Craftsman 486.243232 User manual

Owner's Manual
2 cu. ft. (TOW)
BROADCAST SPREADER
Model No. 486.243232
CAUTION:
Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all
Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.
IMPORTANT - READ THIS FIRST!!!
For Missing Parts or Assembly Questions
Please Call 866-576-8388
Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm CST.
FAX [phone] or e-mail [email protected]
Missing parts will be sent UPS in 24 hours directly to your home.
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.sears.com/craftsman
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 49100 (1/04)

ACCESSORIES ......................................................... 2
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 3
FULL SIZE HARDWARE CHART ............................. 4
CARTON CONTENTS ............................................... 5
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5
OPERATION .............................................................. 9
MAINTENANCE/STORAGE .................................... 11
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 12
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................. 12
REPAIR PARTS ILLUSTRATION .......................... 14
REPAIR PARTS LIST .............................................. 15
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................. Back Page
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON
For one year from the date of purchase, when this spreader is maintained and lubricated according to the operating and
maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair any defect in material or workmanship free of charge.
Ifthis spreader is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover repairs necessary because of operator negligence or abuse, including the failure to maintain
the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT
IN THE UNITED STATES.
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 vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA. Hoffman Estates, Chicago, IL 60179
The model number and serial numbers will be found on a
decal attached to the frame.
You should record both the serial number and the date of
purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
486.243232
2

Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the
equipment. Exercise caution at all times, when using power equipment.
Read the towing vehicle owners manual and towing
vehicle safety rules. Know how to operate your
tractor before using the broadcast spreader attach-
ment.
Read the chemical label instructions and cautions
for handling and applying the chemicals purchased
for spreading.
Wear eye and hand protection when handling and
when applying lawn or garden chemicals.
Never operate tractor and spreader attachment
without wearing substantial footwear, and do not
allow anyone to ride or sit on spreader attachment
frame.
Never allow children to operate the tractor or
spreader attachment, and do not allow adults to
operate without proper instructions.
Always begin with the transmission in first (low)
gear and with the engine at low speed, and gradu-
ally increase speed as conditions permit. Maximum
towing speed - 10 M.P.H.
When towing broadcast spreader do not drive too
close to a creek or ditch and be alert for holes and
other hazards which could cause you to loose
control of the broadcast spreader and tractor.
Before operating vehicle on any grade (hill) refer to
the safety rules in the vehicle owner's manual
concerning safe operation on slopes. Stay off
steep slopes!
• Follow maintenance and lubrication instructions as
outlined in this manual.
,_ Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It mean--Attention!!
Become alert!! Your safety is involved.
3

SHOWN FULL SIZE
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NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
_jN _jO
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KEY
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
QTY. DESCRIPTION KEY QTY. DESCRIPTION
5 Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-1/2"
4 Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1"
1 Carriage Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3/4"
9 Nylock Nuts, 1/4-20 Thread
4 Nylon Washer
6 Flat Washer, 5/16"
4 Flat Washers, 5/8"
1 Cotter Pin, 3/32" x 3/4"
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
1 Cotter Pin, 5/32 x 2"
1 Hair Cotter Pin
1 Hitch Pin
2 Spacers
1 Nylon Wing Nut
1 Adjustable Stop
1 Flow Control Link
1 Grip
2 Hub Cap
4

CARTON CONTENTS
1. Hitch Tube
2. Flow Control Arm
3. Hitch Bracket
4. Flow Control Mount Bracket
5. Braces (2)
1
J
_J
Q @ Q
j9
6. Flow Control Rod
7. Wheels (Drive and Idler)
8. Hopper Assembly
9. Vinyl Cover
Hardware Package (see page 4)
_f3
7
8
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY • Turn the spreader upside down as shown in figure 1.
(1) Pliers
(2) 7/16" Wrenches
(1) Hammer
REMOVAL OF PARTS FROM CARTON
• Remove all parts and hardware packages from the
carton. Lay out all parts and hardware and identify
using the illustrations on pages 4 and 5.
CROSSOVER TUBE SHAFT
SUPPORT
PLATE
FIGURE 1
5

