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Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN'I
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HE 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273823
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
[_ This product has a low emission engine which operates
]
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
For answers to your questions
IMPORTANT:
about this product, Call:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before 1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
operating this equipment.
5 am - 5 pro, Mon-
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Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Warranty ................................................ 2 Service and Adjustments ..................... 23 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ................................................ 29 AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ 8 Troubleshooting ................................... 30 Repair Parts ......................................... 34 Operation
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IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Jl, WARNING: In order to prevent ac- • Be aware of the mower discharge direc- cidental starting when setting up, trans- tion and do not point it at anyone. Do porting, adjusting or making repairs, not operate the mower without either always disconnect spark plug wire and the entire grass catcher or the guard
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DO: • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with • Mow up and down slopes, not across. safe machine operation. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Never allow children to operate the limbs, etc. machine. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un- even terrain could overturn the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects Tall grass can hide obstacles. that may obscure vision. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gea
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• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other people limbs, etc. before mowing. Stop machine if anyone • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven enters the area. terrain could overturn the machine. Tall • Never carry passengers or children grass can hide obstacles. even with the blades off. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- so that you will not have to stop or shift lutely necessary. Always _ook down and while on the slope. beh
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In the state of California the above is re- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- Gasoline 4.0 Gallons nia Public Resources Code). Other states Capacity Unleaded may have similar laws. Federal laws apply and Type: Regular on federal lands. A spark arrester for the Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) muffler is available through your nearest API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30 Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS (Below 32°F) section of this manual). Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints RE
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Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ (1) kocknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 1/2-20 Steering Extension g Boot Wheel Adapter Shaft Steering Seat \ (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys "--t Slope Sheet Video Cassette 7
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Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before you begin. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly _ ,--. -1/2HexNut easier. Standard wrench sizes you need _.- ----_Insert are listed b
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INSTALL SEAT NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate Adjust seat before tightening adjustment instruction below to remove the tractor knob. from the skid. 1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat washer securing seat to cardboard TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See packing and set aside for assembly of Operation section for location and seat to tractor. function of controls) 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise the cardboard pac
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your trac- (If previously removed) tor. check to see that the brake is properly 1. Raise and held deflector shield in adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in upright position. the Service and Adjustments section of 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front this manual, of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. v"CHECKLIST 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of Before you operate your new tractor, we mower deck. wi
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These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning, R N H L Ikl REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING DRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT LIGHT @@@@@ ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFE
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Light Switch Position X Ammeter Plunger Throttle!Choke Attachment Lift Lever Height Clutch!Brake Adjustment Pedal Indicator Freewheel Parking Brake Lever Control Motion Control Lever Our tractors conform to
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the / eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses/ or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments / or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety_ mask worn over spectacles. J HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR • Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch TO SET PARKING BRAKE in any position other than "STOP" will Your tractor i
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TO STOP MOWER BLADES - • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed disengage attachment clutch control• twice. Make the first cut relatively high; _CAUTION: Do not operate the mower the second to desired height• without either the entire grass catcher. TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place• Gauge wheels are properly adjusted _**,,,,_,,__,,,, Attachemnf when they are slightly off the ground when % ..J Lift Leve, mower is a
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Transmission Engaged _CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- tion and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of Transmission Disengaged an eng
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• The attachments and ground drive can 3. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. now be used. If the engine does not After the engine is running, move accept the load, restart the engine and throttle control to slow position. With allow it to warm up for one minute using motion control lever in neutral (N) the choke as described above. position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and 4. Move motion control lever to full below) forward position and hold for fi
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MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS * Mower should be properly leveled for IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep best mowing performance. See "TO mower housing free of built-up grass and LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of this • The special mulching blade will recut manual. the grass clippings many times and * The left hand side of mower should be reduce them in size so that as they fall used for trimming. onto the lawn they will disperse int
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AS YOU COMPLETE REGU LARSE RVICE OATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure _ Check Operator Presence and T interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners _ 11_5 I_ T Lubrication Chart q_# 0 Check Battery Leve4 A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades ,_,. R Clean B_tte_¥ and Terminals I_ Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Be4ts I# # Check Engine Oil Leve4 II_ I1_ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) 11_12 i/ E Change Engine Oil (without Oil filter) _l_,; N Clean Air Filter _2 G Clean Air Screen 1_2 Arres
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TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly. center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when per- on mandrel assembly. forming any maintenance. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet shown. stopping distance at high speed in highest 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. gear. then brake must be adjusted. (See Lbs. torque). "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and IMPORTANT: Bla
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ENGINE • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. LUBRICATION • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. Only use high quality detergent oil rated NOTE: The original equipment battery on with API service classification SG-SL your tractor is maintenance free. Do not Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade attempt to open or remove caps or covers. according to your expected operating Adding or checking level of electrolyte is temperature. not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corro
