Sears Craftsman 917.273631 User manual

Owner’s

Manual

CRAFTSMAN

LAWN

TRACTOR

18.5

HP*,

42”

Mower

Electric

Start

6

Speed

Transaxle

Model

No.

917.273631

differently

from

previously

built

engines.

Before

you

start

the

il

l

i

This

product

has

a

low

emission

engine

which

operates

engine,

read

and

understand

this

Owner’s

Manual.

IMPORTANT:

For

answers

to

your

questions

about

Read

and

follow

all

Safety

this

product,

Call:

Rules

and

Instructions

before

1-800-659-5917

operating

this

equipment.

Sears

Craftsman

Help

Line

5

am

-

5

pm,

Mon

-

Sat

Gasoline

containing

up

to

10%

ethanol

(E10)

is

acceptable

for

use

in

this

machine.

The

use

of

any

gasoline

exceeding

10%

ethanol

(E10)

will

void

the

product

warranty.

Sears

Brands

Management

Corporation,

Hoffman

Estates,

IL

60179

U.S.A,

Visit

our

Craftsman

website:www.sears.com/craftsman

*As

rated

by

the

engine

manufacturer

191054

Rev.

4

TABLE

OF

CONTENTS

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Safety

Rules

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Product

Specifications

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Assembly/Pre-Operation

Maintenance

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17

Service

and

Adjustments.........0...0.....

21

STOLAQE

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Troubleshooting

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Maintenance

Schedule...

Repair

Parts...

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Sears

SEPviCe

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WARRANTY

Craftsman

Riding

Equipment

Warranty

CRAFTSMAN

FULL

WARRANTY

FOR

TWO

YEARS

from

the

date

of

purchase,

all

non-expendable

parts

of

this

riding

equiprnent

are

warranted

against any

defects

in

material

or

workmanship.

A

defective

non-expendable

part

will

receive

free

in-home

repair

or

replacement

if

repair

is

impossible.

FOR

FIVE

YEARS

from

the

date

of

purchase,

the

frame

and

front

axle

of

this

riding

equipment

are

warranted

against

any

defects

in

material

or

workmanship.

A

defective

frarne

or

front

axle

will

receive

free

in-home

repair

or

replacement

if

repair

is

impossible.

FOR

90

DAYS

frorn

the

date

of

purchase,

the

battery

(an

expendable

part)

of

this

riding

equipment

is

warranted

against

any

defects

in

material

or

workmanship

(our

testing

proves

that

it

will

not

hold

a

charge).

A

defective

battery

will

receive

free

in-home

replacernent.

ADDITIONAL

LIFETIME

LIMITED

WARRANTY

on

CAST

IRON

FRONT

AXLE

(if

equipped)

FOR

AS

LONG

AS

IT IS

USED

by

the

original

owner

after

the

fifth

year

frorn

the

date

of

purchase,

the

cast

iron

front

axle

(if

equipped)

of

this

riding

equipmentis

warranted

against

any

defects

in

material

or

workmanship.

With

proof

of

purchase,

a

defective

cast

front

axle

will

receive

free

in-home

replacement.

WARRANTY

SERVICE

For

warranty

coverage

details

to

obtain

free

repair

or

replacement,

call

1-800-659-5917

or

visit

the

web

site:

www.craftsman.com

In

all

cases

above,

if

part

repair

or

replacernent

is

impossible,

the

riding

equipment

will

be

replaced

free

of

charge

with

the

sare

or

an

equivalent

model.

All

of

the

above

warranty

coverage

is

void

if

this

riding

equiprnent

is

ever

used

while

providing

commercial

services

or

if

rented

to

another

person.

This

warranty

covers

ONLY

defects

in

material

and

workmanship.

Warranty

coverage

does

NOT

include:

*

Expendable

parts

(except

battery)

that

can

wear

out

frorn

normal

use

within

the

warranty

period,

including

but not

limited

to

blades,

spark

plugs,

air

cleaners,

belts,

and

oil

filters.

*

Standard

maintenance

servicing,

oil

changes,

or

tune-ups.

*

Tire

replacement

or

repair

caused

by

punctures

frorn

outside

objects,

such

as

nails,

thorns,

stumps,

or

glass.

Tire

or

wheel

replacement

or

repair

resulting

from

normal

wear,

accident,

or

improper

operation

or

maintenance.

*

Repairs

necessary

because

of

operator

abuse,

including

but not

limited

to

darnage

caused

by

towing

objects

beyond

the

capability

of

the riding

equipment,

impacting

objects

that

bend

the

frarne,

axle

assernbly

or

crankshaft,

or

over-speeding

the

engine.

Repairs

necessary

because

of

operator

negligence,

including

but not

limited

to,

electrical

and

mechanical

damage

caused

by

improper

storage,

failure

to

use

the

proper

grade

and

amount

of

engine

oil,

failure

to

keep

the

deck

clear

of

flammable

debris,

or

failure

to

maintain

the

riding

equipment

according

to

the

instructions

contained

in

the

operator’s

manual.

Engine

(fuel

system)

cleaning

or

repairs

caused

by

fuel

determined

to

be

contaminated

or

oxidized

(stale).

In

general,

fuel

should

be

used

within

30

days

of

its

purchase

date.

*

Normal

deterioration and

wear

of

the

exterior

finishes,

or

product

label

replacernent.

This

warranty

gives you

specific

legal

rights,

and

you

may

also

have

other

rights

which

vary

from

state

to

state.

Sears

Brands

Management

Corporation,

Hoffman

Estates,

IL

60179

2

SAFETY

RULES

IMPORTANT:

This

cutting

machine

is

capable

of

amputating

hands

and

feet

and

throw-

ing

objects.

Failure

to

observe

the

following

safety

instructions

could

result

in

serious

injury

or

death.

AWARNING:

In

order

to

prevent

ac-

cidental

starting

when

setting

up,

trans-

porting,

adjusting

or

making

repairs,

always

disconnect

spark

plug

wire

and

place

wire

where

it

cannot

contact

spark

plug.

AWARNING:

Do

not

coast

down

a

hill

in

neutral,

you

may

lose

control

of

the

tractor.

WARNING:

Tow

only

the

attachments

that

are

recommended

by

and

comply

with

specifications

of

the

manufacturer

of

your

tractor.

Use

common

sense

when

towing.

Operate

only

at

the

lowest

possible

speed

when

on

aslope.

Too

heavy

of

a

load,

while

on

a

slope,

is

dangerous.

Tires

can

lose

traction

with

the

ground

and

cause

you

to

lose

control

of

your

tractor.

WARNING:

Engine

exhaust,

some

of

its

constituents,

and

certain

vehicle

com-

ponents

contain

or

emit

chemicals

known

to

the

State

of

California

to

cause

cancer

and

birth

defects

or

other

reproductive

harm.

AWARNING:

Battery

posts,

terminals

and

contain

lead

and

lead

compounds,

chemicals

known

to

the

State

of

California

to

cause

cancer

and

birth

defects

or

other

reproductive

harm.

Wash

hands

after

handling.

|.

GENERAL

OPERATION

«

Read,

understand,

and

follow

all

instruc-

tions

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

is

clear

of

other

people

before

mowing.

