Craftsman 917.255960 User manual

SEA/k S
MODEL NO.
917.255960
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
®
i8.0 HP TWIN CYLUNDER
ELECTRmC START
44" MOWER
6 SPEED
GARDEN TRACTOR
• Assembny
oOperatnon
° Customer ResponsRbilities
, Service and Adjustment
°Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
arrd 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. which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade_
Be sure the area is clear 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
Neverleave 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 into a
trailer or truck
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipov_r
accidents, which can result in severe inury or death_ All slope's
requre extracaut on fyou cannot backup thes opeorif youfee
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such asrocks, tree limbs, etc
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine Tallgrass can hide obstacles.
Useslow speed. Choose alowgear sothat you willnot have
tostop or shift while on the slope.
Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights
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 straightdown the
slope
DO NOT:
Donot turn onslopes unlessnecessary, andthen,turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower couldsuddenly turnover ifa wheel isoverthe 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 tostabilize the machine by puttingyour foot on the
ground
Donot use grass catcher on steep slopes
III. 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 acttvity Neverassumethatchildrenwillremain
where you last saw them
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area
Before arrd 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 corners, 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
_ever tamper with safety devices, Check their proper
eratlon regularly
Ke_ machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up,
Cle_e oil or fuel spillage. 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 with the engine running
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
ob ects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
rep ace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them
Check brake operation frequenfly= Adjust and service as
required,
ILook for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where itcannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
!

