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Operator's Manual CRAFTSMAN • Safety • Operation Mid-Engine Rider • Maintenance • Parts 13.5 HP. Electric Start 30" Mower / Mulcher Variable Speed Model 536.270270 CAUTION: Before using this product, read this manual and follow all of its Safety Rules and Operating Instructions.
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30 days of purchase, there will be no charges to replace the battery at your home. After the first 30 days, for your conve- nience, IN-HOME warranty service will still be available but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped off at an authorized Sears location.
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Congratulations on your purchase of a Craftsman Mid-Engine Rider. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to Craftsman Mid-Engine Rider give you the best possible dependability and performance. Record in the space below the serial number and the date of purchase of this unit.
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Riding Vehicles As Recommended by American National Standards Institute WARNING: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death to the operator or bystanders. 21.
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SAFETY RULES CHILDREN" Never start or run the engine inside a closed area. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially the blade attachment nuts Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the tight. Frequently check the blade(s) for wear or damage such presence of children.
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SAFETY RULES INTERNATIONAL PICTORIALS IMPORTANT: Some of the following pic- Flush Eyes Immediately With Water. DANGER: No Step. torials are located on your unit or on Get Medical Help Fast. DANGER: Keep Feet And Hands literature supplied with the product. Be- IMPORTANT: Read Owner's Manual Away From Rotating Blade.
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PREPARATION PREPARATION HOW TO REMOVE FROM THE CARTON To remove the unit from the carton, follow the instructions below. Read and follow the preparation instructions for your mower. All fasteners are in the parts bag. Do not discard any parts or material Locate the two tear tabs at the top of the carton.
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PREPARATION MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY Remove the protective caps from the battery terminals. Use a 12 volt battery charger to charge the battery. Charge at IMPORTANT: Before you attach the battery cables to the a rate of 6 amperes for one hour. If you do not have a battery battery, check the battery date.
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PREPARATION HOW TO PREPARE THE ENGINE NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with oil. Check the level of the oil. Add oil as needed. Before you use the unit, read the information on safety, operation, maintenance, and storage. CHECK THE LEVEL OF THE MOWER HOUSING Make sure the level of cut is still correct.
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OPERATION Ignition Stop Clutch / Brake )Run Pedal Start Attachment Clutch Parkiing Brake Lift Lever Shift Lever Throttle Control Lever Figure 2 damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your lawn mower and while mowing. We recom- The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown in the eyes, which can result in severe eye mend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
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OPERATION HOW TO STOP THE UNIT Move the shift lever to the NEUTRAL position. The electrical system has an operator presence system that includes a sensor switch mounted in the seat. These components Set the parking brake. tell the electrical system if the operator is sitting on the seat. This system will stop the engine when the operator leaves the seat.
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OPERATION HOW TO USE THE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH Use the attachment clutch to engage the blade (Figure 5). Before you start the engine, make sure the attachment clutch is in the DISENGAGE position. To rotate the blade, move the attachment clutch forward to lock the blade in the ENGAGE position.
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OPERATION HOW TO USE THE SPEED CONTROL PEDAL The drive system uses a variator pulley connected to a two speed transaxle. The Variator Drive is very easy to operate. This type of Clutch/Brak_ drive system has a two speed shift lever, a clutch/brake pedal on the Speed Control Pedal Pedal...
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OPERATION SPEED CONTROL PEDAL POSITIONS SHIFT LEVER PEDAL The forward speed is controlled by the position of the shift lever and FUNCTION POSITION POSITION THROTTLE the speed control pedal. The following chart provides functions along with the positions of the shift lever and the speed control pedal.
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OPERATION HOW TO INSTALL THE SIDE DISCHARGE ATTACHMENT Remove the two wingnuts (see Figure 10). connect the wire from the spark plug. Make sure the WARNING: To prevent the engine from starting, dis- Lift the mulcher cover. Mount the side discharge attachment attachment clutch is in the DISENGAGE position.
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OPERATION BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to CHECK THE OIL separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with SAE 30 weight oil.
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OPERATION HOWTO OPERATE WITH THE MOWER HOUSING WARNING: The mulch cover is a safety device. Do not Move the attachment clutch to the ENGAGE position. remove the mulch cover. The side discharge attach- Push the clutch/brake pedal completely forward. ment forces the discharged material toward...
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OPERATION OPERATING TIPS Check the attachment clutch for correct adjustment. For the Before you make an inspection, adjustment (except for the car- blade(s) to disengage correctly, the adjustment must be cor- buretor) or repair, make sure the wire from the spark plug is dis- rect.
