Craftsman 917.255440 User manual

CIIItlI:T+ZlI4AII+
MODEL NUMBER 917.255440 OWNER'S MANUAL
°Assembly
+Operation
+Customer
Responsibilities
°Service
, Adjustments
°Repair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
i_!11' IIII

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLEOF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS,
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJU RY OR DEATH,
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys wire, etc,
wh ch could be picked up and thrown by the blade..
• Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place..
• Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set 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 daytight 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.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss_of-control and tipover
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death All slopes
require extra caution Ifyou cannot back up the slope or if you feet
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
.Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc..
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine_ Tall grass can hide obstacles_
• Use slow speed Choose a low gear sothat you witI not have
to stop or shift while on the slope
•Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve 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 proceed slowly straight down the
stope_
DO NOT:
•Do not tum on slopes unless necessary, and then. turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible..
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddeniy turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves ino
•Do not mew on wet grass Reduced traction could cause
sliding_
•Do not try to stabilize the machtne by putting your foot on the
ground..
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity.. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them..
•Keepchildren out ofthe mowing area and underthe watchful
care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area
-Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children
•Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation
°Never altew children to operate the machine°
•Use extra care when approaching bIind comers, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels 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 cool before refueling Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors°
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater
.Never run a machine inside a closed area,
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
-Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage.. Allow machine to cool before
storing
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object
Repair, if necessary, before restarting
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
-Grasscatcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, 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.
2
]Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions, it means
CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERT]_II YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service
CentedDepartment. We have competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper' tools to service or repair this
tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor prop-
erly_ Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917_255440
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIALNUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE°
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears maintenance agreement is availab;e on this trac-
tor. Contact your'nearest Sears store for details..
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety rules..
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring forand
using your tractor.
• Follow the instructions under"Customer ResponsibilF
ties" and "Storage" sections of this manual.
i1 m nu n= Hmm,= J ....................._]
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 12.5
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 5QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL (3.0 PINTS): SAE30 (Above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 32_F)
SPARK PLUG (GAPe030IN.): CHAMPION RJ-19LM
STD36t458
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .005 _.007 IN_
EXHAUST: .009 - .011 IN.
GROUND SPEED: FORWARD:
1st 1.00 MPH
2nd 1_50 MPH
3rd 2_00 MPH
4th 3.00 MPH
5th 420 MPH
6th 5..OO MPH
REVERSE: 1.50 MPH
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSi
REAR: 12 PSi
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY
5AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT..LBS.
_ARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or' grass-cov-
ered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped
with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state taws
(if any).. If a spark arrester is used, itshould be maintained
in effective working order' by the operator_
In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code.)
Other states may have similar taws. Federal laws app.!yon
federal lands, A spark arrester for the muffler' is available
throughyour nearest Sears authorized service center (See
the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual)..
u .............................. i HinU t_ JJ
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from thedate of purchase, if this riding equipmentismaintained, lubricated and tuned up accordingto the
instructionsin the owner's manual, Sears will repair or reptace, free of charge, any parts feund to be defective in material or
workmanship
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normaluse, such as blades, spark plugs,aircleaners and belts
•Tire repfacementor repair caused bypunctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps,or glas&
° Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence,improper storage or accident orthe failure tomaintain the
equipment according to theinstructionscontained intheowner's manual.
• Riding equipment used for commercial or rentatpurposes
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For90 days from date of purchase, ifanybattery includedwith this riding equipment proves defective in matedal or workmanship
and our testingdetermines thebattery will nothold a charge, Seers willreplace the batteryat no charge
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE RIDING EQUIPMENT TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE
CENTER/DEPARTMENT lN THE UNITED STATES.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and youmay alsohave othe_rights whichmay vary from state to state..
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, iLLINOIS 60179
...................... n,i ,11 ...................
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTO MER RESPONSIBtLITIES ..................... 3, 15-19
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 4
INDEX .......................................................................... ;.4
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................... 5
ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 7-10
OPERATION .......................................................... 11-14
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 20-25
STORAGE ................................................................... 26
TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................... 26-27
REPAIR PARTS -TRACTOR ................................ 30-47
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 48-52
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................. BACK PAGE
iNDEX A
Accessories ............................................ 5
Adjustments!
Brake ..................................................22
Carburetor ........................................ 25
Mower:
Front-To-Back ...................... 21
Side-To-Side .........................:.....21
Throttle Control Cable .......................24
Air Filter, Engine .................................... 18
Air Screen, Engine ............................. 18
Assembly .......................................... 7-10
B
Battery:
Charging .................................. 8
Cleaning ........................................ 17
Installation ........................................ 9
Levels .......................................... 8,17
Preparation ....................................... 8
Starting with Weak Battery .......... 23
Storage ...............................................26
Terminals ........................................ 17
Belts:
Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement .......... 22
Mower Blade Drive
RemovaVReplacement ...........22
Biade:
Sharpening ..................................... 16
Replacement ................................... 16
Brake Adjustment ..................................22
C
CarburetorAdjustment ..........................25
Controls, Tractor ..................................... 11
Customer Responsibilities ................15-19
Engine:
Air Filter ........................................18
Air Screen, Engine .......................18
Battery .................................... 17
Cooling Fins, Engine .............. 18
Engine Oil ......................................... 17
Fuel Filter .................................... 19
Spark Plugs ...................................I9
Tractor:
Blades ...................................... 16
Lubdcation Chart ........................15
Maintenance Schedule .............t 5
Tire Care ............................ 8,16,23
Cutting Height, Mower ........................ 12
E
Electrical:
Interlocks and Relays .................... 24
Schematic .........................................29
Wiring Diagram ................................30
Engine:
Air Filter .............................................18
Air Screen ...........................................18
Cooling Fins, Engine ......................... 18
Oil Change ................................... 17
Oil Level ........................................13,17
Oil Type ............................................17
Preparation ..........................................13
Repair Parts .............................. 48-52
Starting ........................................... 14
Storage .......................................... 26
F
Filters:
Air ......................................... 18
Fuel ....................................................19
Fuel:Type ............................................ 13
Storage ...............................................26
Fuse .................................................... 24
G
Gauge Wheels ...................................... 9
H
Hood Removalllnstaliation .........................
L
Leveling Mower Deck ...................... 2l
Lubrication Chart ........................... 15
M
Maintenance Schedule ..........................15
Mower':
Adjustment, Front4o-Back .......... 21
Adjustment, Side-to-Side ............. 21
Blade Sharpening ....................... 16
Blade Replacement .........................16
Cutting Height .............................. 12
Installation .................................. 20
Operation .................................... 13
Removal ...................................... 20
Mowing Tips ..............................................14
Muffler' ........ .............................................. I 9
Spa_k Arrester ......................... 3,40
Mu!cher Plate .............................................10
4
O
Oit: Cold Weather Conditions ...... 13,17
Engine ................................................17
Storage ..........,......................................26
Operation .......................................... 1t -14
Operating Mower ........................................13
Options:
Accessories ...................................... 5
Spark Attester, ................................3,40
P
Parking Brake ....................................11-12
Parts Bag .............................................................6
Parts, Replacement/Repair .............30-47
Product Specifications ........................... 3
R
Repair Parts ........................................30-47
S
Safety Rules .............................................. 2
Seat ............................................................ 8
Service and Adjustments .................20-25
Brake ...................................................22
Carburetor ..........................................25
Fuse ...................................................2,_
Hood RemovaVI nstaliation .............24
Motion Drive Bett
RemovaltReplacement .........22
Mower Blade Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ..............22
Mower Adjustment:
Front-to-Back ..............................21
Side4o-Side .....................................21
Mower Installation ............................20
Mower Removal ...................................20
Tire Care ....................................8,16,23
Slope Guide Sheet ............................... 55
Spark Plugs ...............................................19
Specifications ............................................ 3
Starting the Engine ..............................13-14
Steering Wheel ......................................7,23
Stopping the Tractor ..................................12
Storage .......................................... 26
T
Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ......24
Tires .....................................................8,16,23
Trouble Shooting Chart ................... 26-27
Transaxle Repair Parts .......................46-47
W
Warranty .............................................. 3
Wiring Diagram ..................................... 30
WMng Schematic ....................................29