Stop

machine

if

anyone

enters

the

area.

*

Never

carry

passengers.

«

Do

not

mow

in

reverse

unless

abso-

lutely

necessary.

Always

look

down

and

behind

before

and

while

backing.

*

Be

aware

of

the

mower

discharge

direc-

tion

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

unat-

tended.

Always

turn

off

blades,

set

parking

brake,

stop

engine,

and

remove

keys

before

dismounting.

*

Turn

off

blades

when

not

mowing.

*

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

un-

loading

the

machine

into

a

trailer

or

truck,

*

Data

indicates

that

operators,

age

60

years

and

above,

are

involved

in

a

large

percentage

of

riding

mower-related

in-

juries.

These

operators

should

evaluate

their

ability

to

operate

the

riding

mower

safely

enough

to

protect

themselves

and

others

from

serious

injury.

Keep

machine

free

of

grass

,

leaves

or

other

debris

build-up

which

can

touch

hot

exhaust

/

engine

parts

and

burn

.

Do

not

allow

the

mower

deck

to

plow

leaves

or

other

debris

which

can

cause

build-

up

to

occur.

Clean

any

oil

or

fuel

spillage

before

operating

or

storing

the

machine

.

Allow

machine

to

cool

before

storage.

ll.

SLOPE

OPERATION

Slopes

are

a

major

factor

loss-

of-control

and

tipover

accidents,

which

can

result

in

severe

injury

or

death.

All

slopes

require

extra

caution.

If

you

cannot

back

up

the

slope

or

if

you

feel

uneasy

on

it,

do

not

mow

it.

SAFETY

RULES

DO:

¢

Mow

up

and

down

slopes,

not

across.

«

Remove

obstacles

such

as

rocks,

tree

limbs,

etc.

«

Watch

for

holes,

ruts,

or

bumps.

Un-

even

terrain

could

overturn

the

machine.

Tall

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.

*

Follow

the

manufacturer’s

recommend-

ations

for

wheel

weights

or

counter-

weights

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

slowly

straight

down

the

slope.

DO

NOT:

¢

Do

not

turn

on

slopes

unless

neces-

sary,

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.

lil.

CHILDREN

Tragic

accidents

can

occur

if

the

operator

is

not alert

to

the

presence

of

children.

Children

are

often

attracted

to

the

ma-

chine

and

the

mowing

activity.

Never

as-

sume

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

equip-

ment

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

necessary.

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.

Ad-

just

and

service

as

required.

SAFETY

RULES

Be

sure

the

area

is

clear

of

other

people

before

mowing.

Stop

machine

if

anyone

enters

the

area.

Never

carry

passengers

or

children

even

with

the

blades

off.

Do

not

mow

in

reverse

unless

abso-

lutely

necessary.

Always

look

down

and

behind

before

and

while

backing.

Never

carry

children.

They

may

fall

off

and

be

seriously

injured

or

interfere

with

safe

machine

operation.

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.

Mow

up

and

down

slopes

(15°

Max),

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

low

gear

so

that

you

will

not

have

to

stop

or

shift

while

on

the

slope.

Avoid

starting

or

stopping

on

a

slope.

If

tires

lose traction,

disengage

the

blades

and

proceed

slowly

straight

down

the

slope.

If

machine

stops

while

going

uphill,

disengage

blades,

shift

into

reverse

and

back

down

slowly.

Do

not

turn

on

slopes

unless

necessary,

and

then,

turn

slowly

and

gradually

downhill,

if

possible.

PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline

4.0

Capacity

and

Unleaded

Type:

Regular

Oil

Type

SAE

30

(above

32°F)

(API-SG-SL):

SAE

5W-30(below

32°F)

Oil

Capacity:

WiFilter:

3.5

Pints

W/O

Filter:

3.0

Pints

Spark

Plug:

Champion

RC12YC

(Gap:

.030")

Ground

Speed

=

Forward:

(MPH):

ist 1.2

2nd

1.6

8rd

2.4

4th

3.6

5th

4.6

6th

5.9

Reverse:

1.8

Tire

Pressure:

Front:

14

PSI

Rear:

10

PSI

Charging

System:

9

Amps

@3600

RPM

Battery:

Amp/Hr:

=

28

Min.

CCA:

230

Case

Size:

UiR

Blade

Bolt

Torque:

27-35

Ft.

Lbs.

CONGRATULATIONS

on

your

purchase

of

a

new

tractor.

It

has

been

designed,

engineered

and

manufactured

to

give

you

the

best

possible

dependability

and

performance.

Should

you

experience

any

problem

you

cannot

easily

remedy,

please

contact

a

Sears

or

other

qualified

service

center.

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

properly.

Always

observe

the

“SAFETY

RULES”.

CUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES

Read

and

observe

the

safety

rules.

*

Follow

a

regular

schedule

in

main-

taining,

caring

for

and

using

your

tractor.

*

Follow

the

instructions

under

“Mainte-

nance”

and

“Storage”

sections

of

this

owner's

manual.

Awarnine:

This

tractor

is

equipped

with

an

internal

combustion

engine

and

should

not

be

used

on

or

near

any

unim-

proved

forest-covered,

brush-covered

or

grass-covered

land

unless

the

engine’s

exhaust

system

is

equipped

with

a

spark

arrester

meeting

applicable

local

or

state

laws

(if

any).

If

a

spark

arrester

is

used,

it

should

be

maintained

in

effective

working

order

by

the

operator.

In

the

state

of

California

the

above

is

re-

quired

by

law

(Section

4442

of

the

Califor-

nia

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

service

center

(See

REPAIR

PARTS

section

of

this

manual).

REPAIR

PROTECTION

AGREEMENTS

Congratulations

on

making

a

smart

pur-

chase.

Your

new

Craftsman®

product

is

designed

and

manufactured

for

years

of

dependable

operation.

But

like

all

products,

it

may

require

repair

from

time

to

time.

That's

when

having

a

Repair

Protection

Agreement

can

save

you

money

and

aggravation.

Purchase

a

Repair

Protection

Agreement

now

and

protect

yourself

from

unexpected

hassle

and

expense.

Here’s what's

included

in

the

Agreement:

*

Expert

service

by

our

12,000

profe-

sional

repair

specialists.

¢

Unlimited

service

and

no

charge

for

parts

and

labor

on

all

covered

repairs.

*

Product

replacement

if

your

covered

product

can’t

be

fixed.

¢

Discount

of

10%

from

regular

price

of

service

and

service-related

parts

not

covered

by

the

agreement;

also,

10%

off

regular

price

of

preventive

mainte-

nance

check.

«

Fast

help

by

phone

—

phone

support

from

a

Sears

technician

on

products

requiring

in-home

repair,

plus

conve-

nient

repair

scheduling.

Once

you

purchase

the

Agreement,

a

simple

phone

call

is

all

that

it

takes

for

you

to

schedule

service.

You

can

call

anytime

day

or

night,

or

schedule

a

service

ap-

pointment

online.

Sears

has

over

12,000

professional

repair

specialists,

who

have

access

to

over

4.5

million

quality

parts

and

accessories.

That's

the

kind

of

professionalism

you

can

count

on

to

help

prolong

the

life

of

your

new

purchase

for

years

to

come.

