Craftsman 917.255430 User manual

[
S_FA/ PS
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO,
917.255430
Caution:
Read and follow
alnlS_nfe_YuRtUIo_s
12.5 HP IC
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
•Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustment
• Repair Parts
mL i iiiiiii ii iii iiil,lm Ul Pml, IH_H_m
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJ ECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE TH E FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
\\\
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read understand, and fellow all instructionsinthe manual
and on the mach ne before starting,.
• Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructone,to operate the roachne.
oClear the area of objects such as recks toys wire etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown bythe blade.
• Besurerhe areaisclearofother peoplebeforemowing. Stop
machine ifanyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers,.
• Donotmew inreverse unless absolutelynecessary, Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
• Be aware efthe mower discharge direction and do notpoint
it at anyone. Do net operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place,
•Slowdown before turning.
°Never teavea running machine unattended. Alwaysturn off
blades, set parking brake, step engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
°Turn off blades when not mowing.
oStop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute,
°Mew only indaylight er good artificial light.
= Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or druge_
o Watch for traffic when epersting near or creasing roadways°
o Use extracare when loading or unloadingthe machine into
a trailer er truck,
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related to loss-of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury er death. All slopes
raquire extracaution. Ifyoucannotbackupthe slopeorifyoufeel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mew up and down slopes, not across,.
o Remove obstacles such as recks, tree limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps° Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tallgrass can hide obetacles_
•Use slew speed. Choose a lowgear sothat you will nothave
to step er shift while on the slope.
.Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stabiiity_
•Use extra care with grass catchers or ether attachments.
These can change the stability ofthe machine.
°Keep all movement on the slopes slewand gradual Do not
make sudden changes inspeed or direction..
,Avoid starting or stepping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdownthe
slope..
DO NOT:
•Donot turn onslopes unlessnecessary, andthen,turnslowly
and gradually downhill, ifpossible.
•DOnot mew near drep-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over ifa wheel isover the edge
of a cliff er ditch, er if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass,. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
oDonot try tostabilize the machine byputting yourfoot onthe
ground
oDo net use grass catcher on steep slopes..
Iil. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operatoris not alert to the
presenceofchitdren_Childrenare often attractedtethemachine
and the mowing act_vity.Neverassume that children will remain
where you lastsaw them_
•Keepchildrenoutofthe mowing area and underthe watchful
care of anotherresponsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren enterthe area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
-Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injuredor interfere with safe machine operation.
•Never allow children to operatethe machine.
•Use extracare when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objectsthat may obscure vision°
IV. SERVICE
° Useextracare inhandlinggasoiine and otherfuels. They are
flammableand vapors are explosive_
Use only an approvedcontainer.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running° Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel themachine indoors.
Never stere the machine or fuel container insidewhere
there isan open flame, such as a water heater.
•Never run a machine insidea closed area°
•Keep nuts andbelts especiaUyblade attachment belts,tight
and keep equ pmentin good conditiom
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly,
°Keep machinefreeof grass leaves orotherdebrisbuiid-up.
Ctean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
° Step and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair,ifnecessary, beforerestarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairswith the engine running,.
•Grasscatchercomponents are subjecttowear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects te be thrown, Frequently check components and
replacewith manufacturer's recommended partslwhen nec-
essary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and usaextra caution when servicingthem,
=Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required°
ii= i = I,H ,
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions, it means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
IIHll H ,i,,
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental startinl] when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repmrs.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
. _'ractor, It has been designed, engineered and manu-
fi_ctured to give you the best possible dependability and
r_erformance.
_hould yeu experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, p_ease contact your nearest Sears Service
Department. We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unito
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your unit properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES
MODEL
NUMBER 9t7.255430
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable on this prod-
uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety ruleso
• Fellow a regular schedule inmaintaining, caring for and
using your unit,
°Fellow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: I2,5
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL (3.0 PINTS): SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
5W-30 (Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG (GAP 030 tN ): CHAMPION RJ-19LM
STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE .005 - .007 IN o
EXHAUST °009- .011 IN
GROUND SPEED: FORWARD
1st 1.10MPH
2nd 1.40MPH
3rd 2 00 MPH
4th 300 MPH
5th 420 MPH
6th 5.00 MPH
REVERSE: 150 MPH
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 12 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FToLBS
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combus-
tion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-
proved 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 Iaws (if
any)° If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator°
tn the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code)_
Other states may have similar tawso Federal laws apply on
federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center
(See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this riding equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the
instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wifi repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or
workmanship,
This Warranty does notcover:
• Expendable itemswhich become worn during normal use,such asblades, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts
°Tire replacementor repair caused by puncturesfrom outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass.
