Craftsman 486.243234 User manual

Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMRN
2.1 cu.ft. (TOW)
BROADCAST SPREADER
Model No. 486.243234
DO NOT RETURN TO STORE
For Missing Parts or Assembly
Questions Call 1-866-576-8388
CAUTION:
Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all Safety
Rules and Operating Instructions.
,, Safety
,, Assembly
,, Operation
,, Maintenance
,, Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www. sears.com/c raftsman
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 40823 (12/26/07)

ACCESSORIES ........................................................... 2
SAFETY RULES .......................................................... 3
FULL SIZE HARDWARE CHART ................................ 4
CARTON CONTENTS ................................................. 5
ASSE MBLY.................................................................. 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
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
When operated and maintained according to the instructions supplied with it, if this Spreader fails due to a defect in material
or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free repair (or replacement
if repair proves impossible).
If this product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D817WA, Hoffman Estates, 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:
486.243234

Anypowerequipmentcancauseinjuryifoperatedimproperlyoriftheuserdoesnotunderstandhowtooperatetheequipment.
Exercisecautionatalltimes,whenusingpowerequipment.
Readthetowingvehicleownersmanualandtowing
vehiclesafetyrules.Knowhowtooperateyourtractor
beforeusingthebroadcastspreaderattachment.
Readthechemicallabelinstructionsandcautionsfor
handlingandapplyingthechemicalspurchasedfor
spreading.
Weareyeandhandprotectionwhenhandlingandwhen
applyinglawnorgardenchemicals.
Neveroperatetractorandspreaderattachmentwithout
wearingsubstantialfootwear,anddonotallowanyone
torideorsitonspreaderattachmentframe.
Neverallowchildrentooperatethetractororspreader
attachment,anddonotallowadultstooperatewithout
properinstructions.
Alwaysbeginwiththetransmissioninfirst(low)gearand
withtheengineatlowspeed,andgraduallyincrease
speedasconditionspermit.Maximumtowingspeedis
6M.RH.
Whentowingbroadcastspreaderdonotdrivetoocloseto
acreekorditchandbealertforholesandotherhazards
whichcouldcauseyoutoloosecontrolofthebroadcast
spreaderandtractor.
Beforeoperatingvehicleonanygrade(hill)refertothe
safetyrulesinthevehicleowner'smanualconcerning
safeoperationonslopes.Stayoff steepslopes!
Followmaintenanceand lubricationinstructionsas
outlinedinthismanual.
Lookforthissymboltopointoutimportantsafetyprecautions.Itmeans--Attention!!Become
alert!!Yoursafetyis involved.

SHOWN FULL SIZE
r---q
jA
/
/
J
J
J
/
J
J
J
J
/
I
f
JH
J
J
jl I
J
jK
©
_jL _jM
NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
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 Fiat Washer, 5/16"
4 Fiat Washers, 5/8"
1 Cotter Pin, 3/32" x 3/4"
I 1 Cotter Pin, 5/32 x 2"
J 1 Hair Cotter Pin
K 1 Hitch Pin
L 2 Spacers
M 1 Nylon Wing Nut
N 1 Adjustable Stop
O 1 Flow Control Link
P 1 Grip
Q 2 Hub Cap

CARTON CONTENTS 6. Flow Control Rod
1. Hitch Tube 7. Wheels (Drive and Idler)
2. Flow Control Arm 8. Hopper Assembly
3. Hitch Bracket 9. Vinyl Cover
4. Flow Control Mount Bracket Hardware Package (see page 4)
5. Braces (2)
1j2 _/3
O @ O
7
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
J
FIGURE 1

