Sears CRAFTSMAN EZ3 917.256700 User manual

MODEL NUMBER 9"lm256700 OWNER'S MANUAL
@ Assembly
Operation
@ Customer Responsibilities
@ Service and Adjustmernts
@ Repair Parls
same as 944-606281
CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment.
FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOTLINE, CALL THIS TOLL FREENUMBER
1-800-659-5917
same as 944.606281

SAFETY RULES
, Safe Olseration Practicesfor Ride-On Mowers
GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, andfollow all instructions inthe manual
and on the machinebefore starling.
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 pickedupand thrown bythe blade.
Besuretheareaisclearof otherpeoplebeforemowing.Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Nevercary passengers.
Donot mow inreverseunlessabsolutelynecessary. Always
look down and behindbefore and while backing.
Be awareofthe mower dischargedirectionand do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcheror the guard in place.
Slow down beforeturning.
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended. Alwaysturn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
beforedismounting.
Turnoff blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificiallight.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcoholor drugs.
Watchfor traffic whenoperating near or crossingroadways.
Use extracarewhen loadingor unloadingthe machineinto
atrailer or truck.
81. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipoveraccidents, whichcanresult insevereinjuryordeath.
All slopes requireextracaution. If you cannot back upthe
slope or
if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and downslopes, not across.
Removeobstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturnthe machine. Tallgrass canhideobstacles.
Useslowspeed. Choosealowgearsothat youwill nothave
to stop or shift while on the slope.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for whee
weignts or countew~eightsto Improvestabll~ty
Use extra care with &ass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
.
Keepall rnovemenlon tnc slopes slorvand yradual Do no1
make sudden changes in speedor direction
Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the bladesand proceedslowly straightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
-
Donot turnonslopesunlessnecessay, andthen,turnslowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
-
DO nitmow "ear drop-olfs,ditches,or embankments. Ttie
mower co~ldsuddenly turn over 11 a wheel ,sover the edge
"4 - -,;" -. .';...k ". ;' -- ..A,.- "" ;-
-,a &a,,# u, "3,L,,, ", 4. a,, CLqC -avca ,v..
-
Do not mow on wet grass.-~educedtraction could cause
siidinq.
Donittryto stabilizethe machinebyputtingyourfootonthe
ground.
00 notuse grass catcher on steep slopes,
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscanoccur if theoperator is notalert tothe
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that
childrenwill remain where you last saw them.
Keepchildrenout of themowingareaandunderthewatchful
care of another responsibleadult.
Be alert and turn machineoff
if childrenenter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and downfor small
children.
Never cary children. They may fall off and be seriously
injuredor interferewith safe machineoperation.
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
.
Useextracarein handlinggasol~neanaotherfucls. Theyare
flammableand vapors are explosive
Useonly an approvedcontainer.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuelthe machine indoors.
Never store the machlneor fuelcontalner lnsldewnere
there is an open flame, stlch as a water healer
Never run a machineinsidea closedarea.
Keepnutsandbolts, especially bladeattachmentbolts.tight
and keep equipmcnr in good conoition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keepmachinefreeof grass, leaves,orother debrisbuild-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,beforerestarting.
Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairswith the enginerunning.
Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjectto wear,damage,and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replacewithmanufacturer'srecommendedparts,whennec-
essay.
Mower bladesare sharp and cancut. Wrap the blade@)or
wear gloves, and useextra caution when servicingthem.
- Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
wireand w lace wire where itcannotcontact
spark in order to prevent accidental
slafling when setting up, transporting,
zdj-sting 0: making repalm.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
Tractor. It has beendesigned, 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 Authorized
Service CenterIDepartment. We have competent, well-
trainedtechniciansandthepropertoolstoservice or repair
this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enableyoutoassembleandmaintainyourtractorproperty.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER
91 7.256700
SERIAL
NUMBER
I
I DATEOFPURCHASE
I
THEMODELANDSERIALNUMBERSWILLBE FOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.
YOUSHOULDRECORD
BOTHSERIALNUMBERAND
DATE OF PURCHASEAND KEEP INA SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT
A SearsMaintenanceAgreement isava~lableonthisprod-
uct. Contact yogr nearest Sears store for detai!~.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
I HORSEPOWER: 18.0 1
GASOLINECAPACITY 3.5 GALLONS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR
I
I
SPARK PLUG:
(GAP: ,025") CHAMPIONRV17YC
I
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .003 - ,006"
EXHAUST: ,013" - ,016"
I GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD:
1
St 1.1
6th 5.7
REVERSE: 1.8
I TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14PSI
REAR: 10PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 15AMPS
@ 3600 RPM
BATTERY: AMPIHR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: UlR
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 30-35
FT. LBS.
