MTD 17ARCACK099 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

I:RRFrSMAN°

Zero=Turn Rider 24 HP, 54" MOWER DECK

Model No. 247.204150

• SAFETY

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: Before using this product, 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

• PARTS LIST

• ESPANOL

FormNo.769-09477

(November7,2013)

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

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

Slope Guide .......................................... 7

Assembly ............................................. 8

Operation ........................................... 12

Service and Maintenance ............................ 20

Off-Season Storage ................................... 29

Troubleshooting ..................................... 30

Espaffol .............................................. 35

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

CRAFTSMANFULLWARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,allnon-expendablepartsofthisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.

Adefectivenon-expendablepartwill receivefreein-homerepairorreplacementifrepairisimpossible.

BATTERYLIMITEDWARRANTY FOR90DAYSfromthedateofpurchase,thebattery(anexpendablepart)ofthisridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor

workmanship.Anewbatterywillbesuppliedfreeofcharge.Youareresponsibleforthelaborcostofbatteryinstallation. WARRANTYSERVICE

Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainfreerepairorreplacement,call1-800-659-5917orvisitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com

Inallcasesabove,ifpartrepairorreplacementisimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbereplacedfreeofchargewiththesameoranequivalentmodel. Alloftheabovewarrantycoverageisvoidifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson. ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.Warrantycoverage

doesNOTinclude:

• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,air

cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.

• Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementorrepairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityoftheriding

equipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproperstorage,failureto

usethepropergradeandamountof engineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintaintheridingequipmentaccording

totheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).In general,fuelshouldbeusedwithin30days

ofitspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement. Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,IL60179

Model Number

Engine Oil: SAE30

Serial Number

Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline

Date of Purchase

Record the model number, serial number,

and date of purchase above.

Thissymbolpoints out importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orproperty of yourselfandothers. Readandfollow allinstructionsinthis manual beforeattempting tooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith these

instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis symbol,HEED ITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilt to beoperatedaccordingto the safeoperation

practicesinthis manual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment, carelessnessorerroronthe part of the operatorcanresultinseriousinjury. Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers, hands,toesandfeet and throwing debris.Failureto observethefollowing safetyinstructionscould

resultin seriousinjury ordeath.

CALiFORNiA PROPOSiTiON 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehide components

containoremit chemicalsknownto StateofCaliforniato causecancerand birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontain leadandlead compounds,chemicalsknownto theStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.

GENERAL OPERATION

Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthemachineandinthe manual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.Keepthismanualin asafeplaceforfutureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacement parts.

Befamiliarwithallcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhowtostop themachineanddisengagethemquickly.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis machine.Children 14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation practicesinthis manualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbyanadult.

Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithout properinstruction. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,keepbystanders,

helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthemachinewhileit isin operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Remove allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeignobjectswhichcould bepickedupandthrownbytheblade(s).Thrownobjectscancauseserious personalinjury.

Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads, sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst awall orobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto ricochetback towardtheoperator.

Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjects whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.

Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts. Loosefitting clothesandjewelrycanbecaughtin movableparts.Never operatethis machineinbarefeetorsandals.

Your Responsibility--Restrict the useofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollow the warningsand instructionsin

thismanualandonthe machine.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionanddonotpoint it atanyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthedischargecoverorentire grasscatcherin itsproperplace.

Donotput handsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor underthecuttingdeck. Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet.

Amissingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactorthrown objectinjuries.

Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,orroadsandwhilenot cuttinggrass.

Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.Thismachineis not intendedforuseonanypublicroadway.

Donotoperatethemachinewhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs. Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight. Nevercarrypassengers.

Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking toavoidaback-overaccident.Beawareandpayattentiontothesafety systemfunctionthatstopspowertothe bladeswhendrivingin reverse.

Ifnotfuctioningproperly,contactanauthorizeddealerforsafetysystem inspectionandrepair.

Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoiderratic operationandexcessivespeed.

Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntilthe blade(s)cometoacompletestopbeforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptying grass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassordebris,or makingany adjustments.

Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff blade(s),place drivecontrolleversinneutral,setparkingbrake,stopengineandremove keybeforedismounting.

Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineintoatrailerortruck. Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupordownramp(s),becausethemachine couldtipover,causingseriouspersonalinjury.Themachinemustbepushed manuallyonramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donottouch. Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlowhangingtree

branches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybestruckor pulledfromthemachine,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

Disengageallattachmentclutches,settheparkingbraketothe'on'position

andmovethe RHandLHdrivecontrolleversto theneutralpositionbefore attemptingtostarttheengine.

Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa heightnomore than10".Donotattempttomowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g., pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmaycontacttheengine exhaustand/orbuilduponthemowerdeckpresentingapotentialfire

hazard. Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthismachinebythe

machinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowall instructions providedwiththeapprovedaccessoryorattachment.Foralistofapproved

accessoriesandattachments,call1-800-659-5917. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,areinvolvedina

largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmowersafelyenoughtoprotect themselvesandothersfromseriousinjury.

Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,usecareandgood

judgment.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-overaccidentswhichcan resultinsevereinjuryordeath.Allslopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannotback uptheslopeorif youfeeluneasyonit, donotmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanualto measure slopesbeforeoperatingthismachineonaslopedorhillyarea.If theslopeisgreater than15degreesasshownontheslopegauge,donotoperatethis machineonthat areaorseriousinjurycouldresult.

Do;

Mowacrossslopes,notupanddown.Exerciseextremecautionwhen changingdirectiononslopes.

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

Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsothatyouwillnothaveto stopwhileontheslope.Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope.Ifthetiresare unabletomaintaintraction,disengagethebladesandproceedslowlyand carefullystraightdowntheslope.

Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheelweightsor counterweightsto improvestability.

Useextracarewith grasscatchersor otherattachments.Thesecanchange thestabilityof themachine.

Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmakesudden changesinspeedordirection.Rapidaccelerationordecelerationcouldcause thefrontofthemachineto lift andrapidlyroll overbackwards,whichcould causeseriousinjury.

Do Not:

Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary;then turnslowlyuphillanduseextra carewhileturning.

Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments.Themowercould suddenlyturn overirawheelisovertheedgeofacliff, ditch,orifanedge

cavesin.

Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot ontheground.

Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.

Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.

Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,lawn

roller,etc.)onslopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoingdownhill,the extraweighttendstopushtheridingmowerandmaycauseyoutoloose control(e.g.ridingmowermayspeedup,brakingandsteeringabilityare

reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcauseridingmowertooverturn).

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccurif theoperatorisnotalertto thepresenceofchildren. Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthemowingactivity.Theydonot understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsaw

them.

Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinwatchfulcareofaresponsible adultotherthantheoperator.

Bealertandturnmachineoff ifachildentersthearea. Toavoidback-overaccidents,alwayslookbehindanddownforsmall

children.

Nevercarrychildren,evenwith theblade(s)shutoff.Theymayfall offand be seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachineoperation.

Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees orotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe

pathofthemachine.

Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom ahotmuffler.

Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children14and overshouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyanadult.

TOWING

Towonlywith a machinethathasa hitchdesignedfor towing.Donotattach towedequipmentexceptat thehitchpoint.

Followthe manufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfortowed equipmentandtowingonslopes.

