Craftsman 247.28901 User manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
User manual
perator's
I:RAFrSMAN°
LAWN TRACTOR
17.5 HP
7 Speed, Shift-on=the=Go
42" Deck
Model No. 247.28901
Espanol, P. 59
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.769-05667B
(February12,2010)
Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 27
Trou bleshooting .............................................................. 28
Labels ............................................................................. 29
Parts List ......................................................................... 30
Espafiol ............................................................................ 59
Service Numbers ............................................. Back Cover
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifanynon-expendablepartof thisridingequipmentfailsduetoa defectin
materialorworkmanshipwithintwo yearsfromthedateorpurchase,call1-800-659-5917toarrangeforfreein-homerepair.
Theframeandfrontaxlewillbe repairedfreeofchargeforfiveyearsfromthedateofpurchaseifdefectiveinmaterialorworkmanship.
Alloftheabovewarrantycoverageappliesforonly90 daysfromthedateof purchaseifthis ridingequipmentiseverusedforcommercialor
rentalpurposes.
Inallcases,ifrepairprovesimpossible,theridingequipmentwillbe replacedfreeofchargewiththesameoran equivalentmodel.
Thebatterywillbe replacedfreeofchargefor90 daysfromthedateofpurchaseifdefectiveinmaterialorworkmanship(ourtestingprovesthat it
willnotholda charge).
Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Searswill NOTpayfor:
o
o
o
o
Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,aircleaners,belts,
andoilfilters.
Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.
Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.
Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthe
capabilityoftheridingequipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframeorcrankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.
Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecaused
byimproperstorage,failuretousethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammable
debris,orfailureto maintaintheridingequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.
Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuel
shouldbeusedwithin30daysofitspurchasedate.
Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductiswithinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears BrandsManagementCorporation, HoffmanEstates,IL60179
GrossHP: 17.5
EngineOil: SAE30
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
Engine: Briggs& StrattonI/C®
Model Number:
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--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-
tionsin thismanualandon themachine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand
in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfutureand regularreference
andfororderingreplacementparts.
Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow
tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatethis machine.
Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadandunderstandthe
operationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthismanualandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper
instruction.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keep
bystanders,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthe
machinewhileitisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
thearea.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe used.
Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeign
objectswhichcouldbe pickedupandthrownbytheblade(s).
Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarg-
ingmaterialagainstawallorobstructionwhichmaycause
dischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.
Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe
eyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand
shirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelrycanbe caughtin movable
parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.
Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionand
do notpointitatanyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithoutthe
dischargecoverorentiregrasscatcherinits 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
involvedina largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries.
Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheriding
mowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury.
If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgment.Contact1-800-659-5917forinformationand
assistance.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-over
accidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor death.Allslopesrequire
extracaution.Ifyoucannotbackuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon
it, do notmowit.
Foryoursafety,usetheSlopeGuideincludedaspartofthis manual
to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis machineona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degreesasshownonthe Slope
Guide,do notoperatethis machineonthatareaor seriousinjurycould
result.
Do:
o
Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide
obstacles.
Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsettingsothat
youwillnothavetostopor shiftwhileon theslope.Tiresmay
losetractionon slopeseventhoughthe brakesarefunctioning
properly.Alwayskeepmachinein gearwhengoingdownslopes
totakeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.
Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweights
or counterweightstoimprovestability.Forrecommendations,call
1-800-659-5917.
Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherattachments.These
canchangethestabilityofthe machine.
Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmake
suddenchangesinspeedor direction.Rapidengagementor
brakingcouldcausethefrontofthemachinetolift andrapidlyflip
overbackwardswhichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslosetraction,disen-
gagetheblade(s)andproceedslowlystraightdowntheslope.
DoNot:
Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turnslowlyand
graduallydownhill,ifpossible.
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Themower
couldsuddenlyturnoverifa wheelisovertheedgeofa cliff,
ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.
Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfooton the
ground.
Donotusea grasscatcheron steepslopes.
Donotmowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.
Donotattempttocoastdownhill.Over-speedingmaycausethe
operatortolosecontrolofthemachineresultingin seriousinjury
or death.
Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,
lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoing
downhill,theextraweighttendstopushthetractorandmay
causeyoutoloosecontrol(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingand
steeringabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcause
tractortooverturn).
4
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthemowing
activity.Theydonotunderstandthedangers.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
safeoperationpracticesinthismanualandonthemachineandshould
betrainedandsupervisedbyan adult.
TOWING
Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfortowing.Do
notattachtowedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.
Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfor
towedequipmentandtowingonslopes.Forrecommendations,
call1-800-659-5917.
