Craftsman 91728903 LTS 1500 Lawn Tractor Owners Manual

Craftsman 91728903 LTS 1500 Lawn Tractor

CRAFTSMAN 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 or purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free repair. During the first year of purchase, there will be no charge for warranty service in your home. For your convenience, in-home warranty service will still be available after the first year 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 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. 90 DAYS ON BATTERY For ninety (90) days from 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 in your 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 flame 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, All tractor and battery  warranty coverage is void if this product is ever used for commercial or rental purposes.

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.

SAFETY RULES

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions  on the machine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine.. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades. Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.. Stop machine if anyone enters the area
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone, Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction.  Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other  safety devices in place and working,
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended
• Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard,
• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light,
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways,,
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear protection when operating machin.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower related injuries, These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights,
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust t engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine,, Allow machine to cool before storage,

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes,, To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier, Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below,

(I) 3/4″wrench (1) Pliers
(1) 1/2″wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) Tire pressure gauge

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes from carton.
2. Cut along dashed lines on all four panels of carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat,,
3. Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

1. Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.
2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure
   INSTALL STEERING WHEEL.
3. Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward.
4. Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter,
6. Assemble large flat washer, 5t16 lock washer, 5t16 hex bolt and tighten securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.

INSTALL SEAT

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob,

1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.
2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing,, Remove the cardboard packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor.
5. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and flat washer Loosely. Do not tighten.
6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat.
7. Slide seat until a comfortable position  is reached which allows you to press clutch and brake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely

CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift seat pan to raised position.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID

1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.
2. Release pa[king brake by depressing clutch and brake pedal.
3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
5. Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against tractor.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.

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 manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments  section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is operating properly. See “TO CHECK BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECKLIST

Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product.

Please review the following checklist:

• All assembly instructions have been completed.
• No remaining loose parts in carton.
• Battery is properly prepared and charged.
• Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely
• All tires are properly inflated (For shipping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory)
• Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side4o-side/front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated for leveling).
• Check mower and drive belts Be sure they are routed properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
• Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure and wires are properly clamped.

While learning how to use your tractor, pay extra attention to the following important items:

• Engine oil is at proper level.
• Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline
• Become familiar with all controls – their location and function. Operate them before you start the engine.
• Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
• Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Operation System (ROS) are working properly (See the Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product Learn and understand their meaning.

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls an adjustments, Save this manual for future reference.

Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

• ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER – Used to engage the mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
• ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER –Used to raise, lower, and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
• CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL – Used for declutching and braking the tractor and starting the engine.
• GEARSHIFT LEVER – Selects the speed and direction of tractor.
• IGNITION SWITCH – Used for starting and stopping the engine.
• LIFT LEVER PLUNGER – Used to release attachment lift lever when changing its position.
• LIGHT SWITCH – Turns the headlights on and off.
• PARKING BRAKE LEVER – Locks clutch/ brake pedal into the brake position.
• THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL- Used for starting and controlling engine speed.
• REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
• “ON” POSITION –Allows operation of mower deck or other powered attachment while in reverse.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR  TO SET PARKING BRAKE ?

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.

1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and hold.
2. Pull parking brake lever Lip and release  pressure from clutch and brake pedal. Pedal should remain in brake position. Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure.

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES

• To stop mower blades, move attachment clutch lever to disengaged position.

GROUND DRIVE

• To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
• Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.

ENGINE 

• Move throttle control between half and full speed (fast) position,
  NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and full speed (fast) position, before stopping, may cause engine to “backfire”,
• Turn ignition key to “STOP” position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use.
• Never use choke to stop engine.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL

Always operate engine at full speed (fast).

• Operating engine at less than full speed (fast) reduces engine’s operating efficiency
• Full speed (fast) offers the best mower performance

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the gearshift lever.

1. Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and gearshift lever in neutral(N) position.
2. Move gearshift lever to desired position.
3. Slowly release clutch and brake pedal to start movement.
   IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to a complete stop before shifting or changing gears. Failure to do so will shorten the useful life of your transaxle.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height.

• Grasp lift lever.
• Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position.
  The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4″ The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-I/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice Make the first cut relativelyhigh; the second to desired height.

TO OPERATE MOWER

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.

1. Select desired height of cut.
2. Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES –disengage attachment clutch control

OPERATING IN REVERSE

Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless the ignition key is placed in the ROS “ON” position.

USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM

1. Depress clutch and brake pedal alt the way down and hold.
2. With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise to ROS “ON” position..
3. Look down and behind before and while backing up.
4. Move gear shift lever to reverse (R) position and slowly release clutch and brake pedal to start movement.
5. When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine “ON” position.

MAINTAINANCE

LUBRICATION CHART

1. SAE 30 or 10w30 Motor Oil
2. General Purpose Grease
3. Refer to Maintenance “ENGINE” Section

BLADE REMOVAL

1. Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades
2. Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise
3. Install new blade with stamped “THIS SIDE UP” facing deck and mandrel assembly.
4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque).

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

Determine temperature range expected before oil change° All oil must meet API  service classification SG-SL.

• Be sure tractor is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.

1. Remove oil fill cap and dipstick Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.
2. Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise.
4. To open, pull out on the drain valve.
5. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube, Pour slowly Do not overfill For approximate capacity seem “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap and clip stick for checking level, For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick Keep oil at “FULE’ line on dipstick, Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

See appropriate section in manual unless directed problem to Sears service center

For more manuals by Craftsman visit, ManualsLibraryy

Craftsman 91728903 LTS 1500 Lawn Tractor-FAQs