Craftsman EZ3 917.259560 User manual

®
MODEL 917.259560 OWNER'SMANUAL
oAssembly
oOperation
. Customer Responsibilities
®Service and Adjustments
,Repair Parts
CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and 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.,
1, GENERAL OPERATION
,, Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
,, Onty 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 passengers.
° Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always
took down and behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone De not operate the mower without either-the
entire grass catcher or' the guard in place
= Slow down before turning
° Never leave a running machine unatteilded_ Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting
° Turn off blades when not mowing.
o 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 wl_n operating near or crossing roadways
•Use extra care _Jhenloading or unloadir j the machine into
a trailer or' truck,
ii. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
flpover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution, tf 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 Tall grass can hide obstacles
° Use slow speed. Choose a Iow gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
° Follow 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 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 slowty straight down the
slope,
DO NOT:
•Donot turn on slopes uniess necessary, and then, turn slowiy
and gradualIy 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 dilch, or if an edge caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction coufd cause
sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
°Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
2
I11. 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 ofthe 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 fuel& 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 coot 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 operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions, It means
CAUTIONIIf BECOME ALERT!I! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
iii i ii I i , ii i I ' II iiii i iiii iiiiiiiiiiii
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and placewire where itcannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.
A WARNUNG A
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.
_/,ul

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 probtem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service CentedDepartmenL We have competent, well-
trained technicians 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".
MODEL
NUMBER 917o259560
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS"WILL BE FOUND _
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-
uct, Contact your nearest Sears store for details°
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Read and observe the safety rules.
• FoJlow aregu}ar schedule in maintaining, cadng for and
using your tractor.
, Followthe instructions under"Customer Responsibili-
ties" 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
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-
ered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 19.5
GASOLINE CAPACITY 3.5 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (APt-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) ...,'4
OIL CAPACITY: &0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM
(GAP: 030")
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004" - .006"
EXHAUST: .007" - .009"
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:
1st 1,.1
2nd t.5
3rd 23
4th 3 5
5th 4.4
6th 57
REVERSE: 1.7
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PS1
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMPtHR: 30
MIN, CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT, LBS,
with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws
(if any). If a spark arrestor Jsused, Jtshould be maintained
in effective working order by the operator°
In the state of California the aboveqs required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Pubtic 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/
Department (See REPA1R 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 parts found to be detective 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, etc.
o 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 battery included with this dding 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
1N-HOME WARRANTY 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 Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBLJCK AND CO,, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
.... _ ................................... iii1! II IL'I'II .... ii ,i,
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15-19
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 4
INDEX ............................................................................ 4
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................... 5
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 7-9
OPERATION ........................................................... 10-14
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 20-25
STORAGE ................................................................... 26
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 27-28
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. 30-47
REPAIR PARTS -ENGINE .................................... 48-53
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................. BACK PAGE
iNDEX A
Accessories .................................................5
Adjustments:
Brake .......................................................22
Carburetor- .............................................25
Mower:
Front-To-Back ........................1o.21
Side*To-Side .....................................21
Throttle Control Cable ....................24
Air Filter, Engine .................................... 18
Air Screen, Engine .............................. 18
Assembly ............................................. 7-9
B
Battery:
Charging ................................................7-8
Cieaning ...................................... 17
Connecting .................................. 7-8
Starting with Weak Battery ...........23
Storage ........................................ 26
Terminals ............................................17
Belts:
Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement .............22
Mower Blade Drive
Removal/Replacement .............22
Blade:
Sharpening ..........................................t6
Replacement ....................................16
Brake Adjustment ................................. 22
C
Carburetor Adjustment ........................ 25
Controls, Tractor .................................... 1t
Customer Responsibilities ...............15-19
Engine:
Air Filter ................................... 18
Air Screen, Engine .................... 18
Battery ............................................17
Cooling Fins, Engine ................. 18
Engine Oil ......................................17
Fuel Filter _.....................................19
Spark Plugs ...................................19
Tractor:
Blades ..................................... 16
Lubrication Chart .........................15
Maintenance Schedule ..............15
Tire Care .......................... 8,t6,23
Cutting Height, Mower ....................... 12
E
Electrical:
Interlocks and Relays ....................24
Schematic ...........................................29
Widng Diagram ...............................30
Engine:
Air Filter...........;.................................... 18
Air Screen .............................................18
Cooling Fins, Engine .........................18
Oil Change ........................................17
Oil Level ..................................... 13,17
Oil Type ..............................................17
Preparation ......................................13
Repair Parts .................................48-53
Starting ...............................................14
Storage ................................................26
F
Filters:
Air. ........................................................18
Fuel .........................................................19
Fuel:Type .......................................................13
Storage ...............................................26
Fuse ....................................................... 24
G
Gauge Wheels ....................................... 8
H
Hood Removal/Installation ....................24
L
Leveling Mower Deck ..............................21
Lubrication Chart ................................... 15
M
Maintenance Schedule .............................15
Mower:
Adjustment, Front4o-Back ........... 21
Adjustment, Side-to*Side ............ 21
Blade Sharpening ............................16
Blade Replacement ..........................16
Cutting Height ................................ 12
Installation ............................................20
Operation ...................................... 13
Removal ...........................................20
Mowing Tips .................................................14
Mufftet. ........................................................t 9
Spark Arrester ...............................3,40
Mulcher Plate .............................................9
4
O
Oil: Cold Weather Conditions ........ 13,17
Engine .......................................................17
Storage ....................................................26
Operation ...................................................11-14
Operating Mower .................................. 13
Options:
Accessories .................................... 5
Spark Arrester ............................ 3,40
P
Parking Brake ..............................................11-12
Parts Bag ...........................................................6
Pads, ReplacemenlJRepair ................30-47
Product Specifications ......................................3
R
Repair Parts ..........................................30-47
S
Safety Rules ........................................................2
Seat ...............................................................8
Service and Adjustments ................20-25
Brake .......................................................22
Carburetor'. ......................................................25
Fuse ............................................................24
Hood Removal/Installation ............24
Mofion Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ........... 22
Mower Blade Drive Bel!
Removal/Replacement ...................22
Mower Adjustment:
Front*to-Back ........................... 21
Side-to-Side ........................................21
Mower Installation .................................20
Mower' Removal ............................. 20
Tire Care ..................................8,16,23
Slope Guide Sheet ..................................55
Spark Plugs ..............................................19
Specifications .........................................................3
Starling the Engine ........................ 13-14
Steering Wheel ......................................7,23
Stopping the Tractor ....................................12
Storage ......................................................26
T
Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ..... 24
Tires .....................................................8,16,23
Trouble Shooting Chart ............................27-28
Transaxle Repair Parts .........................46-47
W
Warranty ..................................................... 3
Wiring Diagram .........................................30
Wiring Schematic .................................. 29