Neverallowchildrenor othersinoron towedequipment.
Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmaycauselossof
tractionandlossofcontrol.
Alwaysuseextracautionwhentowingwitha machinecapableof
makingtightturns(e.g."zero-turn"ride-onmower). Makewide
turnstoavoidjack-knifing.
Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
Donotcoastdownhill.
SERVICE
SafeHandlingof Gasoline
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein
handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled
on yourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand
changeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron a truckortrailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson thegroundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck
or trailerandrefueliton theground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwithaportablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof
ignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoors.
Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-
ning.Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow
bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe
engine.
Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanup oilor fuelspillageandremoveany
fuelsoakeddebris.
Neverstorethemachineor fuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan
openflame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
Allowa machineto coolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe
blade(s)andallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthespark
plugwireandgroundagainsttheenginetopreventunintended
starting.
Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometocomplete
stopwithinapproximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthe
bladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthe
thistimeframe,yourmachineshouldbeservicedprofessionally
byaSearsorotherqualifiedservicedealer.
Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedtowearduring
normaloperation.Adjustandserviceasrequired.
Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade(s)
fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,bent,cracked).Replacethe
blade(s)withtheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonot
meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesuretheequipmentis
insafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor othersafety
devices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthe
sparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughly
inspectthemachineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebefore
startingandoperating.
Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothemachine
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.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,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 ensurethatallmechanicaland
safetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.
Failuretodosocanresultinaccidents,injuriesor death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand
causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)are
certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM)and
ThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)if soequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(ifany).
Ifa sparkarresteris used,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveisrequired
bylaw(Section4442of theCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarresterforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears
PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
6
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthis product.Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachine
beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
0
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
ROTATING BLADES CAUSE
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
DONOTMOWWHENCHILDRENOROTHERSARE
AROUND
NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWITHBLADE(S)OFF.
LOOKDOWNANDBEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE
BACKING.
MOWINGINREVERSEISNOTRECOMMENDED.
WARNING
Thissymbol points out important safety instructions
which, if notfollowed,could endangerthe personal
safety and/or property of yourselfand others. Readand
follow all instructions inthis manualbeforeattempting
to operatethis machine.Failuretocomply with these
instructions may resultin personalinjury.When yousee
this symbol HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe useof this powermachineto persons who
read, understand,and follow the warningsand instruc-
tions in this manual and onthe machine.
9
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil in theengine.
However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Refertothe
Service& Maintenancesectionforinstructionson checkingtheoil
level.
Attaching the Battery Cables
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
Batteryposts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand
leadcompounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiato
causecancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
Whenattachingbatterycables,alwaysconnectthePOSITIVE(Red)
wiretoits terminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE(Black)wire.
Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmay
havebeenleftdisconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.To
connectthebatterycables,proceedasfollows:
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).Thenegative
batteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
1. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe positivebattery
terminalandattachthe redcableto thepositivebatteryterminal
(+)withtheboltandhexnut.See Figure1.
2. Removethe plasticcover,if present,fromthe negativebattery
terminalandattachtheblackcabletothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltandhexnut.SeeFigure1.
f
J
Figure1
3. Positionthe redrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminalto
helpprotectitfromcorrosion.
NOTE:If thebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownon topof
battery,chargethebatteryas instructedintheService& Maintenance
sectionofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.
Shipping Brace Removal
Makesuretheridingmower'sengineisoff,removetheignitionkey,
andset theparkingbrakebeforeremovingtheshippingbrace.Refer
ItotheOperationsectionforinstructionsonhowto settheparking
lbrake.
Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompanyingwarning
tagfoundonthe rightsideofthemower,betweenthedischarge
chutedeflectorandthecuttingdeck.SeeFig.2.
//
Figure2
Placethedecklift leverinthehighestcuttingposition.Referto
SettingtheCuttingHeightin theOperationsectionofthismanual.
Whilepushingthedischargechuteddlectortowardsthemachinewith
yourlefthand,removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandbygrasp-
ingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerandrotatingitclockwise.
Theshippingbrace,usedforpackagingpurposesonly,mustbe
removedand discardedbeforeoperatingyourridingmower.
Themowingdeck iscapableofthrowingobjects.Failureto operate
the ridingmowerwithoutthedischargecoverintheproperoperating
Ipositioncouldresultin seriouspersonalinjuryand/orproperty
ldamage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcomeattached,the
hardwareforattachingithasbeenpackedwithinthesteeringwheel,
beneaththesteeringwheelcap.Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheel
capandremovethe hardware.
