Craftsman EZ3 917.256711 User manual

SEARS
I:RaFTZHoN°
MODEL NUMBER 917.256711 OWNER'SMANUAL
•Assembly
•Operation
•Customer Responsibilities
•Service and Adjustments
•Repair Parts
CAUTION: Read and follow all safe_y rules arid instructions before operating this equipment.
FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOT LINE, CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-659-5917

SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area isclear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengem.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mewing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
atrailer or truck.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in seve re injury ordeath.
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO: Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tafl 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.
Fellow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turnonslopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly 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 not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume 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.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV, SERVICE
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• 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 nec-
essary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut_ Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake ol_pration frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONII! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
2
WARNING A
The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Cen-
ter/Department. We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians 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 propedy.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
qUMBER 917.256711
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE
THEMODELANDSERIALNUMBERSWILLBEFOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASEAND KEEPIN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears maintenance agreement is available on this prod-
uct, Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining,caringforand
using your tractor.
Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: t8.0
GASOLINE CAPACITY 3.5 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS
W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RV17YC
GAP; .030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: ' .003" - .006"
EXHAUST: .013" - .016"
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 5.5
REVERSE: 2.4
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 15 AMPS @3600RPM
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT. LBS.
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-
ered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped
with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws
(if any). tf a spark arrester isused, 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).
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according
to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any p_rts found to be defective in material or
workmanship. I
This Warranty does not cover:
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc.
Tire replacement 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 accident 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 batter_ included with this dding equipment proves defective in material or
workmanship and our testing determines the J3attery will not hold e charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge.
IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOLhR 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 OE PURCHASE, WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY TAKING YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT TO
YOUR NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER. (IN_-NOME3N_RRANTY SERVICE WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 30 DAYS
PROM 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 dghts, and _/o{Jmay also have other rights which may vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 17-20
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................... 5
ASSEMBLY ............................................................. 7-10
OPERATION .......................................................... 11-16
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 16
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 21-27
STORAGE ................................................................... 28
TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................... 29-30
REPAIR PARTS -TRACTOR ................................ 32-47
REPAIR PARTS -ENGINE .................................... 50-55
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ............... BACK COVER
INDEX A
Accessories ........................................... 5
Adjustments:
Brake ............................................. 23
Carburetor .................................... 27
Mower
Front-To-Back ......................... 22
Side-To-Side ........................... 22
Throttle Control Cable .................. 27
Air Filter, Engine .................................. 20
Air Screen, Engine .............................. 19
Assembly .......................................... 7-10
B
Battery:
charging ......................................... 8
Cleaning ....................................... 18
Preparation .................................... 8
Storage ........................................ 28
TerminaLs ..................................... 18
Belt: Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement ........... 24
Mower Belt(s)
Removal/Replacement ........... 23
Blade:
Sharpening .................................. 18
Replacement ................................ 18
Brake Adjustment ................................ 23
C
Carburetor Adjustment ........................ 27
Controls, Tractor ................................. 12
Customer Responsibilities ............. 17-20
Engine:
Air Filter .................................... 20
Air Screen .......................... ,..... 19
Cooling Fins ............................. 20
Engine Oil ........................... 14,19
Fuel Filter ................................. 20
Spark Plug(s) ........................... 20
Tractor:
Battery ...................................... 18
Blade ........................................ 18
Lubrication Chad ..................... 17
Maintenance Schedule ............ 17
Tire Care .......................... 8,18,25
Transaxle ................................. 19
Cutting Height, Mower ........................ 13
E
Electrical:
Interlocks and Relays .................. 26
Schematic .................................... 31
Wiring Diagram ............................ 32
Engine:
Air Filter ........................................ 20
Air Screen .................................... 19
Cooling Fins ................................. 20
Oil Change ................................... 19
Oil Level ....................................... 19
Oil Type ................................... 14,19
Preparation .................................. 14
Repair Parts ............................ 50-55
Starting ......................................... 14
Storage ........................................ 28
F
Filter:
Air Filter ........................................ 20
Fuel .............................................. 20
Fuel:Type ............................................. 15
Storage ........................................ 28
Fuse .................................................... 26
H
Hood Removal/Installation .................. 26
L
Leveling Mower Deck .......................... 22
Lubrication:
Chad ............................................ 17
Engine .......................................... 19
M
Maintenance Schedule ....................... 17
Mower:
Adjustment, Front-to-Back ........... 22
Adjustment, Side-to-Side ............. 22
Blade Replacement ..................... 18
Blade Sharpening ........................ 18
Cutting Height .............................. 13,
Installation .................................... 21
Operation ..................................... 14
Removal ....................................... 21
Mowing Tips ........................................ 16
Muffler ................................................. 20
Spark Arre_ter ........................... 3,40
Oil: O
Cold Weather Conditions ........ 13,19
Engine .......................................... 19
Storage ........................................ 28
Operation ....... :............................... 11-16
Operating Mower ................................ 14
Options:
Accessories .................................... 5
Spark Arrester ........................... 3,40
P
Parking Brake ................................ 12-13
Parts Bag .............................................. 6
Parts, Replacement/Repair ......... ... 32-47
Product Specifications .......................... 3
R
Repair Parts ................................... 32-47
S
Safety Rules .......................................... 2
Seat ....................................................... 8
Service and Adjustments ............... 21-27
Carburetor .................................... 27
Fuse ............................................. 26
Hood Removal/Installation ........... 26
Motion Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ........... 24
Mower Be_t(s)
Removal/Replacement ........... 23
Mower Adjustment
Front-to-Back .......................... 22
Side-to-Side ............................ 22
Mower Removal/Instal[ation ......... 21
Tire Care .............................. 8,18,25
Slope Guide Sheet .............................. 59
Spark Plug(s) ...................................... 20
_pecifications ........................................ 3
Starling the Engine ............................. 15
Steering Wheel ................................ 7,25
Stopping the Tractor ........................... 13
Storage ................................................ 28
T
Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ...... 27
Tires ............................................ 8,18,25
Trouble Shooting Chart .....=............ 29-30
Transaxle ............................................ 19
W
Warranty................................................ 3
Wiring Diagram ................................... 32
Wiring Schematic ..............................._31
4