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
lilt tit iii i iiiiiiiii r,.......................... i, iiiiiii iiii i ii..................................... _............ . iiiiiii i
These accessories andattachments were availablewhenthetractorwas purchased..They ate alsoavailableat most Sears retailcutters,
catalog and service centers.. Most Sears storescan order these items for you when you provide the model number ofyour tractor.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER BLADES BELTS
PERFORMANCE
Searsoffersawidevarietyofattachmentsthatfi_yourtractor Manyoftheseareiistedbeiowwithbriefexplanationsofhowtheycanhelp
you. This listwas current at the time of publication;however, it maychange infuture years - moreattachments may be added, changes
may be made in theseattachments, 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 ofthese attachments do not requireadditional hitches orconversion 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, nearer lookinglawn. Two Permanex
containers hold 30-gallon plasticbags.
LAWN SWEEPERS letyou collect grass clippings and ieaves
LAWN VACSforpowerful collectionofheavy grassclippings and
leaves. Wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach
places.
CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes available.
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch
diameterwater-tight drumholdsup to390lbs_ofweight. Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf. Adjustable scraper automatically
cleans drum.
SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed
killing easy. Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular
de-icers and sand.
CORING AERATOR takes small plugs outof soil toallow mois-
ture and nutrients to reach grass roots. 36-inch swath. 24
hardened steel coring tips ! 50 lb. capacity weight tray.
AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn. Ta-
pered2°5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs
puncture holes in soil at ctose intervalsto letmoisture soak in.
Stee/weight tray for increased penetration.
MULCH RAKE! DETHATCHER loosenssoiland flipsthatch and
mattedleaves tolawn surfaceforeasy pickup Twenty springtine
teeth.Usefultoprepare bare areasforseedingr.Availableforfront
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 adjustable spray pattern. For applying
herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and liquidfertilizers
SNOW BLADE for snow removalonly. 14-inch high, 42-inch
widebladeclears38-inchpathwhenangledleftorright Raises,
lowers with sidelever. Adjustable skids; replaceabfe, reversible
scrapetbar (Usewithtirechains,wheelweights, orreardrawbar
weight)
SNOWTHROWER has40-inch swath. Drum-type augerhandies
powdery and wet/heavy snow. Mounts easily with simple pin
arrangement Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat. 6-inch
diameter spout discharges snow 10to 50 feel Lift controlled at
tractor seal (Use with chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight.)
TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty;closely spaced extra-large cross
Iinksgive smooth ride, outstanding traction.
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed tractionfor
snow removalor dozingheavy matedats. Inpairs..(30Ibs each.)
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubularsteel
frame,ABS plastictop;clearplastic windshield offers 360degree
visibility. Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm
and dry Remove vinyl and windshields for use as sunprotector
insummer.. (Catalog only.)
Optional accessories for tractor cab: tir_ted/ternperedsolid
safety glass windshield withhand operated wiper;12welt amber
caution light for mounting on cab top. (Catalog only..)
TRACTOR COVER protects tractor from weather, Made of
Evolution 3 fabric (wateHepetlent, extremely breathable, light
weight, soft, non-abrasive, pliablein all temperatures,durable,
stain/teadpuncture resistant,will not shrink orstretch.) (Catalog
only)
TILLERhas5 hpengine and36-inch swathtoprepareseed beds,
cultivate, and compost garden residue. Tilter has itsownbuilt-in
lift anddepthcontrol systemanddoes NOT requireasleeve hitch.
Fits any lawn, yard, or garden tractor. Simpiy hook up to the
tractor drawbar and gel
5

