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Owner's Manual
rRI:IFTSMI:IN
20.5HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No
917.270831
• 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 pro,Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
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Maintenance ....................................... 17 Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 2 Service and Adjustments .................... 21 Troubleshooting ................................. 28 Product Specifications _......................... 5 Repair Parts ........................................ 32 Assembly ............................................... 8 Operation ............................ ................ 11
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• Do nottry to stabilize the machine by • Turn off blades when not mowing. putting your foot on the ground. • Stop engine before removing grass • Do not use grass catcher on steep catcher or unclogging chute. slopes. • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. CHILDREN • Do not operate the machine while un- Tragic accidents can occur if the operator der the influence of alcohol or drugs. is not alert to the presence of children. • Watch for traffic when operating near Children are often att
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• 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. to wear, damage, and deterioration, • Check brake operation frequently. Ad- which could expose moving parts or al- just and service as required. • Be sure the area is clear of other low objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with people before mowing. Stop machi
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is 3.5 GALLONS GASOLINE available on this product. Contact your UNLEADED CAPACITY nearest Sears store for details. REGULAR AND TYPE: CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES OILTYPE SAE 30(ABOVE 320F • Read and observe the safety rules. SAE 5W-30 API-SF/SG/SH): • Follow a regular schedule in maintain- (BELOW 32°F) ing, caring for and using your tractor. OILCAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS • Follow the instructions under "Mainte- ISPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
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Parts Bag contents shown full size (1) Hex Bolt 3/6-16 x I Q (1) Lockwasher 3/8 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt (1) Large Flat Washer 5/16-18 x 1-114 (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Knob © (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (2) Screws #10 x 5/8 (2) Lock Washers #10 (2) Weld Nuts #10 I----_ I (2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge 6
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i Parts packed separately in carton Parts Bag contents not shown full size _ teering Wheel B b_l_li _-_ Video Insert Steering Wheel Seat " Adapter Mulcher r 1i Plate i; Q'-) F (2) __atch H,o.ok AssemDiles Wheel Steering • Steering I I _ Steering Extension I ,Shaft I I Boot ql ¢ I I , I L !t I i Manual Slope Sheet Pa_s Bag 7
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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. t _Steering TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY %,,_ Wheel Insert Hex Bolt A socket wrench set will make,assembly Lock Washer easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
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• Roll tractor forward off skid. • Remove banding holding discharge • o" • guard up against tractor. i • ..'... ,*° TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID _1_WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects. • Be sure all the above assembly steps have been completed. INSTALL SEAT • Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank Adjus
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Hook Points CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION Weld Nut Down OF ALL BELTS From The To See the figures that are shown for Lock replacing motion and mower blade drive Washer Latch belts in the Service and Adjustments Weld Nut Hook section of this manual. Verify that the X_. I Screw belts are routed correctly. Latch CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is Nut properly adjusted. See =TO ADJUST Washer BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments Washer section o
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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 OILPRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP 4 _ LIGHT ! FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED r 'l R N H L (®)SI ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) Y FREE WHEEL DANG
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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. Switch Attachment Clutch Lever • Ignition Switch Ammeter ." __- "'-''" Lever Plunger Choke Control\ © Attachment LiftLever Pedal Brake Lever Height Adjustment Gearshift Lev, Knob Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American Nationa
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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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR • Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition TO SET PARKING BRAKE switch in any position other than "OFF" Your tractor is equipped with an
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• Turn knob counterclockwise (P_)to • Select desired height of cut. • Lower mower with attachment lift lowercutting height. control. The cuttingheightrangeis approxi- mately1-1/2"to 4". The heightsare • Start mower blades by engaging measuredfrom the ground to the blade attachment clutch control. • TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen- tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary gage attachment clutch control. depending upon soil conditions, height _1_CAUTION: Do not oper
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engine or carburetor cleaner products in TOWING CARTS AND OTHER the fuel tank or permanent damage may A'I'rACHMENTS occur. Tow only the attachments that are _eCAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank recommended by and comply with r neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any specifications of the manufacturer of your spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or tractor. Use common sense when towing. use gasoline near an open flame. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is TO START ENGINE dangerous. Tires ca
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control out slightly for a few seconds f J_ and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature. • The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up period and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly. ° MULCHING MOWING TIPS NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 IMPORTANT: For best performance, F) the carburetor fuel mixture may ne
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FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE __ ATES Check Brake Opel_tion _ _ Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems ll_ R Check for Loose Fasteners I_ _7 T LubriCation Chart I_ A 0 Check Sharpen/Replace Battery Level Mower Blades _4 R Clean Battery and Terminals ll_ Check Transaxle Cooling ll_ Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension I_'s Adjust Motion Ddve Belt(s) Tension v', Check Engine Oil Level _ Change Engine Oil I_l_t,= S Clean Air niter N Clean Air Screen GI Inspect M
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TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assem- Alwaysobservesafety rules when bly, center hole in blade must align with performingany maintenance. star on mandrel assembly. BRAKE OPERATION • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and 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 =TO ADJUST BRAKE" in treat
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NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils BAI-FERY (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 its life. avoid possible engine damage from • Keep battery and terminals clean. running low on oil. • Kee
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AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or Engine every season. Service paper cartridge Coolinq every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. Air GuideCover • Remove knob(s) and cover'. (Both Sides) i TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER • Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. MUFFLER • Wash it in liquid detergent and water. Inspect and repl
