Craftsman 486.244121 User manual

Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN+
48" DOZER BLADE
Model No. 486.244121
CAUTION:
Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all Safety
Rules and
Operating Instructions.
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts
IMPORTANT - READ THIS FIRST!!!
For Missing Parts or Assembly Questions
Please Call 217-728-8388
Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm CST.
FAX [phone] or e-mail [email protected]
Missing parts will be sent UPS in 24 hours directly to your home.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.sears.com/craftsman
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 48184 (REV. 9/02)

SAFETY
Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the
equipment. Exercise caution at all times, when using power equipment.
1. Read the tractor and dozer blade owners manuals and know how to operate your tractor before using the tractor with
the dozer blade attachment.
2. Never operate the tractor and dozer blade without wearing proper clothing suited to weather conditions and
operation of controls.
3. Never allow children to operate the tractor and dozer blade. Do not allow adults to operate without proper instructions.
4. Always begin with transmission in first (low) gear and gradually increase speed as required.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It mean--Attention!!
Become alert!! Your safety is involved.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON 48" DOZER BLADE
For one year from the date of purchase, when this Dozer Blade is maintained and lubricated according to the
operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair any defect in material or
workmanship free of charge. If this Dozer Blade is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for
only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover repairs necessary because of operator negligence or abuse, including the failure to
maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART-
MENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
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 vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA. Hoffman Estates, Chicago, IL 60179
CARTON CONTENTS
1. Frame Bracket (LH)
2. Frame Bracket (RH)
3. Lift Assembly
4. Guide Bracket Assembly
5. Spring Assembly (2)
7
14
11
/12
6. Angle Lock Bars (2)
7. Blade Pivot Bracket
8. Channel/Pivot Plate Assembly
9. Grip Assembly
10. Support Bracket
2
11. Handle Assembly w/Grip
12. Control Cable Assembly
13. Lift Pivot Plate (2)
14. Blade Assembly
Parts Package (See page 3)

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SHOWN FULL SIZE
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NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
CONTENTS OF PARTS PACKAGE
REF. QTY.
A 1
B 2
C 1
D 5
E 4
F 1
G 1
H 1
I 2
J 1
K 2
L 4
M 1
N 2
O 8
P 2
Q 2
R 4
S 1
T 8
DESCRIPTION REF. QTY.
Hex Bolt, 1/2" x 4" U 2
Hex Bolt, 1/2" x 2-3/4" V 2
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 1-1/4" W 1
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 1" X 4
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 3/4" Y 3
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1-1/4" Z 2
Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 1-1/2" AA 1
Hex Bolt, 1/4" x 5/8" BB 1
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 1-1/4" Thread Forming CC 1
Shoulder Bolt, (Special) 3/8" x 5/8" DD 2
DESCRIPTION
Hex Nut, 3/8"
Hex Jam Nut, 3/8"
Hex Lock Nut, 5/16"
Hex Jam Nut, 5/16"
Hex Lock Nut, 1/4"
Keeper Plate
Lift Arm Link
Stop Angle
Cable Mount Bracket
Cable End Fitting
Carriage Bolt, 3/8" x 1-1/4"
Flat Washer, 7/16" Std.
Flat Washer, 3/8" Std.
Lock Washer, 1/2"
Lock Washer, 3/8"
Hex Nut, 1/2"
Hex Jam Nut, 1/2"
Hex Jam Nut, 7/16"
Whizlock Nut, 3/8"
Hex Lock Nut, 3/8"
EE 1
FF 4
GG 6
HH 10
II 1
JJ 1
KK 1
LL 1
MM 1
NN 2
Handle Guide
Clevis Pin, 3/8" x 3/4"
Hairpin Cotter, 3/32"
Hairpin Cotter, 1/8"
Spring Pin, 1/4" x 1"
Nylon Tie
Spring, Angle Lock
Pivot Bushing, Short
Spacer, Long
Trunnion, Lift Rod