....................lUl. i.ii. i .,.i i. n..i .. i
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PAC
i. lu nl ii "H n,,,m,u i.
i.,nn,l.ii nl i.
Parts Bag contents shown full size
©(2) Sheet
Metal
Screws
#10-16 x 1/2
(1)Locknut 3/8-24
(1) 2-3/8" Diameter Washer
' ' n.n, H"U'IU' n U" II
(1)Shoulder Bott 5/16-!8 (!) HexBott 1/2q3x1
(t) Lock Washer 1/2
(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
............i.in n.... ii
(2) Screws #10 x 5/8
nil @
(2) Lock Washers #10
(2) Weld Nuts #10 _ I
(2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge
,,'H'H I III .... ,,',
(2) Hex Bolts !/4-20 x 3/4
(¢
(2) Washers 9/32 x 518 x 16 Gauge
.............. (2) Lock Washers 1/4
@
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
' mum.== .i i
Parts packed separately in carton
iiiiiiiii1,11,,1,,i r
Seat O
Battery acid
Steering
Wheel
Owner's Manual
Mulcher
Plate
Steering
Boot
Battery
Parts Bag
Parts bag contents not shown full size ,i ,
©
(2) Shoulder (2) Flange Locknuts
Bolts 3/8-16
_ (2) Gauge
Steering Wheels
Wheel
Insert Steering Wheel
Adapter
,ook
Assemblys @SteeringBushing
_! (2) Keys
15° Slope Sheet
i,i.....
I
t
r ........ &,
Battery Caps
and Instructions

ASSEMBLY
........................ :i ii H,,,i 'HHlUtll , , ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, INN II II lit I
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembted 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 toots 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) 3/4" wrench
(1) 9/16" wrench
When right and left hand are mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (seated
behind the steering wheel)..
Tire pressure gauge
Phillips Screwdriver
Utility knife
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
,Remove el! accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton (See page 6),.
oCut along lines on cation, from top to bottom, all four'
corners of carton and lay panels flat.
- Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove_
BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
• Slide the steering bushing over the steering shaft.
= 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.
• Align tabs of steering boot over slots and hole in dash
and push down to secure.
o Slidesteeringwheeladapter'onto uppersteeringshafto
•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 hex Iocknut and
tighten securely°
• Snap insert into center of steering wheeL.
•Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE -ANY
STAPLES IN SKiD THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE
TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID..
.... INSERT
WHEEL _STEERING
ADA _BUSHING SCREW
POSITION)
, ,i, i ,,i,,,,,,,,
FIG. 1
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Fig. 8)
•Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position,,
•Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal°
•Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position°
•Roll tractor backwards off skid.
•Remove banding holding discharge guard up against
tractor+
7