i, ,i.................... , i ii,llll,l,,n,i i,l_,lll i, nlll,lll,,,,,ll,l,nlll,,,i,,n,,lll
ACCESSOR AND ATTACHMENTS
........illl,ll,lll, iir Li ll,iI,II,,H
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 ENGINEOIL FUEL STABILIZER AIR FILTER
%
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
PERFORMANCE
Sears offers a wide variety ofattachments that fit your tractor. Many of these are fisted below with brier explanations of how they can help
you. Th s 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 b_ available or fityour model, Contact your nearest Sears store for the
accessories and attachments that' are a_vailable 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 steet 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, neater looking lawn, Two Permanex containers hold
30-gallon plastic bags..
BUMPER protects front end of tractor from damage.
CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes avaitable, plus
accessories such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover,
protective mat and doily,.
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_ t50 tb,.capacity weight tray.
EASY OIL DRAIN VALVE makes oil changes easier, faster.
FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters in front of mower deck to reduce
chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain.
GANG HITCH lets you tow 2 or3 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 not so
equipped.
MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and
matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup. Twenty spring tine
teeth. Useful to prepare bare areas forseeding, Available for front
or rear mounting, HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION
SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 36-inch wide path and
tosses thatch into farge 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 Parts section of this
manual.
RAMP TOPS AND FEET let you load and unload tractor from a
pickup truck, Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x t0 lumber.
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch
diameterwater4ightdrum holdsupto3901bs, ofweight. Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf Adjustable scraper automatically
cleans drum,
SNOW BLADE forsnow removal only. 14-inch high, 48-inch wide
blade clears 42-inch path when angled left or right. Raises, lowers
with side Iever.. Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversible scraper
bar. (Use with tire chains and wheel weights andtor rear drawbar
weighL)
SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath. Drum-type auger handles
powdery and wet/heavy snow. Mounts easily with simple pin
arrangement. Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat. 6-inch
diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet. Lift controlled 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, insectF
cides, fungicides and liquid fertilizers,
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 builtqn
lift and depth control system and does NOT require asleeve hitch_
Fits any lawn, yard orgarden tractor Simply hook up to the tractor
drawbar and go! Optional accessories convert unit for
dethatching, aerating, hiIfing ..without tool&.
TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty', closety spaced extra-large cross
links give smooth ride, outstanding traction..
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubuEar steel
frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree
visibility. Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm
and dry. Remove vinyt sides and windshields for use as sun
protector in summer_ Optional accessories include: tinted/
tempered solid safety glass windshie[d with hand operated wiper;
12-volt amber caution Lightfor 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 (t) 55 lb, weight.
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snow removal or dozing heavy materials,
5