Readandobservethe safety rules. witha sparkarrester meetingapplicablelocalor state laws
(if any). Ifa spark arresteris used, itshouldbemaintained
Followa regularschedulein maintaining,caringforand
in effective working order by the operator,
using your tractor. In the state of California the above is required by law
Followtheinstructions under "Customer Responsibili- (Section
4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual. Otherstatesmayhavesimilar laws. Federallawsapplyon
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler isavailable
combustionengineandshould notbeusedon
ornearany through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov- Department (SeeREPAIRPARTSsectionofthismanual).
ered land unlessthe engine's exhaust system isesuipped
LIMITEDTVVO YEAR VVARRANTV ON CRAFTSMAN RlDiNGi EQUlPMENT
Fortwo (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricatedand tuned up according
to the instructionsinthe owner's manual, Sears
will repair or repiace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective inmaterial or
work mans hi^.
This Warrahdoes not cover:
Expendableitemswhich becomeworn durina normaluse, such as blades, spark pluqs, air cleaners, belts, etc
I
T re replacementor repalr ca~sedby pbnctu&s from olrts~deoo~ects,such as nalls morns,stumps,or glass
Repairsnecessaw because ofoperator aolrse neqllqence, mpropersloraqe or acc,aenlor the
failure to malntainthe
I
equlpmenr accord~ngto the instructionscontanedkineowner's manual
-
R~dinqequipment used lor commercial or renlalpurposes
- ..
LlMlTED 90 DAY WARRANTY 0N BAnERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or
workmanshipand our testing determines the battery
will not holdacharge, Sears will replacethe batteryat no charge.
. -.
.. .
IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO-CHARGE FOR 30'
DAYS FROMThE DATE
OF PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SERVICECEhTER AFTER 30 DAYS FROM
IhEDATE OF PLRCHASE. WARRANTY SERVICE iS AVAILABLE BY TAK NG YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT TO
I
YOUR NEARESTSEARS SERVICE CENTER. (IN-HOMEWARRANTY SERVICEWlLL STILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 30 DAYS
FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE BUT
A STANDARD TRIP CHARGE WlLL APPLY.) THlS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY
WHILE THlS PRODUCT IS INTHE UNITED STATES.
This Warranty givesyou specific legalrights,and you may also have other rightswhich may vary from staleto state.
SEARS ROEBUCK AND CO., Dl817WA HOFFMANESTATES,
lL 60179
3

TABLE OF CONEENS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2 MAINTENANCESCHEDULE
..................................... 16
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
SERVICEAND ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 20-25
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
.................. ... 3. 16-19
STORAGE ................................................................... 26
WARRANTV .................................................................. 3 TROUBLESHOOTING
........................................... 27-28
. ................................
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ......................................... 5 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR 30-47
ASSEMBLY
............................................................. 7-10 REPAIR PARTS . ENGINE .................................... 48-57
...............
OPERATION ..................................................... 11-15 PARTS ORDERlNGlSERVlCE BACKCOVER
A
Accessories ........................................... 5
Adjustments:
....... ..............................
Brake ... 23
............ ...................
Carburetor .. 25
Mowe
.........................
Front-To-Back 21
Side-To-Side
........................... 20
..................
Throttle Control Cable 25
Air Filter
. Engine .................................. 18
..............................
Air Screen. Engine 19
........................................
Assembly 7-10
B
Battery:
........................................
Charging 8
Cleaning
................................... 17
..........
Startingwith Weak Battery 24
..............................
Storage ...... 26
........ ........................
Terminals .. 16
Belt:
Motion Drive
........... RemovaVRe~lacement 23
MowerBelt@)
........... RemovaVReplacement 22
Blade:
..........................
Sharpening ... 17
..............................
Replacement 17
................................
BrakeAdjustment 22
C
CarburetorAdjustment ........................ 25
..........
Controls.Tractor ................... .. 11
Customer Resoonsibilities
............. 16-19
Engine:
....................................
Air Filter 18
.....................