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) 7/16" Open End or Box Wrench
(1) 1/2" Open End or Box Wrench
(1) 9/16" Open End or Box Wrench
(1) 3/4" Open End or Box Wrench
(1) Adjustable Wrench
(1) Hammer
Refer to carton contents figure on page 2 and
figure I on page 3 for parts and hardware needed
to assemble dozer blade.
.
NOTE
RIGHT HAND (R.H.) AND LEFT HAND
(L.H.) ARE DETERMINED FROM
OPERATOR'S POSITION WHILE
SEATED ON TRACTOR.
Assemble curved end of angle lock spring into
small hole in washer as shown in figure 2.
T
/
ANGLELOCKSPR,NG /
CHANNEL/PIVOT
PLATE ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 2
,Assemble the two angle lock bars together as
shown in figure 3, using one 3/8" x 1-1/4" carriage
bolt down through the top holes with a 3/8" lock
washer and a 3/8" hex nut underneath. Do not
tighten at this time.
3/8" X 1-114"
DARRIAGE BOLT
(TOP HOLE
ANGLE
LOCK BARS
_,_.--''_3_"HEX NUT
(_ 3/8"LOCK
WASHER
.OCK BAR
SLOT
SPRING PIN
HOLE
CHANNEL/PIVOT
PLATE ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 3
ANGLE LOCK
SPRING
.Assemble the offset end of angle lock spring into
small holes in angle lock bars as shown in figure
3. Slide lock bars through lock bar slot until spring
pin hole is aligned with bracket on back side. See
figure 4. Using a hammer drive 1/4" x 1"spring pin
into lock bars until flush with bracket. See figure
4. Tighten nut in angle lock bars which was left
loose in step 2.
FIGURE 4
rs_ NOTE
Lock ba pivot freely and when
pulled all the way back the channel/pivot
plate assembly should be unlocked and
free to pivot to right or left position notches.

4, Assemble angle stop to top of channel using one
1/4" x 5/8" hex bolt down through left hand hole,
and one 1/4" hex lock nut under channel. See
figure 5. Do not tighten at this time.
114" HEX LOCK NUT CHANNEUPIVOT
PLATE ASSEMBLY
FRONT
ANGLE STOP
FIGURE 5
1/4" X 518"
HEX BOLT
.Assemble 3/8" x 1-1/4" carriage bolt through square
hole in cable mount bracket and through square
hole in lock bars. See figures 6 and 7. Hold cable
mount bracket in position as shown in figure 7 and
secure with 3/8" lock washer and 3/8" hex nut.
,1
3/8" X 1-114" 3/8" HEX NUT
CARRIAGE BOLT LOCK WASHER
\/
CABLE MOUNT ANGLE
BRACKET
FIGURE 6
6. Assemble one 5/16-24 hexjam nut onto threaded
end of control cable approximately 3/4" from end.
Assemble threaded cable end through round hole
in cable mount bracket and secure with another
5/16-24 hex jam nut. See figure 7.
CABLE
MOUNT
JBRACKET
BALL E__ _ '
5/16"24 HE _ [
JAM NUTS _
FIGURE 7
7,
.
Assemble ball end of cable through round hole in
cable end fitting and into slot of fitting. See
figures 7 and 8.
Attach cable end fitting and long spacer to right
hand hole in angle stop and channel using 1/4" x
1-1/4" hex bolt and 1/4" hex lock nut. Tighten
both 1/4" hex lock nuts that secure the angle stop
to the channel. See figure 8. NOTE: Keep cable
and fitting in alignment with cable mount
bracket when tightening nuts.
1/4" X 1-1/4"
HEX BOLT
LONG SPACER%
ANGLE
CABLE END
FITTING
PUSH CHANNEL
-'% _
1/4" HEX LOCK NUT
FIGURE 8
ASSEMBLY OF BLADE TO TRACTOR
TO PREPARE TRACTOR:
A. Remove the mower or any other attachment you
may have mounted to your tractor. Mark all loose
parts and save for re-assembly. Refer to tractor
owners manual for instructions on removal of the
mower or attachment.
B. Remove and save both suspension arms, along
with the nuts and washers which fasten them to
the lift link rods. Also remove the 3/8" self-tapping
bolts from each side of the tractor frame as shown
in figure 9. On some tractors the lift link nuts
will be reused to fasten the dozer blade lift
assembly to the lift link rods.
REMOVE 3/8"
SELF-TAP BOLTS FRONT
TRACTOR FRAME
R.H. SIDE
ARM
LIFT LINK NUT AND WASHER
(REMOVE AND SAVE)
FIGURE 9
UP STOP
BRACKET