CONGRP, TULATIONS 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/Department. 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 maintain your unit properly,
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES'
MODEL
NUMBER 917255960
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THEMODELANDSERIALNUMBERSWILLBEFOUND
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-
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: 18.0
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3.5 GALLONS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL (3.0 PINTS w/o Filter) SAE 30 (or 10Wo30)
(3,5 PINTS w/FILTER) WINTER: SAE 5W-30
SPARK PLUG (GAP,025 IN): CHAMPION RV15VC
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE .003-.006 IN
EXHAUST 016-019 IN.
GROUND SPEED: (MPH):
LO HI
1st 8 1_8
2rid 1.4 34
3rd 2.4 5.5
ReVr .9 2.1
TRANSAXLE OIL NON-DETERGENT
(4 QUARTS) SAE 30
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 15 AMPS @ 3660 RPM
BLADEBOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT. LBS
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combus-
tion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-
proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered
land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any), If a spark arrester _sused, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law
_tection 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
her 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
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this riding equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the
instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or
workmanship.
This Warranty does not cover:
Expendableitems which become worn during normaluse, such as blades,spark plugs, air cleaners and belts,
Tire replacement or repaircaused by puncturesfrom outsideobjects, suchas nails,thorns, stumps,or glas&
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or accident or thefailure to maintain the
equipment accordingto the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purpose&
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For90 days from date of purchase,if any battery includedwith this ridingequipment proves defective in material or workmanship
and our testing determinesthe battery will nothold a charge, Sears willreplacethe 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 youmay also have otherrights which may vary from stateto state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO,, D/731CR-W, SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60684
,, ,,i, i,u
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
,i ,,u
SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ..................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ....................... 3,15-16
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 4
INDEX ........................................................................... 4
ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 7-10
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15
OPERATION ......................................................... 11-14
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT ............................. 19-25
STORAGE .................................................................... 26
TROUBLE SHOOTING .......................................... 27-26
REPAIR PARTS-TRACTOR .................................. 36-53
SLOPE SHEET ........................................... BACK PAGE
nNDEX
A
Adjustment,Attachment Lift Spring, 23
Adjustments:
Brake ..................................... 21
Carburetor ............................... 25
Clutch Pulley ........................... 21
Gauge Wheels ....................... 13
Mower:
Front-To-Back ................... 20
Side-To-Side .................... 19
Mower Drive Belt ..................... 20
Throttle Control Cable ............. 25
Air Filter, Engine ......................... 18
Air, Screen, Engine ....................... 18
Assembly ................................. 7-10
Attachment Lift Spring:
Adjustment ............................. 23
B
Battery:
Charging .................................. 8
Cleaning ............................... 17
Installation .............................. 10
Levels .................................. 8,17
Preperation ................................ 8
Starting with Weak Battery ...... 23
Storage .................................. 26
Terminals ................................ 17
Belt:Motion Drive:
Removal/Replacement ....... 22
Mower Blade Drive:
Removal/Replacement ....... 2 t
Mower Drive:
Removal/Replacement ....... 20
Blade:
Replacement ........................... 16
Sharpening .............................. 16
Brake Adjustment .......................... 21
C
Carburetor, Adjustment .................. 25
Controls, Tractor ............................ 11
Customer Responsibilities ........ 15-16
Engine:
Air Filter .............................. 18
Foam Pre-Cleaner ............ 16
Air Screen, Engine ............... 18
Cooling Fins, Engine ............ 16
Engine Oil ............................ 17
Fuel Filter. ........................... 18
Spark Plugs ......................... 16
Tractor:
Battery ................................ t 7
Blade .................................... 16
Lubrication Chart ................ 15
Maintenance Schedule ......... 16
Tire Care ..................... 6,16,22
Transaxle Oil Level .............. 16
Cutting Height, Mower .................. 12
D
Decals .......................................... 29
E
Engine:
Adjustments:
Carburetor .......................... 25
Throttle Contr_ Ca6!e ......... 25
Air Filter ........... __. ,.._............ 18
Air Screen ....... ..._ ...J ........... 18
Cooling Fins ..... \ .../ ........... 18
Oil Change ....... \/ ............ 17
Oil Level ........................... 13,17
Oil Type ........... A ............. 17
Preparation ......... /,-_ ........... 13
Starting ............................. 14
Storage .............. /__._ .......... 26
F
Filter':
Air' Cleaner. ....................... ,_,,,18
Fuel ................................... ,.\., 18
OIL ..................................... Z18
Fuel:
Storage ................................... 26
Type ........................................ 14
Fuse ............................................... 23
H
Headlights ...................................... 23
Hood Removal .............................. 24
L
Leveling Mower Deck ............... 19-20
Lubrication Chart ........................... 15
M
Maintenance Schedule .................. 15
Mower:
Adjustment:
Front-To-Back ................ 20
Side-To-Side .................... 19
Blade Replacement ................. 16
Blade Sharpening .................... 16
Cutting Height ........................ 12
Installation ............................... 9
Operation ................................ 13
Removal .................................. 19
Mowing Tips ................................ 14
Muffler ............................................ 18
Spark Arrester ........................ 3
O
Oil: Cold Weather Conditions ...13,17
Engine .................................... t7
Transaxle ............................... 16
Operating Mower ........................... t3
Operation ................................ 11-14
P
Parking Brake ......................... 11,12
Parts Bag ..................................... 6
Product Specifications .................... 3
S
Safety Rules ................................... 2
Schematic ..................................... 54
Seat ............................................. 8
Service & Adjustments ............. 19-25
Attachment Lift Spring .......... 23
Clutch Pulley ........................... 21
Fuse .................................... 23
Mower Adjustment
Front-To-Back ................... 20
Side-To-Side .................... 19
Motion Drive Belt:
Removal/Replacement ...... 22
Mower Blade Drive Belt:
Removal/Replacement ...... 21
Mower Drive Belt:
Removal/Replacement ...... 20
Mower Removal ...................... 19
Tire Care ...................... 8,16,22
Slope Guide Sheet ........................ 55
Spark Plugs ................................ 18
Specifications ................................. 3
Starting the Engine ...................... 14
Steering Wheel .......................... 7,22
Stopping the Tractor .................. 12
Storage .......................................... 26
T
Throttle Control Cable:
Adjustment .............................. 25
Tires ...................................... 8,16,22
Troubleshooting ........................ 27-28
W
Wheels ......................................... 29
Wiring Schematic ....................... 54
4

