Craftsman 13B226JD299 User Manual

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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked.
• 
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of 
corrosive build-up.
• 
After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of 
petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.
• 
Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to 
prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE 
(Black) wire from its terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (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.
CAUTION
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.
WARNING
Always use a fuse with the same amperage capacity for replacement.
Lubrication
WARNING
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 Figure 42.