Craftsman 917.255430 User manual

OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
917.255430
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
£RRFTSMR#®
12.5 HP IC
C START
MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
II
• Assembly
• Operation
° Customer Responsibilities
• Service and Adjustment
• Repair Parts

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDSAND FEETANDTHROW1NG OBJECTS°
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH,,
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Road, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
- Onty allow responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the macn neo
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks toys, wire, etco,
which cou/d be picked up and thrown by the b ado.
• Be surethe area isclear ofother people before mowing, Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
= Never carry passengers,.
-Do not mow in reverse unless absotuteiy necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
,Be aware ofthe mower discharge direction and do not pc nt
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher orthe guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
.Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, sat parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
= Turn off blades when not mowing°
• Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute._
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs,
-Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways°
o Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
ii. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to toss-of-controland tipover
accidents, which can result insevere iniuryor death. AIIslopes
require extra cautiono Ifyoucannot back uptheslopeor ifyoufeel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down stapes, not across,,
oRemove obstacles such as rocks,tree limbs, etco
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn themachine. Taftgrass can hide obstacles.
• Useslow speed,,Choose a lowgearsothat you willnothave
to stop or shift while on thes!ope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights toimprove stability.
, Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine°
• Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
....... disengage the blades and proceedslowly straight down the
slope_
DO NOT:
•Donot turnonslopes unless necessary,andthen turns_owly
and gradually downh I1,if poss ble,
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over ifa wheel is overthe edge
of a cliff or ditch, or _fan edge caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding,,
°Donot try to stabilizethe machine byputtingyour foot onthe
ground.
•Do not use grass catcheron steep slopes.
Ill. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operatoris not alert to the
presenceofchildrenoChildrenare often attracted tothemachine
and the mowing actk,tty, Neverassume that children willremain
whereyou last saw them.
•Keepchildren outofthe mowing areaand under thewatchful
care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert andturn machine off ifchildren enterthe area,
° Before and when backing, look behind and downfor small
children,,
• Never carry children. They may fail off and be seriously
injuredor interferewith safe machine operation. '
•Never allow chitdren to operate the machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, orother objectsthat may obscure vision,
IV. SERVICE
•Useextracareinhandling gasoline andotherfuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to coot before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container insidewhere
there isan open flame, such as a water heater.
°Never run a machine inside a closed area.
•Keepnuts andbolts especially blade attachmentbolts, tight
and keep equipment n good condit on.
° Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
° Keepmachine freeof grass,leaves, or otherdebris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spill-age. Allow machine to cool before
storing
-Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object,
Repair, ifnecessary, before restarting.
° Never make adjustments or repairs withthe engine running.
- Grasscatchercomponents aresubjecttowear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replacewithmanufacturer's recommendedpartsl when nec-
essary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut,, Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
- Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required,
IF
!,#_ Look for this symbol to point out impor-
!A,_, tent safety precautions. It means
!_CAUTION]!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
I u AFETY'S'NVOLVED"
|,11 ...... ii i,i i i,i
LII I I'1.........................H'lllln'
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where itcannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental startin 9when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manu-
factured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance,
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service
Department, We have competent, welt-trained techni-
cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
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 917255430
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIALNUMBERSWlLL 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 is available on this prod-
ucto Contact your nearest Sears store for details°
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
.Read and observe the safety rules.
• Followa regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your unit°
oFollowtheinstructions under"Customer Responsibili-
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 125
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL (3,0PINTS): SAE 30 (Above32°F)
5W-30 (Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG (GAP,,030IN,): CHAMPION RJ-lgLM
STD361458
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE ,005- ,,007IN
EXHAUST ,009- ,011 IN,_
GROUND SPEED: FORWARD
1st 1.10MPH
2nd 140 MPH
3rd 2 00 MPH
4th 3 00 MPH
5th 4,20 MPH
6th 5,00 MPH
REVERSE: 1.50MPH
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 12 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT. LBS
WARNING: This unit isequipped 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 laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, itshould be maintained in
effective working order by the operator.1
tn the 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. A spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center
(See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual)_
iiiiull i i i ,
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, ifthis riding equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the
instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or