Neverallowchildrenorothersinorontowedequipment.

Onslopes,theweightofthetowedequipmentmaycausebssoftractionand lossofcontrol.

Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop. Donotshiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.

Donottowheavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,lawn roller,etc.)onslopesgreaterthan5degrees.Whengoingdownhill,the extraweighttendstopushtheridingmowerandmaycauseyouto loose control(e.g.ridingmowermayspeedup,brakingandsteeringabilityare

reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcauseridingmowertooverturn).

SERVICE

Safe Handling of Gasoline: Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecareinhandling

gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsareexplosive. Seriouspersonalinjury canoccurwhen gasolineisspilledonyourselforyour clotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith aplastic

liner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore filling.

Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor trailerandrefueliton theground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch equipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline dispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankorcontaineropening atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition. Neverfuelmachineindoors.

Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotorrunning.Allow enginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

Neveroverfill fueltank.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof fillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely. Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengineandequipment.Movemachineto

anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris

build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereis anopen

flame,sparkorpilotlightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes dryerorothergasappliances.

Allowamachinetocoolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.

General Service

Neverrunan engineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas.

Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertaintheblade(s)andall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.

Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocompletestopwithin approximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthe bladedisengagement control.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthethistimeframe,aveyour machineservicedprofessionallybySearsoranotherqualifieddealer.

Regularlycheckthesafetyinterlocksystemfor properfunction,asdescribed laterinthis manual.Ifthesafetyinterlocksystemdoesnotfunctionproperly, haveyourmachineservicedprofessionallybySearsoranotherqualified

dealer. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsat frequentintervalsfor

propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade(s)for damage(e.g.,excessive wear,bent,cracked).Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofparts whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduseextra cautionwhenservicingthem.

Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstight tobesuretheequipmentisinsafe workingcondition.

Nevertamperwith thesafetyinterlocksystemorothersafetydevices.Check theirproperoperationregularly.

Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug wire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachinefor anydamage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperating.

Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairsto the machinewhilethe engineisrunning.

Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoveraresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobe thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace immediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly, listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment specificationsmayleadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!

Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedtheengine.The governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.

Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary. Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to protectthe

environment. AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)andthe

U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproducthasanAverage

UsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or270hoursofoperation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybySearsor anotherqualifieddealerto ensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystems areworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin accidents,injuriesordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,donotmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering

with thegovernorsetting canleadto a runawayengineandcauseitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factorysetting of engine governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMiSSiONS

Engineswhich arecertified to complywith Californiaandfederal EPA emissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)arecertified tooperateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayincludethefollowing emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),OxidizingCatalyst(0C), SecondaryAirinjection(SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)ifsoequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwith aninternalcombustionengineandshould not beusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brushcoveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbemaintained ineffectiveworking order bythe operator.Inthe StateofCaliforniathe aboveisrequiredbylaw(Section 4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar laws. Federallawsapply onfederal lands. Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethroughyournearestSearsParts andRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct.Read,understand,andfollow allinstructionsonthemachinebefore attempting toassembleandoperate.

= =

_j/_ WARNING--THROWNOBJECTS

iiii_;!:_iiii/ This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can causeserious personal injury.

READTHEOPERATOR'SMANUAL(S) Read,understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and

operate

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

amputate hands and feet.

WARN NG--T.ROWNOBJECTS

_F This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can causeserious personal injury.

J _ Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least75 feet from the machine while it is in operation.

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

WARNING-- SLOPEOPERATION

DANGER-- ROTATINGBLADES Toreduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away.Do not operate unless discharge cover orgrass

catcher isin its proper place. Ifdamaged, replace immediately.

15° Slope

(OK)

Figure1

(TOO STEEP)

Figure2

O. daShed. fine

USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETO DETERMINE

iFA SLOPEiS TOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!

Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethispageandfold alongthe dashedline.

2. Locateaverticalobjecton or behindthe slope(e.g.apole,building,fence, tree,etc.)

3. Aligneithersideofthe slopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).

4. Adjust gaugeup or downuntil theleft cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).

If thereis agap belowthe gauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).

Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not

mow it. Always mow across the face of slopes, never mow up and down the face of slopes.

Set-Up

NOTE:Removethedeckwashsystemnozzleadapterandoildraintubefromthe manualbagandstoreforfutureuse.

Moving TheRidingMower Manually

Yourriding mower'stransmissionisequippedwitha hydrostaticreliefvalvefor occasionswhenit isnecessarytomovetheridingmowermanually.Openingthis valvepermitsthefluidinthetransmissionto bypassitsnormalroute,allowingthe reartiresto"freewheel."Toopenthehydrostaticreliefvalve,proceedasfollows:

1. Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodintherearoftheridingmower.SeeFigure1.

Install Operator'sSeat

Toinstalltheseatproceedasfollows:

NOTE:Theseatisshippedwith theseatswitchandseatpanattached.

1. Cutanystrapssecuringtheseatassemblyandthedrivecontrolleversto the ridingmower.Removeanypackingmaterial.

NOTE:Becarefulnottocutthewiringharnessconnectingtheseatandthe seatswitch.

2. Removethetwoshoulderboltsandlocknutsintheseatpanasshownin Figure2.

Figure1

Engagethebypassrodsbypullingeachoneout(a)andto theright(b)to lockitintoplace.SeeFigure1.

Disengagethebypassrodsbyreversingstepsa&b aftermovingthetractor. SeeFigure1.

NOTE:Thetransmissionwill NOTengagewhenthe hydrostaticbypassrodis pulledout.Returntherodto itsnormalpositionpriorto operatingthe riding

mower.

Neverattempt to movethe riding mowermanuallywithout first opening

the hydrostaticrelief valve.Doingsowill result inseriousdamageto the

ridingmower'stransmission.

Shoulder

.Bolt

Figure2

Rotatetheseatintopositionandsecuretheseatintoplacewiththe previouslyremovedshoulderboltsandlocknuts.Becarefulnotto crimpor

damagethewire harnesswhileinstallingtheseat.SeeFigure3.

ShoulderBolts

Figure3

PositionDriveControllevers

Thedrivecontrolleversoftheridingmowerareloweredforshippingpurposes. Theflangelocknuts,hexscrews,andflat washersthatnormallysecurethecontrol leversintheiroperatingpositionareunfastenedandinstalledintheslottedholesof thecontrolleversforshipment.Thecontrolleversmustberepositionedtooperate theridingmower.Torepositionthecontrolleversforoperation,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethehexscrewsandflat washersfromthehardwarepackinyour manualbag.

2. Liftandswingthatcontrolleverupwarduntiltheslottedholeinthelever bracketalignswithoneoftheholesin thepivotbracket.SeeFigure4.

Control

LiftControl

LeverUpward

Flat Washer..

Connectingthe Battery Cables

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadandlead compounds,chemicalsknownto theStateof Californiato causecancerand reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.

Whenattachingbattery cables,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wire to itsterminal first, followed bythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmayhavebeenleft

disconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.Toconnectthebatterycables,

proceedasfollows:

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

flOTE:Ifthepositivebatterycableisalreadyattached,skipaheadtostep2.

1. Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthepositivebatteryterminaland attachtheredcabletothepositivebatteryterminal(+)with theboltand hexnut.SeeFigure5.