Air Screen ...... 18
.............................
Cooling Fins 18
.........................
Engine Oil 14.18
Fuel Filter
............................... 19
Spark Plug(s)
........................... 19
Tractor:
Battery
...................... .. .......... 17
Blade
........................................ 17
LubricationChart
..................... 16
............ MaintenanceSchedule 16
Tire Care
......................... 8.17.23
Transaxle
................................. 18
. ........................
Cutting Height Mower 13
E
Engine:
.......................
.............
Air Filter .. 18
Air Screen
.................................... 19
............................... Cooling Fins 18
................................... Oil Change 18
......
....................... Oil Level ... 14
..........
................... OilType .. 14.18
.................................. Preparation 14
............................
Repair Parts 48-57
......................................... Starting 15
........................................
Storage 26
F
Filter:
...........
................... Air Filter .... 18
Fuel
................... .... ................ 19
Fuel:
Type
........................... ... ........... 14
.......
.....................
Storage .... 26
....................................................
Fuse 24
H
..................
HoodRemoval/lnstallation 24
e
.........................
LevelingMower Deck 20
Lubrication:
............................................
Chart 16
..........................................
Engine 18
M
.......................
MaintenanceSchedule 16
Mower:
...........
Adjustment. Front-to-Back 21
.............
Adjustment. Side-to-Side 20
.....................
Blade Replacement 17
........................
BladeSharoenina 17
"
.............................. Cutting Height 13
.............
................... Installation .. 20
Operation
..................................... 14
......
............................. Removal .. 20
........................................
MowingTips 15
................................................. Muffler 19
........................... Spark Arrester 3.38
0
Oi!:
........
ColdWeather Conditions 14.18
.......................................... Engine 18
........................................
Storage 26
Operation
..................................... 11-15
........ ...................
OperatingMower .. 14
Options:
Accessories
............. .. ................... 5
...........................
Spark Arrester 3.38
P
................................
Parking Brake 12-13
............... ..........................
Parts Bag .. 6
............
Parts. ReplacemenVRepair 30-47
ProductSpecifications .......................... 3
Fa
.................... ..........
RepairParts .. 30-47
S
............................
Safely Rules .............. 2
........... RemovaVReplacement 23
MowerBelt@)
...........
RemovaVReplacement 22
MowerAdjustment
..........................
Front-to-Back 21
...........................
Side-to-Side 20
.........
MowerRemovalllnstallation 20
.............................
Tire Care 8.17.23
Slope Guide Sheet
................... .. ...... 59
Spark Plug(s)
................................... 19
Specifications
....................................... 3
........................
Starting the Engine 14-15
....... ....................
SteeringWheel .. 7.23
...........................
Stoppingthe ~r'actor 13
Storage 26
T
......
Throttle ControlCableAdjustment 25
............................................
Tires 8.17.23
...................
Troubleshooting Chart 27-28
.
Transaxle ........................................... 18
..
.....
W
Warranty ................................................ 3
...................................
Wiring Diagram 30
....
......................
Wiring Schematic .. 29
Electrical:
..................
Interlocksand Relays 24
....................................
Schematic 29
WiringDiagram
.......................... 30

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
TheseaccessoriesandattachmentswereavailablethroughmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenterswhenthetractorwaspurchased.
Most Sears stores can order these itemsfor you when you providethe model number of your tractor.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
PERFORMANCE
Searsoffersawidevariety of attachmentsthatfityourtractor. Manyofthese are listedbelowwithbrief explanationsof howtheycanhelp
vou. This listwas currentat thetimeof oublication:however. itmavchanaeinfuture vears
- moreattachments mav beadded.chanaes
inay be madeinthese attachments,or some may no longer be ava~lable'br fit your model Contact your nearesi~earsstore forihe
accessories andattachments that are available for your tractor.
Most of these attachments do not require additional hitchesor conversionkits (thosethat do are indicated)and are designedfor easy
attachingand detaching.
AERATOR nromotesdaen root nrnwth fnr
a haalthvlawn. Ta- SNOWBLADEforsnowremovalonlv. 1 4-inchhiah.48-inchwide
~ ~-
,- - --- r
=~.~ . ~ . - ~
,-~ -
z. ~ ~
pered 2 5-~nchsteel sp;kes mountedon 10-~nchd~ameterdlscs bladeclears42-incnpathwhenangl&dleftorright. Raises.lowers
puncture holes in so11at close intervalsto let moisture soak in. with siaelever. Adluslableskids: replaceable. reversiblescraper
Steelweiqht trav for increased~enetration. bar. (Usewith tirechainsandwheelweights andlorreardrawbar
BAGGER lets ;ou collect grass clippings and leaves for a weight.)