1. Withthewheelsofthetractorpointingstraightforward,placethe
steeringwheeloverthesteeringshaft.
2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)overthesteering
wheeland securewiththehexbolt.SeeFig.3-3.
10
f
\
Figure3
3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthecenterofthe steering
wheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"intoplace.
Attaching The Seat
If theseatforyourtractorwasnotattachedatthefactory,refertothe
followingsteps.
NOTE: Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastenedtothetractor
seat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or mountedbackwardtothepivot
bracket.Ineithercase,freetheseatfromits shippingpositionand
removetheadjustmentknobfromthebottomof seatbeforeproceed-
ingwiththeinstructionsbelow.
1. Positionthe shoulderscrews(foundon the baseofthe seat)
insidethe slotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.
Fig.4.
2. Slidetheseat slightlyrearwardin theseatpivot bracket,lining
up thecenterrearslotin thepivotbracketwiththeremaininghole
in theseat'sbase.
Figure4
3. Selectdesiredpositionfor theseat,and securewiththeadjust-
mentknobremovedearlier.
4. Toadjustthepositionof theseat,loosentheadjustmentknob
on thebottomoftheseat.Slidetheseatforwardor backwardas
desired.Retightentheadjustmentknob.
Tire Pressure
X
Maximumtire pressureunderanycircumstancesis30 psi.Equal
tirepressureshouldbe maintainedatall times.Neverexceedthe
_maxmum nfatonpressureshownonthesdewa of thet re.
Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:
Approximately10psiforthe reartires
Approximately14psiforthefronttires
IMPORTANT: Refertothetiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's
recommendedormaximumpsi.Donotoverinfiate.Uneventirepres-
surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly.
11
B
14
A
C
G
D
F
Figure5
A SpeedControlLever/ ParkingBrakeLever
B Throttle/chokecontrollever
C IgnitionSwitchModule
D DeckLiftLever
E PTOLever(BladeEngage)
F CupHolder
G ShiftLever
H Clutch-BrakePedal
NOTE: Anyreferencein thismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperator'sseat
positionfacingforwardtowardsthefrontof tractor.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanTractorsconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
E
J
12
SPEED CONTROL LEVER
Thespeedcontrollever,locatedontheleft sideofthe
tractor'sdashconsole,allowsyouto regulatetheground
speedofthelawntractor.Touse,depresstheclutch-
brakepedalandmovetheleveroutoftheparkingbrake
notchandforwardtoincreasethetractor'sgroundspeed.
Whenadesiredspeedhasbeenreached,releasethe
leverintoanappropriatenotchto maintainthatspeed.
Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,depresstheclutch-
brakepedalandmovethespeedcontrolleverrearward
andreleaseit intoa notch.
PARKING BRAKE
Tosettheparkingbrake,fullydepresstheclutch-brake _._J
PARK
pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverall thewaydownand BRAKE
intotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-brake
pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brakepedaland
movethespeedcontrolleveroutofthenotchestothedesiredposition.
Releasethespeedcontrolleverandtheclutch-brakepedal.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbe setiftheoperatorleavestheseat
withtheenginerunningor theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff.
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER
Thethrottle/chokecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof thetrac-
tor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeedoftheengineandwhen
pushedall thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whensetin a given
position,thethrottlewillmaintaina uniformenginespeed.
iMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecuttingdeck
engaged,thethrottle/chokecontrollevermustalwaysbein theFAST
(rabbit)position.
IGNITION SWITCH MODULE
Thekeyswitchmoduleisusedto
startand stoptheengine.Itis also
usedtoactivatetheReverseCaution
Mode(bladesoperatewhileriding
in reverse).Insertkeyintothekey
switchmoduleandturnclockwiseto
theSTARTposition.Releasethekey
intothenormalmowingpositiononce
enginehasstarted.Theheadlights
willbeactivatedin theNormal(and
ReverseCaution)modes.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkey
counterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.
CHILDREN AROUND
@
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboththe"Safety
InterlockSystem"and"StartingTheEngine"laterinthissectionofthis
manualfordetailedinstructionsregardingtheIgnitionSwitchModule
andoperatingthetractorinREVERSECAUTIONMODE.
Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO
(BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,setpark-
ingbrake,stopengineandremovekeyto preventunintendedstarting.
SHIFT LEVER
Theshiftleverislocatedontheleft
sideofthefenderand hasthree
positions,FORWARD,NEUTRAL
and REVERSE.Theclutch-brake
pedalmustbedepressedandthe
tractormustnotbe inmotionwhen
themovingshiftlever.
iMPORTANT:Neverforcethe
shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin
seriousdamagetothetractor's
transmission.
