Craftsman 917.270621 User manual

Owner's Manual @
15.5 HP
ELECTRQC STAR'["
42" MOWER
HYDROSTATIC (AUTOMATIC)
LAW TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270621
° Safety
o Assembly
o Operation
o Maintenance
o Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety RuSes and Instructions
before operating this equip-
ment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1o800o659o5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co_, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty ............................................................2 Product Specifications .............................. 19
Safety Rules ................................................. 2 Service and Adjustments ........................ 22
Operation ........................................................11 Troubleshooting ...................................................30
Maintenance Schedule ...............................18 Repair Parts ........................................................36
Maintenance ......................................................18 Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is main-
tained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual,
Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or
workmanship,,
This Warranty does not cover:
. Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts, etco
o Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps, or glass.
o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or' acci-
dent or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in
the owner's manual.
= Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes..
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equip-
ment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the bat-
tery will not hold a charge, Sears wilt replace the battery at no charge, in-home warranty
service on your Craftsman riding equipment is available at no charge for' 30 days from
the date of purchaser Please contact your nearest service center. After' 30 days from the
date of purchase, warranty service is available by taking your Craftsman riding equip-
ment to your nearest Sears Service Center, (In-home warranty service will still be avail-
able after 30 days from the date of purchase but a standard trip charge will apply)° This
warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.. This Warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to
state
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
GENERAL: OPERATION
° Read, understand, and follow all insiruc-
tions in the manual and on the machine
before starting..
o Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
o 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,.
2
Never carry passengers.
° Do not mow in reverse unless absolute-
ly necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
o Be aware of the mower discharge direc-
tion and do not point it at anyone. Do
not operate the mower without either
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place..
o Stow down before turning.
o Never leave a running machine unat-
tended, Always turn off blades, set park-
ing brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.

,, Turnoffbladeswhennotmowing..
o Stopenginebeforeremovinggrass
catcheroruncloggingchute..
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificial
light°
o Donotoperatethemachinewhileunder
theinfluenceofalcoholordrugs°
o Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor
crossingroadways.
o Useextracarewhenloadingorunload-
ingthemachineintoa trailerortruck.,
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtoloss-
of-controlandtipoveraccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjuryordeath..All
slopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannot
backuptheslopeorifyoufeeluneasyon
it,do notmowit.
DO:
• Mowupanddown.slopes,notacross.
° Removeobstaclessuchasrocks,tree
limbs,etc..
oWatch for holes, ruts, or bumps_ Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles°
o Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
° Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability_
o Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
o Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and 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
slope..
DO NOT:
oDo not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible_
oDo not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments.. The mower could sud-
denly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in o
oDo not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding,,
Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
oDo not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
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. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them
o 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°
o Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children°
o Never carry children° They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation°
o Never allow children to operate the
machine..
o Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
SERVICE
oUse 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 en-
gine 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,.
o Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
o Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
,_ Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly
o Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing..
o Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object,. Repair, if necessary,
3

O
before restarting, manufacturer's recommended parts,
Never make adjustments or repairs with when necessary.
_:tbe_.eng_e runningi ::,_:,_;::, .............................._i-_:_:_!Mower>b!ades,-are sha,rp:and,_ canput:._:_
Grass catcher components are subject Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
to wear; damage, and deterioration, use extra caution when sewicing them,
which could expose moving parts or - Check brake operation frequently°
allow objects to be th[own, Frequently Adjust and service as required.
check components and replace with
o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area..
o Never'carry passengers°
° Do not mow in reverse unless absolute-
ly necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.,
o Never carry children,, They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
. Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another'
responsible adult.
o Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
o Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children,,
o Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), 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..
o Use slow speed. Choose a low gear' so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
o Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, tf
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope_
oDo notturn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible°
,_Look for this symbo! to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFE-
TY IS INVOLVED,.
_CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs always disc6n-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug.
_WARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm°
4