Purchase

your

Repair

Protection

Agreement

today!

Some

limitations

and

exclusions

apply.

For

prices

and

additional

information

call

1-800-827-6655.

SEARS

INSTALLATION

SERVICE

For

Sears

professional

installation

of

home

appliances,

garage

door

openers,

water

heaters,

and

other

major

home

items,

in

the

U.S.A.

call

1-800-4-MY-HOME®

UNASSEMBLED

PARTS

Mower

Leveling

Wrench

(1)

Oil

Drain

Tube

~D

Keys

(2)

Keys

For

Future

Use

Slope

Sheet

Bubbie

Level

Video

Cassette

ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION

Your

new

tractor

has

been

assembled

at

the

factory.

Review

the

video

cassette

before

you

begin.

When

right

or

left

hand

is

mentioned

in

this

manual,

it

means

when

you

are

in

the

oper-

ating

position

(seated

behind

the

steering

wheel).

TO

REMOVE

TRACTOR

FROM

CARTON

UNPACK

CARTON

1.

Cut

along

dotted

lines

on

all

four

pan-

els

of

carton.

Remove

end

panels

and

lay

side

panels

flat.

2.

Remove

protective

materials

from

trac-

tor

hood

and

grille.

IMPORTANT:

Check

for

and

remove

any

staples

in

skid

that

may

puncture

tires

where

tractor

is

to

roll

off

skid.

HOW

TO

SET

UP

YOUR

TRACTOR

CHECK

BATTERY

1.

Lift

hood

to

raised

position.

NOTE:

If

this

battery

is

put

into

service

af-

ter

month

and

year

indicated

on

label

(label

located

between

terminals)

charge

battery

for

minimum

of

one

hour

at

6-10

amps.

(See

"BATTERY"

in

Maintenance

section

of

this

manual

for

charging

instructions).

ADJUST

SEAT

1.

Raise

seat

and

loosen

adjustment

knob,

2.

Lower

seat

into

operating

position

and

sit

in

seat.

3.

Slide

seat

until

a

comfortable

position

is

reached

which

allows

you

to

press

clutch/brake

pedal

all

the

way

down.

4.

Get

off

seat

without

moving

its

ad-

justed

position.

5.

Raise

seat

and

tighten

adjustment

knob

securely.

Adjustment

Knob

NOTE:

You

may

now

roll

or

drive

your

tractor

off

the

skid.

Follow

the

appropriate

instruction

below

to

remove

the

tractor

from

the

skid.

TO

ROLL

TRACTOR

OFF

SKID

(See

Operation

section

for

location

and

function

of

controls)

1.

Press

lift

lever

plunger

and

raise

attachment

lift

lever

to

its

highest

po-

sition.

2.

Release

parking

brake

by

depressing

clutch/brake

pedal.

3.

Place

gearshift

lever

in

neutral

(N)

position.

4.

Roll

tractor

forward

off

skid.

5.

Remove

banding

holding

deflector

shield

up

against

tractor.

TO

DRIVE

TRACTOR

OFF

SKID

(See

Operation

section

for

location

and

function

of

controls)

AWARNING:

Before

starting,

read,

un-

derstand

and

follow

all

instructions

in

the

Operation

section

of

this

manual.

Be

sure

tractor

is

in

a

well-ventilated

area.

Be

sure

the

area

in

front

of

tractor

is

clear

of

other

people

and

objects.

1.

Be

sure

all

the

above

assembly

steps

have

been

completed.

2.

Check

engine

oil

level

and

fill

fuel

tank

with

gasoline.

3.

Sit

on

seat

in

operating

position,

depress

clutch/brake

pedal

and

set

the

parking

brake.

4.

Place

gear

shift

lever

in

neutral

(N)

position.

5.

Press

lift

lever

plunger

and

raise

attachment

lift

lever

to

its

highest

posi-

tion.

6.

Start

the

engine.

After

engine

has

started,

move

throttle

control

to

idle

position.

7.

Depress

clutch/orake

pedal

into

full

"BRAKE"

position

and

hold.

Move

gearshift

lever

to

1st

gear.

8.

Slowly

release

clutch/orake

pedal and

slowly

drive

tractor

off

skid.

9.

Apply

brake

to

stop

tractor,

set

park-

ing

brake

and

place

gearshift

lever

in

neutral

position.

10.

Turn

ignition

key

to

"STOP"

position.

Continue

with

the

instructions

that

follow.

REPOSITION

RIGHT

REAR

GAUGE

WHEEL

For

shipping

purposes,

the

right

rear

gauge

wheel

assembly

is

mounted

upside

down

on

the

mower.

Remove

the

gauge

wheel

assembly

and

reinstall

from

the

bottom

as

shown.

To

adjust

gauge

wheels,

see

the

Operation

section

in

this

manual.

INSTALL

MULCHER

PLATE

(If

previously

removed)

1.

Raise

and

hold

deflector

shield

in

upright

position.

2.

Place

front

of

mulcher

plate

over

front

of

mower

deck

opening

and

slide

into

place,

as

shown.

8.

Hook

front

latch

into

hole

on front

of

mower

deck.

4.

Hook

rear

latch

into

hole

on

back

of

mower

deck.

Deflector

Shield

Mulcher

Plate

AcautTion:

Do

not

remove

deflector

shield

from

mower.

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.

CHECK

TIRE

PRESSURE

The

tires

on

your

tractor

were

overin-

flated

at

the

factory

for

shipping

purposes.

Correct

tire

pressure

is

important

for

best

cutting

performance.

*

Reduce

tire

pressure

to

PSI

shown

in

“PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS”

section

of

this

manual.

CHECK

DECK

LEVELNESS

For

best

cutting

results,

mower

hous-

ing

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

the

figures

that

are

shown

for

replac-

ing

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

trac-

tor,

check

to

see

that

the

brake

is

properly

adjusted.

See

“TO

ADJUST

BRAKE”

in

the

Service

and

Adjustments

section

of

this

manual.

/

CHECKLIST

Before

you

operate

and enjoy

your

new

tractor,

we

wish

to

assure

that

you

receive

the

best

performance

and

satisfaction

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

tight-

ened

securely.

/

All

tires

are

properly

inflated.

(For

ship-

ping

purposes,

the

tires

were

overin-

flated

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

all

connections

are

still

secure

and

wires

are

properly

clamped.

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,

regu-

lar

unleaded

gasoline.

/¥

Become

familiar

with

all

controls

-

their

location

and

function.

Operate

them

before

you

start

the

engine.

/

Be

sure

brake

system

is

in

safe

operat-

ing

condition.

OPERATION

These

symbols

may

appear

on

your

tractor

or

in

literature

supplied

with

the

product.

Learn

and

understand

their

meaning.