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased.
Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG GAS CAN
<fENGINE OIL
A
2
FUEL STABILIZER AIR FILTER
%
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
PERFORMANCE
Sears offers awide variety of attachments that fit your tractor. Many ofthese are listed below with brief explanations of hqw they can help
you, This list was current at the time of publication; however, it may change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes
may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available or fit your model. Contact your nearest Sears store for the
accessories and attachments that are available for your tractor,
Most of these attachments do not require additional hitches or conversion kits (those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy
attaching and detaching.
AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn. Ta-
pered 2.5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs
puncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in.
Steel weight tray for increased penetration.
BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and leaves for a
healthier, nearer looking lawn. Two Permanex containers hold
30-gaflon plastic bags.
BUMPER protects front end of tractor from damage.
CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes available, plus
accessories such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover,
protective mat and dolly.
CORING AERATOR takes small plugs out of soil to allow mois-
ture and nutrients to reach grass roots. 36-inch swath. 24
hardened steel coring tips. 150 lb. capacity weight tray.
EASY OIL DRAIN VALVE makes oil changes easier, faster.
FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters infront of mower deck to reduce
chances of =scalping" on uneven terrain.
GANG HITCH letsyou tow2or3 pull-behind attachments at once,
such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with rollers,
carts or other heavy attachments).
GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce
chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain. For mower decks notso
equipped.
MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soiland flips thatch and
matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup. Twenty spring tine
teeth. Usefultopreparebareareasforseeding. Availablefor front
or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION
SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 36-inch wide path and
tosses thatch into large hopper. Mounts behind tractor.
MULCHING CLOSE-OUT PLATE KIT, once installed, lets you
mulch, discharge or bag clippings (bagger optional) without
changing blades. For models not equipped as 3-in-1 Convertible
mowers. See "MOWER" in the Repair Pairs section of |his
manual.
RAMP TOPS AND FEET let you load and unload tractor from a
pickup truck. Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 lumber:
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch
diameter water-tight drum holds upto 390 Ibs. of weight. Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf. Adjustable scraper automatically
cleans drum.
SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14-inch high, 48-inch wide
blade clears 42-inch path when angled left or right. Raises, lowers
withside lever. Adjustable skids; repJaceable, reversible scraper
bar. (Use with tire chains and wheel weights and/or rear drawbar
weight.)
SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath. Drum-type auger handles
powdery and wet/heavy snow. Mounts easily with simpie pin
arrangement. Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat. 6-inch
diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet. Liftcontrolled at
tractor seat. (Use with chains and wheel weights and/or rear
drawbar weight.)
SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that connects to the
tractor battery or other 12-volt source. Includes booms for
automatic spraying and hand held wand for spot spraying. Wand
has adjustable spray pattern. For applying herbicides, insecti-
cides, fungicides and liquid fertifizers.
SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed kill-
ing easy. Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular de-
icers and sand.
SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves.
TILLER has 5 hp engine and 36-inch swath to prepare seed beds,
cultivate and compost garden residue. Tiller has its own built-in
liftand depth control system and does NOT require a sleeve hitch.
Fits any lawn, yard or garden tractor. Simply hook up to the tractor
drawbar and go! _ptional accessories convert unit for
dethatching, aerating,_pilling...without tools.
TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extra-large cross
links give smooth ride, outstanding traction.
TRACTOR CAB" has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel
frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree
visibility. Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm
and dry. Remove vinyl sides and windshields for use as sun
protector in summer. Optional accessories include: tinted/
tempered solid safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper;
12-volt amber caution light for mounting on cab top.
VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and leaves.
Optional wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach
places. VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder.
WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications.
Uses (1) 55 lb. weight.
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snow removal or dozing heavy materials.
5

