MTD 13BL78ST099 Owner's manual

perator's

nual

I:RnFrSMRN°

LAWN TRACTOR

21 HP, Variation Speed

46" Deck

Model No. 247.288853

• 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.769-06474E

(December6,2012)

Warranty Statement .......................................................... 2

Safety Instructions ............................................................ 3

Slope Gauge ..................................................................... 8

Assembly ........................................................................... 9

Operation ........................................................................ 11

Service and Maintenance .............................................. 17

Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 26

Trou bleshooting .............................................................. 27

Labels ............................................................................. 28

Parts List ......................................................................... 30

Espa_ol ............................................................................ 58

Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,allnon-expendablepartsofthisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor

workmanship.Adefectivenon-expendablepartwill receivefreein-homerepairor replacementif repairisunavailable.

BATTERYLIMITEDWARRANTY

FOR90 DAYSfromthedateofpurchase,thebattery(an expendablepart)ofthis ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialor

workmanship.Anewbatterywillbesuppliedfreeof charge.Youareresponsibleforthelaborcostof batteryinstallation.

ADDITIONALLIMITEDWARRANTIES

inthefollowingadditionalwarranties,youare responsibleforthe laborcostofpartinstallationafterthe secondyearfromthedateof purchase.

FORFiVEYEARSfromthedateof purchase,theframeofthis ridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.A

newframewillbe suppliedfreeofcharge.

FORTENYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thefrontaxleof thisridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.

A newfrontaxlewillbe suppliedfreeofcharge.

FORASLONGASIT iSUSEDbytheodginalownerafterthetenthyearfromthedateofpurchase,thecastironfrontaxle(ifequipped)ofthisriding

equipmentiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Withproofofpurchase,a newcastironfrontaxlewillbesuppliedfreeofcharge.

WARRANTYSERVICE

Forwarrantycoveragedetailsto obtainfreerepairor replacement,call1-800-659-5917orvisitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com

inallcasesabove,ifpartrepairor replacementisimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbe replacedfreeofchargewiththesameor anequivalent

model.

Alloftheabovewarrantycoverageisvoidifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesor if rentedtoanotherperson.

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:

• Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedto blades,spark

plugs,air cleaners,belts,andoil filters.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.

• Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityofthe

ridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper

storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintainthe

ridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedin theoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused

within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandweard theexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, Hoffman Estates,IL 60179

EngineOil: SAE30

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline

SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC

Engine: Briggs& Stratton

Model Number:

Serial Number:

Dateof Purchase:

Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove.

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.

• Tohelpavoidbladecontactora 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.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbecaughtin 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.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over

accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryordeath.Allslopesrequire

extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon

it, do notmowit.

Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthis manual

to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis machineona slopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope

Guide,do notoperatethismachineonthatareaor 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'srecommendationsforwheelweightsor

counterweightsto improvestability.

Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These

canchangethestabilityofthe machine.

Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake

suddenchangesinspeedordirection.Rapidengagementor

brakingcouldcausethefrontofthemachinetolift andrapidlyflip

overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

• Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslosetraction,disen-

gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdowntheslope.

DoNot:

• Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand

graduallydownhill,ifpossible.

• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Themower

couldsuddenlyturnoverifa wheelisovertheedgeofa cliff,

ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.

• Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the

ground.

• Donotuseagrasscatcheron 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 machinethathasahitchdesignedfortowing.Do

notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.

Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor

towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.

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.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inchbelow

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

componentsand replaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment

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

Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,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

shouldnotbeusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,

brushcoveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust

systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor

statelaws(ifany).

Ifa sparkarrestoris used,itshouldbemaintainedin 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

(OK)

15° Slope

X

(TOO STEEP)

15° Slope

'_. _ Figure1

USETHISSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE

IFA SLOPEISTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!

Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:

1. Removethis pageandfoldalongthedashedline.

2. Locatea verticalobjectonor 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(SeeFigure2 above).

Figure2

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedtotip-over and roll-overaccidentswhichcan resultin severeinjury or death.Do not operatemachine onslopes

in excessof 15degrees.All slopes requireextracaution. Ifyou cannotbackup theslope or ifyou feeluneasyon it, do not mowit.

Always mowup and downtheface ofslopes, nevermowacrossthe face of slopes.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroilintheengine.However,

youMUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.RefertotheService&Maintenance

sectionforinstructionsoncheckingtheoillevel.