Hex Screw

Bracket

Figure4

3. Slidetheflat washerontothe hexscrew.Fromtheoutside,insertthehex screwwith washerthroughthecontrolleverslotandtheholeofthepivot bracket.SeeFigure4.Usinga1/2"wrenchsnugthescrew,butdonotfully tighten.

4. Notetherelativepositionofthecontrolleverto thepivotbracket, thenrepeatthe previousstepsto repositiontheothercontrolleverin approximatelythesameposition.

Torquethescrewsdowntightly to preventthe controlleversfrom slipping out of position.

Referto"AdjustingtheDriveControlLevers"intheMaintenance& Adjustmentsforinstructionsonthefinaladjustmentofthelevers.

Figure5

Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebatteryterminaland attachtheblackcabletothenegativebatteryterminal(-) with theboltand hexnut. SeeFigure5.

Positiontheredrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminaltohelp protectitfromcorrosion.

flOTE:Ifthebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownontoporside ofbattery,chargethebatteryasinstructedintheServiceandMaintenance sectionofthisOperator'sManualpriortooperatingtheridingmower.

LowerDeckDischargeChuteDeflector CheckingTirePressure

Neveroperatethe mowerdeckwithoutthechutedeflectorinstalledand in

thedown position.

Thedischargechutedeflectormustbeinstalledbeforeoperatingthe mower.

1. Removethekeysthat areattachedwith aziptie tothechutebracket.

2. Removetheflangelocknutsfromthedeck.Donotremovethepushnuts orcarriagebolts,leavingtheminplacewillaidininstallingthechute.See Figure6.

FlangeI

Push

CarriageBolts

Donotoverinflate tires,Checksidewalloftires for maximumpsi.Equaltire pressureshouldbemaintainedat alltimes.

Thetiresonyourridingmowermaybeoverinflatedforshippingpurposes.Reducethe tirepressurebeforeoperatingtheridingmower.Checksidewalloftiresformaximumpsi.

Adjusting the GaugeWheels

Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the dischargeopeningofthe cuttingdeck.

NOTE:Thedeckgaugewheelsareananti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandarenot designedtosupporttheweightof thecuttingdeck.

Themowerdeckcuttingheightcanbesetinanyofsixheightsettingsusingthe ridingmower'sdecklift handle.Thedeckheightsrangefrom1-1_" to 4".Thedeck gaugewheelpositionshouldbeapproximately%"to _" abovethegroundwhen thedeckissetinthedesiredheightsetting.

Usingthelift handle,setthedeckinthedesiredheightsetting,thencheckthe

gaugewheeldistancefromthegroundbelow.Ifnecessaryadjustasfollows:

1. Visuallycheckthedistancebetweenthefrontgaugewheelandtheground. Ifthegaugewheelisnearortouchingtheground,itshouldberaised.If morethan_A"abovetheground,itshouldbelowered.

2. Removetheflangelocknutsecuringthefrontgaugewheelshoulderboltto thedeck.Removethegaugewheelandshoulderbolt.RefertoFigure8.

Figure6

Installthedischargechutedeflectorusingthecarriagebolts,pushnutsand flangelocknutsasshownin Figure7andsecurelytightenthehardware.

Ran(

Discharge

Chute

Deflector

PushNuts

Figure7

eWheel

LockNut

k. j

Figure8

3. Inserttheshoulderboltintotheoneoffourindexholesinthefrontgauge wheelbracketthatwill givethegaugewheela%"to _A"clearancewith the groundandsecurewith theflangelocknut.

4. Notetheindexholeofthejust adjustedwheel,andadjustthereargauge wheelintotherespectiveindexholesoftheothergaugewheelbracketon

thedeck.

Adjusting the Seat 3. Toadjustthepositionoftheseat,rotatetheseatforwardandlocatetheclampknob

onthefrontleftoftheseatpan.RefertoFigure9. 4.

Clamp

Knob

Seat

Adjustment

Positions

Figure9

Rotatetheclampknobstotheleftandremovethem,slidetheseatforwardor backwardandre-inserttheclampknobsintooneofthefouravailablepositionson theseatpanandintotheseat,thentightensecurely.Makesuretheseatislockedinto positionbeforeoperatingthetractor.SeeFigure9

Yourridingmowerisshippedwith oilintheengine.However,youMUSTcheck theoil levelbeforeoperating.Checkandaddtheoil asinstructedinyourEngine

UsinganapprovedredGASOLINEcontainer,addfuelslowly,beingcarefulto

avoidspilling.

Fillthetankuntilthefuelreachesthebottomofthefuel tankneck.

Replacethefuelcapandtightensecurely.Wipeupspilledfuelbefore startingengine.IffuelisspilledDONOTstartengine.Moveridingmower awayfromareaofspillage.Avoidcreatinganysourceofignitionuntilfuel vaporsaregone.

CheckingandAdding Oil

Operator'sManual.

GasandOil

FuelRecommendations

Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedorlowleadedtominimizecombustionchamber deposits)withaminimumof87octane.Gasolinewith upto10%ethanolor15% MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbeused.Neveruseanoil/gasolinemixture ordirtygasoline.Avoidgettingdirt, dust,orwaterinthefueltank.DONOTuseE85 gasoline.

Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Donotsmokeor allowflamesorsparksintheareawheretheengineisrefueledorwhere gasolineisstored.

Donotoverfillthefueltank.Afterrefueling,makesurethetankcapisclosed properlyandsecurely.

Becarefulnottospillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapormayignite. Ifanyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybeforestartingtheengine.

Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwith skinorbreathingofvapor.

Adding Fuel

Useextremecarewhenhandling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammable andthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthe riding mower indoorsorwhilethe engineishotor running. Extinguishcigarettes, cigars, pipesandother sourcesof ignition.

1. Besureengineisoutdoorsandinawell-ventilatedarea.

2. Cleanareaaroundthefuel fillcapandremovethefuelfill cap.

FuelLevelWinclow l\

LHDrive RHDrive

ControlLever ControlLever

LCDServiceMinder&

HourMeter

ignitionSwitch

FuelTankCap

LHTransmissionByic

Nowthat youhavesetupyourridingmower,it'simportanttobecomeacquainted with itscontrolsandfeatures.Referto Figure10.

NOTE:ReferencestoLEFT,RIGHT,FRONT,andREARindicatethat positiononthe ridingmowerwhenfacingforwardwhileseatedintheoperator'sseat.

CupHolder

ThecupholderislocatedtowardtherearoftheRHconsoleto therightofthe operator'sseat.

StorageTray

Thestoragetray islocatedattherearofthe RHconsole.

DeckHeightindex

Thedecklift handleislocatedonthefront!rightof theconsole,andisused toraiseandlowerthemowerdeck.Pullthehandletotheleft outofthe

indexnotchandpushdownwardto lowerthedeck,or pullupwardtoraise thedeck.Whenthedesiredheightisattained,movethe lift handletothe rightuntilfullyintheindexnotch.

CupHolder

Tray

_nsmissionBypassRod

Figure10

RHand LHDriveControl Levers

TheRHandLHcontrolleversarelocatedoneachsideoftheoperator'sseat.These hingedleverspivotoutwardtoopenspaceto permittheoperatorto either sitinthe tractorseat,ortodismountthetractor.Theleversmustbefullyopenedoutandin theneutralpositiontostartthetractorengine.Whentheleversarefully outward, theparkingbrakeisalsoengaged.

