Sears CRAFTSMAN C 151 61681 1 User manual

1
OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
C 151 61681 1
Caution:
Read and Follow
All Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
48" UTILITY BLADE FOR
CRAFTSMAN TRACTORS
·Assembly
·Operation
·Maintenance
·Repair Parts
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
104675 H-04

2
LIMITED ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN
TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS "UTILITY BLADE"
For one (1) year from date of purchase, Sears Canada Inc. will repair or replace free of charge at Sears option any
parts which are defective as a result of defective material or faulty workmanship.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
Warranty on Tractor Attachments "Utility Blade" used for commercial or rental purposes is limited to 90 days.
This warranty does NOT cover:
* Wear items, such as shear pins and shear bolts, belts
* Repairs due to customer abuse or neglect
* Pre-delivery set-up
* In Home service
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Tractor Attachment to the nearest Sears Service Centre /
Department in Canada. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in Canada.
This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal rights you may have but shall
run concurrently with applicable provincial legislation. Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitation on how
long an implied warranty will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.
SEARS CANADA INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO, M5B 2B8
FOR SERVICE PLEASE CALL
SEARS HOME CENTRAL
1-800-4-MY-HOME®
WARRANTY

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 3
SAFETY DECALS ................................................................................................................................................. 5
ASSEMBLY
Step 1: Tractor Preparation .................................................................................................................... 6
Step 2: Subframe Installation ................................................................................................................. 7
Step 3: Utility Blade Preparation ............................................................................................................ 14
Step 4: Utility Blade Installation .............................................................................................................. 15
OPERATION
Raising or lowering the Utility Blade ........................................................................................................ 16
Adjusting the angle of the Utility Blade .................................................................................................... 16
Trip spring protection ............................................................................................................................... 16
MAINTENANCE & DISMOUNTING
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Utility Blade Dismounting ......................................................................................................................... 17
End of Season Storage ........................................................................................................................... 17
PARTS BREAKDOWN AND LIST
Utility Blade ............................................................................................................................................... 18
Subframe .................................................................................................................................................. 20
TORQUE SPECIFICATION TABLE ..................................................................................................................... 23
ATTACHMENTS & OPTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 24
CONSUMER INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................... 25
PAGE

2
INTRODUCTION
TO THE PURCHASER
This new accessory was carefully designed to give years of dependable service. This manual has been provided to
assist in the safe operation and servicing of your accessory.
NOTE: All photographs and illustrations in the manual may not necessarily depict the actual models or accessory, but
are intended for reference only and are based on the latest product information available at the time of publication.
Familiarize yourself fully with the safety recommendations and operating procedures before putting the machine to use.
Carefully read, understand and follow these recommendations and insist that they be followed by those who will use
this accessory.
THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL IDENTIFIES AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE IN THIS MANUAL
THAT HELPS YOU AND OTHERS AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. DANGER,
WARNING, AND CAUTION ARE SIGNAL WORDS USED TO IDENTIFY THE LEVEL OF HAZARD.
HOWEVER, REGARDLESS OF THE HAZARD, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL.
DANGER: Signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious injury or death if recommended precautions are
not followed.
WARNING: Signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if the recommended precautions are not
followed.
CAUTION: Signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate injury if the recommended precautions are not
followed.
Record your accessory’s serial number and purchase date in the section reserved below (there is no serial number on
the subframe). Your dealer requires this information to give you prompt, efficient service when ordering replacement
parts. Use only genuine parts when replacements are required.
If warranty repairs are required please present this registration booklet and original sales invoice to your selling dealer
for warranty service.
This manual should be kept for future reference.
Please check if you have received all the parts for your kit with the list of the
bag and the list of the box.
SERIAL NUMBER : ___________________________
PURCHASE DATE : ___________________________

