Craftsman 917.270824 User manual

Owner's Manual
®
19,5 HP
ELECTRAC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATRC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No
917.27082 #
o Safety
o Assembly
o Operation
oMaintenance
o Repair Parts
L ¸ ! ;_ bF ? _ _ - )_., , : •
_This product has a low emisSiOn engine which operates diffei;_tly
I11ILL_JIltfrom previously built engines_ Before yOU start:the engine_ read
and understand this Owner's Manual , : ==
CAUTION:
Read and followall
SafetyRules and Instructions
beforeoperatingthisequip-
menL
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-591 7
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5am-5pm, Mon-Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www sears corn/craftsman

Warranty............................................................2
SafetyRules...............................................2
ProductSpecifications.............................5
Assembly........................................................8
Operation..................................................1!
MaintenanceSchedule............................18
Maintenance................................................118
ServiceandAdjustments................. 22
Storage.......................................... 27
Troubleshooting......................................28
RepairParts............................................32
PartsOrdering .....................BackCover
LIMITEDTWOYEARWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANRIDINGEQUIPMENT
Fortwo (2)yearsfromthedateof purchase,ifthisCraftsmanRidingEquipmentis
maintained,lubricatedandtuned upaccordingto theinstructionsin the owner's
manual,Searswillrepairor replace,freeof charge,anypartsfoundto bedefectivein
materialor workmanship_
ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:
• Expendableitemswhichbecomewornduring normaluse suchas blades,spark
plugs,air cleaners,belts,etc.
o Tirereplacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps, or glass
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or ac-
cident or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the inctructions con-
tained 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
equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the
battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. In-home war-
ranty service on your Craftsman riding equipment is available at no charge for 30 days
from the date of purchase Please contact your nearest service center After 30 days
from the date of purchase, warranty service is available by taking your Craftsman
riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. (In-home warranty service will
still be available 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 War-
ranty 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, Heffman Estates, IL 60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is ca-
pable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result
in serious injury or death
GENERAL OPERATION
o Read, understand, and follow all in-
structions in the manual and on the ma-
chine before starting
. 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
° Never carry passengers
o Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing
o Be aware of the mower discharge di-
rection and do not point it at anyone
Do not operate the mower without ei-
ther the entire grass catcher or the
guard in place
o Slow down before turning
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set

parkingbrake,stopengine,andre-
movekeysbeforedismounting,
• Turnoff bladeswhennot mowing.
• Stopenginebeforeremovinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificial
light,
o Do notoperatethe machinewhile un-
dertheinfluenceof alcoholordrugs
o Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor
crossingroadways
• Useextracare whenloadingor un-
loadingthe machineintoatraileror
truck
o Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60
yearsand above,are involvedin a
largepercentageof ridingmower-
relatedinjuries.Theseoperators
shouldevaluatetheirabilityto operate
theridingmowersafelyenoughto
protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury
SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedto loss-
of-controlandtipoveraccidents,which
sanresultinsevereinjuryor death.All
slopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannot
backuptheslopeor if youfeel uneasyon
it,donotmowit
DO:
, Mowup anddownslopes,not across
Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watchforholes,ruts orbumps.Un-
eventerraincouldoverturnthema-
chine Tallgrasscanhideobstacles
Useslowspeed Choosealowgearso
thatyouwillnothaveto stoporshift
whileon theslope.
Followthe manufacturer'srecommen-
dationsfor wheelweightsorcounter-
weightsto improvestability
Useextracarewith grasscatchersor
otherattachmentsThesecanchange
thestabilityofthemachine
Keepall movementontheslopesslow
andgradual Donotmakesudden
changesinspeedor direction
Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope If
tireslosetraction,disengagethe
bladesand proceedslowlystraight
downthe slope
:)ONOT:
Do notturn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradual- 3
ly downhill, if possible.
°Do 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
°Do not mow on wet grass Reduced
traction could cause sliding
.Do nottry 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 ma-
chine and the mowing activity Never as-
sume that children will remain where you
last saw them
° Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult,
oBe alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
° Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children
oNever carry children They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
. Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine
. Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision
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 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
.Never run a machine inside a closed
area
° Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment belts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition_
° Never tamper with safety devices
Check their proper operation regularly

