Craftsman 917.255690 User manual

SWAINS
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
917.255690
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
£RRFTZMAN
14.0 HP OHV
ELECTRIC START
3 in One Convertible
42" MOWER DECK
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
• Assembly
•Operation
•Customer Responsibilities
•Service and Adjustment
•Repair Parts
i i
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.
i i

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS cu'r-I"ING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
It 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 ofobjects such as rocks,toys, wire, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area isclear of other people before mowing. 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 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.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine intoa
trailer or truck.
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesare amajorfactor relatedto loss-of-controland tipover
accidents,whichcanresultin severeinjuryor death. All slopes
requireextracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeorifyoufeel
uneasyon it,do notmow it.
DO:Mow up and downslopes,notacross.
Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturnthe machine. Ta/Igrasscanhideobstacles.
Useslowspeed. Choosea lowgearsothatyouwillnothave
to stoporshiftwhile onthe slope.
Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights
orcounterweightstoimprovestability.
Use extra care with grass catchersor otherattachments.
These canchangethestabilityof themachine.
Keep allmovementonthe slopess/owand gradual. Do not
make suddenchangesin speed ordirection.
Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. Iftires lose traction,
disengagethe bladesand proceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn onslopes unless necessary, and then, turnslowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over ifa wheel is over the edge of
a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot onthe
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.
Keep children out ofthe mowing area and under thewatchful
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 the safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs.
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV, SERVICE
Use extracare inhandlinggasolineand otherfuels. They
are flammable and vaporsare explosive.
Use onlyan approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running.Allowenginetocoolbeforerefueling.Do not
smoke.
Never refuelthe machine indoors.
Never storethemachineor fuel containerinsidewhere
there isan openflame, suchas a waterheater.
Never runa machineinsidea closedarea.
Keepnutsandbolts,especiallybladeattachment bolts,tight
and keep equipmentingoodcondition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operationregularly.
Keepmachinefree ofgrass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.
Clean oil or _uel spillage. Allow machineto cool before
storing.
_o Stop and inspectthe equipment if you strike an object.
Repair,ifnecessary,beforerestarting.
Nevermakeadjustmentsorrepairswiththeenginerunning.
Grasscatcher componentsare subect to wear, damage,
anddeterioration,whichcouldexposemovingpartsorallow
objectsto be thrown. Frequentlycheck componentsand
replacewithmanufacturer'srecommendedparts,whennec-
essary.
Mowerbladesare sharpand can cut, Wrapthe blade(s)or
wear gloves,and useextracautionwhen servicingthem.
Check brake operationfrequently. Adjustand serviceas
required.
Look for this symbol to point out Impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED. I
2
ACAUT ON: 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 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
Center/Deparfment. We have competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this
unit,
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintainyour unit properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.255690
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOU SHOULD RECORDt_OTH 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-
uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
Read and observe the safety rules.
Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your unit.
Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 14.0
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3.5 GALLONS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OiL (3.0 PINTS) SAE 30 (Above32°F)
(3.5 PINTS) 5W-30 (Below32°F)
SPARKPLUG (GAP.030 IN.): CHAMPION RC12YC
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE.0015 -.0030 IN.
EXHAUST .0020- .0035 IN.
GROUND SPEED: FORWARD
1st1.10 MPH
2nd 1.40 MPH
3rd 2.00 MPH
4th 3.00 MPH
5th 4.20 MPH
6th 5.00 MPH
REVERSE: 1.50 MPH
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATFERY
5AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT. LBS.
WARNING: This unitis 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 laws (if
any). Ifaspark 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 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).
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT
Fortwo (2) years from the date of purchase,if this ridingequipmentis maintained,lubricatedand tuned up accordingto the
instructions in the owner'smanual, Sears will repairor replace,free of charge,any parts found to be defectivein materialor
workmanship.
ThisWarrantydoes notcover:
Expendable itemswhichbecome wornduringnormaluse, suchasblades,sparkplugs,air cleanersandbelts.
Tirereplacementor repaircaused bypuncturesfrom outsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,or glass.
Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,negligence, improperstorageor accident orthefailuretomaintainthe
equipment accordingtothe instructionscontainedintheowner'smanual.
Ridingequipmentusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For90 daysfrom dateofpurchase,ifanybatteryincludedwiththisridingequipment provesdefectiveinmaterialorworkmanship