3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Careful operation is your best insurance against an accident. Read this section carefully before operating the vehicle
and accessory. This accessory is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury. All operators, no matter how experienced they may be,
should read this and other manuals related to the vehicle and accessory before operating. It is the owner's legal
obligation to instruct all operators in safe operation of the accessory.
GLOSSARY:
In this manual, right and left sides are determined by
sitting on the seat of the vehicle facing forward.
In this manual, "accessories" means attachments
(snowblower, rotary broom, blade etc.) that you install
on the vehicle (lawn tractors, A.T.V. s etc).
TRAINING:
This symbol, "Safety Alert Symbol", is used
throughout this manual and on the accessory’s
safety labels to warn of the possibility of serious
injury. Please take special care in reading and
understanding the safety precautions before
operating the vehicle and accessory.
1. Read this owner's manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and proper use of the
vehicle and accessory. Know how to stop the unit
and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the vehicle nor the
accessory. Never allow adults to operate the vehicle
nor the accessory without proper instructions.
3. No one should operate the vehicle nor the
accessory while intoxicated or while taking
medication that impairs the senses or reactions.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all people,
particularly small children and pets.
PREPARATION:
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the accessory
is to be used and remove door mats, all foreign
objects and the like.
2. For motorized accessories, disengage all clutches
and shift into neutral before starting engine.
3. Do not operate the accessory without wearing
adequate winter outer garments. Avoid loose fitting
clothing that can get caught in moving parts. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
4. Handle fuel with care, it is highly flammable.
a) Use approved fuel container.
b) Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
c) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill
fuel tank indoors.
d) Never fill containers inside a vehicle, or on a
truck or a trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always
place containers on the ground, away from your
vehicle, before filling.
e) When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel
such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
f) Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at all times, until
refueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-
open device.
g) Replace fuel cap securely and wipe up spilled
fuel.
h) If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running (except when specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
6. Let the vehicle and accessory adjust to outdoor
temperatures before starting to clear snow.
7. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repairs to protect the eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the accessory.
8. Never modify the accessory or any part without
the written consent from the manufacturer.

4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
OPERATION:
1. Do not put hands or feet near, under or inside
rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine
(motor), disconnect the wire from the spark plug(s)
and keep wire away to prevent accidental starting.
Thoroughly inspect the accessory for any damage
and repair damage before restarting and using the
accessory.
4. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
5. Take all possible precautions when leaving the
vehicle unattended. Disengage the power take-off,
lower the attachment, place the transmission into
neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine and
remove the contact key.
6. Do not run the engine indoors, except when
starting the engine and for transporting in or out of
the building. Do not operate or let motor run in a
storage area without ventilation because gas
contains carbon monoxide which is odorless,
colorless and can cause death.
7. Never clean across the face of slopes, go from top
to bottom. Exercise extreme caution when using
equipment on slopes. Do not attempt to clear a
steep slope.
8. Never use an accessory without proper guards,
plates, or other safety protective devices in place
9. Never tolerate bystanders in the working zone.
Never use an accessory in the direction of
bystanders, it might throw gravel or debris that can
hurt people or damage property.
10.Never operate the accessory at high transport
speeds on slippery surfaces. Use care when
backing up.
11.Do not carry passengers.
12.Disengage power to the accessory when it is
transported or not in use.
WHENEVER YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL
IT MEANS:
WARNING!
BECOME ALERT !
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1.When cleaning, repairing or inspecting the vehicle
and accessory, make certain that all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect wire from the spark plug
(s) and keep wire away to prevent accidental
starting.
2. Check all the bolts at frequent intervals to make
sure that they are properly tightened .
3. Never store a motorized accessory with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources
are present such as hot water and space heaters,
clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
4. Always refer to the owner’s manual when you store
the accessory and vehicle for a prolonged or an
unspecified length of time.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
6. For winter accessories, (if applicable), let the engine
run for a few minutes after clean snow in order to
prevent the rotary parts from freezing.
7. Inspect the vehicle’s and accessory’s air filter every
day. Clean it or replace it as necessary. Change the
oil more often when working in dusty conditions.
See the vehicle’s and accessory's owner’s manual.
13.Never operate the accessory without good visibility
or light.
14.Keep the accessory away from heat sources or
flames.
15.Always wear a dust mask when working in a dusty
environment.