GASOLINE
CAPACITY
ANDT'(PE:
1.25GALLONS
UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL TYPE
(APIoSF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 3,0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: Champion J19LM
(GAP: .030") STD361458
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0- 5.5
(MPH): REVERSE: 0-2o3
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10PSt
CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY
SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 25
M1N. CCA:t90
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT LBS,.
TORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a Craftsman Tractor. It has been
designed, engineered and manufactured
to give you the best possible dependability
and performance.
Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact your
nearest Sears Authorized Service Center.
We have €ompeter_ti well-trained {-eshni::
clans 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 properly.. Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details..
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
o Read and observe the safety rules°
o Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tracto[:
o Follow the instructions under"Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual°
,4&WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal combustion 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). tf a spark arrester is used, it
should 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).

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SiZE
(1) Large Flat Washer
(1) Hex Bolt
3t8-16 x 1
(1) Lockwasher
3/8
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18x 1-1/4 @ (1) Locknut
5/t6-18
(1) Shoutder Bolt
5/16-18
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Knob
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4 (2) Hex Nuts 1/4o20
(2) Washers _ (2) Lock Washers 1/4
9132 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge
6

(2) Screws (2) Lock
#10 x 5/8 Washers #10
(2)WeldNuts
#I0 (2) Washers
3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge
_qG _ hw ;¸_ .... ,_ <;, ;;b;;h;_ ;K(_._; ;; -; _
Parts packet separately in carton
Steermg Wheel
Video
Cassette
Mulcher ,;'-J_I
Plate ,/: ,:::'t
Manual
Parts Bag
, J
, ,
Steering ',
Boot
Seat
Parts Bag contents not shown full size
(2) Latch Hook
Assemblies
Steering Wheel
Adapter
Steering
Wheel Insert
(2) Keys
Slope Sheet
Steering
Extension
Shaft
o
7

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleft
unassembtedforshippingpurposes,Toensuresafeandproperoperationofyourtractor
_:,-a!t,.,p_rtg:andhardware:youassemble..mustbe,tightened:,#ecu.rely.Use.:the:,¢o_rect_toots.,.:r
asnecessaryto insurepropertiglitnesslReviewtheVideocassettebef0rey0u_begin.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR
ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set wil!make assembly
easier,, Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below,,
(1) 9/t6" wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches
(2) t/2" wrench
(1) 3/4" wrench
(1) Utility knife
(1)Pliers
(I) 3/4" Socket w/
drive rachet
(1) Phillips Screw-
driver
(1) Tire pressure
gauge
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your point of
view, when you are in the operating posi-
tion (seated behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
o Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts boxes from shipping carton (See
page 6)_
o Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four corners of shipping carton, and
lay panels flat.
o Remove mower and package materials.
o Check for any additional loose parts or
boxes and remove,
BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF
SKiD
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
° Slide extension shaft onto lower steer-
ing shafL Align rnounting holes in exten-
sion and lower shafts and install 5/16
hex bolt and IocknuL Tighten securely.
IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut secure-
ty to 18-22 ft. lbs,. torque°
o Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to secure.,
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
° Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight fop_vardo
° Slide steering wheel adapter' onto steer-
ing shaft extension.
o Position steering wheel so cross bars
&re horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter'.
o Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely°
• Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel°
o Remove protective materials from trac _
tor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor-is to roll off skid°
Insert
_f..1_ 3/8 Lockwasher
Large Flat
Steering _ Steenng
Wheel _'Boot
Extension _//Adapter
Shaft _ _ 5t16 Hex
Bolt
5/16 Locknut---.._,,.._.,...._/
•°"--i- ,'.'.
Lower Steering--mz__.___R ---'----.
,. ,
Shaft ' I
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
° Press lift lever plunger and raise attach-
ment lift lever' to its highest position.
o Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
• Place freewheel control in freewheeling
position to disengage transmission (See
"TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation
section of this manual),
o Roll tractor backwards off skid.
o Remove banding holding discharge
guard up against tractor..