DECK LIFT LEVER
Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris used
tochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,movethe
levertotheleft,thenplacein thenotchbestsuitedforyour
application.
PTO (BLADE ENGAGE) LEVER
Foundonthetractor'srightfender,the PTO(bladeengage)
leveris usedtoengagepowertothecuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments.Tooperate,movethe
leverall thewayforward.Movingtheleveralltheway
rearwardintothePTOOFFpositiondisengagespowertothe
cuttingdeck/attachment.
NOTE:ThePTO(bladeengage)levermustbe inthe
disengaged(PTOOFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine.
CUP HOLDER
Thetractor'scupholderis locatedonthefendertotheleft of
theseat.
SEAT ADJUSTMENT KNOB
Theseatadjustmentknobislocatedonthebottomsideoftheseat.
Usethisknobtoadjusttheseatforwardor rearwardtoa comfortable
operatingpositionbylooseningtheknob,positioningtheseattothe
desiredpreference,thenretighteningtheknob.
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
Theclutch-brakepedalislocatedontheleft sideofthelawntractor,
alongtherunningboard.Depresstheclutch-brakepedalpartway
downwhenslowingthetractorbychangingspeeds(RefertoSpeed
ControlLever).Depressthepedalall thewaydowntoengagethedisc
brakeandbringthetractortoa completestop.
NOTE:Thepedalmustbe depressedto starttheengine.Referto
SafetyInterlockSwitcheslaterin thissectionof thismanual.
13
Gas and Oil Fill=up
0il
iMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil intheengine.
However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating.Becareful
notto overfill.
Forinstructionsonhowtochecktheengineoil, referto CheckingThe
EngineOilin theServiceandMaintenancesectionofthis manual.
Gasoline
Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehood.Donotoverfill.
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelmachineindoors
orwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,
[ppes,andothersourcesof gn ton.
NOTE : Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleft
overfromthe previousseason,tominimizegumdepositsinthefuel
system.
Thisengineiscertifiedtooperateon unleadedgasoline.Forbest
results,fillthefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasoline
witha pumpstickeroctaneratingof87or higher.
Gasohol(upto 10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolineby
volume)isanapprovedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblends,such
asE85,arenotapproved.
MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasolineblends
(uptoa maximumof 15%MTBEbyvolume)are approvedfuels.
Othergasoline/etherblendsare notapproved.
Fillfueltankoutdoorsorin well-ventilatedarea.
Donotoverfillfueltank.Filltanktono morethan1/2inchbelow
bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-
ning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move
machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe
engine.
To Add Gasoline
1. Turntheengineoff andletenginecoolatleast2 minutesbefore
removingthefuelcap.Thegasolinetankisunderthe rearfender,
withthefuelfillcaplocatedinthecenterofthe rearfender.
Thefuelcapistetheredtothetractortopreventitsloss.Donot
attempttoremovethecapfromthetractor.
2. Fillthefueltankwithgasoline.
3. Reinstallthefuelcap.
For California Models:
ForCaliforniamodelsequippedwithatethered,ratchetingfuelcap,
STOPfillingtankoncefuelis seeninsidethefillerneck. Thisensures
thata properexpansionvolumeiscreated,otherwisethefuelcanover-
flowcreatingahazardoussituation. DoNOTfilltothetopofthefiller
neck.On Californiamodels,fillthetank inaccordancewith Figure6.
Figure6
Avoid Serious injury or Death
Go upanddownslopes,notacross.
Avoidsuddenturns.
Donotoperatetheunitwhereitcouldslipor tip.
Ifmachinestopsgoinguphill,stopbladesand backdownhill
slowly.
Donotmowwhenchildrenorothersare around.
Nevercarrychildren,evenwithbladesoff.
Lookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebacking.
Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,and switches)inplace
andworking.
Removeobjectsthat couldbethrownbytheblades.
Knowlocationandfunctionofall controls.
Besurebladesandenginearestoppedbeforeplacinghandsor
feetnearblades.
Beforeleavingoperator'sposition,stoptractor,disengage
blades,engageparkingbrake,shutengineoff,and removekey.
Read Operator's Manual
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Thesafetyinterlocksystemisdesignedforsafeoperationofthetrac-
tor.If thissystemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor,
immediatelycontact1-800-4-MY-HOMEto havethesystemserviced.