• Repairs necessarybecause of operator abuse, negligence, improperstorage or accident or thefaiiure to maintainthe
equipment according to the instructionscontained inthe owner's manuai.
• Riding equipment used forcommercial or rentalpurposes
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BA'i'rERY
For 90 days from date of purchase,if any battery includedwith this riding equipment proves defective in materialor workmanship
and our testingdetermines the batterywill not hold a charge, Sears will reptacethe battery at no charge.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE RIDING EQUIPMENT TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE
CENTER/DEPARTMENT 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 CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
, =HH n' ,'1, nHHn,,nm= =,n'
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 14-17
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................. 4
INDEX ............................................................................. 4
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ........................................... 5
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 7-9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ......................................
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 18-_
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................. ;............... 28-,_:___
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 4_
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................... BACK PA_=_
INDEX
A
Accessories ............................................ 5
Adjustments:
Brake ............................................ 20
Carburetor ........................................23
Mower
Front*To-Back ......................... 19
Side-To-Side ........................... 19
Throttle Control Cable ................. 23
Air Filter, Engine ................................... 16
Air Screen, Engine ................................ 17
Assembly .................................................. 7-9
B
Battery:
Charging ............................................. 8
Cieaning ....................................... 15
Installation ........................................ 9
Levels ....................................... 8,15
Preparation ...................................... 8
Starting with Weak Battery .......... 21
Storage .......................................... 24
Terminals ....................................... ! 5
Belt: Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement ........... 20
Mower Blade Drive
Removal/Replacement .............20
Blade:
Sharpening ..................................... 15
Replacement ................................. 15
Brake Adjustment ................................ 20
C
Carburetor Adjustment ....................... 23
Controls, Tractor .................................... 10
Customer Responsibilities .....................14-17
Engine:
Air Filter ........................................16
Air Filter Foam Pro-Cleaner .... 16
Air Screen, Engine .................. 17
Batter,.#........ :............................ 15
........... Cooling Fins, Engine ................ 17
Engine Oil ................................ 16
Fuel Filter ................................ 17
Spark Plugs .............................. 17
Tractor:
Blade .......................................... 15
Lubrication Chart ..................... 14
Maintenance Schedule ............. t 4
Fire Care ........................... 8,15,21
Cutting Height, Mower ........................... 11
E
Electrical:
Interlocks and Relays .................. 22
Schematic ........................................ 27
Wiring Diagram ..................................28
Engine:
Air Filter ........................................ 16
Air Fitter Foam Pre-Cieaner ..........16
Air Screen ........................................ 17
Cooling Fins, Engine ........................17
Oil Change .........................................16
Oil Level .......................................12,16
Oil Type .............................................16
Preparation ........................................12
Repair Parts ..................................44-48
Stadin g .............................................13
Storage .......................................... 24
r
Filter:
Air Filter .......................................... 16
Air Filter Foan 're-Cleaner ........ 16
Fuel .............................................. 17
Fuel:Type .......................................................t2
Storage ............................................ 24
Fuse ..................................................... 22
H
Hood Removal/installation ....................22
L
Leveling Mower Deck ............................ 19
Lubrication:
Chart .................................................... 14
M
Maintenance Schedule ................................14
Mower:
Adjustment, Front4o-Back .............19
Adjustment, S}de4o-Side ............. t9
Blade Sharpening .......................... 15
Blade Replacement ...................... 15
Cutting Height ............................... 11
.... tnstallatidri _,,,,;:- _._--..-,, r_.o_..__._l-8 -
Operation ....................................... 12
Removal ...................................... 18
Mowing Tips ......................................... 13
Muffler ...................................................... t 7
Spark Arrestor ........................... 3,38
0
Oil:
Cold Weather Conditions ....... 12,16
Engine ............................................ 16
Storage .............................................24
Operation ...................................... 10-1
Operating Mower ....:........................... 1
