Craftsman Lawn Mower 12728875 User Manual

Operator's Manual  
Zero Turn Riding Mower  
26HP B&S Engine / Side Discharge / 52-inch Wide  
Model 127.28875  
· Español, p. 37  
For answers to your questions  
CAUTION: Before using this product,  
read the manual and follow all its Safety  
Rules and Operating Instructions  
about this product call:  
1-800-659-5917  
Sears Craftsman Help Line  
5am - 5pm, Mon - Sat  
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A  
Visit the Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman  
PARTS MANUAL 4163201  
MAN 4163202 Rev. A 11-2007  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
PAGE  
SAFETY.........................................................................................................................................................2-8  
LABELS.......................................................................................................................................................9-13  
CONTROLS...............................................................................................................................................14-17  
PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST....................................................................................................................18  
OPERATION..............................................................................................................................................19-21  
MAINTENANCE CHART................................................................................................................................22  
MAINTENANCE RECORD ............................................................................................................................23  
MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................24-30  
ADJUSTMENTS .......................................................................................................................................31-33  
BELT REPLACEMENT...................................................................................................................................34  
SERVICE INFORMATION............................................................................................................. BACK PAGE  
WARRANTY  
CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY  
Two Years on Tractor  
When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, if this tractor fails due to a defect in  
material or workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for  
free repair.  
This warranty applies for only one year from the date of purchase if this tractor is ever used for commercial or  
rental purposes.  
During the first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charge to service the tractor in your home. For your con-  
venience, in-home warranty service will still be available after the first 30 days of purchase, but a trip charge  
will apply. This charge will be waived if you transport the tractor to an authorized Craftsman drop-off location.  
For the nearest authorized location, call 1-800-MY-HOME®.  
90-Days on Battery  
For ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, if the battery included with this tractor is defective in material  
or workmanship (our testing proves it will not hold a charge), it will be replaced free of charge.  
During the first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charge to replace the defective battery in your home.  
For your convenience, in-home warranty service will still be available after the first 30 days of purchase, but a  
trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if you transport the tractor to an authorized Craftsman drop-  
off location. For the nearest authorized location, call 1-800-MY-HOME®.  
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Sears will NOT pay for:  
• Expendable items that become worn during normal use, including but not limited to blades,  
spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters.  
• Standard maintenance servicing, oil changes, or tune-ups.  
• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns,  
stumps, or glass.  
• Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or improper operation  
or maintenance.  
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to damage caused by  
towing objects beyond the capability of the tractor, impacting objects that bend the frame or  
crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.  
• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and  
mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount  
of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure to maintain the  
equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual.  
• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or  
oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.  
• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement.  
This warranty applies only while this product is within the United States.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to  
state.  
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179  
11-2007  
1
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SAFETY  
NOTICE !!!  
This symbol means:  
ATTENTION!  
BECOME ALERT!  
Unauthorized modifications may present extreme  
safety hazards to operators and bystanders and  
could also result in product damage.  
Your safety and the safety of others is involved.  
Craftsman Professionalstrongly warns against,  
rejects and disclaims any modifications, add-on  
accessories or product alterations that are not  
designed, developed, tested and approved by  
Craftsman Professional Engineering Department.  
Any Craftsman Professional product that is altered,  
modified or changed in any manner not specifically  
authorized after original manufacture–including the  
addition of “aftermarket” accessories or component  
parts not specifically approved by Craftsman  
Profesional–will result in the Craftsman Professional  
Warranty being voided.  
Signal word definitions:  
The signal words below are used to identify levels  
of hazard seriousness. These words appear in  
this manual and on the safety labels attached  
to Craftsman Professional machines. For your  
safety and the safety of others, read and follow the  
information given with these signal words and/or  
the symbol shown above.  
Anyandallliabilityforpersonalinjuryand/orproperty  
damage caused by any unauthorized modifications,  
add-on accessories or products not approved  
by Craftsman Professional will be considered  
the responsibility of the individual(s) or company  
designing and/or making such changes. Craftsman  
Professional willvigorouslypursuefullindemnification  
and costs from any party responsible for such  
unauthorizedpost-manufacturemodificationsand/or  
accessories should personal injury and/or property  
damage result.  
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous  
situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in death  
or serious injury.  
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous  
situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in  
death or serious injury.  
CAUTIONindicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituation  
which,ifnotavoided,MAY resultinminorormoderate  
injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe  
practices or property damage.  
CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol  
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if  
not avoided, MAY result in property damage  
MODEL NUMBER: This number appears on sales literature, technical manuals and  
price lists.  
SERIAL NUMBER: This number appears only on your mower. It contains the model  
number followed consecutively by the serial number. Use this number when ordering  
parts or seeking warranty information.  
Serial Number Tag is located under seat; on the far back wall of the frame; left of battery  
from operators point of view.  
2
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SAFETY  
PREPARING FOR SAFE OPERATION  
Operator preparation and training  
WARNING  
Read the Operation & Safety  
Manual  
-
If an operator or mechanic  
cannot read English, it is  
the owner's responsibility  
to explain this material to  
them. If any portion of this  
material is unclear, contact  
your factory representative for clarification.  
All rotary lawnmowers are potentially  
dangerous. They canamputatehandsand  
feet and throw objects. Failure to follow  
these safety and operating instructions  
could result in serious injury or death.  
-
Become familiar with the safe operation of the  
equipment, operator controls and safety signs.  
Know how to stop the engine and attachments  
quickly in an emergency. Do not operate or allow  
another person to operate this machine if there  
are any questions about safety.  
-
-
All operators and mechanics should be trained.  
The owner is responsible for training the users.  
Site preparation and circumstances  
-
Evaluate the terrain to determine what  
accessories and attachments are needed to  
properly and safely perform the job. Only use  
accessories and attachments approved by the  
manufacturer.  
Wear appropriate clothing, including long  
trousers and safety goggles or safety glasses  
with side shields when operating mower. Do not  
operate barefoot or wearing open sandals. Long  
hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in  
moving parts.  
-
Clear the area to be mowed of objects such as  
rocks, toys, wire or other debris that may be  
picked up or thrown by the mower.  
-
-
Wear hearing protection.  