5
SAFETY DECALS
REPLACE IF DECALS ARE DAMAGED
SEE PARTS BREAKDOWN FOR DECAL LOCATION
Decal # 103165

6
ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: TORQUE ALL BOLTS ACCORDING
TO TORQUE SPECIFICATION TABLE (SEE TABLE
OF CONTENTS) WHEN STATED: TIGHTEN
FIRMLY. REFER TO PARTS BREAKDOWN
SECTION FOR PARTS IDENTIFICATION.
NOTE: This subframe was designed to fit various
models of tractors. Make sure to follow the
instructions that correspond to your tractor. The
VGT frame sometimes requires a particular
procedure.
This subframe may be used to install different
attachments (see attachments page). Once installed,
it may remain permanently on the tractor. Before
doing any modifications or installations on the tractor,
open the tractor hood, disconnect the headlights and
remove the hood. Disconnect the wire from the spark
plug(s) and keep away from spark plug(s) to prevent
accidental starting.
STEP 1
TRACTOR PREPARATION:
It is not necessary to remove mower deck to install subframe.
You may remove deck when using blade if desired.
According to the model of the tractor, remove the mower
front attaching supports if they are bolted to the outside
of the tractor’s frame on each side.
In order to install the subframe’s supports, it may be
necessary to remove certain bolts or certain parts.
NOTE: Take note of the place and how the bolts and
parts were installed in order to reinstall them in the same
manner and place as before.
If applicable, make sure that the belt guide does not
touch any mobile part when reinstalled.
How to:
Take the right support (item 1) and place it on the right
side of the tractor’s frame.
Align the hole (item 2) on the right support with the hole
(item 3) which is about 2” (according to the model of the
tractor) from the edge of the tractor’s front frame.
Remove all the bolts and parts from the tractor’s frame
that will interfere with the installation of the right support.
Do the same operation on the left side with the left
support.
Align the holes in order to identify and remove the
bolts and/or parts that come into interference with the
support
VGT Frame

7
ASSEMBLY
Install brace pin
STEP 2
SUBFRAME INSTALLATION:
For other tractors:
Use brace pin (item 4) and follow the
installation instructions below.
Install the brace pin (item 4) on the right support (item
2) with two carriage bolts 3/8’’ x 1’’ (item 3;heads
outside) and two 3/8" flange nuts.
Tighten firmly.
NOTE: Generally, the brace pin must be over the
lawnmower belt and at the same time, as low as
possible.
No interference is allowed.
See chart.
Tractor Hole
(inside view of item 2) Position of
brace pin
2006 and
2007
(most)
Bottom Upwards
VGT
frame Bottom Downwards
Others Top Upwards
or
downwards
You must choose which brace pin (item 1 or item 4)
that is appropriate for your tractor model.
Tractors with a clutch that measures 5.5”
high only (as shown):
You must use brace pin (item 1) and install it in the
bottom holes of the right support (item 2) with two
carriage bolts 3/8’’ x 1’’ (item 3;heads outside) and
two 3/8" flange nuts.
Tighten firmly.
NOTE: This brace pin must be under the lawnmower
belt.
The belt must not touch the brace pin.

8
RIGHT SUPPORT:
Install the right support (item 1) on the right side.
The chart identifies the hardware according to the
holes in the tractor’s frame. Even though some holes
may not exist on certain models of tractors, use the
maximum of holes & bolts possible to ensure the
solidity of the kit.
Carr. B. = Carriage bolt; head towards the inside.
Hex B. = Hexagonal bolt; head towards the outside.
N/A = Not applicable
Install right support .
ASSEMBLY
NOTES:
1. On new tractors, turning the wheels to the left will
facilitate installation.
2. The spacer (item 15) is used to strengthen
certain heat shields.
If necessary, slide the shim (item 14) between the
tractor frame (item 16) and the right support; in line
with hole (item 9 or item 11). (Make sure that the shim
stays perpendicular with the top of the support).
Do not tighten the screws or the nuts.
2 Carr. B 3/8 x 3/4’’
Flange nut 3/8’’ Thread cutting screw 3/8 x 1’’
3 N/A Thread cutting
screw 3/8 x 1’’
4 N/A Thread cutting
screw 3/8 x 1’’
5 Carr. B. 5/16 x 1’’
Flange nut 5/16’’ N/A
6 N/A Thread cutting
screw 5/16 x 1’’
7, 9 Hex B. 3/8 x 1’’
Flange nut 3/8’’ N/A
10, 11 N/A Hex B. 3/8 x 1’’
12 Set screw 5/16 x 1/2’’
(on support for the
cab)
N/A
Item # If square holes on
tractor If threaded holes on tractor
13 Tractor bolt and
Spacer (Round hole) N/A
8 Hex B. 3/8 x 1’’
Flange nut 3/8’’ Thread cutting screw 3/8 x 1’’

