MTD 17ARCACT099 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

I:RRFrSMRN°

Zero=Turn Rider 22 HP, 46" MOWER DECK

Model No. 247.204460

• 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.769-09491

(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,call1-888-331-4569orvisitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com/warranty Inallcasesabove,ifpartrepairorreplacementisimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbereplacedfreeofchargewiththesameoranequivalentmodel.

Alloftheabovewarrantycoverageisvoidifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson. ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:

• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,air cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.

• Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementorrepairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityoftheriding equipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproperstorage,failureto

usethepropergradeandamountof engineoil,failureto keepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintaintheridingequipmentaccording

totheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeusedwithin30days ofitspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,IL60179

Model Number

Engine Oil: SAE 30

Serial Number

Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline

Date of Purchase

Record the model number, serial number,

and date of purchase above.

Thissymbolpoints out importantsafety instructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers. Readandfollow all instructionsinthismanual beforeattempting tooperatethis machine.Failuretocomplywith these

instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis symbol,HEED ITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilt to beoperatedaccordingto the safeoperation

practicesinthis manual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron thepart ofthe operatorcanresultinseriousinjury. Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers, hands,toesandfeet and throwing debris.Failureto observethefollowing safetyinstructionscould

resultin seriousinjury ordeath.

CALiFORNiA PROPOSiTiON 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehidecomponents

containoremit chemicalsknownto StateofCaliforniato causecancerand birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontain leadandlead compounds,chemicalsknownto the StateofCaliforniatocausecancerand reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.

GENERAL OPERATION

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

Befamiliarwithallcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhowtostop themachineanddisengagethemquickly.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof ageto operatethismachine.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 repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjects whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.

Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts. Loosefitting clothesandjewelrycanbecaughtinmovableparts.Never operatethis machineinbarefeetorsandals.

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

thismanualandonthe machine.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionanddonotpoint it atanyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthedischargecoverorentire grasscatcherin itsproperplace.

Donotput handsorfeetnearrotatingpartsorunderthecuttingdeck. Contactwiththe blade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet.

Amissingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactorthrown objectinjuries.

Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,orroadsandwhilenot cuttinggrass.

Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.Thismachineis not intendedforuseonanypublicroadway.

Donotoperatethemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcoholordrugs. 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 cutnormalresidentialgrassofaheightnomore than10".Donotattempttomowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g., pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmaycontacttheengine exhaustand/orbuilduponthemowerdeckpresentingapotentialfire

hazard. Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthismachinebythe

machinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowall instructions providedwiththeapprovedaccessoryorattachment.Foralistofapproved

accessoriesandattachments,call1-888-331-4569. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,areinvolvedina

largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmowersafelyenoughtoprotect themselvesandothersfromseriousinjury.

Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,usecareandgood

judgment.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-overaccidentswhichcan resultinsevereinjuryordeath.Allslopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannotback uptheslopeorif youfeeluneasyonit,do notmowit.

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 lowenoughspeedsothatyouwill nothaveto stopwhileontheslope.Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope.Ifthetiresare unabletomaintaintraction,disengagethebladesandproceedslowlyand carefullystraightdowntheslope.

Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheelweightsor counterweightsto improvestability.

Useextracarewith grasscatchersorotherattachments.Thesecanchange thestabilityof themachine.

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

Do Not:

Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary;then turnslowlyuphillanduseextra carewhileturning.

Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments.Themowercould suddenlyturn overira wheelisovertheedgeofacliff,ditch,orifanedge

cavesin.

Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfootontheground.

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.Theymayfalloffand be seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachineoperation.

Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees orotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe

pathofthemachine.

Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom ahotmuffler.

Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized operation.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children14and overshouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyanadult.

TOWING

Towonlywith amachinethathasahitchdesignedfor 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 canoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyour clotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith aplastic

liner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore filling.

Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor trailerandrefueliton theground.If thisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch equipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline 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 themachinewhilethe 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,donot modifyengineinanyway.Tampering

with thegovernorsetting canleadto arunawayengineandcauseitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factorysetting ofengine governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMiSSiONS

Engineswhich arecertified to complywith CaliforniaandfederalEPA 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,itshould bemaintainedin effectiveworking order bythe operator.Inthe Stateof Californiatheaboveisrequiredby law(Section 4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar laws. Federallawsapplyonfederal lands. Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethroughyournearestSearsParts andRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct.Read,understand,andfollow all instructionsonthemachinebefore attempting to assembleandoperate.

= =

_j/_ WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS

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

J _ Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least75 feet from the machine while it isin 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 or grass

catcher is in its proper place. Ifdamaged, replace immediately.

15° Slope

(OK)

Figure1

(TOO STEEP)

Figure2

O. daShed. fine

USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETO DETERMINE

iFA SLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!

Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethispageandfold alongthe dashedline.

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

3. Aligneithersideofthe slopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).

4. Adjust gaugeup ordownuntil theleftcornertouchesthe slope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).

If thereis agap belowthe gauge,the slopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).

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. Cutanystrapssecuringtheseatassemblyandthedrivecontrolleverstothe ridingmower.Removeanypackingmaterial.

NOTE:Becarefulnottocutthewiringharnessconnectingtheseatandthe seatswitch.

2. Removethetwoshoulderboltsandlocknutsintheseatpanasshownin Figure2.

Figure1

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

Disengagethebypassrodsbyreversingstepsa&baftermovingthetractor. SeeFigure1.

NOTE:Thetransmissionwill NOTengagewhenthe hydrostaticbypassrodis pulledout.Returntherodto itsnormalpositionpriortooperatingthe riding

mower.

Neverattempt to movethe riding mowermanuallywithout first opening

the hydrostaticrelief valve.Doingsowill resultinseriousdamagetothe

ridingmower'stransmission.

Shoulder

.Bolt

Figure2

Rotatetheseatintopositionandsecuretheseatintoplacewiththe previouslyremovedshoulderboltsandlocknuts.Becarefulnotto crimpor

damagethewire harnesswhileinstallingtheseat.SeeFigure3.

ShoulderBolts

Figure3

PositionDriveControllevers

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

1. Removethehexscrewsandflatwashersfromthehardwarepackinyour manualbag.

2. Liftandswingthatcontrolleverupwarduntiltheslottedholeinthelever bracketalignswithoneoftheholesin thepivotbracket.SeeFigure4.

Control

LiftControl

LeverUpward

Flat Washer..

Connectingthe Battery Cables

Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontain leadandlead compounds,chemicalsknownto the Stateof 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 washerontothehexscrew.Fromtheoutside,insertthehex screwwith washerthroughthecontrolleverslotandtheholeofthepivot bracket.SeeFigure4.Usinga1/2"wrenchsnugthescrew,butdonotfully tighten.

4. Notetherelativepositionof thecontrolleverto thepivotbracket, thenrepeatthe previousstepstorepositiontheothercontrolleverin approximatelythesameposition.

Torquethescrewsdowntightly to preventthe controlleversfrom slipping out of position.

Referto"AdjustingtheDriveControlLevers"intheMaintenance& Adjustmentsforinstructionsonthefinaladjustmentofthelevers.

Figure5

Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebatteryterminaland attachtheblackcabletothenegativebatteryterminal(-) withtheboltand hexnut. SeeFigure5.

Positiontheredrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminaltohelp protectitfromcorrosion.

flOTE:Ifthebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownontoporside ofbattery,chargethebatteryasinstructedintheServiceandMaintenance sectionofthisOperator'sManualpriortooperatingtheridingmower.

LowerDeckDischargeChuteDeflector CheckingTirePressure

Neveroperatethe mowerdeckwithoutthechutedeflectorinstalledandin

thedown position.

Thedischargechutedeflectormustbeinstalledbeforeoperatingthemower.

1. Removethekeysthatareattachedwith aziptie tothechutebracket.

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

Push eBolts

Donotoverinflate tires,Checksidewalloftires formaximum psi.Equaltire pressureshouldbemaintainedat alltimes.