Never allow underage children, unskilled  
or improperly trained people operate this  
equipment. Local regulations can restrict the age  
of the operator.  
-
Be sure the area is clear of pets and people,  
especially young children. Never assume they  
will remain where you last saw them. Stop the  
machine if any enter the area.  
-
Data indicates that those operators age 60 years  
and above are involved in a large percentage of  
riding mower-related injuries. Those operators  
should evaluate their ability to operate the riding  
mower safely enough to protect themselves and  
others from injury.  
-
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.  
-
Do not mow wet grass as tires may lose traction.  
-
-
Do not carry passengers, especially small  
children. They may fall off and be seriously  
injured.  
Keep warning labels and this operator's manual  
legible and intact. Replacement labels and  
manuals are available from the factory.  
-
-
Do not operate machine while under the  
influence of drugs or alcohol.  
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible  
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,  
other people or property.  
3
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SAFETY  
OPERATING SAFELY  
Machine preparation  
-
Check operator presence interlock system and  
brake operation. Adjust or repair any problems  
before using.  
In general  
-
Use extra care when loading or unloading the  
machine into a trailer or truck.  
-
Do not tamper with or defeat safety devices.  
Keep guards, shields and interlock safety devices  
in place and in proper working condition. They  
are for your protection.  
-
Slow down and use caution when making turns  
and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if  
not mowing.  
-
-
-
Do not run the engine in an enclosed area where  
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.  
-
-
Keep all fasteners such as nuts, bolts and pins  
well secured.  
Do not place your foot on the ground while  
operating the machine.  
Visually inspect blades, blade bolts and the cutter  
assembly for wear or damage. Replace worn or  
damaged blades and bolts to preserve balance.  
Before operating, lower the discharge chute,  
install the mulcher or put the entire grass catcher  
in place.  
-
-
Verify that machine and attachments, if any, are  
in good operating condition.  
-
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.  
Never direct the discharge toward a bystander.  
Stop operation if someone approaches.  
Do not engage blades until ready to mow.  
-
-
Keep washout ports and other mower housing  
service openings closed when mowing.  
Use care when pulling loads or using heavy  
equipment.  
- Use only approved draw bar hitch points.  
- Limit loads to those you can safely control.  
- Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.  
- Use counter-weight(s) or wheel weights when  
suggested in the operator's manual.  
-
Never leave a machine unattended. Always turn  
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine and  
remove key before dismounting.  
4
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SAFETY  
Starting  
Interrupting operation  
-
Start only according to instructions in this manual  
-
Before leaving the operator's position:  
or on the machine.  
- Park on level ground.  
- Disengage the PTO.  
- Set the parking brake.  
- Shut off the engine and remove the key.  
-
Before attempting to start the engine, make sure:  
- the parking brake is on;  
- the PTO is disengaged;  
- the traction drive is in NEUTRAL.  
-
Disengage the PTO and wait until the blades quit  
rotating:  
- before raising cutterdeck;  
- when not mowing;  
- for transport;  
- when crossing surfaces other than grass.  
-
-
When starting the engine, make sure hands and  
feet are clear of the blades.  
Do not start the machine while standing in front  
of the discharge chute or with the chute directed  
at someone.  
-
Stop the engine, disengage the PTO, set parking  
brake and wait until the blades quit rotating and  
lower cutting unit:  
-
-
Do not engage PTO at full throttle. Throttle to  
idle or lowest possible engine speed.  
Do not change engine governor settings or  
over-speed the engine. Operating the engine  
at excessive speed can increase the hazard of  
personal injury.  
- before refueling;  
- before removing grass catcher;  
- before making height adjustment unless the  
adjustment can be made from the operator's  
position.  
-
Stop the engine, disengage the PTO, set parking  
brake and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or  
remove the key:  
- before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;  
- before checking, cleaning or working on the  
machine;  
- after striking a foreign object. Inspect the  
machine for damage and make repairs before  
restarting;  
- if the machine begins to vibrate abnormally:  
shut off machine immediately. Inspect and  
make repairs as needed before restarting;  
- except for repairs or adjustments as specifically  
noted, such as for carburetor adjustment,  
where the engine must be running. Keep  
hands and feet clear of moving parts in these  
circumstances.  
-
-
Allow the blades to come to a complete stop  
when stopping operation to clear blockages,  
unclog, inspect the machine, do maintenance or  
repair.  
Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut-  
down and, if the engine is provided with a shut-  
off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of  
mowing.  
5
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SAFETY  
MANEUVERING SAFELY  
In general  
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed  
or direction.  
-
Slow down before turning.  
-
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely  
necessary. Always look behind and down  
for small children and pets before and during  
backing.  
-
-
-
-
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then  
turn slowly and downhill when possible.  
Stay away from slopes if the ground is loose or if  
caught in the rain during mowing.  
-
-
Be aware when approaching blind corners,  
shrubs, trees, tall grass or other objects that may  
obscure vision.  
Use lower speeds on a slope to avoid stopping or  
shifting.  
Use extra care with grass catchers or other  
attachments. These can change the stability of  
the machine.  
If tires lose traction, disengage the blades. If on  
a slope, head downhill.  
-
-
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs etc.  
WARNING  
Mowing slopes  
Avoid driving over obstacles such as ruts, holes,  
rocks and roots whenever possible. Be alert to  
dips and rises. Uneven terrain can overturn a  
mower or cause it to slide. Tall grasses can hide  
obstacles.  
Slopes are a major factor in  
loss-of-control and tip over  
accidents that sometimes lead  
to severe injury or death. All  
slopes require extra caution.  
-
-
-
Do not mow drop-offs, ditches or embankments.  
The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel  
runs over the edge or an edge caves in.  
-
Do not mow on slopes if uneasy or uncertain.  
Ultimate responsibility for safe operation on  
slopes rests with the operator.  
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations  
for wheel weights or counterweights to improve  
stability.  
-
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.  
A slope is too steep if:  
Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Reduced  
traction could cause sliding.  
· The machine will not back up the slope.  
· The machine must be crabbed (turned  
partially sideways uphill) to drive across  
the slope.  
· The machine turns downhill going across slope.  
· You are uneasy about being on the slope.  
-
-
On zero turn machines, mow across slopes, not  
up and down.  
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires  
lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed  
slowly straight down the slope.  