9
ASSEMBLY
Install the left support and handle support
LEFT SUPPORT AND HANDLE SUPPORT:
Install the left support (item 1) and the handle support
(item 17). Secure the brace pin (item 19)
The chart identifies the hardware according to the
holes in the tractor’s frame. Even though some holes
may not exist on certain models of tractors, use the
maximum of holes & bolts possible to ensure the
solidity of the kit.
Carr. B. = Carriage bolt; head towards the inside.
Hex B. = Hexagonal bolt; head towards the outside,
except 14 & 16.
N/A = Not applicable.
NOTE:
1. On new tractors, turning the wheels to the right
will facilitate installation .
2. The spacer (item 15) is used to strengthen
certain heat shields.
2 Carr. B. 3/8 x 3/4’’
Flange nut 3/8’’ Thread cutting screw 3/8 x 1’’
3 Hex. B. 3/8 x 1’’ Thread cutting
screw 3/8 x 1’’
4 N/A Thread cutting
screw 3/8 x 1’’
5 Carr. B. 5/16 x 1’’
Flange nut 5/16’’ N/A
6 N/A
Thread cutting
screw 5/16 x 1’’
7, 9 Hex. bolt 3/8 x 1’’
Flange nut 3/8’’ N/A
10, 11 Hex. B 3/8 x 1’’
Flange nut 3/8’’
(round holes)
N/A
12 Set screw 5/16 x 1/2’’
(on support for the cab) N/A
Item # If square holes
on tractor If threaded holes on tractor
14, 16 Hex. B 3/8 x 1’’
Flange nut 3/8’’
(round holes)
N/A
18 Plastic grommet
(round hole in support) N/A
13 Tractor bolt and Spacer
(round holes) N/A
8 Hex. bolt 3/8 x 1’’
Flange nut 3/8’’ Thread cutting screw 3/8 x 1’’

10
ASSEMBLY
Install the mower brackets inside the support and
other parts if applicable.
If necessary, slide the shim (item 20, previous page)
between the tractor frame and the support, in line with
hole (item 9 or item 11). (Make sure that the shim
stays perpendicular with the top of the support).
Slightly tighten the screws and bolts.
Make sure that the brace pin stays straight and does
not come into contact with any part of the tractor (ex:
the engine belt when mower deck is in raised posi-
tion). If there is a contact, turn the brace pin upside
down.
MOWER BRACKET
If you have removed the original supports from the
tractor, in order to install the mower brackets (item
19) (included in this kit) inside the support; insert two
hex. bolts 3/8 x 1 1/4" (item 20) (the heads on the
outside) in the top holes of the right support .
From the inside of the support, place the shim (item
21; notice orientation) and the mower bracket (item
19) on the bolts. Secure with two flange nuts.
Do the same operation on the left side.
Tighten firmly.
Reinstall the parts:
Reinstall the parts previously removed in their original
position.

11
ASSEMBLY
TRACTORS WITH A MANUAL CLUTCH
ACTIVATED BY A CABLE:
If it is not possible to put back in place the tractor’s
belt guides, use the replacement belt guides supplied.
Insert the collars (item 1) on the brace pin (item 4).
Tighten slightly. Place a belt guide (item 2) on each
collar. Secure with a #10 x 24 x 3/4" machine screw
(item 3) and nylon insert lock nut.
The belt guides must not touch the belt (item 5) when
the drive mechanism is engaged.
When the drive mechanism is disengaged, the belt
guides (item 6) must push enough on the belt (item 7)
so that the drive mechanism pulley does not turn.
Tighten the collar screws and the nuts tightly.
WARNING
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
It is the person who installs the belt guides
responsibility to make sure that when the
lawnmower is disengaged that all moving parts
stop.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact
the technical support.
Install belt guide/drive mechanism engaged
Drive mechanism disengaged

12
ASSEMBLY
Assemble the lift arm
ASSEMBLY
Secure with the hair pin (item 3).
Tighten all the bolts.
If there is interference between the pivot support and
the tractor heat shield, replace with the heat shield
(item 4) supplied.
NOTE: If the original heat shield is bolted to the front
of tractor frame, detach the top part (item 6) of the
heat shield supplied by folding it up and down along
the dotted line.
Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges. For
your safety sand down the sharp edges.
Use the tractor bolts to secure in place.
PIVOT SUPPORT:
Turn the front wheels towards the right.
Install the pivot support (item 1) between the two
supports and slide in place the pin (item 2) in the
required holes. The other holes get the hooked end
(item 5) of the pin. See table.
Install the pivot support.
Tires Holes in pivot support
15’’ x 6’’ or smaller Top
16’’ x 6.5’’ or bigger Bottom
LIFT ARM:
Insert the nylon bushings (item 1) in the lift arm (item
2).
Install the handgrip (item 3) on the lift arm as shown.