m ,i, i, i ...................... LY
,,,pl,,i,,m, ,i H, i i,,i m,H,i, i ,,
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
...... i, 1,1,11,i ii
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, cloth-
ing and goggles to protect your hands,
skin and eyes.
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi-
cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the
battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.
o See instructionspacked with vent caps in parts bagr.
,Fill battery with ac[d_ Fill each cell until it reaches the
bottom of the vent wells.. Do not overfill°
•Allow battery to stand and settle for at ]east thirty
minutes_ After standing, check the ievet of acid. If
below the vent wells, add more acid until the correct
level is reached.
While battery is standing (after addin g acid) and later, while
battery is being charged, continue with assembly of tractor'.
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._
*Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no
damage has occurred in handling,
°Dispose of excess battery acid, Neutralize acid for
disposat 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,,
oFollow instructions on how to install battery.
CUT AWAY VIEW VENT CAP
VENT WELL
BATTERY
CELL ACID
LEVEL
FIG. 2
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment boll
• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan..
• Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt.
• Assembleadjustment bolt, lockwasher and flat washer
loosely. Do not tighten.
•Tighten shoulder bolt securely.,
oLower 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, 8)_
• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
•Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.
SEAT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
FLATWASHER
ADJUSTMENT LOCK WASHER
BOLT
FIG. 3
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinfiated at the factory for
shipping purposes, Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
-Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual,
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°
CHECK FOR PROPER_ POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
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.

INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 4 &5)
CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-
nals. Before installing battery, remove
metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,
rings, etco
Positive terminal must be connected
first to prevent sparking from acciden-
tal grounding.
uH,i,u,,= =11
•Lift seat to raised position.
• Open battery box door_
o Lower battery into battery box with battery terminals
toward front of tractor.
•Be sure battery drain tube is attached to battery box.
• First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery
terminal with hex bolt, fiat washer, Iock 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_
o Close battery boxdoor
Open battery box door for:
o Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-
ware),
o Inspection for corrosion
= Testing battery.
•Jumping (if required)
oPeriodic charging.
BATTERY
BOX DOOR
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
RED) CABLE (BLACK) CABLE
POSITIVE (+) TERMINAL NEGATIVE (-) TERMINAL
FiG, 4
VENT CAPS
BOX DOOR
FIG. 5
ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO MOWER
DECK (See Fig.6)
Assemble gauge wheels withtractor on a flat, level surface,
• Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See"TO AD-
JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation
section of this manual).
• With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge
whee s should be assembled so they are slightly off the
ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with
shoulder bolt and flange tocknut and tighten securely°
.Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in
same adjustment hole
GAUGE WHEEL
MOUNTING \
BRACKET -\
k
FLANGE
LOCKNUT
GAUGE WHEEL
SHOULDER BOLT
FIG. 6
9

,i............ i,u,n BLY
i ...................................... ,.......... '.................. i1,, i,u
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Figs. 7A &
7B)
•Install two latch hooks to muicher plate using screw,
washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown.
NOTE: Pre-assemb{e weld nut to latch hook by inserting
weld nut from the top with hook pointing down.
o Tighten hardware secure¥
• Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position_
= Place front of mulcher plate over' front of mower deck
opening and slide into place, as shown_
• Hook front latch into hole on front of mower' deck..
• Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck_
, i,, i i1,111_
CAUTION: Do not remove discharge L
guard from mower. Raise and hold
guard when attaching mulcher plate
and allow it to rest on plate while in
operation.
WELD NUT FROM THE TOP HOOK POINTS DOWN
LOCK
WELD WASHER
NUT%_, SCREW
LATCH
LOCK
WASHER
WASHER
FIG, 7A
WASHER
MULCHER
PLATE
DEFLECTOR
f
FIG. 7B
,/'CHECKLIST
HOOK
WELD
NUT
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARG-
ING
Simply remove mu{cher plate and store in a safe place.
Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of
optional grass catcher accessory_
LATCH
HOOKS
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRACTOR, WE WISH TOASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM
THIS QUALITY PRODUCT
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
,/ All assembly instructions have been completed,
v" No remaining loose parts in carton.
J Batteryis properly prepared and charged. (Minimum
1 hour at 6 amps).
J Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely..
J All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes;
the tires were overinflated at the factory)°
,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/
flont4o-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for teveting)_
,/ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed
properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
,/ Check wiring. See that all conneciions are still secure
and wires are properly clamped..
WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRAA TTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:
v" Engine oil is at proper level.
,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline.
,/ Become familiar with all controls -their location and
function., Operate them before you start the engine.
v" Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition,
10