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Owner's Manual
ICRIIFTSMIIH°i
17 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270732
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
For answers to your questions
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 pm, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
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Maintenance Schedule ...................... 16 Warranty ............................................... 2 Service and Adjustments .................... 20 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Storage ............................................... 26 Assembly .............................................. 7 Troubleshooting ................................. 27 Repair Parts ........................................ 32 Operation
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SLOPE OPERATION IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet Slopes are a major factor related to loss- and throwing objects. Failure to observe of-control and tipover accidents, which the following safety instructions could can result in severe injury or death. All result in serious injury or death. s_opes require extra caution. If you GENERAL OPERATION cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. • Read, understand, and follow all DO: instruct
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• Keep children out of the mowing area • Never run a machine inside a closed and under the watchful care of another area. responsible adult. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade • Be alert and turn machine off if children attachment bolts, tight and keep enter the area. equipment in good condition. • Before and when backing, look behind • Never tamper with safety devices. and down for small children. Check their proper operation regularly. • Never carry children. They may fall off • Keep mach
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A, Look for this symbol to point out impor- _I, CAUTION: Tow only the attachments tant safety precautions. It means CAU- that are recommended by and comply TION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR with specifications of the manufacturer of SAFETY IS INVOLVED. your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest pos- _,CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden- tal starting when setting up, transporting, sible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of adjusting or making repairs always dis- a load, wh
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Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert C? (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt washer (1) Lock 3/8 [_(1) 3/8-16 Hex x Bolt 1 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 t St>terinig n Steering Boot _ Steering Shaft Wheel Adapter Seat (_Washer (_) 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 _) Shoulder olt 5/16-18 Gauge I_(1) Knob Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 6
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Your new tractor 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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below. (1) 9/16" wrench (1) Pliers (2)
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TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) Terminal • Press lift lever plunger and raise Battery attachment lift lever to its highest Door position. • Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. INSTALL SEAT • Roll tractor forward off skid. Adjust seat before tightening adjustment • Remove banding holding discharge knob. guard up against tractor. • Remove adjustment knob and flat washer secur
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECKFORPROPERPOSITION OFALLBELTS (If previously removed) • Raise and hold deflector shield in See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive upright position. belts in the Service and Adjustments • Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into section of this manual. Verify that the place, as shown. belts are routed c6rrectly. • Hook front latch into hole on front of CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM mower deck. After you learn ho
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These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP _1_ LIGHT ! FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED R N H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS ATTACHMENT (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) CLUTCH DISENGAGED IGNITION FREE WHEEL DANGER, KEEP HAN
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KNOWYOUR 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 Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lift Ammeter ...... "- Lever "", Plunger Throttle/Choke Control Attachment Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Height Pedal Adjustment "- .... " _r Parking Brake Lever Gearshift Lever Our tractors conform to the s
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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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. NOTE: Under certain conditions when HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR tractor is standing idle with the engine TO SET PARKING BRAKE running, hot engine exhaust gases may Your tractor is equipped
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Attachment For healthier and better looking lawns, Attachemnt Clutch _ mow often and after moderate growth. / Lift Lever Lever • For best cutting performance, grass ,_f_'_ High Position over 6 inches in height should be J__ '.:::!'_"'_ LOW mowed twice. Make the first cut :'!'--_ Position relatively high; the second to desired height. "Disengn/aged_ _/'_ _ Deftector TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground Position __ _ Shield when mower is a
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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the • The engine in your tractor has been gas tank, start the engine and let it run shipped, from the factory, already filled until the fuel lines and carburetor are with summer weight oil. empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See • Check engine oil with tractor on level Storage Instructions for additional ground. information. Never use engine or
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COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and • When operating attachments, select a below) ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the • When engine starts, allow engine to attachment being used. run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depend- ing on the temperature. • The attachments can also be used during
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _____ _/_j*'_ AS YOU COMPLETE /__..._'_, _'_ _'_._y .EGU R SEOV,CE DATES li //// IF Check Brake _perati°n _ _ Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and T InterlockSystems V' R Check for Loose Fasteners if I##T I_ Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _, T Lubrication Chart i# # 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Batteryand Terminals l# # Check Transaxle Cooling i/ Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension I_s Adjust Motion Odva Belt(s) Tension _s Check Engine Oil Level I_ ql_ ! Change Engine Oil
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TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assem- bly, center hole in blade must align with Always observe safety rules when star on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. • 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 IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat adjusted. (See 'q-O ADJUST BRAKE" in t
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NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils BATTERY (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in Your tractor has a battery charging cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils system which is sufficient for normal use. will result in increased oil consumption However, periodic charging of the battery when used above 32°F. Check your with an automotive charger will extend engine oil level more frequently to avoid its life. possible engine damage from running • Keep battery and terminals clean. low on oil. • Keep
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ENGINE COOLING FINS • Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface. If very dirty or damaged, Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine replace cartridge. cooling fins to prevent engine damage • Reinstall cartridge, nut, precleaner, from overheating. cover and secure with knob(s). • Remove screws from blower housing IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such and lift housing and dipstick tube as kerosene, are not to be used to clean assembly off engine. the cartridge. They may cause deteriora- • Co
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CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and of all foreign matter. i Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. carburetor are covered to keep water out. Keep finished surfaces and wheels Water in engine can result in a short- free of all _]asoline, oil, etc. ened engine life. • Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive type wax. _kCAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments: Depress clutch/brake pedal ful