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Parts Bag contents shown full size
(1) Knob
(1) Shoulder Bolt
5/16-18
I
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
ainer Springs (double loop)
(4) Retainer Springs (single loop)
s #10 x 5/8
(2) Lock Washers #10
(2) Washers #10_
(_ 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge
(2) Weld Nuts
ts 1/4-20 x 3/4@
( (2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
Lock Washers 1/4 _lr.l_2)
(2) Washers
9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga.
Parts packed separately in carton
Seat
Video
Cassette
\Mulcher
Steering Plate
Wheel
Manual Parts Bag
Parts bag contents not shown full size
(2) Shoulder Q
Bolts
(2) Center-
(2) Washers 3/8 lock Nuts
x 7/8 x 14'Gauge
1_(2) Front Link Assemblies
(2) Gauge
Wheels
_(2) Latch Hook
Assembly
Slope Sheet
(2) Keys
Steering
Wheel
Insert
6
Steering
Sleeve

ASSEMBLY
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 tractor, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(!) 9/16" wrench
(1) 1/2" wrench
Utility knife
Tire pressure gauge
(2) 7/16" wrench
(1) 3/4" socket w/drive
ratchet
(1) Phillips Screwdriver
When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (seated
behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton (See page 6).
•Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners
of carton, and lay panels flat.
• Remove mower and packing materials.
• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
• Remove Iocknut and large flat washer from steering
shaft.
Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward.
Slide the steering sleeve over the steering shaft.
Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide onto adapter.
Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with Iocknut
and large flat washer previously removed. Tighten
securely.
Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel.
Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.
t_._ STEERING
WHEEL INSERT
r_.._._ LOCKNUT
- /LARGEFLAT
_'-" WASHER
WHEEL
STEERING
/
/
/__,-
//_i/
//
II i1 I I
/
FIG. 1
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation
section for location and function of controls)
• Press liftlever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to
its highest position.
• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal.
•Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to
disengage tran_mission (See "TO TRANSPORT" in
the Operation se_ction of this manual).
• Roll tractor backwards off skid,
7

ASSEMBLY
CONNECT BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
&CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-
nals. Before connecting battery, re-
move metal bracelets, wristwatch
bands, rings, etc.
Positive terminal must be connected
first to prevent sparking from acciden-
tal grounding.
•Lift hood to raised position.
Open terminal access doors, remove terminal protec-
tive caps and discard.
If this battery is put into service after month and year
indicated on label (label located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery
terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut as shown. Tighten securely.
Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) battery
terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock
washer and hex nut. Tighten securely.
Close terminal access doors•
Use terminal access doors for:
• Inspection for secure connectbns (to tighten hard-
ware),
Inspection for corrosion.
Testing battery.
Jumping (if required).
Periodic charging.
LOCK FLAT
HEX NUT WASHER WASHER
HEX
DOLT
DISCARD TERMINAL
PROTECTIVE CAPS
•o.-
TERMINAL _"".',' I ':,
ACCESS _
DOOR
4
-%, i
"",% i
POSITIVE
(RED)
CABLE
r
NEGATIVE
(BLACK)
CABLE
FIG. 2
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
• Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt.
• Assemble adjustment knob and fiat washer loosely•
Do not tighten•
Tighten shoulder bolt securely.
• Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.
Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to. press.clutch_rake pedal all the way
down.
Get off seat without moving its adjusted position•
• Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
SEAT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 3
FLAT WASHER
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor we re overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual•
CHECK BRAKE'_YSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see
that the brake is properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
8