.
healthier. neater lookina lawn. Two Permanex containershold SNOWTHROWERhas40-inchswath. Drum-tv~eauaerhandles
"
30-gallonplasticbags. powdeiy and weilheavy snow. Mounts easiy with-simple pin
BUMPER protectsfront endof tractor from damage. arrangement. Dischargechuteadjustsfromtractorseat. 6-inch
diameter spout dischargessnow 10to 50feet. Liftcontrolledat
CARTS make hauling easy. Variety of sizes available, plus tractor seat. (Use with chains and wheel weights andlor rear
accessories such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover, drawbarweight,)
protectivemat and dolly. SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that connects40 the.
~.
CORINGAERATOR takes smallplugsout of soilto allow mois- tractor banety or other 12-volt source. Includes booms for
lure and nutrients to reach grass roots. 36-inch swath. 24 automaticsprayingandhandheldwandforspotspraying. Wand
hardenedsteel coringtips. 150lb. capacityweight tray. has adjustable spray pattern. For applying herbicides, insecti-
EASY OIL DRAINVALVE makes oil changes easier, faster. cides, fungicidesand liquidfertilizers.
-
FRONTNOSEROLLERcantersinfrontofmowerdecktoreduce SPREAD~WSEEDERS makeseeding, fertilizing, andweed kill-
chancesof "scalping" on uneventerrain. ing easy. Broadcast spreaders are also usefulfor granular de-
GANGHITCHletsyoutow2or3 pull-behindattachmentsatonce,
icersandsand.
suchas sweepers, dethatchers,aerators (notfor usewith rollers, SWEEPERSletyou collect grass clippings andleaves.
cartsor other heavyanachments). TILLER has
5 hpengineand36-inchswathtoprepareseedbeds,
GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce cultivate andcompost garden residue. Tiller has its own built-in
chancesof "scalping"onuneventerrain. Formowerdecksnotso liftanddepthcontrolsystemanddoesNOTrequireasleevehitch.
eaui~~ed. Fitsanvlawn.yardoraardentractor. Sirn~lvhook UD tothetractor
, ,.
MULCH RAKwDETHATCHER loosens and flips thatchand drawbar and' go! loptionel accessoiies corivert unit for
mattedleavesto lawnsurfacefor easypickup. Twentyspringtine dethatching,aerating, hilling...with0ut
teeth. Usefultopreparebareareasforseeding.Availableforfront TIRE CHAINSare heavy duty; closely spaced extra-largecross
or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION links give smooth ride, outstandingtraction.
SPRING TIHE DETHATCHER covers 36-inch wide Path and
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty ;iny! fabric over tubular steel
tosses thatch into largehopper. Mounts behindtractor. frame, ABS plastictop:clearplasticwindshieldoffers360degree
MULCHINGCLOSE-OUT PLATE KIT. once installed. lets vou visibility. Hinoedmetaldoorswith catch. Kee~sooerator warm
mulch, discharge or bag clippings (bagger optionalj wit6out and dj. ~ehovevinyl sides and windshields for use as sun
changingblades. Formodelsnot equipped as 3-in-1Convertible protector in summer. Optional accessories include: tinted1
mowers. See "MOWER" in the Repair Parts section of this
temperedsolidsafetyglasswindshieldwith handoperatedwiper;
manual. 12-voltamber cautionlight for mountingon cab top.
RAMPTOPS AND FEET let you loadand unloadtractor froma VACSforpowerfulcollectionof heavygrassclippingsandleaves.
pickuptruck. Usewith 2 x 8 or
2 x 10lumber. Optional wand anachment to pick up debris inhard-to-reach.
. .
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch Places. VAClCHlPPER includesachipper-shredder.
diameterwater-tightdrumholdsupto390lbs.of weight. Rounded WEIGHT BRACKFFfor drawbarfor snow removalapplications.
edges prevent harm to turf. Adjustable scraper automatically Uses (1) 55 lb. weight.
cleans drum. WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide neededtraction for
snow removalor dozing heavy materials.