Thetiresonyourridingmowermaybeoverinflatedforshippingpurposes.Reducethe tirepressurebeforeoperatingtheridingmower.Checksidewalloftiresformaximumpsi.

Adjusting the GaugeWheels

Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the dischargeopeningof thecuttingdeck.

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 flangelocknutsasshowninFigure7andsecurelytightenthehardware.

Flau_LockNuts

Discharge

Chute

Deflector

Push

Figure7

:> .....

arriageBolts

eWheel

LockNut

k. j

Figure8

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

4. Notetheindexholeof thejustadjustedwheel,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 asinstructedin yourEngine

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,orwaterinthefuel tank.DONOTuseE85 gasoline.

Refuelinawell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Donotsmokeor allowflamesorsparksintheareawheretheengineisrefueledorwhere gasolineisstored.

Donotoverfillthefueltank.Afterrefueling,makesurethetankcapisclosed properlyandsecurely.

Becarefulnottospillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapormayignite. Ifanyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybeforestartingtheengine.

Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwith skinorbreathingofvapor.

Adding Fuel

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

1. Besureengineisoutdoorsandinawell-ventilatedarea.

2. Cleanareaaroundthefuelfill capandremovethefuelfill cap.

FuelLevelWindow\ l\

LHDrive RHDrive

ControlLever ControlLever

LCDServiceMinder&

HourMeter

ignitionSwitch

FueiTankCap

LHTransmissionByic

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

NOTE:ReferencestoLEFT,RIGHT,FRONT,andREARindicatethatpositiononthe ridingmowerwhenfacingforwardwhileseatedintheoperator'sseat.

CupHolder

ThecupholderislocatedtowardtherearoftheRHconsoletotherightofthe operator'sseat.

StorageTray

Thestoragetray islocatedattherearofthe RHconsole.

DeckHeightindex

Thedecklift handleislocatedonthefront!rightoftheconsole,andisused toraiseandlowerthemowerdeck.Pullthehandletotheleft outof the

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

CupHolder

Tray

\nsmissionBypassRod

Figure10

RHand LHDriveControlLevers

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

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

PowerTake-Off(PTO)Switch

ThePTOswitchislocatedontheRHconsoleto theright oftheoperator'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 handletothe 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 levelasinstructedinthisOwner'sManual.

Low Battery 11_;I 8mrl

Atstartup,thebatteryvoltageisbrieflydisplayedthen changestoaccumulatedhours.Theletters"LO"willdisplay

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

TransmissionBypassRods

Air Rlter Servke I1_] rL

Thetransmissionbypassrods(oneforeachtheRHandLHtransmission)arelocated beneaththeframeplatform,just insideeachrearwheel.

Whenengaged,thetwo rodsopenabypasswithin thehydrostatictransmissions, 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

beevery25hours.Onintervallsthatarecommonwith oilservice,theoil message

will bediplayedfirst followedbytheairfilter message.SeetheEngineOperator's

Manualforfilter cleaningandreplacementsinstructions.

Nevertowyour ridingmower.Towingtheridingmowerwith the rear wheelsonthe groundmaycauseseveredamageto the transmissions.

FuelTankCap

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

Pushthecapdownwardonthefueltankfill neckandturn clockwiseuntilit clicksto tighten.Alwaysre-installthefuelcaptightlyontothefueltankafterremoving

Neverfill the fueltank when the engineisrunning. Ifthe engineishot from recentlyrunning,allowto coolfor severalminutesbeforerefueling.

Highlyflammable gasolinesplashingontoa hotenginecouldcauseafire.

LCDServiceMinder & HourMeter

WhentheignitionkeyisrotatedoutoftheSTOPpositionbutnotinto theSTART position,theLCDServiceMinderandHourMeterwillbrieflydisplythebattery voltage,followedbythetractor'saccumulatedhours.

NOTE:Hoursoftractoroperationarerecordedanytimetheignitionkeyis rotatedoutoftheSTOPposition,regardlessof whethertheengineisstarted.

TheLCDServiceMinderwillremindtheoperatorof maintenanceintervalsfor changingtheengineoil,airfilterservice,lowengineandlowbatterywarnings.

