Movethetractoron a firmandlevelsurface,preferablypavement,and

proceedasfollows

1. Selecttheheightpositionof thecuttingdeckbyplacingthedeck lift leverinthenormallydesiredmowingheightsetting(anyof the elevendifferentcuttingheightnotcheson therightfender).

2. Checkthegaugewheelsforcontactorexcessiveclearancewith thesurfacebelow.Thedeckgaugewheelsshouldhavebetween l_-inchandY2-inchclearanceabovetheground.

Ifthegaugewheelshaveexcessiveclearanceorcontactwiththe surface,adjustas follows:

a. Raisethedecklift handletoitshighestsetting. b. Removethefrontgaugewheelsbyremovingthelocknuts

andshoulderscrewswhichsecurethemto thedeck.See Figure5.

c. Placethedecklift leverinthedesiredmowingheightsetting. d. Reinserttheshoulderscrew(witheachgaugewheel)into

theindexholethatleavesapproximatelyY2-inchbetweenthe bottomofthewheelandthepavement.

e. Removetheclevispins andhairpinclipsfromthedeck roller

bracketson theleftandrightsidesofthe cuttingdeck.See Figure5.

f. Positionthedeck rollerbracketsupordownthroughtheslots

ontherearofthe deckuntildesiredpositionisreached,then reattachwiththe clevispinsand hairpinclipsjust removed. Becertainthatthe leftrollerbracketandtherightroller bracketareset inthesameposition.

RefertoLevelingtheDeckintheServiceand Maintenancesection ofthismanualfor moredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck adjustments.

Gasoline and Oil Thefueltank islocatedunderthehood.Removethefuelcapby

turningit counterclockwise.Useonlyclean,fresh(no morethan30 daysold),unleadedgasoline.Fillthetanknohigherthanfourinches belowthe topofthefiller necktoallowspaceforfuel expansion.Do notuse E85gasoline.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammableandthevaporsare explosive.Neverfuelthe machine indoorsorwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.

NOTE:Yourtractorisshippedwithoil inthe engine.However,you

MUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.SeeCheckingthe Engine

Oil inthe Serviceand Maintenancesectionofthismanual.

Alwayschecktheengineoil levelbeforeeachuseasinstructedin the maintenancesectionofthis manual.Addoil asnecessary.Failureto do somayresultin seriousdamagetoyourengine

Figure5

SystemsIndicator

Monitor

FuelTank Cap

Throttle

FuelLevelIndicator

BrakePedal

SeatAdjustmentLever

Cup Holder"

ParkingBrake/

Cruise Control Lever

ignition Switch

Module

PTO(Blade

Knob

DrivePedal

Pedal

Lift Lever

Figure6

TheGardenTractorcontrolsandfeaturesareillustratedinFigure6 anddescribedon thefollowingpages.

NOTE:Referencestotherightor Idt sideof tractorarefromthe viewpointoftheoperatorfacingforwardfromthetractorseat.

Readandfollowallsafetyrulesandinstructionsinthismanual, includingtheentireOperationsection,beforeattemptingtooperate

this machine.Failuretocomplywithall safetyrulesand instructions

mayresultin personalinjury.

BRAKE PEDAL

Thebrakepedalislocatedontheleftfront sideof thetractorabovethedrivepedal alongthe runningboard.Thebrakepedal canbeusedforsuddenstopsor settingthe parkingbrake.

NOTE:The brakepedalmustbefullydepressedto activatethesafety interlockswitchwhenstartingthetractor.

THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER

Thethrottlecontrolislocatedontheleft sideofthe tractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeedof

theengine.Whensetina givenposition,thethrottle willmaintaina uniformenginespeed.

NOTE:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththe cutting deckengaged,becertainthatthethrottlecontrolis alwaysinthe FAST(rabbit)position.

SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

Theseatadjustmentleveris locatedbelowthefront/

Idt of the seat.Theleverallowsforadjustmentoftheoperator'sseat fromfronttobackposition.RefertotheAssemblysectionofthis

manualformoredetailedinstructions.

DECK LiFT LEVER

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,the decklift leverisusedtochangetheheight ofthe cuttingdeck.Touse,movethelever tothe left,thenplaceinthenotchbest suitedforyourapplication.

IGNITION SWITCH MODULE

Tostart theengine,insertthekeyinto theignitionswitchandturnclockwise tothe STARTposition.Releasethe keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODE positiononcethe enginehasfired.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkey counterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

(BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineand remove topreventunintendedstarting.

Priortooperatingthetractor,referto bothSafetyInterlockSwitches andStartingTheEngineintheOperationsectionofthismanual

fordetailedinstructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleand

[operatngthetractor n REVERSECAUTONMODE.

DRIVE PEDAL

Thedrivepedalislocatedon therightsideof thetractor,alongthe runningboard.Pressthe drivepedalforwardto causethetractortotravel forward.Groundspeedisalsocontrolledwith thedrive pedal.Thefurtherforwardthepedalis pivoted,thefasterthetractorwilltravel.Thepedal willreturnto itsoriginalpositionwhenit'snot pressed.

REVERSE PEDAL

Thereversepedalis locatedonthe rightsideof the tractoralongthe runningboard. Groundspeedis alsocontrolledwiththe reversepedal.Thefurther downwardthe pedalis pivoted,thefasterthe tractorwilltravel.Thepedalwillreturnto itsoriginal positionwhenit'snotpressed.

