Sears EZ3 917.256543 User Manual

MODEL NUMBER 917.256543 OWNER'SMANUAL

° Assembly

° Operation ° Customer Responsibilities oService and Adjustments oRepair Parts

CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment.

FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOT LINE, CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: t-800-659-5917

• ,, ,_,, ......

SAFETY RULES

_lb Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers ,_

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT lN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting..

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.

,, Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc,

which couId be picked up and thrown by the blade..

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.,

• Never' carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always

look down and behind before and while backing.

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point

it at anyone Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

• Slow down before turning

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting

• Turn off blades when not mowing.

• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute_

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to Ioss-of-controt and

tipover accidents, which can resutt in severe injury or

death All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc . Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles..

° Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have

to stop or shift while on the slope

. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel

weights or counterweights to improve stability.

• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine°

° Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual Do not

make sudden changes in speed or direction

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope

DO NOT:

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly

and gradually downhill, if possible

• Do not mow near drop-ofts, ditches, or embankment& The

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding,

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground,.

• Do not use grass catcher' on steep slopes,

!11.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert tothe

presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that

children will remain where you last saw them_

• Keepchitdrenoutofthe mowing areaandunderthewatchful

careofanotherresponsibleadult.

• Be alertandturnmachine offifchildrenenterthe area.

• Beforeandwhen backing, look behind and down for small

children.

• Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injuredorinterfere withsafemachineoperation_

• Never allowchildrento operatethe machine.

• Use extracare when approachingblind corners, shrubs, trees,or otherobjectsthatmay obscurevision

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care inhandling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive_

Use only an approved container Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not

smoke.

Never refuel the machine indoors. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight

• Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object°

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

• Grass catchercomponents are subjectto wear, damage, and

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

and keep equipment in good condition

operation regularly.

Clean oil or fuel spillage. Attow machine to cool before

storing

Repair, if necessary, before restarting

deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow

objects to be thrown. Frequentfy check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-

essary.

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them

required.

Look for this symbol to point out important

safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONIt! BECOME ALERTltl YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

u u mmmnmn

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING &

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to

cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc- tive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and

performance° Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service CentedDepartment° We have competent, weIF trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor°

Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL NUMBER 917,256543

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWILL BEFOUNDi

ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT. YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIALNUMBE_R AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE°

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod- ucto Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLiTiES

o Read and observe the safety rules.

- Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor°

o Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-

ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

PRODUCT SPECDFICATmONS

HORSEPOWER: 15.0 GASOLINE CAPACITY 5 QUARTS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OiL TYPE (API_SF/SG): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 40 PINTS

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RCt2YC

(GAP: .040")

VALVE CLEARANCE: NOT ADJUSTABLE GROUND SPEED (MPH):

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: t4 PSi

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

BATFERY: AMP/HR: 30

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT., LBS

WARNING; This tractor is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any

unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cow ered Iand unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws

(if any) If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained

in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law

(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).

Otherstates may have similar laws Federal iaws apply on

federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available

through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/

Department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS

FORWARD:

1st 11 2nd 14

3rd 2 3 4th 3 5 5th &5 6th 5.7

REVERSE: 1.8

REAR: t0 PSi

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

MIN. CCA: 240 CASE SIZE: U1R

UIVlaTED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RiDiNG EQUIPMENT

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to

the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. This Warranty does not cover: ,, Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc.

= Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass. = Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or accident or the failure to maintain the

equipment according tothe instructions contained inthe owner's manual o Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

LliVliTED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

Fer ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or

workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge

IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO-CHARGE FOR 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SERVECE CENTER, AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE

DATE OF PURCHASE, WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY TAKING YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT TO YOUR NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER. (IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 30 DAYS FROM

THE DATE OF PURCHASE BUT A STANDARD TRIP CHARGE WILL APPLY-) THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN THE UNITED STATES.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND COo, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15"19

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................. ................... 4

ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 7"9

OPERATION .......................................................... 10-14

UNDEX

Accessories ............................................................5

Adjustments;

Brake .................................................... 22

Carburetor ...................................... 25

Mower:

Front_To=Back ........................ 21

Side-To-Side ..............................21

Throttle Control Cable ....................24

Air Filter, Engine ...............................................18

Air Screen, Engine ............................. 18

Assembly ..................................................7-9

Battery:

Charging ..............................................8

Cleaning .......................................... t7

Starting with Weak Battery ......... 23

Storage ......................................................26

Terminals ..............................................17

Belts:

Motion Drive

Removal/Replacement .............22

Mower' Blade Drive

RemovailReplacement .................22

Blade:

