Craftsman EZ3 917.259541, Owner'S Manual

Page 1: ...ration Customer Responsibilities Service and Adjustments Repair Parts CAUTION Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOT LINE CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 659 5917 IIIIIIIIIIIIIHII I ...

Page 2: ... slowly and gradually downhill if possible Do not mow near drop otis ditches or embankments The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch or if an edge caves in Do not mow on wet grass Reduced traction could cause sliding De not iry to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes IIL CHILDREN Tragic accidents...

Page 3: ...it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator In the state of California the above is required by law Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code Other states may have similar laws_ Federal taws apply on federal lands A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center Department See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual i ...

Page 4: ...e 18 OIl Change 17 OIl Level 13 17 Oil Type t 7 Preparation 13 Repair Parts 48 53 Starting 14 Storage 26 F Filters Air 18 Fuel 19 Fuel Type 13 Storage 26 Fuse 24 G Gauge Wheels 8 H Hood Removaltlnstallation 24 L Leveling Mower Deck 21 Lubrication Chart 15 M Maintenance Schedule 15 Mower Adjustment Front to Back 21 Adjustment Stde to Slde 21 Blade Sharpening 16 Blade Replacement 16 Cutting Height 1...

Page 5: ...talled lets you mulch discharge or bag clippings bagger optional without changing blades For models not equipped as 3 in 1 Convertible mowers See MOWER in the Repair Parts section of this manual RAMP TOPS AND FEET let you load and unload tractor from a pickup truck Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x t0 lumber ROLLER for smoother lawn surface 36 inch wide t8qnch diameterwater tight drum holds upto3901bs ofweigh...

Page 6: ... 112 13 x 1 1 Shoulder Bolt 5 16_18 1 Washer x 1 3 16 x 12 Gauge Seat Steering Boot Manual u Mulcher Plate Steering Wheel Video Cassette Parts Bag inn i1 11 Parts bag contents not shown full size i mHHHH Hn _ 2 Washers 3 8 x 7 8 x 14 Gauge 2 Shoulder Bolts Steering Wheel Adapter 2 Gauge Wheels 2 Center lock Nuts Steering Wheel Insert Slope Sheet Steering Extension Shaft 2 Keys 6 ...

Page 7: ...n Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal left to right and slide onto adapter Assemble large flat washer 3 8 lock washer 3 8 hex bolt and tighten securely Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wi_eel Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill IMPORTANT CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES INSKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERETRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID TO ROLLTRA...

Page 8: ...pressure is important for best cutting performance Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS on page 3 of this manual CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results mower housing should be properly leveled See TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING in the Service and Adjustments section of this manua CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mo...

Page 9: ...ptional grass catcher accessory NOTE It is not necessary to change blades The mulcher blades are designed for discharging and bagging also CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SA TISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST All assembly instructions have been completed v No remaining loose ...

Page 10: ...UTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OtL PRESSURE CLUTCH LIGHTS ON LIGHTS OFF FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED LOCK LOCKED MOWER LIFT R REVERSE NEUTRAL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED L HIGH LOW ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED PARKING BRAKE IGNITION DANGER KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY HYDROSTATIC FREE WHEEL Hydro Models only 10 ...

Page 11: ...ty standards of the American National Standards Institute ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER Used to engage the mower blades or other attachments mounted to your tractor LIGHT SWITCH Turns the headlights on and off THROTTLE CHOKE CONTROL Used to control engine speed CLUTCH BRAKE PEDAL Used for declutching and brak ing the tractor and starting the engine PARKING BRAKE Locks clutch brake pedal into the brake p...

Page 12: ... NOTE Under certain conditions when t_actor is standing idle with the engine running hot engine exhaust gases may cause browning of grass To eliminate this possibility always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas IIH 11 IN Ill I CAUTION Always stop tractor com pletely as described above before leav ing the operator s position to empty grass catcher etc i i im i i ii mll TO USE THROTTLE ...

Page 13: ...HECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL See Fig 17 o The engine in your tractor has been shipped from the factory already filled with summer weight oil Check engine oil with tractor on level ground Unthread and remove oil fill cap dipstick wipe oil off Reinsed the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube Do not thread the cap onto the tube Remove and read oil level If necessary add oil until FULL ma...

Page 14: ...result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting When mowing large areas start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs fences driveways etc After one or two rounds mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished See Fig 1A If grass is extremely tall it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dr...