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromstarting
unlesstheparkingbrakeisengagedandthe PTO(BladeEngage)
leveris inthedisengaged(OFF)position.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengineif
theoperatorleavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwillautomaticallyshutofftheengine
if theoperatorleavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(Blade
Engage)leverengaged,regardlessof whethertheparkingbrake
is engaged.
14
REVERSE CAUTION MODE
UseextremecautionwhileoperatingthetractorintheREVERSE
CAUTIONMODE.Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile
backing.Donotoperatethetractorwhenchildrenor othersare
around.Stopthetractorimmediatelyifsomeoneentersthearea.
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekeyswitchmodule
allowsthetractorto beoperatedinreversewiththeblades(PTO)
engaged.
iMPORTANT: Mowinginreverseisnotrecommended.
TousetheREVERSECAUTIONMODE:
iMPORTANT: TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthetractorseat.
1. Startengineasinstructedunderthe headingStartingTheEngine
laterinthissection.
2. TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMO%NG (Green)positiontothe
REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)positionofthekeyswitch
module.SeeFigure7.
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,Triangular
Button)atthetop,rightcornerofthekeyswitchmodule.Thered
indicatorlightatthetop,leftcornerofthekeyswitchmodulewill
beONwhileactivated.SeeFigure7.
f Reverse
Push
Button
indicator
REVERSE PUSH
Light BUTTON--'_
Reverse
Caution - Normal
Mode Driving
Position Mode
Stop
position
position
Figure 7
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcanbedrivenin
reversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhilebackingtomake
surenochildrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe NORMAL
MO%NG position.
iMPORTANT: TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwillremainactivated
until:
a.
ThekeyisplacedineithertheNORMALMO%NGposition
orSTOPposition.
Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfullydepressing
theclutch-brakepedalandholdingitdownwhilemovingthe
speedcontrolleverintothePARKBRAKEposition.
ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedaland holditdownwithyour
foot.
2. Movethe speedcontrolleverall thewaydownandintothe
parkingbrakeposition.
3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo
engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedaland movethespeedcontrollever
outoftheparkingbrakepositionandintoadesiredspeed.
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacingthedeck
liftleverin anyofthesixdifferentcuttingheightnotchesonthe
rightsideofthefender.
Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningofthecutting
deck.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Donotoperatethetractoriftheinterlocksystemismalfunctioning.
Thissystemwasdesignedforyoursafetyand protection.
NOTE:RefertotheGasolineandOilfill-upinstructionsearlierin this
section.
1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.
2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)
position.
3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.
4. Activatethechokecontrolbymovingthethrottle/chokeleverall
thewayupintothechokeposition.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.Afterthe
enginestarts,releasethekey.ItwillreturntotheON(or Normal
Mowing)position.
DO NOTholdthekeyintheSTARTpositionforlongerthanten
secondsata time.Doingsomaycausedamagetoyourengine's
electricstarter.
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrolandplacethe
throttlecontrolin theFASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolon whileoperatingthetractor.
Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorun
poorly.
15
STOPPING THE ENGINE
If youstrikea foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark
plugwire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
machineforanydamage.Repairthedamagebeforerestartingand
operating
1. Ifthe bladesareengaged,placethePTO(BladeEngage)leverin
thedisengaged(OFF)position.
2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOPposition.
3. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchto preventunintended
starting.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.
DonotleavetheseatofthetractorwithoutfirstplacingthePTO
(BladeEngage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position,depressing
Ithebrakepedalandengagingtheparkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractor
[unattended,alsoturntheignitionkeyoffand removethekey.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackinguptoavoida
back-overaccident.
1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrakeand
thenletthepedalup.
2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.
3. PlacetheshiftleverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSE
position.
IMPORTANT: DoNOTusetheshiftleverto changethedirectionof
travelwhenthetractorisin motion.Alwaysusetheclutch-brakepedal
tobringthetractortoa completestopbeforeshifting.
4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-brakepedal
andpositioningthespeedcontrolleverinthedesiredposition.
IMPORTANT: First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedpositions1or
2.Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththetractor'soperationandcontrols
beforeoperatingthetractorinhigherspeedpositions.
5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlytoputunitintomotion.
6. Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbydepressingtheclutch-
brakepedal.
NOTE:Whenoperatingtheunitinitially,therewillbe littledifference
betweenthehighesttwospeedsuntilafterthe beltshaveseated
themselvesintothepulleysduringthebreak-inperiod.
WARNING!Beforeleavingtheoperator'spositionforanyreason,
disengagetheblades,placetheshiftleverinneutral,engagethe
parkingbrake,shutengineoff andremovethekey.