Keepmachinefree-ofgrass,leave_ er .
otherdebdsbuild-up Cleanoilorfuel
spillage Allowmachineto coolbefore
storing.
o Stopandinspectthe equipmentif you
strikean object Repair,if necessary,
beforerestarting
oNever makeadjustmentsor repairs
with the engine running
o Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
° 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 abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
Never carry children They may fall off
and be seriously irrjured or interfere
with safe machine operation
Keep children out of the mewing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adutL
- Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area
o Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children
°
o
o
Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them
Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max),
not across
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un-
even terrain could overturn the ma-
chine Tall grass can hide obstacles
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope If
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope
Do notturn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradual-
ly downhill, if possible.
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!H BECOMEAWARE!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs always dis-
connect 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.

PRODUCT SPEC!FJ_C._[J_)NS_...
CAPACITY , UNLEADED/
ANDTYPE: /REGUL_. /
OILTYPE /_"if"S-AE3_" "_""-'i
(API-SF/SG/SH): '(above 32°F) /
/SAE 5W-30
/(below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: _'-'_.:5-PINT9 "--'_
SPARK PLUG: /_C_ampion RC12YC
(GAP: 030") i, .....
VALVE CLEARANCE: iNTAKE: 004- 006
EXHAUST: .004-.006
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0 - 5 5
(MPH): REVERSE: 0- 2.4
r FRONT: 14P'Si ')
TIRE PRESSURE: /REAR: 10PSI /
CHARGING 16 AMPS@3600
SYSTEM: RPMS
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT LBS
TORQUE:
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product, Contact your nearest
Sears store for details
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIUTIES
• Read and observe the safety rules
. Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor
o Follow the instructions under "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual
_}_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)_ If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working
order by the operator
In the state of California the above is re-
quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor-
nia 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)
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a Craftsman Tractor It has been de-
signed, 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 competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper tools to ser-
vice 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"
5

PartsBagcontentsshownfullsize
(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x !-1/4
©
(1) Large Flat Washer
©
(!) Lockwasher 3/8
@
(1) Locknut 5/16q8
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
(1) Knob
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Shoulder
Bolt 5/16-18
(2) Washers
3/16 x 3/4 x 16Gauge
(2)Weld
Nuts #10
(2) Lock
Washers #10
_#10 x 5/8

Parts 3acked separately in carton
Seat
Mulcher
Plate
g&
Video
Cassette Steering
Boot
Manual Steering
Parts Bag Wheel
Parts Bag contents not shown full size
Steering Wheel Adapter 3
Steering
_[I I Wheellnsert _--. Steering
II Extension
(2) Keys Shaft
Slope Sheet
_((2 !-_
) Latch Hook
Assemblies
O
7

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes To ensure safe and proper operation of your trac-
tor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely Use the correct
tools as necessary to insure proper tightness Review the video cassette before you
begin
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below
(1) 9/16" wrench
(1) Utility knife
(2) !/2" wrench
(1) Tire pressure
gauge
(1) 3/4" Socket w/
drive ratchet
(1) Phillips Screw-
driver
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
• Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts boxes from shipping carton
• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four corners of shipping carton, and
lay panels flat
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 shaft Align mounting holes in exten-
sion and lower shafts and install 5/16
hex bolt and Iocknut Tighten securely
IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut se-
curely to 18-22 ft Ibs torque
. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to secure
INSTAL.L STEERING WHEEL
• Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing Straight forward
. Slide steering wheel adapter onto
steering shaft extension
- Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide in-
side boot and onto adapter
° Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely
o Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel
, 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
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BA'I-r ERY
° Lift hood to raised position
. If this battery is put into service after
month and year indicated on label (la-
bel located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in MAINTE-
NANCE section of this manual for
charging instructions).
_!_" :::: 'Label

