Craftsman 247.28904 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is an operator's manual for a Craftsman Lawn Tractor, Model No. 247.28904. It's a riding lawn tractor designed for residential use, featuring a 20 HP engine and a 42-inch cutting deck. The manual emphasizes safety, proper operation, and maintenance to ensure the longevity and safe use of the equipment.

Function Description:

The Craftsman Lawn Tractor is designed for mowing normal residential grass up to a height of 10 inches. It features a variable speed transmission, allowing the operator to control ground speed with a drive pedal. The tractor is equipped with a cutting deck that can be engaged or disengaged using a PTO (Blade Engage) lever. It also includes a parking brake, throttle/choke control, ignition switch, and a deck lift lever for adjusting cutting height. The tractor is capable of mulching grass clippings when a mulch kit (available as an attachment) is installed, returning fine clippings to the lawn as natural fertilizer. Headlights are integrated for operation in low light conditions.

Important Technical Specifications:

Gross HP: 20
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline (pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher; gasohol up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume, and MTBE blends up to 15% MTBE by volume are approved)
Spark Plug: Champion® RC12YC
Engine: Briggs & Stratton Intek®
Deck Size: 42 inches
Maximum Tire Pressure: 30 psi (recommended operating pressures: 10 psi for rear tires, 14 psi for front tires)
Fuse: One 20 AMP fuse for electrical system protection.
Blade Spindle Hex Flange Nut Torque: 70-90 lbs-ft

Usage Features:

Variable Speed Operation: The auto-drive pedal controls ground speed. Depressing the pedal forward increases speed, while releasing it brings the tractor to a stop. The shift lever allows selection of FORWARD, NEUTRAL, and REVERSE.
Parking Brake: Engaged by fully depressing the clutch-brake pedal and moving the parking brake lever into position. Must be set when leaving the tractor unattended.
Throttle/Choke Control: Located on the right side of the dash panel, it controls engine speed and activates the choke. For optimal cutting, the throttle should be in the FAST (rabbit) position when the cutting deck is engaged.
Ignition Switch Module: Used to start and stop the engine, and to activate the "Reverse Caution Mode" which allows blades to operate while backing up.
Deck Lift Lever: Located on the right fender, it adjusts the cutting deck height to one of six different notches.
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever: Located on the right fender, it engages power to the cutting deck or other attachments. Must be in the disengaged (OFF) position to start the engine.
Clutch-Brake Pedal: Located on the left side of the running board, it engages the disc brake and brings the tractor to a complete stop. Must be depressed to start the engine.
Safety Interlock System: Prevents engine start-up unless the parking brake is engaged and PTO is disengaged. Automatically shuts off the engine if the operator leaves the seat without engaging the parking brake or with the PTO engaged.
Slope Operation Guidelines: Emphasizes mowing up and down slopes (not across), using slow speed, and avoiding sudden turns. A slope guide (15-degree maximum) is provided for safety.
Children Safety: Strict warnings against allowing children under 14 to operate the machine, carrying passengers, and operating when children are around. Always look down and behind when backing up.
Towing: Guidelines for safe towing, including using a hitch, adhering to weight limits, and exercising caution on slopes and during turns.
Fuel Handling Safety: Detailed instructions for safe handling of gasoline, including using approved containers, refueling outdoors, allowing the engine to cool, and avoiding overfilling.
Emissions Compliance: The product features a low emission engine certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations. Information on Emissions Durability Period and Air Index is provided.

Maintenance Features:

Maintenance Schedule: A detailed log for routine checks and services, including engine oil, air filter, spark plug, battery terminals, lubrication points, and deck components.
Engine Oil: Instructions for checking and changing engine oil, including recommended SAE 30 viscosity for temperatures above 32°F and 5W20 for colder conditions. First oil change is recommended after the first 5 hours, then every 50 hours or once a season.
Oil Filter: Instructions for changing the oil filter (after draining oil).
Fuel Filter: Instructions for draining fuel and replacing the in-line fuel filter.
Air Cleaner: Instructions for cleaning or replacing the cylindrical air filter cartridge.
Spark Plug: Instructions for inspecting, cleaning, gapping (.030" or .76 mm), and replacing the spark plug annually.
Muffler: Regular inspection and replacement if necessary. Warnings about hot surfaces.
Cleaning: Recommendations for cleaning the engine and deck, avoiding pressure washers, and using a deck wash system (attachment) for underside cleaning.
Lubrication: Instructions for lubricating pivot points, linkage, rear wheels (axles and rims), and front axles (grease fittings) seasonally or every 25 hours.
Battery Maintenance: Keeping terminals clean, applying petroleum jelly, and proper connection/disconnection procedures. Warnings against jump-starting damaged/frozen batteries and charging in poorly ventilated areas.
Fuse Replacement: Instructions for locating and replacing the 20 AMP fuse.
Cutting Blades: Instructions for removing, sharpening, balancing, and replacing cutting blades. Emphasizes safety precautions due to sharp blades.
Deck Belt: Instructions for removing and replacing the cutting deck belt, highlighting the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) belts for safe engagement/disengagement.
Parking Brake Adjustment: Instructions for checking and adjusting the parking brake.
Transmission Drive Belt: Notes that changing this belt requires special tools and recommends contacting a Sears Service Center.
Deck Leveling: Detailed instructions for adjusting the cutting deck from front-to-rear and side-to-side to ensure an even cut.
Off-Season Storage: Comprehensive guide for preparing the engine (fuel stabilization or draining) and the lawn tractor for storage, including cleaning and lubrication.