R

N H

L

WI

@

«=m

GH

REVERSE

NEUTRAL

HIGH

Low

CHOKE

FAST

SLOW

IGNITION

®

dG

©

6

of

§

PB

ENGINE

OFF

LIGHTS

ON

ENGINE

ON

=

ENGINE

START

PARKING

BRAKE

PARKING

BRAKE

PARKING

BRAKE

LOCKED

UNLOCKED

Ol

@

&»

ext

it

Gf

B

OVERTEMP

FUEL

OILPRESSURE

BATTERY REVERSE

FORWARD

MoOWERHEIGHT

|

MOWER

LIFT

LIGHT

>

e

x

na

Ra

ne

NK

¢

oe

*

re

ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT

CLUTCHENGAGED

CLUTCHDISENGAGED

DANGER,KEEPHANDS

KEEP

AREA

CLEAR

SLOPE

HAZARDS

AND

FEET

AWAY

(SEE

SAFETY

RULES

SECTION)

DANGER

indicates

a

hazard

which,

if

not

avoided,

will

result

in

death

or

serious

injury.

A

WARNING

indicates

a

hazard

which,

if

not

avoided,

could

result

in

death

or

serious

injury.

FREE

WHEEL

(Automatic

Models

only)

CAUTION

indicates

a

hazard

which,

if

not

avoided,

might

result

in

minor

or

moderate

injury.

A

CAUTION

when

used

without

the

alert

symbol,

indicates

a

situation

that

could

result

in

damage

Failure

to

follow

instructions

to

the

tractor

and/or

engine.

could

result

in

serious

injury

OF

yg

HOT

SURFACES

indicates

a

hazard

which,

death.

The

safety

alert

symbol

slim,

i

ot

avoided,

could

result

in

death,

serious

injury

is

used

to

identify

safety

inform-

““““

and/or

property

damage.

ation

about

hazards

which

can

4,@,

FIRE

indicates

a

hazard

which,

if

not

avoided,

result

in

death,

serious

injury

4

could

result

in

death,

serious

injury

and/or

property

damage.

property

damage.

11

KNOW

YOUR

TRACTOR

READ

THIS

OWNER'S

MANUAL

AND

SAFETY

RULES

BEFORE

OPERATING

YOUR

TRACTOR

Compare

the

illustrations

with

your

tractor

to

familiarize

yourself

with

the

locations

of

various

controls

and

adjustments.

Save

this

manual

for

future

reference.

Light

Switch

Position

Hourmeter

a:

.

G

Ignition

Switch

=

g

Attachment

Ammeter

Clutch

Lever

.

a

~

Lift

Lever

sonnet

r

Plunger

Attachment

Throttle/Choke

Lift

Lever

Control

Clutch/Brake

.

Height

Pedal

oe

Adjustment

~

Lever

Parking

Brake

Lever

Gearshift

Lever

Our

tractors

conform

to

the

safety

standards

of

the

American

National

Standards

Institute.

AMMETER

-

Indicates

charging

(+) or

IGNITION

SWITCH

-

Used

for

starting

and

discharging

(-)

of

battery.

stopping

the

engine.

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH

LEVER

-

Used

LIFT

LEVER

PLUNGER

-

Used

to

release

to

engage

the

mower

blades,

or

other

at-

attachment

lift

lever

when

changing

its

tachments

mounted

to

your

tractor.

position.

ATTACHMENT

LIFT

LEVER

-

Used

to

LIGHT

SWITCH

POSITION

-

Turns

the

raise,

lower,

and

adjust

the

mower

deck

or

headlights

on

and

off.

other

attachments

mounted

to

your

tractor.

PARKING

BRAKE

LEVER

-

Locks

clutch/

CLUTCH/BRAKE

PEDAL

-

Used

for

brake

pedal

into

the

brake

position.

declutching

and

braking

the

tractor

and

THROTTLE/CHOKE

CONTROL

-

Used

starting

the

engine.

for

starting

and

controlling

engine

speed.

GEARSHIFT

LEVER

-

Selects

the

speed

HOURMETER

-

Indicates

hours

of

operation.

and

direction

of

tractor.

12

eel

See

a

THAN

NO

SIGHT

The

operation

of

any

tractor

can

result

in

foreign

objects

thrown

into

the

eyes,

which

can

result

in

severe

eye

damage.

Always

wear

safety

glasses

or

eye

shields

while

operating

your

tractor

or

performing

any

adjustments

or

repairs.

We

recommend

a

wide

vision

safety

mask

over

f™™

spectacies

or

standard

safety

glasses.

HOW

TO

USE

YOUR

TRACTOR

TO

SET

PARKING

BRAKE

Your

tractor

is

equipped

with

an

operator

presence

sensing

switch.

When

engine

is

running,

any

attempt

by

the

operator

to

leave

the

seat

without

first

setting

the

parking

brake

will

shut

off

the

engine.

1.

Depress

clutch/brake

pedal

all

the

way

down

and

hold.

2.

Pull

parking

brake

lever

up

and

release

pressure

from

clutch/brake

pedal.

Pedal

should

remain

in

brake

position.

Make

sure

parking

brake

will

hold

trac-

tor

secure.

Attachment

Clutch

Switch

__Pull

out

to

“Engage”

Throttle/Choke

~~

Controt

Qe

Clutch/

_

=

Brake

~~

ema

Pedal

_.—~cns

(BRODY

|

eo

©

Ignition

\

fo

Key

}

Brake’?

=|

Gearshitt

Position

Lever

“Disengaged”

Parking

Brake

Push

in

to

Position

“Engaged”

Position

“Disengage”

STOPPING

MOWER

BLADES

-

¢

To

stop

mower

blades,

push

attachment

clutch

switch

in

to

disengaged

position.

GROUND

DRIVE

-

*

To

stop

ground

drive,

depress

clutch/

brake

pedal

all

the

way

down.

*

Move

gearshift

lever

to

neutral

(N)}

posi-

tion.

ENGINE

-

*

Move

throttle

control

to

slow

position.

NOTE:

Failure

to

move

throttle

control

to

slow

position

to

allow

engine

to

idle

before

stopping

may

cause

engine

to

“backfire”.

*

Turn

ignition

key

to

“STOP”

position

and

remove

key.

Always

remove

key

when

leaving

tractor

to

prevent

unauthorized

use.

*

Never

use

choke

to

stop

engine.

IMPORTANT:

Leaving

the

ignition

switch

in

any

position

other

than

"STOP"

will

cause

the

battery

to

discharge

and

go

dead.

NOTE:

Under

certain

conditions

when

tractor

is

standing

idle

with

the

engine

running,

hot

engine

exhaust

gases

may

cause

“browning”

of

grass.

To

eliminate

this

possibility,

always

stop

engine

when

stopping

tractor

on

grass

areas.

CAUTION:

Always

stop

tractor

com-

pletely, as

described

above,

before

leaving

the

operator's

position.

TO

USE

THROTTLE

CONTROL

Always

operate

engine

at

full

throttle.

*

Operating

engine

at

less

than

full

throttle

reduces

the

battery

charging

rate.

*

Full

throttle

offers

the

best

bagging

and

mower

performance.

TO

MOVE

FORWARD

AND

BACKWARD

The

direction

and

speed

of

movement

is

controlled

by

the

gearshift

lever.

1.

Start

tractor

with

clutch/brake

pedal

de-

pressed

and

gearshift

lever

in

neutral

(N)

position.

2.

Move

gearshift

lever

to

desired

po-

sition.

8.

Slowly

release

clutch/brake

pedal

to

start

movement.

