Craftsman 247.28902 User manual

Operator s Manual
®
LAWN TRACTOR
19.5 HP, 42" Deck
Electric Start, 7 Speed
Model No. 247:28902
•Espanol, P. 59
This product has a low emission engine which operates differently
from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and
understand this Operator's Manual.
Before using this equipment,
read this manual and follow
all safety rules and operating
instructions.
For answers to your questions about
this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
CraftsmanTractorHelpLine
7 am -7 pm CT, Mon.- Sun.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-05571A
(February15,2010)

Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3
Slope Gauge ..................................................................... 8
Safety Labels .................................................................... 9
Assembly ......................................................................... 10
Operation ........................................................................ 12
Service and Maintenance .............................................. 18
Off-Season Storage ,.,.,........,..,...........:...................... "... 27
Troubleshooting ............................................................... 28
Labels ............................................................................. 29
Parts List ......................................................................... 30
Espa_ol............................................................................. 59
Service Numbers .......................................... ,.,Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
Whenoperatedandmaintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifanynon-expendablepartofthisridingequipmentfailsduetoadefectin
materialorworkmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateorpurchase,call1-800-659-5917toarrangeforfreein-homerepair.
Theframeandfrontaxlewillberepairedfreeofchargeforfiveyearsfromthedateofpurchaseifdefectiveinmaterialorworkmanship.
Alloftheabovewarrantycoverageappliesforonly90daysfromthedateofpurchaseifthisridingequipmentiseverusedforcommercialor
rentalpurposes.
Inallcases,ifrepairprovesimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbereplacedfreeofchargewiththesameoranequivalentmodel.
Thebatterywillbereplacedfreeofchargefor90daysfromthedateofpurchaseifdefectiveinmaterialorworkmanship(ourtestingprovesthatit
willnotholdacharge).
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.SearswillNOTpayfor"
• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,
andoilfilters.
• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.
• Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.
• Tireor wheelreplacementorrepairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthe
capabilityoftheridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframeorcrankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,eectrcalandmechanicadamagecaused
byimproperstoragefailuretousethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammable
debris,orfailuretomaintaintheridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.
• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedtobecontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuel
shouldbeusedwithin30daysofitspurchasedate.
• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.
ThiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductiswithintheUnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,HoffmanEstates,IL 60179
GrossHP:
EngineOil:
Fuel:
SparkPlug:
Engine:
19.5
SAE 30
Unleaded Gasoline
Champion®RC12YC
Briggs &StrattonintekTM
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Recordthemodelnumber,serial number,
anddateof purchaseabove.
©KCDIRLLC 2

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnot
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers.Readandfollowallinstructionsinthismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesin thismanual.Aswithanytypeofpowerequipment,
carelessnessor erroronthepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.
•" -
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
IIIIIIII I
YourResponsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsinthismanualandonthemachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
•Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachineand
inthemanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
Keepthismanualina safeplaceforfutureandregularreference
andfororderingreplacementparts.
• Befamiliarwithallcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow
tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.
•Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethismachine.
Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe
operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
• Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithoutproper
instruction.
• Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,keep
bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe
machinewhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
thearea.
• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign
objectswhichcouldbepickedupandthrownbytheblade(s).
Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
•Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainsta wallorobstructionwhichmaycause
dischargedmaterialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
•Alwayswear safety glassesor safety gogglesduring operation
and while performingan adjustmentor repairto protect youreyes.
Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcan causeserious injuryto the
eyes.
• Wear sturdy,rough-soledwork shoesand close-fittingslacks and
shirts. Loosefitting clothesand jewelry can becaughtin movable
parts. Never operatethis machine in barefeetor sandals.
•Beaware ofthe mowerand attachmentdischargedirection and
do not point it atanyone.Do not operatethe mowerwithoutthe
dischargecoveror entiregrasscatcher in its properplace.
• Do not put handsor feet near rotatingpartsor under the cutting
deck. Contactwith the blade(s)can amputate handsand feet.
• A missingor damaged dischargecovercan causebladecontact
or thrownobject injuries.
•Stopthe blade(s)when crossinggraveldrives,walks,or roads
and whilenot cutting grass.
• Watchfortraffic whenoperating nearor crossing roadways.This
machineis not intendedfor useon any publicroadway.
• Do not operatethe machinewhile underthe influenceofalcohol
or drugs,
• Mowonly in daylight or goodartificial light.
• Nevercarrypassengers.
• Disengageblade(s) before shiftinginto reverse.Backup slowly.
Always lookdown and behind beforeandwhilebackingto avoida
back-overaccident.
3

• Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid
erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.
• Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntil
theblade(s)cometoacompletestopbeforeremovinggrass
catcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor
debris,or makinganyadjustments.
• Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff
blade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeybefore
dismounting.
• Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineintoa
trailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupor down
ramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtipover,causingserious
personalinjury.Themachinemustbepushedmanuallyon
ramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.
• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea bum.Donot
touch,
• Check overheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow
hanging treebranches, wires,dooropeningsetc., wherethe
operator may be struckor pulledfrom the machine,whichcould
result in seriousinjury.
• Disengage all attachment clutchesand depress the brake pedal
completely beforeattemptingto start engine.
• Yourmachine is designedto cutnormalresidentialgrassof a
height nomore than 10".Donot attemptto mowthrough unusually
tall,dry grass (e.g., pasture)or pilesof dry leaves.Dry grassor
leaves maycontact theengine exhaustand/or build upon the
mowerdeck presentinga potentialfire hazard.
, Useonly accessories andattachmentsapproved for thismachine
by the machine manufacturer.Read,understandand followall
instructions providedwiththe approvedaccessory or attachment.
Fora listof approvedaccessoriesandattachments,call 1-800-
659-5917.
• Dataindicatesthat operators,age60 yearsand above,are
involved in a largepercentageof ridingmower-relatedinjunes.
These operatorsshould evaluatetheir abilityto operatethe riding
mower safelyenoughto protectthemselvesand othersfrom
serious injury.
• Ifsituationsoccur whicharenot coveredinthis manual, usecare
and goodjudgment. Contact 1-800-659-5917for informationand
assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over
accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryordeath.Allslopesrequire
extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeorifyoufeeluneasyon
it,donotmowit.
Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthismanual
tomeasureslopesbeforeoperatingthismachineona slopedorhilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownontheSlope
Guide,donotoperatethismachineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould
result.
Do:
• Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide
obstacles.
• Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat
youwillnothavetostopor shiftwhileontheslope.Tiresmay
Fosetractiononslopeseventhoughthebrakesarefunctioning
properly.Alwayskeepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopes
totakeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.
• Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights
orcounterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call
1-800-659-5917.
• Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherattachments.These
canchangethestabilityofthemachine.
• Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake
suddenchangesinspeedordirection.Rapidengagementor
brakingcouldcausethefrontofthemachinetoliftandrapidlyflip
overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
• Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope.Iftireslosetraction,disen-
gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdowntheslope.
DoNot:
• Do not turnon slopes unlessnecessary; then,turnslowlyand
graduallydownhill, if possible.
• Do not mowneardrop-offs, ditches or embankments.Themower
couldsuddenly turnover if awheel is over the edgeofa cliff,
ditch,or if an edgecaves in.
• Do nottry tostabilizethe machine by puttingyourfoot on the
ground.
• Do notuse agrasscatcher on steepslopes.
• Do notmowon wetgrass. Reducedtraction could cause sliding.
• Donot attempttocoast downhill. Over-speedingmaycausethe
operatortolose controlof the machine resultinginseriousinjury
or death.
Do not tow heavy pullbehindattachments(e.g. loadeddumpcart,
lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing
downhill, the extraweight tendsto pushthetractorand may
causeyou to loosecontrol (e.g.tractormay speedup, brakingand
steeringabilityare reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand cause
tractor tooverturn).
4

CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthemowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
•Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
•Bealertandturnmachineoffifa childentersthearea.
• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
• Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)shutoff.Theymay
falloffandbeseriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine
operation.
• Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild
whomayrunintothemachine.
• Toavoidback-overaccidents,alwaysdisengagethecutting
blade(s)beforeshiftingintoReverse.Ifequipped,the"Reverse
CautionMode"(bladesoperatewhilemachineridesinreverse)
shouldnotbeusedwhenchildrenorothersarearound.
•Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer
bumsfroma hotmuffler.
• Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized
operation.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.
Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsand
safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandonthemachineandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbyanadult.
TOWING
•Towonlywitha machinethathasahitchdesignedfortowing.Do
notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.
• Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor
towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.Forrecommendations,
call1-800-659-5917.
• Neverallowchildrenorothersinorontowedequipment.
• Onslopes,theweightofthetowedequipmentmaycauselossof
tractionandlossofcontrol.
• Alwaysuseextracautionwhentowingwitha machinecapableof
makingtightturns(e.g."zero-turn"ride-onmower).Makewide
turnstoavoidjack-knifing.
• Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
• Donotcoastdownhill.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingofGasoline
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein
handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled
onyourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand
changeclothesimmediately.
•Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
•Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleorona truckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
•Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck
ortrailerandrefuelitontheground.Ifthisisnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
anozzlelock-opendevice.
• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof
ignition.
• Neverfuelmachineindoors.
• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotorrun-
ning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfillfueltank.FilltanktonomorethanY2inchbelow
bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe
engine.
• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveany
fuelsoakeddebris.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan
openflame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryerorothergasappliances.
• Allowa machinetocoolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.
5