EachlevercontrolstherespectiveRHorLHtransmission.Consequently,theselevers controlallofthemovementsofthetractor.Drivingandsteeringutilizingthese controlleversisquitedifferentfromconventionaltractors,andwill takesome practiceto master.Referto Operationforinstructionsonusingthecontrollevers.

PowerTake-Off(PTO)Switch

ThePTOswitchislocatedontheRHconsoleto therightoftheoperator'sseat.The

PTOswitchoperatestheelectricPTOclutchmountedonthebottomoftheengine crankshaft.Pulltheswitchknobupwardto engagethePTOclutch,orpushtheknob downwardtodisengagetheclutch.ThePTOswitchmustbeinthe"disengaged" positionwhenstartingtheengine.

DeckLift Handle

Thedecklifthandleislocatedonthefront/right oftheseatboxframe,and isusedtoraiseandlowerthemowerdeck.Pullthehandletotheleftoutof

theindexnotchandpushdownwardto lowerthedeck,orpullupwardtoraise thedeck.Whenthedesiredheightisattained,movethelift handleto the rightuntilfullyintheindexnotch.

ignition Switch LowOil

TheignitionswitchislocatedontheRH RUN consoletotherightof theoperator'sseat. I

Theignitionswitchhasthreepositions. STOP_-- Theengineandelectrical

systemisturnedoff. RUN_-- Theridingmowerelectricalsystemisenergized.

START_-- Thestartermotorwill turnovertheengine.Releasethekey immediatelywhentheenginestarts

NOTE:Topreventaccidentalstartingand/orbatterydischarge,removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchwhentheridingmowerisnotin use.

Theletters"LO"followedbytheletters"OIL",thenfollowedbythemeter's accumulatedtimewill indicatethetractorislowonoil.Stopthetractor

immediatelyandchecktheengineoil levelasinstructedinthis Owner'sManual.

Low Battery 11_;I 8Rrrl

Atstartup,thebatteryvoltageisbrieflydisplayedthen changestoaccumulatedhours.Theletters"LO"willdisplay

followedbytheletters"BATT"andthenfollowedybythemeter'saccumlulatedtime. "LO/BATT/TIME"isdisplayedontheLCDwhenthevoltagedropsbelow11.5volts.When thisoccurs,thebatteryisinneedofachargeortheengine'schargingsystemisnot generatingsufficientamperage.ChargethebatteryasinstructedintheServicesectionof thismanualorhavethechargingsystemcheckedbyyourlocalservicedealer.

TransmissionBypassRods

AirRIterServke I[_ [L ]

Thetransmissionbypassrods(oneforeachtheRHandLHtransmission)arelocated beneaththeframeplatform,just insideeachrearwheel.

Whenengaged,thetwo rodsopenabypasswithinthe hydrostatictransmissions, whichallowstheridingmowertobepushedshortdistancesbyhand.Refertothe Assemblysectionfor instructionsonusingthebypassfeature.

Theletters"CLN"will display,followedbytheletters _ n "AIR",followedby"FILT",thenfollowedbythemeter's

accumulatedtime."CLN/AIR/FILT/TIME"will alternateonthedisplayfor7minutes afterthemeterreachges25hours.Thisairfilter servicemindertimeintervalwill be every25hours.Onintervallsthatarecommonwith oilservice,theoil messagewill

bediplayedfirstfollowedbytheairfilter message.

Throttle/ChokeControl

Nevertowyour ridingmower.Towingthe riding mowerwith the rear wheelsonthe groundmaycauseseveredamageto the transmissions.

FuelTankCap

Thefueltankcapislocatednearthemiddleofthe LHconsole.Turnthefillcapto remove.Thefuelcapistetheredtothetractorto preventitsloss.Donotattemptto removethecapfromthetractor.Filltanktothebottomofthefillerneck,allowing somespaceinthetankforfuelexpansion.Donotoverfillthetank.

Pushthecapdownwardonthefueltankfill neckandturnclockwiseuntil it clicksto tighten.Alwaysre-installthefuelcaptightlyontothefueltankafterremoving

Neverfill the fueltank when the engineisrunning. If the engineishot from recentlyrunning,allow to coolfor severalminutesbeforerefueling.

Highlyflammable gasolinesplashingontoahotenginecouldcauseafire.

Thethrottle/chokecontrolislocatedontheLHconsoleto theleftofthe operator'sseat.Whensetinagivenposition,auniformenginespeedwill

bemaintained.

Pushthethrottle/chokecontrolhandleforwardtoincreasetheengine speed.Theridingmowerisdesignedtooperatewiththethrottle/choke controlintheFAST_ positionwhentheridingmowerisbeingdriven andthemowerdeckisengaged.

PullthethrotNe/chokecontrolhandlerearwardto decreasetheengine speed.

Whenstartingtheengine,pushthecontrolhandlefullyforwardintothe

CHOKENposition. Afterstartingandwarmingtheengine,movethecontrolhandlerearwarduntilyou

feelit movepastthechokedetent.

GeneralSafety

LCDServiceMinder & Hour Meter

WhentheignitionkeyisrotatedoutoftheSTOPpositionbutnotinto theSTART position,theLCDServiceMinderandHourMeterwillbrieflydisplythebattery voltage,followedbythetractor'saccumulatedhours.

NOTE:Hoursoftractoroperationarerecordedanytimetheignitionkeyis rotatedoutoftheSTOPposition,regardlessof whethertheengineisstarted.

TheLCDServiceMinderwillremindtheoperatorof maintenanceintervalsfor changingtheengineoil,airfilterservice,lowengineandlowbatterywarnings.

ChangeOil

TheLCDwill displaythe letters"CHG",followedbytheletters"OIL",followedbythe letters"SOON",thenfinallyfollowedbythemeter'saccumulatedtime. "CHG/OIL/ SOON/TIME"will alternateonthedisplayfor7minutesafterthe meterreaches50 hours.Thisoilserviceminderintervallwill occurevery50hours.Beforetheinterval expires,changetheengineoilasinstructedin theMaintenancesectionofthis Operator'sManual.

RECEIVEINSTRUCTION-- Entirelyreadthisoperator'smanual.Learnto operatethismachineSAFELY.DonotriskINJURYorDEATH.Allowonlythose whohavebecomecompetentin itsusagetooperatethisridingmower.

Beforestartingtheengineorbeginningoperation,befamiliarwith the controls.Theoperatorshouldbeintheoperator'sseat.ThePTOswitchmust beinthedisengagedposition,theparkingbrakeengaged,andthe RHand

LHdrivecontrolleversmovedfullyoutwardintheneutralposition.

Keepallshieldsin place.Keepawayfrommovingparts. NORIDERS!Keepall peopleandpetsasafedistanceaway.Lookbehindand

downto bothsidesoftheridingmowerbeforeandwhilebackingup.

DONOTdirectthemowerdischargeatpeople. Avoidslopeswherepossible.Neveroperateonslopesgreaterthan15°.

Slopeswith agreaterinclinepresentdangerousoperatingconditions.Riding mowerscanberolledover.