Page 15: ...to 35 ft Ibs maximum Do not overlighlen GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence To receive full value from the warranty operator must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tractor All adjustments in the Service and Adjustmen...

Page 16: ...e Fig 14 Care shoutd be taken to keep the blade balanced An unbalanced blade wilt cause excessive vibration and even tual damage to mower and engine o The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower o To check blade batance you will need a 5 8 diameter steel bolt pin or a cone balancer When using a cone balancer follow the instructions sup...

Page 17: ...l drain more freely when warm o Catch oil in a suitable container_ o Remove oil fill cap dipstick_ Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil o Remove drain plug After oil has drained completely replace oil drain plug and tighten secure y Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube Pour slowly Do not overfill For approximate capacity see PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS on ...

Page 18: ...idge or use pressurized air as this will damage the cartridge Reinstall the pro cleaner cleaned and oiled over the paper cartridge Reassemble air cleaner wing nut cover and tighten knob securely CLEAN AIR INTAKE COOLING AREAS To insure proper cooling make sure the grass screen cooling fins and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times Every 100 hours of operation more often...

Page 19: ...ngine and check for oil leaks Correct any leaks before placing engine into full operation OIL FILTER FIG 17 IN LINE FUEL FILTER See Fig 18 The fue filter should be replaced once each season If fuel filter becomes clogged obstructing fuel flow to carburetor replacement is required o With engine cool remove filter and plug fuel line sections_ o Place new fue filter in position in fuel line with arro...

Page 20: ...elt off engine putley Disconnect dutch rod from clutch lever by removing retainer spring Disconnect antFsway bar from chassis bracket by removing retainer spring Oiscormect suspension arms from rear deck brackets by removing retainer spring Disconnect front Iinks from deck by removing retainer springs Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms Slide mower out from under tractor IMPORTANT IF AN ATTA...

Page 21: ...L SIDE TO SIDE IF THE FOLLOWING FRONT TO BACK ADJUSTMENT 18 NECESSARY BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE TO SIDE To obtain the best cutting results the mower housing should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1 8 to 1 2 lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position Check adjustment on right side of tractor_ Measure dis tance D direct...

Page 22: ...dler o Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor Remove belt upwards from transaxte pulley by deflecting belt keep ers Pull belt toward front of tractor and remove downwards from around engine pulley Install new belt by reversing above procedure IMPORTANT MAKE SURE UPPER BELT KEEPER IS POSITIONED PROPERLY BETWEEN LOCATOR TABS TO ADJUST BRAKE See Fig 25 Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brak...

Page 23: ... wheel hub and axle Insert square key o Replace washers and snap retaining ring securefy in axle groove Repiace axle cover NOTE To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts deater_ Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion WASHERS RETAINING RING AXLE COVER I _ SQUARE KEY REAR WHEEL ONLY FIGo29 TO START ENGINE WITH A...

Page 24: ...od TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 30 amp automotive type plug in fuse The fuse holder is iocated behind the dash_ TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY See Fig 31 Raise hood Unsnap headlight wire connector o Stand in front of tractor G rasp hood at sides tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor To replace reverse above procedures HOOD HEADLIGHT WIRE CONNECTOR FIG 31 INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS Loose or dama...

Page 25: ...adjust ment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel temperature altitude or toado If the carburetor does need adjustment proceed as follows tn general turning lhe adjusting needles in clockwise decreases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a leaner fuel air mixture Turning the adjusting needles out counter clockwise increases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a richer fuel ...

Page 26: ...T TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER FUEL HOSE OR TANK DURING STORAGE ALSO EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE Drain the fuel t...

Page 27: ...inals 3 Loose or damaged wiring 4 Faulty solenoid or starter 1 Cutting too much grass leo fast 2 Throttle in CHOKE position 3 Build up of grass leaves and trash under mower 8 Confact an authorized service center department 1 Depress c_utchlbrake pedal 2 Disengage allachment clutch 3 Recharge or replace battery 4 Replace luse 5 Clean battery terminals 6 Check all wiring 7 Check replace ignition swi...

Page 28: ...oose blade 7 Buildup of grass leaves and trash under mower 8 Mower drive belt warn 9 Blades improperly installed 10 improper blades used 1l Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass leaves and trash around mandrels Remove obstruction 2 Replace mower drive belt 3 Replace idler pulley 4 Replace blade mandrel t Place throttle control in FAST position 2 Shift to slower speed 3 Allow grass to...