workmanship.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable itemswhich become wornduring normaluse, such as blades,spark plugs, air cleaners and belts.
. Tire replacementor repaircaused by puncturesfrom outside objects, such as nails, thorns,stumps, or glass.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improperstorage or accidentor thefailure to maintainthe
equipment according to the instructionscontained in the owner's manual ......
• Ridingequipment usedfor commercial or rentalpurposes
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For 90 days from dateof purchase, if any batteryincluded with this riding equipment proves defective in material or workmanship
and our testingdeterminesthe batterywill nothold a charge, Searswilt replacethe 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
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
OPERATION ........................................................... 10-13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 14
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 18-23
STORAGE .................................................................... 24
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 25-26
REPAIR PARTS -TRACTOR ................................. 28-43
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 44-48
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................... BACK PAGE
iNDEX
A
Accessories ................................................. 5
Adjustments:
Brake ................................................ 20
Carburetor ...................................... 23
Mower
Front-To-Back .............................t9
Side-To-Side ........................... 19
Throttle Control Cable ................. 23
Air Filter, Engine ................................... 16
Air Screen, Engine ....................................17
Assembly ................................................ 7-9
B
Battery:
Charging .................................................8
Cleaning ..................................... 15
Installation ..........................................9
Levels .......................................... 8,15
Preparation ............................................8
Starting with Weak Battery ...........21
Storage ........................................ 24
Terminals .................................... 15
Belt: Motion Drive
RemovaVReplacement ............20
Mower Blade Drive
RemovaVReplacement ............20
Blade:
Sharpening ...................................... 15
Reptacement ................................... 15
Brake Adjustment .................................. 20
C
Carburetor Adjustment ......................... 23
Controls, Tractor ......................................10
Customer Responsibilities .............. t4-t 7
Engine:
Air Filter ..................................... 16
Air Filter Foam Pre-Cleaner .... 16
Air Screen, Engine .................. 17
Battery ........."............................ 15
Cooling Fins, Engine ............... 17
Engine Oil ................................. 16
Fuel Filter .................................. 17
Spark Plugs .................................17
Tractor:
Blade ........................................... 15
Lubrication Chart ..................... 14
Maintenance Schedule ............. 14
FireCare ..............................8,15,21
Cutting Height, Mower ......................... 11
E
Electrical:
Interlocks and Relays ................... 22
Schematic ........................................ 27
Wiring Diagram ................................28
Engine:
Air Filter ......................................... 16
Air Filter Foam Pre-Cleaner ........ 16
Air Screen ........................................ t7
Cooling Fins, Engine ..................... 17
Oil Change ...........................................16
Oil Level .......................................12,16
Oil Type ..................................................16
Preparation ............................................12
Repair Parts ..................................44-48
Starting ...............................................13
Storage ........................................... 24
f,
Filter:
Air Filter ......................................... 16
Air Filter Foan Jre-Cleaner .........16
Fuel ................................................ 17
Fuel:Type ...................................................12
Storage ........................................ 24
Fuse ........................................................ 22
H
Hood Remova!/tnstaltat[on .................. 22
L
Leveling Mower Deck .......................... 19
Lubrication:
Chart ......................................................14
M
Maintenance Schedule ............................14
Mower:
Adjustment, Front-to-Back ........... 19
Adjustment, Side-to-Side ...............19
BIade Sharpening .............................15
Blade Replacement ...................... 15
Cutting Height ............................... 11
.....1nstailatiOn ':;::_ LL:o._.o_.o..._oo...._......L. 18
Operation ......................................... 12
Removal ....................................... 18
Mowing Tips ........................................... 13
Muffler ....................... _.......................... 17
Spark Arrester .......................... 3,38
0
Oil: Cold Weather Conditions .........12,16
Engine ........................................... 16
Storage ...............................................24
Operation ........................................ t0-13
Operating Mower ................................ 12
Options:
Accessories ..................................... 5
Spark Arrester .......................... 3,38
P
Parking Brake ................................ 10-11
Parts Bag ............................................... 6
Parts, ReplacemenVRepair ............ 28-43
Product Specifications ............................ 3
R
Repair Parts ...................................... 28-48
S
Safety Rules .............................................. 2
Seat ......................................................... 8
Service and Adjustments ............... t8-23
Carburetor .................................... 23
Fuse ............................................... 22
Hood Remova!/Installation .......... 22
Motion Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ........... 20
Mower Blade Drive Belt
RemovaVReplacement ........... 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 ............................ ! t
Storage ................................................. 24
T
Throttle Control Cable
Adjustment ................................... 23
•Tires,..._,,.,. ....................................... 8,t5,21
Troubleshooting Chart .................... 25-26
Transaxle:
Repair Parts ............................ 4243
W
Warranty................................................ 3
Wiring Diagram .................................... 28
Wiring Schematic ............................... 27
4

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
H,== , ,
These accessories and attachments were available when the tractor was purchased,, They are also available atmost Sears retail outlets,
catalog and service centers_ Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor,,
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR RLTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
PERFORMANCE
Sears offers awide variety of attachments that fit your tractor,. Many of these are listedbelow with brief explanations of how they can help
your This list was current at the time of publication; however, it may change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes
may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available or fit your model Contact your nearest Sears store for the
accessories and attachments that are available for your tractor.
Most of these attachments do not require additional hitches or conversion kits (those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy
attaching and detaching..
PERMANEX BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and
leaves for a healthier, heater looking fawno Two Permanex
containers held 30-gallon plastic bags.
LAWN SWEEPERS let you colIect grass clippings and leaves,.
LAWN VAGS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and
ieaveso Wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach
places_
CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes avai[ableo
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch
diameter water-tight drum holds upto 390 Ibs. of weight° Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf° Adiustable 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 of soil to allow mois-
ture and nutrients to reach grass roots, 36-inch swath. 24
hardened steel coring tips. 150 tb. capacity weight trayo
AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn. Ta-
pered 2..5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs
puncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in..
Steel weight tray for increased penetration..
MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and
matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup. Twenty spring fine
teeth° Useful to prepare bare areas forseedingo Available for front
or rear mounting.
SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that connects to the
tractor battery or other 12welt source.. Includes booms for
automatic spraying when pulling, and hand held wand for spot
spraying. Wand has adjustable spray pattern° For applying
herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and liquid fertilizersl. "
SNOW BLADE for snow removal only,, 14-inch high, 42-inch
wideblade clears 38-inchpathwhen angtedleft or righL Raises,
Iowerswithside lever. Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversible
scraperbar_(Usewith tirechains,wheel weights, or reardrawbar
weight.,)
SNOWTHROWERhas40-inchswath. Drum4ypeauger handles
powdery and wet/heavy snow_ Mounts easily with simple pin
arrangement. Dischargechute adjustsfrom tractor seat. 6qnch
diameter spout discharges snow 10to 50 feet.. Lift controlled at
tractor seal (Use with chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight.)
TIRE CHAINS are heavy dutyi closely spaced extra-large cross
links give smooth ride, outstanding traction°
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snow removalor dozingheavy materials. Inpalm (30 Ibs,.each..)
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel
frame,ABS plastictop; clearplasticwindshield offers360 degree
visibility. Hingedmetal doorswith catch, Keeps operatorwarm
and dry. Removevinyl and windshields for use assun protector
in summer. (Catalog only_)
Optional accessories for tractor cab: tinted/tempered solid
safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper; 12-volt amber
caution lightfor 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/teadpuncture resistant,will notshrink or stretch.) (Catatog
only.)
TILLER has5 hpengine and36-inchswathtoprepare seed beds,
cultivate, andcompost garden residue. Tiller has its own built-in
liftanddepthcontrolsystemand does NOTrequire asleeve hitch,
Fit,any lawn,_i_.rd, Or garden tractor. Simply hook up to the
tractor drawbar and got

ii, i,i .......
CONTENTS OF
........................... i ,i i, i,i ,,,
i,iiiiiii iiii ,1111
Parts Bag contents shown full size
,i ul
....i,,,, ,,,i ................... i=,,,i,,,i, ,, ,,i .... . L.... ,,,,,., ,_.,=
PAC
.................. ,,,, ;.;,.
,irl,,i.
Sheet
Screws
E6x 1/2
(1) Locknut 3/8-24
(1) Large Flat Washer
i,,
(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 1/2-13 x I
(1) Lock Washer 1/2
(1) Washer '!7/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
II I!IIHItlIH
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4 @
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
®
(2) Lock Washers 1/4
(2) Washers 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge
'i,i.,,HI i ,
Parts packed separately in carton
Steering
Wheel
Seat Q
Battery acid
Battery
Steering
Boot
Owner's Manual
i
Parts Bag
i,j_i,i1,1,!1,,,1! _ ..... ., 1 ,,, ,,,,,L , _,,,,,,_,, . _ll
Parts bag contents not shown full size
I_l Steering
f _ Wheel
Steering Wheel Insert
Adapter
@
Steering
Bushing
15 ° Slope Sheet
C_ (2) Keys
,7
I 1
1 !
t t
I I
I I
Battery Caps
and Instructions