-
-
With a zero turn machine, if tires lose traction  
going down a slope, steering control may be  
regained by speeding up.  
Mid-mount zero turns (belly mounted deck) have  
much greater traction pointed up slope than  
down slope. Be aware that traction may be lost  
going down a slope. Do not operate a mid-mount  
zero turn on slopes it cannot back up.  
-
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and  
6
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SAFETY  
MAINTENANCE SAFETY  
WARNING  
In general  
Blades  
-
Maintain machine according to manufacturer's  
schedule and instructions for maximum safety  
and best mowing results.  
-
Mower blades are sharp and  
can cut. Use extra caution  
when handling. Remove ob-  
structions with care. Wrap the  
blade(s) or wear gloves.  
-
-
Park machine on level ground.  
Never allow untrained personnel to service ma-  
chine.  
-
Be aware that rotating one  
blade on multi-blade mowers can cause other  
blades to rotate.  
-
Adjust or repair only after the engine has been  
stopped and the blades have quit rotating.  
-
-
Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld  
them.  
-
Inspect grass catcher components regularly. If  
worn, damaged or deteriorated, they may expose  
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.  
Keep other persons away from blades.  
-
-
Replace parts if worn, damaged or faulty.  
For best results, always replace with parts  
recommended by the manufacturer.  
WARNING  
Fuel  
-
Gasoline and diesel fuels are  
Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire(s)  
before making any repairs. Disconnect the  
negative terminal first and the positive last. Re-  
connect positive first and negative last.  
flammable; gasoline vapors  
are explosive. Use extra care  
when handling.  
-
-
Store only in containers spe-  
cifically designed for fuel.  
-
Do not dismantle the machine without releasing  
or restraining forces which may cause parts to  
move suddenly.  
When refueling or checking fuel level:  
- Stop the engine and allow to cool;  
- Do not smoke;  
- Refuel outdoors only;  
- Use a funnel;  
-
Provide adequate support, e.g. jackstands for  
lifted machine or parts if working beneath.  
-
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating  
parts.  
- Do not overfill;  
-
-
-
Clean up spilled oil or fuel thoroughly.  
- If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the  
engine until the spill is cleaned up and vapors  
have cleared.  
Replace faulty mufflers.  
To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine, muffler,  
battery compartment and fuel storage area free  
of grass, leaves, debris buildup or grease.  
-
Do not fill containers in a vehicle or on a truck or  
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Fill containers on  
the ground away from the vehicle.  
-
Hydraulic fluid can penetrate skin, use paper  
to check for leaks. Relieve hydraulic pressure  
before disconnecting hoses. Make sure  
connections are tight and hoses are in good  
condition.  
-
When practical, remove gas powered equip-  
ment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the  
ground. If equipment must be refueled on the  
truck or trailer, refuel from a portable container  
rather than a dispenser nozzle.  
Keep the dispenser nozzle in contact with the rim  
of the fuel tank or container opening until fueling  
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open  
device.  
-
Replace caps on fuel cans and tanks securely.  
7
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SAFETY  
JUMP STARTING  
BATTERY  
WARNING  
1. Be sure the jumper cables are in good condition.  
Turn off the ignition and all electrical accessories  
on both machines.  
Battery acid is caustic and fumes  
are explosive and can cause  
serious injury or death.  
2. Position the machine with a good (charged) bat-  
tery next to but not touching the machine with the  
dead battery so jumper cables will reach.  
To reduce the risk of personal  
injury when working near a bat-  
tery:  
3. When making cable connections:  
-
When working with battery  
acid, use protective equipment  
such as, but not limited to, goggles, face shield,  
rubber gloves and apron.  
- make sure the clamps do not touch anywhere  
except to intended metal parts,  
- Never connect a positive ("+" or red) terminal  
to a negative ("–" or black) terminal.  
-
Avoid leaning over a battery.  
- Make sure the cables won't get caught in any  
parts after the engines are started.  
-
Do not expose a battery to open flames or  
sparks.  
4. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the  
positive terminal on one battery. Connect the  
other end to the positive terminal on the other  
battery.  
-
Be sure batteries with filler caps are properly  
filled with fluid.  
-
Do not allow battery acid to contact eyes or skin.  
Flush any contacted area with water immediately  
and get medical help.  
5. Connect one end of the other cable to the  
negative terminal of the machine with a good  
(charged) battery. Make the final connection on  
the engine of the machine to be started, away  
from the battery.  
-
Charge batteries in an open, well ventilated area,  
away from sparks and flames. Unplug charger  
before connecting or disconnecting from battery.  
6. Start the vehicle with the good battery, then the  
machine with the discharged battery.  
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE SAFETY  
7. Remove the cables in the exact reverse order of  
installation. When removing each clamp, take  
care it does not touch any other metal parts while  
the other end remains attached.  
-
-
-
Stop the engine and allow to cool before storing.  
Drain the fuel tank outdoors only.  
Store fuel in an approved container in a cool, dry  
place.  
-
-
-
Keep the machine and fuel containers in a locked  
storage place to prevent tampering and to keep  
children from playing with them.  
When the machine is to be parked, stored or left  
unattended, lower the cutterdeck unless a posi-  
tive mechanical lock is used.  
Do not store the machine or fuel container near  
heating appliances with an open flame such as a  
water heater or an appliance with a pilot light.  
-
-
Keep gasoline storage area free of grass, leaves  
and excessive grease to reduce fire hazard.  
Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives,  
mufflers and engine to help prevent fires.  
8
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LABELS  
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LABELS  
10  
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LABELS  
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LABELS  
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LABELS  
13  
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CONTROLS  
KEYSWITCH (K) - The keyswitch has three  
positions: OFF, RUN, and START. Insert the key  
and turn it clockwise to move the switch from OFF to  
RUN. Turn it further to START and hold to engage  
the starter. Release the key and the switch will return  
to RUN from START. Turn the key counterclockwise  
to OFF to stop the engine.  
THROTTLE (T) - Move the throttle lever forward to  
increase engine speed until the maximum governed  
engine RPM is reached. Move the lever rearward to  
decrease engine speed until the engine reaches its  
idle speed.  
CHOKE (C)  
For Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton Engines, pull  
the choke control out to set the choke ON. Push it in  
to set the choke OFF.  