NOTE:AnyreferenceinthismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthe

tractorisobservedfromoperator'sseatpositionfacingforwardtowards

thefrontoftractor.

Attaching the Battery Cables

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand

leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato

causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wire to its

terminalfirst, followed bythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.

Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmenthavebeenleft

disconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.Toconnectthe batterycables,

proceedasfollows:

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegativebattery

terminalismarkedNeg.(-).

1. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthepositivebatteryterminaland

attachtheredcabletothepositivebatteryterminal(+) with theboltand

hexnut.SeeFigure1.

2. Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthenegativebatteryterminaland

attachtheblackcabletothenegativebatteryterminal(-) with theboltand

hexnut.SeeFigure1.

f "x

/

7-

/

f

7-

/

/-

/

\ J

Figure1

3. Positiontheredrubberbootoverthe positivebatteryterminaltohelp

protectit fromcorrosion.

NOTE:Ifthe batteryisput intoserviceafterthedateshownontopofbattery,

chargethe batteryasinstructedin theService& Maintenancesectionofthis

manualpriortooperatingthetractor.

Shipping BraceRemoval

Makesurethe ridingmower'sengineisoff, removethe ignition key,and

setthe parkingbrakebeforeremovingthe shippingbrace.Refertothe

Operatonsectonfor nstructonsonhowtosetthe parkng brake.

Locatetheshippingbrace,if present,andaccompanyingwarningtagfound

ontherightsideofthemower,betweenthedischargechutedeflectorand

thecuttingdeck.SeeFigure2.

Figure2

Placethedecklift leverinthehighestcuttingposition.RefertoSettingthe

CuttingHeightintheOperationsectionofthismanual.

Whilepushingthedischargechutedeflectortowardsthemachinewithyourleft

hand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygraspingitbetweenyour

thumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.

Theshippingbrace,usedfor packagingpurposesonly,must beremovedand

discardedbeforeoperatingyourriding mower.

Themowingdeckiscapableof throwing objects.Failuretooperatethe

[riding mowerwithout the dischargechutedeflector inthe properoperating

[positioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjury and/orpropertydamage.

Attaching TheSteeringWheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordidnotcomeattached,thehardwarefor

attachingit hasbeenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel,beneaththesteeringwheel

cap.Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheelcapandremovethehardware.

I. Withthewheelsofthetractorpointingstraightforward,placethesteering

wheeloverthesteeringshaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)overthesteeringwheeland

securewith thehexbolt.SeeFigure3.

9

f

\

Figure3

3.

Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthesteeringwheelandpush

downwarduntilit "clicks"intoplace.

Attaching TheSeat

NOTE: For shipping reasons, the seat is either fastened to the tractor

seat's pivot bracket with a plastic tie, or mounted backward to the pivot

bracket. Ineither case, free the seat from its shipping position being

careful not to bend or kink the wiring harness and follow the instruc-

tions below to attach it.

1. Removethetwo hexscrewsandnutsfromtheseatpivotbracket.

2. Alignthefront holesoftheseatmountingbracketwith the holesintheseat

pivotbracketonyourtractorandsecurewith previouslyremovedhexscrews

andnuts. SeeAinFigure4.

3. Plugthewiringharnessintotheseatsafetyswitchinthe bottomoftheseat,

asshownin Bof Figure4.

NOTE:Thetractorwill notoperatewith thewiringharnessdisconnected.

r_

Adjusting the Seat

Toadjustthepositionoftheseat,pullupandholdtheseatadjustmentlever.Slide

theseatforwardorrearwardtothedesiredposition;thenreleasetheadjustment

lever.Makesureseatislockedintopositioninaseat-stopbeforeoperatingthe

tractor.SeeFigure5.

Beforeoperatingthe tractor, makesurethe seatisengagedinaseat-stop.

Engagethe parkingbrake.Standbehindthe machineandpullbackonseat

untilitclicksintoplace.

f "x

_,, ,J

Figure5

TirePressure

Maximumtire pressureunder anycircumstancesis30psi.Equaltire pressure

shouldbe maintainedatall times.Neverexceedthe maximuminflation

)ressureshownonthe sidewallofthe tire.

Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:

Approximately10psiforthereartires

Approximately14psiforthefronttires

IMPORTANT: Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's

recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinflate.Uneventire

pressurecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.