INSTALLSEAT
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 se-
curely_
o Assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten
o 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
o Get off seat without moving its adjusted
position.
o Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely, Seat
Seat Pan F_
S_tulder ----\, l
_'_'_ _ _"_" Flat Washer
Adjustment Knob
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op-
eration section for location and func-
tion of controls)
. Press lift lever plunger and raise at-
tachment lift lever to its highest posi-
tion
• Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal
o Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmission
(See "TO TRANSPORT" in the Opera-
tion section of thJs manual)
o Roll tractor forward off skid
o Remove banding holding discharge
guard up against tractor
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID
_, WARNING: Before starting, read, un-
derstand and follow all instructions in the
Operation section of this manual, Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area,
Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear
of other people and objects
.Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed
............ "............ _ 'Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank
with gasoline,
o Place freewheel control in "transmis-
sion engaged" position
oSit on seat in operating position, de-
press clutch/brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
oPlace motion control lever in neutral
(N) position
° Press lift lever plunger and raise at-
tachment lift lever to its highest positon
oStart the engine After engine has
started, move throttle control to idle po-
sition
oRelease parking brake
oSlowly move the motion control lever
forward and slowly drive tractor off skid
o Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking
brake and place motion control lever in
neutral position.
•Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow
INS]ALL IMIUI.CHER PLATE
o Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate
using screw, washer, lock washer, and
weld nut as shown
NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch
hook by inserting weld nut from the top
with hook pointing down
o Tighten hardware securely.
o Raise and hold deflector shield in up-
right position
° Place front of mulcher plate over front
of mower deck opening and slide into
place, as shown.
o Hook front latch into hole on front of
mower deck.
. Hook rear latch into 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
Deflector
Shield
Latch Hooks
9

Weld Nut From
The Top \
Lock
Weld Washer
Screw
Latch
Hook Points
Down
Latch
Hook
:1Nut
Lock Washer
Washer
Mutcher _ Screw
Plate
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove muicher plate and store in
a safe place Your mower is now ready for
discharging or installation of optional
grass catcher accessory.
NOTE: It is not necessary to change
blades. The mulcher blades are designed
for discharging and bagging also.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated
at the factory for shipping purposes. Cor-
rect tire pressure is important for best cut-
ting performance_
o Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See 'q-O
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Ser-
vice 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.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your trac-
tor, check to see that the brake is properly
adjusted. See 'qO ADJUST BRAKE" in
the Service and Adjustments section of
this manua!
_CHECKLiST
Before you operate and enjoy your new
tractor, we wish to assure that you leceive
the best performance and satisfaction
from this quality producL
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
overinflated at the factory).
,/Be sure mowe_ deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results_ (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
J" 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
,/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:
,/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
,/It is important to purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the first
time_ Follow proper starting and
transmission purging instructions (See
"TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE
TRANSMISSION" in the Operation
section of this manual)

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractoror in literaturesuppliedwiththe product,
Learnand understandtheir meaning.
E:3&
BATrERY CAUTION OR
WARNING
ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF
FUEL CHOKE
÷
REVERSE FORWARD
OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON
NG
MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE
LOCKED
@
FAST
OVER TEMP
LIGHT
@
UNLOCKED
SLOW
MOWER LIFT
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH ENGAGED
IGNITION
REVERSE NEUTRAL
A_ACHMENT
CLUTCH DISENGAGED
HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE
@®®®@
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
<ii_:_!_ _L!I_Ii_
_i!i_ _i•¸¸
DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FREE WHEEL
(Automatic Models only)
11

