AUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SET- TING UP, TRANSPORTING, Safe Operation This curing machine is capable ura to observe the following WARNING: The engine exhaust from this product containschemicals known to the State of Californiato causecancer,birthdefects, or other reproductive harm.
18. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating mower. 19. Watch for traffic when operating near, or when cross- ing roadways. 20. Never attempt to carry children or other passengers on the mower. They could fail off and be seriously in- jured, or they could interfere with the safe operation of the mower.
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Keep mower free of grass, leaves or other debds build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower to cool before storing. 7. After stdking an object, stop the engine and discon- nect the spark plug wire. Inspect the mower and re- pair, if necessary, before restarting.
Searswill repair free of chargeany defect in material or workmanship. If this Craftsman® Lawn Mower is used for commercial o r rentalpurposes, t his warrantyapplies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
ACCESSORIES AND AI IACHMENTS These accessories and attachments were available when the mower was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your unit.
Read these instructions in their en- tirety before you attempt to assem- ble or operate your new equipment. Your new equipment has been as- sembled at the factory with the ex- Tools NeededForAssembly: • (1) 7/16" Wrench • (1) 3/8" Wrench •...
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STEP2: Attach ControlRods WARNING The control rods are adjusted at the factory and should not require additional adjustment during assembly. After as- sembling unit, controlrod ad- justment should be checked (and re-adjusted, if neces- sary) accordingto information in "Customer Responsibili- ties"...
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Figure 2-5: Rear view of control rods. Figure 2-6: Detail - Gear Select Lever in Neutral (N) position. ASSEMBLY Pin (K) must be in this detent whentransmissionneutral is _ adjusted. • Rotate gear select lever (I, Fig- ures 2-6 & 2-7) clockwise until pin (K) on gear select rod stops in the neutral position detent on the shift pattern quadrant (Figure 2-6).
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Figure 2-7: Detail- TransmissionNeutralAdjustment. • Insert hooked end of shift link (P, Figure 2-7) into hole in bottom end of gear select lever (I) and secure with cotter pin (Q). Bend ends of cotter pin. NOTE: It may be nec- essary to lift gear select lever (I) to install shift link (P).
KNOW YOUREQUIPMENT READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND location and function of all features and controls on the equipment. MEETS ANSI B71.1 - 1996 SAFETY STANDARD This machine meets voluntary safety standard B71.1 - 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the American National Standards Institute, Inc.
BladeDriveControl Use this lever (B, Figure 3-2) to engage drive to the mower blades. To engage the blades, first en- gage the Operator Presence Con- trol (A, Figure 3-2). Then, push the spring-loaded Blade Drive Control lever (B) forward until it stays in the engaged position.
Wheel Drive Control Use this lever (D, Figure 3-6) to engage and disengage drive to the wheels. To engage the wheels, first select a forward or reverse gear with the Gear Select Lever and press the Operator Presence Control (A, Fig- ure 3-5) against the handlebar grip.
EngineThrottle Control This lever (F, Figure 3-8) is used to adjust engine speeds and to stop the engine. Always run en- gine at fast speed setting for best mower performance. The throttle settings are shown to the right. ]_1_1 CHOKE- Usewhen startinga coldengine.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE AddMotor Oil • Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classifica- tion SF, SG or SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating tempera- ture. Above 32OF, use SAE 30; below 32OF, use 5W30.
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AdjustMower CuttingHeight The cutting height can be adjust- ed from 1 to 4 inches by rotating the Cutting Height Control lever (A, Figure 3-11). Choose cutting heights accord- ing to grass conditions and terrain. In heavy or tall grass, it is usually better to make the first cut at a higher setting and then make a second cut at the desired setting.
STARTING ANDSTOPPING THEENGINE ANGER Do not operate engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbonmonoxide,a deadlygasthat is odorless,colorlessand tasteless. Always run engine outdoors and make sure there is adequate ventilation. C- GearSelect Lever B- Blade DriveControl Figure 3-13: Mower Controls. WARNING To avoidinjury: ,, Keephandsand feet clear...
TOENGAGE THEWHEELS CAUTION To avoid damaging the transmission, do not shift gears while in motion. • To avoid damaging the wheel brake mechanism, do not engage the Wheel Drive Control without first engaging Operator Presence Control. WARNING Before engaging the Wheel Drive Lever for the very first time, check that the neutral (N) position on the Gear Se-...
MOWING TIPSANDHINTS WARNING To avoidinjury or propertydamage: • Before mowing, thoroughly inspect area where mower is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, nails and other foreign objects. • Disengagemower blades beforecrossinggravel drives, roads, or side- walks to prevent blades from throwing stones or other hazardous objects.
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BLADE BRAKE CONTROL TEST When the Operator Presence Control is released during opera- tion of the mower, the engine does not stop, but the blades should stop within three (3) seconds. The following test provides a visual test of whether the Blade Brake Control System is functioning.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Maintenance C hart INTERVAL* Each use 1st2 hours 25 hours 50 hours Annuallyor 100hours Monthly Annually o r 50 hours *Intervaldescribes running time. **A hand-type g reasegunisrecommended whengreasing your unit. High-pressure typegreaseguns couldcausedamage to fittings/seals. Lubrication C hart ITEM First2 hours Engine Crankcase...
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES GENERAL R ECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this equipment does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full val- ue from the warranty, the operator must maintain the equipment as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your equipment.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AIR CLEANER SERVICE Improper air cleaner maintenance can cause engine damage. SERVICE SCHEDULE: Foam Filter (A, Fig. 5-3): Wash and re-oil every 3 months or every 25 operating hours. Clean and re- oil daily if used in extremely dusty conditions.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS SPARK PLUG Inspect the spark plug (Figure 5-4) after every 100 hours of operation. Be sure the gap is set at .030". Do not reuse plug if it is severely worn or damaged. Best results are obtained with a new plug.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS BLADEDRIVEBELT REPLACEMENT Follow this procedure to remove and replace the blade drive belt. An assistant will be needed. To Remove Belt 1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop moving, and disconnect spark plug wire. 2. Disengage blade drive control (Figure 5-7) by releasing all con- trols on the mower.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS BLADEDRIVEBELT ADJUSTMENT If the blade drive belt is slipping due to lack of belt tension, follow the steps below. 1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop moving, an d disconnect spark plug wire. 2. Remove belt cover as described in "Belt Cover Removal"...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS BLADEDRIVECONTROL LEVER ADJUSTMENT Make th_ following adjustment if the Blade Ddve Control lever re- leases dudng operation. _ 1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop moving, and disconnect spark plug wire. 2. Engage the Operator Presence Control and the Blade Drive Con- trol.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WHEELDRIVEBELT ADJUSTMENT The wheel drive belt requires an adjustment if loss of drive belt ten- sion (slippage) occurs. This is most noticeable when more trac- tion is required (such as going up slopes). ToTestWheel Traction 1. Park machine on a paved (con- crete, etc.) surface with front edge up against a sturdy wall, fence, etc.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WHEELBRAKE ADJUSTMENT This adjustment may be required if the m.achine does not hold on a hill with the Operator Presence Control disengaged, or if the brake drags with the Operator Presence Control engaged and the transmis- sion in neutral. 1.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS MOWERBLADES Examine mower blades before op- eration. For efficient mowing, cut- ting edges of blades should al- ways be kept sharp. Check for blade wear or damage. See Fig- " ure 5-16. Replace a severely worn or damaged blade with a new one. WARNING Mower bladesare sharp.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Blade Installation Blades must be installed perpen- dicular to each other (see Figure 5-17). Install mower blade as shown in Figure 5-18 with flat side down. Install washer on bolt. Tighten bolts to a torque value of 35 ft. Ibs.
OFF-SEASONSTORAGE • Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop moving, and discon- nect spark plug wire before performing any storage proce- dures. Review the "Mainte- nance and Storage" safety rules in the Safety section of this Manual MOWER: • Inspect all parts for damage, breakage, and wear.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, make sure that all moving parts have come to a complete stop, and disconnect spark plug wire. Failure to follow this instruc- tion could result in personal injury or propertydamage. Troubleshooting Chart Possiblecause...
OPERATING AND SAFETY DECALS SAFETY DECALS Make certain all safety decals on this equipment are kept clean and in good condition. The decals are shown (at reduced sizes) below. If you need a replacement decal, please refer to the Repair Parts section of this manual. On top, rear of engine platform DANGER _kCAUTION...
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CRAFTSMAN 8HP MODEL 987.889000 REPAIR PARTS MOWERDECKASSEMBLY TORQUE T O 35 FT. LBS. 400 LOCTITE 2 42,0.02 OZ.TUBE 401 BLACK SPRAY PAINT CAN, 1 3 OZ. LOCTITE INTO PLACE TORQUETO 35 FT. LBS,...
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CRAFTSMAN 8HP MODEL 987.889000 MOWERDECKASSEMBLY Ref. Part Description 1185574 BallBearing ...4 1746869 Spacer ..2 1915280 MowerSpindle ..2 1765029 Blade Spacer ..2 1766061 Right SpindleShaft ... t 1768169 LeftSpindleShaft(long) ... 1 1765196 Screw,7/16-14x 1 ... 2 BelleviIle Washer .
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CRAFTSMAN 8HP MODEL 987.889000 REPAIR PARTS Transaxle A ssembly...
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OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 987.889000 IF YOU NEED REPAIR SERVICE OR PARTS: FOR REPAIR SERVICE CALL THIS TOLL-FREE NUMBER: • 1-800-4-REPAIR (1-800-473-7247) FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS INFORMATION AND ORDER- ING, CALL THIS TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 1-800-FON-PART (1-800-366-7278) Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179 U.S.A. FORM 1905122 (3/98) CRRFTSMRN°...
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