Craftsman 247.288811 User manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
User manual
perator's
I:RnFrSMRN°
LAWN TRACTOR
7 Speed, Shift-on=the=Go
42" Deck
Model No. 247.288811
Espanol, P. 58
This product has a low emission engine which operates differently
from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and
understand this Operator's Manual.
Before using this equipment,
read this manual and follow
all safety rules and operating
instructions.
For answers to your questions about
this product, Call:
1-800=659=5917
CraftsmanTractorHelpLine
7 am =7 pm CT, Mort. =Sun.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-06422B
(February18,2011)
Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 27
Trou bleshooting .............................................................. 28
Labels ............................................................................. 29
Parts List ......................................................................... 30
Espafiol ............................................................................ 58
Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,all non-expendablepartsof thisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterial
or workmanship.Adefectivenon-expendablepartwillreceivefreein-homerepairor replacementifrepairisimpossible.
FORFIVEYEARSfromthedateof purchase,theframeandfrontaxleof thisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor
workmanship.Adefectiveframeor frontaxlewillreceivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairisimpossible.
FOR90 DAYSfromthedateofpurchase,thebattery(anexpendablepart)ofthis ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsin material
or workmanship(ourtestingprovesthat itwillnotholda charge).A defectivebatterywillreceivefreein-homereplacement.
ADDITIONALLIFETIMELIMITEDWARRANTYon CASTIRONFRONTAXLE(if equipped)
FORAS LONGASIT ISUSEDbytheoriginalownerafterthefifthyearfromthedateofpurchase,thecastironfrontaxle (ifequipped)ofthis
ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Withproofofpurchase,a defectivecastfrontaxlewillreceive
freein-homereplacement.
WARRANTYSERVICE
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainfreerepairor replacement,call1-800-659-5917or visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.corn
inallcasesabove,ifpartrepairor replacementisimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbereplacedfreeofchargewiththesameoranequivalentmodel.
All oftheabovewarrantycoverageisvoidifthis ridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesor ifrentedtoanother
person.
This warranty covers ONLYdefects in material and workmanship. Warrantycoverage does NOTinclude:
Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,
sparkplugs,air cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.
Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.
Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.
Tireorwheelreplacementorrepairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,or improperoperationormaintenance.
Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityof
the ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyor crankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.
Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedby
improperstorage,failuretousethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failureto keepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,or
failureto maintaintheridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.
Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbe
usedwithin30 daysofits purchasedate.
Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation, Hoffman Estates,IL 60179
EngineOil: SAE30
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& StrattonI/C®
© KCDIRLLC
ModelNumber:
Serial Number:
Dateof Purchase:
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber,
anddateof purchaseabove.
2
Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers.Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsin thismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand
in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfutureand regularreference
andfororderingreplacementparts.
Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow
tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethis machine.
Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe
operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper
instruction.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keep
bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe
machinewhileitisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
thearea.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign
objectswhichcouldbe pickedupandthrownbytheblade(s).
Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand
shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable
parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.
Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionand
do notpointitatanyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthe
dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherin its properplace.
Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecutting
deck.Contactwiththeblade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet.
A missingor damageddischargecovercancausebladecontact
or thrownobjectinjuries.
Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,or roads
andwhilenotcuttinggrass.
Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.This
machineisnotintendedforuseonanypublicroadway.
Donotoperatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcohol
or drugs.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Nevercarrypassengers.
Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backup slowly.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingtoavoida
back-overaccident.
3
Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid
erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.
Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntil
theblade(s)cometoa completestopbeforeremovinggrass
catcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor
debris,or makinganyadjustments.
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff
blade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeybefore
dismounting.
Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineintoa
trailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupor down
ramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtipover,causingserious
personalinjury.Themachinemustbe pushedmanuallyon
ramp(s)to loador unloadproperly.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow
hangingtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wherethe
operatormaybestruckor pulledfromthemachine,whichcould
resultinseriousinjury.
Disengageallattachmentclutchesanddepressthebrakepedal
completelybeforeattemptingtostartengine.
Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa
heightnomorethan10".Donotattemptto mowthroughunusually
tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor
leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe
mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.
Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthis machine
bythemachinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowall
instructionsprovidedwiththeapprovedaccessoryor attachment.
Fora list ofapprovedaccessoriesandattachments,call 1-800-
659-5917.
Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are
involvedin a largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries.
Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheriding
mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury.
If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgment.Contact1-800-659-5917forinformationand
assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over
accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire
extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon
it, do notmowit.
Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthis manual
to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis machineona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope
Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould
result.
Do:
o
Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide
obstacles.
Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat
youwillnothavetostopor shiftwhileon theslope.Tiresmay
losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning
properly.Alwayskeepmachinein gearwhengoingdownslopes
totakeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.
Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights
or counterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call
1-800-659-5917.
Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These
canchangethestabilityofthe machine.
Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake
suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor
brakingcouldcausethefrontofthemachinetolift andrapidlyflip
overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslosetraction,disen-
gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdowntheslope.
DoNot:
Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand
graduallydownhill,ifpossible.
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Themower
couldsuddenlyturnoverifa wheelisovertheedgeofa cliff,
ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.
Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the
ground.
Donotusea grasscatcheron steepslopes.
Donotmowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.
Donotattempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe
operatortolosecontrolofthemachineresultingin seriousinjury
or death.
Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,
lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing
downhill,theextraweighttendstopushthetractorandmay
causeyoutoloosecontrol(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingand
steeringabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcause
tractortooverturn).
4
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthemowing
activity.Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childentersthearea.
Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)shutoff.Theymay
falloffandbe seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine
operation.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofa child
whomayrunintothe machine.
Toavoidback-overaccidents,alwaysdisengagethecutting
blade(s)beforeshiftingintoReverse.Ifequipped,the"Reverse
CautionMode"(bladesoperatewhilemachineridesinreverse)
shouldnotbe usedwhenchildrenor othersarearound.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hotmuffler.
Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized
operation.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis machine.
Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsand
safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon themachineandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
TOWING
Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do
notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.
Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor
towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.Forrecommendations,
call1-800-659-5917.
Neverallowchildrenor othersinoron towedequipment.
Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof
tractionandlossofcontrol.
Alwaysuseextracautionwhentowingwitha machinecapableof
makingtightturns(e.g."zero-turn"ride-onmower). Makewide
turnstoavoidjack-knifing.
Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
Donotcoastdownhill.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingof Gasoline
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein
handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled
on yourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand
changeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron a truckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck
or trailerandrefueliton theground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof
ignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoors.
Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-
ning.Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow
bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe
engine.
Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany
fuelsoakeddebris.
Neverstorethemachineor fuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan
openflame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
Allowa machineto coolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe
blade(s)andallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.
Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocomplete
stopwithinapproximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthe
bladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthe
thistimeframe,yourmachineshouldbeservicedprofessionally
byaSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.
Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedtowearduring
normaloperation.Adjustandserviceasrequired.
Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade(s)
fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,bent,cracked).Replacethe
blade(s)withtheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonot
meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesuretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor othersafety
devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemachineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperating.
Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairstothemachine
whiletheengineis running.
Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoverare subject
towearanddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsor allow
objectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck
componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual.Useof
partswhichdo notmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay
leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!
Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.
Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to
protecttheenvironment.
Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),this product
hasanAverageUsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or 270hours
ofoperation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLife,buyanew
machineor havethemachineinspectedannuallybya Searsor
otherqualifiedservicedealerto ensurethatall mechanicaland
safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.
Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)if soequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(ifany).
Ifa sparkarrestoris used,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestorforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears
PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
6
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson themachine
beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
O
A
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES
Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES
Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s)
can amputate hands and feet.
WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
BYSTANDERS
Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation.
WARNING-- SLOPE OPERATION
Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.
DANGER- ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass
catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
7
Sight and hold this levelwith avertical tree...
or a corner of a building...
or a fence post
II "_""_ _ . a 15o,,,
15°
0
rrl
rrl
Use this page as a guideto determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
Donotoperateyourlawnmoweron suchslopes.Donotmowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(ariseofapproximately2ol/2feetevery10feet). Ariding
mowercouldoverturnand causeseriousinjury.Operateridingmowersupanddownslopes,neveracrossthefaceofslopes.
i_llll WARNING!Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/or
propertyof yourselfand others.Readandfollowall instructionsinthismanualbeforeattemptingtooperatethis machine.Failureto
complywiththeseinstructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethis symbol,HEEDiTSWARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restricttheuseofthispowermachinetopersonswhoread,understand,andfollowthewarningsandinstructionsin thismanualandon the
machine.
ROTATING BLADES CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
DONOTM0WWHENCHILDRENOR
OTHERSAREAROUND
NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWITH
BLADE(S)OFF.
LOOKDOWNANDBEHINDBEFORE
ANDWHILEBACKING.
9
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil in theengine.
However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Refertothe
Service& Maintenancesectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoil
level.
Attaching the Battery Cables
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)
wiretoits terminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.
Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmay
havebeenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.To
connectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows:
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative
batteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
1. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe positivebattery
terminaland attachthe redcableto thepositivebatteryterminal
(+)withtheboltandhexnut.See Figure1.
2. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe negativebattery
terminaland attachtheblackcabletothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.
f
J
Figure1
3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto
helpprotectitfromcorrosion.
NOTE:If thebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownon topof
battery,chargethebatteryas instructedintheService& Maintenance
sectionofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.
Shipping Brace Removal
Makesuretheridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey,
andset theparkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer
ItotheOperationsectionforinstructionsonhowto settheparking
lbrake.
Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompanyingwarning
tagfoundonthe rightsideofthemower,betweenthedischarge
chutedeflectorandthecuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.
//
Figure2
Placethedecklift leverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto
SettingtheCuttingHeightin theOperationsectionofthismanual.
Whilepushingthedischargechuteddlectortowardsthemachinewith
yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp-
ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.
Theshippingbrace,usedforpackagingpurposesonly,mustbe
removedanddiscardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.
Themowingdeck iscapableofthrowingobjects.Failureto operate
the ridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverin theproperoperating
Ipositioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty
ldamage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcomeattached,the
hardwareforattachingithasbeenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel,
beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheel
capandremovethe hardware.
1. Withthewheelsofthetractorpointingstraightforward,placethe
steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.
2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)overthesteering
wheeland securewiththehexbolt.SeeFig.3-3.
10
f
\
Figure3
3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthecenterofthe steering
wheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.
Attaching The Seat
If theseatforyourtractorwasnotattachedatthefactory,refertothe
followingsteps.
NOTE: Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastenedtothetractor
seat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or mountedbackwardtothepivot
bracket.Ineithercase,freetheseatfromits shippingpositionand
removetheadjustmentknobfromthebottomof seatbeforeproceed-
ingwiththeinstructionsbelow.
1. Positionthe shoulderscrews(foundon the baseofthe seat)
insidethe slotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.
Fig.4.
2. Slidetheseat slightlyrearwardin theseatpivot bracket,lining
up thecenterrearslotin thepivotbracketwiththeremaininghole
in theseat'sbase.
Figure4
3. Selectdesiredpositionfor theseat,and securewiththeadjust-
mentknobremovedearlier.
4. Toadjustthepositionof theseat,loosentheadjustmentknob
on thebottomoftheseat.Slidetheseatforwardor backwardas
desired.Retightentheadjustmentknob.
Tire Pressure
X
Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis30 psi.Equal
tirepressureshouldbe maintainedatall times.Neverexceedthe
_maxmum nfatonpressureshownonthesdewa of thet re.
Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:
Approximately10psiforthe reartires
Approximately14psiforthefronttires
IMPORTANT: Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's
recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinfiate.Uneventirepres-
surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.
11
B
14
A
C
G
D
F
Figure5
A SpeedControlLever/ ParkingBrakeLever
B Throttle/chokecontrollever
C IgnitionSwitch
D DeckLiftLever
E PTOLever(BladeEngage)
F CupHolder
G ShiftLever
H Clutch-BrakePedal
NOTE: Anyreferencein thismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperator'sseat
positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontof tractor.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
E
J
12
SPEED CONTROL LEVER
Thespeedcontrollever,locatedontheleft sideofthe
tractor'sdashconsole,allowsyouto regulatetheground
speedofthelawntractor.Touse,depresstheclutch-
brakepedalandmovetheleveroutoftheparkingbrake
notchandforwardtoincreasethetractor'sgroundspeed.
Whenadesiredspeedhasbeenreached,releasethe
leverintoanappropriatenotchto maintainthatspeed.
Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,depresstheclutch-
brakepedalandmovethespeedcontrolleverrearward
andreleaseit intoa notch.
PARKING BRAKE
Tosettheparkingbrake,fullydepresstheclutch-brake _._J
PARK
pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverall thewaydownand BRAKE
intotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-brake
pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brakepedaland
movethespeedcontrolleveroutofthenotchestothedesiredposition.
Releasethespeedcontrolleverandtheclutch-brakepedal.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbe setiftheoperatorleavestheseat
withtheenginerunningor theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff.
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER
Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof thetrac-
tor'sdashpanel.This levercontrolsthespeedoftheengineandwhen
pushedall thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whensetin a given
position,thethrottlewillmaintaina uniformenginespeed.
iMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecuttingdeck
engaged,thethrottle/chokecontrollevermustalwaysbein theFAST
(rabbit)position.
IGNITION SWITCH
Thekeyswitchmoduleisusedto
startand stoptheengine.Insert
keyintothekeyswitchmodule
andturnclockwiseto theSTART
position.Releasethe keyintothe
normalmowingpositiononceen-
ginehasstarted.Theheadlights
willbeactivatedautomatically.
Tostoptheengine,turnthe
ignitionkeycounterclockwiseto
theSTOPposition.
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboththe"Safety
InterlockSystem"and"StartingTheEngine"laterinthissectionofthis
manualfordetailedinstructionsregardingtheIgnitionSwitchModule.
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO
(BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setpark-
ingbrake,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
SHIFT LEVER
Theshiftleverislocatedontheleft
sideofthefenderand hasthree
positions,FORWARD,NEUTRAL
and REVERSE.Theclutch-brake
pedalmustbedepressedandthe
tractormustnotbe inmotionwhen
themovingshiftlever.
iMPORTANT:Neverforcethe
shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin
seriousdamagetothetractor's
transmission.
DECK LIFT LEVER
Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris used
tochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethe
levertotheleft,thenplacein thenotchbestsuitedforyour
application.
PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER
Foundonthetractor'srightfender,the PTO(bladeengage)
leveris usedtoengagepowertothecuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments.Tooperate,movethe
leverall thewayforward.Movingtheleveralltheway
rearwardintothePTOOFFpositiondisengagespowertothe
cuttingdeck/attachment.
NOTE:ThePTO(bladeengage)levermustbe inthe
disengaged(PTOOFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.
CUP HOLDER
Thetractor'scupholderis locatedon thefendertotheleft of
theseat.
SEAT ADJUSTMENT KNOB
Theseatadjustmentknobislocatedonthebottomsideoftheseat.
Usethisknobtoadjusttheseatforwardor rearwardtoa comfortable
operatingpositionbylooseningtheknob,positioningtheseattothe
desiredpreference,thenretighteningtheknob.
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
Theclutch-brakepedalislocatedontheleft sideofthelawntractor,
alongtherunningboard.Depresstheclutch-brakepedalpartway
downwhenslowingthetractorbychangingspeeds(RefertoSpeed
ControlLever).Depressthepedalall thewaydowntoengagethedisc
brakeandbringthetractortoa completestop.
NOTE:Thepedalmustbe depressedtostarttheengine.Referto
SafetyInterlockSwitcheslaterin thissectionof thismanual.
13
Gas and Oil Fill=up
0il
iMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil intheengine.
However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Becareful
notto overfill.
Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil, referto CheckingThe
EngineOilin theServiceandMaintenancesectionofthis manual.
Gasoline
Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors
orwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,
[ppes,andothersourcesof gn ton.
NOTE : Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleft
overfromthe previousseason,tominimizegumdepositsin thefuel
system.
Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateon unleadedgasoline.Forbest
results,fillthefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasoline
witha pumpstickeroctaneratingof87or higher.
Gasohol(upto 10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolineby
volume)isanapprovedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblends,such
asE85,arenotapproved.
MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends
(uptoa maximumof 15%MTBEbyvolume)are approvedfuels.
Othergasoline/etherblendsare notapproved.
Fillfueltankoutdoorsorin well-ventilatedarea.
Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow
bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-
ning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe
engine.
To Add Gasoline
1. Turntheengineoff andletenginecoolatleast2 minutesbefore
removingthefuelcap.Thegasolinetankisunderthe rearfender,
withthefuelfillcaplocatedinthecenterofthe rearfender.
Thefuelcapistetheredtothetractortopreventitsloss.Donot
attempttoremovethecapfromthetractor.
2. Fillthefueltankwithgasoline.
3. Reinstallthefuelcap.
NOTE:Thetractorisfittedwitha tethered,ratchetingfuelcap.STOP
fillingthetankoncethefuelis seeninsidethefillerneck. Thisensures
thata properexpansionvolumeiscreated,otherwisethefuelcan
overflowcreatinga hazardoussituation. DoNOTtopoffthefueltank.
SeeFig.6.
Figure 6
Avoid Serious injury or Death
Go upanddownslopes,notacross.
Avoidsuddenturns.
Donotoperatetheunitwhereitcouldslipor tip.
Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesand backdownhill
slowly.
Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersare around.
Nevercarrychildren,evenwith bladesoff.
Lookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebacking.
Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,and switches)inplace
andworking.
Removeobjectsthat couldbethrownbytheblades.
Knowlocationandfunctionofall controls.
Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsor
feetnearblades.
Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengage
blades,engageparkingbrake,shutengineoff,and removekey.
Read Operator's Manual
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedforsafeoperationofthetrac-
tor.If thissystemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.
Immediatelycontact1-800-4-MY-HOMEtohavethesystemserviced.
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstarting
unlesstheparkingbrakeisengagedandthe PTO(BladeEngage)
leveris inthedisengaged(OFF)position.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengineif
theoperatorleavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengine
if theoperatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(Blade
Engage)leverengaged,regardlessof whethertheparkingbrake
is engaged.
14
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe PTO(BladeEngage)
leverismovedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshiftlever
in Reverse.
IGNITION SWITCH
Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insertkeyintothe
ignitionswitchandturnclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Releasethe
keyintotheONpositiononceenginehasfired.SeeFig.7.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheOFF
position.SeeFig.7.
NEVERleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysdisengage
PTO,moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setparkingbrake,stop
engneandremovekeytopreventunntendedstartng.
IMPORTANT: Priortooperatingthetractor,refertobothSafety
InterlockSwitchesandStartingTheEnginein theOperationsectionof
thismanualforfurtherdetailedinstructions.
On
Start
off
Figure 7
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacingthedeck
liftleverin anyofthesixdifferentcuttingheightnotchesonthe
rightsideofthefender.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningofthecutting
deck.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Donotoperatethetractoriftheinterlocksystemismalfunctioning.
Thissystemwasdesignedforyoursafetyand protection.
NOTE:RefertotheGasolineandOilfill-upinstructionsearlierin this
section.
1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.
2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF)
position.
3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.
4. Activatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrottle/chokeleverall
thewayupintothechokeposition.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Afterthe
enginestarts,releasethekey.ItwillreturntotheON(or Normal
Mowing)position.
DO NOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionforlongerthanten
secondsata time.Doingsomaycausedamagetoyourengine's
electricstarter.
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethe
throttlecontrolin theFASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolon whileoperatingthetractor.
Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorun
poorly.
ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholditdownwithyour
foot.
2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintothe
parkingbrakeposition.
3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo
engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethespeedcontrollever
outoftheparkingbrakepositionand intoa desiredspeed.
15
STOPPING THE ENGINE
If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark
plugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
machineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebeforerestartingand
operating
1. Ifthe bladesareengaged,placethePTO(BladeEngage)leverin
thedisengaged(OFF)position.
2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.
3. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended
starting.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.
DonotleavetheseatofthetractorwithoutfirstplacingthePTO
(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position,depressing
Ithebrakepedalandengagingtheparkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractor
[unattended,alsoturntheignitionkeyoffand removethekey.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackinguptoavoida
back-overaccident.
1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrakeand
thenletthepedalup.
2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.
3. PlacetheshiftleverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSE
position.
IMPORTANT: DoNOTusetheshiftleverto changethedirectionof
travelwhenthetractorisin motion.Alwaysusetheclutch-brakepedal
tobringthetractortoa completestopbeforeshifting.
4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-brakepedal
andpositioningthespeedcontrolleverinthedesiredposition.
IMPORTANT: First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedpositions1or
2.Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththetractor'soperationandcontrols
beforeoperatingthetractorinhigherspeedpositions.
5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlytoputunitintomotion.
6. Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbydepressingtheclutch-
brakepedal.
NOTE: Whenoperatingtheunitinitially,therewillbe littledifference
betweenthehighesttwospeedsuntilafterthe beltshaveseated
themselvesintothepulleysduringthebreak-inperiod.
WARNING!Beforeleavingtheoperator'spositionforanyreason,
disengagetheblades,placetheshiftleverinneutral,engagethe
parkingbrake,shutengineoff andremovethekey.
1. Placetheshiftleverinneutral,
2. Engagetheparkingbrake,
3. Shutengineoffand removethekey.Doingsowillminimizethe
possibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfrom
yourtractor'srunningengine.
Ifunitstallswithspeedcontrolinhighspeed,orif unitwillnotoperate
withspeedcontrolleverin a lowspeedposition,proceedas follows:
1. PlaceshiftleverinNEUTRAL.
2. Restartengine.
3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.
4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.
5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.
6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.
7. PlaceshiftleverineitherFORWARDorREVERSE,andfollow
normaloperatingprocedures.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEintheSafetyInstructionssectionofthe
manualto helpdetermineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethistractor
safely.
Donotmowon inclineswitha slopeinexcessof 15degrees(a rise
ofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Thetractorcouldoverturn
andcauseseriousinjury.
Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide
obstacles.
Avoidturnswhendrivingon a slope.If a turnmustbe made,turn
downtheslope.Turningupa slopegreatlyincreasesthechance
ofa rollover.
Avoidstoppingwhendrivingup a slope.If itisnecessarytostop
whiledrivingupa slope,startupsmoothlyandcarefullyto reduce
thepossibilityofflippingthetractoroverbackward.
ENGAGING THE BLADES
Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothecuttingdeck
or other(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades,
proceedasfollows:
1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.
2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitall theway
forwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthemost
efficientuseofthecuttingdeckorother(separatelyavailable)
attachments.
NOTE:Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff if thePTO(Blade
Engage)leverismovedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshift
leverin Reverse.
IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileon a
grasssurface,always:
16
MULCHING
A mulch kit is available as an attachment. Mulching is a process of
recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck.
The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where
they act as a natural fertilizer.
A mulchkit canbe purchased.SeetheReplacementParts& Attach-
mentssectionofthis manualformoreinformation.
USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe left,thenplace
itin thenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.RefertoSettingThe
CuttingHeightearlierinthis Operationsection.
MOWING
Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand-
ers,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthemachine
whileitis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck
withyourtractor:
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialstoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarging
materialagainsta wallor obstructionwhichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
HEADLIGHTS
ThelampsareONwheneverthetractor'sengineis running.
ThelampsturnOFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOP
position.
Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa mulchkitor
grasscollectorisinstalled.
Forbestresultsitis recommendedthatthefirsttwolapsbecut
withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo
laps,reversethedirectiontothrowthedischargetotheoutside
forthebalanceofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe
lawn.
Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowth
andyellowsquicklyindryweather.
Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfullthrottle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo backoverthe
cutareaa secondtimetogeta cleancut.
DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsandextremely
tallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedto mowlawns,NOTclear
brush.
Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.Refer
toCuttingBladesin theServicesectionofthis manualforproper
bladesharpeninginstructions.
17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrack
ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest Parts&
RepairService Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontact
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
BeforeEachUse
IntheFirstFiveHours
Every10Hours
Every25 hours
Every50 hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
1. Engineoil level
2. Mufflerareaandcontrols
3. Fingerguard
7. EngineOil
9. Hood/Dashairvents
10. Batteryterminals
11. Deckspindlesand idler
bracket
15. Air filter'sprecleaner*
16. Air filter*
17. Midsteeringarms,pivot
shafts,andaxles
18. Frontwheelbearings
19. Frontdeckwheels
25. Engineoil/Oil filter
26. Muffler
29. Air filter
30. Air filter'spre-cleaner
31. Sparkplug
32. Air coolingsystem*
33. Fuelfilter
34. SteeringGears
35. RearWheels
43. Hood/Dashairvents
44. Batteryterminals
45. Midsteeringarms,pivot
shafts,andaxles
46. Frontwheelbearings
47. Frontdeckwheels
48. Deckspindlesand idler
bracket
49. Pedalpivotpoints
4. Check
5. Clean
6. Clean
8. Change
12. Clean
13. Clean
14. Lubricate
20. Clean
21. Clean
22. Lubricate
23. Lubricate
24. Lubricate
27. Change/Replace
28. Check
36. Replace
37. Replace
38. Replace
39. Clean
40. Replace
41. Clean
42. Removeandgreaseaxles
50. Clean
51. Clean
52. Lubricate
53. Lubricate
54. Lubricate
55. Lubricate
56. Lubricate
*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.
Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagethePTO
(BladeEngageLever),engagetheparkingbrake,stoptheengine
and removethekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
Iftheenginehasbeen recentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur-
roundingmetalsurfaceswillbehotand cancauseburnsto theskin.
Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.
18
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Engine Oil
Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SF,SG,SH,or SJ, Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto
theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.
Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting
in coldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen
usedabove32°ECheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.
('_older _ 32°F _War me'_r
Oil Viscosity Chart
Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:
Ensurethatthetractorisona levelsurface.
Cleantheoil fillareaofanydebris.
1. Removethedipstickandwipewithacleancloth.
2. Insertandtightendipstick.
3. Removethedipstickandchecktheoil level.It shouldbeatthe
Fullmarkonthedipstick.SeeFigure9.
f
Dipstick-_
OilDrain
Valve
Oil Drain
Sleeve
J
Figure9
If low,addoil slowlyintotheengineoilfill. Donotoverfill.After
addingoil,waitoneminuteand thenrechecktheoil level.
Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheenginetonotstart,
hardstarting,orenginesmoking.If overtheFULLmarkonthe
dipstick,drainoil toreduceoil leveltoFULLmarkondipstick.
5. Replaceandtightendipstick.
Changing Engine Oil
Theengineoilshouldbechangedinthefirst5 hoursandthenevery50
hoursoroncea season.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedasfollows:
1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand
keepitawayfromsparkplug.
2. Removetheoilfillcap/dipstickfromtheoilfilltube.SeeFigure9.
3. Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytotherighttobetterexposethe
drainplug.
4. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoildrain
port.Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveintoanappropriateoil
collectioncontainerwitha capacitygreatenoughtocollecttheused
oil.
5. Removetheoildrainplug,Theoil willbegintodrainoutofthe
engine.
6. Aftertheoilhasfinisheddraining,replacetheoildrainplugand
tighten.Becarefulnottoovertighten.
7. Removetheoildrainsleeveandstoreforlateruse.
8. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroiluntiltheoil levelonthedipstick
readsFULL.Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.
Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
ties oror contact1-800-4-MY-HOMEforalist ofsafedisposal/
recyclingfacilities.
Changing the Oil Filter
1. Draintheoilfromtheengineasdescribedabove.
2. Removetheoilfilteranddisposeofproperly.SeeFigure10.
0il Filter
Figure10
3. Beforeyouinstallthenewoilfilter,lightlylubricatetheoilfilter
gasketwithfresh,cleanoil.
4. Installtheoilfilterbyhanduntilthegasketcontactstheoilfilter
adapter,thentightentheoilfilter1/2to3/4turns.
5. Addoilasdescribedabove.
6. Startandruntheengine.Astheenginewarmsup,checkforoil
leaks.
7. Stoptheengineandchecktheoil level.It shouldbeattheFULL
markonthedipstick.
19
Fuel Filter Air Cleaner
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire
orexplosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat,
andotherignitionsources.
Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor
leaks.Replaceif necessary.
Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltankasperthe
instructionsbelow.
Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengine
adequatetimetocool. Drainfuelintoan approvedcontainer
outdoors,awayfromopenflame.
Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthe
fuellinefromthein-linefuelfilterneartheengine.
RemovethefuellinefromtheIn-lineside(sidetowardsthefuel
tank)of thefuelfilter.
Replacementpartsmustbethesameand installedin thesame
positionastheoriginalparts.
Iffuelspills,waituntilitevaporatesbeforestartingengine.
Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltank.Otherwisefuel
canleakoutandcausea fireor explosion.
ToDrainthe fuel:
1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichisroutedontheleftsideoftheengine
betweenthefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedto
theenginewitha tiestrap.Cutthetiestrap,ifpresent,thenpinch
thein-lineclamponthefuelfilterwitha pairofpliers,slidethe
clampupthefuelline.Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplace
theopenendofthelineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.
Tochangethe fuel filter:
1. Useplierstosqueezethetabsontheotherclamp(theout-line
sideofthefuelfilter),thenslidetheclampawayfromthefuelfilter.
Twistandpullthefuellineoff ofthefuelfilter.SeeFigure11.
2. Checkthefuellinesforcracksor leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
3. Replacethefuelfilterwithan originalequipmentreplacement
filter.Call1-800-4-MY-HOME®topurchasetheoriginalequip-
mentreplacementfilter.
4. Securethefuellineswiththeclamps.
f
Clamp
Fuel
Line
Tab
Iffilters,or coversare notinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath
couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattemptto starttheenginewith
themremoved.
Donotusepressurizedair or solventstocleantheaircleaner
cartridge.
Theairfiltersystemusesa cylindricalcartridge.Thismodelalso
includesa pre-cleanerthatcanbewashedand reused.
1. Removethefasteners(A)andtheairfiltercover(B).SeeFigure
12.
2. Toremovethefilter(C),lifttheendofthefilterandthenpullthe
filteroff theintake(D).
3. Removethepre-cleaner(E),if equipped,fromthefilter.
4. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilteron a hardsurface,ifthefilter
--,,,
A
B
Figure12
isexcessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.
5. Washthepre-cleanerinliquiddetergentandwater.Thenallowit
tothoroughlyair dry.Donotoil thepre-cleaner.
6. Assemblethedrypre-cleanertothefilter.
7. Installthefilterontheintake.Pushtheendofthefilterintothe
baseas shown.Makesurefilterfitssecurelyin thebase.
8. Installairfiltercoverandsecurewithfasteners.
... J
Figure11
2O
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Craftsman 247.288811 User manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
User manual

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