IMPORTANT: Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreasonwhileona
grasssurface,always:
1. Placetheshiftleverinneutral,
2. Engagetheparkingbrake,
3. Shutengineoffand removethekey.Doingsowillminimizethe
possibilityofhavingyourlawn"browned"byhotexhaustfrom
yourtractor'srunningengine.
Ifunitstallswithspeedcontrolinhighspeed,orif unitwillnotoperate
withspeedcontrolleverin a lowspeedposition,proceedas follows:
1. PlaceshiftleverinNEUTRAL.
2. Restartengine.
3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.
4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.
5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.
6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.
7. PlaceshiftleverineitherFORWARDor REVERSE,andfollow
normaloperatingprocedures.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEintheSafetyInstructionssectionofthe
manualto helpdetermineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethistractor
safely.
Donotmowon inclineswithaslopeinexcessof 15degrees(a rise
ofapproximately2-1/2feetevery10feet).Thetractorcouldoverturn
andcauseseriousinjury.
Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.
Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhide
obstacles.
Avoidturnswhendrivingon a slope.If a turnmustbe made,turn
downtheslope.Turningupa slopegreatlyincreasesthechance
ofa rollover.
Avoidstoppingwhendrivingup a slope.If itisnecessarytostop
whiledrivingupa slope,startupsmoothlyandcarefullyto reduce
thepossibilityofflippingthetractoroverbackward.
ENGAGING THE BLADES
Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothecuttingdeck
or other(separatelyavailable)attachments.Toengagetheblades,
proceedasfollows:
1. Movethethrottle/chokecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)position.
2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitall theway
forwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)positionforthemost
efficientuseofthecuttingdeckorother(separatelyavailable)
attachments.
NOTE:Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOisengaged
withtheshiftleverinpositionforreversetravelwiththeignitionkeyin
the NORMALMOWINGposition.
MULCHING
A mulch kit isavailableasan attachment.Mulching isa processof
recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneaththecutting deck.
Theultra-fineclippings are then forcedbackinto the lawnwhere
they act asa naturalfertilizer.
16
A mulchkit canbe purchased,SeetheReplacementParts& Attach-
mentssectionofthis manualformoreinformation.
USING THE DECK LIFT LEVER
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe left,thenplace
itin thenotchbestsuitedforyourapplication.RefertoSettingThe
CuttingHeightearlierinthis Operationsection.
MOWING
Tohelpavoidbladecontactor a thrownobjectinjury,keepbystand-
ers,helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthemachine
whileitis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthecuttingdeck
withyourtractor:
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialstoward
roads,sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischarging
materialagainstawallor obstructionwhichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
HEADLIGHTS
Thelampsare ONwheneverthetractor'sengineis running.
ThelampsturnOFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedtotheSTOP
position.
Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa mulchkitor
grasscollectorisinstalled.
Forbestresultsitis recommendedthatthefirsttwolapsbecut
withthedischargethrowntowardsthecenter.Afterthefirsttwo
laps,reversethedirectiontothrowthedischargetotheoutside
forthebalanceofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe
lawn.
Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvitesweedgrowth
andyellowsquicklyindryweather.
Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfullthrottle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo backoverthe
cutareaa secondtimetogeta cleancut.
DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsandextremely
tallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedto mowlawns,NOTclear
brush.
Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhenworn.Refer
toCuttingBladesin theServicesectionofthis manualforproper
bladesharpeninginstructions.
17
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrack
ofcompletedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest Parts&
RepairService Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontact
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
BeforeEachUse
IntheFirstFiveHours
Every10Hours
Every25 hours
Every50 hours
Annually
BeforeStorage
1. Engineoil level
2. Mufflerareaandcontrols
3. Fingerguard
1. EngineOil
1. Hood/Dashairvents
2. Batteryterminals
3. Deckspindlesand idler
bracket
1. Air filter'sprecleaner*
2. Air filter*
3. Midsteeringarms,pivot
shafts,andaxles
4. Frontwheelbearings
5. Frontdeckwheels
1. Engineoil
2. Muffler
1. Air filter
2. Air filter'spre-cleaner
3. Sparkplug
4. Air coolingsystem*
5. Fuelfilter
6. SteeringGears
7. RearWheels
1. Hood/Dashairvents
2. Batteryterminals
3. Midsteeringarms,pivot
shafts,andaxles
4. Frontwheelbearings
5. Frontdeckwheels
6. Deckspindlesand idler
bracket
7. Pedalpivotpoints
1. Check
2. Clean
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Clean
2. Clean
3. Lubricate
1. Clean
2. Clean
3. Lubricate
4. Lubricate
5. Lubricate
1. Change
2. Check
1. Replace
2. Replace
3. Replace
4. Clean
5. Replace
6. Clean
7. Removeandgreaseaxles
1. Clean
2. Clean
3. Lubricate
4. Lubricate
5. Lubricate
6. Lubricate
7. Lubricate
*Servicemorefrequentlyunderdustyconditions.