I,,,I,, H,II
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACH ENTS
i ii 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 GAB CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZi
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
PERFORMANCE
Sears offers awide vadety of attachments that fit your vehicle Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of how they can help
you This fist 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 stere for the accessories
and attachments that are 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
LAWN SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves
LAWN VACS for powerful collection of heaw 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
diameterwater-tightdrumholdsupto390{bs ofweight Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf Adjustable scraper automatically
cleans drum
SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed kill-
ing 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 Ib 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
MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and
matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup Twenty spring ttne
teeth Usefultapreparebareareasforseeding 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 liquid fertilizers
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 6Hnch
diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet Lift controlled at
tractor seat (Use with chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight )
TIRE CHAINS are heaw duty; closely spaced extra-large cross
links give smooth ride, outstanding traction
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snow removal or dozing heavy materials (55 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 operatorwarm
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 8 hp engine to prepare seed beds, cultivate, and
compost garden residue Chain-drive transmission. Six 11-inch
diameter one piece heat-treated steel tines Tills 30_inch path
(Requires sleeve hitch )
TILLER has 5hp engine and 36-inch swath to prepare seed beds,
cultivate, and compost garden residue. Tiller has Its own built-in
liftand 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!
DOZER BLADE removes snow; grades dirt, sand and gravel. 48
inches wide, 17 inches high, clears 44-inch path when angled
Master lift control lever for operator ease Spring trip for snow
removal on uneven pavement; built-In float for blade to follow
ground contour Reversible, replaceable scraper bar (Use with
tire chains, wheel weights or rear drawbar weight )
FRONT END LOADER system includes double wide rear tires.
rear weight box, and hydraulically operated 526 cuff bucket
(Catalog only)
REAR BLADE is 42 inches wide and operated from driver's seat
Reversible steel blade can be angled at 30 degrees for grading
Reverses for snow plowing (Requires sleeve hitch )
SLEEVE CULTIVATOR is 43 inches wide Prepares ground for
seeding, helps weed control Steel frame holds 5 adjustable
sweeps Adjusts vertically, horizontally (Requires sleeve hitch )
Optional accessory for cultivator: steel furrow opener for wider
openings for potatoes, corn, and other deep-seeded crops
PLOW turns soil 6 inches deep, cuts 10-inch furrow. Crank
adjustment controls depth, 3-position yoke sets width Heaw
steel landslide for straight furrowing (Requires sleeve hitch )
DISC HAR ROW has 2gangs of 4 steel blades that angle from 10
to 20 degrees, 40 inches wide Can hook 2 units in tandem
(Requires sleeve hitch )
WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications
Can be mounted on front of tractor for plowing applications Uses
(1) 55 Ib weight
SLEEVE HITCH for use with master lift system Single pin
couples/uncouples

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
,,i , i ,H
.................. i.i i, H ,Ul
Parts Bag contents shown full size
IN
I
(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18
(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Ga.
(1) Knob
(4) Retainer Springs
(4) Washers 11/32 x 1
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4- 20 x 3/4 @
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4 - 20
(2) Washers 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga. (2) Lock Washers 1/4
iii, i ,,,i, .....
(2) Wing Nuts 1/4 -20
. i,. i.... luH
Parts packed separately in carton
..... ii i i,
Seat
Steering Wheel
Battery acid
I....
Battery
Parts Bag Owner's Manual
rst bag contents not shown full size
V-Belt _
(2) Battery Carriage Bolts 1/4-20 x74/2 '_
Steering Wheel Insert
Battery Caps-
15=Slope Sheet and Instructions
6

i,,,,., ii i,,,,, ..i i..,, Hi,
ASSEM L¥
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(2) 7/16" wrenches (1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) Adjustable wrench (1) Utility knife
When right and [eft 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 from carton (See
page 6)
Cut along dotted lines on the carton, from top to bottom,
all four corners of carton and lay panels flat
Remove mower deck from skid.
Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove
BEFORE ROLLING UNIT OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
Remove hex bolt, lock washer and large flat washer
from 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) andslide onto adapter.
Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with hex bolt,
lock washer and large flat washer previously removed.
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 UNIT IS
TO ROLL OFF SKID,
(See Fig, 2)
Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position,
Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position.
Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal
Rol! unit backwards off skid,
STEERING
,_J_. _ WHEEL
_/ INSERT
-- HEX BOLT
LOCK r'.'_
WASHER_ _FLATWASHER
STEERING GWHEEL -- STEERING SHAFT
ADAPTER
/J l_ "3r I,"
•)\,
/
///
t_
FIG, 1
LIFT[.EVER
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL
GEARSHIFT
LEVER
FIG, 2
7