HOW TO_'SET U P :YOU R TRACTOR" ' INsTALEsEAT
CONNECT BATTERY
_CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-
nals by allowing a wrench or any other
object to contact both terminals at the
same time. Before connecting battery, re-
move metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,
rings, etc., Positive terminal must be con-
nected first to prevent sparking from acci-
dental grounding,
o Remove cardboard packing from seat
pan and lift seat pan to raised position.
Open battery' box door and remove pro-
tective plastic.,
• Remove terminal protective caps and
discard.,
o If this battery is put into service after
month and year indicated on label (label
tocated between terminals) charge bat-
tery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps_
• First connect RED battery cable to posi-
tive (+) terminal with hex bolt, flat wash-
er, lock washer and hex nut as shown
Tighten securely.
o Connect BLACK grounding cable to
negative (-) terminal with remaining hex
bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut, Tighten securely.
oClose battery box door,, Open batten/
box door for:
oinspection for secure connections
(to tighten hardware).
o Inspection for corrosion°
•Testing battery,,
o Jumping (if required)..
o Periodic charging_
Positive Discard Terminal
(Red) Cable Proctective Caps
Lock Washer
Flat Washer
Hex Bolt
Negative
(Black)
Cable
Seat
Battery
Door
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob,,
o Remove cardboard packing on seat pan,
o Place seat on seat pan and assemble
shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt
securely,,
o Assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely, Do not tighten.
o Lower seat into operating position and
sit on seal
o Slide seat until a comfortable position is
reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
o Get off seat without moving its adjusted
position°
° Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob
securely.
Seat Pan
Shoulder
Bolt
Seat
"_ Flat Washer
Adjustment Knob
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor 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
5 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 replac-
ing motion and mower blade drive belts in
the Service and Adjustments sectoin of
this manual,, Verify that the belts are routed
correctly°

CHECKBRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your' trac-
tor, check to see that the brake is properly
adjusted. See 'q'O ADJUST BRAKE" in
fi'le ServiCe an'd.Adjds'tments:Sectiori of
[his manual
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
o Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate
using screw, washer; lock washer, and
weld nut as shown.
NOTE: Pre-assernbte weld nut to latch
hook by inserting weld nut from the top
with hook pointing down.
o Tighten hardware securely.
= Raise and hold deflector shield in up-
right position.
o 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
,_,nower 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°
Weld Nut From Hook Points
The Top Down
Lock
Weld Washer
Nut
Latch Latch
Hook
Weld Nut
Lock Washer
Washer
Latch
Hooks
TO CONVERT TO BAGGi
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher plate
a safe place. Your mower is rl _
discharging or' installation of oi: '
grass catcher accessory.
NOTE; It is not necessary to ch_.n
blades_ The mulcher blades are d6
for discharging and bagging also_
V' CHECKLIST
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWIN(?
CHECKLIST:
v' All assembly instructions have bee_
completed.
v' No remaining loose parts in carton.
v' Battery is properly prepared and
charged (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps)
e,,' Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely..
e/' All tires are properly inflated_ (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory).
v' Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-sideifront-to-rear for best
cutting results. (Tires must be properly
inflated for leveling).
_,' Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
v' Check wiring_ See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
v' Before driving tractor, be sure free-
wheel control is in drive position.
WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR
TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION 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.
,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operat-
ing condition.
v' it is important to purge the transmis-
sion before operating your tractor fbr
the first time. Follow proper starting
and transmission purging instructions
(See 'q'O START ENGINE" and
"PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Op-
eration section of this manual).
10

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororin literaturesuppliedwiththeproduct,
Learnandunderstandtheirmeaning,
E 3,&
BATTERY CAUTION OR
WARNING
ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF
FUEL
REVERSE SLOW
OIL PRESSURE
MOWER HEIGHT
FORWARD FAST
LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP
LIGHT
PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED
LOCKED MOWER LIFT
ATTACHMENT REVERSE
CLUTCH ENGAGED NEUTRAL LOW ®;
PARKING BRAKE
IGNITION ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY HYDROSTATIC FREE WHEEL
(Hydro Models only)
1t