Beforeperforminganymaintenanceorrepairs,disengagethePTO
(BladeEngageLever),engagetheparkingbrake,stoptheengine
and removethekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
Iftheenginehasbeen recentlyrun,theengine,mufflerandsur-
roundingmetalsurfaceswillbehotand cancauseburnsto theskin.
Exercisecautiontoavoidburns.
18
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Engine Oil
Onlyusehighqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification
SF,SG,SH,or SJ,Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingto
theexpectedoperatingtemperature.Followthechartbelow.
Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W20,10W30,etc.)improvestarting
in coldweather,theywillresultinincreasedoil consumptionwhen
usedabove32°RCheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoid
possibleenginedamagefromrunninglowonoil.
f'_older 32°F _Warmer_
,_. Oil Viscosity Chart j
Tochecktheengineoil,proceedasfollows:
1. Ensurethatthetractorisona levelsurface.
2. Cleantheoil fillareaofanydebris.
3. Removethedipstickandwipewithacleancloth.
4. Insertandtightendipstick.
5. Removethedipstickandchecktheoil level.It shouldbeatthe
Fullmarkonthedipstick.SeeFigure9.
f
Dipstick_
Changing Engine Oil
Theengineoil shouldbechangedinthefirst5 hoursand thenevery
50 hoursoroncea season.Tochangetheengineoil,proceedas
follows:
1. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand
keepitawayfromsparkplug.
2. Removetheoilfillcap/dipstickfromtheoil filltube.SeeFigure9.
3. Cliptheoildrainsleeve(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoil
drainport. Routetheoppositeendofthesleeveintoanappropri-
ateoilcollectioncontainerwitha capacitygreatenoughtocollect
theusedoil.
4. Removedrainpluganddrainoil intoa suitablecontainerwitha
capacityof nolessthan64 oz.
5. Performsteps2 through4 intheoppositeorderafteroil has
finisheddraining.
6. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroil untiltheoil levelonthe
dipstickreadsFULL.Replacetheoilfillcap/dipstick.
Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.
Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
ties oror contact1-800-4-MY-HOMEforalist ofsafedisposal/
recyclingfacilities.
7. Reconnectsparkplugwire.
OilDrain
Valve
Oil Drain
Sleeve
Figure9
6. If low,addoil slowlyintotheengineoilfill. Donotoverfill.After
addingoil,waitoneminuteand thenrechecktheoil level.
Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausetheenginetonotstart,
hardstarting,orenginesmoking.IfovertheFULLmarkonthe
dipstick,drainoil toreduceoil leveltoFULLmarkondipstick.
7. Replaceandtightendipstick.
19
Fuel Filter Air Cleaner
Gasolineand itsvaporsareextremelyflammableandexplosive.Fire
orexplosioncancausesevereburnsor death.
Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilotlights,heat,
andotherignitionsources.
Checkfuellines,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor
leaks.Replaceif necessary.
Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltankasperthe
instructionsbelow.
Donotdrainfuelwhentheengineishot.Allowtheengine
adequatetimetocool. Drainfuelintoan approvedcontainer
outdoors,awayfromopenflame.
Drainanylargevolumeoffuelfromthetankbydisconnectingthe
fuellinefromthein-linefuelfilterneartheengine.
RemovethefuellinefromtheIn-lineside(sidetowardsthefuel
tank)of thefuelfilter.
Replacementpartsmustbethesameand installedin thesame
positionastheoriginalparts.
Iffuelspills,waituntilitevaporatesbeforestartingengine.
Beforereplacingthefuelfilter,drainthefueltank.Otherwisefuel
canleakoutandcausea fireor explosion.
ToDrainthe fuel:
1. Locatethefuelfilter,whichisroutedontheleftsideoftheengine
betweenthefueltankandthecarburetor,andmaybeattachedto
theenginewitha tiestrap.Cutthetiestrap,ifpresent,thenpinch
thein-lineclamponthefuelfilterwitha pairofpliers,slidethe
clampupthefuelline.Pullthefuellinefreefromthefilterandplace
theopenendofthelineintoanapprovedcontainertodrainthefuel.
