Craftsman 247 Lawn Utility Vehicle User Manual

Craftsman 247 Lawn Utility Vehicle

SAFTEY OPERATIONS

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference, and for ordering replacement parts
• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage it quickly.
• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14. and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine, and should be trained and supervised by an adult.
• Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
• To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children, and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment s to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects that could be picked up and thrown by the blades. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
• Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders, and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against the wall or obstruction, which may cause the discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
• Nways wears safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect their eyes. Thrown objects that ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose-fitting clothes and jewelry can get caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or the entire grass catcher its proper place.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) amputates hands and feet,
• A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contactor or thrown object injuries.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Never carry passengers.
• Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing up. Avoid a back-over accident. Be aware and pay attention to the safety system function that stops power to the blades when driving in reverse. For functioning properly, contact an authorized dealer for a safety system inspection and repair.
• Slow down before tuning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
• Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine, and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher, emptying the grass, undlogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off the blade(s), place drive control levers in neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove the key before dismounting.

SLOPE GAUGE

USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE. IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!
To check the slope, proceed as follows:

1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line
2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g., a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.)
3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 )
4. Adjust the gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2)
5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).

WARNING: Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate the machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. Always mow across the face of slopes, never mow up and down the face of slopes.

ASSEMBLY

Set-Up

NOTE: Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter and oil drain tube from the manual bag and store for future use.

Moving The Riding Mower Manually

Your riding mower’s transmission is equipped with a hydrostatic relief valve for occasions when it’s necessary to move the riding mower manually. Opening this valve permits the fluid in the transmission to bypass its normal route, allowing the rear tires to “freewheel.” To open the hydrostatic relief valve, proceed as follows:

1. Locate the hydrostatic bypass valve in the rear of the riding mower. See Figure 1.
2. Engage the bypass rods by pulling each one out (a) and to the right (b) to lock it into place. See Figure 1.
3. Disengage the bypass rods by reversing steps a & b after moving the tractor. See figure 1

NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to its normal position before operating the riding
mower.
Caution: Never attempt to move the riding mower manually without first opening the hydrostatic relief valve. Doing so will result in serious damage to the riding mower’s transmission.

Install Operator’s Seat

To install the seat proceed as follows:
NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan attached

1. Cut the straps securing the seat assembly and the drive control levers to the riding mower. Remove any packing material.
   NOTE: Be careful not to cut the wiring harness connecting the seat and the seat switch.
2. Remove the two shoulder bolts and lock nuts in the seat pan as shown in Figure 2.
3. Rotate the seat into position and secure the seat into place with the previously removed shoulder bolts and lock nuts. Be careful not to crimp or damage the wire harness while installing the seat. See Figure 3.

Position Drive Control levers

The drive control levers of the riding mower are lowered for shipping purposes. The flange lock nuts, hex screws, and flat washers that normally secure the control levers in their operating position are unfastened and installed in the slotted holes of the control levers for shipment. The control levers must be repositioned to operate the riding mower. To reposition the control levers for operation, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the hex screws and flat washers from the hardware pack in your manual bag.
2. Lift and swing that control lever upward until the slotted hole in the lever bracket aligns with one of the holes in the pivot bracket. See Figure 4.
3. Slide the flat washer onto the hex screw. From the outside, insert the hex screw with washer through the control lever slot and the hole of the pivot bracket. See Figure 4. Using a 1/2″ wrench snug the screw, but do not fully tighten.
4. Note the relative position of the control lever to the pivot bracket, then repeat the previous steps to reposition the other control lever in approximately the same position.
   caution
   Torque the screws down tightly to prevent the control levers from slipping out of position.
5. Refer to “Adjusting the Drive Control Levers” in the Maintenance & Adjustments for instructions on the final adjustment of the levers.

Connecting the Battery Cables

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash your hands after handling.

Caution: When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.

For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment may have been left disconnected from the terminals at the factory. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (-).
NOTE: If the positive battery cable s already attached, skip ahead to step 2.

1. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the positive battery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive battery terminal (+) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 5.
2. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the negative battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative battery terminal (-) with the bolt and hex nut. See Figure 5.
3. Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery terminal to help protect it from corrosion.NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top or side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the Service and Maintenance section of this Operator’s Manual before operating the riding mower.

OPERATION

Now that you have set up your riding mower, it’s important to become acquainted with its controls and features. Refer to Figure 10.

NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that position on the riding mower when facing forward while seated in the operator’s seat.

Cup Holder

The cup holder is located toward the rear of the RH console to the right of the operator’s seat.

Storage Tray

The storage tray is located at the rear of the RH console.

Deck Height Index

The deck lift handle is located on the front/right of the console and is used to raise and lower the mower deck. Pull the handle to the left out of the index notch and push downward to lower the deck, or pull upward to raise the deck. When the desired height is attained, move the lift handle to the right until fully in the index notch.

Deck Lift Handle

The deck lift handle i located on the front/right of the seat box frame, and is used to raise and lower the mower deck. Pull the handle to the left out of the index notch and push downward to lower the deck, or pull upward to raise the deck. When the desired heights are attained, move the lift handle to the light until fully in the index notch.

RH and LH Drive Control Levers

The RH and LH control levers are located on each side of the operator’s seat. These hinged levers pivot outward to open space to permit the operator to either sit in the tractor seat or to dismount the tractor. The levers must be fully opened out and in the neutral position to start the tractor engine. When the levers are fully outward, the parking brake is also engaged. Each lever controls the respective RH or LH transmission. Consequently, these levers control all of the movements of the tractor. Driving and steering utilizing these control levers is quite different from conventional tractors and will take some practice to master. Refer to the Operation for instructions on using the control levers.