Figure4

10

.I

G

A

©

H

F

B

D

E

F

Rgure6

A ParkingBrakeLever

B Throttle/ChokeControlLever

C IgnitionSwitchModule

D Auto-drivePedal

E DeckLiftLever

F PTOLever(BladeEngage)

G CupHolder

H ShiftLever

I SeatAdjustmentLever

J BrakePedal

NOTE:AnyreferenceinthismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sseat

positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontoftractor.

MeetsANSiSafetyStandards

CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

11

ParkingBrakeLever

Tosettheparkingbrake:Fullydepressthebrakepedal.Movethe

parkingbrakeleverintotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasethe

brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake:Depressthebrakepedalandthe

parkingbrakeleverwill moveoutoftheparkingbrakepositionon

itsown.Theparkingbrakewill thenbereleased.Releasethebrake

pedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetiftheoperatorleavestheseat

with theenginerunningortheenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

Throttle/chokeControlLever

m

mmmmmmm

SLOW

Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedonthe

leftsideofthetractor'sdashpanel.Thislever

controlsthespeedoftheengineandwhenpushed

allthewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.When

setinagivenposition,thethrottlewill maintaina

uniformenginespeed.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperating the tractor with the cutting

deck engaged, the throttle/choke control lever must

always be inthe FAST (rabbit) position.

ignitionSwitch

Thekeyswitchmoduleisusedtostartandstoptheengine.Insert

keyintothekeyswitchmoduleandturnclockwisetotheSTART

position.Releasethe keyintothe normalmowingpositiononce

enginehasstarted.Theheadlightswill beactivatedautomatkally.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetothe

STOPposition.

IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthe

tractor,refertoboththe"Safety

InterlockSystem"and"StartingThe

Engine"laterinthissectionofthis

manualfordetailedinstructions

regardingtheIgnitionSwitch

Module.

Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO(Blade

EngageLever),moveshift [everintoneutralposition,setparking brake,

stopengineand removekeyto preventunintendedstarting.

SeatAdjustmentLever

Theseatadjustmentleverislocatedbelowthefront/left oftheseat.Thelever

allowsforadjustmentoftheforeandaft positionoftheseat.RefertotheAssembly

sectionofthemanualformoredetailedinstructionsforadjustingtheseatposition.

Auto-drivepedal

Thedrivepedalislocatedontherightsideofthetractor,alongtherunningboard.

Depressthedrivepedalforwardandthetractorwi[[moveinthedirectionthatthe

shiftleverisengagedin.Tocausethetractortotravelforward,whileatacomplete

stop,movetheshift[everintotheForwardposition.Graduallysteponthedrive

pedalandthetractorwill begintomoveforward.TomoveinReverse,followthe

sameprocedureonlymovetheshift[everintothereverseposition.

Thegroundspeediscontrolledwith thedrivepedalThefurtherforwardthat the

pedalispivoted,thefasterthetractorwi[[travel.Thepedalwill returntoitsoriginal

positionwhenit'snotdepressed.RefertotheOperationsectionofthis manualfor

detailedinstructionsregardingthedrivepedal

IMPORTANT:Always set the parking brake when leaving the tractor

unattended.

DeckLiftLever

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leverisusedto

changetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethelevertothe

left, thenplaceinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.

PTO(BladeEngage)Lever

Foundonthetractor'srightfender,thePTO(bladeengage)lever

isusedtoengagepowertothecuttingdeckorother(separately

available)attachments.Tooperate,movetheleveralltheway

forward.Movingthe leverallthewayrearwardintothe PTOOFF

positiondisengagespowertothecuttingdeck/attachment.

NOTE:ThePTO (blade engage) lever must be inthe

disengaged (PTO OFF) position when starting the engine.

CupHolder

Thetractor'scupholderislocatedonthefendertotheleftoftheseat.

Shift Lover

Theshiftleverislocatedontheleftside

ofthefenderandhasthreepositions,

FORWARD,NEUTRALandREVERSE.The

brakepedalmustbedepressedandthe

tractormustnotbeinmotionwhenthe

movingshiftlever.

IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshiftlever.

Doingsomayresultinseriousdamageto

thetractor'stransmission.