ASSEMBLY
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT (See
Figs. 4and 7)
Be sure tractor is on level surface and mower suspension
arms are raised with attachment liftcontrol. Engage park-
ing brake,
•Cut and remove ties securing anti-sway bar and belts.
Swing anti-sway bar to left side of mower deck.
• Slide mower under tractor with discharge guard to right
side of tractor,
IMPORTANT: CHECK BELT FOR PROPER ROUTING IN
ALL MOWER PULLEY GROOVES. INSTALL BELT INTO
ELECTRIC CLUTCH PULLEY GROOVE.
Install one front link in top hole of the R.H. front mower
bracket and R.H. front suspension bracket. Retain with
two single loop retainer springs as shown.
Install second front link in L.H. front suspension bracket
only and retain with single loop retainer spring as
shown.
Turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise until it
stops.
Lower mower linkage with attachment lift control.
Place the L.H. suspension arm on inward pointing deck
pin. If necessary, rock and raise front of mower to align
deck pin with the hole in suspension arm. Retain with
double loop retainer springs with loops down as shown.
Slide left side of mower back and install the.unattached
front link in top hole of the L.H. front mower bracket.
Retain with single loop retainer spring as shown.
Place the R.H. suspension arm on inward pointing
deck pin. If necessary, rock and raise front of mower
to align deck pin with the hole in suspension arm.
Retain with double loop retainer springs with loops
down as shown.
• Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket under left
footrest and retain with double loop retainer spring.
• Turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove
slack from mower suspension.
• Raise mower to highest pos_tion_
• Assemble gauge wheels (See "TO ADJUST GAUGE
WHEELS" in the Operation section of this manual).
CHECK MOWER LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower 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 thefigures thatare shown for replacing motion, mower
drive, and mower blade drive belts in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts
are routed correctly.
ELECTRIC
CLUTCH
PULLEY
FRONT
,SUSPENSION
BRACKETS
DOUBLE LOOP
RETAINER SPRING
CHASSIS (outward pointing
BRACKET deck pins)
SUSPENSION
ARMS FRONT
MOWER
BRACKET
SHOULDER
BOLT
GAUGE
WHEEL
_8WASHER
3_-16
CENTER
LOCKNUT
/
DOUBLELOOP
RETAINER
SPRING
ANTI-SWAY
BA_
PULLEY
FIG. 4
SINGLE
LOOP
RETAINER
SPRINGS
DISCHARGE GUARD
9

ASSEMBLY
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Figs. 5 and 6)
•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.
• Tighten hardware securely.
• Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck
opening and slide into place, as shown.
Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck.
• Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
ACAUTION: 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.
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher 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.
WELD NUT
FROM THE TOP,
HOOK POINTS
DOWN
LOCK
WASHER
WELD SCREW
NUT _
LATCH
HOOK
WASHER
MULCHER
PLATE
LOCK
WASHER
WASHER
_-'--SCREW
WELD
NUT
FIG. 5
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
i;_s l" !' ,
HOOKS
FiG. 6
,/'CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRACTOR, WE WISH TOASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SA TISFA CTION FROM
THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.
,/ No remaining loose parts in carton.
,/ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum
1 hour at 6 amps).
,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
,/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,
the tires were overinflated at the factory).
,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/
front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).
,/ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed
properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
,/ Check wiring. See that alt connections are still secure
and wires are p_operly clamped.
,/ Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel 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.
J Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
,/ It is important to purge the transmission before you
operate your new tractor for the first time. Follow
proper starting and transmission purging instructions
(See "TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMIS-
SION" in Operation section ofthis manual).
10