IMPORTANT:

Bring

tractor

to

a

complete

stop

before

shifting

or

changing

gears.

Failure

to

do

so

will

shorten

the

useful

life

of

your

transaxle.

TO

ADJUST

MOWER

CUTTING

HEIGHT

The

position

of

the

attachment

lift

lever

determines

the

cutting height.

*

Grasp

lift

lever.

*

Press

plunger

with

thumb

and

move

lever

to

desired

position.

The

cutting

height

range

is

approxi-

mately

1-1/2

to

4".

The

heights

are

mea-

sured

from

the

ground

to

the

blade

tip

with

the

engine

not

running.

These

heights

are

approximate

and

may

vary

depending

upon

soil

conditions,

height

of

grass

and

types

of

grass being

mowed.

*

The

average

lawn

should

be

cut

to

approxi-

mately

2-1/2

inches

during

the

cool

season

and

to

over

3

inches

during

hot

months.

For

healthier

and

better

looking

lawns,

mow

often

and

after

moclerate

growth.

*

For

best

cutting

performance,

grass

over

6

inches

in

height

should

be

mowed

twice.

Make

the

first

cut

relatively

high;

the

second

to

desired

height.

TO

ADJUST

GAUGE

WHEELS

Gauge

wheels

are

properly

adjusted

when

they

are

slightly

off

the

ground

when

mower

is

at

the

desired

cutting

height

in

operating

position.

Gauge

wheels

then

keep

the

deck

in

proper

position

to

help

prevent

scalping

in

most

terrain

conditions.

NOTE:

Be

sure

tractor

is

on

a

flat

level

surface.

1.

Lower

mower

and

adjust

mower

to

de-

sired

cutting

height(See

“TO

ADJUST

MOWER

CUTTING

HEIGHT”

in

this

section

of

manual).

2.

Remove

retainer

spring

and

clevis

which

secure

each

gauge

wheel

bar.

3.

Lower

gauge

wheels

to

ground.

Raise

gauge

wheels

slightly

to

align

holes

in

bracket

and

gauge

wheel

bar

and

insert

clevis

pin.

Gauge

wheels

should

be

slightly

off

the

ground.

4.

Replace

retainer

spring

into

clevis

pin.

5.

Be

sure

all

gauge

wheels

are

in

the

same

setting.

IMPORTANT:

Be

sure

to

readjust

gauge

wheels

if

you

change

the

cutting

height

of

the

mower

deck.

Retainer

=>

Spring

fr)

Clevis

Ub

TO

OPERATE

MOWER

Your

tractor

is

equipped

with

an

operator

presence

sensing

switch.

Any

attempt

by

the

operator

to

leave

the

seat

with

the

engine

running

and

the

attachment

clutch

engaged

will

shut

off

the

engine.

You

must

remain

fully

and

centrally

positioned

in

the

seat

to

prevent

the

engine

from

hesitating

or

cutting

off

when

operating

your

equip-

ment

on

rough,

rolling

terrain

or

hills.

1.

Select

desired

height

of

cut.

2.

Start

mower

blades

by

engaging

at-

tachment

clutch

control.

TO

STOP

MOWER

BLADES

-

disengage

attachment

clutch

control.

Acaution:

Do

not

operate

the

mower

without

either

the

entire

grass

catcher,

on

mowers

so

equipped,

or

the

deflector

shield

in

place.

Attachment

Clutch

Switch

Pull

Out

To

"E

jage"

Attachemnt

_

Lift

Lever

High

<

AB

Position

il ne

Low

Position

Deflector

Push

in

to

Shield

"Disengage”

TO

OPERATE

ON

HILLS

Awarnina:

Do

not

drive

up

or

down

hills

with

slopes

greater

than

15°

and

do

not

drive

across

any

slope.

Use

the

slope

guide

at

the

back

of

this

manual.

*

Choose

the

slowest

speed

before

start-

ing

up

or

down

hills.

«

Avoid

stopping

or

changing

speed

on

hills.

*

If

slowing

is

necessary,

move

throttle

control

lever

to

slower

position.

*

If

stopping

is

absolutely

necessary,

push

clutch/orake

pedal

quickly

to

brake

posi-

tion

and

engage

parking

brake.

*

Move

gearshift

lever

to

1st

gear.

Be

sure

you

have

allowed

room

for

tractor

to

roll

slightly

as

you

restart

movement.

«

To

restart

movement,

slowly

release

parking

brake

and

clutch/brake

pedal.

¢

Make

all

turns

slowly.

TO

TRANSPORT

*

Raise

attachment

lift

to

highest

position

with

attachment

lift

control.

«

When

pushing

or

towing

your

tractor,

be

sure

gearshift

lever

is in

neutral

(N)

position.

¢

Do

not

push

or

tow

tractor

at

more

than

five

(5)

MPH.

NOTE:

To

protect

hood

from

damage

when

transporting

your

tractor

on

a

truck

or

a

trailer,

be

sure

hood

is

closed

and

secured

to

tractor.

Use

an

appropriate

means

of

tying

hood

to

tractor

(rope,

cord,

etc.).

TOWING

CARTS

AND

OTHER

ATTACH-

MENTS

Tow

only

the

attachments

that

are

recom-

mended

by

and

comply

with

specifications

of

the

manufacturer

of

your

tractor.

Use

common

sense

when

towing. Too

heavy

of

a

load,

while

on

a

slope,

is

dangerous.

Tires

can

lose

traction

with

the

ground

and

cause

you

to

lose

control

of

your

tractor.

BEFORE

STARTING

THE

ENGINE

CHECK

ENGINE

OIL

LEVEL

The

engine

in

your

tractor

has

been

shipped,

from

the

factory,

already

filled

with

summer

weight

oil.

1.

Check

engine

oil

with

tractor

on

level

ground.

Remove

oil

fill

cap/dipstick

and

wipe

clean,

reinsert

the

dipstick

and

screw

cap

tight,

wait

for

a

few

seconds,

re-

move

and

read

oil

level.

If

necessary,

add

oil

until

“FULL’

mark

on

dipstick

is

reached.

Do

not

overfill.

*

For

cold

weather

operation

you

should

change

oil

for

easier

starting

(See

the

oil

viscosity

chart

in

the

Maintenance

section

of

this

manual).

*

To

change

engine

oil,

see

the

Mainte-

nance

section

in

this

manual.

ADD

GASOLINE

¢

Fill

fuel

tank

to

bottom

of

filler

neck.

Do

not

overfill.

Use

fresh,

clean,

regular

unleaded

gasoline

with

a

minimum

of

87

octane.

(Use

of

leaded

gasoline

will

increase

carbon

and

lead

oxide

deposits

and

reduce

valve

life).

Do

not

mix

oil

with

gasoline.

Purchase

fuel

in

quan-

tities

that

can

be

used

within

30

days

to

assure

fuel

freshness.

Acaution:

Wipe

off

any

spilled

oil

or

fuel.

Do

not

store,

spill or

use

gasoline

near

an

open

flame.

IMPORTANT:

When

operating

in

temper-

atures

below32°F(0°C),

use

fresh,

clean

winter

grade

gasoline

to

help

insure

good

cold

weather

starting.