At operator's right side  
POWER TAKE OFF (PTO) SWITCH (P) -  
The operator must be in the seat when engaging the  
PTO or the engine will kill. Pulling the PTO switch  
out engages (turns on) the PTO and starts the blades  
or other attachment. Pushing the PTO switch in  
disengages (turns off) the PTO and stops the blades  
or other attachment.  
NOTE: The PTO switch does not control  
attachments powered by a separate engine.  
-
-
Disengage the PTO whenever you stop or leave  
the operator’s position  
Shut off engine with the key and remove the  
spark plug wires before making adjustments or  
unplugging a clogged mower.  
Below seat  
-
Do not engage the PTO until ready to start  
mowing.  
12 VOLT POWER OUTLET (X)  
A 12 volt power outlet is provided to operate 12 volt  
personal accessories.  
14  
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CONTROLS  
FUEL SELECTOR VALVE (U)  
The fuel tank selector valve is located behind the  
seat.  
The fuel tank selector valve has three positions:  
Off: The tank selector is off when the lever points  
down. The selector should be off whenever the  
machine is transported or stands unused for any  
length of time. Shutting off the fuel supply avoids the  
possibility of flooding should any dirt get under the  
carburetor float needle. Leaving the tank selector in  
either tank position can allow severe flooding, which  
may ruin the engine by diluting the oil.  
Right Tank: Fuel flows from the right tank when the  
selector is turned 1/4 turn toward the right.  
Left Tank: Fuel flows from the left tank when the  
selector is turned 1/4 turn toward the left.  
15  
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CONTROLS  
Reverse movement - To move the machine straight  
back, pull both traction levers back equally from their  
neutral position. Reverse speed increases as the  
levers are moved back farther. Maximum reverse  
speed is reached when the levers hit the rear of the  
forward-reverse slot. When moving in reverse, push-  
ing the levers forward slows the machine, and the  
machine stops when the neutral position is reached.  
NOTE: Reverse is spring loaded to return to neutral.  
This spring resistance may be felt when moving the  
traction levers into reverse. When the levers are  
released in reverse, spring tension will slowly return  
them to the neutral position.  
Lift and traction levers  
(operator's right side)  
STEERING - To steer, move one lever forward and  
one back.  
Turns during forward movement:  
LIFT LEVER (F) - Used to raise the cutterdeck to  
maximum height for transport, curb climbing or blade  
changing. To return to preset height of cut, lower lift  
lever until it contacts height of cut pin A.  
-
Right turn - move the right traction lever back  
toward neutral to slow the right drive wheel.  
-
Left turn - move the left traction lever back to-  
ward neutral to slow the left drive wheel.  
TRACTION LEVERS (L) - Each of the two  
traction levers controls the drive wheel located on  
the same side. They control the forward and reverse  
movement of the machine, provide steering and also  
provide dynamic braking.  
Turns during reverse movement:  
-
Reverse right turn - move the right traction lever  
forward toward neutral to slow the right drive  
wheel.  
The operator must be in the seat and the parking  
brake must be OFF to engage the traction drive.  
To engage traction drive, move the traction levers  
toward the center of the machine until they are out of  
neutral lock slot S.  
-
Reverse left turn - move the left traction lever  
forward toward neutral to slow the left drive  
wheel.  
Slow, sweeping turns are made with both traction  
levers on the same side of neutral and slightly  
apart. True zero radius turns about the center of the  
machine are made by having one lever in reverse  
while the other is in forward. By varying the relative  
positions of the two levers, the rate of turn is varied to  
suit the mowing situation.  
Forward movement - To move the machine straight  
ahead, push both traction levers forward equally from  
their neutral position. Forward speed increases as  
the levers are moved farther forward from the neutral  
position. Maximum forward speed is reached when  
the levers hit the front of the forward-reverse slot.  
When traveling forward, pulling the traction levers  
rearward slows the machine. The machine stops  
when the neutral position is reached.  
Slow down before making sharp turns. The machine  
is capable of turning very rapidly when the levers are  
moved further apart from each other. Loss of control  
and/or turf damage may result.  
16  
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CONTROLS  
PARKING BRAKE (R) - Pull the parking brake  
lever up and back to put the parking brake ON. Push  
it forward and down to put the parking brake OFF.  
The parking brake must be ON to start the engine.  
It must also be ON to keep the engine running if the  
operator leaves the seat. The parking brake must be  
OFF to keep the engine running when a traction lever  
is moved out of neutral lock.  
Parking brake in ON position  
(operator's left side)  
PUSHING THE MACHINE  
The machine may be pushed with the engine off, the  
parking brake off, and the bypass valves open.  
To open the bypass valves, move the parking brake  
to the OFF position, then lift and pull bypass control  
rod C through the large opening D, until the control  
rod stop is past the opening. Drop rod C into the  
small opening to lock in place. Repeat for the other  
bypass control rod.  
To close the bypass valves, lift bypass control rod C  
allowing the control rod stop to retract through the  
large opening D.  
17  
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PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST  
PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST  
(OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY)  
___ Review and follow all safety rules and safety  
decal instructions.  
___ Never allow riders.  
___ Inspect area and remove stones, branches or  
other hard objects that might be thrown,  
causing injury or damage.  
___ Clean area around oil fill dipstick. Remove  
dipstick and check to be sure oil is in operating  
range (between marks on dipstick). Add oil if  
necessary but Do Not Overfill. Install dipstick  
assembly firmly until cap bottoms out on tube.  
Dipstick assembly must always be secured into  
fill tube when engine is running.  
___ Check all lubrication points and grease as  
instructed in manual.  
___ Check hydrostatic fluid level. Check to be sure  
cooling fins on hydrostat are clean.  
___ Perform a functional check of the safety  
interlock system each time you operate the  
unit.  
___ Check that all safety decals are installed and in  
good condition. Replace if damaged.  
___ Check to make sure all shields and guards  
are properly installed and in good condition.  
Be sure that either the discharge shield or  
complete vacuum attachment is installed.  
___ Check that all hardware is properly installed.  
and secured.  
___ Check that equipment is properly and securely  
attached to power unit.  