CONTENTS OF HA DWARE PACK
Parts Bag contents shown full size
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
©
(1) Large Flat Washer
11)Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x lq/4
(1) Lockwasher 3/8
@
(1) Locknut 5/16-18
llll ii ii ,i i i
(1) Shoulder (1) Hex Bolt
Boft 5/16-18 1/2-13 x 1
(1) Washer
17/32 x
1-3/!6°x 12
Gauge (1) Lock Washer 1/2
_@(2) Lock
Was'_r 0
(2) Washers
3/16 x 3/4
x 16 Gauge
(2) Screws
#10 x 5/8
(2) Weld
Nuts #10
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4
(¢ @
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
(2) Washers 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge
(2) Lock Washers 1/4
Parts packed separately in carton
Seat
Video
Cassette
Steering
Wheel
Manual
Mulcher
Plate
Steering
Boot Parts Bag
t
$
$
Parts bag contents not shown full size
(2) Shoulder
Bolts
Steering Wheel
Adapter
©
©
(2) Center-
lock Nuts
(2) Washers 3/8
x 7/8 x 14 Gauge
(2) Gauge
Wheels
,,f--_, (2) Keys
"_' '_ "\ /Steering
Latch Hook Wheel
Assernblys Insert
Slope Sheet C
Steering
Extension
Shaft
6

ASSENIBLY
............................................................................................ i i
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 alt parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securelyo 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,
(I) 3/4" Socket w/drive rachet
(2) 7/16" wrenches Phillips Screwdriver
(2) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge
(1) 9/16" wrench Utility knife
When right or 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 al! four corners
of carton, and lay panels flat,,
oCheck for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove°
_-BEFORE ROLMNGTRACTOR OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT
- Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft, Align
mounting holes in extension and lower shafts and
install 5/t6 hex bolt and locknuto Tighten securely_
IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO
18-22 FT, LBS TORQUE,,
°Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and
push down to secure,
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
o Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward,,
°Slide steering wheel adapter onto steering shaft exten-
sion.
• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.,
. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3t8 hex
bolt and tighten securely°
° Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel_
° Remove protective materials 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
STEERING
WHEEL
LARGE FLAT
WASHER
STEERING
BOOT
FIG. 1
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation
section for location and function of controls)
• Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment _ift!ever to
its highest position_
• Release parking brake by depressing ctu_ca!brake
pedal,
• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position,
° Roll tractor backwards off skid
• Remove banding holding discharge guard up against
tractor,
7