CAUTION:

Alcohol

blended

fuels

(called

gasohol

or

using

ethanol

or

methanol)

can

attract

moisture

which

leads

to

separa-

tion

and

formation

of

acids

during

storage.

2.

Acidic

gas

can

damage

the

fuel

system

of

an

engine

while

in

storage.

To

avoid

engine

problems,

the

fuel

system

should

be

emptied

before

storage

of

30

days

or

longer.

Drain

the

gas

tank,

start

the

engine

and

let

it

run

until

the

fuel

lines

and

carburetor

are

empty.

Use

fresh

fuel

See

Storage

Instructions

for

additional

information.

Never

use

engine

or

carburetor

cleaner

products

in

the

fuel

tank

or

permanent

damage

may

occur.

TO

START

ENGINE

When

starting

the

engine

for

the

first

time

or

if

the

engine

has

run out

of

fuel,

it

will

take

extra

cranking

time

to

move

fuel

from

the

tank

to

the

engine.

1.

Sit

on

seat

in

operating

position,

depress

clutch/brake

pedal and

set

parking

brake.

Place

gear

shift

lever

in

neutral

(N)

position.

Move

attachment

clutch

to

disengaged

position.

4.

Move

throttle

control

to

choke

position.

NOTE:

Before

starting,

read

the

warm

and

cold

starting

procedures

below.

5.

Insert

key

into

ignition

and

turn

key

clockwise

to

start

position

and

release

key

as

soon

as

engine

starts.

Do

not

run

starter

continuously

for

more

than

fifteen

seconds

per

minute.

If

the

engine

does

not

start

after

several

attempts,

move

throttle

control

to

fast

position,

wait

a

few

minutes

and

try

again.

If

engine

still

does

not

start,

move

the

throttle

control

back

to

the

choke

position

and

retry.

WARM

WEATHER

STARTING

(50°

F

and

above}

6.

When

engine

starts,

move

the

throttle

control

to

the

fast

position.

*

The

attachments

and

ground

drive

can

now

be

used.

If

the

engine

does

not

accept

the

load,

restart the

engine

and

allow

it

to

warm

up

for

one

minute

using

the

choke

as

described

above.

COLD

WEATHER

STARTING

(50°

F

and

below)

6.

When

engine

starts,

leave

throttle

control

in

choke

position

until

engine

warms

up

and

begins

to

run

roughly.

Once

rough

running

begins,

immedi-

ately

move

the

throttle

control

to

the

fast

position.

Engine

warm-up

may

take

from

several

seconds

to

several

minutes

(the

colder

the

temperature,

the

longer

the

warm-up).

2.

3.

15

«

The

attachments

can

also

be

used

dur-

ing

the

engine

warm-up

period.

NOTE:

If

at

a

high

altitude

(above

3000

feet)

or

in

cold

temperatures

(below

32

F)

the

carburetor

fuel

mixture

may

need

to

be

adjusted

for

best

engine

performance

(see

“TO

ADJUST

CARBURETOR?’

in

the

Service

and

Adjustments

section

of

this

manual).

MOWING

TIPS

¢

Mower

should

be

properly

leveled

for

best

mowing

performance.

See

“TO

LEVEL

MOWER

HOUSING?’

in

the

Service

and

Adjustments

section

of

this

manual.

*

The

left

hand

side

of

mower

should

be

used

for

trimming.

*

Drive

so

that

clippings

are

discharged

onto

the

area

that

has

already

been

cut.

Have

the

cut

area

to

the

right

of

the

tractor.

This

will

result

in

a

more

even

distribution

of

clippings

and

more

uniform

cutting.

«

When

mowing

large

areas,

start

by

turning

to

the

right

so

that

clippings

will

discharge

away

from

shrubs, fences,

driveways,

etc.

After

one

or

two

rounds,

mow

in

the

opposite

direction

making

left

hand

turns

until

finished.

00272

*

If

grass

is

extremely

tall,

it

should

be

mowed

twice

to

reduce

load

and

pos-

sible

fire

hazard

from

dried

clippings.

Make

first

cut

relatively

high; the

second

to

the

desired

height.

*

Do

not

mow

grass

when

it

is

wet.

Wet

grass

will

plug

mower

and

leave

undesirable

clumps.

Allow grass

to

dry

before

mowing.

«

Always

operate

engine

at

full

throttle

when

mowing

to

assure

better

mowing

performance

and

proper

discharge

of

material.

Regulate

ground

speed

by

selecting

a

low

enough

gear

to

give

the

mower

cutting

performance

as

well

as

the

quality

of

cut

desired.

«

When

operating

attachments,

select

a

ground

speed

that

will

suit

the

terrain

and

give

best

performance

of

the

at-

tachment

being

used.

MULCHING

MOWING

TIPS

IMPORTANT:

For

best

performance,

keep

mower

housing

free

of

built-up

grass

and

trash.

Clean

after

each

use.

*

The

special

mulching

blade

will

recut

the

grass

clippings

many

times

and

reduce

them

in

size

so

that

as

they

fall

onto

the

lawn

they

will

disperse

into

the

grass

and

not

be

noticed.

Also,

the

mulched

grass

will

biodegrade

quickly

to

provide

nutrients

for

the

lawn.

Always

muich

with

your

highest

engine

(blade)

speed

as

this

will

provide

the

best

recut-

ting

action

of

the

blades.

*

Avoid

cutting

your

lawn

when

it

is

wet.

Wet

grass

tends

to

form

clumps

and

interferes

with

the

mulching

action.

The

best

time

to

mow

your lawn

is

the

early

afternoon.

At

this

time

the

grass

has

dried,

the

newly

cut

area

will

not

be

exposed

to

direct

sunlight.

*

For

best

results,

adjust

the

mower

cutting

height

so

that

the

mower

cuts

off

only

the top

one-third

of

the

grass

blades.

For

extremely heavy

grass,

re-

duce

your

width

of

cut on

each pass

and

mow

slowly.

ad

*

Certain

types

of

grass

and

grass

conditions

may

require

that

an

area

be

mulched

a

second

time

to

completely

hide

the

clippings.

When

doing

a

sec-

ond

cut,

mow

across

(perpendicular)

to

the

first

cut

path.

*

Change

your

cutting

pattern

from

week

to

week.

Mow

north

to

south one

week

then

change

to

east

to

west

the

This

will

help

prevent

matting

and

graining

of

the

lawn.

16

MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE

FILL

IN

DATES

AS

YOU

COMPLETE

REGULAR

SERVICE

Check

Brake

Operation

Check

Tire

Pressure

Check

Operator

Presence

and

Interlock

Systems

Check

for

Loose

Fasteners

SSNS

SN

v:

v

Sharpen/Replace

Mower

Blades

Lubrication

Chart

Check

Battery

Level

DoHAorqaa

Clean

Battery

and

Terminals

ais

Check

Transaxle

Cooling

Check

V-Belts

oY

Check

Engine

Oil

Level

YW

sv

Change

Engine

Oil

(with

oil

filter)

Wi.