Power Take-Off (PTO) Switch

The PTO switches are located on the RH console to the right of the operator’s seat. The PTO switch operates the electric PTO clutch mounted on the bottom of the engine crankshaft. Pull the switch knob upward to engage the PTO clutch, or push the knob downward to disengage the clutch. The PTO switch must be in the “disengaged” position when starting the engine.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the RH console to the right of the operator’s seat. The ignition switch has three positions.

• STOP— The engine and electrical system are turned off.
• RUN— The ending mower electrical system is energized.
• START — The starter motor will turn over the engine. Release the key immediately when the engine starts.

NOTE: To prevent accidental starting andor battery discharge, remove the key from the ignition switch when the riding mower is not in use.

Transmission Bypass Rods

The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH transmission) are located beneath the frame platform, just inside each rear wheel. When engaged, the two rods open a bypass within the hydrostatic transmissions, which allows the riding mower to be pushed short distances by hand. Refer to the Assembly section for instructions on using the bypass feature.

Caution: Never tow your riding mower. Towing the riding mower with the rear Wheels on the ground may cause severe damage to the transmissions.

Fuel Tank Cap

The fuel tank cap is located near the middle of the LH console. Turn the fill cap to remove. The fuel cap is tethered to the tractor to prevent its loss. Do not attempt to remove the cap from the tractor. Fill the tank to the bottom of the filler neck, allowing some space in the tank for fuel expansion. Do not overfill the tank. Push the cap downward on the fuel tank fill neck and turn counterclockwise until it clicks to tighten. Always reinstall the fuel cap tightly onto the fuel tank after removing

WARNING: Never fill the fuel tank when the engine is running. If the engine is hot from recently running, allow it to cool for several minutes before refueling. Highly flammable gasoline splashing onto a hot engine could cause a fire.

LCD Service Minder & Hour Meter

When the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position but not into the START position, the LCD Service Minder and Hour Meter will briefly display the battery voltage, followed by the tractor’s accumulated hours.

NOTE: Hours of tractor operation are recorded any time the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position, regardless of whether the engine is started.

The LCD Service Minder will remind the operator of maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil, air filter service, low engine, and low battery warnings.

Change Oil

The LCD will display the letters “CHG”, followed by the letters “OIL”, followed by the letters “SOON”, then finally followed by the meter’s accumulated time. “CHG/OIL/SOON/TIME” will alternate on the display for 7 minutes after the meter reaches 50 hours. This oil service minder interval will occur every 50 hours. Before the interval expires, change the engine oil as instructed in the Maintenance section of this Operator’s Manual.

Before Operating Your Riding Mower

• Before you operate the riding mower, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your riding mower efficiently.
• This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh, unleaded regular gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded
• gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Unleaded gasoline is recommended because it leaves fewer combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not recommended and must not be used where exhaust emissions are regulated.
  NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system.
• Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.
• Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
• Check the engine oil level.
• Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
• Check the inflation pressures.
• Adjust the seat for the operator’s maximum comfort, visibility, and to maintain complete control of the riding mower.

Practice Operation (Initial Use)

Operating a zero-turn riding mower is not like operating a conventional type riding mower. Because a zero-turn riding mower is more maneuverable, getting used to operating the control levers takes some practice. We strongly recommend that you locate a reasonably large, level, and open “practice area” where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should practice operating the riding mower for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Carefully move — or have an experienced user move — the riding mower to the practice area. When performing the practice session, the PTO should not be engaged. While practicing, operate the riding mower at approximately 1/2 – 3/4 throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and reverse. Carefully practice maneuvering the riding mower and proceed to drive as described in the following Driving the Riding Mower Forward section.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING: Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.

Follow the maintenance schedule given below. This chart describes service guidelines only. Use the Service Log column to keep track of completed maintenance tasks. To schedule service from Sears Parts & Repair, call 1-800-659-5917.

Engine Maintenance

Refer to the Kohler Owner’s Manual for all engine maintenance procedures and instructions.

Changing the Engine Oil

WARNING: If the engine has been recently run, the engine, muffler and surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to the skin. Exercise caution to avoid burns.

To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:

1. Locate the oil drain port on the left side of the engine.
2. Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain valve to expose the drain port. Refer to Figure 21. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube.
3. Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual) onto the oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the hose into an appropriate oil collection container with at least a 2.0-quart capacity to collect the used oil.
4. Turn the oil drain valve 1/4-turn, then pull outward to begin draining oil. After the oil has finished draining, push the end of the oil drain valve back in and turn the VA-turn to secure it back in place. Re-cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering the drain port.
5. After the oil has finished draining, push the end of the oil drain valve back in, until the tabs click into place. Re-cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering the drain port and fill the engine as instructed in the engine owner’s manual. See the engine owner’s manual included with this tractor for oil capacity.

Tire Maintenance

Check the tire air pressure after every 50 hours of operation or weekly. Keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressures. Improper inflation will shorten the tire service life. See the tire sidewall for proper inflation pressures. Observe the following guidelines:

• Do not inflate a tire above the maximum pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire.
• Do not reinflate a tire that has been run flat or seriously under-inflated. Have a qualified tire mechanic inspect and service the tire.

Lubrication

• Using a pressure lubricating gun, lubricate the front castor wheel axles and the front pivot axle with No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease after every 10 hours of service.
• Periodically lubricate all other pivot points; e., the seat pivot bracket the lever pivot bracket on the deck, deck lift shaft assembly, etc. with a quality lubricating oil.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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Craftsman 247 Lawn Utility Vehicle-FAQs