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ "fillS OWNER'S IVIANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TRACTOR ..................
Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of
various controls and adjustment& Save this manual for future reference
Attachment Ignition
Clutch Lever Switch
Light Switch Position
Ammeter
Throttle
Clutch/Brake Pedal
Height
Adjustment
Knob
Choke
Lift Lever
Plunger
Attachment
Lift Lever
Parking Brake
Freewheel Control Motion
Control
Lever
Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to en-
gage the mower blades, or other attachments
mounted to your tractor
LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and
off.
CHOKE CONTROL: Used when starting a
cold engine.
THROTTLE CONTROL: Used to control en-
gine speed.
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: Used for
declutching and braking the tractor and statt-
ing the engine
FREEWHEEL CONTROL: Disengages trans-
mission for pushing or slowly towing the trac-
tor with the engine off
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB: Used to ad-
just the mower cutting height,
MOTION CONTROL LEVER: Selects the
speed and direction of the tractor
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise
and lower the mower deck or other attach-
ments mounted to your tractor:
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release at-
tachment 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

_The operation Of-_ny tr%c-torca--n"re-_sult in foreign objects thrown ini0 the ........
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses R
or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments H
or repairs We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles, or
....................standard safetY glasse s, , .........
HOW TO USE YOUR 'TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE
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
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,
Throttle Attachment Clutch Lever
Choke Control "Engaged" Position
Control \,"_-----_ /
\_(. JL._,7/%.,N_"Disengaged"
Height _ _,._X._"--._ _) Position
Adju stmer_-,,>X_----------_ /
Knob _ -I -'x-'_:_=_=_7:_:_/ Parking
_ ', _) _ t'_\_')_ Brake
"Brake" _', _'_y_ i_Eonsigtagned''
Clutch/Brake Pedal "Disengaged" Control
"Drive" Position Position Lever
STOPPING
MOWER BLADES -
o 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" position
° 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 de-
pressed.
ENGINE -
, Move throttle control to slow position
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to
slow 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
• Never use choke to stop engine
IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch
in any position other than OFF" will cause
the battery to be discharged, (dead).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when
tractor is standing idle with the engine
running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass To eliminate
this possibility, always stop engine when
stopping tractor on grass areas.
_}_CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leav-
ing the operator's position; to empty grass
catcher, etc.
THROTTLE CONTROL
Always operate engine at full throttle
o Operating engine at less than full
throttle reduces the battery charging
rate.
o Full throttle offers the best bagging and
mower performance
CHOKE CONTROL
Use choke control whenever you are
starting a cold engine. Do not use to start
a warm engine.
- To engage choke control, pull knob out
Slowly push knob in to disengage
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
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 de-
sired position.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUFFING HEIGHT
The cutting height is controlled by turning
the height adjustment knob in desired di-
rection,
o Turn knob clockwise (f-_) to raise cut-
ting height,
o Turn knob counterclockwise (P-'_)to
lower cutting height,
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.
o The average lawn should be cut to ap-
proximately 2-1/2 inches during the
cool season and to over 3 inches dur-
ing hot months For healthier and better
looking lawns, mow often and after
moderate growth
13

o Forbestcuttingperformance,grass
over6inchesin heightshouldbe
mowedtwice. Makethefirstcut rela-
tively high;thesecondto desired
height
TOADJUSTGAUGE WHEELS
Gauge wheels are properly adjusted
when they are slightly off the ground
when mower is at the desired cutting
height in operating position. Gauge
wheels then keep the deck in p.roper po-
sition to help prevent scalping _n most ter-
rain condition&
o Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a
flat level surface.
- Adjust mower to desired cutting height
(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CU-FFING
HEIGHT" in the Operation section of
this manual).
o With mower in desired height of cut po-
sition, gauge wheels should be as-
sembled so they are slightly off the
ground Install gauge wheel in appro-
priate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8
washer, and 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten
securely.
• Repeat for opposite side installing
gauge wheel irr same adjustment hole
Gauge Wheel
Mounting Bracket
Locknut J. \ _ _ Gauge
_ Wheel
3/8 Washer__- BoltSh°ulder
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
presence sensing switch Any attempt by
the operator to leave the seat with the
engine running and the attachment clutch
engaged will shut off the engine_
• Select desired height of cut.
Lower mower with attachment lift
control
Start mower blades by engaging
attachment clutch control..
o TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
gage attachment clutch control
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
mowers so equippedl or the discharge
guard in place
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and de
not 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 position and engage parking
brake.
= 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 de-
pressed,
o To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal
. Slowly move motion control lever to
slowest setting.
o Make all turns slowly
Attachment _ Aff_rhm_n t
Clutch Lever_ [r"-'1 Li_l_e'v'er ""
".Eng,aged" _'_'_'f_i "_High Position
P'OSI[IOR ,';
,sengage _. -.",,J_7 Position
Position -"_-.,_ I/J.,'_
___DiuSc_dar ge
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER
A'f3"ACHNIENTS
Tow only 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:
TO TRANSPORT
When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure to disengage transmission by placing
freewheel contrel in freewheeling position
Freewheel control is located at the rear
drawbar of tractoL
o Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• Pull freewheel control out and down into
the slot and release so it is held in the
disengaged position.
o De not push or tow tractor at more than
two (2) MPH..
,To reengage transmission, 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 ty-
ing hood to tractor (rope, cord etc.).

