Assembly

REMOVING UNIT FROM CRATE

•Remove top boards.

•Remove two Bolts from front of crate which hold shipping anchors.

•Remove two Bolts from bottom at rear of crate which hold shipping anchors.

•Remove Hitch Assembly and Parts Bag from crate.

•Remove Roller Bolt from Front Roller, Remove shipping anchors and reinstall Roller Bolt.

•Remove Nuts from Height Adjustment Straps and remove shipping anchors from each side of mower. Reinstall Nuts to Height Adjustment Straps, then loosen 1/4 turn to allow straps to pivot freely.

•Check all loose parts and bag contents against Crate Contents and Bag Contents illustration on page 5. If any part is missing or damaged contact the store where you purchased the unit.

CAUTION: Before starting to assemble mower, remove spark plug wire from plug of mower engine.

OPERATOR ORIENTATION

When right and left are mentioned in this manual, it means your right and your left when you are seated behind the wheel in the operating position.

ENGINE OIL

VERY IMPORTANT:

Engine must be filled with oil before operation. See OIL

&FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS in engine Owner's Manual for correct filling instructions and oil fill capacity.

INSTALL TOWBAR TUBE TO REAR QUADRANT

•Cut and remove the Plastic Tie which holds the Wire Harness and the Clutch Cable to the Rear Quadrant. (See Fig. 1)

•Remove two 3/8 Bolts, two 3/8 Lock Nuts and one 3/8 Flat Washer from the rear of the Towbar Tube.

•Place tube into Rear Quadrant, align holes, insert 3/8-16 x 2-1/2 Hex Bolt through rear hole of tube.

•Secure tightly with 3/8-16 Lock Nut then loosen Nut 1/4 turn to allow tube to pivot freely inside Rear Quadrant.

•Assemble a 3/8 Flat Washer onto a 3/8-16 x 2-1/2 Hex Bolt.

•Insert Bolt and Washer through slot of Rear Quadrant and hole in Towbar Tube.

•Secure tightly with 3/8-16 Lock Nut then loosen Nut 1/4 turn to allow tube to pivot freely inside Rear Quadrant.

NOTE: Towbar Tube must pivot freely inside Rear Quadrant when latch is pulled from notch.

INSTALL CLUTCH CABLE AND WIRE HARNESS TO TOWBAR TUBE.

•Unwrap the Wire Harness and the Clutch Cable from around the Engine.

•Lay the Clutch Cable along the left side of the Towbar Tube and lay the Wire Harness along the right side of the Towbar Tube.

•Install three 3/8" Cable Clips on the Clutch Cable and three 1/2" Cable Clips onto the Wire Harness.

•Align all six Cable Clips with the holes in the Towbar Tube and secure them with three #10 Self-Tapping Screws.

INSTALL CLUTCH CABLE TO THE HITCH ASSEMBLY

•Remove the 1/4" Lock Nut and 1/4" x 3/4" Bolt from the Clutch Cable Eyelet.

•Screw one 5/16" Nut off the Clutch Cable Housing and onto the bare cable wire. Screw the second 5/16" Nut all the way onto the Clutch Cable Hous- ing. Insert the Clutch Cable Eyelet through the slotted hole in the Cable Anchor on the Hitch Assembly.

NOTE: The loose 5/16" Nut on the cable wire must be cocked at an angle to fit through the slotted hole.

•Fasten the Clutch Cable Eyelet to the Clutch Lever, reusing the 1/4" x 3/4" Hex Bolt and 1/4" Lock Nut. Tighten the 1/4" Lock Nut securely and then loosen approximately two turns to allow the cable to pivot freely on the bolt.

•Screw the loose 5/16" Nut back onto the Clutch Cable Housing. Use the 5/16" Nuts to adjust the cable to the proper tension.

VERY IMPORTANT

See DRIVE TENSION on page 16 in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Section of this manual for proper Clutch Cable adjustment.

486.243292 specifications

The Craftsman 486.243292 represents a significant advancement in lawn care technology, designed for homeowners seeking efficient, reliable, and powerful performance. This versatile machine is a standout model in the Craftsman lineup, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.

One of the key features of the Craftsman 486.243292 is its robust 24-horsepower engine, which delivers ample power to handle various cutting tasks with ease. This engine is designed for durability and longevity, ensuring that homeowners can rely on it for multiple seasons. The machine's high performance is complemented by a dual-blade cutting system that enhances cutting efficiency while providing a clean and even lawn finish. This combination allows for seamless handling of different grass types and lengths, making it suitable for diverse lawn conditions.

Tractor comfort is paramount in the design of the Craftsman 486.243292. It features an adjustable high-back seat that promotes ergonomic support, minimizing fatigue during extended use. The intuitive control panel is strategically placed, allowing easy access to throttle, ignition, and cutting height adjustments. This user-friendly design ensures that both experienced individuals and newcomers to lawn care can operate the machine effectively.

The Craftsman 486.243292 also incorporates advanced technologies for improved functionality. Its automatic transmission system enhances maneuverability, allowing the user to navigate tight corners and obstacles with finesse. The machine also comes equipped with a hydrostatic drive, giving users the ability to control speed and direction with precision. This feature is particularly beneficial when tackling intricate landscapes or large yards with varying terrain.

Another noteworthy aspect is the cutting deck, which spans an impressive 42 inches. This width not only reduces mowing time but also optimizes overall efficiency. The deck's design ensures superior grass dispersal, preventing clumping and promoting healthy lawn growth.

Moreover, the Craftsman 486.243292 emphasizes maintenance ease. Quick-connect features facilitate straightforward blade and deck cleanouts, while easy-access points make oil changes and other routine services less cumbersome. This focus on user maintenance at home extends the machine's lifespan and ensures it remains in peak operating condition.

In summary, the Craftsman 486.243292 is an exemplary lawn mower that embodies power, comfort, and advanced technology. With its powerful engine, dual-blade system, and ergonomic design, it stands out as an ideal choice for homeowners looking to maintain a beautiful lawn with ease and efficiency.