$LSW

Beforeleavingtheoperator'sseat:Shutoffthe PTO,movethe RHandLH drivecontrolleversfullyoutwardintheneutralposition,engagetheparking brake0, shutofftheengineandremovetheignitionkey.Waitforall movementtostopbeforeservicingorcleaning.

Operatethedrivecontrolleverssmoothlyandavoidanysuddenmovements oftheleverswhenstartingandstopping.Keepafirmgriponthecontrol

levers. Becarefulwhenoperatingnearroadways.Stopthe ridingmowermotion

andwaitfor vehiclestopassbeforeoperatingalongtheroad. Donotoperatetheridingmowerwiththemowerdeckremoved.Removalof

thedeckwill changethebalanceoftheridingmower,andcouldcontribute toaridingmowerrollover.

Avoidoperationontractionsurfacesthat areunstable;useextremecaution ifthesurfaceisslippery.

Slowdownbeforeturningandcometo acompletestopbeforeanyzeroturn maneuver.

Donotstoptheridingmowerorparktheridingmowerovercombustible materialssuchasdrygrass,leaves,debris,etc.

Donotfill thefueltankwhentheengineisrunningorwhiletheengineis hot.Allowtheengineseveralminutesto coolbeforerefueling.Tightenthe fuelcapsecurely.

Before Operating YourRidingmower

Beforeyouoperatetheridingmower,studythismanualcarefullytofamiliarize yourselfwith theoperationofalltheinstrumentsandcontrols.It hasbeen preparedto helpyouoperateandmaintainyourridingmowereffldently.

Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonlyonclean,fresh,unleadedregular gasoline.Forbestresults,fill thefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleaded gasolinewitha pumpstkkeroctaneratingof 87orhigher.

Unleadedgasolineisrecommendedbecauseit leaveslesscombustionchamber depositsandreducesharmfulexhaustemissions.Leadedgasolineisnot recommendedandmustnotbeusedwhereexhaustemissionsareregulated.

NOTE:Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleftover fromthe previousseason,tominimizegumdepositsinthefuel system.

Gasohol(upto10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolinebyvolume)isan approvedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblendsarenotapproved.

MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends(upto a maximumof15%MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels.Othergasoline/ether blendsarenotapproved.

Checkthe engineoil level. Cleantheaircleanerelementifnecessary. Checkthe tireinflationpressures. Adjusttheseatfor operator'smaximumcomfort,visibilityandfor

maintainingcompletecontroloftheridingmower.

Safety Interlock System

Thisridingmowerisequippedwithasafetyinterlocksystemfor theprotectionof theoperator.If theinterlocksystemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethe ridingmower.Call1-800-659-5917toscheduleservicefromSearsParts&Repair.

Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromcrankingorstartingunless the RHandLHdrivecontrolleversaremovedfullyoutwardtoeachsideinthe

neutralposition,theparkingbrakeisengaged,andthePTOisdisengaged.

Toavoidsuddenmovementwhendisengagingthe parkingbrake,thesafety

interlocksystemwill shutofftheengineiftheRHand/orLHdrivecontrol leversaremovedtoapositionotherthanthefullyout intheneutralposition

whentheparkingbrakeisengaged. Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutofftheengineiftheoperatorleavesthe

seatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake. Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutofftheengineiftheoperatorleavestheseat

withthePTOengaged,regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrakeisengaged. NOTE:ThePTOswitchmustbemovedtothe"OFF"positionto restarttheengine. Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutoffthe PTOandthemowerbladeswill

stopif bothdrivecontrolleversaremovedintothereverseposition.ThePTO will re-engagewhenoneorbothoftheleversaremovedbacktoeitherthe

neutralorforwardposition.

Starting the Engine

Thisriding mowerisequippedwith asafetyinterlocksystemdesignedfor the protectionofthe operator.Donotoperatethe riding mowerif anypart ofthe interlocksystemismalfunctioning. Periodicallycheckthe functions ofthe interlocksystemfor properoperation.

Forpersonalsafety,theoperatormustbesitting in the riding mowerseat whenstartingthe engine.

1. Operatormustbesittinginthetractorseatwiththecontrolleversfully outwardinneutral(parkingbrakeon).

2. MakecertainthePTOswitchisinthedisengaged(down)position.Referto Figure11.

[NControlLever

OutinNeutral

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 C

3 o o o o o o o o _ Neutral

DO000000000 DO000000000

Throttle/ChokeControl

totheChokePosition

RNControlLeverOutin

(Disengaged)Position

--__itch

Figure11

3. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolleverfullyforwardintotheCHOKEI'_1 position.

flOTE:Iftheengineiswarmedup,it maynotbenecessaryto placethe throttle/chokecontrolintheCHOKEI%1position.

4. Turntheignitionkeyclockwiseto theSTART_ positionandreleaseit as soonastheenginestarts;however,donotcranktheenginecontinuouslyfor

morethan5secondsatatime.Iftheenginedoesnotstartwithinthistime, turnthekeytoSTOP_ andwaitatleast15secondsto allowtheengine's

startermotortocool.Tryagainafterwaiting.Ifafterafewattemptsthe enginefailstostart,do notkeeptryingtostart it withthechokeclosedas thiswill causefloodingandmakestartingmoredifficult.

5. Astheenginewarmsup,graduallypullthethrottle/chokecontrollever rearwardpastthechokedetentposition.Donotusethechokepositionto enrichthefuelmixture,exceptasnecessaryto starttheengine.

6. Allowtheenginetorunforafew minutesat midthrottle beforeputtingthe engineunderload.

ColdWeather Starting

Whenstartingtheengineattemperaturesnearor belowfreezing,ensurethe correctviscositymotoroilisusedin theengineandthebatteryisfullycharged. Starttheengineasfollows:

I. Besurethebatteryisingoodcondition.Also,awarmbatteryhasmuch

morestartingcapacitythanacoldbattery.

2. Usefreshwintergradefuel.Wintergradegasolinehashighervolatilityto improvestarting.Donotusegasolineleftoverfromsummer.

3. FollowthepreviousinstructionforStartingthe Engine.

UsingJumper CablesToStart Engine

Batteriescontainsulfuric acidandproduceexplosivegasses.Makecertain the areaiswell ventilated,wear glovesandeyeprotection,and avoid sparksorflamesnearthebattery.

Ifthebatterychargeisnotsufficienttocranktheengine,rechargethebattery.Ifa batterychargerisunavailableandtheridingmowermustbestarted,theaidofa boosterbatterywill benecessary.Connecttheboosterbatteryasfollows:

1. Connectthe endofonecabletothedisabledridingmowerbattery'spositive terminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcabletotheboosterbattery's positiveterminal.

2. Connectoneendoftheothercabletotheboosterbattery'snegative terminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcabletothe frameofthe disabledridingmower,asfarfromthebatteryaspossible.

3. Startthedisabledriding mowerfollowingthenormalstartinginstructions previouslyprovided;thendisconnectthejumpercablesintheexactreverse

orderof theirconnection.

Havetheridingmower'selectricalsystemcheckedandrepairedassoonas possibletoeliminatetheneedforjumpstarting.

