Craftsman 536.270320 - 13.5 HP 30 in. Deck User manual

,,m,.i,
owner's
manual
Model No.
536.270211
CAUTION:
Read And Follow
All Safety Rules
And Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment.
£RRFTSMRN
13.5 HP. ELECTRIC START
30" MOWER /MULCHER
5 SPEED
REAR ENGINE RIDER
•Assembly
•Operation
•Customer Responsibilities
°ServiceAnd Adjustment
F-99636 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL. 60179 U.S.A. PrintedinUSA

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY ......................................... 2
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3
3
4
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER ....... ::: ........ :;:: 5
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS ;..: ;_:: !. i:i...:.. :. 6
:ASSEMBLY ........ :;'i: ........ ,i:i'ii ;i 7
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................
MAINTENANCE CHART ; ............
CHECK THE TIRES..., •;'i..., ......... ,;. ; • .......... ,:,, ..
HOW TO REMOVE AND INSTALL THE BLADE ........... ...
HOW TO SHARPEN THE BLADE ..........................
HOW TO ADJUST THE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH .............
HOW TO CHECK AND ADJUST THE DRIVE BRAKE .........
HOW TO CHECK AND ADJUST THE CLUTCH ..............
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY ,_., ..i;i; ._ _;,__,:;_, ._ • •, i8 HOW TO REMOVE THE SIDE PANEL ......................
HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE STEERING WHEEL i, _. _., _....,.. 9 iBATTERY SERVICE
HOWTOASSEMBLETHEHUBCAPS : "oWToCHARGETH; 'B' , 'F;;'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'.IIIII
CHECK THE TIRES;_.;.,.:,.,:_..:.,I:..I.I:.;:.,..I:.,..... 19: : :WHERE TO LUBRICATE :.:..:...:.,.; ............... ;.....
CHECKTHEDR!VEBRAKE;,:._;,I::;_,..,I_;.,.. ,...... 9: ::: : HOW TO CHECK THE OIL i ..... .... _._ ....... .;:..,,i:,,
CHECK THE;:BELTS:I:;:, ;:i:.:.:;..._:_ _.._... !;..i;,, .. :.,..., :9:: HOW TO CHANGE THE OIL ...................... .........
:HOW TO INSTALL THE SEAT:;::. :::;.::_ ::.: ::. _.. _.. _... :. _t0 :HOW T0 CLEAN THE COOLING SYSTEM... ............
CHECK THE LEVEL OFTHE MOWER HOUSING .... ; ....... 10 HOW TO CHECK THE MUFFLER ..... .:.., : ...... _........
OPERATION;_I;_;;._!::_.:_:.IiI!!:;_I_....:_..;....:...;.. 11, _ : HOW TO CLEAN THE AIR FILTERS .I:........... i,i ........
:::LocATION oFcoNTROLs __i :.i..; ._,,, !, ,:,,..:ii_ i !.._ ...... HOW TOCHECK THE SPARK PLUG .......................
HOW TOUSE THE ;THROTTLE CONTROL:. i. _!, .. !2 :::: SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT .........................
HOW ToUsE THE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ..............
:: HOWTO USE THE SHiFTLEVER i::::_ .i::: '.:::iii!: i_ : 12 ........ HOW TO REMOVE THE MOWER HOUSING ................
HOW TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE :i"; _' ................ 13 HOW TO INSTALL THE MOWER HOUSING .................
HOW TO CHANGE THECUTTING HEIGHT ................. 13
HOW TO STOP THE UNIT. :i .............................. 13
HOW TO TRANSPORT THE UNIT .......................... 13
HOW TO OPERATE WITH THE MOWER HOUSING .......... 14
HOW TO OPERATE THE UNIT ON HILLS ................... 14
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE ......................... 15
HOW TO START THE ENGINE ............................. 15
HOW TO START WITH A WEAK BATTERY ................. 15
HOW TO CHANGE THE MULCHER PLATE ................. 16
OPERATING TIPS ........................................ 17
MOWING AND BAGGING TIPS ............................ 17
MULCHING TIPS
HOW TO LEVEL THE MOWER HOUSING ...................
HOW TO REPLACE THE MOTION DRIVE BELT .............
HOW TO REPLACE THE MOWER DRIVE BELT .............
HOW TO REPLACE THE FUSE .:. .... ::il. :----. *...........
HOW TO SET THE CUTTING HEIGHT ......................
HOW TO CLEAN THE MOWER HOUSING ......... ,........
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT ..............................
STORAGE (OVER 30 DAYS) ...............................
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART ........................
SLOPE GUIDE .......................................
INDEX ..............................................
...... ........ ;:.,,;; ;:,: ._, ::::17 :REPAIR:PARTS
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..... F-99636 .............................................. ...... 2 ..........................................................................
....... LIMITED TWO YEAR wARRANTY _
I!
ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT H
.... i i..... ....: .... .... : ........ .... H !
Fortwo(2)yearsfremthedateotpurchase,ifthi_ri_ingequipmentis_a=_tained,_ub_ioatedandtunedupaccordingtothe I_:iil]
instructions in the owner's manuaI, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge any parts found to be defective in material or H
workmanshiP-i i .... ::::: : : : :: : :: ti:it
This warranty does not cover i : : : li:!t
•Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts. [:]
:Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps or giass I:!:!
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper :storage or acc dent orthe failure:to maintain the I:::I
•equipment according to the instructions contained inthe owner's manual, :: ti]
Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes. ' :: : .... t:!:!I
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY : liil]
For 90 days from the date of purchase, if any battery :included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or _1
I]
workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge Ii t
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE RIDING EQUIPMENT TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE/_l!:il
CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. :: i::: :.... :H
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state l_:ili!_t
H
Sears, Roebuck and Coo, DI871WA, Hoffman Estates, illinois 60179 i

Congratulations on your purchase of a Sears Rider it has been
designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best
possible dependability and performance
If you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please
see your nearest Sears Service Department. We have competent,
well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this
unit.
Please read and keep this manual. The instructions will enable you
to assemble and maintain your unit propedy Always observe the
"Safety Rules".
NOTE: This unit isequipped with an internal combustion engine and
must not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brush-covered or grass-covered land 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 must be
maintained in effective working order by the operator.
fnthe State of California, the above is required by law (Section 4442
of the California Public Resources Code) Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. See anAuthorized
Service Center for aspark arrester for the muffler.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Carefully read and follow the rules for safe operation Inspect
the unit.
•Follow all the assembly instructions. Carefully adjust the unit.
-Know how tooperate all standard and accessary equipment on
the unit, Make sure the operator can correctly operate the unit.
• operate the unit only with guards, shields and other safety .... .........
items in place and working correctly.
• Complete all maintenance onthe unit. Service the unit onlywith
authorized or approved replacement parts MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
• See the Maintenance Chart. A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this unit See the
nearest Sears Store for information.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Engine ...................... 13.5 HP
Charging System ......... 3 amperes at 3600 rpm
Fuel Tank Size ........... 1 gallon
Type of Fuel ............. Unleaded Regular
Oil Capacity ......... 32 ounces (1 quart)
Oil Type .................
Spark Plug (Gap 0.030") o,
Tire Air Pressure .........
Above 32 degrees SAE 30
Below 32 degrees SAE 5W30
Champion RJ4C
Front 22 psi (See tire sidewall)
Tire Air Pressure ......... Rear 14 psi (See tire sidewall)
All Gear Transaxle ........ 5 forward speeds and 1 reverse
Ground Speed Range ..... Forward 4 3 mph
.......... Reverse 2 1 mph
Tilt Seat. _............... T_ltsforward to access the battery.
Mower Housing .......... Full-floatingsuspension,oneblade
Cutting Height ...... 8 positions from 14/2to 4 inches.
Blade Nut Torque ......... 30 foot-pounds (ft-lbs)
F-99636 3
Rear Engine Rider
Record in the space below the serial number and the date
of purchase of this unit.
The model number andserial number are found on a decal
attached to the rear of the frame.
Model Number: 536,270211
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Keep these numbers for future reference