ChangeOil

TheLCDwill displaytheletters"CHG",followedbytheletters"OIL",followedbythe letters"SOON",thenfinallyfollowedbythemeter'saccumulatedtime. "CHG/OIL/ SOON/TIME"will alternateonthedisplayfor 7minutesafterthemeterreaches50 hours.Thisoilserviceminderintervallwill occurevery50hours.Beforetheinterval expires,changetheengineoilasinstructedintheMaintenancesectionofthis Operator'sManual.

Throttle/ChokeControl

Thethrottle/chokecontrolislocatedontheLHconsoleto theleft ofthe operator'sseat.Whensetinagivenposition,auniformenginespeedwill

bemaintained.

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

PullthethrotNe/chokecontrolhandlerearwardto decreasetheengine speed.

Whenstartingtheengine,pushthecontrolhandlefullyforwardintothe

CHOKENposition. Afterstartingandwarmingtheengine,movethecontrolhandlerearwarduntilyou

feelit movepastthechokedetent.

General Safety

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:ShutoffthePTO,movetheRHandLH drivecontrolleversfullyoutwardintheneutralposition,engagetheparking

brake0, shutofftheengineandremovetheignitionkey.Waitforall movementtostopbeforeservicingorcleaning.

Operatethedrivecontrolleverssmoothlyandavoidanysuddenmovements oftheleverswhenstartingandstopping.Keepafirmgriponthecontrol

levers. Becarefulwhenoperatingnearroadways.Stopthe ridingmowermotion

andwaitfor vehiclesto passbeforeoperatingalongtheroad. Donotoperatetheridingmowerwiththemowerdeckremoved.Removalof

thedeckwill changethebalanceof theridingmower,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 pumpstkkeroctaneratingof87orhigher.

Unleadedgasolineisrecommendedbecauseit leaveslesscombustionchamber depositsandreducesharmfulexhaustemissions.Leadedgasolineisnot recommendedandmustnotbeusedwhereexhaustemissionsareregulated.

NOTE:Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleftover fromthe previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuelsystem.

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

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

Checkthe engineoillevel. 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 shutoffthe engineif theRHand/orLHdrivecontrol leversaremovedtoapositionotherthanthefullyout intheneutralposition

whentheparkingbrakeisengaged. Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutofftheengineiftheoperatorleavesthe

seatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake. Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutofftheengineiftheoperatorleavestheseat

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

stopif bothdrivecontrolleversaremovedintothereverseposition.ThePTO will re-engagewhenoneor bothoftheleversaremovedbacktoeitherthe

neutralorforwardposition.

Starting the Engine

Thisriding mowerisequippedwith asafetyinterlocksystemdesignedfor the protectionof theoperator.Donotoperatethe riding mowerifanypart ofthe interlocksystemismalfunctioning. Periodicallycheckthefunctions ofthe interlocksystemfor properoperation.

Forpersonalsafety,theoperatormustbesittingin the riding mowerseat whenstartingtheengine.

1. Operatormustbesittinginthetractorseatwith thecontrolleversfully 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/chokecontrolleverfullyforwardintothe CHOKEI'_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 notkeeptryingtostartit withthechokeclosedas thiswill causefloodingandmakestartingmoredifficult.

5. Astheenginewarmsup,graduallypull thethrottle/chokecontrollever rearwardpastthechokedetentposition.Donotusethechokepositionto enrichthefuelmixture,exceptasnecessaryto starttheengine.

6. Allowtheenginetorunforafew minutesatmidthrottle beforeputtingthe engineunderload.

ColdWeather Starting

Whenstartingtheengineattemperaturesnearor belowfreezing,ensurethe correctviscositymotoroilisusedintheengineandthebatteryisfullycharged. Starttheengineasfollows:

I. Besurethebatteryisingoodcondition.Also,awarmbatteryhasmuch

morestartingcapacitythanacoldbattery.