BEFORE STARTINGTHE ENGINE
CHECKENGINE OIL LEVEL
o The engine in your tractor has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled
with summer weight oil
•Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
o Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe
clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw
cap tight, wait for a few seconds, re-
move and read oil level. If necessary,
add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is
reached Do not overfill
o For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See "OIL
VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual)
o To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section in this manual
ADD GASOLINE
.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 depos-
its and reduce'valve life). Do not mix oil
with gasoline Purchase fuel in quanti-
ties that can be used within 30 days to
assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32 F(0 C), use fresh, clean
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
cold weather start; lg
&WARNING: 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
emptied 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 information Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck Do not overfill Wipe off any
spilled oil or fue! 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
o Sit on seat in operating position, de-
press clutch!brake pedal and set park-
ing brake.
• Place motion control lever in neutral (N)
position
o Move attachment clutch to "DISEN-
GAGED" position.
o Move throttle control to fast position
o Pull choke control out for acold engine
start attempt. For a warm engine start at-
tempt the choke control may not be
needed
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and
cold starting procedures below
o insert key into ignition and turn key
clockwise to "START" position and re-
lease key as soon as engine starts. Do
not run starter continuously for more
than fifteen seconds per minute If the
engine does not start after several at-
tempts, push choke control in, wait a
few minutes and try again If engine still
does not start, pull the choke control out
and retry
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F
AND ABOVE)
°When engine starts, slowly push choke
control in until the engine begins to run
smoothly. If the engine starts to run
roughly, pull the choke control out
slightly for a few seconds and then con-
tinue to push the control in slowly
= The attachments and ground drive can
now be used If the engine does not ac_
cept the load, restart the engine and al-
low it to warm up for one minute using
the choke as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° FAND
BELOW)
o When engine starts, slowly push choke
control in until the engine begins to run
smoothly. Continue to push the choke
control in small steps allowing the en-
gine to accept small changes in speed
and load, until the choke control is fully
in If the engine starts to run roughly, pull
the choke control out slightly for a few
seconds and then continue to push the
control in slowly This may require an
engine warm_up period from several
seconds to several minutes, depending
on the temperature
15

AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONWARM-UP
o Beforedrivingthe unitin coldweather,
thetransmissionshouldbe warmedup
. asfollows: .....
• Besurethetractoris on levelground
o Placethe motioncontro!leverin neu_
traLReleasethe parkingbrakeand
let the clutch/brake slowly return to
operating position.
° Allow one minute for transmission to
warm up This can be done during
the engine warm up period.
o The attachments can be used during
the engine warm-up period after the
transmission has been warmed up and
may require the choke control be
pulled out slightly.
NOTE: A high altitude (above 3000 feet)
or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the
carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best enqine performance.
See 'qO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual
PURGE 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
transmission 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-
tion before operating the tractor_
° Place tractor safely on level surface
with engine off and parking brake set.
o Disengage transmission by placing
freewheel control in freewheeling posi-
tion (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this sec-
tion of manual).
o Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine.
After the engine is running, move
throttle control to slow position. With
motion control lever in neutral (N) posi_
tion, slowly disengage clutch/brake
pedal
• Move motion control lever to full for-
ward position and hold for five (5) sec-
onds. 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
system
o Move motion control lever to neutral (N)
position Shut off engine and set park-
ing brake.
o Engage transmission by placing free-
wheel control in driving position (See
"TO TRANSPORT" in this section of
manual)
o Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine.
After the engine is running, move
throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With
motion control lever i,_ 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
procedure with the motion control lever
three (3) times_
o Your tractor is now purged and ready
for normal operation..