___ Check to be sure engine is free of dirt and  
debris. Pay particular attention to the cooling  
fins, governor parts and muffler. Clean air  
intake screen. Check air cleaner; service if  
necessary.  
18  
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OPERATION  
FUELING  
OPERATOR PRESENCE  
INTERLOCK SYSTEM  
-
Fill fuel tank with good quality, clean, unleaded  
regular gasoline. Do not use hi-test fuel.  
To start the engine:  
-
Use a funnel to avoid spilling.  
-
-
The PTO switch must be OFF.  
Both traction levers must be in the neutral lock  
position.  
-
The parking brake must be ON.  
WARNING  
To operate the machine:  
1. The operator must be in the seat or engaging the  
PTO will kill the engine.  
2. The parking brake must be OFF and the opera-  
tor must be in the seat, or moving a traction lever  
from the neutral lock position will kill the engine.  
TO CHECK OR ADD FUEL:  
– Do it outdoors  
– Do not smoke  
– Stop engine; allow to cool  
– Fill to one inch below bottom  
STARTING THE ENGINE  
of filler neck  
1. Turn the key to operate the electric starter to start  
the engine. Release the key when the engine  
starts.  
– Do not overfill  
– Clean up spilled fuel  
2. If the engine does not start immediately, do not  
crank for more than 10 seconds at a time. Allow  
60 seconds for the starter motor to cool down  
between starting attempts to prevent the starter  
motor from burning out.  
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE  
-
-
Be familiar with all controls, how each functions  
and what each operates.  
3. If the choke is ON when the engine starts,  
gradually back it off until the engine runs with no  
choke at all.  
Check the engine oil level and add if necessary.  
Using the fuel selector valve, select which tank  
will supply fuel  
-
Choke: For cold starts, set the throttle lever to the  
half-open position and pull the choke out to the  
ON position. For warm starts set the throttle to  
the half-open position and the choke to the OFF  
position.  
19  
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OPERATION  
OPERATING NOTES  
DRIVING  
1.  
With the PTO disengaged, move the parking  
brake to OFF.  
Move both traction levers out of neutral lock.  
-
-
Practice at slow engine and travel speeds with the  
PTO off until fully familiar with the controls.  
2.  
3.  
For normal cutting the throttle should be set at the  
full open position. By using the traction levers to  
speed up or slow down the machine during use,  
maximum control and cutting efficiency can be  
maintained.  
Push both traction levers forward evenly to  
drive forward in a straight line. Pull both traction  
levers back evenly to drive backward in a straight  
line.  
4. Steering - Move one lever forward and one back.  
-
Using the machine at less than full throttle in  
heavy conditions will cause the engine to labor  
and result in excessive wear.  
Turns during forward movement:  
-
Right turn - move the right traction lever back  
toward neutral to slow the right drive wheel.  
-
Left turn - move the left traction lever back to-  
ward neutral to slow the left drive wheel.  
Turns during reverse movement:  
-
Reverse right turn - move the right traction lever  
forward toward neutral to slow the right drive  
wheel.  
-
Reverse left turn - move the left traction lever  
forward toward neutral to slow the left drive  
wheel.  
Use caution when making turns. Slow down before  
making sharp turns to help maintain control and to  
prevent torn turf from skidding or spinning tires. To  
help prevent turf damage, keep both drive tires mov-  
ing whenever a turn is made.  
TIP: The best way to make a sharp "zero" turn is to  
come to a stop, get the machine moving in reverse  
with both drive wheels and then power the machine  
around with the outside wheel. This technique keeps  
the drive tires turning and results in less turf damage.  
20  
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OPERATION  
CUTTING  
1. Place the discharge chute in the down position or  
DANGER  
correctly fit a grass collector or mulcher plate.  
2.  
3.  
Sit in the seat.  
Start the engine.  
ROTATING BLADES  
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY.  
STOP ENGINE AND LET BLADES STOP  
BEFORE REMOVING GRASS COLLEC-  
TOR OR UNCLOGGING.  
4. Turn the blades on by pulling up on the PTO  
switch. Do not start the blades at full throttle.  
Instead, use the slowest throttle setting that will al-  
low the engine to pick up the blade load to reduce  
the wear on the belts and electric clutch.  
5. After the blades are rotating, set the throttle to  
maximum. Use the traction levers to obtain the  
required cutting speed, to steer around obstacles  
and to turn at the end of a cut.  
WARNING  
THROWN OBJECTS  
KEEP AREA CLEAR OF PEOPLE  
AND PETS.  
REMOVE OBJECTS BLADE MAY  
STRIKE AND THROW.  
STOP BLADES TO CROSS GRAVEL  
AREAS  
DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT CHUTE,  
MULCHER OR ENTIRE GRASS  
CATCHER IN PLACE.  
CUTTING TIPS  
-
When mowing large areas, start by turning to the  
right so that clippings will be discharged away  
from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After two or  
three rounds, mow in the opposite direction, left  
hand turns, until finished.  
-
If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed  
twice, the first cut relatively high, the second cut to  
the desired height.  
-
-
Use the left side of the mower for trimming.  
Choose cutting directions so that clippings are  
thrown onto areas that already have been cut.  
This method results in the most even distribution  
of clippings and more uniform, better appearing  
cuts.  
-
Use a different mowing pattern each time where  
possible. This helps prevent rutting and leads  
to a more uniform cut by keeping the grass from  
always laying the same way.  
21  
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MAINTENANCE CHART  
Maintenance is an ongoing job. These intervals are maximum times between  
maintenance operations. Perform more often under severe conditions.  
MAINTENANCE  
OPERATION  
BEFORE  
EACH  
USE  
EVERY  
25  
HOURS  
EVERY  
50  
HOURS  
EVERY  
100  
HOURS  
EVERY  
200  
HOURS  
FIRST 5  
HOURS  
YEARLY  
ENGINE  
Consult the engine manual for additional information and instructions  
Check/Top Up  
X
X
X
Oil Level  
Check For Leaks  
Clean Air Intake  
Screen  
Clean Air Cleaner  
Precleaner  
X
X
Clean Air Cleaner  
Element  
Clean Cooling Fins  
X
X
X
X
*X  
X
X
Change Oil  
Change Oil Filter  
Check/Replace  
Spark Plugs  
X
X
TRANSAXLE  
MACHINE  
Check Oil Level  
Check For Leaks  
X
X
Change Oil And  
Filter  
Check Interlock  
Operation  
X
X
Check Tire  
Pressures  
Check Battery  
X
X
Lubricate All Points  
*see page 25  
X
Check Hardware  
X
*Change oil after first 5 to 8 hours of use, then every 50 hours. Change oil every 25 hours when  
operating the engine under heavy load or in high temperatures.  