SYSTEMS INDICATOR MONITOR/HOUR

METER LCD

Whenthe ignitionkeyis

rotatedout oftheSTOP

positionbutnot intotheSTART position,thesystem'sindicator monitordisplaysthebattery's output,in volts,on its LCDfor approximatelyfiveseconds, afterwhichitdisplaysanhour glassandthehoursof tractor operation.Oncethetractoris started,themonitorcontinually displaysanhourglassandthe hoursof tractoroperationonitsLCD.

NOTE:Hoursof tractoroperationarerecordedanytimethe ignition keyis rotatedoutof theSTOPposition,regardlessof whetherthe engineisstarted.

TheIndicatorMonitorwillalso remindtheoperatorofmaintenance intervalsforchangingtheengineoil.TheLCDwill alternatelyflash the recordedhours,"CHG"and"OIL."forfiveminutes,afterevery50 hoursof recordedoperationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallasts fortwo hours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).TheLCDwillalso flashasdescribedaboveforfiveminuteseverytimethe tractor's enginehasbeenstartedduringthismaintenanceinterval.Beforethe intervalexpires,changetheengineoilas instructedinthe Serviceand

Maintenancesectionof thisOperator'sManual. Brake

ifthe Brakelightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthetractor's

engine,depressthebrakepedal.

PTO (Blade Engage) IfthePTOlight illuminateswhenattemptingto startthetractor's

engine,movePTOknobinto thedisengaged(OFF)position. Oil

Itis normalfortheOillightto illuminatewhiletheengineiscranking

duringstart-up,but if it illuminatesduringoperation,whiletheengineis

running,stopthetractorimmediatelyandchecktheengineoil levelas

instructedinthis Operator'sManual.

Battery

Itis normalfortheBatterylighttoilluminatewhiletheengineis crankingduringstart-up,butif it illuminatesduringoperation,whilethe engineisrunning,thebatteryis inneedof a chargeortheengine's chargingsystemisnotgeneratingsufficientamperage.Chargethe batteryas instructedin theServicesectionof thismanualor havethe chargingsystemcheckedbyaSearsor otherqualifiedservicedealer.

o (r) o

PTO / BLADE ENGAGE KNOB

Activatingthe PTOengagespowerto thecutting deckorother(separatelyavailable)attachments. Pulloutwardon thePTO/BladeEngageknobto activateit.Pushthe PTO/Blade Engageknob inwardtodisengagethepowertothecutting deckorother(separatelyavailable)attachments.

NOTE:The PTO/BladeEngageknobmustbe in thedisengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingthe engine.

PTO

OFF ON

PARKING BRAKE/CRUISE CONTROL LEVER

Locatedinthecenterof the tractor'sdashpanelbelow thesteeringwheel,the ParkingBrake/CruiseControl leveris usedtoengagethe parkingbrakeandthecruise control.Refertothe Operationsectionof thismanualfor detailedinstructionsregardingtheparkingbrake.

NOTE:The parkingbrakemustbesetiftheoperator leavestheseatwiththe enginerunningorthe engine willautomaticallyshutoff.

NOTE:Cruisecontrolcan NOTbeengagedatthe tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.If theoperatorshould attempttodo so,thetractorwill automaticallydecelerate tothe fastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.

FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR

TheFuelLevelIndicatorislocatedonthe left sideof thetractor's dashand indicatestheamountoffuelinthe gas tank.

Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekey

to preventunintendedstarting.

SAFETY iNTERLOCK SWITCH ES

Thistractoris equippedwitha safetyinterlocksystemfortheprotection ofthe operator.Iftheinterlocksystemshouldevermalfunction,do not operatethetractor.Contacta Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.

• The safetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromcrankingor startingunlessthe parkingbrakeisengaged,andthe PTO(Blade Engage)knobis in thedisengaged(OFF)position.

Theenginewill automaticallyshutoffif theoperatorleavesthe seatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

• TheelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwill automaticallyshut off iftheoperatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(Blade Engage)knobinthe engaged(ON)position,regardlessof whetherthe parkingbrakeisengaged.

• Withthe ignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition,the electricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)knobis movedintotheengaged(ON) positionwiththedrive pedalinpositionfor reversetravel.

Donotoperatethetractorifthe interlocksystemis malfunctioning. Thissystemwasdesignedfor your safetyandprotection.

STARTING THE ENGINE

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stopthe engineanddisconnectthe

sparkplugwire(s).Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforanydamage.

Repairthedamagebeforerestartingandoperating.

1. Ifthebladesareengaged,placethe PTO/BladeEngageknobin thedisengaged(OFF)position.

2. Placethethrottle/chokecontrolleverneartheSLOWposition.

3. Turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

4. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended starting.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

1. Lightlypressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake.Move thethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.

2. TotravelFORWARD,slowlypresstheupperportionofthedrive pedalforwarduntilthe desiredspeedisachieved.SeeFigure7.

NOTE:Referto GasandOil inthe Assemblysectionofthismanual forGasolinefill-upinstructions.RefertoCheckingthe EngineOil inthe Serviceand Maintenancesectionofthis manualforoilfill-upinstruc-

tions.

1. Insertthe tractorkeyintothe ignitionswitchmodule.

2. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)knobinthe disengaged(OFF) position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Movethethrottlecontrolintoa minimum50%operatingspeed. Note: ThistractorisequippedwithanelectronicFuelManage-

ment(EFM)system,also referredtoas anelectricchoke.No actionisrequiredtoactivatethechoke.Simplyplacethethrottle inat minimum50% orhigherto startthe engine.

Turntheignitionkeyclockwisetothe STARTposition.After theenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returntotheNORMAL MOWINGposition.

DoNOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionfor longerthanten secondsata time.Doingso maycausedamagetoyourengine's

electricstarter.

Figure7

3. TotravelinREVERSE,checkthatthe areabehindis clear,then slowlydepressthe lowerportionofthedrivepedalwiththeballof

yourfoot (NOTyourheel)untilthe desiredspeedisachieved.See

Figure7.

DoNOTattemptto changethedirectionoftravelwhenthetractoris

in motion.Alwaysbringthetractortoa completestopbeforemoving thetractorfromforwardto reverseorviceversa.

Donot leavetheseatof thetractorwithoutfirstplacingthePTO/

BladeEngageknobinthe disengaged(OFF)positionandengaging theparkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractorunattended,alsoturn the engineoff andremovetheignitionkey.

REVERSE CAUTION MODE

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionof thekeyswitchmodule allowsthetractorto beoperatedinreversewiththe blades(PTO) engaged.

NOTE:Mowinginreverseisnotrecommended.

Useextremecautionwhileoperatingthetractorin the REVERSE CAUTIONMODE.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile backing.Donotoperatethetractorwhenchildrenor othersare

around.Stopthetractorimmediatelyif someoneentersthearea.

Touse theREVERSECAUTIONMODE: NOTE:The operatorMUSTbe seatedinthetractorseat.

1. Starttheengineaspreviouslyinstructedonthe previouspage.

2. Turnthekeyfromthe NORMALMOWING(Green)positiontothe REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)positionofthe keyswitch module.SeeFigure8.

F "

Reverse

DRIVING ON SLOPES

Referto theSLOPEGUIDEon page8 tohelpdetermineslopeswhere

youmayoperatethetractorsafely.

Donot mowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a rise approximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).The tractorcouldoverturnanc causeseriousinjury.

• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhiddenobjects. Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.Tallgrasscanhide

obstacles. Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.If a turnmustbe made,turn

downthe slope.Turningupaslopegreatlyincreasesthechance ofa rollover.

Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.If itisnecessaryto stop whiledrivingup a slope,startupsmoothlyandcarefullyto reduce thepossibilityof flippingthetractoroverbackward.

ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE/ SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL

NOTE:Theparkingbreakandcruisecontrolarecontrolledbythe samelever.Ifusingthe brakewhenengagingtheparkingbrake/

cruisecontrollever,theparkingbrakewillengage.Ifusingthedrive

pedalwhenengagingtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrollever,thecruise

controlwillengage.

Figure8

3. PresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,TriangularButton) atthe top,rightcornerof the keyswitchmodule.Theredindicator lightat thetop,leftcornerofthe keyswitchmodulewillbe ON whileactivated.SeeFigure8.

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcan bedrivenin reversewiththe cuttingblades(PTO)engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebackingupto makesureno childrenarearound.After resumingforwardmotion, returnthe keytotheNORMALMOWINGposition.

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill remainactivateduntil:

a. Thekeyisplacedin eithertheNORMALMOWINGposition

orSTOPpositionor

b. Theoperatorieavestheseat.

Parking Brake NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperatorleavestheseat

withtheenginerunningor theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff. Tosettheparkingbrake:

1. Pressthebrakepedalcompletelydownwith yourleftfootand holditinthat position.

2. Pushtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrolleverdownwardandholdit inthatposition.

3. Removeyourfootfromthebrakepedal.

4. Releasepressurefromtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrollever.

Aftercompletingstep3,the brakepedalshouldremaininthedown

position.Ifitdoesn't,theparkingbrakeisnotengaged.Repeatsteps1

through4 toengagethe parkingbrake. Todisengagetheparkingbrake,lightlypressthebrakepedal.

(BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremove to preventunintendedstarting.

Cruise Control MOWING

Neverengagethe cruisecontrolleverwhiletravelinginreverse.

Tosetthe cruisecontrol:

1. Slowlypresstheupperportionof thedrivepedalwithyour right footuntilthe desiredspeedisachieved.

2. Lightlypresstheparkingbrake/cruisecontrolleverdownwardand holditin thatposition.

3. Removeyourfootfromthedrivepedal.

4. Releasepressurefromtheparkingbrake/cruisecontrollever

Aftercompletingstep3, thedrivepedalshouldremaininthedown positionandthetractorwillmaintainthe sameforwardspeed.If it doesn't,thecruisecontrolis not engaged.Repeatsteps 1through4to engagethecruisecontrol.

Todisengagethe cruisecontrol,lightlypressthedrivepedalor the brakepedal.

NOTE:Cruisecontrolcannotbesetatthe tractor'sfastestground speed.If theoperatorshouldattempttodo so,thetractorwillautomati- callydecelerateto thefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.

Tochangethedirectionof travelfromforwardto reversewhencruise controlisengaged,pressthebrakepedaltodisengagethecruise controlandbringthetractortoa completestop.Thenslowlypressthe reversepedalwiththeballofyourfoottotravelinreverse.

ENGAGING THE PTO

Engagingthe PTOtransferspowertothecuttingdeckor other (separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagethe PTO:

1. Movethethrottlecontrollevertothe FAST(rabbit)position.

2. PullthePTO/BladeEngageknoboutwardintotheengaged(ON) position.SeeFigure9.

NOTE:Alwaysoperatethetractorwiththe throttleleverinthe FAST (rabbit)positionforthemostefficientuseofthe cuttingdeckorother (separatelyavailable)attachments.

Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand- ers,helpers,childrenandpetsat least75feetfromthemachinewhile it isin operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck withyourtractor.

Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialstoward

roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischarging materialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischarged materialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

• Donotmowat highgroundspeed,especiallyif a mulchkitor grasscollectoris installed.

• Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassis pronetoweed growthandyellowsquicklyindryweather.

• AlwaysoperatethetractorwiththethrottleleverintheFAST (rabbit)positionwhilemowing.

• Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthatthe firsttwolapsbecut withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo laps, reversethedirectionto throwthedischargeto theoutside forthe balanceofcutting.Thiswill givea betterappearanceto the

lawn.

DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushand weedsorextremelytall

grass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclearbrush.

• Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.

USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedeckliftleverto the left,thenplace it inthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.

OPERATING THE HEADLIGHTS

ThelampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyis rotatedoutoftheSTOP position.ThelampsturnOFFwhentheignitionkeyis movedto the STOPposition.

Figure9

OFF

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe engineto preventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.Usethe ServiceLogcolumnto keeptrack ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate thenearest Parts& RepairService Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontact

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

BeforeEachUse

Inthe First FiveHours Every10Hours

Every25 hours

Every50 hours

Annually

BeforeStorage

1. Engineoillevel

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols

1. EngineOil

1. Hood/Dashair vents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Deckspindlesandidler bracket

1. Airfilter'sprecleaner*

2. Airfilter*

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

1. Engineoil

2. Muffler

1. Airfilter

2. Airfilter'spre-cleaner

3. Sparkplug

4. Aircoolingsystem*

5. Fuelfilter

6. SteeringGears

7. RearWheels

1. Hood/Dashair vents

2. Batteryterminals

3. Midsteeringarms,pivot shafts,andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

6. Deckspindlesandidler bracket

7. Pedalpivotpoints

1. Check

2. Clean

1. Change

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

1. Change

2. Check

1. Replace

2. Replace

3. Replace

4. Clean

5. Replace

6. Clean

7. Removeandgreaseaxles

1. Clean

2. Clean

3. Lubricate

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

6. Lubricate

7. Lubricate

*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

(BladeEngageLever),engagethe parkingbrake,stopthe engine

removethe keyto preventunintendedstarting.

If theenginehasbeenrecentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur- roundingmetalsurfaceswill behotandcancauseburnstotheskin.

Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.

NOTE:Referencesto therightor leftsideoftractorarefromthe viewpointof theoperatorfacingforwardfromthetractorseat.

CUTTING DECK REMOVAL

Toremovethecuttingdeck, proceedasfollows:

1. Placethe PTO/BladeEngageknobinthedisengaged(OFF) positionandengagetheparkingbrake.

2. Lowerthedeckbymovingthedeck liftleverintothebottomnotch ontherightfender.

3. LocatethePTOclutchunderthefrontof yourtractor.See Figure10.

NOTE:Ifthereis toomuchtensionon thebeltforit tobe easilyre- movedfromtheelectric PTOclutch,cardully inserta 3/8" driveratchet wrench(setto loosen) intothesquareholefoundintheIdt-handdeck idlerbracketandpivotittowardthe tractor'srightsideto relievetension on thebelt.SeeFigure11.

Avoidpinchinginjuries.Neverplaceyourfingersonthe idlerspringor betweenthebeltanda pulleywhileremovingthebelt.

DeckIdler

Bracket

InsertRatchet

Here

b. Pullthebeltkeeperrodtotherightanddownto remove. c. Removethedeckbelt fromaroundthetractor'selectricPTO

clutch.

Figure11

Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleftsideofthetractor,locate

thedecksupportpinon therearleftsideof thedeck.

Pullthedecksupportpinoutwardto releasethedeckfromthe

DeckLiftArm

Figure12

Repeatthe abovestepsonthe tractor'srightside.

Movethedecklift leverintothetopnotchto raisethedecklift

armsupandoutoftheway.

DeckSupportPin

'xx

9. Removethebowtiecotterpinconnectingthedeckswayrodto the tractorframe.SeeFigure13.

Rod

CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT

Severalcomponentsmustbe removedand specialtoolsusedinorder tochangethetractor'stransmissiondrivebelt.Seea Searsorother qualifiedservicedealerto havethetransmissiondrivebeltreplaced.

CHANGING THE DECK BELT

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protectyourhands usingheavygloveswhengraspingbladesand pulleys.

TheV-beltsfoundon yourtractorarespeciallydesignedtoengage anddisengagesafely.A substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan bedanger- ousby notdisengagingcompletely.Fora properworkingmachine, usefactoryapprovedbeltsas listedinthePartsListofthismanual..

Figure13

10. Removetheclickpinandflatwasherasshownin Figure14.Then slidethe decksupportrodout ofthedeckmount.

, /

DeckNtabiliz_erRod

'\ /

...............................................................................i:':111"7

Figure14

11. Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck(fromtherightside)outfrom underneaththetractor.

All beltsonyourtractoraresubjectto wearandshouldbereplacedif anysignsof wear arepresent.Tochangeor replacethe deck belton yourtractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethedeckasinstructedinthe CuttingDecksection.

2. Removethe beltcoversfromtheouterspindlesby removingthe hexwasherscrewsthatfastenthemtothedeck.SeeFigure15.

_ler

Belt KeeperZ

Rod

HexWasher [

Screw

Figure15

3. Loosen,butdonotremovethe beltkeeperrodon thedeckidler pulleylocatednearthe backofthedeck.SeeFigure15.

4. Removethe deckbeltfromaroundthethreespindlepulleysand

thetwodeckidlerpulleys.