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MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE TABLE FIRST EVERY EVERY EVERY EACH BEFORE PROCEDURE HOURS HOURS HOURS HOURS STORAGE Blade, Inspect and Sharpen Battery, Check and Charge Lubrication Oil, Change Muffler, Check Spark Plug, Check GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The owner's responsibility is to maintain this product. This will Follow the Maintenance and the Service And Adjustment sec- extend the life of the product and is also necessary to maintain tion to keep the unit in good operating condition.
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MAINTENANCE INSPECT BLADE Tighten the nut that holds the blade to a torque of 35 foot pounds. WARNING: Before you inspect or remove the blade, disconnect the wire to the spark plug. If the blade hits an object, stop the engine. Check the unit for damage.
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MAINTENANCE TO CHECK ADJUST DRIVE BRAKE Completely push the clutch/brake pedal forward. Set the parking Drive Brake brake. Move the shift lever to the neutral (N) position. Push the unit. If the rear wheels rotate, adjust or replace the brake pads. Adjust the drive brake as follows.
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MAINTENANCE WHERE TO LUBRICATE Apply grease with a brush to the areas shown. Lubricate the areas shown with engine oil. NOTE: Apply grease to the steering gear assembly. CAUTION: If the unit is operated in dry areas that have sand, use a dry graphite spray to lubricate the unit.
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MAINTENANCE ENGINE HOW TO CHANGE THE OIL NOTE: Do not drain the oil from a cold engine. Before you drain HOW TO CHECK THE OIL the oil, let the engine run for several minutes. Make sure you do not get oil on the belts. NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine runs.
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MAINTENANCE HOW TO CLEAN THE AIR FILTERS 11. Assemble the air filters with the nut. Some engines have two filters, an outer foam filter around an inner paper filter. Clean the air filters every 50 hours. If you operate in 12.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO ADJUST CHOKE THE REMOTE THROTTLE CONTROL For the best engine performance, set the remote throttle control as FAST follows. Remote Throttle Control Move the remote throttle control to the FAST position (see Figure 21). SLOW The hole in the governor control lever (located just behind gov- Figure 21...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO LEVEL THE MOWER HOUSING If the mower housing is level, the blade will cut easier and the lawn will took better. Level Adjustment Position WARNING: Before you make an inspection, adjust- ment, or repair to the unit, disconnect the wire to the spark plug.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO ADJUST THE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH Check the blade(s). Keep a sharp edge on the blade(s). A blade that is not sharp will cause the tips of the grass to become brown. ARNING: To prevent an injury, the attachment clutch must operate correctly.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO REMOVE THE MOWER HOUSING HOW TO INSTALL THE MOWER HOUSING Push the mower housing under the right side of the unit. Move the attachment clutch to the DISENGAGE position. Move the lift lever to the level adjustment position (Figure 29). Put the mower drive belt around the stack pulley.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO REPLACE Belt Guide. THE MOTION DRIVE BELTS ENGINE DRIVE BELT REMOVAL Remove the mower housing. See the instructions on "How To Remove The Mower Housing". Remove the engine drive belt from the idler pulley (see Figure 31).
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT TRANSAXLE DRIVE BELT REMOVAL Remove the mower housing. See the instructions on "How To Remove The Mower Housing". Remove the engine drive belt. See "Engine Drive Belt Removal". The rear of the unit must be supported with the rear wheels off of the ground so that the transaxte can be lowered.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO REPLACE THE MOWER DRIVE BELT Remove the mower housing. See the instructions on "How To Pull the belt retainer away from the idler pulley. Put the mow- Remove The Mower Housing". er drive belt around the idler pulley. Pull the belt retainer away from the idler pulley and remove the mower drive belt (Figure 35).
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO ADJUST THE SPEED CONTROL PEDAL WARNING: Before you make an inspection, adjust- ment, or repair to the unit, disconnect the wire to the spark plug. Remove the wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting by accident. If a drive belt becomes worn or after installation of a new drive belt, the speed control pedal may need an adjustment.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO CHECK AND ADJUST THE CLUTCH If the engine drive belt is loose, the clutch will slip when; (1) going Clutch Rod Adjustable Nut up a hill, (2) pulling a heavy toad, or (3) the unit will not move forward. Adjust the clutch as follows.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO INSTALL THE WHEELS Cotter Pin If the wheels must be removed for service, make sure they are installed as follows. Washer Front Wheel Make sure the valve stem is to the outside of the tractor. Slide the front wheel on the spindle (See Figure 39).