Sharpening ................................................16

Replacement .................................. 16

Brake Adjustment ................................ 22

Carburetor Adjustment ......................... 25

Controls, Tractor ..............................................11

Customer Responsibilities ................I5-19

Engine:

Air Filter o.........................................18

Air Screen, Engine ..........................18

Battery ......................................... 17

Cooling Fins, Engine .........................18

Engine Oil ................................. 17

Fuel Filter ................................... 1g

Spark Plugs ................................ 19

Tractor:

Blades ...........................................16

Lubrication Chart ...................... 15

Maintenance Schedule ................!5

Tire Care ..............................9,16,23

Cutting Height, Mower, ........................... 12

Electrical:

Interlocks and Relays ......................24

Schematic ...........................................29

Wiring Diagram ............................. 30

Engine:

Air Filter .................................................18

Air Screen ..................................................t 8

Cooling Fins, Engine ........................t8

Oil Change .........................................17

Oil Level ..........................................I3,17

Oi{ Type .............................................17

Preparation ................................... 13

Repair Parts ............................ 48-53

Starting .................._......................... 14

Storage ......................................................26

Filters:

Air ...................................................................18

Fuel ................................................... t g

Fuel:

Type ...........................................................13

Storage .............................................26

Fuse ........................................................ 24

Gauge Wheels .............................................9

Hood Removal/lnsiallation ........................24

Leveling Mower Deck .......................... 21

Lubrication Chart ..........................................15

Maintenance Schedule ....................... 15

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Back .......... 21

Adjustment, Side-to-Side ............ 21

Blade Sharpening ............................16

Blade Replacement .........................16

Cutting Height .............................. 12

Installation .................................... 20

Operation ........................................ 13

Removal ........................................ 20

Mowing Tips ......................................... 14

Muffler ................................................. 19

Spark Arrester .................................3,40

Mulcher Plate .......................................................9

Oil:

Cotd Weather Conditions ....... 13,17

Engine .......................................... 17

Storage .................................................26

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 20-25

STORAGE ................................................................... 26

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................... 27-28

REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................ 30-47

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ................. :.................. 48-53

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................. BACK PAGE

Operation ...............................................10-14

Operating Mower ................................................13

Options:

Accessories ............................................... 5

Spark Arrester ............................ 3,40

Parking Brake .............................................11-12

Parts Bag .........................................................6

Parts, Replacement/Repalr .................30-47

Product Specifications ........................................3

Repair Parts ....................................... 30-47

Safety Rules ..........................................................2

Seat ..............................................................8

Service and Adjustments ............... 20-25

Brake .............................................. 22

Carburetor ...................................... 25

Fuse .......................................................24

Hood Removal/tnstallation ........... 24

Motion Drive Belt

Remova!/Replacement ...............22

Mower Blade Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement .............22

Mower Adjustment:

Front-to-Back .................................. 21

Side4o-Side _............................ 21

Mower Installation ................................20

Mower Removal ........................... 20

Tire Care ....................................9,16,23

Slope Guide Sheet .......................................55

Spark Plugs ........................................... 19

Specifications ..................................................3

Starting the Engine ...............................13-14

Steedng Wheel .............................................7,23

Stopping the Tractor, .......................... 12

Storage .................................................... 26

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ..... 24

Tires .........................................................9,16,23

Trouble Shooting Chart .......................27-28

Transaxle Repair Parts ......................46-47

Warranty ............................,.......................................3

Wiring Diagram .................................... 30

Wiring Schematic ......................................29

AOOE$$OR! AND ATTACH ENTS

i1,, ii1,,11 , i,, i i

These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased

Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

SPARK PLUG GAS CAN ENGINE OIL FUEL STABILIZER AIR FILTER BLADES BELTS

PERFORMANCE

Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your tractor. Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of how they can help you, This list was current at the time of publication; however, it may change in future years- more attachments may be added, changes

may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available or fit your model. Contact your nearest Sears store for the accessories and attachments that are available for your tractor.

Most of these attachments do not require additional hitches or conversion kits (those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy attaching and detaching

AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn, Ta- pered 2.5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs

puncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in. Steel weight tray for increased penetration.

BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and leaves for a healthier, heater looking lawn Two Permanex containers hold

30-gallon plastic bags.

BUMPER protects front end of tractor from damage.. CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes available, plus

accessories such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover, protective mat and dolly

CORING AERATOR takes small plugs out of soil to allow mois- ture and nutrients to reach grass roots.. 36-inch swath. 24

hardened steel coring tips. 150 Ib capacity weight tray. EASY OIL DRAIN VALVE makes oil changes easier, faster.

FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters infront of mower deck to reduce chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain,

GANG HITCH lets you tow 2 or 3 pull-behind attachments at once, such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with rollers, carts or other heavy attachments).

GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain For mower decks not so equipped.

MULCH RAKFJDETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup_ Twenty spring fine

teeth. Usefulto prepare bare areas forseeding. Available for front or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL_AOTION

SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 36-inch wide path and

tosses thatch into large hopper Mounts behind tractor,.

MULCHING CLOSE-OUT PLATE KIT, once installed, lets you mulch, discharge or bag clippings (bagger optional) without

changing blades_ For models not equipped as 3-in-1 Convertible mowers. See "MOWER" in the Repair Parts section of this

manual. RAMP TOPS AND FEET let you load and unload tractor from a

pickup truck Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 lumber. ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch

diameter watePtight drum holds upto 390 Ibs,of weight. Rounded edges prevent harm to turf Adjustable scraper automatically

cleans drum.

SNOW BLADE forsnow removal only. 14-inch high, 48-inch wk!, blade clears 42-1nch path when angled left or right, Raises, Iower,s with side lever_ Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversibiescraper bar. (Use with tirechains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar

weighL) SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath. Drum-type auger handles

powdery and wet/heavy snow.. Mounts easily with simple pin arrangement.. Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat. 6-inch

diameter spout discharges snow I0 to 50 feet Liftcontrolled at tractor seat. (Use with chains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar weight,)

SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that connects to the tractor battery or other 12-volt source, Includes booms for

automatic spraying and hand held wand for spot spraying. Wand has adjustable spray pattern. For applying herbicides, insecti-

cides, fungicides and liquid fertilizers SPREADERISEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed kill-

ing easy, Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granuEar de- icers and sand.

SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves

TILLER has 5 hp engine and 36-inch swath to prepare seed beds, cultivate and compost garden residue. Tiller has its own built-in

liftand depth control system and does NOT require asleeve hitch Fits any lawn, yard or garden tractor Sirnply hook up to the tractor

drawbar and go! Optional accessories convert unit for dethatching, aerating, hilling ,.without tools.

TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; close{y spaced extra-large cross

links give smooth ride, outstanding traction. TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel

frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree visibility Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm

and dry. Remove vinyl sides and windshields for use as sun protector in summer Optional accessories include: tinted!

tempered solid safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper;

12-volt amber caution light for mounting on cab top.

VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and leaves. Optional wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach

places, VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications_

Uses (1) 55 Ib weight WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheets provide needed traction for

snow removal or dozing heavy materials

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

u..................

Parts Bag contents shown full size

(li Hex Bolt

3/8-16 x 1

(1) Large Flat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

___ (1) Shoulder Bolt

5/16-18

(1) Lockwasher 3/8

(1) Locknut 5116-18

(1) Lock Washer 1/2

Seat

Steering

Wheel

Steering

Boot

Video

Cassette

Manual

.......... ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ........... ,,,,,

Parts bag contents not shown full size

Mulcher

Plate

Parts Bag

(1) Washer

17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge

_ws #10 x 518 (2) Lock Washers #10

_(2)Washers

_::_2!HexBo!ts114-20×3/4 _'_

.,/_'_ 1/4-20

(2) Washers -_ _"_

9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge Lock Washers 1/4

(2) Weld Nuts #10 _i 1

3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge

(2) Hex Nuts _"--'j/

(2) Washers 3/8x 7/8 x 14 Gauge

(2) Shoulder

Bolts (2) Gauge

_ (2) Center-

Steering Wheel _ lock Nuts

Adapter

_ok

Assembtys

Slope Sheet

................. i ...... ,...................

Wheels

Extension Shaft

I teering

Steering

Wheel

insert

(2) Keys

,, ,, ,,,,,,,,,,ul,_ i,i ,,,,, i lit, ..... , , i .... i-,

ASSE LY

..... ' , 1,1,, ii ................... ÁÁÁ,,

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes° To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely_ Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness°

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set wilt make assembly easier_ Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 5/16" wrench (2) 7/16" wrenches (1) 1/2" wrench

(1) 9/16" wrench

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it

means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel)°

(1) 3/4" Socket w/drive rachet Phillips Screwdriver

Tire pressure gauge Utility knife

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

= Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons

from carton (See page 6)_

• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on al! four corners of carton, and lay panels fiat°

o Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and

remove°

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF SKID

I_ / WHEEL INSERT

_...- 3'8 LOCK WASHER

STEERING BOOT

ADAPTER

STEERING

_ 3t8 HEX BOLT

EXTENSION SHAFT

5/!6 HEX BOLT

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT ° Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft Align

mounting holes in extension and lower shafts and instail 5/16 hex bolt and Iocknuto Tighten securely_

IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO 18-22 FT. LBS TORQUE.

o Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and

push down to secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL , Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing

straight forward

o Slide steering wheel adapter onto steering shaft exten-

sion,

o Position steering wheel and sleeve assembly so cross

bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide onto adapter.

• Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 Iock washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely.

° Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering

wheel.

o Remove protective pfastic from tractor hood and grill IMPORTANT; CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES

IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera- tion section for location and function of con-

trols)

, Press lift lever ptunger and raise attachment lift lever to

its highest position.

o Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake

pedal°

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. ° Roil tractor backwards off skid.

o Remove banding hoiding discharge guard up against

tractor.

FIG. 1

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CONNECT BATTERY (See Figs. 2 and 3)

CAUTION: Do not short battery termi- nals. Before connecting battery, re-

move metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc.

Positive terminal must be connected

first to prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding.

,, Remove cardboard packing from seat pan and lift seat

pan to raised position.

- Open battery box door. o Remove terminal protective caps and discard

o If this battery is put into service alter month and year

indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.

o First connect RED battery cabte to positive (+) terminal

with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex nut as shown° Tighten secure}y,

° Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (_)termF

hal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex nut. Tighten securely.

o Close battery box door.

Openbatteryboxdoorfor:

• Inspectionfor secureconnections(totightenhard- ware).

o Inspectionforcorrosion. o Testingbattery.

o Jumping(ifrequired).

o Periodiccharging.

DISCARD TERMINAL

PROTECTIVE

CAPS

LOCK WASHER

HUT

HEX

FLAT WASHER

SEAT

SEATPAN

SHOULDER _ BOLT

ADJUSTMENT LARGE FLAT WASHER

BOLT

FIG, 4

HE]( BOLT

POSITIVE

(RED) CABLE

NEGATIVE

(BLACK)CABLE

FIG, 2

SEAT

PAN

BATTERY BOXDOOR

FIG. 3

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.

= Remove cardboard packing on seat pan° o Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder boil o Assemble adjustment bolt, lockwasher and flat washer

loosely. Do not tighten.

Tighten shoulder bolt securely.

o Lower seat into operating position and sit on seal

° Slide seat until a comfortable position isreached which

allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way

down..

= Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. o Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely°

CHECK TiRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for

shipping purposes, Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

. Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveledo See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manua!°

CHECK FOR PROPER POSiTiON OF ALL

BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual, Verify that the belts are routed

correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted_ See '%0 ADJUST

BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual

ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO MOWER

DECK (See Fig. 5)

Assemble gauge wheels withtractor on a fiat level surface,, o Adjust mower' to desired cutting height (See "TO AD-

JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation

section of this manual),

= With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge

wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground° Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with

shoulder bolt, 3/8" washer and 3/8-16 locknut and

tighten securely.

o Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in

same adjustment hole,

.......... i .......... ,,, ,......... _,,,_ .... illl, i, ,,ll,,

...............i............................

LOCKNUT

3/8" WASHER

GAUGE WHEEL

_/SHOULDERBOLT

FIG. 5

INSTALL IVlULCHER PLATE (See Figs. 6 & 7)

o Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate using screw,

washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown.

NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch hook by inserting

weld nut from the top with hook pointing down.

- Tighten hardware securely. o Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.

= Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck

opening and slide into place, as shown,

o Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck° ° Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck..

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge guard from mower, Raise and hold

guard when attaching mulcher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in

operation.

HOOK POINTS DOWN

WELDNUTFROMTH_O_---_

LOCK ___

WELD WASHER \ - _J/_

NUT _ SCREW _

LATCH

LATCH HOOK

WELD

NUT

WASHER

MULCHER PLATE

LOCK WASHER

WASHER

FIGo6

I TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory°

NOTE: It is not necessary to change blades.. The mulcher blades are designed for discharging and bagging also.

DEFLECTOR

FIG. 7

,/CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW

TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BESTPERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM

THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

,/ All assembly instructionshave been completed° _" No remaining loose parts in carton.

,/ Battery isproperly prepared and charged.. (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps).

,./ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securelyo

Z" All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

J Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results° (Tires must be

properly inflated for leveling).

,/ Check mower and drive betts. Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

v" Check wiring_ See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped_

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY

EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

,/ Engine oil is at proper level..

,z Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

v" Become familiar with all controls - their location and

function° Operate them before you start the engine.

v" Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.

LATCH

HOOKS

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