GeneralService
•Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas
• Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe
blade(s)andallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.
•Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocomplete
stopwithinapproximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthe
bladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthe
thistimeframe,yourmachineshouldbeservicedprofessionally
bya Searsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.
•Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedtowearduring
normaloperation.Adjustandserviceasrequired.
•Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblede(s)
fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,bent,cracked).Replacethe
blade(s)withtheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonot
meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!
•Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
• Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesuretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
• Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemorothersafety
devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
•Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemachineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperating.
• Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothemachine
whiletheengineisrunning.
•Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoveraresubject
towearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallow
objectstobethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthismanual.Useof
partswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay
leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.
• Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabelsasnecessary.
• Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to
protecttheenvironment,
• AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or270 hours
ofoperation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLife,buya new
machineorhavethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor
otherqualifiedservicedealertoensurethatallmechanicaland
safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.
Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,donotmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeittooperateatunsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedtooperateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARR ESTOR
This machine isequipped withan internal combustionengine and
shouldnot be used on or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,
brushcoveredor grass-coveredland unless the engine'sexhaust
systemis equippedwith a spark attester meetingapplicable localor
statelaws(if any).
If asparkarresteris used,it should be maintainedin effectiveworking
orderbythe operator. Fnthe Stateof Californiathe aboveis required
by law(Section4442 ofthe CaliforniaPublic ResourcesCode) Other
states may have similarlaws. Federallawsapply on federallands,
A sparkarrester forthe muffler isavailable throughyournearestSears
Partsand RepairService Center.
6

SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachine
beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'SMANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
DANGER ROTATING BLADES
Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
4
A
DANGER-- ROTATINGBLADES
Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
WARNING ROTATING BLADES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s)
can amputate hands and feet.
WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
BYSTANDERS
Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75feet from the machine while it is in
operation.
WARNING-- SLOPEOPERATION
Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
DANGER-- ROTATINGBLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass
catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

GO
Sight and hold this levelwith avertical tree...
I
I
I
I
I
or acorner of a building...
I
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I
or a fence post
I
I
mowercould overturnand cause serious injury.Operate riding mowersup and down slopes, neveracross the face of slopes.

ROTATING BLADES CAUSE [
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH i
, DOHOTMOWWHENCHILDRENOROTHERSARE I
_OONn I
*Nm/ERCARRYClgLDRENEVENWlTII61.ADE(S)OFF.I
, LOOKgOWNANDBEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE |
BACKING. I
•.o,,,NO.ISNO .Em.NO BI WARNING
Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions
which,if notfollowed,couldendangerthe personal
safetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers.Readand
followallinstructionsinthis manualbeforeattempting
tooperatethismachine.Failureto complywiththese
instructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyousee
thissymbolHEEDITSWARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe useofthispowermachineto personswho
read,understand,andfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsin thismanualandonthemachine.
9

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroilintheengine.
However,youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Refertothe
Service&Maintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil
level.
Attaching the Battery Cables
--
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
batterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVECRed)
toitsterminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire,
Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycableson yourequipmenthave
beenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.Toconnect
thebatterycables,proceedasfollows:
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative
batteryterminalismarkedNeg.(-).
1. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebattery
terminalandattachtheredcabletothepositivebatteryterminal
(+)withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.
2. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebattery
terminalandattachtheblackcabletothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.
.. J
Figuret
3. Positiontheredrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto
helpprotectit fromcorrosion.
NOTE: If the battery is putinto service afterthe dateshown on top of
battery,chargethe battery asinstructedin the Service& Maintenance
section of this manual priortooperatingthe tractor.
Shipping Brace Removal
IMakesuretheridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey,
landsettheparkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer
ItotheOperationsectionforinstructionsonhowtosettheparking
ibrake.
• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompanyingwarning
tagfoundontherightsideofthemower,betweenthedischarge
chutedeflectorandthecuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.
Figure2
Placethedeckliftleverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto
SettingtheCuttingHeightintheOperationsectionofthismanual.
Whilepushingthedischargechutedeflectortowardsthemachinewith
yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp-
ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.
Theshippingbrace,usedforpackagingpurposesonly,mustbe
removedanddiscardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.
Themowingdeckiscapableofthrowingobjects.Failuretooperate
theridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverintheproperoperating
positioncouldresultinseriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty
damage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordidnotcomeattached,the
hardwareforattachingithasbeenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel,
beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypryoffthesteeringwheel
capandremovethehardware.
t. Withthewheelsofthetractorpointingstraightforward,placethe
steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.
2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)overthesteering
wheelandsecurewiththehexbolt.SeeFig.3.
10