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY" RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR TRACTOR
Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of
various controls and adjustments. SAve this manualfor future reference: ,_
Throttle/Choke
Control
Attachment Ignition
Clutch Lever Switch
Ammeter
©
Light Switch
Position
Lift Lever
Plunger
Attachment
Lift Lever
Clutch/Brake
Control
Freewheel
Control
O
Parking
Height
Adjustment
Indicator
Approx.
Speed
3 MPH
2 MPH
1 MPH
Motion
Control Lever
Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to,
engage the mower blades, or other' attach _,
ments mounted to your tractor.
LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on
and off.
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Used to
control engine speed°
CLUTCHIBRAKE PEDAL: Used for
declutching and braking the tractor and
starting the engine,,
FREEWHEEL CONTROL: Disengages
transmission for pushing or slowly towing
the tractor with the engine off.
MOTION CONTROL LEVER: Selects the
speed and direction of the tractor.
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to
raise and lower the mower deck or other
attachments mounted to your tractor°
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release
attachment lift lever when changing its
position,,
IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and
stopping the engine_
AMMETER: Indicates battery charging (+)
or discharging (-).
PARKING BRAKE: Locks clutch/brake
into the brake position.
12

' heoperatidnofanytractorCan-resultih foreign'0B)6ctsthrownint5the.......
eyes,whichcan resultinsevereeyedamage°Alwayswearsafetyglasses
oreyeshieldswhileoperatingyourtractororperforminganyadjustmentsor'
repairs.Werecommendawidevisionsafetymaskoverthespectacles,or
standardsafetyglasses,
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch, When engine is
running, any attempt by the operator to
leave the seat without first setting the
parking brake will shut off the engine,
TO SET PARKING BRAKE
o Depress clutch/brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" position and hold.
• Place parking brake lever in "EN-
GAGED" position and release pressure
from clutch/brake pedal Pedal should
remain in "BRAKE" position. Make sure
parking brake will hold tractor secure°
Attachment Clutch
Throttle/Choke Lever "Engaged"
Control _... Position
_--_-'_, "Disengaged"
,, _ Position
Brake" "'_x"_'_.,_/Parking Brake
Position \ _". ',., _\.iii "En_a-ed ''
Clutc_/_raKe-_._.. "-'-/ "--Motion
Pedal "Drive.... Disengaged" Control
Position Position Lever
STOPPING
MOWER BLADES-
• To stop mower blades, move attach-
ment clutch Lever to "DISENGAGED"
position.
GROUND DRIVE -
• To stop ground drive, depress
clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" po _
sition.,
° Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position,,
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever
does not return to neutral (N) position
when the clutch/brake pedal is depresse&
ENGINE -
• Move throttle control to slow position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to
stow position and allowing engine to idle
before stopping may cause engine to
"backfire",.
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and
remove key. Always remove key when
leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use,
o Never use choke to stop engine,.
NOTE: Under certain conditions when
tractor is standing idle with the engine run-
ning, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass,. To eliminate
this possibility, always stop engine when
,_pping tractor on grass areas,
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leaving
the operator's position, to empty grass
catcher, etc_
THROTTLE CONTROL
Always operate engine at ful! throttle.
° Operating engine at less than full throt-
tle reduces the battery charging rate
o Full throttle offers the best bagging and
mower performance,.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKW'ARD
The direction and speed of movement is
controlled by the motion control lever
o Start tractor with motion control lever in
neutral (N) position.
o Release parking brake and clutch/brake
pedal..
o Slowly move motion control lever to
desired position..
NOTE: The effort to move the motion con-
trol lever will reduce after the first few
hours of use_ This is normal
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
The position of the attachment lift lever
determines the cutting height,
o Grasp lift lever.
o Press plunger with thumb and move
lever to desired position.
The cutting height range is approximately
1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured
from the ground to the blade tip with the
engine not running° These heights are
approximate and may vary depending
upon soil conditions, height of grass and
types of grass being mowed,
13