1. Assemble one 1/2" x 4" hex bolt, one 1/2" hex nut
and one 7/16" standard washer into top of slotted
hole in channel assembly. Assemble one 7/16"
standard washer and one 1/2" hex nut on bottom
of 1/2" bolt under channel assembly. See figure
10. DO NOT TIGHTEN AT THIS TIME.
2. Assemble channel assembly to hitch plates at
front of tractor as shown in figures 10 and 11.
1/2" x 4" HITCH PLATES
HEX BOLT
112"HEX
NUTS I
WASHERS
PIVOTSHAFT
CHANNELASSEMBLY
FIGURE 10
,Assemble keeper plates over each end of pivot
shaft with lip under hitch plates (see figure11) and
secure with two 1/8" (large) hairpin cotters through
small holes near each end of shaft.
CHANNEL ASS'Y HITCH PLATES
PIVOT ......_
SHAFT
KEEPER
HAIRPIN COTTER
MOUNT ROD
FIGURE 11
.Adjust 1/2" x 4" stop bolt, previously assembled
into channel assembly (step 1). See figure 12.
Adjust hex nuts, above and below channel, to
provide a minimum 1/8" clearance between chan-
nel and the tractor engine pulley with the stop bolt
positioned against front axle frame member. See
figure 12.
I1_ NOTE
The stop bolt must be located so that CENTER of bolt
contacts the front axle. The stop bolt must be tight-
ened in place before assembling blade assembly to
channel.
FRONT AXLE
FRAME
1/8"
CLEARANCE 1/2" X 4"
HEX BOLT
MINIMUM
FIGURE 12
5. Hold blade head upright and guide one end of
mount rod into hole near bottom of blade mount
gusset. See figures 11 and 13. Secure with a
hairpin cotter. Slide other end of mount rod into
other blade mount gusset hole and secure with
hairpin cotter.
6. Connect curved end of spring assemblies into
spring mount ears. Seefigure 13. Remove plastic
cap and one 3/8" hex nut from end of each spring
assembly. Hold blade back against stop bolts and
assemble spring adjustment bolts up through bar.
Re-assemble two 3/8" hex nuts, removed earlier,
onto adjustment bolts on top side of bar. Tighten
both spring adjustment nuts approximately 1"down
from end of bolt threads, see figure 13, to provide
tension of blade against stop bolts.
7. Adjust stop bolts to tilt blade forward until 1-1/2"
distance is obtained between pivot plate and blade
assembly crossmember. See figure 13.
FRONT
SPRING
ADJUSTMENT BOLTS
BLADE HEAD
SPRING
ASSEMBLIES
PLASTIC
CAP
CHANNEL
ASS'Y
tOP
SPRING
MOUNT EARS
FIGURE 13
6

.Re-assemble plactic caps on top ends of spring
adjustment bolts.
_NOTE
SEE ADJUSTMENT SECTION ON
PAGE 10 FOR SPRING TENSION.
9. Assemble blade pivot bracket on to top right hand
side of channel/pivot assembly. See figure 14.
Assemble two 3/8" x 1" hex bolts down through
bracket and plate and secure with two 3/8" lock
washers and 3/8" hex lock nuts underneath.
CHANNEL/PIVOT FRONT
ASS'Y . ._
/''vo'
BRACKET
.t!2
3/8" HEX LOCK NUT 318 X1 "
AND LOCK WASHER HEX BOLT
FIGURE 14
10. Assemble the frame bracket (LH) under the left
hand foot rest of the tractor using two 3/8 x 3/4"
hex bolts. Tighten securely being careful not to
strip threads. See figure 15.
11. Assemble the lift pivot plate to the left hand frame
bracket using two 3/8" x 3/4" clevis pins and
secure wth two 3/32" (small) hairpin cotters. See
figure 15.
-.--FRONT
LEFT SIDE 318 x 3/4" BOLTS
BRACKET (LH)
CLEVIS PINS
3/8" x 314"
LIFT PIVOT PLATE
HAIRPIN COTTER
(SMALL)
FIGURE 15
12. Assemble a lift rod trunnion (facing in) to each lift link
rod using either a, b or c:
a. two 7/16-20 hex jam nuts (48" mower decks)
b. a 3/8-16 regular hex nut and the original lock
nut you removed earlier (models before 1995).
c. a 3/8-24 hex jam nut and the original lock nut
you removed earlier (all other models)
The correct nuts will screw on easily. Tighten nuts so
that one thread of rod extends past bottom nut.
LIFT LINK ROD FRONT
RIGHT SIDE
PLAIN HEX NUT
OR JAM NUT
JAM NUT
OR ORIGINAL
LOCK NUT
FIGURE 16
LIFT ROD
TRUNNION
ONE THREAD EXPOSED
13. Pre-assemble lift arm link to inside of long arm on
lift assembly. As shown in figure 17.
14. Assemble one 3/8" x 1-1/4" hex bolt through 3/8"
flat washer, through pivot bushing, through large
hole in lift arm link near angle end and through
hole in long arm nearest the end. Secure with one
3/8" lock washer and one 3/8" hex lock nut. See
figure 17. NOTE: Lift arm link must pivot freely.
15. Assemble one 3/8" x 1" hex bolt through second
hole form end of long arm. Secure with one 3/8"
lock washer and one 3/8" hex lock nut. This bolt
is used as a limit stop for the lift arm link. See
figure 17.
3/8" FLAT WASHER
318"x 1-1/4"
HEX BOLT ,_ PIVOT
"_ BUSHING LIFT ARM
3/8"x1" "__ // _LINK
HEXBOLT_%_. _ _ ,,
ASSEMBLY LOCK NUT
FIGURE 17
NOTE
Lift arm link must be positioned
as shown in figures 17 and 19.