Options:
Accessories ..................................... 5
Spark Arrester .......................... 3,3 8
P
Parking Brake ................................. t0-1 1
Parts Bag .............................................. 6
Pads, Replacement/Repair ............ 28-4._
Product Specifications ........................... _E_
R
Repair Parts ...................................... 28-4.,_
S
Safety Rules ............................................. 2
Seat ....................................................... 8
Service and Adjustments .............. 18-23
Carburetor ................................... 213
Fuse .............................................. 21_
Hood Remova!/Instaliation .......... 22
Motion Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ........... 20
Mower Blade Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ........... 20
Mower Adjustment
Front- to-Back ........................ 19
Side-to-Side ............................ 19
Mower Removal .......................... 18
Tire Care ............................. 8,15,21
Slope Guide Sheet ............................. 51
Spark Plugs ......................................... 17
Specifications ....................................... 3
Starting the Engine ........................ 12-13
Steering Wheel ................................. 7,21
Stopping the Tractor ............................ 11
Storage ................................................ 24
T
Throttle Control Cable
Adjustment ................................... 23
Tires.................................................... 8,15,21
Troubleshooting Chart .................... 25-26
Transaxle:
Repair Parts ........................... 42-43
W
Warranty ................................................ 3
Wiring Diagram ................................... 28
Wiring Schematic ............................... 27
4

Jiiiiil,lll,, ,i i,,i ,,i, iii i lrllll i iii ii iiii
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
........................... , ,,,,, ,,,,,,,
,i, ,11 iii i,i i,,111
"Theseaccessories and attachments wereavailablewhenthe tractorwas purchased_They are alsoavailable atmost Searsretail outlets,
"catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number ofyour tractor°
ENGINE
SPARKPLUG MUFFLER AIRRLTER GASCAN ENGINEOIL STABILIZER
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
%
PERFORMANCE
Sears offers a widevariety of attachmentsthat tit yourtractor.Manyof theseare listedbelowwith briefexplanations of howthey can help
you_ This list was current atthe time ofpublication; however,it may changein future yea[s - more attachments may be added, changes
may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be availableor 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 hitchesor conversion kits(those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy
attaching and detaching,
PERMANEX BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and
leaves for a healthier, neater looking lawn. Two Permanex
containers hold 30-gallon plastic bags°
LAWN SWEEPERS letyou collect grass clippings and Ieaves.
LAWN VAOS forpowerful collectionof heavygrassclippings and
leaves. Wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach
ptaces_
CARTS make hauling easy° Vadety of sizes available_
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch
diameter water-tightdrum holdsupto 390Ibs,.ofweight,.Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf. Adjustable scraper automatically
cleans drum.
SPREADERISEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed
killing easy. Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular
de-icers and sand.
CORING AERATOR takes small plugs out ofsoit to allow mois-
ture and nutrients to reach grass roots° 36-inch swath. 24
hardened steei coring tips° 150 lb, capacity weight tray.
AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn. Ta-
pered 2,.5-inchsteel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs
puncture holes insoil at close intervalsto let moisture soak in.
Steel weight tray for increasedpenetration.
MULCH RAKE/DErHATCHER loosens soiland flipsthatchand
matted leavesto lawnsurfacefor easypickup, Twentyspringline
teeth. Usefutto preparebareareasforseeding. Avaitableforfront
or rear mounting,
SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that connects to the
tractor battery or other 12-volt source. Includes booms for
automatic spraying when pulling and hand held wand for spot
spraying. Wand has adjustabfe spray pattern. For applying
herbicides, insecticides,fungici_Sl and_liCl_idfertilizers.
SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14-inch high, 42-inch
w deblade clears 38-inch pathwhen angled left or right. Raises,
lowers with side lever° Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversible
scraper bar. (Usewithtirechains, wheelweights, or rear drawbar
weight.)
SNOW'rHROWERhas40-inchswath. 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 10 to 50 feet. L_t controlled at
tractor seat. (Use with chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight,)
TIRE CHAINS are heavy dutyi closely spaced extra-large cross
linksgive smooth ride,outstanding traction.
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snow removalordozingheavy materials, in pairs_(30 lbs..each.)
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel
frame, ABSplastictop; clear plasticwindshield offers360 degree
visibility. Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm
and dry. Removevinyl and windshields for useas sun protector
insummer. (Catalog only_)
Optional accessories for tractor cab: tinted/tempered solid
safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper; 12-volt amber
cautionlightfor mounting on cab top_ (Catalog only.)