BrakePedal

REVEP_E

Thebrakepedalislocatedontheleftsideofthelawntractor,alongtherunning

board.Depressthebrakepedaltoengagethediscbrakeandbringthetractortoa

completestop.

NOTE:Thepedalmustbedepressedtostarttheengine.Referto SafetyInterlock

Switcheslaterin thissectionofthismanual.

12

Gasand Oil Fill-up

Oil

IMPORTAfl#Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil intheengine.However,you

MUSTchecktheoillevelbeforeoperating.Becarefulnottooverfill.

Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil,refertoCheckingTheEngineOilin

theServiceandMaintenancesectionofthismanual.

Gasoline

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.

Useextremecarewhenhandling gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuel machineindoorsorwhile the

engineishot or running. Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipes,andother

sourcesof gnt on.

NOTE:Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleftoverfromthe

previousseason,to minimizegumdepositsinthefuelsystem.

Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateonunleadedgasoline.Forbestresults,fill

thefueltankwith onlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasolinewith apumpsticker

octaneratingof87orhigher.

Gasohol(upto10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolinebyvolume)isan

approvedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblends,suchasE85,arenotapproved.

MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends(uptoa

maximumof15%MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels.Othergasoline/ether

blendsarenotapproved.

Fillfueltankoutdoorsorinwell-ventilatedarea.

Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof

fillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotor running.Allow

enginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengineandequipment.Movemachineto

anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

ToAdd Gasoline

1. Turntheengineoffandletenginecoolatleast2minutesbeforeremoving

thefuelcap.Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Removethefuel

capbyturningitcounterclockwise.

2. Fillthefueltankwithgasoline.Useonlyclean,fresh(nomorethan30days

old),unleadedgasoline.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof

fillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

3. Reinstallthefuelcap.

IMPORTAN_Donotoverfillthetank.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffiller necktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.See.

Figure7

Avoid Serious Injury or Death

Goupanddownslopes,notacross.

Avoidsuddenturns.

Donotoperatetheunitwhereitcouldsliportip.

Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesandbackdownhillslowly.

Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersarearound.

Nevercarrychildren,evenwith bladesoff.

Lookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking.

Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,andswitches)inplaceandworking.

Removeobjectsthatcouldbethrownbytheblades.

Knowlocationandfunctionofallcontrols.

Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsorfeet near

blades.

Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengageblades,engage

parkingbrake,shutengineoff,andremovekey.

Read Operator's Manual

Safety Interlock System

Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedfor safeoperationofthetractor.Ifthis

systemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor,Immediatelycontact

1-800-659-5917to havethesystemserviced.

Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstartingunless

theparkingbrakeisengagedandthePTO(BladeEngage)leverisinthe

disengaged(OFF)position.

Thesafetyinterlocksystemwill automaticallyshutofftheengineifthe

operatorleavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

Thesafetyinterlocksystemwill automaticallyshutofftheengineifthe

operatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)leverengaged,

regardlessofwhethertheparkingbrakeisengaged.

13

Theenginewill automaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)leveris

movedintotheengaged(ON)positionwith theshiftleverinReverse.

Ignition Switch

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insertkeyintotheignition

switchandturnclockwisetotheSTARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheON

positiononceenginehasfired. See.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheOFFposition.

Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO,move

shift leverinto neutralposition,setparkingbrake,stopengineand remove

keytopreventunintendedstarting.

f

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacingthedecklift leverin

anyofthedifferentcuttingheightnotchesontherightsideofthefender.

2. Adjustthe deckwheelssothattheyarebetweenl_-inchand1/2-inchabove

thegroundwhenthetractorisonasmooth,flatsurfacesuchasadriveway.

Toadjust Deck Wheels:

1. Removetheflangelocknutontheshoulderboltsecuringthedeckwheel.

2. Positionthewheeltothedesiredheightaslistedabove.See.

3. Securetheshoulderboltwith theflangelocknut.

Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the dischargeopening ofthe cutting

deck.

off

On

Start

Figure8

Engagingthe ParkingBrake

Toengagethe parkingbrake:

1. Fullydepressthe brakepedalandholdit downwith yourfoot.

2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownandintotheparkingbrake

position.

3. Releasethebrakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.

Toreleasethe parkingbrake:

1. Depressthebrakepedalandmovethespeedcontrolleveroutoftheparking

brakepositionandintoadesiredspeed.