MOWING'TIPS
o Mowershouldbe properlyleveled for
best mowing performance, See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Ser-
vice and Adjustments section of this
manual.
o The left hand side of mower should be
used for trimming,
= Drive so that clippings are discharged
onto the area that has been cuL Have
the cut area to the right of the tractor
This will result in a more even distribu-
tion of clippings and more uniform cut-
ting
° 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
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be
mowed twice to reduce load and pos-
sible 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 be-
fore mowing.
o 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 low 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
F
i
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 recut
the grass clippings many times and re-
duce 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 re-
cutting action of the blades.
o Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet
Wet grass tends to form clumps and in-
terferes 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
o 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.
°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 will help prevent matting and
graining of the lawn
Max 1/3
17

•r
AsYOUCOMPLETE
"BGU RSE"V'OE / ERVlCE DATES
Check Blake Operation _4
Check Tire Pressure _
Check Operator Presence and
TInterlock Systems
R Check tot Loose Fasteners 6##_z _4
Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _#4
Lubrication Chart _ 1_
0 Check Battery Level
RClean Battery and Terminals _f _4
\/ Check Transax,e Cooling _4
Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension Ks
Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension _#'s
Check Engine O_1Level _
Change Engine Oil _.2,= _4
F: Clean Air Filter _
N CleanAtr Screen _
G Inspect Muffler/SparkArrester _#
Replace Oil Fitter (If equipped) _.2
N Clean Engine Cooling Fins _2
Replace Spark Plug _#
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge _#2
Replace Fuel Fillet _4
I Change more orion when oporalEng under a hea Wi_d or in high amblonl lempotature_ 5 If equipped _th ndiustable _y_lem
2 Se_ce m_re _flen w_en opot_ling in di_bl or dusty _nd_ien_
3If equipped wilh o41fitlor, dlealge oll every 50 hour,s¸
4Replace btadrJ_ mole oI1onwhon mowing ir__andy _oiF
6Nol roqulrod ff equipped _th melntonenoe,lreo ballot
7 • ]3ghten fto_l axle pivot boll Io 35 fl -Ibr* mt_tmura
Do hal m'ertightor_
GENERAL RECOIV1M ENDATIONS
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 periodically to properly main-
tain your tractor
All adjustments in the Service and Ad-
justments section of this manual should
be checked at least once each season
• Once a year you should replace the
spark plug, clean or replace air filter,
and check blades and belts for wear. A
new spark plug and clean air filter as-
sure proper air-fuel mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer:
BEFORE EACH USE
. Check engine oil level
o Check brake operation
• Check tire pressure.
o Check operator presence and inter-
lock systems for proper operation.
oCheck for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION CHART
® Spindle ----1 -------_F--- Spindle ®
Zerk ,r*_"t I1_ Zerk
®
Front Wheel "_!_ /i !.,_-=' Front Wheel®
Bearing zerk , F'] Bearing Zerk
Engine (_) !;_ "-_J'f-}'%" I ,
®General Purpose Grease
@)Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" Section
IMPORTANT: Do not oi! or grease the pivot
points which have special nylon bearings.
Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt
that will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-
ing bearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.