Theaveragelawnshouldbe cutto
approximately2-1/2inchesduringthe
coolseasonandtoover3 inchesduring
hotmonths.,Forhealthierandbetter
lookinglawns,,mowoften.andafter
m o;derateg°i;owi_fi:............." ....._" : .....
Forbestcuttingperformance,grass
over6 inchesin heightshouldbe
mowedtwice.Makethefirstcutrelative-
lyhigh;thesecondtodesiredheight.,
"0 OPERATE MOWER
'our..tractor is equipped with an operator
_resence sensing switch. Any attempt by
he operator to leave the seat with the
:ngine running and the attachment clutch
;ngaged will shut off the engine°
Select desired height of cut,.
Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment clutch control
TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
age attachment clutch control..
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
vithout either the entire grass catcher, on
nowers so equipped, or the discharge
]uard in place.
ge
Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position,.
IMPORTANT: The motion control lever
does not return to neutral (N) position
when the clutch/brake pedal is depressed
o TO restart movement, slowly release "
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal..
oSlowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting.
o Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure to disengage transmission by placing
freewheel control in freewheeling position.
Freewheel control is located at the rear
drawbar of tractor..
o Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
o Pull freewheel control knob out and hold
in position by inserting retainer spring
into forward hole of control rod..
o Do not push or tow tractor at more than
two (2) MPH_
o ]b reengage transrnission, reverse
above procedure,
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when
transporting your tractor on a truck or a
trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured
to tractor. Use an appropriate means of
tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc_).
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
_)kCAUTION: Do not drive up or down
qitls with slopes greater than 15 °and do
"_ot drive across any slope.. Use the slope
guide provided at the back of this manual
, Choose the slowest speed before start-
ing up or down hills.
, Avoid stopping or-changing speed on
hills,.
, If slowing is necessary, move throttle
control lever to slower position.
, If stopping is absolutely necessary, push
clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi-
tion and engage parking brake,
TOWnNG CARTS AND OTHER
ATTACHMENTS
TOWonly the attachments that are recom-
mended by and comply with specifications
of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use
common sense when towing. Too heavy of
a load, while on a slope, is dangerous,.
Tires can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor..
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
o The engine in your tractor has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled
with summer' weight oil
14

o Checkengineoilwithtractoronlevel
o Removeoilfill cap/dipstickandwipe
clean,reinsertthedipstickandscrew
cap tight,waitfora fewseconds,
removeandreadoiilevel Ifnecessary,
addoil until"FULL"markondipstickis
reached..Donotoverfill..
o Forcoldweatheroperationyoushould
changeoi!foreasierstarting(See"OIL
VISCOSITYCHART"intheMainte-
nancesectionofthismanual).
o Tochangeengineoil, seetheMainte-
nancesectionin thismanual.,
ADD GASOLINE
o Fill fuel tank,. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane° (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide
deposits and reduce valve life).. Do not
mix oil with gasoline.. Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness..
IMPORTANT; Wh.en operating in tempera-
tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
weather •starting.
RNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage.. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emp-
tied before storage of 30 days or longer..
Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let
it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See
Storage Instructions for additional informa-
tion. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or perma-
nent damage may occur.
,_J_kCAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck.. Do not overfill., Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
When starting the engine for the first time
or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will
take extra cranking time to move fuel from
the tank to the engine..
o Be sure freewheel control is in the
transmission engaged position_
° Sit on seat in operating position, depress
clutc!-Vbrake pedal and set parking brake.
o Plac e motion control lever in neutral (N)
position.
o Move attachment clutch to "DISEN-
GAGED" position..
° Move throttle control to choke position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and.
cold starting procedures below_
o Insert key into ignition and turn key
clockwise to "START" position and
release key as soon as engine start&
Do not run starter continuously for more
than fifteen seconds per minute,. If the
engine does not start after several
attempts, move throttle control to fast
position, wait a few minutes and try'
again° If engine still does not start,
move the throttle control back to the
choke position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and
above)
o When engine starts, move the throttle
control to the fast position..
o The attachments and ground drive can
now be used. If the engine does not
accept the load, restart the engine and
allow it to warm up for one minute using
the choke as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and
below)
o When engine starts, allow engine to run
with the throttle control in the choke
position until the engine runs roughly,
then move throttle control to fast post-
lion.. This may require an engine warm-
up period from several seconds to sev-
eral minutes, depending on the temper-
atureo
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION WARM
UP
o Before driving the unit in cold weather,
the transmission should be warmed up
as follows:
o Be sure the tractor is on level ground_
o Place the motion control lever' in neutral
Release the parking brake and let the
clutch/brake slowly return to operating
position.
o Allow one minute for transmission to
warm up This can be done during the
engine warm up period.
o The attachments can also be used dur-
ing the engine warm-up period after the
transmission has been warmed up.
NOTE: At a high altitude (above 3000
feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F)
the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance,
15