2. Usefreshwintergradefuel.Wintergradegasolinehashighervolatilityto improvestarting.Donotusegasolineleftoverfromsummer.

3. Followthepreviousinstructionfor Startingthe Engine.

UsingJumper CablesToStart Engine

Batteriescontainsulfuric acidandproduceexplosivegasses.Makecertain the areaiswell ventilated,wear glovesandeyeprotection,andavoid sparksorflamesnearthebattery.

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

1. Connectthe endofonecableto thedisabledridingmowerbattery'spositive terminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcabletotheboosterbattery's positiveterminal.

2. Connectoneendof theothercabletotheboosterbattery'snegative terminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcabletothe frameofthe disabledridingmower,asfarfromthebatteryaspossible.

3. Startthedisabledridingmowerfollowingthenormalstartinginstructions previouslyprovided;thendisconnectthejumpercablesintheexactreverse

orderof theirconnection.

Havetheridingmower'selectricalsystemcheckedandrepairedassoonas possibletoeliminatetheneedforjumpstarting.

Stopping the Engine

1. PlacethePTOswitchintheOFFposition.

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_ (full throttle) position.

NOTE:Althoughtheridingmower'sengineisdesignedto runatfull throttle, whenperformingapracticesessiontheridingmowermustbeoperatedat lessthanfull throttle.Thisonlyappliestopractice.

Alwaysmaintaina firm grip onthe controllevers.DONOTreleasethe control leversto sloworstopthe ridingmower;moveleversto neutral

positionusingyour hands.

Todrivetheridingmower,firmly grasptherespectivedrivecontrollevers with yourrightandleft handsandcontinuewithDrivingtheRidingmower

Forward.

Driving the Ridingmower Forward

Keepallmovementofthe drive controlleversslowand smooth.Abrupt movementofthe controlleverscanaffect thestability of theriding mower

andcouldcausethe ridingmowertoflip over,which mayresult inserious

injury ordeathto the operator.

Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversforward.Theridingmower will starttomoveforward.SeeFigure13.

Turningthe Riding mower While Driving Forward

Whenreversingthedirection of travel,werecommendperforminggradual 'U'turnswherepossible.Sharperturnsincreasethe possibilityofturf defacement,and couldaffect controlof theridingmower.ALWAYSslow the ridingmowerbeforemakingsharpturns.

Toturntheridingmowerwhiledrivingforward,movethecontrolleversas necessarysothatoneleverisrearwardoftheother.Theridingmowerwill turnin

thedirectionoftherearwardcontrollever.

Toturntotheleft,movetheleft drivecontrolleverrearwardoftheright

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 grasponthedrivecontrol levers.Donot releasethe

leverstoslowthe riding mowerorto returnto neutral.

Figure15

Thegreaterthefore-to-aftdistancebetweenthetwo levers,thesharperthe ridingmowerwillturn.

Toexecuteazeroturnmovetheturnsidedrivecontrolleverto theinward neutralposition,whilemovingtheothercontrolleverforward.

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

TurningWhile Driving Rearward

I. Toturntheridingmowerwhiledrivingrearward,movethecontrollevers

asnecessarysothatoneleverisforwardoftheother.Theridingmowerwill turninthedirectionoftheforwardcontrollever.

Toturntotheleftwhiletravelingin reverse,movetheleftdrivecontrollever forwardoftheright lever.SeeFigure17.

Driving the Riding mower In Reverse

Alwaysbok behindand downonbothsidesof theridingmowerbefore backingup.Alwayslookbehindwhile traveling inthe reversedirection.

1. Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversrearward.Theriding mowerwillstarttomoveinthereversedirection.SeeFigure16.

00000000000

RearwardLeftTurn

Figure17

Toturntotherightwhiletravelingin reverse,movetherightdrivecontrol 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-aftdistancebetweenthetwo levers,thesharperthe ridingmowerwillturn.

5. Toexecutea zeroturn,movetheturnsidedrivecontrollevertotheneutral position,whilemovingtheothercontrolleverrearward.

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

ExecutingaZeroTurn

Whenexecutingazeroturn, the ridingmowerMUSTBESTOPPED.

Executingazeroturn while theridingmowerismovingcansignificantly 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,movethedrivecontrolhandlesfully outward intheneutralpositionwhichalsoengagesthe parkingbrake,movethe

throttle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST_ position,turntheignition switchtoSTOP6 andremovethekeyfromtheswitch.