NOTE:Theidlerpulleysmayhaveto beloosened,butnotremoved,in

ordertoremovethebeltfromaroundthem.RefertoFig.16onthenext

page.

5. Toplacethenewbelt,beginbyroutingthebelt aroundthetwo outerspindlepulleys,thenaroundthefront spindlepulleyas shownin Figure16.

13. ReplacethePTOPulleybeltguardremovedinstep4 ofCUT- TINGDECKREMOVAL.

NOTE:Insertthebeltguardintothe beltguardslotofthePTOpulley. See Figure10.

Deckidler FrontSpindle

Pulley

OuterSpindle

Pulleys

Figure16

Routethebeltaroundthetwodeckidlerpulleysasshownin Figure16.

Retightenthebelt keeperrodloosenedearlier.

Remounttheouterspindlebeltcoversremovedearlier.

Reinstallthedeckmakingsurethe beltremainsroutedaroundthe pulleysasinstructed.

10.

Reinstallthedeckswayrod(See Figure13)anddeckstabilizer rod(SeeFigure14).

11.

Pulltherightside ofthe beltandplacethenarrowVside of thebelt intothePTOpulley.SeeFigure10in CUTTINGDECK REMOVALandFigure17below.

CUTTING BLADES

Shutthe engineoff andremoveignitionkeybeforeremovingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement.Protectyourhands usingheavygloveswhengraspingthe blade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeand/orspindlefor cracksordamage, especiallyafter you'vestrucka foreignobject.Donotoperatethe machineuntildamagedcomponentsare replaced.

Toremovetheblades,proceedasfollows.

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(referto CuttingDeck

Removalon page21)thengentlyflipthe deckovertoexposeits

underside.

2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhousingbaffle andthecuttingbladeto actas a stabilizer.See Figure18.

3. Removethe hexflangenutthatsecuresthebladetothespindle assembly.SeeFigure18.

e LockNut

Block

Deck

Belt

RotatePTO

Pulley

... J

Figure17

12. Whileholdingthe deckbeltand PTOpulleytogether,rotatethe pulleyto theleft(SeeFigure17).Continueholdingandrotating thepulleyand beltuntilthe beltisfully rolledintothePTOpulley.

Figure18

Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequalamounts

4. Jump Starting ofmetalfrombothendsofthebladesalongthecuttingedges,

paralleltothetrailingedge,ata 250to300angle.Alwaysgrind eachcuttingbladeedgeequallyto maintainproperbladebalance. SeeFigure19.

Ifthecuttingedgeof thebladehaspreviouslybeensharpened,orif

anymetalseparationis present,replacethebladeswithnewones.

A poorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessivevibration,maycause damageto thetractorand/orresultinpersonalinjury.

Neverjump starta damagedor frozenbattery.Becertainthevehicles

do nottouchandignitionsareoff.Donot allowcableclampstotouch.

1. Connectpositive(+)cabletopositive(+) postof your tractor's dischargedbattery.

2. Connectthe otherendofthe positivecableto thepositive(+)post ofthe jumperbattery.

3. Connectthe negative(-) cabletothenegative(-) postof the jumperbattery.

4. Connectthe otherendofthe negativecabletothe engineblockof thetractor,awayfromthe battery.Attachtoanunpaintedpartto assurea goodconnection.

Ifthejumperbatteryis installedona vehicle(i.e.car,truck),do NOT

startthe vehicle'senginewhenjumpstartingyourtractor.

5. Startthe tractor(asinstructedintheOperationsectionofthis

manual).

6. Setthetractor'sparkingbrakebeforeremovingthejumpercables.

Removecablesinreverseorderofconnection.

Figure19

5. Testtheblade'sbalanceusinga bladebalancer.Grindmetalfrom theheavyside untilit balancesevenly.

NOTE:Whenreplacingtheblade,besureto installthebladewiththe sided theblademarked"Bottom"(orwitha partnumberstampedin it)facingthe groundwhenthemoweris in theoperatingposition.

Useatorquewrenchtotightenthebladespindlehexflangenutto between70ft-lbs and90ft-lbs.

BATTERY

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniatocause

cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Charging

Batteriesgiveoff an explosivegas whilecharging.Chargethebattery[ in a wellventilatedareaandkeepawayfroman openflameorpilot [ lightas on a waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryeror [

othergas appliances. ..J

Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,useonlyachargerdesignedfor

12Vlead-acidbatteries.Readyourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManual priortochargingyourtractor'sbattery.Alwaysfollowitsinstructions andheeditswarnings.

Ifyourtractorhasnotbeenput intousefor anextendedperiodof time,

chargethe batteryasfollows:

1. Setyourbatterychargertodelivera maxof 10amperes.

2. Ifyour batterychargerisautomatic,chargethe batteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthatchargingis complete.If thechargerisnot automatic,chargefor nofewerthaneighthours.

If removingthe battery,disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)wire |

from itsterminalfirst,followedby thePOSITIVE(Red)wire.When

reinstallingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wireto it

terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

FUSE

4. Attachthe hosecouplerto thewaterporton yourdeck'ssurface.

See Figure 20.

Beforeservicing,repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO (BladeEngageknob),setparkingbrake,stopengineand remove topreventunintendedstarting.

Afuse isinstalledinyourtractor'swiringharnessto protectthetrac- tor'selectricalsystemfromdamagecausedbyexcessiveamperage.

Iftheelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,oryourtractor'senginewill notcrank,firstchecktobecertainthatthe fusehasnotblown.It is locatedunderthehood,mountedbehindthe top ofthedashpanelon thesupportbar.

Alwaysusea replacementfusewiththe sameamperagecapacityas theblownfuse.

TIRES

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownonthesidewall ofthetire.

Refertothe tire sidewallforexacttiremanufacturer'srecommendedor maximumpsi. Donotoverinfiate.Uneventire pressurecouldcausethe

cuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

MAINTENANCE

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagePTO,set parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeyto preventunintended starting.

CLEANING THE TRACTOR

Anyfuel oroil spilledonthe machineshouldbewipedoff promptly.Do NOTallowdebristoaccumulatearoundthe coolingfinsofthe engine, thetransmission'scoolingfanor onanyotherpartofthe machine, especiallythebeltsandpulleys.

Deck Wash System Yourtractor'sdeckisequippedwithawaterportonitssurfaceaspart

ofitsdeckwashsystem. Usethedeckwashsystemtorinsegrassclippingsfromthe deck's

undersideandpreventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.Complete thefollowingstepsAFTEREACHMOWING:

1. Drivethetractorto a level,clearspotonyour lawn,nearenough foryourgardenhoseto reach.

"\,

............. j

Figure20

Turnthe wateron.

Whilesittingin the operator'spositionon thetractor,startthe engineand placethethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position.

7. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intothe ONposition.

8. Remainintheoperator'spositionwiththecuttingdeckengaged fora minimumoftwominutes,allowingthe undersideofthe cuttingdeckto thoroughlyrinse.

9. Movethetractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intothe OFFposition.

10. Turnthe ignitionkeyto the STOPpositionto turnthetractor's engineoff.

11. Turnthe wateroffanddetachthe hosecouplerfromthewater porton yourdeck'ssurface.

12. Repeatsteps4 through11ontheoppositesideof the cutting deck.

Aftercleaningyourdeckwiththedeckwashsystem,returnto the operator'spositionandengagethePTO.Keepthe cuttingdeck

runningfor a minimumof twominutes,allowingtheundersideofthe

cuttingdeckto thoroughlydry.

LUBRICATION

Beforelubricating,repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO, setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintended starting.

Makecertainthetractor'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfromyoul house,garage,parkedcars,etc.

2. DisengagethePTO(BladeEngage),settheparkingbrakeand stoptheengine.

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

Front Wheels Eachof thefrontwheelaxlesandrimsisequippedwitha grease

fitting.SeeFigure21.Lubricatewitha No.2 multi-purposegrease appliedwitha greasegunafterevery25 hoursoftractoroperation.

f -,

Figure21

Pivot Points & Linkage Lubricateall thepivotpointson thedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift

linkageat leastonceaseasonwithlightoil. Deck Wheels

Eachof thetractordeck'sfrontgaugewheelsisequippedwitha greasefitting.Lubricatewitha No.2 multi-purposegreaseappliedwith a greasegunafterevery25 hoursoftractoroperation.

ADJUSTMENTS

Shutthe engineoff,removethe ignitionkeyandengagetheparking brakebeforemakingadjustments.Protectyourhandsbyusingheavy gloveswhenhandlingthe blades.

NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperforminganydeck levelingadjustments.Referto Tireson page28 forinformationregard- ingtirepressure.

Leveling the Deck (Front To Rear)

Thefrontofthecuttingdeckis supportedby a stabilizerbarthatcan

beadjustedto levelthedeckfromfrontto rear.Thefrontof thedeck shouldbebetween1/4-inchand3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthe

deck.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

1. Parkthetractorparkedon afirm, levelsurfaceandplacethedeck liftleverin thetopnotch.

2. Rotatethebladenearestthe dischargecoverchutesothat itis parallelwiththe tractor.

3. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetipto theground

andthe rearofthebladetip totheground.Thefirstmeasurement takenshouldbebetween1/4-inchand3/8-inchlessthanthe

secondmeasurement.

Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor properadjustment

and proceed,ifnecessary.

1. Locatethehexlocknuton theendofthedeckhangerrod.See

Figure22.

, y.............................

Figure22

Toraisethefrontofthe deck,tighten(threadinward)thehex nut againstthefronthangerbracket.

Tolower thefrontofthedeck, loosen(threadoutward)thehex

nutawayfromthe fronthangerbracket.SeeFigure22.

Leveling the Deck (Side to Side) Ifthecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a sidetoside

adjustmentcanbe performed.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedon a firm,levelsurface,placethedecklift leverinthe topnotch(highestposition)and rotatebothbladesso thattheyareperpendicularwiththetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideof theleftbladetiptothe groundandthedistancefromtheoutsideof the rightbladetipto theground.Bothmeasurementstakenshouldbeequal.Ifthey're not,proceedtothenextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,the hexboltonthe left deckhanger bracket.See Figure23.

/ S

Steering Adjustment

Ifthetractorturnstighterinonedirectionthantheother,or if theball jointsarebeingreplacedduetodamageorwear,thesteeringdrag linksmayneedto beadjusted.

Adjustthedraglinkssothatequallengthsofeach arethreadedinto theballjointonthe left sideandthe balljointonthe rightside:

1. Removethehexnut belowtheballjoint.SeeFigure24.

Figure23

4. Usinga wrench,raiseor lowertheleftsideof thedeck byturning theadjustmentgear.SeeFigure23.

Thedeckis properlyleveledwhenbothbladetip measurements takenearlierareequal.Retightenthehexbolton theleftdeckhanger bracketwhenproperadjustmentis achieved.