Assemblethetwohitchbracestotheinsideofthe
hopperframe,oneoneachside,usingtwo1/4"x
1-1/2"hexboltsandtwo1/4"nylocknuts.DO NOT
TIGHTEN YET. See figure 2.
• Remove the nut from the middle bolt in the crossover
tube and shaft support plate. Leave the bolt in place.
See figure 2.
• Assemble the hitch tube onto the middle bolt and
secure it with the same nut you removed. DO NOT
TIGHTEN YET. See figure 2.
IMPORTANT: The hitch tube must attach to the side of
the crossover tube opposite the shaft support plate.
• Assemble the two hitch braces to the hitch tube using
a 1/4" x 1-1/2" hex bolt and a 1/4" nylock nut. DO
NOT TIGHTEN YET. See figure 2.
Tighten the nuts and bolts fastening the hitch braces
to the hopper frame and the hitch tube, then tighten
the middle lock nut fastening the hitch tube to the
crossover tube. DO NOT COLLAPSE TUBES WHEN
TIGHTENING.
MIDDLE BOLT
HITCH
TUBE
SHAFT
SUPPORT
PLATE
CROSSOVER
TUBE
"MIDDLE
NUT
HITCH BRACE HITCH BRACE
FIGURE 2
Select the end of the axle with no cross hole.
Assemble a spacer, a 5/8" flat washer, a wheel (air
valve facing out) and then another 5/8" flat washer
onto the axle. See figure 3.
Install a hub cap by tapping it carefully onto the axle
with a hammer. See figure 3.
SPACER
5/8" DIA.
FLAT WASHER
HUB CAP
5/8" DIA. I
FLATWASHER
AIR VALVE
FIGURE 3
Select the end of the axle containing the cross hole.
Assemble a spacer, a 5/8" flat washer, a wheel (air
valve facing out) and then another 5/8" flat washer
onto the axle. Insert the 5/32" x 2" cotter pin through
the wheel hub and the axle and then spread the ends
of the pin. See figure 4.
Install a hub cap by tapping it carefully onto the axle
with a hammer. See figure 4.
5/32" x 2" SPACER
COTTER PIN
AIR VALVE
5/8" DIA.
HUB CAP FLAT WASHER
FIGURE 4
6

Turnthespreaderuprightonitswheels.
Assemblethehitchbrackettothetopofthehitch
tubeusingtwo1/4"x 1"hexboltsand1/4"nylock
nuts.Seefigure5.
Assemblethehitchpinthroughthehitchbracketand
thehitchtubeandsecurewiththehaircotterpin.See
figure5.
HITCH PIN
_"""""'-_ HAIR COTTER PIN
FIGURE 5
Assemble the flow control link (end with small hole)
to the flow control arm using a 1/4" x 1" hex bolt, a
nylon washer and a 1/4" nylock hex nut as shown in
figure 6. Tighten carefully. The flow control link
should not be loose but should pivot with no more
than slight resistance.
FLOW CONTROL
LINK IFLOW
CONTROL
JARM
0/ 1/4"
J Y'OCKNUT
FIGURE 6
• Assemble the flow control arm to the flow control
mounting bracket using a 1/4" x 1" hex bolt, two
nylon washers and a 1/4" nylock hex nut as shown in
figure 7. Tighten carefully. The flow control arm
should not be loose but should pivot with no more
than a slight resistance.
• Place the vinyl grip onto the flow control arm. See
figure 7.
VINYL GRIP
FLOW CONTROL
FLOW MOUNTING
CONTROL BRACKET
ARM /
1/4" xl"
HEX BOLT
1/4"
NYLOCK NUT
(2)NYLON
WASHERS
FIGURE 7
Place a 5/16" flat washer onto the end of the flow
control rod. Insert the end of the rod through the slot
in the flow control mounting bracket and through the
hole in the flow control link. Secure with a 3/32" x 3/4"
cotter pin. See figure 8.
5/16" FLAT
WASHER
3/32"
COTTER
PIN
FLOW
CONTROL
ROD\SLOT
FLOW
CONTROL
LINK
FIGURE 8
7

