Jump Starting - Craftsman 247.20370 Operator's Manual

5. Turn the water ON.
6. While sitting in the operator's position on the tractor, start the engine and
place the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position.
7. Move the tractor's PTO into the PTO ON position.
8. Remain in the operator's position with the cutting deck engaged for a
minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to
thoroughly rinse.
9. Move the tractor's PTO into the PTO OFF position.
10. Turn the key to the STOP position to turn the lawn tractor's engine OFF.
11. Turn the water OFF and detach the hose coupler from the water port on your
deck's surface.
12. Repeat steps 4 through 11 on the opposite side of the cutting deck if a
second water port is present.
IMPORTANT: After cleaning your deck with the Deck Wash System™ ,
return to the operator's position and engage the PTO. Keep the cutting
deck running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the
cutting deck to thoroughly dry.
Battery
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 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 hands
after handling.
If removing the battery, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it's
terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the
battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed
by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked.
• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive
build-up.
• After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly
or grease to both terminals.
• Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent
shorting.
IMPORTANT: Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct
terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and result in damage to
your engine's alternating system.
Cleaning Battery
Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing with a baking soda
and water solution. If necessary, clean the battery terminals with a wire brush to
remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring witha light coat of petroleum
jelly or grease to both terminals prevent corrosion.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
CAUTION
Battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are:
• Incorrect initial activation
• Overcharging
• Freezing
• Undercharging
• Corroded connections
NOTE: These failures are NOT covered by your tractor's warranty.
Charging
Batteries emit an explosive gas while charging. Charge the battery in a well
ventilated area and keep away from an open flame or pilot light as on a
water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
When charging your tractor's battery, use only a charger designed for 12V lead-
acid batteries. Read your battery charger's Owner's Manual prior to charging
your tractor's battery. Always follow its instructions and heed its warnings.
If your tractor has not been put into use for an extended period of time, charge the
battery as follows:
Set your battery charger to deliver a max of 10A. If your battery charger is
automatic, charge the battery until the charger indicates that charging is complete.
If the charger is not automatic, charge for a minimum of eight hours.

Jump Starting

Never jump start a damaged or frozen battery. Be certain the vehicles do
not touch, and ignitions are OFF. Do not allow cable clamps to touch.
IMPORTANT: Never jump start your lawn tractor's battery with the battery of a
running vehicle.
1. Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your lawn tractor's
discharged battery.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the (positive +) post of the jumper
battery.
3. Connect the second cable (negative –) to the other post of the jumper
battery.
4. Make the final connection on the engine block of the tractor, away from the
battery. Attach to a unpainted part to ensure a good connection.
If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle (i.e. car, truck), do NOT start
the vehicle's engine when jump starting your lawn tractor.
5. Start the tractor as instructed on page 18.
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WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION