Craftsman 247250020 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

perator_s nual
I:RRFrgMRN°
ZERO=TURN RIDER
26 HP, 50" MOWER DECK
Model No. 247.25002
CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all safety
rules and operating instructions.
, SAFETY
, ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPANOL
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com
FormNo.769-07727
(November23,2011)
Warranty Statement .................................. Page 2
Safe Operation Practices .......................... Pages 3-8
Assembly .................................................. Pages 9-12
Operation .................................................... Pages 13-21
Service and Maintenance ......................... Pages 22-34
Off-Season Storage .................................. Page 35
Troubleshooting ........................................ Page 36-37
Parts List ..................................................... Pages 38-52
Labels ....................................................... Page 53
Repair Protection Agreement ................... Page 55
Espa_ol ..................................................... Page 60
Service Numbers ...................................... Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,all non-expendablepartsofthis ridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsin materialor
workmanship.A defectivenon-expendablepartwill receivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairisimpossible.
FOR90 DAYSfromthedateofpurchase,thebattery(anexpendablepart)ofthis ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor
workmanship(ourtestingprovesthat itwillnotholda charge).A defectivebatterywillreceivefreein-homereplacement.
WARRANTYSERVICE
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainfree repairor replacement,call1-800-659-5917or visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com
Inallcasesabove,if partrepairor replacementis impossible,theridingequipmentwillbe replacedfreeofchargewiththesameor anequivalent
model.
Alloftheabovewarrantycoverageisvoidifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesor if rentedtoanotherperson.
ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,spark
plugs,air cleaners,belts,andoilfilters.
Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.
Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.
Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,or improperoperationor maintenance.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityofthe
ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyor crankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper
storage,failureto usethepropergradeand amountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintainthe
ridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedin theoperator'smanual.
Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedor oxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused
within30 daysof itspurchasedate.
Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.
o
o
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, Hoffman Estates,IL 60179
EngineOil: SAE30
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& StrattonTwinPlatinumProfessional
ModelNumber
Serial Number
Dateof Purchase
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber,
anddateof purchaseabove.
© KCDIRLLC 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.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
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.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperforminganadjustmentor repairtoprotectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand
shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbecaughtin movable
parts.Neveroperatethis machinein barefeetor sandals.
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.
Backup slowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile
backingtoavoida back-overaccident.Beawareand payatten-
tiontothesafetysystemfunctionthatstopspowertothe blades
whendrivingin reverse.If notfuctioningproperly,contactan
authorizeddealerforsafetysysteminspectionand repair.
Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoid
erraticoperationandexcessivespeed.
Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntil
theblade(s)cometo acompletestopbeforeremovinggrass
catcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor
debris,or makinganyadjustments.
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoff
blade(s),placedrivecontrollevers inneutral,setparkingbrake,
stopengineand removekeybeforedismounting.
Useextracarewhenloadingor unloadingthemachineintoa
traileror truck.Thismachineshouldnotbe drivenupor down
ramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtipover,causingserious
personalinjury.Themachinemustbepushedmanuallyon
ramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.
3
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot
touch.
Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlow
hangingtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wherethe
operatormaybestruckor pulledfromthemachine,whichcould
resultinseriousinjury.
Disengageallattachmentclutches,settheparkingbraketothe
'on'positionandmovethe RHand LHdrivecontrolleverstothe
neutralpositionbeforeattemptingtostarttheengine.
Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidentialgrassofa
heightnomorethan10".Donotattemptto mowthroughunusually
tall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor
leavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe
mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.
Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthis machine
bythemachinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowall
instructionsprovidedwiththeapprovedaccessoryor attachment.
Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are
involvedin a largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries.
Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheriding
mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury.
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgment.ContacttheCraftsmanHelpLineat1-800-
659-5917forassistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over
accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire
extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon
it, do notmowit.
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanual
to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis machineona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe slope
gauge,donotoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould
result.
Do:
o
Mowacrossslopes,notupanddown.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide
obstacles.
Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsothatyouwillnot
havetostopwhileon theslope.Avoidstartingor stoppingon a
slope.Ifthetiresareunableto maintaintraction,disengagethe
bladesandproceedslowlyandcarefullystraightdowntheslope.
Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweightsor
counterweightsto improvestability.
Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These
canchangethestabilityofthe machine.
Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donot
makesuddenchangesin speedor direction.Rapidacceleration
or decelerationcouldcausethefrontofthemachinetolift and
rapidlyrolloverbackwards,whichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
DoNot:
Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;thenturnslowlyuphill
and useextracarewhileturning.
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Themower
couldsuddenlyturnoverifa wheelisovertheedgeofa cliff,
ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.
Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the
ground.
Donotusea grasscatcheron steepslopes.
Donotmowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.
Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,
lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing
downhill,theextraweighttendstopushtheridingmowerand
maycauseyoutoloosecontrol(e.g.ridingmowermayspeed
up,brakingandsteeringabilityare reduced,attachmentmay
jack-knifeandcauseridingmowertooverturn).
4
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthemowing
activity.Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassumethat
childrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaand inwatchfulcareofa
responsibleadultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childentersthearea.
Toavoidback-overaccidents,alwayslookbehindanddownfor
smallchildren.
Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)shutoff.Theymay
falloffandbe seriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafemachine
operation.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,
shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayblockyourvisionofa child
whomayrunintothe pathofthemachine.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansuffer
burnsfroma hotmuffler.
Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized
operation.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis machine.
Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsand
safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandon themachineandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
TOWING
Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Donot
attachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.
Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfortowed
equipmentandtowingonslopes.
Neverallowchildrenor othersinoron towedequipment.
Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof
tractionandlossofcontrol.
Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.
Donottowheavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,
lawnroller,etc.)onslopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoingdown
hill,theextraweighttendsto pushtheridingmowerandmaycause
youto loosecontrol(e.g.ridingmowermayspeedup,brakingand
steeringabilityare reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcause
ridingmowertooverturn).
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 morethan1/2"belowbottom
offillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
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.
Allowamachineto coolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService
Neverrunan engineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorless,anddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
blade(s)andall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto preventunintended
starting.
Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocompletestop
withinapproximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingtheblade
disengagementcontrol,ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthethis
timeframe,aveyourmachineservicedprofessionallybySearsor
anotherqualifieddealer.
Regularlycheckthesafetyinterlocksystemforproperfunction,as
describedlaterinthis manual.Ifthesafetyinterlocksystemdoes
notfunctionproperly,haveyourmachineservicedprofessionally
bySearsoranotherqualifieddealer.
Checkthe blade(s)andenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade(s)for
damage(e.g.,excessivewear,bent,cracked). Replacethe
blade(s)withtheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdo not
meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesare sharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesuretheequipmentis
in safeworkingcondition.
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
componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual.Useof
partswhichdo notmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmay
leadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!
Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
oftheengine.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to
protecttheenvironment.
AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasan AverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or270hoursof
operation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybySearsor anotherqualifieddealertoensure
thatall mechanicalandsafetysystemsareworkingproperlyand
notwornexcessively.Failuretodo socan resultinaccidents,
injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.
Notice RegardingEmissions
Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)if soequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbeusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brush-coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(ifany).
Ifa sparkarrestoris used,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveis required
bylaw(Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestorforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearest
engineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,
RO.Box361131Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019.
6
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson themachine
beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
sJ / _
®
READTHEOPERATOR'SMANUAL(S)
Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsinthemanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleand
operate
WARNING--ROTATINGBLADES
Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor underthecuttingdeck.Contactwiththeblade(s)can
amputatehandsandfeet.
WARNING--THROWNOBJECTS
Thismachinemaypickupandthrowandobjectswhichcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
WARNING--THROWNOBJECTS
Thismachinemaypickupandthrowandobjectswhichcancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
BYSTANDERS
Keepbystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthemachinewhileitis inoperation.
WARNING--SLOPEOPERATION
Donotoperatethismachineona slopegreaterthan15degrees.
DANGER-- ROTATINGBLADES
Toreducetheriskofinjury,keephandsandfeetaway.Donotoperateunlessdischargecoveror grass
catcherisin itsproperplace.Ifdamaged,replaceimmediately.
7
(OK)
15° Slope
X
(TOO STEEP)
15° Slope
'_. _ Figure1
USETHISSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE
IFA SLOPEISTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfoldalongthedashedline.
2. Locatea verticalobject onor behindtheslope(e.g.a pole,building,fence, tree,etc.)
3. Align eithersideoftheslopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 and Figure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeupor downuntilthe left cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1and Figure2).
5.
15°
dashedline
If thereisagap belowthegauge,theslopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2above).
Figure2
Slopesare a majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-overaccidentswhichcan resultin severe injury ordeath. Donot operatemachine onslopes
in excessof 15degrees.All slopesrequireextracaution. Ifyou cannotbackup the slope or if you feeluneasyon it, do not mowit.
Always mowacross theface of slopes, nevermowupand downthe face of slopes.
SET-UP
Moving The Riding mower Manually
Yourridingmower'stransmissionisequippedwitha hydrostaticrelief
valveforoccasionswhenitisnecessarytomovethe ridingmower
manually.Openingthisvalvepermitsthefluidinthetransmissionto
bypassitsnormalroute,allowingthereartiresto"freewheel."Toopen
thehydrostaticreliefvalve,proceedasfollows:
1. Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodintherearoftheridingmower.
SeeFigure1.
RH Transmission
Bypass
PullOut Bypass
RodThenLower
IntoSlot
Keyhole Slot
Figure1
2. Pullthehydrostaticbypassrodoutward,thendown,tolockit in
place.
3. Repeattheaboveproceduretoengagetheotherbypassrodon
theothersideofthe ridingmower.
4. Withthe bypassrodsengagedandwiththeaidofanassistant,
carefullypushtheridingmoweroff oftheshippingpallet.
5. Aftermovingthe ridingmower,disengagebothbypassrods.Lift
therodandguidetheflangeoftherod backthroughthelarger
circularopeningof thekeyhole,thenreleasetherod.
NOTE:ThetransmissionwillNOTengagewhenthehydrostatic
bypassrodispulledout. Returntherodto itsnormalpositionpriorto
operatingthe ridingmower.
Neverattemptto movetheridingmowermanuallywithoutfirstopen-
ling thehydrostaticr,eliefvalve.Doingsowillresultinseriousdamage
[to theridingmowerstransmission.
Removethedeckwashsystemnozzleadapterandoildraintubefrom
themanualbagandstoreforfutureuse.
Install Operator's Seat
Toinstalltheseatproceedasfollows:
NOTE:Theseatisshippedwiththeseatswitchandseatpanattached.
1. Cutanystrapssecuringtheseatassemblyand thedrivecontrol
leverstotheridingmower.Removeanypackingmaterial.
NOTE:Becarefulnottocut thewiringharnessconnectingtheseat
andtheseatswitch.
.
9
Removethetwoshoulderboltsandlocknutsin theseatpanas
showninFigure2.
Shoulder
Bolt
Seat Pan
Shoulder
Bolt
Figure2
Rotatetheseatintopositionandsecuretheseatintoplacewith
thepreviouslyremovedshoulderboltsand locknuts.Becareful
nottocrimpordamagethewireharnesswhileinstallingtheseat.
See Figure3.
iHarness ii
Seat Bracket /
Shoulder
Bolts
Figure 3
Position Drive Control levers
Thedrivecontrolleversof theridingmowerareloweredforshipping
purposes.Theflangelocknuts,hexscrews,andflatwashersthat
normallysecurethecontrolleversintheiroperatingpositionare
unfastenedandinstalledintheslottedholesofthecontrolleversfor
shipment.Thecontrolleversmustbe repositionedtooperatethe
ridingmower.Torepositionthecontrolleversforoperation,proceedas
follows:
1. Removethehexscrew,flat washer,andflangelocknutfromthe
slotofoneofthedrivecontrollevers.
2. Liftand swingthatcontrolleverupwarduntiltheslottedholeinthe
leverbracketalignswithoneoftheholesinthepivotbracket.See
Figure4.
\
SlottedHole
Pivot
/
\
\\
\\
Figure4
3. Slidetheflatwasherontothe hexscrew.Fromtheoutside,insert
thehexscrewwithwasherthroughthecontrolleverslotandthe
holeofthepivotbracket.Securewiththeflangelocknut.See
Figure4.
4. Notethe relativepositionofthecontrollevertothepivotbracket,
thenrepeatthepreviousstepsto repositiontheothercontrollever
inapproximatelythesame position.
5. Referto"AdjustingtheDriveControlLevers"intheMaintenance&
Adjustmentsforinstructionsonthefinaladjustmentofthelevers.
Connecting the Battery Cables
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiatocause
cancerand reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.
Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)
wireto itsterminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.
Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycableson yourequipmentmay
havebeenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.To
connectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows:
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative
batteryterminalismarkedNeg.(-).
NOTE:If thepositivebatterycableisalreadyattached,skipaheadto
step2.
1. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebattery
terminalandattachtheredcabletothepositivebatteryterminal
(+)withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure5.
Figure5
2. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebattery
terminalandattachtheblackcableto thenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltand hexnut.SeeFig.3-5.
3. Positiontheredrubberbootoverthe positivebatteryterminalto
helpprotectitfromcorrosion.
NOTE:If thebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownon top
or sideof battery,chargethebatteryasinstructedintheServiceand
MaintenancesectionyourOperator'sManualpriortooperatingthe
ridingmower.
10
Lower Deck Discharge Chute Deflector Adjusting the Gauge Wheels
Neveroperatethemowerdeckwithoutthechutedeflectorinstalled
andinthedownposition.
Checkthe mowerdeckfora shippingbrace(withtag)that maybe
holdingthechutedeflectorupwardforshipment. Ifa braceis present,
itmustberemovedbeforeoperatingthe ridingmower.Holdingthe
chutedeflectorfullyupward,removetheshippingbracebygraspingit
androtatingitclockwise.Lowerthechutedeflector.SeeFigure6.
Figure6
Checking Tire Pressure
Donotoverinfiatetires.Checksidewalloftiresformaximumpsi.
Equaltirepressureshouldbemaintainedatalltimes.
Thetireson yourridingmowermaybeoverinflatedforshipping
purposes.Reducethetirepressurebeforeoperatingthe ridingmower.
Checksidewalloftiresformaximumpsi.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningofthecutting
deck.
NOTE:Thedeckgaugewheelsarean anti-scalpfeatureof thedeck
andare notdesignedtosupporttheweightofthecuttingdeck.
Themowerdeckcuttingheightcanbe setinanyof sixheightsettings
usingthe ridingmower'sdecklift handle.Thedeckheightsrangefrom
1-1/2"to4".Thedeckgaugewheelpositionshouldbeapproximately
1/4"to 1/2"abovethegroundwhenthedeckissetinthedesiredheight
setting.
Usingthelifthandle,setthedeckinthedesiredheightsetting,then
checkthegaugewheeldistancefromthegroundbelow.If necessary
adjustasfollows:
1. Visuallycheckthedistancebetweenthefrontgaugewheelandthe
ground.Ifthegaugewheelisnearortouchingtheground,itshould
be raised.If morethan1/2"abovetheground,itshouldbelowered.
2. Removetheflangelocknutsecuringthefrontgaugewheel
shoulderbolttothedeck.Removethegaugewheelandshoulder
bolt. RefertoFigure7.
J
Figure7
3. Insert the shoulder bolt into the one of four index holes in the
front gauge wheel bracket that will give the gauge wheel a W'
to W' clearance with the ground and secure with the flange
locknut.
4. Note the index hole of the just adjusted wheel, and adjust the
rear gauge wheel into the respective index holes of the other
gauge wheel bracket on the deck.
11
Adjusting the Seat
Toadjustthepositionoftheseat,pullupand holdthe seatadjustment
lever.Slidetheseatforwardor rearwardtothedesiredposition;then
releasetheadjustmentlever.Makesureseatislockedintoposition
beforeoperatingtheridingmower.SeeFigure8.
Figure8
GAS AND OIL
Fuel Recommendations
Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedor lowleadedtominimizecombus-
tionchamberdeposits)witha minimumof87octane.Gasolinewith
upto 10%ethanolor 15%MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbe
used.Neveruseanoil/gasolinemixtureor dirtygasoline.Avoidgetting
dirt,dust,or waterin thefueltank.DONOTuseE85gasoline.
Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Donot
smokeor allowflamesor sparksintheareawheretheengineis
refueledorwheregasolineis stored.
Donotoverfillthefueltank.Afterrefueling,makesurethetank
capisclosedproperlyand securely.
Becarefulnottospillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelor fuelvapor
mayignite.Ifanyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybefore
startingtheengine.
Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwithskinor breathingofvapor.
Adding Fuel
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthe ridingmower
indoorsor whiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars,pipesand othersourcesofignition.
1. Besureengineisoutdoorsandin awell-ventilatedarea.
2. Cleanareaaroundthefuelfillcapandremovethefuelfillcap.
3. Usingan approvedredGASOLINEcontainer,addfuelslowly,being
carefultoavoidspilling.
4. Fillthetankuntilthefuelreachesthebottomofthefueltankneck.
5. Replacethefuelcapandtightensecurely.Wipeupspilledfuel
beforestartingengine.IffuelisspilledDONOTstartengine.Move
ridingmowerawayfromareaof spillage.Avoidcreatinganysource
ofignitionuntilfuelvaporsaregone.
Checking and Adding Oil
Yourridingmowerisshippedwithoilintheengine.However,youMUST
checktheengineoil levelbeforeeachuseasinstructedin theIAlways
Serviceand Maintenancesection.Addoilas necessary.Failuretodo I
I
[so mayresut nser ousdamagetoyourengne. J
1. Placetheridingmoweron a flat,levelsurface.
2. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.See
Figure9.
Figure9
3. Insertthecap/dipstickintotheoilfillerneck,butdonotscrewitin.
4. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstick.Ifthe levelislow,slowlyaddoil
untiloillevelregistersbetweenFULLandADD,Figure8.
NOTE:Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausesmoking,hard
starting,or sparkplugfouling.
5. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.
NOTE:DONOTallowoil leveltofallbelowtheADDmarkonthe
dipstick.Doingsomayresultinequipmentmalfunctionsor damage.
NOTE:Tochangetheoil inyourengine,seethe Serviceand
Maintenancesectionofthismanual.
12
Parking
Deck Lift
Deck Height Handle
O
Throttle/Choke Control
Hour Meter/
indicator Panel
SeatAdjustmentLever
FuelTankCap
H
// _ / -PTOSwitch
LH Drive RH Drive nition Switch
Control Lever Control Lever
Cup Holder
Storage Tray
Figure11
Nowthat youhavesetup yourridingmower,it'simportanttobecome
acquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.RefertoFigure11.
NOTE:ReferencestoLEFT,RIGHT,FRONT,andREARindicatethatposi-
tionontheridingmowerwhenfacingforwardwhileseatedintheoperator's
seat.
DECK HEIGHT INDEX
Thedeckheightindexconsistsofsixindexnotcheslocatedon
thefront!rightd theseatboxframe.Eachnotchcorrespondsto
a 1/2"changein thedeckheightpositionrangingfrom1-1/2"at
thelowestnotchto4 inchesatthehighestnotch.
DECK LIFT HANDLE
Thedecklift handleislocatedon thefront!rightofthe seat
boxframe,andisusedto raiseand lowerthemowerdeck.
Pullthehandletotheleftoutoftheindexnotchandpush
downwardtolowerthedeck,or pullupwardtoraisethedeck.
Whenthedesiredheightisattained,movethelifthandletothe
rightuntilfullyintheindexnotch.
CUP HOLDER
ThecupholderislocatedtowardtherearoftheRHconsole
totherightoftheoperator'sseat.
STORAGE TRAY
Thestoragetrayislocatedattherearofthe RHconsole.
RH AND LH DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS
TheRHandLHcontrolleversarelocatedon eachsideoftheopera-
tor'sseat.Thesehingedleverspivotoutwardtoopenspacetopermit
theoperatortoeither sitintheridingmowerseat,orto dismountthe
ridingmower.Theleversmustbefullyopenedoutand intheneutral
positionto starttheridingmowerengine.
Eachlevercontrolsthe respectiveRHorLHtransmission.Conse-
quently,theseleverscontrolallofthemovementsoftheridingmower.
Drivingand steeringutilizingthesecontrolleversisquitedifferentfrom
conventionalridingmowers,andwilltakesomepracticetomaster.
RefertotheDrivingthe Ridingmowersectionforinstructionsonusing
thecontrollevers.
Meets ANSI Safety Standards
CraftsmanTillersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI)
13
iGNiTiON SWITCH
Theignitionswitchislocatedon
theRHconsoletotherightofthe
operator'sseat.Theignitionswitch
hasthreepositions.
STOP_ -- Theengineandelectri-
calsystemisturnedoff.
RUN_ I
RUN_ -- Theridingmowerelectricalsystemisenergized.
START_ -- Thestartermotorwillturnovertheengine.Releasethe
keyimmediatelywhentheenginestarts
NOTE:Topreventaccidentalstartingand/orbatterydischarge,
removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchwhenthe ridingmowerisnot
inuse.
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) SWITCH
ThePTOswitchislocatedontheRHconsoletotherightoftheopera-
tor'sseat.ThePTOswitchoperatestheelectricPTOclutchmounted
onthebottomoftheenginecrankshaft.Pullthe switchknobupward
toengagethePTOclutch,or pushtheknobdownwardtodisengage
theclutch.ThePTOswitchmustbeinthe"disengaged"positionwhen
startingtheengine.
TRANSMiSSiON BYPASS RODS
Thetransmissionbypassrods(oneforeachtheRHandLHtransmis-
sion)arelocatedbeneaththeframeplatform,justinsideeachrear
wheel.
Whenengaged,thetwo rodsopena bypasswithinthe hydrostatic
transmissions,whichallowstheridingmowertobe pushedshort
distancesbyhand.RefertotheAssemblysectionforinstructionson
usingthebypassfeature.
Nevertowyourridingmower.Towingtheridingmowerwiththerear
wheelsonthegroundmaycauseseveredamagetothetransmissions.
SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Theseatadjustmentleverislocatedbelowthefront!leftoftheseat.
Theleverallowsforadjustmentoftheforetoaft positionofthe
operator'sseat.RefertoServiceand Maintenanceforinstructionson
adjustingtheseatposition.
FUEL TANK CAP
ThefueltankcapislocatednearthemiddleoftheLHconsole.Turn
thefillcapapproximately1/4turnandpull upwardtoremove.Thefuel
capistetheredtothe ridingmowertopreventitsloss.Donotattempt
toremovethecapfromtheridingmower.
Pushthecapdownwardonthefueltankfillneckand turnapproxi-
mately1/4turnclockwisetotightenAlwaysre-installthefuelcaptightly
ontothefueltankafter removing.
Neverfillthefueltankwhentheengineisrunning.Iftheengineis
hotfrom recentlyrunning,allowtocoolforseveralminutesbefore
refueling.Highlyflammablegasolinesplashingontoa hotengine
couldcausea fire.
HOUR METER/INDICATOR
PANEL
Thehourmeter/indicatorpanelislocatedonthe
LHconsoletotheIdtoftheoperator'sseat.
Hour Meter Features
Thehourmeterrecordsthehoursthatthe
ridingmowerhasbeenoperatedinthedigital
display(tenthsofanhour-- rightmostdigit).
NOTE:Thehourmeterisactivatedwhenevertheignitionswitchis
turnedtotheRUN_ position.Keepa recordoftheactualhoursof
operationtoassureall maintenanceproceduresarecompletedaccord-
ingtotheinstructionsinthis manualandtheenginemanual.
WhenkeyisturnedtotheRUN_ position,thebatteryindicatorlight
brieflyilluminatesandthebatteryvoltageis brieflydisplayed.The
displaythenchangestotheaccumulatedhours.
TheIndicatorMonitorwillalsoremindtheoperatord maintenanceinter-
valsforchangingtheengineoil.TheLCDwillalternatelyflash,CHG;OIL
andtherecordedhoursforfiveminutesafterevery50hoursofrecorded
operation.Themaintenanceintervallastsfortwohours(from50-52,100-
102,150-152,etc.).TheLCDwillflashasdescribedforfiveminutesevery
timetheridingmower'sengineisstartedduringthismaintenanceinterval.
Followtheoilchangeintervalsprovidedintheenginemanual.
indicator Panel Features
Battery Indicator
Illuminatesandthebatteryvoltageisdisplayedbrieflywhentheignition
switchitturnedtotheRUN_ position.
Illuminatestoindicatethebatteryvoltagehasdroppedbelow11.5(+0.5/-
1.0)volts,andthevoltageisdisplayedonthehourmeter.Ifthisindicator
anddisplaycomeonduringoperation,checkthebatteryandcharging
systemforpossiblecausesand/orcall1-800-659-5917to schedule
ridingmowerinspectionservicefromSearsParts& Repair.
Oil PressureIndicator (if EngineSo Equipped)
Thiswarninglampindicateslowengineoilpressure,iftheindicatorcomes
onwhiletheengineisrunning,stoptheengineimmediatelyandcheckfor
possiblecauses.Donotruntheenginewhilethisindicatorisilluminated.
Call1-800-659-5917toscheduleservicefromSearsParts& Repair.
NOTE:Theoil_ressureindicatormayilluminatewhentheignitionswitch
isin theRUNO position,butshouldturnoffwhentheengineisstarted.
PTOEngagedIndicator
ThisindicatorilluminateswhenthePTOswitchispulledupwardinthe
ENGAGEDpositionandtheignitionswitchisturnedtotheSTART
position.Checkthisindicatoriftheenginewillnotcrankwiththeignition
switchintheSTART_ position.Ifnecessary,movethePTOswitchto
theDISENGAGEDposition.
ParkingBrakeEngaged Indicator
Thisindicatorilluminateswhentheparkingbrakeisin theDISEN-
GAGEDpositionandtheignitionswitchisturnedtothe START
position.Checkthis indicatoriftheenginewillnotcrankwiththe
ignitionswitchin theSTART_ position.Ifnecessary,movethe
parkingbraketo theENGAGEDposition.
Thisindicatoralsoilluminateswhentheignitionswitchisturnedtothe
START_ positionandtheRHand/orLHdrivecontrolleversare in
a positionotherthanthefullyoutin neutralposition.Movethecontrol
leversfullyoutward.
14
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL
Thethrottle/chokecontrolislocatedontheLHconsoleto
theleftoftheoperator'sseat.Whensetina givenposition,a
uniformenginespeedwillbemaintained.
Pushthethrottle/chokecontrolhandleforwardtoincrease
theenginespeed.Theridingmowerisdesignedtooperate
withthethrottle/chokecontrolintheFAST_ position
whentheridingmowerisbeingdrivenandthemowerdeck
isengaged.
Pullthethrottle/chokecontrolhandlerearwardtodecrease
theenginespeed.
Whenstartingtheengine,pushthecontrolhandlefully
forwardintotheCHOKEI'_,1position.
Afterstartingandwarmingtheengine,movethecontrolhandle
rearwarduntilyoufeelit movepastthechokedetent.
PARKING BRAKE ENGAGEMENT LEVER
Theparkingbrakeengagementleverislocatedonthefront/
leftoftheseatboxframe,andis usedtoengagetheparking
brake.
Pulltheleverfullyupwardandtothe left;thenlowerintothe
short"J"slottoengagethebrake.
Pulltheleverupoutofthe"J"slotandtotheright;thenlower
completelytodisengagetheparkingbrake.
NOTE:IftheLHandRHdrivecontrolleversarenotfully
openedoutto eachsidein theneutralpositionwhenengag-
ingtheparkingbrake,theenginewillstop.Theparkingbrake
mustbe placedin theengagedpositionwhenstartingthe
ridingmowerengine.
GENERAL SAFETY
RECEIVEINSTRUCTION-- Entirelyreadthisoperator'smanual.
Learnto operatethismachineSAFELY.DonotriskINJURYor
DEATH.Allowonlythosewhohavebecomecompetentin its
usagetooperatethis ridingmower.
Beforestartingtheengineor beginningoperation,be familiarwith
thecontrols.Theoperatorshouldbein theoperator'sseat.The
PTOswitchmustbein thedisengagedposition,theparkingbrake
engaged,andthe RHandLHdrivecontrolleversmovedfully
outwardin theneutralposition.
Keepallshieldsin place.Keepawayfrommovingparts.
NORIDERS!Keepall peopleandpetsa safedistanceaway.
Lookbehindand downtobothsidesoftheridingmowerbefore
andwhilebackingup.
DONOTdirectthemowerdischargeatpeople.
Avoidslopeswherepossible.Neveroperateon slopesgreater
than15°. Slopeswitha greaterinclinepresentdangerousoperat-
ing conditions.Ridingmowerscanbe rolledover.
Beforeleavingtheoperator'sseat:Shutoff thePTO,move
the RHand LHdrivecontrolleversfullyoutwardin theneutral
position,engagetheparkingbrake_:_, shutoff theengineand
removetheignitionkey.Waitforall movementto stopbefore
servicingor cleaning.
Operatethedrivecontrolleverssmoothlyandavoidanysudden
movementsoftheleverswhenstartingandstopping.Keepa firm
gripon thecontrollevers.
Becarefulwhenoperatingnearroadways.Stoptheridingmower
motionandwaitforvehiclestopassbeforeoperatingalongthe
road.
Donotoperatetheridingmowerwiththemowerdeckremoved.
Removalofthedeckwillchangethebalanceoftheridingmower,
andcouldcontributetoa ridingmowerrollover.
Avoidoperationontractionsurfacesthatare unstable;use
extremecautionifthesurfaceis slippery.
Slowdownbeforeturningandcometoa completestopbefore
anyzeroturnmaneuver.
Donotstoptheridingmoweror parktheridingmowerover
combustiblematerialssuchasdrygrass,leaves,debris,etc.
Donotfillthefueltankwhentheengineis runningor whilethe
engineishot.Allowtheengineseveralminutestocoolbefore
refueling.Tightenthefuelcapsecurely.
15
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR RiDiNG MOWER
Beforeyouoperatetheridingmower,studythismanualcarefully
tofamiliarizeyourselfwiththeoperationofalltheinstrumentsand
controls.Ithasbeenpreparedtohelpyouoperateand maintain
yourridingmowerefficiently.
Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonlyonclean,fresh,unleadedregu-
largasoline.Forbestresults,fillthefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,
unleadedgasolinewitha pumpstickeroctaneratingof87orhigher.
Unleadedgasolineisrecommendedbecauseitleavesless
combustionchamberdepositsand reducesharmfulexhaust
emissions.Leadedgasolineis notrecommendedand mustnotbe
usedwhereexhaustemissionsareregulated.
NOTE:Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleftover
fromthepreviousseason,tominimizegumdepositsinthefuelsystem.
Gasohol(upto 10%ethylalcohol,90% unleadedgasolineby
volume)isanapprovedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblendsare
notapproved.
MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends
(uptoa maximumof 15%MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels.
Othergasoline/etherblendsarenotapproved.
Checktheengineoillevel.
Cleantheaircleanerelementif necessary.
Checkthetireinflationpressures.
Adjusttheseatforoperator'smaximumcomfort,visibilityandfor
maintainingcompletecontrolofthe ridingmower.
SAFETY iNTERLOCK SYSTEM
Thisridingmowerisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystemforthe
protectionoftheoperator.Iftheinterlocksystemshouldevermalfunc-
tion,donotoperatetheridingmower.Call1-800-659-5917toschedule
servicefromSearsParts& Repair.
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromcranking
orstartingunlessthe RHand LHdrivecontrolleversare moved
fullyoutwardtoeachsidein theneutralposition,theparking
brakeisengaged,andthePTOisdisengaged.
Toavoidsuddenmovementwhendisengagingtheparkingbrake,
thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutofftheengineiftheRHand/
or LHdrivecontrolleversare movedtoa positionotherthan
thefullyoutintheneutralpositionwhentheparkingbrakeis
engaged.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutofftheengineiftheoperator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutofftheengineiftheoperator
leavestheseatwiththePTOengaged,regardlessofwhetherthe
parkingbrakeisengaged.
NOTE:ThePTOswitchmustbe movedtothe"OFF"positionto restart
theengine.
ThesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutoffthePTOandthemower
bladeswillstopif bothdrivecontrolleversare movedintothe
reverseposition.ThePTOwillre-engagewhenoneor bothofthe
leversaremovedbacktoeithertheneutralorforwardposition.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Thisridingmowerisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystemdesignee
fortheprotectionoftheoperator.Donotoperatetheridingmowerif
anypartoftheinterlocksystemismalfunctioning.Periodicallycheck
thefunctionsofthe interlocksystemforproperoperation.
Forpersonalsafety,theoperatormustbesittingintheridingmower
seatwhenstartingtheengine.
16
1. Operatormustbesittinginthe ridingmowerseatwithbothdrive
controlleversoutwardtoeachsidein theneutral/startposition.
2. EngagetheparkingbrakeO. Referto Figure12.
LHControlLever RHControlLever
Outin I_eutral Out in Neutral
ParkingBreak
-- Engaged
ThrottleControl / ( PTOSwitchinDown
FullyForwardto / __ (Disengaged)Position
CHOKEPosition
Figure12
3. MakecertainthePTOswitchisin thedisengaged(down)posi-
tion. Referto Figure12.
4. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolleverfullyforwardintotheCHOKEt"°,1
position.
NOTE:Iftheengineiswarmedup,itmaynotbe necessarytoplace
thethrottle/chokecontrolin theCHOKE!'_1position.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTART_ positionand
releaseitassoonastheenginestarts;however,do notcrank
theenginecontinuouslyfor morethan5 secondsata time.If the
enginedoesnotstartwithinthis time,turnthekeytoSTOP
andwaitat least15secondstoallowtheengine'sstartermotor
tocool.Tryagainafterwaiting.Ifaftera fewattemptstheengine
failstostart,do notkeeptryingtostartitwiththechokeclosedas
thiswillcausefloodingandmakestartingmoredifficult.
6. Astheenginewarmsup,graduallypullthethrottle/chokecontrollever
rearwardpastthechokedetentposition.Donotusethechokeposition
toenrichthefuelmixture,exceptasnecessarytostarttheengine.
7. Allowtheengineto runfora fewminutesatmidthrottlebefore
puttingtheengineunderload.
8. Observethehourmeter/ indicatorpanel.Ifthebatteryindicator
lightoroil pressurelightcomeon,immediatelystoptheengine.
Call1-800-659-5917toscheduleridingmowerinspectionservice
fromSearsParts& Repair.
ColdWeatherStarting
Whenstartingtheengineattemperaturesnearorbelowfreezing,
ensurethecorrectviscositymotoroilisusedintheengineandthe
batteryisfullycharged.Starttheengineasfollows:
1. Besurethebatteryisingoodcondition.Also,awarmbatteryhas
muchmorestartingcapacitythanacoldbattery.
2. Usefreshwintergradefuel.Wintergradegasolinehashighervolatility
toimprovestarting.Donotusegasolineleftoverfromsummer.
3. FollowthepreviousinstructionforStartingtheEngine.
UsingJumper CablesTo Start Engine
Batteriescontainsulfuricacidandproduceexplosivegasses.Make
certaintheareaiswellventilated,wearglovesandeyeprotection,
land avodsparksor famesnearthebattery.
Ifthe batterychargeisnotsufficienttocranktheengine,rechargethe
battery.Ifa batterychargeris unavailableandtheridingmowermust
be started,theaidof aboosterbatterywillbenecessary.Connectthe
boosterbatteryasfollows:
1. Connecttheendofonecabletothedisabledridingmowerbat-
tery'spositiveterminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcableto
theboosterbattery'spositiveterminal.
2. Connectoneendoftheothercabletotheboosterbattery'snega-
tiveterminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcabletothe frame
ofthedisabledridingmower,asfarfromthebatteryaspossible.
3. Startthedisabledridingmowerfollowingthe normalstarting
instructionspreviouslyprovided;thendisconnectthejumper
cablesin theexactreverseorderof theirconnection.
4. Havetheridingmower'selectricalsystemcheckedand repaired
assoonaspossibletoeliminatetheneedforjumpstarting.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. PlacethePTOswitchintheOFFposition.
2. Movethe RHandLHdrivecontrolleversfullyoutwardinthe
neutralposition.
3. EngagetheparkingbrakeO.
4. Movethethrottle/chokecontroltomidwaybetweentheSLOW'_
andFAST_ positions.
5. Turntheignitionkeytothe STOP_ positionand removethekey
fromtheignitionswitch.
NOTE:Alwaysremovethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtopreventacci-
dentalstartingor batterydischargeiftheequipmentisleft unattended.
PRACTICE OPERATION (INITIAL USE)
Operatinga zero-turnridingmowerisnotlikeoperatingaconventionaltype
ridingridingmower.Becausea zeroturnridingmowerismoremaneuver-
able,gettingusedtooperatingthecontrolleverstakessomepractice.
Westronglyrecommendthatyoulocatea reasonablylarge,levelandopen
"practicearea"wheretherearenoobstructions,pedestrians,oranimals.You
shouldpracticeoperatingtheridingmowerforaminimumof30minutes.
Carefullymove-- orhaveanexperiencedusermove--the ridingmower
tothepracticearea.Whenperformingthepracticesession,thePTO
shouldnotbeengaged.Whilepracticing,operatetheridingmower
atapproximately1/2to3/4throttleandatlessthanfullspeedinboth
forwardandreverse.
Carefullypracticemaneuveringtheridingmowerandproceedtodriveas
describedin thefollowingDrivingtheRidingmowerForwardsection.
DRIVING THE RIDING MOWER
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedand suddenstops, j
1. Adjusttheoperator'sseattothemostcomfortablepositionthat
allowsyoutooperatethecontrols.See"AdjustingtheSeat" the
Assemblysection.
2. ReleasetheparkingbrakeO.
3. MovetheRHand LHdrivecontrolleversinwardin theneutral
position.RefertoFigure13.
Control Lever Moved
inward and in Neutral
/
Q
Figure13
NOTE:Ifthecontrolleversarenotevenintheneutralposition,refer
to ServiceandMaintenanceforinstructionstoadjusttheleverssothat
theyareeven.
4. Movethethrottle/chokecontrolleverforwardtotheFAST
(fullthrottle)position.
NOTE:Althoughtheridingmower'sengineisdesignedto runatfull
throttle,whenperforminga practicesessiontheridingmowermustbe
operatedatlessthanfullthrottle.Thisonlyappliesto practice.
Alwaysmaintainafirm griponthecontrollevers.DONOTreleasethe
controlleversto slowor stoptheridingmower;moveleversto neutral
positionusingyourhands.
5. Todrivetheridingmower,firmlygrasptherespectivedrivecontrol
leverswithyourrightandleft handsandcontinuewithDrivingthe
RidingmowerForwardon thefollowingpage.
17
Driving the Riding mower Forward
Keepall movementofthedrivecontrolleversslowandsmooth.
Abruptmovementofthecontrolleverscanaffectthestabilityofthe
ridingmowerandcouldcausetheridingmowertoflipover,which
mayresultin seriousinjuryordeathtotheoperator.
Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversforward.The
ridingmowerwillstartto moveforward.SeeFigure14.
r
Driving Forward
Faster
Figure14
2. Asthecontrolleversarepushedfartherforwardthespeedofthe
ridingmowerwillincrease.
3. Toslowtheridingmowermovethecontrolsleverrearwardto
attainthedesiredspeed,ormovetheleverstotheneutralposition
tostoptheridingmower.
Alwaysmaintainyourgraspon thedrivecontrollevers.Donotrelease
the leversto slowthe ridingmowerorto returntoneutral.
Turning the Riding mower While Driving Forward
Whenreversingthedirectionof travel,werecommendperforming
gradual'U' turnswherepossible.Sharperturnsincreasethepossibil-
ity ofturfdefacement,andcouldaffectcontroloftheridingmower.
ALWAYSslowtheridingmowerbeforemakingsharpturns.
Toturntheridingmowerwhiledrivingforward,movethecontrollevers
as necessarysothat oneleverisrearwardd theother.Theriding
mowerwillturninthedirectionofthe rearwardcontrollever.
1. Toturntotheleft,movetheleftdrivecontrolleverrearwardofthe
rightlever.SeeFigure15.
Figure15
2. Toturntotheright,movetherightdrivecontrolleverrearwardof
theleft lever.SeeFigure16.
W
ForwardRightTurn F
-oZ-
18
Figure16
3. Thegreaterthefore-to-aftdistancebetweenthetwolevers,the
sharpertheridingmowerwillturn.
4. Toexecuteazeroturnmovetheturnsidedrivecontrolleverto
theinwardneutralposition,whilemovingtheothercontrollever
forward.
NOTE:Makingazeroturnongrasswillgreatlyincreasethepotential
fordefacementoftheturf.
Driving the Riding mower in Reverse
1. Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversrearward.The
ridingmowerwillstarttomoveinthe reversedirection.SeeFigure
17.
.
F
Turning While Driving Rearward
1. Toturntheridingmowerwhiledrivingrearward,movethecontrol
leversasnecessarysothatoneleverisforwardoftheother.The
ridingmowerwillturninthedirectionoftheforwardcontrollever.
Toturntotheleftwhiletravelinginreverse,movetheleft drive
controlleverforwardofthe rightlever.See Figure18.
Rearward Left Turn
0
®
.
f
Figure18
Toturntotherightwhiletravelinginreverse,movetherightdrive
controlleverforwardoftheleft lever.SeeFigure19.
.
3.
Figure17
Asthecontrolleversarepushedfartherrearwardthespeedofthe
ridingmowerwillincrease.
Toslowtheridingmowermovethecontrolsleverforwardtoattain
thedesiredspeed,or movetheleverstotheneutralpositionto
stoptheridingmower.
Rearward Right Turn
0
Figure19
4. Thegreaterthefore-to-aftdistancebetweenthetwolevers,the
sharpertheridingmowerwillturn.
5. Toexecutea zeroturn,movetheturnsidedrivecontrolleverto
theneutralposition,whilemovingtheothercontrolleverrearward.
NOTE:Makinga zeroturnon grasswillgreatlyincreasethepotential
fordefacementoftheturf.
19
Executing a Zero Turn
When executinga zeroturn,theridingmowerMUSTBESTOPPED.
Executinga zeroturnwhiletheridingmowerismovingcansignifi-
cantlyreduceyourcontrolof theridingmowerandwillcausesevere
turf defacementtooccur.
Stoptheforwardor reversemotionoftheridingmowerbymoving
thetwodrivecontrolleverstoneutral.
2. Toturnclockwise,movetheleftcontrolleverforwardwhilesimulta-
neouslymovingtherightcontrolleverrearward.SeeFigure20.
Clockwise Zero Turn
Figure20
3. Toturncounterclockwise,movetherightcontrolleverforwardwhile
simultaneouslymovingtheleftcontrolleverrearward.SeeFigure21.
Counterclockwise
Zero Turn
2. Pushthe PTOswitchdownwardtotheDISENGAGEDposition.
3. Usethedecklift handletoraisethedecktoitshighestposition.
4. Ifdismountingtheridingmower,movethedrivecontrolleversfully
outwardintheneutralposition,engagetheparkingbrakeO, move
thethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST_ position,turnthe
ignitionswitchto STOP_ and removethekeyfromtheswitch.
Donotleavetheseatoftheridingmowerwithoutdisengagingthe
PTO, movingdrivecontrolleversfullyoutwardintheneutralposition,
andengagingtheparkingbrake.Ifleavingtheridingmowerunat-
tended,turntheignitionkeyoffand removekey.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Referto theslopegaugeinthe SafeOperationSectiontohelp
determineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafely.
Donotoperateon inclineswitha slopein excessof15degrees(a
riseofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Theridingmowercould
overturnandcauseseriousinjury.
1. Alwaysdriveacrossslopes,neverupanddown.Controlthe
speedanddirectionoftheridingmowerusingprimarilythecontrol
leveron thedownhillsideoftheridingmower,withtheuphill
controlleverremainingessentiallyina fixedposition.
2. Avoidturningdownhillifpossible.Startatthebottomof a slope
andworkupward.Alwaysslowdownbeforeturning.
3. Useextracareandgo slowlywhenturningdownhill.
OPERATING THE PTO
Operatethe PTOclutchasfollows:
1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertoapproximatelythemid
throttleposition.
2. Pullthe PTOswitchupwardtothe ENGAGEDposition.
3. Advancethethrottle/chokelevertotheFAST_ position(full
throttle).
4. Theoperatormustremainintheridingmowerseatatall times.If
theoperatorshouldleavetheseatwithoutturningoffthe power
take-offswitch,theridingmower'senginewillshutoff.
5. ThePTOclutchcannotbeoperatedwhenthe ridingmoweris
drivinginthereversedirection.ThePTOwilldisengagewhen
bothdrivecontrolleversaremovedtothereverseposition,and
willre-engagewhenone(or both)controllever(s)ismovedtothe
neutralorforwardposition.
Figure21
STOPPING THE RIDING MOWER
1. Movebothdrivecontrolleverstotheneutralpositiontostopthe
motionoftheridingmower.
20
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Craftsman 247250020 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
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