• Hook the free end of the flow control rod through the
hole in the slide gate bracket located near the bottom
of the hopper. See figure 9.
HOPPER
SLIDE GATE
BRACKET
FLOW CONTROL ROD
FIGURE 9
Assemble the flow control mounting bracket to the
hitch tube using two 1/4" x 1-1/2" hex bolts, four 5/16"
flat washers and two 1/4" nylock hex nuts as shown
in figure 10. Do not tighten at this time.
FLOW CONTROL
MOUNTING BRACKET
1/4" NYLOCK
NUT
\@
5/16" FLAT
WASHER
1/4" x 1-1/2"
HEX BOLT
FIGURE 10
Place the adjustable stop into the "ON" end of the
slot in the top of the flow control mounting bracket.
Secure with the 1/4" x 3/4" carriage bolt, a nylon
washer, a 5/16" flat washer and the nylon wing nut.
See figure 11.
NYLON
WING NUT _.=
5/16"FLAT --_
WASHER
NYLON
WASHER
1/4" x 3/4" ADJUSTABLE
CARRIAGE BOLT STOP
8
FIGURE 11
Position the flow control mounting bracket (figure 12)
a. Push on flow control arm until it locks in "OFF"
position.
b. Slide flow control mounting bracket along tube
until closure plate in bottom of hopper just closes.
c. Snug the mounting bolts and nuts just enough to
hold flow control mounting bracket in place.
d. Set adjustable stop at "5". Pull flow control arm
against stop. Verify that closure plate has
opened half way.
e. If closure plate is not open half way, adjust
position of flow control mounting bracket until
closure plate is open half way at "5" and closed
when arm is locked in "OFF". Tighten the
mounting bolts and nuts.
FLOW
CONTROL
ARM
AJDUSTABLE
STOP
SETTING"5"
\
J
J
\
/
J
J
MOUNTING BOLTS
FIGURE 12

KNOW YOUR SPREADER
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your spreader.
Compare the illustration below with your spreader to familiarize yourself with the various controls and their locations.
SPREADER PLATE
(IMPELLER)
FLOW CONTROL ARM
CLOSURE PLATE
ADJUSTABLE
STOP
FLOW CONTROL ARM - Opens and closes the closure
plate in the bottom of the hopper.
ADJUSTABLE STOP - Limits how far the closure plate
opens.
CLOSURE PLATE - Slides to open or close the opening
in the bottom of the hopper.
SPREADER PLATE - Spins when spreader is in motion
to disperse the material in an even pattern.
HOW TO USE YOUR SPREADER
SETTING THE FLOW CONTROL
(Refer to figure 12 on page 8.)
• Loosen the nylon wing nut, set the adjustable stop to
the desired flow rate setting and retighten the wing
nut. The higher the setting number, the wider the
opening in the bottom of the hopper.
• Refer to the application chart on page 10 and to the
instructions on the fertilizer bag to select the proper
flow rate setting.
• Pull the flow control arm against the adjustable stop
for the on position and toward the hopper for the off
position.
USING YOUR SPREADER
We do not recommend the use of any powdered lawn
chemicals, due to difficulty in obtaining a satisfactory or
consistent broadcast pattern.
• Determine approximate square footage of area to be
covered and estimate amount of material required.
• Before filling the hopper make sure the flow control
arm is in the off position and the closure plate is shut.
• Break up any lumpy fertilizer as you fill the hopper.
• Set the adjustable stop with the flow control arm still
in the off position. Refer to the application chart on
page 10 and to the instructions on the fertilizer bag to
select the proper flow rate setting.
• The application chart is calculated for light to heavy
application at a vehicle speed of 3 mph, or 100 ft. in
23 seconds. A variation in speed will require an
adjustment of the flow rate to maintain the same
coverage. The faster you drive, the wider the broad-
cast width.
• Always start the tractor in motion before opening
closure plate.
• Always shut the closure plate before turning or
stopping the tractor.
9