Stopping the Engine

1. Placethe PTOswitchintheOFFposition.

2. Movethe RHandLHdrivecontrolleversfullyoutwardintheneutralposition (parkingbrakeon).

3. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolto midwaybetweentheSLOW_ and FAST_ positions.

4. Turntheignitionkeytothe STOP_ positionandremovethekeyfromthe ignitionswitch.

flOTE:Alwaysremovethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtopreventaccidental startingorbatterydischargeiftheequipmentisleft unattended.

PracticeOperation (initial Use)

Operatingazero-turnridingmowerisnotlikeoperatingaconventionaltyperiding ridingmower.Becauseazeroturnridingmowerismoremaneuverable,getting usedtooperatingthecontrolleverstakessomepractice.

Westronglyrecommendthatyoulocatea reasonablylarge,levelandopen"practice area"wheretherearenoobstructions,pedestrians,oranimals.Youshouldpractice operatingtheridingmowerfor aminimumof30minutes.

Carefullymove-- orhaveanexperiencedusermove-- theridingmowerto thepracticearea.Whenperformingthepracticesession,thePTOshouldnotbe engaged.Whilepracticing,operatethe ridingmoweratapproximately1/2-3/4 throttleandatlessthanfull speedinbothforwardandreverse.

Carefullypracticemaneuveringtheridingmowerandproceedtodriveasdescribed

inthefollowingDrivingtheRidingmowerForwardsection.

Drivingthe Riding mower

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

1. Adjusttheoperator'sseattothemostcomfortablepositionthatallowsyou tooperatethecontrols.See"AdjustingtheSeat"theAssemblysection.

2. MovetheRHandLHdrivecontrolleversinwardintheneutralposition.Refer to Figure12.

ntrolLeverMovedInwardandinNeutral-

0000 00000

0000 0000

OOOOO OOOOO

Figure12

NOTE:Ifthecontrolleversarenotevenintheneutralposition,refertoService andMaintenanceforinstructionstoadjusttheleverssothattheyareeven.

Movethethrottle/chokecontrolleverforwardtothe FAST_ (fullthrottle) position.

NOTE:Althoughtheridingmower'sengineisdesignedto runat full throttle, whenperformingapracticesessiontheridingmowermustbeoperatedat lessthanfull throttle.Thisonlyappliestopractice.

Alwaysmaintaina firm gripon the controllevers.DONOTreleasethe control leversto slowor stopthe ridingmower;moveleversto neutral

positionusingyour hands.

Todrivetheridingmower,firmly grasptherespectivedrivecontrollevers with yourrightandleft handsandcontinuewith DrivingtheRidingmower

Forward.

Driving the Ridingmower Forward

Keepallmovementofthe drivecontrolleversslowandsmooth.Abrupt movementofthe control leverscanaffectthe stability ofthe riding mower

andcouldcausethe riding mowertoflip over,which mayresultin serious

injury ordeathto the operator.

Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversforward.Theridingmower will startto moveforward.SeeFigure13.

Turningthe Riding mowerWhile Driving Forward

Whenreversingthedirection of travel,werecommendperforminggradual 'U'turnswherepossible.Sharperturnsincreasethe possibilityofturf defacement,and couldaffectcontrolof the ridingmower.ALWAYSslow the ridingmowerbeforemakingsharpturns.

Toturntheridingmowerwhiledrivingforward,movethecontrolleversas necessarysothatoneleverisrearwardoftheother.Theridingmowerwill turnin

thedirectionoftherearwardcontrollever.

Toturntotheleft,movetheleft drivecontrolleverrearwardof theright

lever.SeeFigure14.

ForwardLeftTurn

DrivingForward Faster

0 O 0 O O 0 O 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0_0 0 0 0 0_0 0

Ill

Slower

Figure13

Asthecontrolleversarepushedfartherforwardthespeedoftheriding mowerwill increase.

Toslowtheridingmowermovethecontrolsleverrearwardtoattainthedesired speed,ormovetheleverstotheneutralpositiontostoptheridingmower.

Figure14

2. Toturntotheright,movetherightdrivecontrolleverrearwardoftheleft lever.SeeFigure15.

ForwardRightTurn

0 0 O O O _00E 0 0 0

O_11 _ O O O

O O A O O O

Alwaysmaintainyour grasponthe drivecontrol levers.Donotreleasethe

leverstoslowthe riding mowerorto returnto neutral.

Figure15

Thegreaterthefore-to-aftdistancebetweenthetwo levers,thesharperthe ridingmowerwillturn.

Toexecuteazeroturnmovetheturnsidedrivecontrolleverto the inward neutralposition,whilemovingtheothercontrolleverforward.

NOTE:Makingazeroturnwhilethevehicleismovingwill greatlyincrease thepotentialfordefacementoftheturf.Forturf protectionandtoavoid personalinjury,alwaysstopthevehiclebeforeexecutingazeroturn.

TurningWhile Driving Rearward

I. Toturntheridingmowerwhiledrivingrearward,movethecontrollevers

asnecessarysothatoneleverisforwardoftheother.Theridingmowerwill turninthedirectionoftheforwardcontrollever.

Toturntotheleftwhiletravelingin reverse,movetheleft drivecontrollever forwardoftheright lever.SeeFigure17.

Driving the Riding mowerIn Reverse

Alwaysbok behindanddownonboth sidesof theridingmowerbefore backingup.Alwayslookbehindwhile traveling inthe reversedirection.

1. Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversrearward.Theriding mowerwillstarttomoveinthereversedirection.SeeFigure16.

00000000000

RearwardLeftTurn

Figure17

Toturntotherightwhiletravelingin reverse,movetheright drivecontrol leverforwardoftheleft lever.SeeFigure18.

I-I IZI 0 I-i I-i I-i I-i i-i i-i i-i Ci

0 IZI 0 I-i 0 Ci 0 Ci 0 Ci 0 |

I-I I-I IZI Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci

0 I-I 0 CI 0 Ci O Ci O Ci 0

Figure16

Asthecontrolleversarepushedfartherrearwardthespeedofthe riding mowerwill increase.

Toslowtheridingmowermovethecontrolsleverforwardto attainthedesired speed,ormovetheleverstotheneutralpositiontostoptheridingmower.

Figure18

4. Thegreaterthefore-to-aftdistancebetweenthetwolevers,thesharperthe ridingmowerwillturn.

5. Toexecuteazeroturn,movetheturn sidedrivecontrollevertotheneutral position,whilemovingtheothercontrolleverrearward.

NOTE:Makingazeroturnwhilethevehicleismovingwill greatlyincrease thepotentialfordefacementoftheturf. Forturfprotectionandtoavoid personalinjury,alwaysstopthevehiclebeforeexecutingazeroturn.

ExecutingaZeroTurn

Whenexecutingazeroturn, the ridingmowerMUSTBESTOPPED.

Executingazeroturn while the ridingmowerismovingcansignificantly reduceyourcontroloftheridingmowerandwill causesevereturf

defacementtooccur.

Stoptheforwardorreversemotionoftheridingmowerbymovingthetwo drivecontrolleverstoneutral.

Toturnclockwise,movetheleftcontrolleverforwardwhilesimultaneously movingtherightcontrolleverrearward.SeeFigure19.

