Lawn tractors break down eventually.
Craftsman tractors are yard machines that have been on the market for over fifty years. After years of use, Sears Craftsman tractors may need repairs. By reading the owner's manual and doing some investigative work on the tractor, you can save hundreds of dollars by servicing the the tractor at home than by having a technician repair it. Does this Spark an idea?
Blades
Make sure the motor is turned off. Check the blades under the deck for any problems. Maybe they are bent. Most blades already have some curve, but look for irregular bends. If there are, replace them by taking off the arbor with a wrench. Most blades will be at your local Sears, but not all.
Tires
Check the tire pressure. It should be between 30 and 35 lb. Crosscheck the tire pressure requirements in the manual before going any further. If it is too low, pump them up to meet the number. It it is too high, lower them a bit. Riding on tires that are not at the required pressure will make the tractor sluggishly handle.
Spark Plugs
Check the spark plugs in the motor. If you have a V-twin, then there are two spark plugs, one for each cylinder. Check for cracks, especially around the tip where the firing happens. If there are any problems, replace them. Spark plugs will be available at Sears and auto parts stores.
Oil
Check the oil filter, a large cylinder on the side of the motor. Is there any leaking around the filter? If there is replace it. If there isn't, take the filter out with a specially designed oil filter wrench available at Sears. If there is any cracks or if the filter is over one year old, replace it.
Gas
Find the gas line, a black hose running from the engine to the motor. Check for any leaks or breaks in the hose and replace the hose if you find are any. About halfway between the hose connections there is a plastic ring. This is the gas line filter. Pop it out and inspect the filter for any cracks or clogs. If it has any or is over 2 years old, replace the filter.
Tags: available Sears, Craftsman tractors, Most blades, replace them, Sears Craftsman