Iffertilizerisaccidentallydepositedtooheavilyina
smallarea,soaktheareathoroughlywithagarden
hoseorsprinklertopreventburningofthelawn.
Toinsureuniformcoverage,makeeachpasssothat
thebroadcastpatternslightlyoverlapsthepattern
fromthepreviouspassasshowninfigure13.The
approximatebroadcastwidthsfordifferentmaterials
areshownintheapplicationchartonthispage.
REFER [
TO ,
CHARTS \\
7OVERLAP
I
I
I
I
t\\
iiii!i)ilill
IMPORTANT: Application rates shown in the chart are
affected by humidity and by the moisture content of
the material (granular and pellet). Some minor setting
adjustments may be necessary to compensate for
this condition.
APPLICATION CHART(SHIELD UP)
TYPE
MATERIAL
FERTILIZER
Powder
Granular
Pelleted
Organic
GRASS SEED
Fine
Coarse
ICE MELTER
SPREAD
FLOW SETTING WIDTH
3-5 3'-4'
3-5 8'-10'
3-5 10'-12'
6-8 6'-8'
3-4 6'-7'
4-5 8'-9'
6-8 10'-12'
)PERATING SPEED - 3 MPH. (100 ft. in 23 seconds
FIGURE 13
•When broadcasting weed control fertilizers, make
sure the broadcast pattern does not hit evergreen
trees, flowers or shrubs.
• Heavy moisture conditions may require a cover over
the hopper to keep contents dry. The vinyl cover
(shown in figure 14) acts as a wind and moisture
shield, but not as a rain cover.
VINYL COVER ",,_,
FIGURE 14
10

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you
complete regular service.
Check for loose fasteners
Check for worn or damaged parts
Check tire inflation
Cleaning
Lubricate
Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
X
X X
XX X
X X
CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS
• Before each use make a thorough visual check of
the spreader for any bolts and nuts which may
have loosened. Retighten any loose bolts and nuts.
CHECK FOR WORN OF DAMAGED PARTS
• Check for worn or damaged parts before each use.
Repair or replace parts if necessary.
CHECK TIRE INFLATION
• Check if tires are adequately inflated before each
use. Do not inflate beyond maximum recommended
pressure.
,_ CAUTION: DO NOT inflate tires
beyond the maximum recommended
pressure printed on side of tire.
CLEANING
• Rinse inside of hopper and exterior of spreader and
dry off before storing.
LUBRICATE (See figure 15.)
• Lightly apply automotive grease as needed to the
sprocket and gear.
• Oil the nylon bushings on the vertical sprocket shaft
and on the axle at least once a year, or more often as
needed.
• Oil right hand (idler) wheel bearing at least once a
year or more often as needed.
FIGURE 15
GREASE
STORAGE
• Rinse inside of hopper and exterior of spreader and
dry off before storing.
• Store in a clean, dry area.
11

If the axle, slotted gear and sprocket assembly is
disassembled, mark down the positions of the parts
as they are removed. The drive wheel and sprocket
positions in relation to the slotted gear determine
which direction the spreader plate will spin. Be sure
to reassemble them in their original positions. (Refer
to figure 4 on page 6.) Use shim washers (Ref. no.
21 on pages 14 and 15) as needed for minimum
backlash. Add grease to gear and sprocket.
If the agitator hairpin becomes damaged or worn it
can be replaced. See figure 16.
SPROCKET J
SHAFT
HAIRPIN
FIGURE 16
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
Flow rate is not accurate. . Flow controls out of adjustment. 1. Adjust the flow control bracket as
described at the end of page 8.
Material will not flow out of bottom of 1. Closure plate in bottom of 1. Change the flow control setting
hopper properly, hopper is not open enough, to match the application chart.
2. Material is clumping at bottom 2. a. Stir or sift to break up clumps.
of hopper, b. Wait for drier weather.
12