\
.Figure3
3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthesteering
wheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.
Attaching The Seat
NOTE:Ifyourseatwasshippedmountedbackwardsontheseatpivot
bracket,pulloutthetabfoundontheseatstopandholditopenwhile
slidingtheseatofftheseatpivotbracket.
1, Lineuptheplasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seatpivot
bracket,
2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseatstop.See
Fig.4.
f
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Figure4
Toadjustthepositionoftheseatonmodelsequippedwitha seat
adjustmentlever,movetheseatadjustmentlever(locatedunder
theseat)totheleftandslidetheseatforwardor rearwarduntilit
securelyengagesintoa seatstop.SeeFig.5. Makesureseatis
bckedintopositionbeforeoperatingthetractor.
Figure5
Tire Pressure
It_ld bemainta'_d at alltimes.Neverexceed'the
maximuminflationpressure shownon the sidewallofthe tire.
The recommendedoperatingtirepressure is:
Approximately10psiforthe reartires
Approximately14psiforthefronttires
IMPORTANT"Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's
recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventirepres-
surecouldcausethecuttingdecktomowunevenly.
11

I
G
F
A
\
B
C
D
E
Figure6
A Speed ControlLever/Parking BrakeLever
B Throttle/chokecontrol lever
C IgnitionSwitch Module
D Deck Lift Lever
E PTOLever(Blade Engage)
F Cup Holder
G Shift Lever
H SeatAdjustmentLever
I Clutch-BrakePedal
NOTE" Any referenceinthis manual tothe RIGHTor LEFTsideof thetractor isobservedfrom operator's seatpositionfacingforwardtowards
the front oftractor,
Meets ANSI Safety Standards
CraftsmanTractorsconformtothe safetystandard ofthe AmericanNational StandardsInstitute(ANSI).
J
12

SPEED CONTROLLEVER
Thespeedcontrollever,locatedontheleftsideofthe
tractor'sdashconsole,allowsyoutoregulatetheground
speedofthelawntractor.Touse,depresstheclutch-
brakepedalandmovetheleveroutoftheparkingbrake
notchandforwardtoincreasethetractor'sgroundspeed.
Whena desiredspeedhasbeenreached,releasethe
leverintoanappropriatenotchtomaintainthatspeed.
Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,depresstheclutch-
brakepedalandmovethespeedcontrolleverrearward
andreleaseitintoa notch.
PARKING BRAKE
Tosettheparkingbrake,fullydepresstheclutch-brake
pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownand
intotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-brake
pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brakepedaland
movethespeedcontrolleveroutofthenotchestothedesiredposition.
Releasethespeedcontrolleverandtheclutch-brakepedal.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetiftheoperatorleavestheseat
withtheenginerunningortheenginewillautomaticallyshutoff.
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER
Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedontherightsideofthetrac-
tor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeedoftheengineandwhen
pushedallthewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whensetinagiven
position,thethrottlewillmaintaina uniformenginespeed.
IMPORTANT=Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecuttingdeck
engaged,thethrottle/chokecontrollevermustalwaysbeintheFAST
(rabbit)position.
IGNITION SWITCH MODULE
The key switch module is usedto
start and stopthe engine.Itis also
used toactivatethe ReverseCaution
Mode (bladesoperate while riding
in reverse).Insert key intothe key
switchmodule andturn clockwise to
the START position.Releasethe key
into the normal mowingpositiononce
engine has started.The headlights
will be activated in the Normal(and
ReverseCaution) modes.
To stopthe engine,turn the ignition key
counterclockwiseto the STOPposition,
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth"Safety
InterlockSystem"and"StartingTheEngine"intheOperationsection
ofthismanualfordetailedinstructionsregardingtheIgnitionSwitch
Moduleandoperatingthetractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.
Imoveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setparkingbrake,stopengine
andremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
SHIFT LEVER
Theshiftleverislocatedontheleft
sideofthefenderandhasthree
positions,FORWARD,NEUTRAL
andREVERSE.Thebrakepedal
mustbedepressedandthetractor
mustnotbeinmotionwhenthe
movingshiftlever.
IMPORTANT;Neverforcethe
shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin
seriousdamagetothetractor's
transmission.
DECK LIFT LEVER
Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleverisused
tochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.ToUse,movethe
levertotheleft,thenplaceinthenotchbestsuitedforyour
application.
PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER
Foundonthetractor'srightfender,thePTO(bladeengage)
leverisusedtoengagepowertothecuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments.Tooperate,movethe
leverallthewayforward.Movingtheleveralltheway
rearwardintothePTOOFFpositiondisengagespowertothe
cuttingdeck/attachment.
NOTE:ThePTO(bladeengage)levermustbeinthe
disengaged(PTOOFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.
CUP HOLDER
Thetractor'scupholderislocatedonthefendertotheleftof
theseat.
SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Theseat adjustmentleveris on the front sideof theseat. Usethis
leverto adjust theseat forwardor rearwardtoa comfortableoperating
position,See the"Service & Maintenance"section laterin this manual
for instructions.
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
The clutch-brakepedalis locatedon the left sideofthe lawntractor,
alongthe runningboard.Depressthe clutch-brakepedalpartway
downwhen slowingthe tractorby changingspeeds (Referto Speed
ControlLever).Depressthe pedalall the way downto engagethedisc
brakeandbring thetractorto acomplete stop.
NOTE; The pedal mustbe depressedto start the engine. Referto
SafetyInterlockSwitcheslaterin thissection ofthis manual,
13