Change

Engine

Oil

(without

oil

filter)

W

Clean

Air

Filter

W:

Clean

Air

Screen

Ww:

Inspect

Muffler/Spark

Arrester

oY

Replace

Oil

Filter

(If

equipped)

We

Clean

Engine

Cooling

Fins

WwW:

Replace

Spark

Plug

v

oY

Replace

Air

Filter

Paper

Cartridge

Ww:

Replace

Fuel

Filter

ow

1 -

Change

more

often

when

operating

under

a

heavy

load

or

3

-

Replace

blades

more

often

when

mowing

in

sandy

soil.

in

high

ambient

temperatures.

4

-

Not

required

if

equipped

with

maintenance-free

battery.

2

-

Service

more

often

when

operating

in

dirty

or

dusty

conditions.

5

-

Tighten

front

axle

pivot

bolt

to

35

ft.-Ibs.

maximum.

GENERAL

RECOMMENDATIONS

The

warranty

on

this

tractor

does

not

LUBRICATION

CHART

cover

items

that

have been subjected

to

@Spindie

af

® Spindle

operator

abuse

or

negligence.

To

receive

Zerk

my

ei)

Zerk

full

value

from

the

warranty,

operator

LE

4

SIS

mz-O2zm

ASU

'AIOIEN-YOS”

WIE

must

maintain

tractor

as

instructed

in

this

A

manual.

—

;

@Front

Wheel

-,

@Front

Wheel

Some

adjustments

will

need

to

be

made

Bearing

Wossocrnrc,

\.

Bearing

Zerk

periodically

to

properly

maintain

your

Zerk

tractor.

At

least

once

a

season,

check

to

see

if

you

should

make

any

of

the

adjustments

@Engine

described

in

the

Service

and

Adjustments

section

of

this

manual.

;

*

Atleast

once

ayearyoushouldreplace

st

:

;

OGearshitt

the

spark

plug,

clean

or

replace

air

filter,

Lo

Be}

Pivots

and

check

blades

and

belts

for

wear.

.

gt

@SAE

30

or

1O0w30

Motor

Oil

A

new

spark

plug

and

clean

air filter

@General

Purpose Grease

assure

proper

air-fuel

mixture

and

help

@Refer

to

Maintenance

“ENGINE”

Section

your

engine

run

better

and

last

longer.

¢

' I '

boy)

RRR

Spioot

' ' ' i ' I

BEFORE

EACH

USE

IMPORTANT:

Do

not

oil

or

grease

the

1.

Check

engine

oil

level.

pivot

points

which

have

special

nylon

2.

Check

brake

operation.

bearings.

Viscous

lubricants

will

attract

3.

Check

tire

pressure.

dust

and

dirt

that

will

shorten

the

life

of

the

4.

Check

operator

presence

and

selfubricating

bearings.

If

you

feel

they

interlock

systems

for

proper

operation.

|

Must

be

lubricated,

use

only

a

dry,

pow-

5.

Check

for

loose

fasteners.

dered

graphite

type

lubricant

sparingly.

17

TRACTOR

Always

observe

safety

rules

when

per-

forming

any

maintenance.

BRAKE

OPERATION

If

tractor

requires

more

than

six

(6)

feet

stopping

distance

at

high

speed

in

highest

gear,

then

brake

must

be

adjusted. (See

“TO

ADJUST

BRAKE”

in

the

Service

and

Adjustments

section

of

this

manual).

TIRES

*

Maintain

proper

air

pressure

in

all

tires

(See

“PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS”

section

of

this

manual).

*

Keep

tires

free

of

gasoline,

oil,

or

insect

control

chemicals

which

can

harm

rub-

ber.

*

Avoid

stumps,

stones,

deep

ruts,

sharp

objects

and

other

hazards

that

may

cause

tire

damage.

NOTE:

To

seal

tire

punctures

and

prevent

flat

tires

due

to

slow

leaks,

tire

sealant

may

be

purchased

from

your

local

parts

dealer.

Tire

sealant

also

prevents

tire

dry

rot

and

corrosion.

OPERATOR

PRESENCE

SYSTEM

Be

sure

operator

presence

and

interlock

systems

are

working

properly.

If

your

trac-

tor

does

not

function

as

described,

repair

the

problem

immediately.

*

The

engine

should

not

start

unless

the

clutch/brake

pedal

is

fully

depressed

and

attachement

clutch

control

is

in

the

disengaged

position.

*

When

the

engine

is

running,

any

at-

tempt

by

the

operator

to

leave

the

seat

without

first

setting

the

parking

brake

should

shut

off

the

engine.

*

When

the

engine

is

running

and

the

attachment

clutch

is

engaged,

any

at-

tempt

by

the

operator

to

leave

the

seat

should

shut

off

the

engine.

¢

The

attachment

clutch

should

never

op-

erate

unless

the

operator

is

in

the

seat.

BLADE

CARE

For

best

results

mower

blades

must

be

kept

sharp.

Replace

bent

or

damaged

blades.

BLADE

REMOVAL

1.

Raise

mower

to

highest

position

to

al-

low

access

to

blades.

2.

Remove

blade

bolt,

lock

washer

and

flat

washer

securing

blade.

8.

Install

new

or

resharpened

blade

with

trailing

edge

up

towards

deck

as

shown.

IMPORTANT:

To

ensure

proper

assembly,

center

hole

in

blade

must

align

with

star

on

mandrel

assembly.

4.

Reassemble

blade

bolt,

lock

washer

and

flat

washer

in

exact

order

as

shown.

5.

Tighten

blade

bolt

securely

(27-35

Ft.

Lbs.

torque).

IMPORTANT:

Blade

bolt

is

heat

treated.

If

bolt

needs

replacing,

replace

only

with

approve

bolt

shown

in

the

Repair

Parts.

Mandrel

Assembly

Trailing

—

Edge

Up

Blade

Center

x

»

gle

Flat

Washer.

ae

a

Lock

NS

Ye

SO

oo

Comte

Bolt

TO

SHARPEN

BLADE

NOTE:

We

do

not

recommend

sharp-

ening blade

-

but

if

you

do,

be

sure

the

blade

is

balanced.

Care

should

be

taken

to

keep

the

blade

balanced.

An

unbalanced

blade

will

cause

excessive

vibration

and

eventual

damage

to

mower

and engine.

*

The

blade

can

be

sharpened

with

a

file

or

on

a

grinding

wheel.

Do

not

attempt

to

sharpen

while

on

the

mower.

*

To

check

blade

balance,

you

will

need

a

5/8"

diameter

steel

bolt,

pin,

or

a

cone

balancer.

(When

using

a

cone

balancer,

follow

the

instructions

supplied

with

balancer.)

NOTE:

Do

not

use

a

nail

for

balancing

blade.

The

lobes

of

the

center

hole

may

appear

to

be

centered,

but

are

not.

*

Slide

blade

on

to

an

unthreaded

portion

of

the

steel

bolt

or

and

hold

the

bolt

or

parallel

with

the

ground.

If

blade

is

balanced,

it

should

remain

ina

horizontal

position.

If

either

end

of

the

blade

moves

downward,

sharpen

the

heavy

end

until

the

blade

is

balanced.

5/8”

18

BATTERY

Your

tractor

has

a

battery

charging

system

which

is

sufficient

for

normal

use.

How-

ever,

periodic

charging

of

the

battery

with

an

automotive

charger

will

extend

its

life.