Donot leavethe seatof theriding mowerwithout disengagingthe PTO, movingdrivecontrol leversfully outward inthe neutralposition (parking brakeon).If leavingtheridingmowerunattended,turntheignitionkey off andremovekey.

DrivingOnSlopes

RefertotheslopegaugeintheSafeOperationSectiontohelpdetermineslopes

whereyoumaynotoperatesafely.

Figure19

Toturncounterclockwise,movetherightcontrolleverforwardwhile simultaneouslymovingtheleft controlleverrearward.SeeFigure20.

Donotoperateoninclineswith a slopeinexcessof15degrees(ariseof approximately2J/2 feetevery10feet).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. PullthePTOswitchupwardtothe ENGAGEDposition.

3. Advancethethrottle/chokelevertotheFAST_ position(fullthrottle).

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

5. ThePTOclutchcannotbeoperatedwhentheridingmowerisdrivinginthe

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

Figure20

Usingthe Mower Deck

Makecertainthe areato bemowedisfreeofdebris,sticks,stones,wire or other objectsthat canbethrown bytherotatingblades.

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

1. Mowacrossslopes,notupanddown.Ifmowingaslope,start atbottomand workupwardtoensureturnsaremadeuphill.

2. Onthefirstpasspickapointontheoppositesideoftheareatobemowed.

3. Engagethe PTOclutchusingthePTOswitchandmovethethrottle/choke controltothe FAST_ position.

4. Lowerthemowerdeckto thedesiredheightsettingusingthe lifthandle.

5. Slowlyandevenlypushthe RHandLHdrivecontrolleversforwardto move theridingmowerforward,andkeeptheridingmowerheadeddirectly towardthealignmentpoint.

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

6. Whenapproachingtheotherendofthestrip,slowdownorstopbefore turning.AU-turnisrecommendedunlessazeroturnisrequired.

7. Alignthemowerwith anedgeofthemowedstripandoverlap approximately3".

8. Directtheridingmoweroneachsubsequentstripto alignwithapreviously cutstrip.

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

Checkingthe SafetyInterlockCircuits

Periodicallycheckthesafetyinterlockcircuitstoensuretheyareworkingproperly.If asafetycircuitisnotworkingasdesigned,contactyouCubCadetdealertohavethe tractorinspected.DONOToperatethetractorifanysafetycircuitisnotfunctioning

properly.Tocheckthesafetycircuits,proceedasfollows:

1. PullthePTOswitchupwardto theengagedposition.Momentarilyturnthe ignitionswitchto thestart_ position;theengineshouldnotcrank.

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

3. Withbothcontrolleversfully outwardintheneutral/parkingbrakeengaged position,engagethe PTO.Lift upwardfromtheoperator'sseat;theengine shouldstop.

4. Startthetractorandmovethecontrolleversinwardto theneutraloperating position.Engagethe PTOandmovebothcontrolleverslowlyintotheslow reverseposition;thePTOshoulddisengageandthemowerdeckshouldstop.

Becarefulwhen crossinggrave[pathsordriveways.Disengagethe PTOand

raisethe decktothe highestpositionbefore crossing.

flOTL::Whenstoppingtheridingmowerforanyreasonwhileonagrass surface,always:

Placethecontrolleversinneutral(parkingbrakeon), Shutengineoffand removethekey. Doingsowii[minimizethepossibilityofhavingyourlawn

"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourridingmower'srunning engine.

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytype ofmaintenance/service,disengageall controls

andstop theengine.Wait untilallmovingpartshavecometo acomplete

stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto

preventunintendedstarting. Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operation

orwhile performinganyadjustmentsor repairs.

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesserviceguidelines only.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackofcompletedmaintenancetasks.To scheduleservicefrom SearsParts& Repair,call1-888-331-4569.

Eachuse 1. Mowerand exhaust area 1.

