CLEANING THE BATTERY AND CABLES
WARNING
Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks away from the battery.
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.
Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling batteries.
Service interval: 100 Hours
1.Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cable first (B, Figure 21).
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 21), then attach the negative cable (B).
7.Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petro- leum jelly or
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 tamp- er with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
TEST 1 -- ENGINE SHOULD NOT CRANK IF:
*PTO switch is ON, OR
*Ground speed control levers are not in their PARK positions.
TEST 2
*PTO switch is OFF, AND
*Ground speed control levers are in their PARK posi- tions.
TEST 3 -- ENGINE SHOULD SHUT OFF IF:
*Operator rises off seat with the PTO 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 PARK position while leaving the right lever in park (both levers must be moved from PARK 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 PTO switch is turned OFR if mower drive belt does not stop
within five seconds, contact a Sears Parts & Repair Center.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, the PTO switch must be turned OFF and the ground speed control levers must be locked in their 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 interJock system.
Figure 21. Engine Compartment
A. Positive (+) Battery Cable
B. Negative (-) Battery Cable
21