Parking Brake Adjustment Ifthetractordoesnotcometo acompletestopwhenthebrakepedal

iscompletelydepressed,or ifthetractor'srearwheelscanrollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied(andthehydrostaticreliefvalveopen),thebrake isin needof adjustment.Seea Searsor otherqualifiedservicedealer tohavethebrakeproperlyadjusted.

Adjusting the Seat Refertothe Assemblysectionofthismanualforseatadjustment

instructions.

Figure24

2. Threadthe balljointinwardto shortenthedraglink.Threadthe balljointoutwardtolengthenthedraglink.

3. Replacethehexnut afterproperadjustmentisachieved.

NOTE:Threadingthe balljointstoofarontothedraglinkswillcause thefronttiresto"toe-in"toofar. Propertoe-inisbetween1/16"and

5/16".

Fronttiretoe-incanbemeasuredas follows:

Placethesteeringwheelinpositionfor straightaheadtravel.

Infrontof theaxle,measurethedistancehorizontallyfrom

theinsideoftheleft rimtotheinsideof therightrim.Notethe distance.

3. Behindtheaxle,measurethe distancehorizontallyfromtheinside ofthe left rimto the insideof the rightrim.Notethedistance.

4. Themeasurementtakenin frontoftheaxleshouldbebetween

1/16"and5/16"lessthanthemeasurementtakenbehindtheaxle.

Hydrostatic Transmission

Thehydrostatictransmissionissealedatthefactoryandismainte- nance-free.Thefluidlevelcannotbecheckedandthe fluidcannotbe

changed.

Beforeoperatingthe tractor,makesuretheseatis engagedin the seat-stop.Engagethe parkingbrake.Standbehindthe machineand pullbackon seatuntilitclicksintoplace.

DECK REAR ROLLER ADJUSTMENT

Therearrollersonthe mowerdeckarenot designedtocarrythe weightofthe deck.Therearrollersshouldbeadjustedtoapproxi- mately1/4"to 1/2"abovethegroundwhenthe deckis movedtothe desiredcuttingheight.

Placethetractoron a smooth,fiatsurface,movethe deckto the desiredcuttingheight,andcheckthe heightofthe rearrollers.If contactingthe ground,orabove1/2"fromtheground,adjusttherear

rollersas follows: Thedeck rollerassemblyindexbrackethasfiveadjustmentposition

holes.

Whilesupportingtherollerassembly,removeclickpinand withdrawtheclevispinfromboththe leftandright rollerindex brackets.SeeFigure25.

Index Bracket

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Engine Oil Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification

SF,SG, SH,orSJ. Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto

theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.

"Colder _'_ 32°F ="-Warmer_

Oil Viscosity Chart

Althoughmulti-viscosityoils (5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting

incoldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoilconsumptionwhen usedabove32°ECheckyourengineoil levelmorefrequentlytoavoid possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

1. Ensurethatthetractoris on a levelsurface.

2. Cleantheoilfill areaof anydebris.

3. Removethe dipstickandwipewitha cleancloth.

4. Insertandtightendipstick.

5. Removethe dipstickandchecktheoillevel.It shouldbeat the Fullmarkon thedipstick.SeeFigure26.

Roller

Figure25

2. Positionthe rollerassemblysothattherollersare approximately 1/4"to 1/2"abovetheflat surfacebelow.

3. Alignthenearestindexbracketholeswiththeholesinthedeck

mountingbrackets.Insertthe clevispinsthroughthedeck bracketsandthe indexbracketsandsecurewiththe click pins. SeeFigure25.

NOTE:The clevispinsshouldbeinthecorrespondingholesofboth theleftand rightrollerindexbrackets.

Figure26

Iflow,addoilslowlyintotheengineoil fill. Donotoverfill.After

addingoil,waitoneminuteandthenrechecktheoillevel.

Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoilmaycausethe enginetonotstart, hardstarting,or enginesmoking.IfovertheFULLmarkonthe

dipstick,drainoilto reduceoilleveltoFULLmarkon dipstick.

7. Replaceandtightendipstick.

Changing the Engine Oil

Removetheairfiltercover.

Toremovetheairfilter,lifttheendof thefilter.SeeFigure28.

Iftheenginehasbeenrecentlyrun,the engine,mufflerandsur- roundingmetalsurfaceswillbe hotandcancauseburnsto theskin.

Exercisecautionto avoidburns.

NOTE:The oilfiltershouldbechangedateveryoilchangeinterval.To completeanoil change,proceedasfollows:

1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwire and keepit awayfromsparkplug.

2. Removetheoil fillcap/dipstickfromtheoilfill tube.SeeFigure27.

/Cover

[Pre-Cleaner

Figure28

3. Removethe pre-cleanerfromthe filter.

4. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilteron a hardsurface.If thefilter is excessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.

5. Washthepre-cleanerinliquiddetergentandwater.Allowit to thoroughlyair dry.Donot oilthepre-cleaner.

6. Assemblethedrypre-cleanertothefilter.

7. Installthefilterintotheenginebaseand pushdownuntilthefilter snapsin place.

8. Installthecover.

Figure27

3. Disconnecttheoildrain hosefromthesideof theengine.

4. Turnandremovethe oildraincap.Carefullylowerthequickoil drainintoanapprovedcontainer.

5. Aftertheoil hasdrained,installtheoildraincap.Attachtheoil drainhoseto thesideofthe engine.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeof usedoil properly. Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori- tiesoror contact1-800-4-MY-HOMEfora listofsafedisposal/ recyclingfacilities.