NOTE:Thedeckwheelsareananti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandarenotdesigned

tosupporttheweightofthecuttingdeck.RefertoLevelingintheMaintenanceand

Servicesectionofthismanualformoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck

adjustments.

Starting the Engine

Figure9

J

Donot operatethe tractor ifthe interlocksystemismalfunctioning. This

systemwasdesignedforyoursafetyandprotection.

NOTE:RefertotheGasolineandOilfill-up instructionsearlierinthissection.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. ActivatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrotNe/chokeleverallthewayupinto

thechokeposition.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Aftertheenginestarts,

releasethekey.Itwill returntotheON(orNormalMowing)position.

14

DoNOTholdthe key inthe STARTpositionfor longerthan ten seconds

at atime. Doingsomay causedamageto your engine's electric

starter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethethrottle

controlin theFASTposition.

NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperatingthetractor.Doingsowill

resultin a"rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorunpoorly.

Stopping the Engine

If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnectthe spark

plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughlyinspectthe

machine for anydamage. Repairthe damage before restartingand

operating

2.

3.

Ifthebladesareengaged,placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe

disengaged(OFF)position.

TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.

Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintendedstarting.

DrivingTheTractor

Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.

Donotleavethe seatofthe tractor without first placingthe PTO(Blade

Engage)leverin the disengaged(OFF)position,depressingthe brakepedal

andengagingthe parkingbrake.Ifleavingthe tractor unattended,also

turn the ignition keyoffand removethe key.

Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile backingupto avoidaback-

overaccident.

1. Depressthebrakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrakeandthenletthepedal

up.

2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.

3. PlacetheshiftleverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSEposition.

IMPORTAN_DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethedirectionoftravelwhenthe

tractorisin motion.Alwaysusethebrakepedaltobringthetractortoacomplete

stopbeforeshifting.

4. Graduallybegintoapplypressuretothedrivepedal.Thefurtherdownthe

pedalispushed,thefasterthetractorwilltravelinthedesireddirection

basedonthepositionoftheshiftlever.

5. Thelawntractorisbroughttoastopbyreleasingthedrivepedalandthen

depressingthebrakepedal.

Beforeleavingthe operator'spositionfor anyreason,disengagethe blades,

placethe shift lever in neutral,engagethe parkingbrake,shutengineoff

andremovethe key.

Whenstopping the tractor for anyreasonwhile onagrasssurface,

always:

Placetheshiftleverinneutral,

I.

2.

3.

Engagetheparkingbrake,

Shutengineoffand removethekey.Doingsowill minimizethepossibility

ofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourtractor'srunning

engine.

15

DrivingOnSlopes

RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEintheSafetyInstructionssectionofthe manualtohelp

determineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethistractorsafely.

Donot mowon inclineswith aslopeinexcessof 15degrees(ariseof

approximately2-112feet every10feet). Thetractor couldoverturn and

causeseriousinjury.

Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.Uneventerrain

couldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

Avoidturnswhendrivingonaslope.Ifa turnmustbemade,turndownthe

slope.Turningupaslopegreatlyincreasesthechanceofarollover.

Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupaslope.If it isnecessarytostopwhile

drivingupaslope,startupsmoothlyandcarefullytoreducethe possibility

offlippingthetractoroverbackward.

Engagingthe Blades

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothecuttingdeckorother

(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:

1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.

2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit allthewayforwardintothe

engaged(ON)position.

3. Keepthethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)positionforthemostefficientuse

ofthecuttingdeckorother(separatelyavailable)attachments.

NOTE:Theenginewill automaticallyshutoff ifthe PTOisengagedwith theshift

leverinpositionforreversetravelwith theignitionkeyin theONposition.

Mulching

Amulchkitisavailableasanattachment.Mulchingisa processofrecirculating

grassclippingsrepeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fineclippingsare

thenforcedbackintothe lawnwheretheyactasanaturalfertilizer.

Amulchkitcanbepurchasedthroughtheretaillocationinwhichyoupurchased

thistractor.Formoreinformation,simplycontactSearsat 1-800-659-5917.

Mowing

Tohelpavoid bladecontactorathrown objectinjury,keepbystanders,

helpers,childrenandpetsat least75;feet from the machinewhileit isin

operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

Thefollowinginformationwill behelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeckwith your

tractor:

Planyourmowingpattern to avoiddischargeof materialstoward roads,

sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst

awallor obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto ricochetback

towardthe operator.

