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Owner's Manual
[RAFTZMAN +
14.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model NO.
917.270512
\
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION: For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
Read and follow all
1-800-659-5917
Safety Rules and Instructions
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat
before operating this equip-
ment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
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•.Warranty ............. _;.................................. 2 Maintenance......................................... 17 Service and Adjustments............ ._, ..... _.21 S_ificetions ........................... 5 Storage................................................. 27 .......... :............................ 8 Troubleshooting.................................... 28 __o_.;..._;-...,.i..:;_ ..... :..... ,_... ........... 11 Repair Parts ......................................... 34 PartsOrderin
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•Tum off blades when not mowing. • Do not try to stabilize th_ ma'Ollfh-eby • Stop engine before removing grass putting your foot on the ground. catcher or unclogging chute. • Do not use grass catcher on steep • Mow only in daylight or good artificial slopes. light. CHILDREN • Do not operate the machine while under Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator the influence of alcohol or drugs. is not alert to the presence of children, • Watch for traffic when operating near or Childrenare often att
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• Never make adjustments or repairs with manufacturer'srecommended pa_ the engine running. when necessary. • Grass catcher components are subject • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. to wear, damage, and deterioration, Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and which could expose moving parts or use extra caution when servicingthem. allow objects to be thrown. Frequently • Check brake operationfrequently. check components and replace with Adjust and service as required. • Be sure the area is clear o
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Shouldyou experience any problemyou cannot easily remedy, please contactym GASOUNE 1.25 GALLONS nearest Sears AuthodzJi_! Sal;I_ Center. CAPACITY UNLEADED We have competent, well-trained techni- AND TYPE: REGULAR cians and the propertools to serviceor repairthistractor. OIL TYPE SAE 30 (above 32°F) Please read and retain this manual. The (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30 instructionswill enable you to assemble (below 32°F) and maintainyour tractor properly.Alway, OIL CAPACITY: 3.0
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Parts Bag contents shown full size Metal Screws (2) Sheet #10-16 x 1/2 3/8-24 _ (1) Locknut (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Knob (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
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Parts packed separately in carton D Seat Video Steedng Cassette Wheel Steering I Manual Boot Parts Bag Parts Bag contents not shown full size Steering Wheel Insert Slope Sheet (2) Keys Steering Wheel Bushing __ teering Adapter | u i i 7
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Your new tractorhasbeen assembled at the factorywith exception of those partsleft unassembledfor shippingpurposes.To ensure safe and proper operationef_youfdk_t6i" all partsand hardware you assemble must be tightenedsecurely.Use the correcttools as necessary to insureproper tightness. Review the video cassette before youbegin. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR • Remove protective materials from trac- tor hood and grill. ASSEMBLY IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any A socketwrenchset willmake assembly staples in
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INSTALL SEAT HOW TO SET UP YOUR-TRACTOR Adjust seat before tightening adjustment CHECK BATTERY knob. • Lift seat pan to raised position and open • Remove cardboard pacldllg o'_ pan. battery box door. • Place seat on seat pan and assemble • If this battery is put into service after shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt month and year indicated on label (label securely. located between terminals) charge bat- • Assemble adjustment knob and flat tery for minimum of one hour. at 6-10 washer loosely. D
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CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ,/CHECKLIST The tires on yourtractor were overinflated PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWINP_ at the factoryfor shipping purposes. CHECKLIST: Correcttire pressureis importantfor best / All assembly instructions have been cuttingperformance. completed. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in 4' No remaining loose parts in carton. "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on / Battery is propedy prepared and page 5 of this manual. charged. (Minimum I hour at 6 amps) CHECK DECK LEVELNESS •/ Seat is adjuste
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These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with _ p_.,_ Leam and understand their meaning. t BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE CLUTCH LIGHTS ON " OVER TEMP UGHT CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED LOCK LOCKED ! R N H L <® 31 REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE MOWER LIFT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) FREE WHEEL DANGER
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR . ._3t._'; "_ , • __ Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the loc_.hons_T" various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Light Switch Ammeter Ignition Switch ThrottleChoke Lift Lever Control Plunger Attachment Lift Clutch/Brake =;Lever - ; Pedal Height Adjustment Postions ( . -. :... Gearshift Lever Parking Brake Our trac
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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 glass- es or eye shields while operating your tractor or perfor_m._g.an_just- ments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety _ask'b_-"_-r the spectacles, or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR IMPORTANT: Leavingthe ignitionswitch Your tractor is equipped with an operator in any positionother than =OFF" willcause the battery to be discharged(
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• For best cutting performance, grass • When pushingor towing your tractor,be over 6 inches in height should be sure gearshiftlever is in neutral (N_ mowed twice. Make the first cut rela- position ..... tively high; the second to desired • Do not push or tow tractor at more than height. five (5) MPH. TO OPERATE MOWER NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transportingyourtractor on a truck Your tractor is f_,quipped with an operator or a trailer,be sure hood is closed and presence sensing switch
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See Storage Instructionsfor additional WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above) information. Never use engine or carbure- tor cleaner products in the fuel tank or per- • When engine starts, move th_ thrnttl_. anent damage may occur. controlto the fast positi6_. CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank • The attachments and grounddrivecan filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any now be used. Ifthe engine does not spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use accept the load, restartthe engine and g
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MOWING TIPS to the desired height. • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet • Tire chains cannot be used when the grass will plug mower and leave unde- mower housing is attached to tractor. sirable clumps. Allow gra,s,_o d_ • Mower should be propedy leveled for before mowing. best mowing performance. See "TO • Always operate engine at full throttle LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the when mowing to assure better mowing Service and Adjustments section of this performance and proper discharge of manual. mat
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBlUTIES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE " _ _ ,e_./_.. _ -_ ^eVOUCOM ETE • REGUI./_R SERVlCE , .._"d _/'€'t_'_-'_/_'_"I,,";'_'_[ERVICE .DATES Check Brake OperaUon V' Check Tire Pressure _' _' Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners VP7 lk_ : _ Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _. LubricaUon Chart I_ T Check Battery Level R c_an Battery and Terminals/Recharge _ Check Tran=mxte coo,n0 S/ Adjust Blade Belt,(s)-Tenslon .... _, ._:- Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tensi
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TRACTOR k 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. • Reassemble hex bolt, Io¢_wa_g_ancl • BRAKE OPERATION flat washer in exact order as shown. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet • Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. stopping distance at high speed in highest torque). gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat =TO ADJUST BRAKE" in
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However,periodic charging of the battery Change the oil after every 25 hours of with an automotivecharger will extend its operation or at least once a year if the life. tractor is not used for 25 hours in one • Keep battery and terminals clean. year. • Keep battery bolts tight. Check the crankcase oil level before start- • Keep small vent holes open. ing the engine and after each eight (8) • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. hours of operation. "l'_jhten oil fill cap/dip- stick securely each
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ENGINE COOLING FINS • If very dirty or damaged, replacepre- Remove any dust, dirt or oilfrom engine cleaner. coolingfins to prevent engine damage • Reinstall pre-cleaner over cartridge. • Reinstall cover and secure with knob(s). from overheating. • Remove screws from blower housing TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE and lift housingand dipsticktube • Remove cartddge nut. assembly off engine. ,, Carefully remove cartddge to prevent • Cover oilfill openingto prevent entry of debds from entering carburetor. Clea