andourtestingdeterminesthebatterywillnotholdacharge,Searswillreplacethe batteryat nocharge.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE RIDING EQUIPMENT TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE
CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
ThisWarrantygivesyou specificlegal rights,and youmay also haveotherrightswhichmay varyfromstatetostate.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/731CR-W, SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60684
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 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 ............................ 20-24
STORAGE .................................................................... 25
TROUBLESHOOTING. .......................................... 26-27
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. 30,-45
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 46-51
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................... BACK PAGE
INDEX
A
Accessories ............................................ 5
Adjustments:
Brake..... L.....'............................... 22
Carburetor ................................... 24
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 ........................................ 6
Cleaning ...................................... 17
Installation ..................................... 9
Levels ....................................... 8,17
Preparation .................................... 8
Starting with Weak Battery .......... 23
Storage ........................................ 25
Terminals .................................... 17
Belt: Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement ........... 22
Mower Blade Drive
Removal/Replacement ........... 22
Blade:
Sharpening .................................. 16
Replacement ............................... t 6
Brake Adjustment ............................... 22
C
Carburetor Adjustment ....................... 24
Controls, Tractor ................................. 11
Customer Responsibilities ............. 15-19
Engine:
Air Filter ................................... 18
Air Filter Foam Pre-Cleaner .... 18
Air Screen, Engine .................. 18
Battery ..................................... 17
Engine Oil ................................ 17
Fuel Filter ................................ 19
Spark Plugs ............................. 19
Tractor:
Blade ....................................... 16
Lubrication Chart ..................... 15
Maintenance Schedule ............ 15
Tire Care ......................... 8,16,23
Cutting Height, Mower ........................ 12
E
Electrical:
Schematic ................................... 28
Wiring Diagram ............................ 30
Engine:
Air Filter ....................................... 18
Air Filter Foam Pre-Cleaner ........ 18
Air Screen ................................... 18
Oil Change .................................. 17
Oil Level ................................. 13,17
Oil Type ....................................... 17
Preparation .................................. 13
Repair Parts ........................... 46-51
Starting ........................................ 14
Storage ........................................ 25
F
Filter:
Air Filter ....................................... 18
Air Filter Foam Pre, Cleaner ........ 18
Fuel ............................................. 19
Fuel:Type ............................................ 13
Storage ........................................ 25
Fuse .................................................... 23
L
Leveling Mower Deck ......................... 21
Lubrication:
Chart ................... _........................ 15
M
Maintenance Schedule ....................... 15
Mower:
Adjustment, Front-to-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 ................................................. 19
Spark Arrester .......................... 3,40
Mulcher Plate ............................... 10
O
Oil: Cold Weather Conditions ....... 13,17
Engine ......................................... 17
Storage ........................................ 25
Operation ...................................... 11-14
Operating Mower ................................ 13
Options:
Accessories ................................... 5
Spark Arrester .......................... 3,40
P
Parking Brake ................................ 11-12
Parts Bag .............................................. 6
Parts, Replacement/Repair ........... 30-45
Product Specifications ........................... 3
R
Repair Parts .................................. 30-45
S
Safety Rules ......................................... 2
Seat ...................................................... 8
Service and Adjustments ..............20-24
Carburetor ...................................24
Fuse ............................................ 23
Motion Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement...........22
Mower BladeDrive Belt
Removal/Replacement ...........22
Mower Adjustment
Front- to-Back ........................21
Side-to-Side............................21
Mower Removal ..........................20
Tire Care .............................8,16,23
SlopeGuide Sheet .............................55
Spark Plugs ........................................ t9
Specifications .......................................3
Startingthe Engine ........................ 13-14
SteeringWheel ................................ 7,22
Stopping the Tractor ...........................12
Storage ............................................... 25
T
Throttle Control Cable
Adjustment ..................................24
Tires...................................................8,16,23
Trouble Shooting Chart ..................26-27
Transaxle:
RepairParts........................... 44-45
W
Warranty............................................... 3
WiringDiagram................................... 30
WiringSchematic ...............................28
4