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Oil
IMPORTANT: Yourtractoris shippedwithmotoroil intheengine.
However,youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Becareful
nottooverfill.
Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil,refertoCheckingThe
EngineOilintheServiceand Maintenancesectionofthismanual.
Gasoline
Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood. Do notoverfill.
Jfl_. everfuel machineindoors
J__sh cigarettes,cigars,
pipes,and other sources ofignition,
NOTE : Purchasegasolinein small quantities.Do not use gasolineleft
overfromthe previousseason, tominimize gumdepositsin the fuel
system.
•Thisengine iscertified to operateon unleadedgasoline.For best
results,fill thefuel tankwith only clean,fresh, unleadedgasoline
witha pumpsticker octane ratingof 87or higher.
• Gasohol(up to 10%ethylalcohol, 90%unleadedgasoline by
volume)isan approved fuel. Othergasoline/alcoholblends,such
as E85,arenot approved.
•MethylTertiary ButylEther(MTBE)and unleadedgasolineblends
(upto amaximumof 15% MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels.
Othergasoline/ether blendsare not approved.
• Fillfueltank outdoors or in well-ventilatedarea.
• Donot overfillfuel tank. Filltank to nomorethan 1/2inch below
bottom offiller neck to allow spacefor fuelexpansion.
•Neverremovegas capor add fuelwhile the engine ishot or run-
ning.Allowengine tocool at leasttwominutesbefore refueling.
• If gasolineisspilled, wipeit off the engineand equipment.Move
machineto anotherarea. Wait 5 minutesbeforestarting the
engine.
To Add Gasoline
1. Turnthe engineoff and letenginecool atleast 2 minutes before
removingthe fuelcap. The gasolinetank isunder the rearfender.
with the fuelfill cap locatedin the centerof the rear fender.
Thefuel cap istetheredtothe tractorto preventits loss.Do not
attemptto removethe cap fromthe tractor.
2. Fillthe fueltank with gasoline.
3. Reinstallthe fuel cap.
For California Models:
For Californiamodelsequipped witha tethered,ratchetingfuelcap,
STOPfilling tankonce fuel is seen insidethe filler neck. Thisensures
that aproper expansionvolumeis created,otherwise thefuel can over-
flow creatinga hazardoussituation. Do NOTtillto the topof the filler
neck. OnCaliforniamodels,fill the tank inaccordance with Figure7.
'x
Figure 7
Avoid Serious Injury or Death
• Goupanddownslopes,notacross.
•Avoidsuddenturns.
•Donotoperatetheunitwhereitcouldsliportip.
• Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesandbackdownhill
slowly.
•Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersarearound.
• Nevercarrychildren,evenwithbladesoff.
•Lookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking.
• Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,andswitches)inplace
andworking.
• Removeobjectsthatcouldbethrownbytheblades.
• Knowlocationandfunctionofallcontrols.
• Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsor
feetnearblades.
• Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengage
blades,engageparkingbrake,shutengineoff,andremovekey.
Read Operator's Manual
14

SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedforsafeoperationofthetrac-
tor.Ifthissystemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor,
immediatelycontact1-800-4-MY-HOMEtohavethesystemserviced.
•Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstarting
unlesstheparkingbrakeisengagedandthePTOCBladeEngage)
leverisinthedisengaged(OFF)position.
•Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengineif
theoperatorleavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
• Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengine
iftheoperatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(Blade
Engage)leverengaged,regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrake
isengaged.
REVERSE CAUTION MODE
UseextremecautionwhileoperatingthetractorintheREVERSE
CAUTIONMODE.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile
backing.Donotoperatethetractorwhenchildrenorothersare
around.Stopthetractorimmediatelyifsomeoneentersthearea.
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekeyswitchmodule
allowsthetractortobeoperatedinreversewiththeblades(PTO)
engaged.
IMPORTANT"Mowingin reverseisnotrecommended.
TousetheREVERSECAUTIONMODE:
IMPORTANT-TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthetractorseat
1, StartengineasinstructedintheStartingTheEnginesection,
2. TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMOWING(Green)positiontothe
REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)positionofthekeyswitch
module.SeeFigure8.
Reverse
f _ Push
IndicatorffNO c.,.o._.A.OU.D.-_-----_,..._ Button
Reverse__. ,.._--_-.,-_.___________________JH=
PosiiO.sto Mode
position_1 \_ _ )/J ] _}'Start
\_/ position
J
Figure 8
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,Triangular
Button)atthetop,rightcomerofthekeyswitchmodule.Thered
indicatorlightatthetop,leftcomerofthekeyswitchmodulewill
beONwhileactivated.SeeFigure8.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcanbedrivenin
reversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingtomake
surenochildrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytotheNORMAL
MOWINGposition.
IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONrvIODEwillremainactivated
until:
a. ThekeyisplacedineithertheNORMALMOWINGposition
orSTOPposition.
b. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfullydepressing
theclutch-brakepedalandholdingitdownwhilemovingthe
speedcontrolleverintothePARKBRAKEposition.
ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholditdownwithyour
foot,
2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintothe
parkingbrakeposition.
3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo
engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethespeedcontrol
leveroutoftheparkingbrakepositionandintoa desiredspeed.
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
1 Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the
deck liftlever in anyof the sixdifferent cuttingheightnotcheson
the right sideof the fender.
2. Adjustthe deck wheels sothat theyarebetween ¼-inchand
V2-inchabovethe groundwhen the tractorison a smooth,fiat
surface suchas a driveway.
To adjust Deck Wheels:
1. Removetheflangelocknutontheshoulderboltsecuringthe
deckwheel.
2. Positionthewheeltothedesiredheightaslistedabove.
3. Securetheshoulderboltwiththeflangelocknut.
I limg imimn
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningofthecutting
deck.
NOTE: Thedeck wheelsare ananti-scalp featureofthedeck and
arenot designedtosupport the weightof the cuttingdeck. Referto
Levelinginthe Maintenance& Servicesection ofthis manualfor more
detailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeckadjustments.
15

STARTING THE ENGINE
Donotoperatethetractoriftheinterlocksystemismalfunctioning.
Thissystemwasdesignedforyoursafetyandprotection.
NOTE:RefertotheGasolineandOilfill-upinstructionsearlierinthis
section.
1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.
2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)
position.
3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.
4, Activatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrottle/chokeleverall
thewayupintothechokeposition.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Afterthe
enginestarts,releasethekey.ItwillreturntotheON(orNormal
Mowing)position.
I yourngine's
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethe
throttlecontrolintheFASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperatingthetractor.
Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorun
poorly.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
I_ouncl'against' theengi'ne.:rhoroughlyinspectthe
l__ore restariingand
operating
1. Ifthebladesareengaged,placethePTO(BladeEngage)leverin
thedisengaged(OFF)position.
2. rumtheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.
3. Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtopreventunintended
starting.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.
- - !'lW-1 ;t_ll_[e,--
DonotleavetheseatofthetractorwithoutfirstplacingthePTO I
(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position,depressing I
thebrakepedalandengagingtheparkingbrake.IfleavingthetractorJ
unattended,alsoturntheignitionkeyoffandremovethekey. I
_.---'. t, _, k, _ -- --- -!
I Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackinguptoavoida
I back-overaccident.
1. Depressthebrakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrakeandletthe
pedalup.
2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.
3. PlacetheshiftleverineithertheFORWARDorREVERSE
position.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethedirection
oftravelwhenthetractorisin motion.Alwaysusethebrakepedalto
bringthetractortoa completestopbeforeshifting.
4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-brakepedal
andpositioningthespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.
IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedpositions1or
2.Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththetractor'soperationandcontrols
beforeoperatingthetractorinhigherspeedpositions.
5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlytoputunitintomotion.
6. Thelawntractorisbro_Jghttoa stopbydepressingtheclutch-
brakepedal.
NOTE:Whenoperatingtheunitinitially,therewillbelittledifference
betweenthehighesttwospeedsuntilafterthebeltshaveseated
themselvesintothepulleysduringthebreak-inperiod.
Beforeleavingtheoperator'spositionforanyreason,disengagethe
blades,placetheshiftleverinneutral,engagetheparkingbrake,
shutengineoffandremovethekey.
IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileona
grasssurface,always:
1. Placetheshiftleverin neutral,
2. Engagetheparkingbrake,
3. Shutengineoffandremovethekey.Doingsowillminimizethe
possibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfrom
yourtractor'srunningengine.
Ifunitstallswithspeedcontrolinhighspeed,orifunitwillnotoperate
withspeedcontrolleverinalowspeedposition,proceedasfollows:
1. PlaceshiftleverinNEUTRAL.
2. Restartengine.
3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.
4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.
5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.
6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.
7. Placeshiftleverin eitherFORWARDor REVERSE,andfollow
normaloperatingprocedures.
16