NOTES
13

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.243232
50
4
37
13
\
30
22 _47
8
44
48
23
24 \
30
22 16
22
35
\
21 22
37
9
33
14
48
\39
37
I
L_ \\
14

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.243232
REF.
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
PART
NO.
44466
0_M5732
62482
48842
23753
23758
44566
24857
47189
48841
R19111116
47141
47063
44586
46055
48954
23818
25067
44665
48916
44125
R19212016
741-0249
48857
25305
QTY. DESCRIPTION REF. PART CITY
NO. NO.
1 Hopper 26 04367 1
2 Rivet, Pop 27 43850 1
1 Ass'y, Guide Closure 28 44468 1
1 Tube, Frame 29 44285 2
1 Slide Gate Angle Bracket 30 48499 2
1 Slide Gate Bracket 31 48934 1
1 Spring, Torsion 32 47623 1
1 Flow Control Link 33 43343 1
22 Nut, Nylock 1/4-20 34 44469 1
1 Tube, Crossover 35 23525 2
6 Washer, 5/16 SAE 36 23780 1
1 Wing Nut, Nylon 37 43648 9
1 Pin, Cotter 5/32" x 2"* 38 1509-69 7
1 Tube, Hitch 39 1543-69 10
1 Pin, Spring 1/8" Dia. x 1" Lg. 40 43088 16
2 Wheel 41 24858 1
1 Bracket, Hitch 42 24855 1
1 Shaft, Axle 43 48888 1
2 Pin, Spring 5/32" x 1-1/4" 44 24859 1
1 Bushing, Axle Shaft 45 44101 1
4 Washer, Flat 5/8" x 1" 46 23533 1
5 Washer, Flat 5/8" x 1-1/4" 47 43848 1
2 Bearing, Flange 48 43661 5
2 Tube, Spacer 49 44950 1
1 Shaft, Sprocket 50 43962 1
49100 1
DESCRIPTION
Spreader Plate
Pin, Spring 1/8" Dia. x 5/8".
Sprocket, 6 Tooth
Bushing, Delrin
Hub Cap
Hairpin, Agitator
Hitch Pin
Hair Cotter Pin, 1/8"*
Rod, Flow Control
Brace, Hitch
Shaft Support Plate
Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 1-1/2"*
Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 1-3/4"*
Washer, Nylon
Washer, Flat 1/4" Std.*
Stop, Adjustable
Bracket, Flow Control Mount
Gear, Slotted
Flow Control Arm
Cotter Pin 3/32" x 3/4" Lg.*
Plate, Closure
Grip, Flow Control Arm
Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 1" Lg. *
Bolt, Carriage 1/4-20 x 3/4"*
Vinyl Cover
Owner's Manual
*Purchase common hardware locally.
15

no matter who made it, no matter who sold it!
1-800-4-MY-HOME sMAnytime, day or night
(1-800-469-4663)
www.sears.com
To bring in products such as vacuums lawn equipment and electronics
for repair, call for the location of your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center.
1-800-488-1222 Anytime,dayor night
1-800-366-PART ea.m.-11p.m.CST,
(1-800-366-7278) 7 days a week
www.sears.com/partsdirect
To purchase or inquire about a Sears Service Agreement:
SEARS
®Registered Trademark /_" Trademark of Sears, Roebuck and Co.
@Sears, Roebuck and Co. ® Marca Registrada /TMMarca de F&brica de Sears, Roebuck and Co.