Donotmowat highgroundspeed,especiallyiramulchkitorgrasscollector

isinstalled.

Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo lapsbecutwith the

dischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirst twolaps,reversethe

directiontothrowthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceofcutting.

Thiswill giveabetterappearancetothelawn.

Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowthandyellows

quicklyindryweather.

Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewith theengineatfull throttle.

Underheavierconditionsit maybenecessarytogobackoverthecutareaa

secondtimetogetacleancut.

DoNOTattemptto mowheavybrushandweedsandextremelytall grass.

Yourtractorisdesignedtomowlawns,NOTclearbrush.

Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.RefertoCutting

Bladesin theServicesectionofthismanualforproperbladesharpening

instructions.

Headlights

ThelampsareONwheneverthetractor'sengineisrunning.

Thelampsturn OFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOPposition.

Usingthe DeckLiftLever

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe left,thenplaceit inthe

notchbestsuitedfor yourapplication.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin

thissection.

16

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytype ofmaintenance/service,disengageallcontrols

andstopthe engine.Waituntil all movingpartshavecometoacomplete

stop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgroundit againstthe enginetoprevent

unintendedstarting. Alwayswearsafety glassesduring operationorwhile

performing anyadjustmentsor repairs.

BeforeEachUse 1. Engineoil level 1.

2. Mufflerareaandcontrols 2.

3. Fingerguard 3.

Inthe FirstFiveHours 1. EngineOil 1.

Every10Hours I. Hood/Dashairvents I.

2. Batteryterminals 2.

3. Deckspindlesandidlerbracket 3.

Every25hours 1. Airfilter'sprecleaner* 1.

2. Airfilter* 2.

3. Midsteeringarms,pivotshafts, 3.

andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings 4.

5. Frontdeckwheels 5.

Every50hours 1. Engineoil/Oil filter 1.

2. Muffler 2.

Annually 1. Airfilter 1.

2. Airfilter'spre-cleaner 2.

3. Sparkplug 3.

4. Aircoolingsystem* 4.

5. Fuelfilter 5.

6. SteeringGears 6.

7. RearWheels 7.

BeforeStorage 1. Hood/Dashairvents 1.

2. Batteryterminals 2.

3. Midsteeringarms,pivotshafts, 3.

andaxles

4. Frontwheelbearings

5. Frontdeckwheels

6. Deckspindlesandidlerbracket

7. Pedalpivotpoints

*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.

Followthe maintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice

guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackofcompleted

maintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearestParts& RepairServiceCenteror to

scheduleservice,simplycontact1-800-659-5917.

Check

Clean

Change

Clean

Lubricate

Clean

Lubricate

Change/Replace

Check

Replace

Clean

Replace

Clean

Removeandgreaseaxles

Clean

Lubricate

4. Lubricate

5. Lubricate

6. Lubricate

7. Lubricate

Beforeperforminganymaintenanceor repairs,disengagethe PTO(Blade

EngageLever),engagethe parkingbrake,stopthe engineandremovethe

keyto preventunintendedstarting.

Ifthe enginehasbeenrecentlyrun,the engine,muffler and surrounding

metalsurfaceswill behot andcancauseburnsto the skin.Exercisecaution

to avoidburns.

17

Engine Maintenance

Checkingthe EngineOil

OnlyusehighqualitydetergentoilratedwithAPIserviceclassificationSF,SG,

SH,or SJ.Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingtotheexpectedoperating

temperature.Followthechartbelow.Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30,

etc.)improvestartingincoldweather,theywill resultinincreasedoilconsumption

whenusedabove32°I.Checkyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoidpossible

enginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.

f

Colder _'_ 32°F _Warmer

Oil Viscosity Chart

Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

Ensurethatthetractorisonalevelsurface.

J

Cleantheoilfill areaofanydebris.

1. Removethedipstickandwipewith acleancloth.

2. Insertandtightendipstick.

3. Removethedipstickandchecktheoillevel.ItshouldbeattheFullmarkon

thedipstick.SeeFigure10.

4. Iflow,addoil slowlyintotheengineoilfill. Donotoverfill.Afteraddingoff,

waitoneminuteandthenrechecktheoillevel.

