CLEANING THE BATTERY AND
CABLES
Service Interval: 100 Hours
WARNING
Corrosion hazard.
Batteries contain acid. Always keep the
battery upright and do not spill the
electrolyte.
Avoid contact with skin and
eyes.
Explosion hazard.
When removing or installing battery cables,
disconnect the negative cable FIRST and
reconnect it LAST. If not done in this order,
the positive terminal can be shorted to the
frame by a tool.
Wear Protective Equipment
Always wear gloves and safety glasses
when handling the battery and battery
cables.
1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative
cable first (B, Figure 23).
2. Remove the rubber strap securing the battery, and
remove the battery.
3. Clean the battery and battery compartment with a
solution of baking soda and water.
4. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a
wire brush until shiny.
5. Reinstall the battery and secure with the rubber strap.
6. Reattach the battery cables: first attach the positive
cable (see A, Figure 23), then attach the negative
cable (B).
7. Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with
petroleum jelly or non-conducting grease.
Figure 23. Engine Compartment
A. Positive (+) Battery Cable
B. Negative (-) Battery Cable
21
CHECK RIDER SAFETY
SYSTEM
Service Interval: Every 100 hours, every spring/fall,
and after storage of 30 days or longer.
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches.
These safety systems are present for your safety. Do
not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never
tamper with safety devices. Check their operation
regularly.
Operational
SAFETY
Checks
TEST 1 -- ENGINE SHOULD NOT CRANK IF:
• Mower blades switch is ON, OR
• Ground speed control levers are not in their
START/PARK positions.
TEST 2 -- ENGINE SHOULD CRANK IF:
• Mower blade switch is OFF, AND
• Ground speed control levers are in their
START/PARK positions.
TEST 3 -- ENGINE SHOULD SHUT OFF IF:
• Operator rises off seat with the mower blade switch
ON, OR
• Operator rises off seat with the ground speed levers
in DRIVE positions, OR
• Operator moves the left ground speed control lever
out of its START position while leaving the right
lever in START/PARK (both levers must be moved
from START to DRIVE position simultaneously
to
avoid shutoff).
TEST 4 -- BLADE BRAKE CHECK
The mower blades and mower drive belt should come
to a complete stop within five seconds after the mower
blade switch is turned OFE If mower drive belt does
not stop within five seconds, contact a Sears Parts &
Repair Center.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, the mower blade
switch must be turned OFF and the ground speed
control levers must be locked in their START/PARK
positions in order to start the engine.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See a Sears Parts & Repair Center.
Under no circumstance should you attempt to
defeat the purpose of the safety interlock
system.