!
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
i i i ,i
These accessories and attachments were available when the unit was purchased. They are also available at most 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 FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
PERFORMANCE
Sears offers a wide variety ofattachments that fityour vehicle. Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of how they can help
you. This listwas current at the time of publication; however, it may change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes may
be made inthese attachments, orsome may no longer be available orfit your model. Contact your nearest Sears store for the accessories
and attachments that ere available for your unit.
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 16¢syou collect grass clippings and
leaves for a healthier, heater looking lawn. Two Permanex
containers hold 30*gallon plastic bags.
LAWN SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves.
LAWN VACS for powerful collection ofheavy grass clippings 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
diameter water-tight drum holds up to 390 Ibs. of weight. 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 out of soil to allow mois-
ture and nutrients to reach gt:ass roots. 36-inch swath. 24
hardened steel coring tips. 150 lb. capacity weight tray.
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 soiland flips thatch and
matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup. Twenty spring line
teeth. Useful to prepare bare areas for seeding. Available for front
or rear mounting.
SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that oonnects 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 liquid fertilizers.
SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14-inch high, 42-inch
wide blade clears 38-inch path when angled lett or right. Raises,
lowers with side lever. Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversible
scraper bar, (Use with tire chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight.)
SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath. 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. Liftcontrolled at
tractor seat. (Use with chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight.)
TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extra-large cross
links give smooth ride, outstanding traction.
WHEEL WEIGI:'ITS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snow removal o_"dozing heavy materials. In pairs. (30 Ibs. each,)
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel
frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree
visibility. Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm
and dry. Remove vinyl and windshields for use as sun protector
in summer. (Catalog only.)
Optional accessories for tractor cab: tinted/tempered solid
safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper; 12-volt amber
caution light for 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/puncture resistant, will not shrink or stretch.) (Catalog
only.)
TILLER has 5 hpengine and 36-inch swath toprepare seed beds.
cultivate, and compost garden residue. Tiller has its own built-in
lift and depth control system and does NOT require a sleeve hitch.
Fits any lawn, yard, or garden tractor. Simply hook up to the
tractor drawbar and go!
5

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Parts Bag contents shown full size
!
i(1) Knob
(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18
(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Ga.
(2) Screw #10 x 5/8
(2) Washer 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Ga.
(2) He× Bolts 1/4 - 20 x 314
(2) Washer, Lock #10
(2) Nut, Weld #10
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4 -20
(2) Washers 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga. (2) Lock Washers 1/4
(2) Wing Nuts 1/4 - 20
Parts packed separately in carton
Seat
@¢,
Steering Mulcher
Wheel Plate
÷
I
I
Battery acid
Battery
Owner's Manual
Steering
Sleeve
i
,©_,
i I
I
Parts Bag
Parts bag_contents not shown full size
Stser,ng
Wheel
Insert
(2) Latch Hook
Assembly
(_ \_\\_\\_\\_\_/\\_\\\\\\\\1\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\_\\1
(2) Battery Carriage Bolts 1/4-20 x 7-1/2
_(2) Keys
Terminal Guard
_=__ •
15° Slope Sheet
t ........
Battery Caps
and Instructions
6

ASSEMBLY
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
Asocket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(2) 7/16" wrenches (1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) Screwdriver (1) 3/4" Socket w/drive ratchet
(1) 1/2" wrench (1) Utility Knife
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 along dotted lines on the carton, from top to bottom,
all four corners of carton and lay panels fiat.
Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove. ,_
BEFORE ROLLING UNIT OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
Remove hex Iocknut and large flat washer from steer-
ing shaft.
Positionfront wheels of the tractor sothey are pointing
straight forward.
Position steering sleeve over steering shaft,
Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide onto adapter.
Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with hex lock-
nut and large flat washer previously removed, Tighten
securely.
Snap insert into center of steering wheel
• Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: CHECKFORAND REMOVEANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE UNIT IS
TO ROLL OFF SKID,
(See Fig. 2)
° Raise attachment lift lever to its highest 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.
_STEERING
WHEEL
HEX INSERT
LOCKNUT"_'_._._
FLAT _STEERING
WASHER _-
STEERING
STEERING ,_ _SHAFT
WHEEL _
ADAPTER_:
/.j r_t." .
/•/,
FIG. 1
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL UFTLEVER
PARKING
BRAKE GEARSHIFT
LEVER
FIG. 2
7