16.If your tractor does not havean attachment
lift spring, skip to next paragraph.
Relievespringtensionon lift lever(seefigure 18
and note below) loosening hex jam nut and un-
screwing adjustment bolt counter-clockwise to
obtain 1/4" clearance between bracket and ad-
justment bolt.
NOTE
Tractor lift lever must be positioned all
the way back and locked in position.
BACK VIEW (TRACTOR)
ADJUSTMENT BOLT JAM _"
FIGURE 18
SPRING
17. Move attachment lift lever all the way forward and
lock in position. See figure 28 on page 10.
18. Assemble lift arm link over channel rod and insert
pivot shaft end (from R.H. side of tractor) into hole
in L.H. lift pivot plate. See figure 19. Secure lift
arm link to channel rod with 1/8" (large) hairpin
cotter. See figure 19
19. Assemble the frame bracket (RH) under the right
hand foot rest of the tractor using two 3/8 x 3/4"
hex bolts. Tighten securely taking care not to
strip threads. See figure 19.
RIGHT HAND SIDE VIEW
318 X 3/4" FRAME BRACKET
HEX
BOLT_
SHAFT
FRONT
7
ARM
LINK
--?
LIFT ASS
LIFT PIVOT MOUNT PLATE
(L.H.)
FIGURE 19
CHANNEL
ROD
20. Assemble trunnions that were assembled to the
lift link rods in step 12, through lift assembly arms
and secure with 7/16" flat washers and (small)
hairpin cotters. Note: Trunnions must be posi-
tioned to outside of lift assembly arms. See
figure 20.
RIGHT HAND SIDE VIEW FRONT
LIFT LINK ROD 7116" FLAT
WASHER
HAIRPIN
COTTER
(SMALL)
LIFT RODTRUNNION LIFTASSEMBLY
ARMS
FIGURE 20
21. Assemble lift pivot plate over right hand end of lift
assembly pivot shaft and connect to outside of
frame bracket using two 3/8" x 3/4" clevis pins
from inside. Secure with two 3/32" (small) hairpin
cotters. Secure ends of pivot shaft to each lift
pivot plate with 1/8" (large) hairpin cotter. See
figures 20 and 21.
RIGHT HAND SIDE VIEW
CLEVIS PINS
FRAME
BRACKET
FRONT
CLEVIS PINS LIFT PIVOT
PLATE
LIFT
ASSEMBLY
PIVOT SHAFT
FIGURE 21
22. Align two front holes in Support Bracket with holes in
front of foot rest on right side of tractor frame. Remove
any bolts present in holes, but leave all brackets in
place. Attach the Support Bracket using two 3/8" x 1"
hex bolts and 3/8" lock nuts. If bolts won't fit, use 3/8"
x 1-1/4" thread forming bolts without the lock nuts.
See figure 22.