13
LIFT MECHANISM:
Slide the link (item 1) inside the box of the right
support (item 2). Insert the pin (item 3) inside the link.
Insert the lift arm (item 4) on the pin (item 5) of the
right support and on the pin (item 3).
Secure the arm with one washer (item 6) and one hair
pin 4 mm (item 7).
Secure the pin in place with a flat washer (item 8)
and a hair pin 2.5 mm (item 9, inserted from the
bottom to the top).
Secure the link to the pivot support (item 10) with a
pin (item 11) and a hair pin 2.5 mm (item 12).
Install the lift mechanism
ASSEMBLY

14
ASSEMBLY
Install the push frame (item 1) to the attaching frame
(item 2) with a 5/8 x 3 1/2’’ hex bolt (item 3) and a nylon
insert lock nut (item 4).
Do not tighten too much so that the push frame moves
freely.
Insert the 3/8 x 3/4’’ hex bolts (item 5) as shown, the
heads from underneath and the flange nuts (item 6) on
top.
Tighten firmly.
Install the skid shoes (item 7) to the back of the blade,
as shown with four 5/16 x 3/4” carriage bolts (item 8).
Secure the bolts with four flange nuts (item 9).
Install control rod
Prepare blade
Install the joint block (item 1) on the latch (item 2) and
hold in place with a retaining ring (item 3).
Install the control rod (item 4) on the joint block (item 1)
and secure with a 2.5 mm hair pin (item 5).
STEP 3
UTILITY BLADE PREPARATION:

15
ASSEMBLY
Attach the blade
STEP 4
UTILITY BLADE INSTALLATION:
WARNING
TO PREVENT INJURIES:
Stop the motor.
Apply parking brake.
Remove the ignition key.
Attach the utility blade to the subframe as shown.
Make sure the blade is pushed in until locked into
place by the springs (item 1).
Install the plastic handgrip (item 5) on the handle
(item 1).
Insert the handle (item 1) into the support (item 2) as
shown.
Install the handle (item 1) on the control rod (item 3)
as shown and secure with a 2.5 mm hair pin (item 4).
VERIFY TIRE PRESSURE:
Check and adjust tractor tire pressure as follows:
Front tires: 14-15 psi
Back tires: 7-8 psi
Tire pressure must be even on both sides of the
tractor.
ADJUST SKID SHOES:
On a level surface, raise the utility blade off the
ground and insert some shims to the desired height
under the blade, lower the blade on the shims.
Loosen the bolts that hold the skid shoes and slide
them down to the ground in order to get the desired
height. Tighten the nuts firmly.
NOTE: The two skid shoes must be adjusted to the
same height.
Install handle

16
OPERATION
WARNING
Read the tractor Owner’s Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls & proper
use of the attachment. Know how to stop the at-
tachment & disengage the controls quickly.
WARNING
TO PREVENT INJURIES AND FOR MORE
TRACTION WHEN USING AN ATTACHMENT:
-Rear counterweight of 100 lbs. minimum is
required to counterbalance the attachment’s
weight.
-Tractor manufacturer approved tire chains are
required.
-Do not operate on a slope greater than 10°.
-When dismounting the attachment remove rear
counterweights.
RAISING OR LOWERING THE UTILITY
BLADE:
The manual lift arm for raising and lowering the utility
blade is located on the right hand side of the tractor. To
raise the blade, pull back on the lift arm. To lower the
blade, push the lift arm slowly towards the front.
ADJUSTING THE ANGLE OF THE UTILITY
BLADE:
The handle that allows to adjust the angle of the blade is
located on the left hand side of the tractor, close to the
steering wheel. To adjust the angle, turn the handle
counter-clockwise to unlock the latch. Push or pull the
handle to adjust the blade to the desired angle.
TRIP SPRING PROTECTION:
The blade was designed to topple forward when striking
solid objects. Once the blade clears the obstacle, it will
spring back to its normal operating position, therefore,
protecting the operator and tractor from any impacts that
might occur.

17
MAINTENANCE & DISMOUNTING
MAINTENANCE:
a) Verify the mounting bolts at frequent intervals for
proper tightness in order to prevent costly repairs.
Make sure that your equipment is in safe working
condition.
b) Lubricate all pivoting points.
UTILITY BLADE DISMOUNTING:
a) Remove rear counterweights.
b) Straighten and lower the utility blade. Remove the
hair pin from the handle and remove the handle.
c) Detach the blade from the subframe by lifting the
spring locks one side at a time and pull out the
blade.
d) Reinstall mower if needed.
END OF SEASON STORAGE:
a) Clean and repaint all parts from which the paint has
worn off.
b) Inspect and replace all defective parts before using
next season.
c) Store the blade in a dry place.
BEFORE DOING ANY MANTENCE OR
DISMOUNTING AN ACCESSORY, REFER TO THE
SAFTEY PRECAUTIONS.

18
PARTS BREAKDOWN / NOMENCLATURE DES PIÈCES
UTILITY BLADE / LAME UTILITAIRE