See"TOADJUSTCARBURETOR"inthe
ServiceandAdjustmentssectionofthis
manual
RGE TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Never-engage or disen-.
gage freewheel lever while the engine is
running_
To ensure proper operation and perfor-
mance, it is recommended that the trans-
mission be purged before operating tractor
for the first time., This procedure will
remove any trapped air inside the trans-
mission which may have developed during
shipping of your' tractor_
IMPORTANT: Should your transmission
require removal for' service or replace-
ment, it should be purged after reinstalla-
lion before operating the tractor.
o Place tractor safely on level surface with
engine off and parking brake set..
o Disengage transmission by placing free-
wheel control in freewheeling position
(See "TO TRANSPORT" in this section
of manual)°
o Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine.
After the engine is running, move throt-
tle control to slow position.. With motion
control lever' in neutral (N) position,
slowly disengage clutch!brake pedal.,
o Move motion control lever to full forward
position and hold for five (5) seconds.
Move lever to full reverse position and
hold for five (5) seconds. Repeat this
procedure three (3) times.
NOTE: During this procedure there will be
no movement of drive wheels° The air is
being removed from hydraulic drive sys-
tern,.
o Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position. Shut off engine and set parking
brake_
o Engage transmission by placing free-
wheel control in driving position (See
"TO TRANSPORT" in this section of
manual).,
= Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine.
After the engine is running, move throt-
tle control to half (i/2) speed., With
motion control lever in neutral (N) posi-
tion, slowly disengage clutch/brake
pedal.
° Slowly move motion control lever for-
ward; after the tractor moves approxi-
mately five (5) feet, slowly move motion
control lever to reverse position,. After
the tractor moves approximately five (5)
feet return the motion control lever to
the neutral (N) position, Repeat this pro-
cedure with the motion control lever'
three (3) times_
o Your tractor is nowpurged 'and ready for
n0rmal'_)pei;ation.
IVIOWIING TiPS
•Tire chains cannot be used when the
mower housing is attached to tractor,
° Mower should be properly leveled for
best mowing performance. See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual_
• The left hand side of mower should be
used for' trimming.
o Drive so that clippings are discharged onto
the area that has been cut.. Have the cut area
to the right of the tractor: This will result in a
more even distribution of clippings and more
uniform cutting_
o When mowing large areas, start by turn-
ing to the right so that clippings will dis-
charge away from shrubs, fences, drive-
ways, etc. After one or-two rounds, mow
in the opposite direction making left
hand turns until finished..
f.
1
o If grass is extremely tall, it should be
mowed twice to reduce load and possi-
ble fire hazard from dried clippings..
Make first cut relatively high; the second
to the desired height.
o Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet
grass will plug mower and leave unde _
sirable clumps. Allow grass to dry
before mowing.
•Always operate engine at full throttle
when mowing to assure better mowing
performance and proper discharge of
material., Regulate ground speed by se-
lecting a tow enough gear' to give the
mower the best cutting performance as
well as the quality of cut desired.
° When operating attachments, select a
ground speed that will suit the terrain
and give best performance of the at-
tachment being used.
16