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT HOW TO REPLACE THE FUSE THE ENGINE If the fuse is blown, the engine will not start. The location of the fuse Clean the dirt and grass from the engine. is next to the battery. Remove the fuse and replace with a 15 amp. automotive fuse (Figure 41).
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART Check the oil. PROBLEM: The engine will not start. Follow the steps, "How To Start The Engine" in this book. Adjust the carburetor. Electric-Start Models: Clean the battery terminals. Tighten the Replace the fuel filter. cables. PROBLEM: Excessive vibration. Drain the fuel tank.
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SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. Federal and California Emission Control Systems Limited Warranty Small Off-Road Engines CALIFORNIA & US EPA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY must be presented of the date of sale to the original purchaser. The purchas- STATEMENT er shall pay any charges for making service calls and/or for transporting the products to and from the place where the inspection and/or warranty work The U.
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7.Throughout the ECS Warranty Period, Sears, Roebuck and Co. s hall EMISSION-RELATED PARTS INCLUDE FOLLOWING: maintain asupply ofwarranted emission-related parts s ufficient tomeet the 1. Carburetor Assembly and its Internal Components expected demand forsuch e mission-related parts. a) Fuel filter 8.Any Sears, Roebuck and Co.
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SLOPE GUIDE Fold this page along dotted line indicated below. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. Sight across the .... i.b".DE'p._._ fold in the direction of the hill or slope you want to measure. Compare the angle of the ""--._._._-.ES..
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS CHASSIS & HOOD F-020611L...
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REPAIR PARTS MODEL 536.270270 CHASSIS & HOOD Part No. Description Part No. Description 26x253 Screw Seat 690566 Screw 26x263 Hood 1401027E549 1401110 Rod, Hood Prop Washer 017x47 1401041 Spring, Seat Deck 1001054 Bolt, Wing 1401056E701 Bracket, Prop Rod 002x53 Bolt, Carriage Screw 26x201 1401036E701...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS STEERING /• F-020611 L...
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REPAIR PARTS MODEL 536.270270 STEERING Part No. Description Part No. Description 095185 Wheel, Steedng 1401099 Gear, Pinion 0711326 Cap, Steering (Black) 01x146 Bolt, Hex 1401067 Console, High (Black) 011x28 E-Ring, Retainer 26x270 Screw 030x35 Pin, Cotter 1401090 Bearing, Upper Steering 094131 Retainer, Spring 1401100...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS MOTION DRIVE 22 '\ ' 13 62 15 F-020611 L...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS MOTION DRIVE Part No. Part No. Description Description 1401148 Engine Nut, Adjusting 091309 1401111 Gasket, Muffler Lever, Shift Muffler 091271 1401043E701 Bracket, Pivot 092378 165x156 Lock, Muffler Screw Spring, Variator Drive 01x134 1401131 Z Bolt, Hex Arm, Idler 1401207 1401132 Z...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS MOWER HOUSING SUSPENSION F-020611 L...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS MOWER HOUSING SUSPENSION Part No. Description Part No. Description 092697 17xl 65 Washer Grip, Lift Lever 1401117 Lever, Lift 091754 Screw, Guide 165xl 54 Spring, Extension 015x79 Nut, Flange 094137 Pad, Friction 015x84 Nut, Flange 017x45 Washer 1401147 Spring, Leaf...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS MOWER HOUSING 28 9 / F-020611 L...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS MOWER HOUSING Part No. Part No. Description Description 37x111 009x42 Belt, Blade Drive Bolt, Shoulder 1401092 030x20 Pin, Cotter Pulley, Input 15x121 Locknut 1401185E701 Arm Assembly, Brake 015x98 1401119 Link, Idler Arm Nut, Flange 1401252 0025x7 Bolt Pulley, Idler 015x84...
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MODEL 536.270270 REPAIR PARTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM _AMP FUSE IGNITION SWITCH CLUTCH BRAKE ORANGE SWITCH DISENGAGED (PEDAL UP) SOLENOID IGNI11ON SWITCH VIEWED FROM BACK ARMAllJRE SPARK PLUG BLACK SEAT SWITCH YELLOW SEATSWITCH UNOCCUPIED BLACK ORANGE GRAPHIC OUTPUT TEST PORT REPR ESENTA11ON STARTER IGNI11ON SWITCH...
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