TRACTOR
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenper-
forminganymaintenance
BRAKE OPERATION
If tractor requires more than six (6) feet
stopping distance at high speed in high-
est gear, then brake must be adjusted.
(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual)
TIRES
. Maintain proper air pressure in all tires
(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual).
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rub-
ber
oAvoid 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.
OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
Be sure that operator presence and inter-
lock systems are working properly If your
tractor does not function as described be-
low, repair the problem immediately.
o The engine should not start unless the
clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed
and attachment clutch control is in the
disengaged position
• When the engine is running, any at-
tempt by the operator to leave the seat
without first setting the parking brake
should shut off the engine
•When the engine is running and the at-
tachment clutch is engaged, any at-
tempt by the operator to leave the seat
should shut off the engine.
oThe attachment clutch should never op-
erate unless the operator is in the seat
BLADE CARE
For best results mower blades must be
kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.
BLADE REMOVAL
o Raise mower to highest position to at-
low 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.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,
center hole in blade must align with star
on mandrel assembly
o Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and
flat washer in exact order as shown
° Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft Lbs
torque)
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated
Trailing Mandrel Assembly
Edge Blade Center
Hole
Flat Washer
Lock
Washer'_j
Hex Bolt (Grade 8)
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing 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 mowen
, To check blade balance, you will need
a 5/8" diameter steel belt, pin, or a cone
balancer (When using a cone balancer,
follow the instructions supplied with bal-
ancer) o
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.
5/8" Bolt %ade
or Pin
BATTERY
Your tractor has a battery charging system
which is sufficient for normal use. How-
ever, periodic charging of the battery with
an automotive charger will extend its life.
o Keep battery and terminals clean.
° Keep battery bolts tight
. 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 cover&
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
19

- DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirst
then RED batterycableandremove
batteryfromtractor
oRinsethebattery'withplainwater and
dry
o Cleanterminalsandbatterycableends
withwire brushuntilbright.
o Coatterminalswithgreaseor petro-
leumjelly.
Reinstallbattery(See"REPLACING
BATTERY"intheSERVICEANDAD-
JUSTMENTSsectionof thismanual),
V°BELTS
CheckV-beltsfordeteriorationandwear
after 100hoursof operationandreplaceif
necessary,Thebeltsarenotadjustable.
Replacebeltsiftheybeginto slipfrom
wear.
..TRA_COOLING __
Thetransmissionfan andcoolingfins
shouldbe keptcleanto assureproper
cooling,
Donotattempttocleanfanortransmis-
sionwhileengineis runningor whilethe
transmissionishot.Topreventpossible
damageto seals,do notusehigh pres-
surewateror steamto cleantransaxle_
o Inspectcoolingfanto besurefan
bladesare intactandclean.
• Inspectcoolingfinsfordirt,grass
clippingsandothermaterials.To
preventdamageto seals,do notuse
compressedair or highpressure
sprayerto cleancoolingfins,.
TRANSAXLEPUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory
and fluid maintenance is not required for
the life of the transaxle. Should the
transaxte ever leak or require servicing,
contact your nearest authorized service
center/departmenL
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Only use high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SG or
SH_ Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature
J I _VISOOSI_ G_{AD55I
I ........ I
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc) improve starting in
cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°E Check your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil
Change the oil after every 50 hours of op =
eration or at least once a year if the tractor
is not used for 50 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 SH
o Be sure tractor is on level surface,
° Oil will drain more freely when warm
= Catch oil in asuitable container,
o Remove oil fill cap/dipstick Be careful
not to allow dirt to enter the engine
when changing oil
= Remove drain plug.
° After oit has drained completely, re-
place oil drain plug and tighten se-
curely,
Scr_ Oil Drain Plug
Air
o,,
Dipstick ._
Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip-
stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill
For approximate capacity see "PROD-
UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this
manual
° Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for
checking level Be sure dipstick cap is
tightened securely for accurate reading
Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick_
CLEAN AIR SCREEN
Air screen must be kept free of dirt and
chaff to prevent engine damage from
overheating, Clean with a wire brush or
compressed air to remove dirt and stub-
born dried gum fibers.
ENGINE COOLING FINS
Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine
cooling fins to prevent engine damage
from overheating. Air guide covers must
be removed. Remove side panels and
hood (See 'qO REMOVE HOOD AND
GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the Service and Ad-
justments section of this manual).
Clean These Areas of Dirt and Debris