22  
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MAINTENANCE RECORD  
DATE  
HRS  
DATE  
HRS  
DATE  
HRS  
DATE  
HRS  
DATE  
HRS  
DATE  
HRS  
GENERAL  
Check Tire Pressures  
Lubricate All Points  
Check Nuts & Bolts  
ENGINE  
Check Oil Level  
Change Oil  
Clean  
Air Cleaner Element  
Clean Cooling Fins  
Replace  
Air Cleaner Element  
Clean & Gap  
Spark Plugs  
TRANSAXLE  
Change Oil And Filter  
NOTE: After first 5 hours of operation change engine oil and filter.  
Repair Protection Agreements  
Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Craftsman® Professional product is designed  
and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require repair from  
time to time. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation.  
Here's what the Repair Protection Agreement* includes:  
Expert Service by our 10,000 professional repair specialists  
Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs  
Product replacement up to $1500 if your covered product can't be fixed  
Discount of 10% from regular price of service and related installed parts not covered by the  
agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventative maintenance check  
Fast help by phone - we call it Rapid Resolution - phone support from a Sears representative.  
Think of us as a "talking owner's manual."  
Once you purchase the Repair Protection Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to  
schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service appointment online.  
The Repair Protection Agreement is a risk-free purchase. If you cancel for any reason during the product  
warranty period, we will provide a full refund. Or, a prorated refund anytime after the product warranty  
period expires. Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement today!  
Some limitations and exclusions apply.  
For prices and additional information in the U.S.A. call 1-800-827-6655  
*Coverage in Canada varies on some items. Full full details call Sears Canada 1-800-361-6665  
Sears Installation Service  
For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water heaters, and other  
major home items, in the U.S.A. or Canada call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.  
23  
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MAINTENANCE  
CHECK DAILY  
Operator Presence Interlock System - Start Operation  
For the engine to crank, the parking brake must be on, the PTO (blades) off and traction levers in the neutral  
lock position. Sit in the seat and check, one by one, if the engine will crank with the parking brake off, the  
blades on, and either traction lever out of neutral lock.  
Operator Presence Interlock System - Run Operation  
The operator must be in the seat for the engine to run with the parking brake off, the traction levers moved out  
of the neutral lock position, or the blades on. To check:  
1. Start the engine and run at 1/2 throttle with the operator on the machine but raised off the seat.  
2. One by one: move the parking brake to the OFF position, traction levers out of the neutral lock position  
(check each independently), and turn the blades on. Each check should kill the engine after 1/2 second.  
(A 1/2 second delay is built into the system to prevent engine cutout when traversing rough terrain.)  
Repair machine before using if the Operator Presence Interlock System does not operate correctly in start or  
run.  
Hardware  
Tighten any nuts and bolts found loose. Replace any broken or missing cotter pins. Repair any other prob-  
lems before operating.  
Tire pressure  
Tires should be kept inflated to 14 lbs/in2 (1.0 kg/cm2). Improper tire inflation can cause rapid tire wear and  
poor traction. Uneven inflation can cause uneven cutting. Overinflation of caster tires can cause casters to  
"wobble" on hard surfaces.  
BATTERY  
4. Check the electrolyte level every 100 hours of  
Battery acid is caustic and fumes  
operation or yearly, whichever comes first. Top  
are explosive and can cause serious injury or death.  
off with distilled water if necessary.  
Use insulated tools, wear protective glasses or  
goggles and protective clothing when working with  
batteries. Read and obey the battery manufacturer’s  
NOTE: Sealed batteries cannot be checked or  
topped off.  
instructions.  
5. Clean the cable ends and battery posts with steel  
wool. Use a solution of baking soda and water  
Be certain the ignition switch is OFF and the key has  
to clean the battery. Do not allow the solution to  
been removed before servicing the battery.  
enter into the battery cells.  
1. Verify battery polarity before connecting or dis-  
6. Tighten cables securely to battery terminals and  
connecting the battery cables.  
apply a light coat of silicone dielectric grease to  
terminals and cable ends to prevent corrosion.  
Keep terminal covers in place.  
2. When installing the battery, always assemble  
the RED, positive ( + ) battery cable first and the  
BLACK ground, negative ( - ) cable last.  
3. When removing the battery, always remove the  
BLACK ground, negative ( - ) cable first and the  
red, positive ( + ) cable last.  
24  
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MAINTENANCE  
LUBRICATION  
Every 50 hours of operation, lubricate the following points (1-3) with grease:  
1. Deck lift lever (1 point)  
2. Deck lift pivots (4 points)  
3. Pull arms (2 points located at the front of the cutterdeck)  
4. Caster wheel pivots (2 points)  
(Lubricate every 500 hours or once a year)  
NOTE ON BLADE SPINDLES - The blade spindles on these machines use a  
superior sealed bearing that does not require relubrication.  
25  
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MAINTENANCE  
ENGINE OIL  
Perform engine maintenance with the engine off,  
spark plug wires disconnected and PTO disengaged.  
AFTER FIRST FIVE (5) HOURS  
While the engine is warm:  
1. Remove drain cap at location D and drain the  
crankcase. Dispose of used oil in accordance  
with local requirements.  
2. Clean and replace the cap.  
3. Change oil filter.  
4. Fill the crankcase with fresh oil to the full mark.  
Do not overfill. See engine manual for oil  
specifications.  
OIL CAPACITY  
DAILY  
Engine without oil filter holds approximately 1-7/8  
quarts (60 ounces; 1.8 liters).  
Engine equipped with oil filter holds approximately 2  
quarts (64 ounces; 1.9 liters).  
1. Check oil level with the dipstick.  
2. If oil is needed, add fresh oil of proper  
viscosity and grade. See engine manual for oil  
specifications. Do not overfill.  