ASSE LY
SEAT
SEAT PAN
FLAT WASH ER
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CONNECT BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
iiiiii i1,,i i, II I
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,
remove 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 (-) bat-
tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock
washer and hex nut. Tighten securety_
• Close terminal access doors.
Use terminal access doors for:
= Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard-
ware),
ADJUSTMENT
BOLT LOCK WASHER
FIG. 3
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were ovefinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance_
• Reduce tire pressure to PSi shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
• Inspection for corrosion..
= Testing battery.
= Jumping (if required).,
•Periodic charging.
DISCARD TERMINAL
PROTECTIVE CAPS
,,,
TERMINAL "" _t
ACCESS
DOOR ;
t*
LOCK FLAT
WASHER WASHER
HEX NUT
b
lil NEGATIVE
!,(BLACK)
": _:: CABLE
POSITIVE
(RED)
CABLE
FIGo2
HEX
BOLT
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig, 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.
= Remove cardboard packing on seat pan°
•P;ace seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual, Verify that the belts are routed
correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see
that the brake is properly adjusted,, See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual
ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO MOWER
DECK (See Fig. 4)
The gauge wheels are designed to keep the mower deck in
proper position when operating mower. Be sure they are
properly adjusted to ensure optimum mower performance,
. Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on a fiat level
surface
o Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO AD-
JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation
section of this manual),.
• Assemble adjustment bolt, lock washer and fiat washer
loosely Do net tighten
° Tighten shoulder bolt securely,
° Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat
• Slide seat unlil a comior[able position _sreached which
allows you to press clutchtbrake oedal all the way
i!c,.*,n
•_et off se2,i vltt_out moving l[s adjus_.eu position
• _aise so-,: ar>d t!ghten sd;ustment bcl securely
o With mower Jn desired height of cut position, gauge
wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the
_mund Instant gauge wheel in appropriate n::_e ', :_:
shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and
tighten securely
• Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in
_ame aalL._slmen_ioe

ii iiiiii ,11IIH"I,
ASSEM LY
GAUGE WHEEL
MOUNTING
BRACKET
318-16
LOCKNUT
318" WASHER
GAUGE WHEEL"
FIG. 4
SHOULDER BOLT
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(See Figs. 5 & 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 iront ot mower deck,,
o Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck_
J,_ CAUTION: Do not remove discharge J
I,_ A guard from mower,, Raise and hold !
j ._ guard when attaching mulcher plate
| _ and allow it to rest on plate while in
I............... operation° ,,
WELD NIL.ITFROM THE TOP HOOK POINTS DOWN
LOCK
WELD WASHER
NUT \\_\ SCREW
LATCH
HOOK
i
WASHER
,
MULCHER
PLATE
FIGo 5
WELD
NUT
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove muicher pla[e and store in a safe place.
Your mower is now ready for disci_arging or inslailation of
optional grass catcher accessory
DEFLECTOR _-"_
SHIELD /
LATCH
HOOKS
FIG. 6
v" CHECKLIS7
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRA CTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE
THE BES TPERFORMA NCEAND SATISFACTION FROM
THIS QUALITY PRODUCT
_OLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
,/ Ail :_ssembly instructions have been completed.
v" No rem,aining loose parts in carton.
/Battery is property oreoared and charged° (Minimum
t hou(at 6 a;-rcs.
,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely,
,/ Ait tires are properly irfflated (For shipping purposes,
the tires were overinflated a[ the factory)_
,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/
fronbto-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 al! connections are still secure
and wires are properly clamped.
WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA A TTENTION TO THE FOLL OWING fMPORTANT
ITEMS:
,/ Engine oil is at proper level
,/ Fuel lank is iiited _._.._;t_treslq, clean, regutar un_eaueo
gasoline
VBecome familiar w_iq all controls - [heir loca!._on an(]
function Operate them before you start the e_o,ine
v" Be sure orake system Js Jnsate operailng COndiil0_

OPERATION
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supptied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning,,
BATTERY
ENGINE ON
REVERSE
4'
CAUTION OR FORWARD
WARNING
OIL PRESSUREENGINE OFF CLUTCH
FAST SLOW
LIGHTS ON LIGHTS OFF
FUEL X CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED
LOCK LOCKED
MOWER LIFT
REVERSE NEUTRAL
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH ENGAGED
HIGH
L
LOW
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH DISENGAGED
PARKING BRAKE
IGNITION
DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY HYDROSTATIC FREE WHEEL
(Hydro Models only)
10