Donotoverfill. Overfillingwith oii maycausethe engineto notstart, hard

starting, orenginesmoking.Ifoverthe FULLmarkonthe dipstick,drainoil

to reduceoil levelto FULLmarkondipstick.

ChangingEngineOil

Theengineoilshouldbechangedin thefirst5hoursandthenevery50hoursor

onceaseason.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedasfollows:

I. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepitaway

fromsparkplug.

2. Removetheoilfill cap/dlpstkkfromtheoilfill tube.SeeFigure10.

3. Turnthesteeringwheelallthewaytothe righttobetterexposethedrain

plug.

4. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwith thismanual)ontotheoil drainport,

seeFigure10.Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveintoanappropriateoil

collectioncontainerwithacapacitygreatenoughtocollecttheusedoil.

5. Removetheoildrainplug,Theoilwill begintodrainoutoftheengine.

6. Aftertheoil hasfinisheddraining,replacetheoildrainplugandtighten.Be

carefulnottoovertighten.

7. Removetheoildrainsleeveandstoreforlateruse.

8. Refilltheenginewith newmotoroil untiltheoil levelonthedipstickreads

FULL.Replacetheoilfill cap/dlpstkk.

Usedoil isahazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.Donot

discardwith householdwaste.Checkwith yourlocalauthorities oror contact

1-800-659-5917for alist ofsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

Changingthe Oil Filter

I. Draintheoilfromtheengineasdescribedabove.

2. Removetheoilfilteranddisposeofproperly.SeeFigure11.

5.

f

Replaceandtightendipstick.

Dipstick

OilDrain

Valve

Oil Drain

Sleeve

Figure10

J

18

Figure11

3. Beforeyouinstallthenewo11filter, lightly lubricatetheo11filter gasket

with fresh,cleanoil.

4. Installtheoilfilter byhanduntilthegasketcontactsthe oilfilteradapter,

thentightentheo11filter 1/2to3/4turns.

5. Addoilasdescribedabove.

6. Startandruntheengine.Astheenginewarmsup,checkforoil leaks.

7. Stoptheengineandchecktheoillevel.ItshouldbeattheFULLmarkonthe

dipstick.

FuelFilter

Gasolineanditsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fireor

explosioncancausesevereburnsordeath.

Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat,andother

ignitionsources.

Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replace

if necessary.

Beforereplacingthefuelfilter, drainthefueltankaspertheinstructions

below.

Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengineadequatetimeto

cool.Drainfuelintoanapprovedcontaineroutdoors,awayfromopenflame.

Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthefuelline

fromthe in-linefuelfilter neartheengine.

Removethefuellinefromthe In-lineside(sidetowardsthefueltank)ofthe

fuelfilter.

Replacementpartsmustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionas

theoriginalparts.

Iffuelspills,wait untilit evaporatesbeforestartingengine.

Beforereplacingthefuelfilter, drainthefueltank.Otherwise,fuelcanleak

outandcauseafireorexplosion.

To Drain the fuel:

1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichisroutedontheleftsideoftheenginebetween

thefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedtotheenginewith atie

strap.Cutthetiestrap,if present,thenpinchthein-lineclamponthefuelfilter

withapairofpliers,slidetheclampupthefuelline.Pullthefuellinefreefrom

thefilterandplacetheopenendofthelineintoanapprovedcontainertodrain

thefuel.

Tochange the fuel filter:

1. Useplierstosqueezethetabsontheotherclamp(theout-linesideofthe

fuelfilter),thenslidetheclampawayfromthefuelfilter. Twistandpullthe

fuellineoff ofthefuelfilter.SeeFigure12.

Clamp

Fuel

Line

Tab

Figure12

2. Checkthefuellinesforcracksorleaks.Replaceifnecessary.

3. Replacethefuelfilterwith anoriginalequipmentreplacementfilter.Call

1-800-659-5917topurchasetheoriginalequipmentreplacementfilter.

4. Securethefuellineswiththeclamps.

Air (:leaner

Theairfilter systemusesacylindricalcartridge.

1. RemovethefastenersCA)andtheairfiltercover(B).SeeFigure13.

2. Toremovethefilter (C),lift theendofthefilter andthenpullthefilter off

theintake(D).

3. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilter onahardsurface.If thefilter is

excessivelydirty, replacewithanewfilter.

