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Owner's Manui_l
CRAFTSMAN +
20.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270840
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
For answers to your questioJ ;
CAUTION:
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
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
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Warranty .................. ................... , ........... 2 M'aintenance .............................. i .......... 19 Service and Adjustments ........... _; ......... 23 Safety Rules ......................... ,, ............... 2 Storage ................................................. 29 Product Specifications ........................... 5 Assembly ..................... ,...._ ......... _ .......... 8 Troubleshooting.................................... 31 Operation ............. ........
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• Turnoffbladeswhennotmowing. • Do nottry tb stabilize the machine by • 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 accidents can 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 Children are often attract
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• Mower blades and can cut. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and • Grass catcher components are subject use extra caution when sewicing them. to wear, damage, and detedoration, • Check brake operation frequently. which could expose moving parts or Adjust and service as required. allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended pads, when necessary. • Be sure the area is clear of other
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Please read and retain this manual. 3_e instructions will enable you to asseml_le 3ASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS and maintain your tractor properly, Alway., CAPACITY UNLEADED observe the "SAFETY RULES". AND TYPE: REGULAR MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT OIL TYPE SAE 30 A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail- API-SF/SG/SH): (above 32°F) able on this product. Contact your neares SAE 5W-30 Sears store for details. (below 32°F) CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS • Read and observe t
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Parts Bag contents shown full size f \ / \ \ \ (1) Hex Bolt 5116-18x 1-1/4 3/8-16 x 1 © (1) Hex BoAt (1) Lockwasher 3/8 @ (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Knob i (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Washer i7/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge (2) Lock Washers #10 _#10 x 5/8 (2) Weld Nuts #10
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Parts packed separately in carton Steenng Seat Boot Video Cassette Mulc-_er Plate !? Steedng Wheel Manual Parts Bag Parts Bag contents not shown full size _(2) Center- (2) Shoulder Bolts " lockNuts (2) Washers 3/8 x 7/8 x 14 Gauge Steedng Wheel Adapter Extension Steedng Shaft (2) Gauge Wheel Insert Wheels (2) Keys _ t Steedng _=J (2) Latch Hook Assemblies Slope Sheet 7
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Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those pads left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tract_ 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. • Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock TOOLS REQUIRED FOR washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securel_ ASSEMBLY • Snap steering wheel insert into center A socket
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INSTALL SEAT HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR Adjust seat before tightening adjustment CHECK BATTERY knob. • Lift hood to raised position. • Remove cardboard packing on seat p_ • If this battery is put into service after • Place seat on seat pan and assemble month and year indicated on label (label shoulder bolt. "13ghten shoulder bolt located between terminals) charge bat- securely• tery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 • Assemble adjustment knob and flat amps. (See "BATTERY" in MAINTE- washer loosely
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i INSTALL MULCHER PLATE Weld Nut From Hook Points , • install two latch hooks to mulcher plate The Top Down • using screw, washer, lock washer, and Lock weld nut as shown. Weld Washer NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch hook by inserting weld nut from the top with hook pointing down. Latch Latch • _ghten hardware securely. Hook • Raise and hold deflector shield in up- right position. • Place front of mulcher plate over front of Washer LockWasher mower deck opening and slide into Washer place, a
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ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM MOWqR DECK After you learn how to operate your trac- The gauge wheels are designed to keep tor, check to see that the brake is preperl 1 adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the mower deck in proper position when the Service and Adjustments section of operating mower. Be sure they are p_per- this manual. ly adjusted to ensure optimum mower per- formance. • Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on v"CHECKLIST a flat level surface. • Adjust mower to desired c
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These symbols m_y appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHT OVER TEMP Ijim I ® FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED R N H L NEUTRAL HIGH LOW ATTACHMENT REVERSE PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL DANGER, KEEP
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATING YOU_ TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Ught Switch Position Attachment Ignition Clutch Lever Switch Ammeter Choke Throttle _ntrol"_ Lift Lever Plunger Clutch/Brake Attachment Pedal Lift Lever Height Knob Parking Brake Motion Freewheel Control Lever Control Our tractors conform to the safety st
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Theoperationof anytractorcan resultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe eyes,whichcan resultinsevereeyedamage.Alwayswearsafetyglasses or eyeshieldswhileoperatingyourtractororperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.We recommendawidevisionsafetymaskoverspectacles,orstan- dardsafetyglasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow positionand allowing engine to idle Your tractor is equipped with an operator before stopping may cause engine to presence sensing switch. When engine i
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• If slowing is necessary, move throttle • Turn knob clockwise (G) to raise cutting control lever;to slower position. height. • If stopping islabsolutely necessary, push • Turn knob counterclockwise (,b)to clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi- lower cutting height. tion and engage parking brake. The cutting height range is approximately • Move motion control lever to neutral (N) 1-1/2" to 4". The heights are measured position. from the ground to the blade tip with the IMPORTANT: "rhe motion
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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE • Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL • Sit on seat in operating p6sition, depress clutch/brake pedal and set shipped, from the factory, already filled parking brake. i with The engine summerinweight your tractor oil. has been Check engine oil with tractor on level • Place motion control lever in neutral (N) ground. position. • Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe • Move attachment clutch to =DISEN- clean, reinsert
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM-UP NOTE: Dudng this procedure there will b, no movement of drive whee s. TheJair is • Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up being removed from hydraulic ddv6 sys- tem. as follows: • Be sure the tractor is on level ground. • Move motion controllever to neutral (N position. Shut off engine and set parkin brake. • Place the motion control lever in neu- • Engage transmission by placing free- tral. Release the parking brake and wheel
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• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet Wet grass tends to form clumps and grass will plug mower and leave unde- sirable clumps. Allow grass to dry interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early before mowing. afternoon. At this time the grass has • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun. performance and proper discharge
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE __ ._,_/_o_/'_'_'_y AS YOU COMPLETE _u'/._/,_/,_/._/._'_.___'f_R-_._'q_._OR_ REGULAR SERVICE d_,."_ _"_/_"_/_'_/"_''_'_"_f'_ SERVICE DATES Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems I_ R Check for Loose Fasteners _ _7 T Lubrication Chart If A 0 Check Sharpen/Replace Battery Level Mower Blades _4 R Clean Battery and Terminals 14 / Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tensiorl V's Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension l_
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IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, TRACTOR center hole in blade must align with star Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenper- on mandrel assembly. forminganymaintenance. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and BRAKEOPERATION flat washer in exact order as shown. • Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs, If_tractor requiresmorethansix(6)feet torque). stoppingdistanceat highspeedinhighest IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat gear,thenbrakemustbe adjusted.(See treated. Mandrel "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Servic