ASSEMBLY
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig, 3)
CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield.
Wash hands or clothing immediately if
accidentally in contact with battery acid.
Do not smoke. Fumes from charged bat-
tery acid are explosive.
Read the instructions included with the
battery vent caps• Always wear gloves,
clothing and goggles to protectyour hands,
skin and eyes.
Your unit has abattery charging system which issufficient
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.
Fill 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 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. Ifthe
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
disposal by adding it to four inches of water in a five
gallon plastic container. Stir with awooden or plastic
paddle while adding baking soda until the addition of
more soda causes no more foaming.
Follow instructions on how to install battery.
CUTAWAYVIEW jVENTCAP
I I-VENTwELL
_BATTERY
_ _ _., CELLACID
L=UIUL= '°v'"
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt•
Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely,
Do not tighten,
Tighten shoulder bolt securely.
Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.
Slide seat untila comfortable position isreached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way
down.
Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
SEAT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
" FIG. 4
• CHECKTIRE 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 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 his manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion, mower
drive, and mower blade drive belts in the Service and
Adjustments sectionofthis manual. Verify that the belts are
routed correctly.
FIG. 3
8

ASSEMBLY
CHECK BRAKESYSTEM
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. 5 and 6)
&CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals.
Before installing battery, remove metal
bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc.
Positive terminal must be connected first
to prevent sparking from accidental
grounding.
Raise hood.
Make sure drain tube isfastened to drain hole inbattery
tray and battery tray,,is positioned in hole of battery
support.
Place battery in plastictray, battery terminals to frontof
tractor.
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 (-) battery
terminalwithremaining hex bolt,flatwasher, lockwasher
and hex nut. Tighten securely.
Slide the two battery bolts through the terminal guard
and start the wing nuts onto the threads.
Position terminal guard over the battery as shown, lower
bolts into key holes and slide square shaftsof bolts into
slots of key holes.
Tighten wing nuts by hand making sure battery bolts
remain in slots of the key holes in the battery support.
Be sure terminal access doors are closed.
Use terminal access doors for:
Inspection for secure connections (totighten hardware).
Inspection for corrosion.
Testing battery.
Jumping (if required).
• Periodic charging.
..,,,
HEX NUT
LOCK WAS
NEGATIVE"_::_i
(SLACK)
CABLE
POSITIVE
FLAT
WASHER
HEX
IOLT
FIG. 5
WING
NUTS TERMINAL
GUARD
VENT .""
CAP
BATTERY :_
BOLT
ACCESS
"',.,,,
KEY HOLE
BATrERY BAI"rERY
TRAY
-_ FIG, 6
9

ASSEMBLY
TO CONVERTTO BAGGING OR DISCHARGING
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(See Figs. 7 & 8)
Install two latch hook assemblies, to mulcher plate
using screw, washer, lock washer, and weld nut as
shown.
Tighten hardware securely.
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 tab hole on front of mower deck.
Hook rear latch into tab hole on back of mower deck.
CAUTION: Do not remove discharge guard
from mower. Raise and hold guard when
attaching mulcher plate and allow it to
rest on plate while in operation,
MULCHER WASHER
SCREW LATCH
_\ LOCKWASHER
_'_" J _WELD
LATCH -_J NUT
FIG. 7
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
,,p FIG, 8
LATCH
HOOKS
Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place.
Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of
optional grass catcher accessory.
/CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRACTOR, WE WISH TOASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THE BEST PERFORMANCEAND SATISFACTION 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 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 over-inflated 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).
,,t 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 FOLLOWlNG IMPORTANT
ITEMS:
/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.
,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
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