3. Replace dipstick before starting engine.  
PERIODIC OIL CHANGES  
Use a high quality detergent oil classifed "For Service  
SF, SG, SH, SJ" or higher.  
1. See Page 22 maintenance chart for oil and filter  
change intervals after the break-in period.  
2. Follow instructions for first oil change, above.  
Use recommended SAE viscosity grade oil per start-  
ing temperature according to Figure 1.  
Figure 1  
Synthetic SW  
-30, 10W-30  
SPARK PLUGS  
Remove each plug and check condition.  
-
-
Good operating conditions are indicated if the plug has a light coating of grey or tan deposit.  
A white blistered coating indicates overheating. A black coating indicates an “over rich” fuel mixture.  
Both may be caused by a clogged air cleaner or improper carburetor adjustment.  
-
Do not sandblast, wire brush or otherwise attempt to repair a plug in poor condition. Best results are  
obtained with a new plug.  
-
Set plug gap as specified in engine manual..  
26  
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MAINTENANCE  
FUEL FILTER  
An in-line fuel filter is located in the fuel supply line.  
Inspect at every oil change to make sure it is clean  
and unobstructed. Replace if dirty.  
DUAL ELEMENT AIR CLEANER  
Engines equipped with dual element air cleaners  
have a paper air cleaner element with an oiled, foam  
precleaner element on the dirty side of the paper  
element. Both should be inspected regularly and  
maintained.  
Clean and re-oil precleaner element every 25 hours  
(more often under dusty conditions).  
1. Disassemble air cleaner cover.  
2. Remove precleaner.  
3. Wash precleaner in kerosene or liquid detergent  
and water.  
4. Wrap precleaner in cloth and squeeze to remove  
cleaner.  
5. Saturate precleaner in engine oil. Squeeze to  
remove excess oil.  
6. Re-install precleaner. Reassemble air cleaner  
components and screw assembly down tight.  
Every 100 hours (more often under very dusty or dirty  
conditions), check the paper cartridge.  
Clean by tapping gently.  
Do not wash the cartridge or use compressed air  
which can cause damage.  
Replace when cartridge is dirty, bent or  
damaged.  
27  
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MAINTENANCE  
ENGINE COOLING  
Continued operation with a clogged cooling system  
will cause severe overheating and can result in en-  
gine damage.  
-
-
Daily: Clean air intake screen V.  
Every 100 hours: Clean cooling fins beneath  
blower housing H with reference to information in  
the engine manufacturer's manual.  
B
)
70 FT-LBS (95 Nm  
LADE BOLTS  
HEEL HUB NUTS  
SPECIFIC TORQUES  
)
150 FT-LBS (203 Nm  
W
E
NGINE CRANKSHAFT BOLT  
50 FT-LBS (68 Nm  
)
TRANSAXLE PULLEY NUT  
TRANSAXLE DRAIN PLUG  
TRANSAXLE FILTER  
28.3 - 41.6 FT-LBS (38 - 56 Nm)  
)
15 - 20 FT-LBS (20 - 27 Nm  
130 - 150 in-lbs (14.6 - 16.9 Nm)  
1. Check the transaxle fluid, fill to proper level, if  
required.  
PURGING TRANSAXLES  
Due to the effects air has on efficiency in hydrostatic  
drive applications, it is critical that it be purged from  
the system.  
2. Raise the drive wheels off the ground. Support  
unit with jackstands or other suitable means.  
3. With the bypass valves open, and the engine  
running, slowly move the control levers in both  
forward and reverse directions 5 to 6 times. As  
air is purged from the unit, the oil level will drop.  
4. With the bypass valve closed, and the engine  
running, slowly move the control levers in both  
forward and reverse directions 5 to 6 times.  
5. Stop engine. Check the transaxle fluid level, add  
fluid as required.  
These purge procedures should be implemented any  
time a hydrostatic system has been opened to fa-  
cilitate maintenance or any additional fluid has been  
added to the system.  
Purging may be required if the unit shows any of the  
following symptoms:  
- Noisy operation.  
- Lack of power or drive after short term use.  
- High operation temperature, excessive oil  
expansion.  
6. It may be necessary to repeat steps 3-5 until all  
the air is completely purged from the system.  
When the transaxle moves forward and reverse  
at normal speed, purging is complete.  
28  
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MAINTENANCE  
TRANSAXLES  
Inattention to proper safety, operation, or  
maintenance procedures could result in personal  
injury, or damage to the equipment. Sears  
recommends returning the machine to your  
authorized Sears Craftsman Professional for  
service or repair.  
Perform transaxle maintenance with the engine off,  
spark plug wires disconnected and PTO disengaged.  
TRANSAXLE FLUID CHANGE  
Change the transaxle fluid every 200 hours of  
operation. It is essential that the exterior of the  
transaxle be free of debris, prior to fluid maintenance.  
1. Remove the three 1/4" filter guard screws and  
filter guard A. Remove the oil filter B from the  
transaxle and discard. Dispose of used oil in ac-  
cordance with local requirements.  
2. Wipe the filter base surface off and apply a film  
of new oil to the gasket of the new replacement  
filter. Install the new filter by hand, turn 3/4 to  
one full turn after the filter gasket contacts the  
filter base surface.  
3. Re-install the filter guard and torque the three  
screws to 65 in. lbs. each.  
4. Remove cap C, fill the transaxles through the  
expansion tank D with approximately 4 quarts of  
SAE 20W-50 engine oil.  
Do not overfill! If you overfill the transaxle while the unit  
is "cold", it may overflow as it reaches normal operating  
temperatures. The oil level should not be above the  
manufacturer's suggestions. This will allow the space  
needed for the oil to expand as it warms up.  
5. After starting engine, check the fluid level and  
continue to add oil to overflow tank D to fill line  
on tank.  
6. Purge the transaxles, following the purging pro-  
cedures on Page 28.  
29  
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MAINTENANCE  
BLADE REMOVAL  
BLADE BALANCE  
Follow these instructions to prevent injury during  
blade removal:  
1. Loosen with a box wrench or a socket and long  
breaker bar. To gain additional leverage, slip a  
long pipe or thick-walled tube over breaker bar or  
wrench.  
Blade balance must be maintained at 5/8 oz-in (19.4  
g-cm) or less. Failure to keep blades balanced  
causes excess vibration, wear, and shortened life of  
most components of the machine.  
