Craftsman 247.25000 Operator's Manual page 30

IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the
NEGATIVE (Black) wire from its terminal first, followed by the POSI-
TIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect the
POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE
(Black) wire. 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, scrape the battery
terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and
exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
Battery Failures
Some common causes for battery failure are:
• Incorrect initial activation
• Overcharging
• Freezing
• Undercharging
• Corroded connections
These failures are NOT covered by your tractor's warranty.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING
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.
1. Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your 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 negative post (–) of
the jumper battery.
4. Connect the other end of the negative cable to the engine block of
the tractor, away from the battery. Attach to an unpainted part to
assure a good connection.
WARNING
If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle (i.e. car, truck), do NOT
start the vehicle's engine when jump starting your tractor.
5. Start the tractor (as instructed in the Operation section of this
manual).
6. Set the tractor's parking brake before removing the jumper cables,
in reverse order of connection.
CHARGING
WARNING
Batteries give off 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.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
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:
1. Set your battery charger to deliver a max of 10 amperes.
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 no fewer than eight hours.
FUSE
One 15 AMP fuse is installed in your tractor's wiring harness to protect the
tractor's electrical system from damage caused by excessive amperage.
If the electrical system does not function, or your tractor's engine will
not crank; first check to be certain that the fuse has not blown. It can
be found under the fender on the left side of the unit, on the wiring
harness just above the battery.
Always use a fuse with the same amperage capacity for replacement.
LUBRICATION
Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO
(Blade Engage Lever), move shift lever into neutral position, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended
starting.
Pivot Points & Linkage
Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake and lift
linkage at least once a season with light oil.
Rear Wheels
The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a season.
Lubricate the axles and the rims well with an all-purpose grease before
re-installing them.
Front Axles
Each end of the tractor's front pivot bar may be equipped with a grease
fitting. Lubricate with a grease gun after every 25 hours of tractor operation.
Steering Rack & Pinion
Once per season, or every 25 hours of operation, it will be necessary
to lubricate the steering rack and pinion gear located under the front of
the unit. Using standard automotive grease, apply grease to the front
side and rear side of the steering rack, as indicated in Fig. 41.
30
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING