Craftsman 247.288843 Operator's Manual page 21

Adjustments
WARNING
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except
where specified in the operator's manual.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE: Check the tractor's tire pressure before performing any deck leveling
adjustments. Refer to Tires in the Service section of this manual for more
information regarding tire pressure.
Front To Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can be adjusted to
level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be between ¼-inch
and ³⁄8-inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:
1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the lever for lifting the
platform on the second to the top notch (second highest position) and rotate
the blade as close as possible to the discharge channel that is parallel to the
tractor.
2. Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the
rear of the blade tip to the ground. The first measurement taken should
be between ¼" and ³⁄8" less than the second measurement. Determine
the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if
necessary, to the next step.
3. Locate the flange lock nut on the front side of the stabilizer bracket. See
Figure 16.
• Tighten the flange lock nut to raise the front of the deck;
• Loosen the flange lock nut to lower the front of the deck.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Figure 16
Side to Side
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be
performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:
1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in
the second from the top notch (second highest position) and rotate both
blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
2. Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground
and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both
measurements taken should be equal. If they're not, proceed to the next
step.
3. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger
bracket. See Figure 17.
4. Balance the deck by using a wrench to turn the adjustment gear (found
immediately behind the hex cap screw just loosened) clockwise/up or
counterclockwise/down. The deck is properly balanced when both blade tip
measurements taken earlier are equal.
5. Retighten the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket when proper
adjustment is achieved.
Seat Adjustment
Refer to the Assembly section of this manual for seat adjustment instructions.
Parking Brake Adjustment
Never attempt to adjust the brakes while the engine is running. Always
disengage PTO (blade engage) lever, move shift lever into neutral position,
stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely
depressed, or if the tractor's rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied,
the brake is in need of adjustment. Contact the nearest Sears Service Center to have
your brakes properly adjusted.
To locate the nearest Parts & Repair Service Center or to schedule service,
contact 1-800-659-5917.
21
Hex Cap Screw
Figure 17
WARNING