MULCHING MOWING TiPS ..........
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean after each use..
• The special mulching blade will recur
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into the
grass and not be noticed,. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn, Always
mulch with your highest engine (blade)
speed as this will provide the best recut-
ting action of the blades.
,, Avoid cutting your lawn when it is weL
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon.. At this time the grass has
dried and the newly cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun°
° For best results, adjust the mower cut-
ting height so that the mower cuts off
only the top one-third of the grass
blades° For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut on each pass
and mow slowly_
Max 1/3
o Certain types of grass and grass condi-
tions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings,. When doing a sec-
ond cut, mow across or perpendicular to
the first cut path°
o Change your cutting pattern from week
to week,. Mow north to south one week
then change to east to west the next
week,. This wil! help prevent matting and
graining of the lawno
I7

r_USTOMERRESPONSIBILiTiES
_-'_.......MABNTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
Check Brake Operation 6# 4
2-Service mote often when operatJ;qg in dirty ot dusty cond_|ions
3* if equipped with oil f_ltor, char}go oil ovary 50 hours
4-Replace blades mere otien when mewing in sandy soil
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this tractor does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator
abuse or negligence. To receive full value
from the warranty, operator must maintain
tractor as instructed in this manual. Some
adjustments will need to be made periodi-
ca!!y to properly maintain your tractor.
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should
be checked at least once each season..
,, Once a year you should replace the _J
spark plug, clean or replace air filter, &nd
check blades and belts for wear. A new
spark plug and clean air filter assure
proper air-fuel mixture and help your
SERVICE DATES
= .......... , ,
t .......... i i E
Check Tire Pressure _/
Check Operator Presence and
TInterlock System s ....
RCheck for Loose Fasteners 6#46#47
ASha_e,,_Repia'co''MoWerB_des " ........ _,", ....................
.............. = ' .......... ....... !
0Check Battery Level _, , _ ............._ . . .
R i Clean Batteryand Ten'ninais/Recharge [" _ $f
Check Transaxle Cooling _ =
....Ad!Us! Blade Bel{(_}Tension ......... 64', ..................................
Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Ks
Check Engine Oil Level _ 6f , .......
Change&gi,eO"......... _._ _" ................
..Clean Air Filter ........................
Clean Air Screen .......... 64_ ....
GInspect Muffler/Spark Arrestor 6# #
N_ '"Repiao_,b'"'F,te,-(.,;_'ulppo,_) _._ ....................
, ' ............ ....
Replace Spark Plug ........... = ...........
Rep_,,,_eAirF,te,"PaperCa',4';i'dge...........e', .........
Replace Fuel Filter ,_,
1 - Change more elteo whet_ operating unde_ _heavy lead or in high amblenl temperatures. 5 -It equipped with callus{able system,
6-Not required It aqu}pped with maintenence,4ree battery
7 * Tighter_ front axle pivot bolt to 35 ft -tbs maximt_m
De net ovettightet_
LUBRiCATiON CHART
O S Spindle
Zerk Zerk
Front
Wheel
O Front Wheel Bearing
Bearing Zerk Zerk
0 Engine
@
Clutch
Pivot(s)
@SAE 30 or i0w30 Motor OIL
engine run better and last longer'.
BEFORE EACH USE
o Check engine oil level.
o Check brake operation.
o Check tire pressure.
OCheck operator presence and interlock
systems for proper operation.
Check for loose fasteners.
@General Purpose Grease
O Refer to Maintenance Engine" Sectioa
iiVlPORTANT: Do not oil or grease the pivot
points which have special nylon bear-ings.
Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt
that will shorten the life of the self-lubricating
bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated,
use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubri-
cant sparingly.
18