Stopping the Riding mower

1. Movebothdrivecontrolleverstotheneutralposition(parkingbrakeon)to stopthemotionoftheridingmower.

2. PushthePTOswitchdownwardtotheDISENGAGEDposition.

3. Usethedecklift handleto raisethedecktoits highestposition.

4. Ifdismountingthetractor,movethedrivecontrolhandlesfullyoutward intheneutralpositionwhichalsoengagesthe parkingbrake,movethe

throttle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST_ position,turntheignition switchtoSTOP6 andremovethekeyfromtheswitch.

Donot leavethe seatof the riding mowerwithout disengagingthe PTO, movingdrivecontrol leversfullyoutward inthe neutral position(parking brakeon).If leavingthe ridingmowerunattended,turntheignitionkey off andremovekey.

DrivingOnSlopes

RefertotheslopegaugeintheSafeOperationSectiontohelpdetermineslopes

whereyoumaynotoperatesafely.

Figure19

Toturncounterclockwise,movetherightcontrolleverforwardwhile simultaneouslymovingtheleft controlleverrearward.SeeFigure20.

Donotoperateoninclineswith aslopein excessof15degrees(ariseof approximately2J/2 feet every10feet). Theridingmowercouldoverturn andcauseseriousinjury.

1. Alwaysdriveacrossslopes,neverupanddown.Controlthespeedand directionoftheridingmowerusingprimarilythecontrolleveronthe downhillsideoftheridingmower,with theuphillcontrolleverremaining essentiallyinafixedposition.

2. Avoidturningdownhillif possible.Startatthebottomofaslopeandwork upward.Alwaysslowdownbeforeturning.

3. Useextracareandgoslowlywhenturningdownhill.

Operating ThePTO

Operatethe PTOclutchasfollows:

1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertoapproximatelythemidthrottle position.

2. PullthePTOswitchupwardto the ENGAGEDposition.

3. Advancethethrottle/chokelevertotheFAST_ position(fullthrottle).

4. Theoperatormustremainintheridingmowerseatat alltimes.Ifthe operatorshouldleavetheseatwithoutturningoff thepowertake-off switch,theridingmower'senginewill shutoff.

5. ThePTOclutchcannotbeoperatedwhentheridingmowerisdrivinginthe

reversedirection.ThePTOwill disengagewhenbothdrivecontrollevers aremovedtothe reverseposition,andwill re-engagewhenone(orboth) controllever(s)ismovedto theneutralorforwardposition.

Figure20

Usingthe Mower Deck

Makecertainthe areato bemowedisfree ofdebris,sticks,stones,wire or other objectsthat canbethrown bythe rotatingblades.

flOTE:Donotengagethemowerdeckwhenloweredingrass.Prematurewearand possiblefailureofthe'V" beltandPTOclutchwill result.Fullyraisethedeckormove toanon-grassyareabeforeengagingthemowerdeck.

1. Mowacrossslopes,notupanddown.Ifmowingaslope,startat bottomand workupwardtoensureturnsaremadeuphill.

2. Onthefirstpasspickapointontheoppositesideoftheareatobemowed.

3. Engagethe PTOclutchusingthePTOswitchandmovethethrottle/choke controltothe FAST_ position.

4. Lowerthe mowerdeckto thedesiredheightsettingusingthelift handle.

5. SlowlyandevenlypushtheRHandLHdrivecontrolleversforwardto move theridingmowerforward,andkeeptheridingmowerheadeddirectly towardthealignmentpoint.

flOTL::Thespeedoftheridingmowerwill affectthequalityofthemower cut.Mowingatfullspeedwill adverselyaffectthecutquality.Controlthe groundspeedwiththecontrollevers.

6. Whenapproachingtheotherendofthestrip,slowdownorstopbefore turning.AU-turnisrecommendedunlessazeroturnisrequired.

7. Alignthe mowerwithanedgeofthemowedstripandoverlap approximately3".

8. Directtheridingmoweroneachsubsequentstripto alignwith apreviously cutstrip.

9. Topreventruttingorgroovingoftheturf, ifpossible,changethedirection thatthestripsaremowedbyapproximately45°forthenextandeach subsequentmowing.

Checkingthe SafetyInterlockCircuits

Periodicallycheckthesafetyinterlockcircuitstoensuretheyareworkingproperly.If asafetycircuitisnotworkingasdesigned,contactyouCubCadetdealertohavethe tractorinspected.DONOToperatethetractorifanysafetycircuitisnotfunctioning

properly.Tocheckthesafetycircuits,proceedasfollows:

1. PullthePTOswitchupwardtotheengagedposition.Momentarilyturnthe ignitionswitchto thestart_ position;theengineshouldnotcrank.

2. Movebothcontrolleversfully inwardintheneutralposition;thenlift upwardfromtheoperator'sseat.Theengineshouldstop.

3. Withbothcontrolleversfully outwardinthe neutral/parkingbrakeengaged position,engagethe PTO.Liftupwardfromtheoperator'sseat;theengine shouldstop.

4. Startthetractorandmovethecontrolleversinwardtotheneutraloperating position.Engagethe PTOandmovebothcontrolleverslowlyintotheslow reverseposition;thePTOshoulddisengageandthemowerdeckshouldstop.

Becarefulwhen crossinggrave[pathsor driveways.Disengagethe PTOand

raisethe decktothe highestpositionbeforecrossing.

flOTL::Whenstoppingtheridingmowerforanyreasonwhileonagrass surface,always:

Placethecontrolleversinneutral(parkingbrakeon), Shutengineoffand removethekey. Doingsowii[minimizethepossibilityofhavingyourlawn

"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourridingmower'srunning engine.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytype of maintenance/service,disengageallcontrols

andstop theengine.Wait untilall movingpartshavecometo acomplete

stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto

preventunintendedstarting. Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operation

orwhile performinganyadjustmentsor repairs.

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesserviceguidelines only.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackofcompletedmaintenancetasks.To scheduleservkefrom SearsParts& Repair,call1-800-659-5917.

Eachuse 1. Mowerandexhaust area 1.

2. HydraulicTransaxle 2.

3. Tiresand pressure 3.

4. Deck,mowerand drivebelts 4.

5. Bladesandbolttightness 5.

6. Safetyswitchoperation 6.

Every25hours 1. SpindleBearings 1. Every50hours 1. WearPoints 1.

2. Greasefitting 2.

Every100hours 1. Coolingshroudsandcooling 1.

areas

2. Fastenersandcomponents 2.

Everyseason/Beforestorage 1. Pivotpoints 1.

2. Controlhandle 2.

3. Extensionspring 3.

Aftermowing 1. Mowerandexhaustarea 1.

2. Wearpoints 2.

OnceMonthly I. SpindlePulleys I.

2. V-Belt 2.

Clean Checkforleaks Check Check Check Check

Grease

Lubricate Lubricate

Removeandclean

Checkandsecure

Lubricate Lubricate Lubricate

Clean

Lubricate Clean Clean

2. Locatetheoildrainhoseonthe leftsideof theengine.SeeFigure21.

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceorrepairs,disengagethe PTO,move

the drive controlleversfully outward inthe neutral position,engagethe

parkingbrake,stopthe engineandremovethe keyto preventunintended

starting.

EngineMaintenance

RefertotheKohlerOwner'sManualforallenginemaintenanceproceduresand instructions.