*

Keep

battery

and

terminals

clean.

*

Keep

battery

bolts

tight.

«

Keep

small

vent

holes

open.

«

Recharge

at

6-10

amperes

for

1

hour.

NOTE:

The

original

equipment

battery

on

your

tractor

is

maintenance

free.

Do

not

attempt

to

open

or

remove

caps

or

covers.

Adding

or

checking

level

of

electrolyte

is

not

necessary.

TO

CLEAN

BATTERY

AND

TERMINALS

Corrosion

and

dirt

on

the

battery

and

terminals

can

cause

the

battery

to

“leak”

power.

1.

Remove

terminal

guard.

2.

Disconnect

BLACK

battery

cable

first

then

RED

battery

cable

and

remove

battery

from

tractor.

Rinse

the

battery

with

plain

water

and

dry.

Clean

terminals

and

battery

cable

ends

with

wire

brush

until

bright.

Coat

terminals

with

grease

or

petro-

leum

jelly.

Reinstall

battery

(See

“REPLACING

BATTERY"

in

the

SERVICE

AND

AD-

JUSTMENTS

section

of

this

manual).

TRANSAXLE

COOLING

Keep

transaxle

free

from

build-up

of

dirt

and

chaff

which

can

restrict

cooling.

V-BELTS

Check

V-belts

for

deterioration and

wear

after

100

hours

of

operation

and

replace

if

necessary.

The

belts

are

not

adjustable.

Replace

belts

if

they

begin

to

slip

from

wear.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only

use

high

quality

detergent

oil

rated

with

API

service

classification

SG-SL.

Select

the

oil’s

SAE

viscosity

grade

according

to

your

expected

operating

temperature.

SAE

VISCOSITY

GRADES

19

NOTE:

Although

multi-viscosity

oils

(5W30, 10WS30

etc.)

improve

starting

in

cold

weather,

they

will

result

in

increased

oil

consumption

when

used

above

32°F.

Check

your

engine

oil

level

more

frequent-

ly

to

avoid

possible

engine

damage

from

running

low

on

oil.

Change

the

oil

after

every

50

hours

of

op-

eration

or

at

least

once

a

year

if

the

tractor

is

not

used

for

50

hours

in

one

year.

Check

the

crankcase

oil

level

before

start-

ing

the

engine

and

after

each

eight

(8)

hours

of

operation.

Tighten

oil

fill

cap/

dipstick

securely

each

time

you

check

the

oil

level.

TO

CHANGE

ENGINE

OIL

Determine

temperature

range

expected

before

oil

change.

All

oil

must

meet

API

service

classification

SG-SL.

*

Be

sure

tractor

is

on

level

surface.

*

Oil

will

drain

more

freely

when

warm.

*

Catch

oil

in

a

suitable

container.

1.

Remove

oil

fill

cap/dipstick.

Be

careful

not

to

allow

dirt

to

enter

the

engine

when

changing

oil.

Remove

yellow

cap

from

end

of

drain

valve

and

install

the

drain

tube

onto

the

fitting.

Oil

Drain

Valve

Closed

and

Locked

Position

Yellow

Cap

Unlock

drain

valve

by

pushing

inward

slightly

and

turning

counterclockwise.

To

open,

pull

out

on

the

drain

valve.

After

oil

has

drained

completely,

close

and

lock

the

drain

valve

by

pushing

inward

and

turning

clockwise

until

the

is in

the

locked

position

as

shown.

Remove

the

drain

tube

and

replace

the

cap

onto

the

end

of

the

drain

valve.

Refill

engine

with

oil

through

oil

fill

dip-

stick

tube.

Pour

slowly.

Do

not

overfill.

For

approximate

capacity

see

“PROD-

UCT

SPECIFICATIONS”

section

of

this

manual.

Use

gauge

on

oil

fill

cap/dipstick

for

checking

level.

For

accurate

reading,

tighten

dipstick

cap

securely

onto

the

tube

before

removing

dipstick.

Keep

oil

at

“FULL

line

on

dipstick.

Tighten

cap

onto

the

tube

securely

when

finished.

ENGINE

OIL

FILTER

Replace

the

engine

oil

filter

every

season

or

every

other

oil

change

if

the

tractor

is

used

more

than

100

hours

in

one

year.

AIR

FILTER

Your

engine

will

not run

properly

using

a

dirty

air

filter.

Replace

pre-cleaner

after

every

25

hours

of

operation

or

every

season.

Service

paper

cartridge

every

100

hours

of

operation

or

every

season,

whichever

occurs

first.

Service

air

cleaner

more

often

under

dusty

conditions.

1.

Pull

up

on

air filter

cover

handle

and

rotate

towards

engine.

Remove

cover.

Carefully

remove

air filter

cartridge

and

pre-cleaner

from

base.

Clean

base

carefully

to

prevent

debris

from

falling

into

carburetor.

NOTE:

If

very

dirty

or

damaged,

replace

cartridge.

5.

Place

new

pre-cleaner

and

cartridge

firmly

in

base.

6.

Align

tabs

on

cover

with

slots

in

blower

housing

and

replace

cover.

7.

Hook

handle

on

cover

and

push

down

on

handle

to

close.

IMPORTANT:

Petroleum

solvents,

such

as

kerosene,

are

not

to

be

used

to

clean

the

cartridge.

They

may

cause

deterio-

ration

of

the

cartridge.

Do

not

oil

car-

tridge.

Do

not

use

pressurized

air

to

clean

cartridge.

2.

3.

4.

20

CLEAN

AIR

SCREEN

Air

screen

must

be

kept

free

of

dirt

and

chaff

to

prevent

engine

damage

from

overheating.

Clean

with

a

wire

brush

or

compressed

air to

remove

dirt

and

stub-

born

dried

gum

fibers.

ENGINE

COOLING

SYSTEM

Debris

may

clog

the

engine’s

air

cool-

ing

system.

Remove

blower

housing

and

clean

area

shown

to

prevent

overheating

and

engine

damage.

Clean

out

chaff

and

debris

Air

Screen

MUFFLER

Inspect

and

replace

corroded

muffler

and

spark

arrester

(if

equipped)

as

it

could

cre-

ate

a

fire

hazard

and/or

damage.

SPARK

PLUG(S)

Replace

spark

plug(s)

at

the

beginning

of

each

mowing

season

or

after

every

100

hours

of

operation,

whichever

occurs

first.

Spark

plug

type

and gap

setting

are

shown

in

“PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS”

section

of

this

manual.

IN-LINE

FUEL

FILTER

The

fuel

filter

should

be

replaced

once

each

season.

If

fuel

filter

becomes

clogged,

obstructing

fuel

flow

to

carbu-

retor,

replacement

is

required.

1.

With

engine

cool,

remove

filter

and

plug

fuel

line

sections.

Place

new

fuel

filter

in

position

in

fuel

line

with

arrow

pointing

towards

carbu-

retor.

Be

sure

there

are

no

fuel

line

leaks

and

clamps

are

properly

positioned.

Immediately

wipe

up

any

spilled

gaso-

line.

2.

OORgF

Fuel

Filter

Sears CRAFTSMAN 917.273631 User manual

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