.TRACTOR: ................
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in highest
gear, then brake must be adjusted (See
"TO ADJIJST BRAKE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual)..
TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
on page 5 of this manual)°
o Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rub-
ber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent
flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant
may be purchased from your local parts
dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry
rot and corrosion..
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be
kept sharp.. Replace bent or damaged
blade&
BLADE REMOVAL
° Raise mower to highest position to allow
access to blades°
o Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat
washer securing blade°
o install new or resharpened blade with
trailing edge up towards deck as shown.
o Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and
flat washer in exact order as shown.
° Tighten bolt securely (30-35 FL Lbs.
torque)..
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat
treated. Blade _(C_',_ Mandrel
\\.X_. _ Assembly
.. her _,_-_.._ _ Trailing
Fiat washer. "<.._.'-...
"--.,.,."-_j_._,. Edge Up
L°ck Was_._,T.. _
Hex Bolt (Grade 8)L._ ...._<_._
*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be
identified by six lines on the bolt head.
.TO ,SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE= We do not recommend sharpening
blade, but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced.. An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration and eventual damage
to mower and engine.
o The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel Do not attempt
to sharpen while it is on the mower..
o To check blade balance, you wilt need a
5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone
balancer.. (When using a cone balancer,
follow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer)..
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may
appear to be centered, but are not.
o Slide blade onto an unthreaded portion
of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt
or pin parallel with the ground., If blade
is balanced, it should remain in a hori-
zontal position. If either end of the blade
moves downward, sharpen the heavy
end until the blade is balanced.
Center Hole
5/8" Bolt
or Pin
Blade
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. Howev-
er, periodic charging of the battery with an
automotive charger will extend its life.
o Keep battery and terminals clean..
o Keep battery bolts tight.
o Keep small vent holes open,.
o Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour..
NOTE: The original equipment battery on
your tractor is maintenance free. Do not
attempt to open or remove caps or covers..
Adding or checking level of electrolyte is
not necessary..
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter-
minals can cause the battery to "leak"
power,
° Remove terminal guard,,
o Disconnect BLACK battery cable first
then RED batter,/cable and remove
battery from tractor.
19

. Rinsethe batterywithplainwaterand
dry_
- Cleanterminalsandbatterycableends
withwirebrushuntilbright.,
,,*Goat-terminalswithgreaseorpetroleum
jelly.
o Reinstallbattery(See"CONNECTBAT-
TERY"in theAssemblysectionofthis
manual).
V-BELTS
Check V-belts for deterioration and wear
after 100 hours of operation and replace if
necessary, The belts are not adjustable..
Replace belts if they begin to slip from
wear,
TRANSAXLE COOLING
The transmission fan and cooling fins
should be kept clean to assure proper
cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmis-
sion while engine is running or while the
transmission is hot°
oInspect coofing fan to be sure fan
blades are intact and clean.
- Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clip-
pings and other materials. To prevent
damage to seals, do not use com-
pressed air or high pressure sprayer to
clean cooling fins,,
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance is not required for
the life of the transaxte. Should the
transaxle ever leak or require servicing,
contact your nearest authorized service
center,.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with AP! service classification SF, SG or
SH_ Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade .
according to your expected operating tem-
perature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
l
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
used above 32°R Check your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running tow on oil,
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or,at least once a year if the:
tractor is not used for 25 hours in one
year.
Check the crankcase oil level before start-
ing the engine and after each eight (8)
hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dip-
stick securely each time you check the oil
level,,
TO CHANGE ENGINE OiL
Determine temperature range expected
before oil change,. All oil must meet API
service classification SF, SG or SHo
,Be sure tractor is on level surface..
o Oil wilt drain more freely when warm.
° Catch oil in a suitable container.
o Remove oil fill cap!dipstick. Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil..
° Remove drain plug
o After oil has drained completely, replace
oil drain plug and tighten securely.
o Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip-
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
For approximate capacity see "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 5 of
this manual
o Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level.. Be sure dipstick cap is
tightened securely for accurate reading.
Keep oil at "FULU' line on dipstick.
Oil
_ _ Drain
Plug
_'/]j/__ Oil Fill..
/_ Cap/DIpsbck
CLEAN AiR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and
chaff to prevent engine damage from over'-
heating.. Clean with a wire brush or com-
pressed air to remove dirt and stubborn
dried gum fibers.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, I 0W30 etco) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when
20