==1 i=,1 i ,. ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness..
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(1) 5/16" wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches
(1) 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, along lines on all four corners
of carton and tay panels flat,
•Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove,
BEFORE ROLUNG UNIT OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
• Stide the steering bushing over the steering shafL
o Raise steering shaft forward until screw holes in dash
line up with steering bushing. Install two (2) sheet
meta_ 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 locknut and
tighten securely.
• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel,
ST
BOOT
STEERING SHEET
BUSHING METAL
SCREW
TABS
STEERING
(ASSEMBLY
POSITION)
o..,,...._/' - TAB SLOT
STEERING SHA ' !
(SHIPPING POSITION) ...... '
FIG, 1
• Remove protectiveplastic from tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY
STAPLES IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE
UNIT IS TO ROLL OFF SKID,
TO ROLL UNiT OFF SKiD (See Fig. 6)
°Raise attachment lift lever to itshighest position,
° Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal,
-Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position_
• Roll unit backwards off skid.
•Remove banding holding discharge guard up against
tractor,

i,i ..................................................... BLY
,i,iii1,1,,11,,,,,,,i,,,,,,,,i, ,,i,1,, i,
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield.
&Wash hands or clothing immediately if
accidentally in contactwith battery acid.
Do not smoke. Fumes from charged
battery acid are explosive,
Read the instructions included with the
battery vent caps. Always wear gloves,
clothing and goggles to protect your
hands, skin and eyes.
ii ,i ii1,,,iii1,,,i i /
Your unit has abattery charging system which is sufficient
for normal use° However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
•See instructions packed with vent caps in parts bag,
oFill battery with acid. Fill each cell until it 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 I 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 dry1
oOheck 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,.
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.
• Assemble adjustment bolt, Iockwasher and flat washer
loosely. Do not tighten.
.Tighten shoulder bolt securely,,
•Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat,
.Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down
(See Fig. 6),
oGet off seat without moving its adjusted position,
•Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely_
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
HER
FIG. 3
BOLT
SEAT
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,
oReducetire pressure PSI shownin"PRODUCT SPECI-
FICATION on page 3 of this manua!.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual
Follow instructions on howto install battery_ CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
................. BELTS
CUTAWAYVIEW /VENT CAP
I]VENTWELL
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
BATTERY
CELL ACID
LEVEL
FIG. 2 8

,=,,,,,,'MH',1' '="='n = ...... =........ =, ........
ASSEMBLY
INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 4 & 5)
CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-
nals. Before installin 9battery, remove
metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,
rings, etc.
Positive terminal must be connected
first to prevent sparking from acciden-
tal grounding.
................ mu.=,, = n.,n,, =
• 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 belt, 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.
SEAT_ BATTERY
BOXDOOR
(POSITIVE) (NEGATIVE)
RED BLACK
BATTERY GROUNDING
CABLE
POSITIVE (+) TERMINAL NEGATIVE(-) TERMINAL
BATTERY
VENT CAPS
FIG. 5
,/CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRACTOR, WE WISH TOASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SA TISFA CTION FROM
THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST"
,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.
,/ No remaining loose parts in carton.
/Battery is properly prepared and charge& (Minimum
1 hour at 6 amps).
,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely°
,/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,
the tires were ovennflated at the factory).
,/' Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side4o-side/
front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling)_
,i Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed
properly around pulleys and inside a be t keepers
,/ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure
and wires are properly clamped.
WHILE L_-_RNING HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA A TTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:
#" Engine oil is at proper level°
,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline_
,I Become familiar with all controls - their location and
function.. Operate them before you start the engine.
,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
FIG. 4

= .... =1 OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
Compare the illustrations withyour tractorto familiarize yourselfwiththe Iocationsofvariouscontrots and adjustments. Save
this manual for future reference_
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH LEVER IGNITION LIFT LEVER
SWITCH
LIGHT SWITCH ATTACHMENT
LIFT LEVER
THROTTLE/CHOKE
CONTROL
CLUTCH/BRAKE
l 1
MOWER DECK
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
POSITIONS
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: Used for declutching and brak-
...... ingtt-ii_tr_actdrand 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 for siarting andstoPt_ing the
engine.
10