TRACTOR COVER protects tractor from weather. Made of
Evolution 3 fabric (water-repellent, extremely breathable, light
weight soft non-abrasive, pliable in all temperatures, durable,
stain/tear/punctureres stant, wi notshr nkor stretch.) (Catalog
only.)
TILLER has5hp engineand36-inch swathtoprepare seed beds,
cult{vale,and compost garden residue, Tiller has itsown built-in
lift anddepthcontrolsystemand doesNOT require asleeve hitch.
Fits any lawn, yard, or-gardentract0r_ Simply hook [_pto the
tractor drawbar and go!

Ul i
CONTENTS OF
Parts Bag contents shown full size
i
©(2) Sheet
Metal
Screws
#10-16 x t/2
(1) Large Flat Washer
(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18
(1) Loeknut 3/8-24
('1) Hex Bolt t/2q3 x 't
(¢
(1) Lock Washer 1/2
(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
....i1,1, n ..... PAC
Parts packed separately in carton
,lUUlninnl I
Steering
Wheel
Owner's Manual
Seat ÷
i'----
Battery acid
Battery
i1,1................
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4
(2) Washers 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge
@
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
(2) Lock Washers 1/4
iii un,ll, I
Steering
Boot
t I
II
E I
E I
I I
= I
Parts Bag
(2) Keys
I
t
I
Ba_eecaps"
and Instructions
15° Slope Sheet
0
Steering
Bushing
_L_ II_)l! Steering
' _ " Wheel
Steering Wheel Insert
Adapter
Parts bag contents not shown full size

i1,11..................... i, nunlHl"l'll"l'l i i i i, ,iqll
ASSEMBLY
'.'our new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exce n of those parts left unassembIed for shipping pu rposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor, atl 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 will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed,
(1) 5/16" wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches
(t) 1/2" wrench
(1) 3/4" wrench
9/16" wrench
Screwdriver
Utility knife
Tire pressure gauge
When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (seated
behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton (See page 6).
° Cut from top to bottom, alonglinesonatlfourcorners
of carton and lay pane s flat.
° Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove°
BEFORE ROLLING UNYT OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig, 1)
°Slide the steering bushing over the steering shaft.
o Raise steering shaft forward until screw holes in dash
line up with steering bushing, install two (2) sheet
metal screws and tighten securely.
• Position steering boot over steering shaft.
. Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and
push down to secure.
° Slide steering wheel adapter onto upper steering shaft,,
° Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward,
° Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide onto adapter.
° Assemble large flat washer and 3/8-24 Iocknut and
tighten securely.
° Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel.
. Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY
STAPLES 1NSKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE
UNiT iS TO ROLL OFF SKID.
INSERT
3/8-24HEXLOCKNUT
_LARGEFLATWASHER
_STEERINGWHEEL
ST EERIN G-_..._ _,_.. SCREW
WHEEL
ADAPTER_. t'_ TABS
STEERING_ f_/iJ
BOOT
STEERING
(ASSEMBLY TAB
POSITION) HOLE
t
//
/,
STEERINGSHAFT .........., ,
(SHIPPINGPOSITION) .....
SLOT
FIG. 1
TO ROLL UNIT OFF SKID (See Fig. 6)
°Raise attachment tift lever to its highest position,
° Release parking brake by depressing clutchtbrake
pedal,
. Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position,
• Roll unit backwards off skid.
° Remove banding holding discharge guard up against
tractor,

BLY
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
PREPARE BATI'ERY (See Fig. 2)
iiillN, ,ll,i ii ii CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield.
Wash hands or clothing immediately if
accidentally incontactwith battery acid.
Do not smoke. Fumes from charged
battery acid are explosive.
Read the instructionsincluded with the
battery vent caps. Always wear gloves,
clothing and goggles to protect your
hands, skin and eyes.
Your unit has abattery charging system whichissufficient
for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend itslife.
•See instructionspacked with vent caps in parts bag.
-Fill battery with acid Fill each cell untilit reaches the
bottom of the vent wells Do not overfill
-Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty
minutes. After standing, check the level of acid_ If
below the vent wells, add more acid until the correct
level is reached.