u.i ,i
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 a battery 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.
Fill battery with acid_ Fill each celt 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
batter,! 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
LIFECharge 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 ischarged. If the
acid has fallen below the correct level, add distilled or
iron free water.
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder boil
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 until a comfortable position is reached 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.
SEATPANx SE/T_
SHOULDER X _ \_ \ \ \\ \
//_'_'__ FLAT WASHER
fADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 4
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 a wooden or plastic
paddle while adding baking soda until the addition of
more soda causes no more foaming.
CI'_CK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.
Follow instructions on how to install battery.
CUT AWAY VIEW //VENT CAP
[' " .............. T/VENT WELL
' _ '_BATtERY
:_ _/,.Z_ r_ zl_ r_21., CELL ACID
_U_ __ LEVEL
FIG. 3
8

ASSEMBLY
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Your unit has been shipped with the front mower suspen-
sion bracket banded to the frame, Remove bands and pivot
bracket downward
MOWER INSTALLATION (See Figs 5, 6, 7 and 8)
Remove banding from suspension arms and gauge
wheels Set gauge wheels aside for later assembly
Slide mower under tractor with discharge guard to right
side of tractor
Slide front suspension brackets into mower bracketsr
Retain with release pins, Turn height adjustment knob
counterclockwise until it stops Lower mower linkage
with attachment lift lever,
Slide studs through lift links on both sides of tractor
Retain with washers and retainer springs
Place the suspension arms on brackets on both sides
of frame, Retain with washers and retainer springs
Place suspension arms in rear suspension brackets
Retain with release pins
Turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove
slack from mower suspension
Insert gauge wheel bar into bracket (See Fig 7),
Retain with clevis pins and retainer springs,
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
SUSPENSION KNOB
ARM BELT
BRACKETS
FRONT
SION
BRACKET
RI
PIN
RELEASE
PIN
GAUGE
WHEEL
BAR _/ BRACKET
'oo;==;
CLEVIS
L.)_ PIN
FIG. 7
DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION (See Figs 8 and 9)
Remove hood and grill (See "TO REMOVE HOOD
AND GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the Service and Adjust-
ments sections of this manual),
Roll mower drive belt over primary mandrel
Roll mower drive belt forward over front mower sus-
pension bracket
Place mower drive belt over clutch pulley on engine
and under idler pulley and tension pulley
NOTE: Pulltension pulley lever forward for belt clearance
Make sure narrow "V" side of belt is engaged with each
pulley, and push tension pulley lever back to opearting
position
Replace hood and grill assembly
PRIMARY
MOWER
DRIVE
FIG. 8
FIG, 5
RETAINER SPRING
BRACKET
C
SUSPENSION
ARM
RETAINER
- WASHER
.IFT LINK
FIG, 6
TENSION/_"_,'
PULLEY
MOWER
_RIVE
BELT
IDLER
PULLEY
FIG, 9
9
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 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. 10 and 11)
CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals.
_efore 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 is fastened todrain hole in battery
tray and battery tray is positioned in hole of battery
support
Place battery in plastic tray, battery terminals to front of
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
terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer
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 shafts of 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 supporL
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.
VENT ---_ -- ,..
CAP _. . "" ..,'"
,EYHOLE
._ WING NUTS
AL
j{_ACCESS
I "DOORS
BATTERY
_-*'_'--DRAIN TUBE
FIG. 11
/CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THE BESTPERFORMANCEAND SATISFACTION FROM
THIS QUALITY PRODUCT
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
v" All assembly instructions have been completed.
v" No remaining loose parts in carton
v" Battery is properly prepared and charged• (Minimum 1
hour at 6 amps).
,,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely
t/ 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).
Y Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed
_l_._erly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers
,/ Che#k wiring See that all connections are still secure
and wires are properly clamped=
WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:
,/ Engine oil is at proper level
_" Fuel tank is filled with fresh, c_ean, regular unleaded
gasoline
,/ Become familiar with all controls-their location and
function Operate them before you start the engine
1/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
HEX NUT -..,:,_.:_._:.- ....... ;,. POSITIVE
.(RED)
,:/____/,'J"_/CABLE
_ _v _ FLAT
S I"_-_ _ _.._._ WASHER
NEGATIVE _::?,.';_ [_ /BOLT
(BLACK)_/',._, _ /
CABLE " ,r_
FIG. 10 10