6. Reconnectsparkplugwire.

Air Cleaner

Iffilters,orcoversarenotinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryor death couldresultfrombackfire.Do notattempttostart theenginewith

themremoved.

Spark Plug

1. Cleanareaaroundthe sparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark plug.Sparkplugshouldbecleanedby scrapingor wirebrushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent

Removeandinspectthe sparkplug.Checkgapto makesureitis

setat .030".SeeFigure29.

Electrode Porcelain

_ _'_.030 (.76ram) gap

Figure29

3. Replace the spark plug (Champion® RC12YC)once a season.

Donotusepressurizedair or solventstocleanthe aircleaner cartridge.

Fuel Filter Muffler

Gasolineanditsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire

or explosioncancausesevereburnsor death.

• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat, andotherignitionsources.

• Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracks orleaks.Replaceif necessary.SeeaSearsorotherqualified servicedealerto replacefuelline.

• Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthe fueltankor closethefuel shut-offvalve.

• Replacementpartsmustbethesameandinstalledinthesame positionasthe originalparts.

• Iffuelspills,waituntilitevaporatesbeforestartingengine.

To Drainthe Fuel:

1. Locatethefuel filter,whichis routedontheleftsideof theengine betweenthe fueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedto theenginewithatie strap.

2. Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthein-lineclampon the fuelfilterwitha pairofpliers.

3. Slidetheclampupthefuel line.

4. Pullthefuellinefree fromthefilterandplacetheopenendofthe lineintoan approvedcontainertodrainthefuel.

To Replacethe FuelFilter:

1. Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltankor closethefuel shut-offvalve.Otherwise,fuelcan leakoutandcausea fireor explosion.

2. Useplierstosqueezetabson theclamps,then slidetheclamps awayfromthefuel filter.Twistand pullthefuellinesoff ofthefuel filter.SeeFigure30.

f --,

Clamp

Temperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150°F (65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.

Inspectmufflerperiodically,andreplaceif necessary.Replacement partsforthe mufflermustbethe sameandinstalledin thesame positionas theoriginalparts.

Clean Engine

Donot usewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel

system.Usea brushor drycloth.

Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated

debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.

Keepareaaroundand behindmufflerfreeofanycombustible

debris.

Keepingenginecleanallowsair movementaroundengine.

• Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat- ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.

Carburetor Adjustment

Thecarburetoron thisengineis notadjustable.

Battery

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniatocause cancerand reproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Thebatteryissealedandis maintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbe checkedandfluid cannotbe added.

Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof

petroleumjellyorgreasetobothterminals.

FuelLine

Figure30

3. Checkthefuellinesfor cracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

4. Replacethefuel filterwithanoriginalequipmentreplacement filter.

5. Securethefuellineswiththe clamps.

Ifremovingthe batteryforcleaning,disconnecttheNEGATIVE (Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSITIVE(Red) wire.Whenreinstallingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE (Red)wire toitsterminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black) wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnectedtothecorrectterminals;

reversingthemcouldresultinseriousdamagetoyourengine's alternatingsystem.

Neverstoregardentractorwithfuel intankindoorsor in poorly ventilatedareaswherefuelfumesmayreachan openflame,spark, or pilotlightasona furnace,waterheater,clothesdryer,or gas appliance.

PREPARING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT:Fuelleftinthefueltankduringwarmweatherdeterio- ratesandwillcauseseriousstartingproblems.

Topreventgumdepositsfromforminginsidetheengine'scarburetor andcausingpossiblemalfunctionoftheengine,thefuelsystemmust beeithercompletelyemptied,or thegasolinemustbetreatedwitha stabilizerto preventdeterioration.

If usingafuelstabilizer:

a. Readthe productmanufacturer'sinstructionsand recom-

mendations.

b. Addtoclean,freshgasolinethecorrectamountofstabilizer

forthecapacityofthefuel system.

c. Fillthefueltankwithtreatedfueland runtheenginefor2-3

minutestogetstabilizedfuelintothecarburetor.

If emptyingthefuelsystem:

a. Donotdrainfuel whentheengineis hot.Allowtheengine

adequatetimetocool. Drainfuelintoan approvedcontainer outdoors,awayfromopenflame.

b. Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnect-

ingthefuellinefromthe in-linefuelfilterneartheengine. SeeToDraintheFuelonpage28.

PREPARING THE GARDEN TRACTOR

• Cleanandlubricatetractorthoroughlyasdescribedin the

lubricationinstructions.

• Do notusea pressurewasherorgardenhosetocleanyour unit.

• Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donot storenextto corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.

Gasolineisextremelyflammableandcanbeexplosiveundercertain conditions.Draingasolinebeforestoringtheequipmentforextended periods.Drainfuelonlyintoan approvedcontaineroutdoors,away fromanopenflame.Allowenginetocool.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipes,andother sourcesofignitionpriortodrainingfuel. Storegasolinein anapprovedcontainerin safelocation.

c. Reconnectthe fuellineand runtheengineuntilit startsto

falter,thenusethe choketokeeptheenginerunninguntilall fuelin thecarburetorhasbeenexhausted.

d. Disconnectthefuellineanddrainanyremaininggasoline

fromthesystem.

Gasolineisa toxicsubstance.Disposeof gasolineproperly.Contact yourlocal authoritiesforapproveddisposalmethods.

Removethesparkplugandpourone(1)ounceofengineoilthrough thesparkplugholeintothe cylinder.Cranktheengineseveraltimesto distributetheoil. Replacethesparkplug.

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