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Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN
15.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270660
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
For answers to your questions
CAUTION:
about this product, Call:
Read and follow all
1-860-659-5917
Safety Rules and Instructions
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat
before operating this equip-
ment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman Website: www.sears.com/craftsman
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Maintenance ....................................... 18 Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 2 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Storage ............................................... 29 Assembly .............................................. 8 Troubleshooting .................................. 30 Operation ............................................ 11
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• Turn off blades when not mowing. suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge • Stop engine before removing grass caves in. catcher or unclogging chute. • Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced • Mow only in daylight or good artificial traction could cause sliding. light. • Do not operate the machine while • Do nottry to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Watch for traffic when operating near or •
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• Stop and inspect the equipment if you check components and replace with strike an object. Repair, if necessary, manufacturer's recommended parts, before restarting. when necessary. • Never make adjustments or repairs Mower blades are sharp and can cut. with the engine running. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and • Grass catcher components are subject use extra caution when servicing them. Check brake operation frequently. Ad- to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving part
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS M_NTENANCEAGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is av GASOUNE 1.25 GALLONS able on this product, Contact your near CAPACITY UNLEADED Sears store for details. AND TYPE: REGULAR CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIUTIES OILTYPE SAE30 • Read and observe the safety rules. API-SF/SG/SH): (above 32°1=) • Follow a regular schedule in maintair SAE 5W-30 ing, caring for and using your tractor. (below 32°F) • Follow the instructions under "Mainte OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS nance" and "Storage" sectio
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PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE (1) Large (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Lockwasher 3/8 @ (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 m (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 m © (1) Knob (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge I 6
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PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE (2) Lock Washers #10 (2) Screws #10 x 5/8 i #10 (2) Weld Nuts | (2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge Parts Bag contents not shown full size Parts packet separately in carton ---' (2) LatchHook Assemblies Video Steering Cassette Insert J_ Wheel SteeringWheel ,C_ Adapter (2)Keys Steering Mulcher Steering Boot Plate Wheel Steering .: a i Extension i i a Shaft Pads Bag :1 Manual SlopeSheet 7
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Yournewtractor has been assembled at the factory with 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 • Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. A socket wrench set will make assembly • Remove protective materials f
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HOW TO SET UPYOUR TRACTOR • Place freewheel control in freewheelin_ position to disengage transmission CHECK BAI-rERY (See "TO TRANSPORT" in the Opera- tion section of this manual). • Lift seat pan to raised postion and open • Roll tractor forwardoff skid. battery box door. • Remove banding holding discharge • If this battery is put into service after guard up against tractor. month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID charge battery for minimum
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CHECK BRAKESYSTEM _CHECKLIST Afteryou learnhowto operateyour Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor,checkto seethat thebrakeis tractdr, we wish to assure that you receive properlyadjusted.See 'qO ADJUST the best performance and satisfaction BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments from this quality product. section of this manual. Please review the following checklist: INSTALL MULCHER PLATE J All assembly instructions have been • Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate completed. using scre
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These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning, BATrERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED R N H L ATFACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS ATrACHMENT (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND
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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. Light Switch Position Attachment Ignition Clutch Lever Switch Ammeter Lift Lever Plunger Throttle/Choke Control Attachment Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Height Control Adjustment Indicator Freewheel Control Parking Brake Motion Control Lever Our tractor
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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 performing any adjust- ments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spec- tacles, or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR • Turn ignition key to "OFF' position and re- move key. Always remove key when leav- TO SET PARKING BRAKE ing tractor to prevent unauthorized use. Your t
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ing hot months. For healthier and better • To restart movement, slowly release looking lawns, mow often and after parking brake and clutch/brake pedal. moderate growth. • Slowly move motion control lever to • For best cutting performance, grass slowest setting. over 6 inches in height should be • Make all turns slowly. mowed twice. Make the first cut rela- TO TRANSPORT tively high; the second to desired When pushing or towing your tractor, be height. sure to disengage transmission by TO OPERATE
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• For cold weather operation you should • Insert key into ignition and turn key change oil for easier starting (See "OIL clockwise to "START" position and re- VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte- lease key as soon as engine starts. Do nance section of this manual). not run starter continuously for more • To change engine oil, see the Mainte- than fifteen seconds per minute. If the nance section in this manual. engine does not start after several at- ADD GASOUNE tempts, move throttle control to fast p
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PURGE TRANSMISSION procedure with the motion control lever _ILCAUTION: Never engage or disen- three (3) times. gage freewheel lever while the engine is • Your tractor is now purged and ready running. for normal operation. To ensure proper operation and perfor- MOWING TIPS mance, it is recommended that the trans- • Tire chains cannot be used when the mission be purged before operating trac- mower housing is attached to tractor. tor for the first time. This procedure will re- • Mower should be pro
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MULCHING MOWING TIPS • Certain types of grass and grass condi- tions may require that an area be IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mulched a second time to completely mower housing free of built-up grass and hide the clippings. When doing a sec- trash. Clean after each use. ond cut, mow across or perpendicular • The special mulching blade will recut to the first cut path. the grass clippings many times and re- • Change your cutting pattern from week duce them in size so that as they fall to
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES FILL iNDATES ._'_'_/.. _ _/..I}_ "/_ _ ._.. ""_..._"_ -i_.,5"_ '' AS YOU COMPLETE /__,_'_O_,_ _ _._'_ _'_ _ R_d'_/_ REGULAR SERVICE _'_,f,_//'_.,,'/'_,_r S E a Vl C E DATES Check Brake Operation [ I_ I_ Check Tire Pressure _ Check Operator Presence and T Intedeck Systems I_ R Check forLoose Fasteners I1_ If7 II_ T Lubrication Chart I_ A 0 CheCk Sharpen/Replace Battery Level Mower Blades i4 R C_ean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling I_ Adjust Blade Bait(s) Ten
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"rRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. on mandrel assembly. • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and 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 torque). highest gear, then brake must be ad- justed. (See 'q-O ADJUST BRAKE" in the IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 h
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BAI-rERY ENGINE Yourtractorhasa batterychargingsystem LUBRICATION whichis sufficientfor normaluse. How- Only use high quality detergent oil rated ever, periodic charging of the battery with with API service classification SF, SG or an automotive charger will extend its life. SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade • Keep battery and terminals clean. according to your expected operating • Keep battery bolts tight. temperature. • Keep small vent holes open. @AE VISCOSITY GRADES • Recharge at 6-10