OWNER'S INFORMATION
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-on Mowers
WARNING: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury :or death.
•., =L"-eneral oper-'*ion ......
i.
1. Read, understand andfollow allinstructionsinthe instructionBook,onthe machine, the engineandwithanyattachmentsbeforestarting
2. Only a!ow responsibleadults, who are familiar with the instructions,to operate the machine
3. Clear the area:of objectssuchas r0cksl toysi:wire_etc which could be picked up and thrownby the blade
4. Be sure the area is clear ofother peoplebefore mowing Stopthe machine ifanyone entersthe area.
5. Nevercarry passengers. : :: ....
6. Turn offpowerto the blades or any attachments before backing up. Do not mow in reverse unlessabsolutely necessary Always look
down and behind before and while backing.
7. Be aware ofthe mowerdischargedirectionand donotpointitat anyone. Do notoperatethe mowerwithouteithertheentiregrassbagger
or the mower guard inplace_ : :
8. Slow down before turning :
9. Never leave a machine unattended withthe engine running.Always turn off the blade(s), set the parkingbrake, stopthe engineand
remove the key before dismounting
10 Turn offpowerto attachment(s) when transportingor not in use. Turn off the blade(s) when not mowing
11. Stop the engine before removingthe grass bagger or uncloggingthe chute.
12 Mow only indaylightor goodartificiallight
t3. Do notoperatethe machine while underthe influenceof alcoholor drugs or when very tired
14. Watch fortrafficwhen operatingnear or crossingroadways.
'15. Use extra caution when loadingor unloadingthe machine into a trailer ortruck.
16. Always wear goggles,safety glasses,or an eye shieldwhen you operate the unit to protectyoureyes from foreignobjectsthatcan be
thrownfrom the unit.Always wear eye protectionwhen you make an adjustment or repair tothe machine
17. Use care when pullingloadsor using heavy equipment
a. Use only approved drawbar hitchpoints
b. Limitloads to those you can safely control
c. Do not turnsharply. Use care when backing.
d. Use counterweightsor wheel weightswhen suggested in the Instruction Book
18. Do not operatethis machineif you are takingdrugs or other medication whichcan cause drowsinessor affect yourability to operate
this machine.
19 Do notuse thismachine if you are mentallyor physicallyunableto operate this machine safely
!1. Slope operation
Slopes and rough terrain are major factors related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury
or death. ALL slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, do not mow it. See
the "Slope Guide" in the back of this book to check for safe operation.
DO
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc...
3. Watch for hoIes, rutsor bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tallgrass can hide obstacles.
4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
5. Use extra care with grass baggers or other attachments they can change the stability of the machine.
6 Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Iftires lose traction, turn off the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope
DO NOT
1. Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely necessary, then only turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible
2. Do not mow drop-offs, ditches or embankments Awheel over the edge or an edge caving in could cause a sudden overturn and an
injury or death
3Do not mow on wet grass Reduced traction could cause sliding
4. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground
5. Do not use a grass bagger or other rear mounted accessories on steep slopes (greater than 10 degrees)
I!i. Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted tothe machine and
the mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children outof the mowing area and in the watchfulcare of another responsible adult
2 Be alert and turn the engine off if chi|dren enter the area
3. Before and when backing, took behind and down for small children.
F-99636

OWNER'S INFORMATION
4 Never carry children or any passengers, even with the blades off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with the safe
operation of the machine
5. Never alfow children tooperate the machine. Instruct children in the potential dangers of the machine
6. Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
i 2,
! 3.
: 4
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IV.
1.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Service
Use extra care when handlinggasotineand otherfuels Fuets are flammable and the vapors are explosive
a Use only an approved container.
b Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running Atlow the engine to coolfor several minutesbefore refueling Do
not smoke. .... _ : , : :
c. Never refuelthe machine indoors,
d Never store the machine withfuel in the tank or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
Never start or run the engine inside a closed area
Keep all nuts and bolts, especially the blade attachment nuts tight Frequently Check the blade(s) for wear or damage such as cracks
and nicks A blade that isbent or damaged must be immediately replaced with an original equipment blade from an authorized service
dealer. For safety, replace the blade every two years. Keep the equipment in good condition
Never tamper with the safety devices, Check their proper operation regularly.
To reduce fire hazards, keep the machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up Clean up oil or fuel spills Allow the machine
to cool before stodng.
Stop and inspect the equipment ff you strike an object Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running The carburetor can be adjusted with the engine running. Do not change
the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine.
Grass bagger components are subject to wear, damage and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown Forstorage, always make sure the grass bag is empty. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended partswhen necessary
Mower b ade(s) are sharp and can cut. Wrap the bade(s) or wear g oves and useextra caution when servicing them or the blade housing
area.
Check the brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required........
Wa_ for all movement to stop before servicing any part of the unit.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER
Environmental Awareness
•Do not fill the engine's fuel tank completely full.
•Drain fuel for off-season storage.....
• Use only unleaded gasoline. :
• Service the air cleaner regularly.
• Change oil regularly Use 30W oil in summer.
• Tune-up the engine regularly
• Keep equipment in efficient operating condition.
Dispose of used engine oil properly
H
Look for this symbol to indicate important safety
precautions. This symbol indicates: "Attention!
Become Alert! Your Safety Is At Risk,"
F-99636 5