4. Installthefilteronthe intake.Pushtheendofthefilterintothebaseas

shown.Makesurefilter fitssecurelyin thebase.

Installairfilter coverandsecurewith fasteners.5.

f

SparkPlug

1.

A

Figure13

Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastsparkplug.Spark

plugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushingandwashingwitha

commercialsolvent

f

Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgaptomakesureit issetat.030".

SeeFigure14.

Electrode

Figure14

Replacethesparkplug(ChampionRC12YC)onceaseason.

J

19

Muffler

Temperatureof muffler andnearbyengineareasmayexceed150° F(65°C).

Avoidcontactwith theseareas.

Inspectmufflerperiodically,andreplaceifnecessary.Replacementparts

forthemufflermustbethesameandinstalledinthesamepositionasthe

originalparts.

Clean Engine

Dallyorbeforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulateddebrisfrom

engine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.

Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustibledebris.

Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.

Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleantoreducethe riskofoverheatingand

ignitionofaccumulateddebris.

Donotusewaterto cleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel

system.Useabrushordry cloth.

IMPORTANT; Ifremovingthebatteryforanyreason,disconnecttheNEGATIVE

(Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythe POSITIVE(Red)wire.When

re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)wiretoitsterminal

first, followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.Becertainthat thewiresareconnected

tothecorrectterminals;reversingthemcouldchangethepolarityandresultin

damagetoyourengine'salternatingsystem.

CleaningBattery

Cleanthebatterybyremovingitfromthetractorandwashingwith abakingsoda

andwatersolution.Ifnecessary,scrapethebatteryterminalswith awirebrushto

removedeposits.Coatterminalsandexposedwiringwith greaseorpetroleumjelly

topreventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:

Incorrectinitialactivation

Overcharging

Freezing

Undercharging

Corrodedconnections

ThesefailuresareNOTcoveredbyyourtractor'swarranty.

CarburetorAdjustment

Thecarburetoronthisengineisnotadjustable.

Lubrication

lubricating,repairing,orinspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO(Blade I

Before

EngageLever),moveshift leverintoneutral position,setparking brake,stopI

engneandremovekeytopreventun ntendedstart rig. I

.I

Pivot Points& Linkage

Lubricateallthepivotpointsonthedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift linkageat

leastonceaseasonwith lightoil.

RearWheels

Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesonceaseason.Lubricatethe

axlesandtherimswellwith anall-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendofthetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequippedwith agreasefitting.

Lubricatewith agreasegunafterevery25hoursoftractoroperation.

Battery

Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbechecked.

Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeofcorrosive

build-up.

Aftercleaningthe batteryandterminals,applyalightcoatofpetroleumjelly

orgreasetobothterminals.

Alwayskeeptherubberbootpositionedoverthe positiveterminaltoprevent

shorting.

Cleaningthe EngineAndDeck

Anyfueloroilspilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly.DoNOTallow

debristoaccumulatearoundthecoolingfinsoftheengineoronanyotherpartof

themachine.

IMPORTANT: Theuseofa pressurewashertocleanyourtractorisNOT

recommended.It maycausedamageto electricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,

bearingsortheengine.

DeckWashSystemTM

Yourtractor'sdeckisequippedwith awaterportonitssurfaceaspartofitsDeck

WashSystemTM, followtheseinstructionstoutilizethisfeature.

UsetheDeckWashSystemTM torinsegrassclippingsfromthedeck'sundersideand

preventthebuildupofcorrosivechemicals.CompletethefollowingstepsAFTER

EACHMOWING:

Drivethetractortoa level,clearspotonyourlawn,nearenoughforyour

gardenhosetoreach.

Makecertainthe tractor'sdischargechuteisdirectedAWAYfrom yourhouse,

garage,parkedcars,etc.

2. Disengagethe PTO(BladeEngage),settheparkingbrakeandstopthe

engine.

3. Threadthe hosecoupler(packagedwith yourtractor'sOperator'sManual)

ontotheendofyourgardenhose.

4. Attachthehosecouplertothewaterportonthedeck'ssurface.SeeFigure

15.

5.

6.

Turnthewateron.

Whilesittingintheoperator'spositiononthetractor,starttheengineand

placethethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)position.

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MTD 13BL78ST099 Owner's manual

MTD 13BL78ST099 Owner's manual

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