DRIVING ON SLOPES
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEintheImportantSafeOperationPractices
sectionofthemanualtohelpdetermineslopeswhereyoumayoperate
thetractorsafely.
•Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
•Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide
obstacles.
• Avoidturnswhendrivingonaslope.Ifa turnmustbemade,turn
downtheslope.Turningupa slopegreatlyincreasesthechance
ofa rollover.
• Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.Ifitisnecessarytostop
whiledrivingupa slope,startupsmoothlyandcarefullytoreduce
thepossibilityofflippingthetractoroverbackward.
ENGAGING THE BLADES
EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothecuttingdeck
orother(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades,
proceedasfollows:
1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.
2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitalltheway
forwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthemost
efficientuseofthecuttingdeckorother(separatelyavailable)
attachments.
NOTE:TheenginewillautomaticallyshutoffifthePTO(Blade
Engage)isengagedwiththeshiftleverinpositionforreversetravel
withtheignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposition.
MULCHING
A mulch kit is available as anattachment. Mulching is a process of
recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck.
The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where
they act as a natural fertilizer.
Amulchkitcanbepurchasedthroughtheretaillocationinwhichyou
purchasedthistractor.Formoreinformation,simplycontactSears
at1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertotheleft,thenplace
itinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.RefertoSettingThe
CuttingHeightearlierinthisOperationsection.
MOWING
Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,keepbystand-
ers,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthemachine
whileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck
withyourtractor:
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialstoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarging
materialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischarged
materialtoricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
• Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa mulchkitor
grasscollectorisinstalled.
• Forbestresultsitisrecommendedthatthefirsttwolapsbecut
withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo
laps,reversethedirectiontothrowthedischargetotheoutside
forthebalanceofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe
lawn.
• Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowth
andyellowsquicklyindryweather.
• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfullthrottle.
• Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogobackoverthe
cutareaasecondtimetogeta cleancut.
• DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsandextremely
tallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclear
brush.
• Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.Refer
toCuttingBladesintheServicesectionofthismanualforproper
bladesharpeninginstructions.
HEADLIGHTS
• ThelampsareONwheneverthetractor'sengineisrunning.
•ThelampsturnOFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOP
position,
17

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrack
ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestParts&
RepairServiceCenterortoscheduleservice,simplycontact
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
BeforeEachUse
IntheFirstFiveHours
Every10Hours
Every25hours
Every50hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
1. Engineoillevel
2. Mufflerareaandcontrols
3. Fingerguard
7. EngineOil
9. Hood/Dashairvents
10. Batteryterminals
11. Deckspindlesandidler
bracket
15. Airfilter'sprecleaner*
16. Airfilter*
17. Midsteeringarms,pivot
shafts,andaxles
18. Frontwheelbearings
19. Frontdeckwheels
25. Engineoil/Oil filter
26. Muffler
29. Air filter
30. Air filter'spre-cleaner
31. Sparkplug
32. Aircooling system*
33. Fuelfilter
34. SteeringGears
35. RearWheels
43. Hood/Dash air vents
44. Batteryterminals
45. Midsteeringarms, pivot
shafts,and axles
46. Frontwheel bearings
47. Frontdeck wheels
48. Deck spindles and idler
bracket
49. Pedalpivotpoints
*Service more frequentlyunder dustyconditions.
4. Check
5. Clean
6. Clean
8. Change
12. Clean
13. Clean
14. Lubricate
20. Clean
21. Clean
22. Lubricate
23. Lubricate
24. Lubricate
27. Change/Replace
28. Check
36. Replace
37. Replace
38. Replace
39. Clean
40. Replace
41. Clean
42. Removeand greaseaxles
50. Clean
51. Clean
52. Lubricate
53. Lubricate
54. Lubricate
55. Lubricate
56. Lubricate
=._======,===m-z_VlVl_,1=t_ii_[€ _
Beforeperformingany maintenanceor repairs,disengagethe PTO
(Blade EngageLever),engagethe parkingbrake, stopthe engine
and removethe key topreventunintendedstarting. Iroundingme_ause burnstotheskin.
Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.
18

ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Engine Oil
OnlyusehighqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SF,8G,SH,orSJ.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto
theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.
Althougnmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting
incoldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoilconsumptionwhen
usedabove32°F.Checkyourengineoil levelmorefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.
\ Oil Viscosity Chart J
Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:
•Ensurethatthetractorisona levelsurface,
•Cleantheoilfillareaofanydebris.
1. Removethedipstickandwipewitha cleancloth.
2, Insertandtightendipstick.
3. Removethedipstickandchecktheoillevel.Itshouldbeatthe
Fullmarkonthedipstick.SeeFigure9.
fDipstick----.--_.___.
%. OilDrain
"_"--_ Valve
OilDrain ......,.
Sleeve J
Figure9
4. Iflow,addoil slowlyintotheengineoil fill.Donotoverfill.Nter
addingoil,waitoneminuteandthenrechecktheoillevel.
5. Replaceandtightendipstick.
Changing Engine Oil
Theengineoilshouldbechangedinthefirst5 hoursandthenevery
50 hoursoronceaseason.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedas
follows:
1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand
keepitawayfromsparkplug.
2. Removetheoiltillcap/dipstickfromtheoiltilltube.SeeFigure9.
3. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoil
drainport.Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveintoanappropri-
ateoilcollectioncontainerwithacapacitygreatenoughtocollect
theusedoil.
4. Removetheoildrainplug,Theoilwillbegintodrainoutofthe
engine.
5. Aftertheoilhasfinisheddraining,replacetheoildrainplugand
tighten.Becarefulnottoovertighten.
6. Removetheoildrainsleeveandstoreforlateruse.
7. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroiluntiltheoillevelonthe
dipstickreadsFULL.Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoilproperly.
Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
tiesororcontact1-800-4-MY-HOMEfora listofsafedisposal/
recyclingfacilities.
Changing the Oil Filter
1. Draintheoil fromthe engineas describedabove,
2. Removethe oil tilterand disposeof properly.See Figure10.
OilFilter
J
Figure10
L
3. Beforeyouinstallthenewoilfilter,lightlylubricatetheoilfilter
gasketwithfresh,cleanoil.
4. Installtheoiltilterbyhanduntilthegasketcontactstheoilfilter
adapter,thentightentheoilfilter1/2to3/4turns.
5. Addoilasdescribedabove.
6. Startandruntheengine.Astheenginewarmsup,checkforoil
leaks.
7. Stoptheengineandchecktheoillevel.ItshouldbeattheFULL
markonthedipstick.
19

Fuel Filter
Donotusepressurizedairorsolventstocleantheaircleaner
cartridge.
irnsordeath.
• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat,
andotherignitionsources.
f
Clamp
/
Tab
Figure11
Fuel
Line
•,% •
j •
2O
J
Figure12
Check fuellines, tank, cap,and fittingsfrequentlyforcracks or
leaks. Replace if necessary.
Before replacingthe fuel filter,drainthe fuel tankas perthe
instructionsbelow.
Do not drain fuelwhen the engineis hot. Allowthe engine
adequatetime to cool. Drainfuel intoan approvedcontainer
outdoors,away fromopen flame.
Drain anylarge volumeof fuel fromthe tank by disconnectingthe
fuel line fromthe in-linefuel filter nearthe engine.
Removethe fuel linefrom the In-lineside(side towardsthe fuel
tank) of the fuel filter.
Replacementpartsmust be the sameand installedin the same
positionas the originalparts.
If fuel spills,wait until it evaporatesbeforestarting engine.
Beforereplacingthe fuelfilter, drainthe fuel tank. Otherwise,fuel
can leakout and causeafire or explosion.