While battery isstanding (after adding acid) and later,while
battery is being charged, continue with assembly of unit°
IMPORTANT: TO MAXIMIZE THE LIFE OF YOUR
BATTERY, IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE BATTERY BE
CHARGED BEFORE USE. FAILURE TO CHARGE
BATTERY CAN RESULT IN A SHORTENED BATTERY
LIFE..
•Charge battery at a rate of 6 amperes for 1 hour., Use
a 12 volt battery charger. Observe all safety precau-
tions required for battery charging.,
•Check the acid level after the battery is charged, If the
acid has fallen below the correct level, add distilled or
iron free water.
° Install the vent caps to cover the vent wells,. Wash the
top of the battery with water to remove any acid, then
wipe dry,
oCheck battery case for leakage to make sure that no
damage has occurred in handling.
,Dispose of excess battery acid_ Neutralize acid for
disposal by adding it to four inches of water in a five
gallon plastic container. Stir with a wooden or plastic
paddle while adding baking soda until the addition of
more soda causes no more foaming.
•Follow instructions on how to install batte_: ".................
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.
, Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
• Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt
°Assembleadjustment bolt, Iockwasherand flat washer
Ioosely_ Do not tighten_
• Tighten shoulder bolt securely
• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat°
° Slide seat untila comfortable position isreached which
allowsyouto press clutch/brake pedal allthe way down
(See Fig.,6),
•Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
° Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely°
SEAT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
ADJt
BOLT
FIG. 3
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes_ Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure PSI shown in"PRODUCT SPECI-
FICATION on page 3 of this manual
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
Forbest cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
CUT AWAY VIEW
VENT WELL
BATTERY
CELLAClD
LEVEL
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 "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
FIG. 2 8

..................... ,,, ,,,, i_ i i,,,
iii ..........inASSEMBLY
,i.... i1,11,1,
INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 4 & 5)
......................... i i,ii iii,
CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-
nals. Before installing battery, remove
metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,
rings, etc.
Positive terminal must be connected
first to prevent sparking from acciden-
tal grounding.
................. ii ,,,
•Lift seat to raised position.
•Open battery box door°
•Be sure battery drain tube is attached to battery box.
•Lower battery into battery box with battery terminals
toward front of unit.
•First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery
terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut as shown° Tighten securely.
°Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) bat-
tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock
washer and hex nut. Tighten securely_
• Close battery box door.
Open battery box door for:
-inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-
ware).
•Inspection for corrosion.
°Testing battery.
•Jumping (if required)°
•Periodic charging.
BATTERY
BOX DOOR
(NEGATIVE)
BLACK
GROUNDING
CABLE
POSITIVE(+) TERMINAL NEGATIVE(-)TERMINAL
FIG. 4
BATTERY
BOX
VENT CAPS
FIG. 5
,/CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRACTOR, WE WISH TOASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THEBESTPERFORMANCEAND SA TISFACTION FROM
THIS QUALITY PRODUCT,
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST,"
,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.
J' No remaining loose parts in carton°
#" Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum
1 hour at 6 amps).
,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
,/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,
the tires were overinftated at the factory).
•/Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side!
front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling),
V" Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed
properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
,/ 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.
,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline.
,/ Become familiar with atl controls - their location and
function. Operate them before you start the engine.
,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.

OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
Comparethe i__ustrati_nswithy_urtract_rt_fami_iarizey_ur_e_fwiththe__cati_ns_fvari_us__ntr__sandadjustments` Save
this manual for ftdure reference°
A'I'rACHMENT
CLUTCH LEVER IGNITION UFT LEVER
SWITCH PLUNGER
UGHT SWITCH A'n'ACHMENT
LIFT LEVER
THROTTLE/CHOKE
CONTROL
CLUTCH/BRAKE MOWER DECK
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
POSITIONS
PARKING
GEARSHIFT
LEVER
FIG. 6
Sears tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the
mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your
tractor°
LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and off.
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Used for starting and
controlling engine speed.
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: Usedfor declutching and brak..
ing the tractor and starting the engine,.
PARKING BRAKE: Locks clutch/brake pedal into the
brake position.
GEARSHIFT LEVER; Selects the speed and direction of
tractor.
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise, lower, and
adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to
your tractor.
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release attachment lift
lever when changing its position°
IGNITION SWITCH:Used forstartingana st615pliigthe
engine,
10