Changingthe EngineOil

Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,theengine,muffler andsurrounding metalsurfaceswill behotand cancauseburnstothe skin.Exercisecaution

to avoidburns.

Tocompleteanoilchange,proceedasfollows:

1. Runtheengineforashorttimeto warmtheengineoil.Theoilwillflowmore freelyandcarryawaymoreimpurities.Usecareto avoidburnsfromhotoil.

,//

OilDrainHose

__ Square-Head

___ 11_ HosePlug

Figure21

3. Routethefreeendoftheoil drainhosetowardanappropriateoil collection containerwith atleasta2.5quartcapacity,tocollectthe usedoil.Remove theoilfill cap/dipstickfromtheoilfill tube.

4. Whileholdingthefreeendoftheoildrainhoseovertheoil collection container,unscrewthesquareheadhoseplugfromtheendofthehose.See Figure21.Draintheengineoilintothecollectioncontainer.

5. Routethefreeendoftheoil drainhosetowardanappropriateoil collection containerwith atleasta2.5quartcapacity,tocollectthe usedoil.

6. Oncetheoilhasfinisheddraining,replacethesquareheadhoseplugandfill theengineasinstructedintheengineowner'smanual.Seeengineowner's manualincludedwiththistractorforoilcapacity.

Battery Maintenance

Thebatteryisfilledwithbatteryacidandthensealedatthefactory.However,evena "maintenancefree"batteryrequiressomemaintenancetoensureitsproperlifecycle.

Spraytheterminalsandexposedwirewithabatteryterminalsealer,orcoat theterminalswithathincoatofgreaseorpetroleumjelly,toprotectagainst

corrosion.

Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeofcorrosion. Avoidtipping.Evenasealedbatterywill leakelectrolytewhentipped.

Battery Removal

TireMaintenance

Checkthetireairpressureafterevery50hoursofoperationorweekly.Keepthe tiresinflatedtotherecommendedpressures.Improperinflationwill shortenthe tireservicelife.Seethetiresidewallforproperinflationpressures.Observethe followingguidelines:

Donotinflateatireabovethemaximumpressureshownonthesidewallof thetire.

Donotreinflateatirethat hasbeenrunflat orseriouslyunderinflated.Have aqualifiedtiremechanicinspectandservicethetire.

Lubrication

Usingapressurelubricatinggun,lubricatethefront castorwheelaxlesand thefrontpivotaxlewith No.2multipurposelithiumgreaseafterevery10

hoursofservice. Periodicallylubricateallotherpivotpoints;i.e.theseatpivotbracket,idlerpivot

bracketonthedeck,decklift shaftassembly,etc.with aqualitylubricatingoil.

GeneralBattery Information

Shouldbattery acidaccidentallysplatter intotheeyesoronto the skin, rinsethe affected areaimmediatelywith cleancoldwater.Ifthere is

anyfurther discomfort,seekprompt medicalattention. If acidspillson clothing, first dilute itwith cleanwater,then neutralizewith asolution of ammonia/wateror bakingsoda/water.

NEVERconnect(ordisconnect)battery chargerclipsto the battery while the chargeristurnedon,as it cancausesparks.Keepallsourcesof ignition (cigarettes,matches,lighters)awayfrom the battery.Thegasgenerated during chargingcanbecombustible.Asafurther precaution,onlycharge the battery inawell ventilated area.Alwaysshieldeyesand protect skin andclothingwhen working nearbatteries.

Batteryposts,terminalsandrelatedaccessoriescontainleadandlead compounds.Washhandsafter handling.

Thebatteryislocatedbeneaththeseatframe.Toremovethebattery:

1. Removethehexwasherscrewsecuringthebatteryhold-downbracketto theframe.Thenflip thebatteryhold-downbracketup tofreethebattery. SeeFigure22.

HexWasherScrew

Battery Hold-DownBracket

Figure22

Removethehexcapscrewandseresnutsecuringtheblacknegativebatterylead

tothenegativebatterypost(markedNEG).Movethecableawayfromthenegative

batterypost,

2. Removethehexcapscrewandsemsnutsecuringtheredpositivebattery leadtothepositivebatterypost(markedPOS).

3. Carefullylift thebatteryoutofthetractor.

4. Installthebatterybyrepeatingtheabovestepsinthereverseorder.

Batteriescontainsulfuric acidandmayemit explosivegases.Useextreme

cautionwhenhandling batteries.Keepbatteriesout of thereachof children.

Alwaysconnectthe positiveleadto the battery beforeconnectingthe negativelead.Thiswill preventsparkingor possibleinjuryfroman electricalshortcausedby contactingtheridingmowerbodywith tools beingusedtoconnectthecables.

Chargingthe Battery

1. Testand,if necessary,rechargethebatteryaftertheridingmowerhasbeen storedforaperiodoftime.

2. Avoltmeterorloadtestershouldread12.6volts(DC)orhigheracrossthe batteryterminals.SeeFigure23.

Voltmeter Stateof Charging

Reading Charge Time

12.7 100% Full Charge

12.4 7.5% 90 Min.

12.2 .50% 180 Min.

12.0 25% 280 Min.

Pullbackthelockcollarofthenozzleadapterandpushtheadapterontothe

deckwashnozzleatthe leftendofthemowerdeck.Releasethelockcollar tolocktheadapteronthenozzle.Referto Figure24.

Figure23

3. Chargethebatterywitha12-voltbatterychargerataMAXIMUMrateof10amps.

ServicingElectrical System

Afuseisinstalledtoprotecttheridingmower'selectricalsystemfromdamage causedbyexcessiveamperage.Alwaysusethesamecapacityfusefor replacement. Iftheelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,checkfora blownfuse.

Ifyouhavearecurringproblemwith blownfuses,call1-800-659-5917to schedule electricalsystemservicefromSearsParts& Repair.

RelaysandSwitches

Thereareseveralsafetyswitchesintheelectricalsystem.Ifa functionofthesafety interlocksystemdescribedearlieris notfunctioningproperly,call1-800-659-5917 tohavetheelectricalsystemcheckedbySearsParts& Repair.

Usingthe DeckWashSystem

Whenusingthe deckwashsystem,neverengagethe deckfromany

positionother than the operator'sseatofthe riding mower.Donot usean

assistantorengagedeckinthe presenceofanybystanders.

1. Attachthenozzleadaptertoastandardgardenhoseconnectedto awater supply.

2. Movetheridingmowertoanareawithin reachofthehosewherethe dispersalof wetgrassclippingsisnotobjectionabletoyou.Disengagethe PTO,engagetheparkingbrake,andstoptheengine.

DeckWash

Figure24

4. Turnonthewatersupply.

5. Fromtheridingmoweroperator'sseat,start theengineandengagethe PTO. Allowto runasneeded.DisengagethePTOandstoptheengine.

6. Turnoffthewatersupply.

7. Pullbackthe lockcollarofthenozzleadaptertodisconnecttheadapterfrom the nozzle.

Nozzle

(:leaning the Spindle Pulleys

Oncea monthremovethebeltcoversto removeanyaccumulationof grassclippings fromaroundthespindlepulleysandV-belt.Cleanmoreoftenwhenmowingtall, drygrass.

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