HAIRPIN
COTTER
\
SUPPORT
(2) 318" X 1-1/4" /-vBRACKET
THREAD FORMING /
HEXBO'TS ©
or
(2) 318"x 1" \ _ "_==
HEX BOLTS __
--AND3/8 HEX_i II ®
_LOCK NUTS Y) _II
U_)_T_01_'BRAdKE T--_'_" "_
FIGURE 22
t
HANDLE
GUIDE
23. Assemble handle guide (with loop outside) at
top of support bracket and secure with one hairpin
cotter inside. See figures 22 and 23.
HANDLE HANDLE
GRIP _,BS'Y HAIRPIN HANDLE
COTTER GUIDE
CONTROL CABLE END
CABLE
(OUTSIDE GUIDE)
._BUPPORT
BRACKET
FIGURE 23
24. Assemble handle assembly down through handle
guide as shown in figure 23. Secure lower end of
handle to top side of blade pivot bracket with
special shoulder bolt (on top) and 3/8" hex whizlock
nut underneath. See figure 24.
25. Assemble one 5/16-24" hex nut onto threaded
end of control cable approximately 3/4" from end.
Assemble threaded end of cable up through cable
mount ear and secure with second 5/16-24" hex
nut. See figure 24.
26. Assemble handle grip onto end of handle if not
already pre-assembled. See figure 23.
CABLE PLASTIC
fJ ¢f
/SPECIAL
SHOULDER
BOLT
BLADE
HANDLE PIVOT
TUBE BRACKET
FIGURE 24
3/8"HEX
WHIZLOCK NUT
27. Wrap plastic tie around handle tube and cable,
(see figure 24), assembling end of tie through
lock. Pull plastic tie tight to retain cable to handle
tube near front of tractor hood. Cut off extra
plastic end.
28. Assemble grip assembly to handle assembly us-
ing one 5116" x 1-1/2" hex bolt and one 5/16" hex
lock nut. NOTE: Do not over tighten lock nut,
grip assembly must pivot freely.
CABLE END "_[_" HEX
5/16" x 1-1/2" FITTING
HEX BOLT LOCK NUT
/
GRIP
HANDLE CABLE
ASSEMBLY HANDLE
GUIDE
1/4" WELD BOLT
FIGURE 25
29. Assemble ball end of cable (see figure 23), through
round hole in cable end fitting and into slot of
fitting. See figure 25. Assemble cable end fitting
over 114" weld bolt on grip assembly and secure
with one 114" hex lock nut. NOTE: Do not over
tighten lock nut, cable fitting must pivot freely.
30. Assemble guide bracket assembly shaft end into
the left hand hitch plate. See figure 26. Slide
guide assembly back to the right and into the hole
in the right hand hitch plate.
(R.H.) HITCH PLATE FRONT'"_
HITCH PLATE
SHAFT END GUIDE
BRACKET
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 26
CHANNEL
ASSEMBLY
31. Secure the guide bracket assembly shaft with a
hairpin cotter on each end. See figure 27. Lower
front end of guide bracket assembly to straddle
channel assembly. See figure 27.

(R.H.)HITCH PLATE
HAIRPIN COTTER HAIRPIN
COTTER
GUIDE
BRACKET
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 27 ASSEMBLY
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND ADJUSTMENTS
HIDDEN OBJECTS CAN CAUSE
SUDDEN STOPS OF CHANGE IN
DIRECTION
B= LIFT LEVER PLUNGER:
Located on top of lift control lever. See figure 28.
Pull back on lift control lever and depress plunger
to release.
WITH THE DOZER BLADE IN THE
"UP" POSITION DO NOT DEPRESS
THE PLUNGER WITHOUT HOLDING
BACK ON THE LIFT CONTROL LE-
VER OR DOZER BLADE MAY SUD-
DENLY DROP.
C= Attachment depth control knob:
Adjust lift control lever movement with attachment
DEPTH CONTROL KNOB (see figure 28) for
maximum movement between locking notches
and to prevent lever from locking in the down lock
notch. See figure 28.
CONTROLS
Become familiar with all of the controls and ad-
justments on the tractor and dozer blade before
operating. Refer to tractor owners manual for
tractor controls. Controls for operating dozer
blade are as follows:
A. LIFT CONTROL LEVER:
Located on right hand side of tractor. See figure
28. Move lever forward to lower dozer blade. Pull
lever back to raise dozer blade. Pulling lever all
the way back locks dozer blade in up position,
ATTACH MENT
DEPTH CONTROL
KNOB
LEVER
_DOWN LOCKING
NOTCH
FIGURE 28
LEVER
D, Blade angle handle and grip assembly:
Located on right hand side of tractor. See figure
28. NOTE: Always raise dozer blade and lock
in "up" position before moving angle control
handle. Depress grip assembly to release blade
angle lock and push/pull angle control handle
forward to move dozer blade angle to left, center,
right and release grip to lock.
ADJUSTMENTS
A=
a.
Blade angle lock bars.
If angle lock bars Do Not completely disengage
from slots in pivot plate assembly, adjustment of
cable is required. See figure 29.
Adjust blade springs:
To change spring tension (stand in front of blade
assembly), adjust the nuts at the upper end of the
springs (see figure 29) turning counter clockwise
to relieve tension and clockwise to increase ten-
sion.
10
Adjust spring adjustment nuts approximately 1"
from end when moving snow or other light mate-
rial, (keep spring tension light for safety). This
frees the blade to spring trip and return if a hidden
obstacle is encountered.