2. HydraulicTransaxle 2.

3. Tiresandpressure 3.

4. Deck,mower and 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 leftsideoftheengine.SeeFigure21.

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceorrepairs,disengagethe PTO,move

the drivecontrolleversfully outward inthe neutral position,engagethe

parkingbrake,stopthe engineandremovethe keyto preventunintended

starting.

EngineMaintenance

RefertotheEngineOperator'sManualforallenginemaintenanceproceduresand instructions.

Changingthe EngineOil

Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,the engine,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,tocollecttheusedoil.Remove theoilfill cap/dipstickfromtheoilfill tube.

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

5. Routethefreeendoftheoil drainhosetowardanappropriateoil collection containerwith atleasta2.5quartcapacity,tocollecttheusedoil.

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 hasbeenrunflatorseriouslyunderinflated.Have aqualifiedtiremechanicinspectandservicethetire.

Lubrication

Usingapressurelubricatinggun,lubricatethefront castorwheelaxlesand thefrontpivotaxlewith No.2multipurposelithiumgreaseafterevery10

hoursofservice. Periodicallylubricateallotherpivotpoints;i.e.theseatpivotbracket,idlerpivot

bracketonthedeck,decklift shaftassembly,etc.withaqualitylubricatingoil.

GeneralBattery Information

Shouldbattery acidaccidentallysplatter intothe eyesor ontothe skin, rinsethe affectedareaimmediatelywith cleancoldwater.Ifthereis

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

NEVERconnect(ordisconnect)battery chargerclipsto the batterywhile the chargeristurnedon,asit cancausesparks.Keepallsourcesof ignition (cigarettes,matches,lighters)awayfrom thebattery. Thegasgenerated during chargingcanbecombustible.Asafurther precaution,only charge the battery inawell ventilated area.Alwaysshieldeyesandprotectskin andclothingwhenworking nearbatteries.

Batteryposts,terminals andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadandlead compounds.Washhandsafter handling.

Thebatteryislocatedbeneaththeseatframe.Toremovethebattery:

1. Removethehexwasherscrewsecuringthebatteryhold-downbracketto theframe.Thenflip thebatteryhold-downbracketuptofreethebattery. SeeFigure22.

HexWasherScrew

Battery Hold-DownBracket

Figure22

Removethehexcapscrewandseresnutsecuringtheblacknegativebatterylead

tothenegativebatterypost(markedNEG).Movethecableawayfromthenegative

batterypost,

2. Removethehexcapscrewandsemsnutsecuringtheredpositivebattery leadtothepositivebatterypost(markedPOS).

3. Carefullylift thebatteryoutofthetractor.

4. Installthebatterybyrepeatingtheabovestepsinthereverseorder.

Batteriescontainsulfuric acidandmayemitexplosivegases.Useextreme

cautionwhenhandling batteries.Keepbatteries outof thereachof children.

Alwaysconnectthe positiveleadto the battery beforeconnectingthe negativelead.Thiswill preventsparkingor possibleinjuryfrom an electricalshortcausedbycontactingtheridingmowerbodywith 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-voltbatterychargerat aMAXIMUMrateof10amps.

ServicingElectricalSystem

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

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

RelaysandSwitches

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

Usingthe DeckWashSystem

Whenusingthe deckwashsystem,neverengagethedeckfrom any

positionother thanthe operator'sseatof theriding mower.Donotusean

assistantorengagedeckinthe presenceofanybystanders.

1. Attachthenozzleadaptertoastandardgardenhoseconnectedto awater supply.

2. Movetheridingmowertoanareawithinreachofthehosewherethe dispersalof wetgrassclippingsisnotobjectionableto you.Disengagethe PTO,engagetheparkingbrake,andstoptheengine.

DeckWash

Figure24

4. Turnonthewatersupply.

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

6. Turnoffthe watersupply.

7. Pullbackthelockcollarofthenozzleadaptertodisconnecttheadapterfrom the nozzle.

Nozzle

(:leaning the Spindle Pulleys

Oncea monthremovethebeltcoversto removeanyaccumulationofgrassclippings fromaroundthespindlepulleysandV-belt.Cleanmoreoftenwhenmowingtall, drygrass.

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