Assemblethetwohitchbracestotheinsideofthehopper
frame,oneoneachside,usingtwo1/4"x 1-1/2"hex
boltsandtwo1/4"nylocknuts.DONOTTIGHTENYET.
Seefigure2.
Removethenutfromthemiddleboltinthecrossover
tubeandshaftsupportplate.Leavetheboltin place.
Seefigure2.
Assemblethehitchtubeontothemiddleboltandsecure
itwiththesamenutyouremoved.DONOTTIGHTEN
YET.Seefigure2.
iMPORTANT:Thehitchtubemustattachtothesideofthe
crossovertubeoppositetheshaftsupportplate.
Assemblethetwohitchbracestothehitchtubeusing
a1/4"x 1-1/2"hexboltanda1/4"nylocknut.DONOT
TIGHTENYET.Seefigure2.
Tightenthenutsandboltsfasteningthehitchbracestothe
hopperframeandthehitchtube,thentightenthemiddle
locknutfasteningthehitchtubetothecrossovertube.
DONOTCOLLAPSETUBESWHENTiGHTENiNG.
MIDDLE BOLT
HITCH
TUBE
SHAFT
SUPPORT
PLATE
CROSSOVER
TUBE
MIDDLE
NUT
1/4"x1-1/2" 1/4"
HEX BOLTS NYLOCK
NUTS
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.
END WITH NO
SPACER CROSS HOLE
5/8"DIA.
FLAT WASHER
HUB CAP
FIGURE 3
5/8"DIA.
FLAT WASHER
AIR VALVE
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
HUB CAP 5/8" DIA. FLAT WASHER
FIGURE 4

®
®
Turn the spreader upright onto its wheels.
Assemble the hitch bracket to the top of the hitch tube
using two 1/4" x 1" hex bolts and 1/4" nylock nuts. See
figure 5.
Assemble the hitch pin through the hitch bracket and
the hitch tube and secure with the hair cotter pin. See
figure 5.
HITCH PIN
_/ 1/4" x 1"
BOLT
I
I
FIGURE 5
- HAIR COTTER PIN
Assemble the flow control link (end with small hole) tothe
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
1/4" x 1"
HEX BOLT
SMALLEST
HOLE
NYLON
WASHER
FLOW
CONTROL
ARM
1/4"
NYLOCK NUT
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 D,
ARM
FLOW CONTROL
MOUNTING
BRACKET
1/4" x1"
HEX BOLT
FIGURE 7
(2) NYLON
WASHERS
1/4"
NYLOCK NUT
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
ROD \
3/32"
COTTER
PIN
SLOT
FLOW
CONTROL
LINK
FIGURE 8

Hookthefreeendoftheflowcontrolrodthroughthe
holeintheslidegatebracketlocatednearthebottom
ofthehopper.Seefigure9.
HOPPER
/
SLIDE GATE
BRACKET
FIGURE 9
FLOW CONTROL ROD
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"
HEXBOLT
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.
FIGURE 11
®
FIGURE 12
1/4" ×3/4" _ADJUSTABLE
CARRIAGE BOLT STOP
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"
MOUNTING BOLTS

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
ADJUSTABLE STOP
CLOSURE PLATE
FLOW CONTROL ARM - Opens and closes the closure
plate in the bottom of the hopper.
ADJUSTABLE STOP - Limits how _r 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.
HOWTO 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 posi-
tion.
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 rateto maintain the same coverage. The faster
you drive, the wider the broadcast width.
Always start the tractor in motion before opening closure
plate.
Always shut the closure plate before turning or stopping
the tractor.

Iffertilizerisaccidentallydepositedtooheavilyinasmall
area,soaktheareathoroughlywithagardenhoseor
sprinklertopreventburningofthelawn.
Toinsureuniformcoverage,makeeachpasssothatthe
broadcastpatternslightlyoverlapsthepatternfromthe
previouspassasshowninfigure13.Theapproximate
broadcastwidthsfordifferentmaterialsareshowninthe
applicationchartonthispage.
REFER /
t
TO _
CHARTS \\
OVERLAP
/
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 SPREAD
MATERIAL FLOW SETTING WIDTH
FERTILIZER
Powder
Granular
Pelleted
Organic
GRASS SEED
Fine
Coarse
ICE MELTER
3-5
3-5
3-5
6-8
3-4
4-5
6-8
; - 4;
8'- 10'
10'- 12'
6'-8'
; _ 7 _
8'-9'
10'- 12'
OPERATING SPEED - 3 IVIPH,(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 moistu re 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
lO