To balance a blade:  
2. Insert wood block A as shown, with grain  
perpendicular to blade, to prevent blade from  
turning when loosening.  
3. Wear thickly padded gloves. Keep hands clear  
of blade path. Blades may rotate when bolt  
releases.  
1. Sharpen blade first.  
2. Balance the blade at the center.  
3. Attach a 1/8 oz (3.9 g) weight at a distance 5"  
(127 mm) from center on the light end. This  
should make the light end the heavy end:  
-
-
If it does, the blade is balanced.  
If does not, file or grind the heavy end until  
the addition of the weight makes the light end  
the heavy end.  
BLADE INSTALLATION  
1. Wear thickly padded gloves to prevent cuts from  
the sharp blade.  
2. Insert the blade bolt, in order, through the conical  
washer (cup side toward the blade, as shown),  
the blade, and the blade spacer.  
3. Install assembly on the blade spindle.  
4. Torque the blade bolt to 70 ft-lbs.  
SHARPENING  
Blades may be sharpened by filing or grinding.  
-
-
-
Inspect blades before sharpening.  
Replace bent or cracked blades.  
Replace blades when the lift portion has worn  
thin.  
-
-
-
Maintain cut angle at 30o.  
Do not overheat blades when sharpening.  
Always use Craftsman Professeional blades.  
Use of another manufacturer’s blades may be  
dangerous.  
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ADJUSTMENTS  
DECK LEVELING  
1. Park the machine on a smooth, level surface.  
Raise the deck to the transport position.  
2. Lower the deck onto a set of equal height blocks  
under the rear corners of the deck. Place an-  
other set of blocks under the front of the deck so  
that the deck top is pitched forward 1/8".  
NOTE: The front and rear of the deck are at different  
heights.  
3. Measure the height of the blade cutting edge  
above the ground. Remove pin B and set the  
height of cut lever E to that height  
4. Loosen nuts on bolts G. Move bolts in slot to  
remove slack in chain. Tighten nuts on bolts G.  
HEIGHT OF CUT  
The height of cut is set by moving height of cut pin B  
to the hole designated for the height of cut desired.  
To change the height of cut:  
1. Lift the deck to the highest position.  
2. Move pin B to the selected hole.  
3. Lower the deck until the lift lever is stopped by  
the pin.  
NOTES:  
-
Height of cut may vary due to the amount of  
tread on the tires, tire diameter or inflation pres-  
sure.  
DECK ROLLERS  
The deck rollers are adjustable up and down to  
provide improved deck flotation and scalping protec-  
tion at various heights of cut. They are not intended  
to ride continuously on the ground. Adjust no closer  
than 3/8" (10mm) to the ground.  
Height of cut ranges for roller adjustment  
31  
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ADJUSTMENTS  
PARKING BRAKE  
NOTE: There are 2 brakes, 1 on each transaxle.  
The parking brake should keep the machine from  
moving. To check the parking brake, park the ma-  
chine on a level surface, open the bypass valves and  
set the parking brake to ON. Attempt to move the  
machine forward and backward by pushing it. If the  
machine moves, adjust the parking brake linkage as  
follows:  
1. Move the machine to a flat horizontal surface.  
2. Grip the flats on the brake rod A. Tighten nut  
B on the brake rod until you run out of threads.  
See Figure 1 for detailed view.  
3. Move the parking brake handle to the OFF  
position.  
4. Loosen nut X.  
FIGURE 1  
5. Hold brake arm in the OFF position as shown in  
Figure 2.  
6. Adjust swivel U until swivel stud meets brake arm  
hole in the OFF position.  
7. Insert cotter pin into swivel U.  
8. Tighten nut X.  
9. Repeat Steps 1-8 on the opposite side.  
FIGURE 2  
32  
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ADJUSTMENTS  
HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE ADJUST-  
MENTS  
A turnbuckle style hydrostat neutral adjustment is  
provided.  
Neutral:  
1. Support the machine with the rear wheels off  
the ground. Use jackstands or equivalent sup-  
port. Do not rely only on mechanical or hydraulic  
jacks.  
2. Move the traction levers out into the neutral lock  
position and raise the seat.  
3. Disconnect the seat switch wire and temporarily  
connect the two terminals with jumper wire J as  
shown.  
4. Start the engine and run at low speed.  
5. Move parking brake to the OFF position.  
6. Loosen jam nuts K at both ends of the control  
rod L.  
7. Rotate the control rod until the corresponding  
wheel stops turning. Lock the control rod jam  
nuts. Run the engine up to high idle and stroke  
the traction levers forward and back to check the  
adjustment. Move traction levers back to neutral  
and readjust if necessary.  
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the opposite side.  
9. Remove the jumper wire and reconnect the seat  
switch.  
33  
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BELT REPLACEMENT  
NOTE: Always use Craftsman Professional replacement belts, not general purpose belts.  
Craftsman Professional belts are specially designed for use on this mower and will nor-  
mally last longer.  
CUTTERDECK BELT  
1. Remove floorplate.  
2. Set the cutterdeck in a middle height-of-cut posi-  
tion.  
3. Use a 3/8" ratchet and extension to back  
tensioning idler off to remove belt from idler.  
Remove belt from cutterdeck pulleys.  
NOTE: Use the 3/8" ratchet in the square hole A on  
the idler.  
4. Remove belt from clutch pulley.  
5. Install the new belt by performing these steps in  
reverse order.  
3 SPINDLE DECK  
HYDRO TRANSAXLE DRIVE BELT  
1. Remove cutterdeck belt (see cutterdeck belt  
replacement).  
2. Disconnect wire I at clutch M. Remove bolts J  
and remove torque restraint.  
3. Using a ratchet with a 9/16" socket, place over  
nut at location P. Use the ratchet to rotate it  
enough to remove the transaxle drive belt.  
4. Install a new transaxle drive belt by performing  
these steps in reverse order.  
5. Inspect the fans. Replace if worn or damaged.  
Torque transaxle pulley nut to 28.3-41.6 ft-lbs  
(38-56 Nm).  
6. Reinstall cutterdeck belt (see cutterdeck belt  
replacement).  
BELT TENSION  
All belts are tensioned by spring loaded idlers and do not require any adjustment.  
34  
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