Tochangethe fuel filter:
1. Useplierstosqueezethetabsontheotherclamp(theout-line
sideofthefuelfilter),thenslidetheclampawayfromthefuelfilter.
Twistandpullthefuellineoff ofthefuelfilter.SeeFigure10.
2. Checkthefuellinesforcracksor leaks.Replaceifnecessary.
3. Replacethefuelfilterwithan originalequipmentreplacement
filter.Call1-800-4-MY-HOME®topurchasetheoriginalequip-
mentreplacementfilter.
4. Securethefuellineswiththeclamps.
Iffilters,or coversare notinstalledcorrectlyseriousinjuryordeath
couldresultfrombackfire.Donotattemptto starttheenginewith
themremoved.
Donotusepressurizedairor solventsto cleantheair cleaner
cartridge.
1. Removetheairfiltercover.
2. Toremovetheairfilter,lifttheendof thefilter.SeeFigure11.
f
Figure11
3. Removethepre-cleanerfromthefilter.
4. Toloosendebris,gentlytapthefilteron a hardsurface.If thefilter
isexcessivelydirty,replacewitha newfilter.
5. Washthepre-cleanerinliquiddetergentandwater.Allowitto
thoroughlyairdry.Donot oilthepre-cleaner.
6. Assemblethedrypre-cleanertothefilter.
7. Installthefilterintotheenginebaseand pushdownuntilthefilter
snapsin place.
8. Installthecover.
Tab
Clamp
Fuel
Line
Figure10
Spark Plug
1. Cleanareaaroundthesparkplugbase.Donotsandblastspark
plug,Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwirebrushing
andwashingwithacommercialsolvent
Removeandinspectthesparkplug.Checkgap tomakesureitis
setat.030".SeeFigure12.
Electrode Porcelain
_.030 (.76 mm) gap
\
Figure12
3. Replacethesparkplug(Champion®RC12YC)oncea season.
Muffler
Temperatureof mufflerandnearbyengineareasmayexceed150°F
(65°0).Avoidcontactwiththeseareas.
inspectmufflerperiodically,and replaceifnecessary.Replace-
mentpartsforthemufflermustbethesameandinstalledin the
samepositionastheoriginalparts.
Clean Engine
Donotusewatertocleanengineparts.Watercouldcontaminatefuel
system.Useabrushordrycloth.
Dailyor beforeeveryuse,cleangrass,chafforaccumulated
debrisfromengine.Keeplinkage,spring,andcontrolsclean.
Keepareaaroundandbehindmufflerfreeofanycombustible
debris.
Keepingenginecleanallowsairmovementaroundengine.
Enginepartsshouldbe keptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheat-
ingandignitionofaccumulateddebris.
Carburetor Adjustment
Thecarburetoron thisengineisnotadjustable.
LUBRICATION
Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,alwaysdisengagePTO
(BladeEngageLever),moveshiftleverintoneutralposition,set
parkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintended
starting.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricateallthepivotpointsonthedrivesystem,parkingbrakeandlift
linkageatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.
Rear Wheels
Therearwheelsshouldberemovedfromtheaxlesoncea season.
Lubricatetheaxlesandtherimswellwithan all-purposegreasebefore
re-installingthem.
Front Axles
Eachend ofthetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequippedwitha grease
fitting.Lubricatewithagreasegunafterevery25hoursoftractor
operation.
Battery
Thebatteryissealedandismaintenance-free.Acidlevelscannotbe
checked.
Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalscleanandfreeof
corrosivebuild-up.
Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya lightcoatof
petroleumjellyorgreasetobothterminals.
Alwayskeepthe rubberbootpositionedoverthepositiveterminal
to preventshorting.
iMPORTANT:if removingthebatteryforanyreason,disconnectthe
NEGATIVE(Black)wirefromitsterminalfirst,followedbythePOSi-
TIVE(Red)wire.Whenre-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe
POSITIVE(Red)wiretoits terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE
(Black)wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnectedtothecorrect
terminals;reversingthemcouldchangethepolarityandresultin
damageto yourengine'salternatingsystem.
Cleaning Battery
Cleanthebatterybyremovingitfromthetractorandwashingwith
a bakingsodaandwatersolution.Ifnecessary,scrapethe battery
terminalswitha wirebrushto removedeposits.Coatterminalsand
exposedwiringwithgreaseor petroleumjellytopreventcorrosion.
Battery Failures
Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:
incorrectinitialactivation
Overcharging
Freezing
Undercharging
Corrodedconnections
ThesefailuresareNOTcoveredbyyourtractor'swarranty.
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Craftsman 247.28901 User manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
User manual

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