Summary of the content on the page No. 1
Owner's Manual
(RAFTXM;IN°
20.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270860
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION: For answers toyour questions
about this product, Call:
Read and follow all Safety Rules
1-800-659-5917
and Instructions before operat-
Sears Craftsman Help Line
ing this equipment.
5 am - 5 pro, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Warranty ............................................... 2 Maintenance ....................................... • Safety Rules ......................................... 2 Service and Adjustments .................... ; Product Specifications .......................... 5 Storage ............................................... ' Assembly .............................................. 8 Troubleshooting ................................. • Operation ............................................ 11 Repai
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or • Slow down beforeturning. embankments. The mower could • Never leave a running machine suddenly turn over if a wheel is over unattended. Always turn off blades, set the edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge parking brake, stop engine, and caves in. remove keys before dismounting. • Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced • Turn off blades when not mowing. traction could cause sliding. • S.top engine before removing grass • Do nottry to stabilize the machine by
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or • Grass catcher components are subjec_ other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel to wear, damage, and deterioration, spillage. Allow machine to coot before which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently storing. check components and replace with • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, manufacturer's recommended parts, before restarting. when necessary. • Never make adjustments or repairs •
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS available on this product. Contact your CAPACITY UNLEADED nearest Sears store for details. AND TYPE: REGULAR CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES OILTYPE SAE 30(ABOVE 32°F) • Read and observe the safety rules. _PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30 • Follow a regular schedule in maintain- (BELOW 32°F) ing, caring for and using your tractor. )ILCAPACITY: W/FILTER: 3.5PINTS • Follow the instructions under "Mainte- W/O FILTER
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
Parts Bag contents shown full size (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Lockwasher 3/8 Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt (1) Large Flat Washer 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Knob © (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (2) Lock Washers #10 _ #10x5/8 (2) Weld Nuts #10 3/16(2)_4as_r_auge@ 6
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
I Parts packed separately in carton Seat Video Mulcher Cassette Plate Steedng Boot Steering I Wheel Manual Parts Bag Parts Bag contents not shown full size _ "_" i I I (2) Latch Hook Assemblies _ Steedng Wheel Steering Insert Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter Slope Sheet (2) Keys
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
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. _] /---_ Steering TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY (,_,_ Wheel Insert A socket wrench set will make assembly _---'_ Hex Bolt easier. Standard wrench sizes you ne
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
• Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor. - .-" - Label TO DRWE 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 Adjust seat before tightening adjustment tank with g
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
Hook CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION Weld Nut Points OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for Lock replacing motion and mower blade drive Washer belts in the Service and Adjustments Weld Nut Latch Hook section ofthis manual. Verifythat the belts are routed correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM Latch After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See _TO ADJUST Nut Washer BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Washer t/CHECKLIST Plat
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
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 E.G,.EO._I_ ENO,.EOFFIxI O,LPRESSO.E_w LIG_SO._] O%+_+@ FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED R N H L A'UI'ACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED A'i-I'ACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL DANGER, KEEP HAND
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
KNOWYOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future reference. Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Ignition Ammeter Lever Plunger Throttle L_ Lever Clutch/ Brake Height Adjustment Knob Free Wheel Ig Brake Lever Motion Control Lever Ourtractomcon_rm tothes_e_standa_softhe American N_ionalStanda_s In_ff_e. AMMETER - I
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
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
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
The cutting height range is approxi- • Lower mower with attachment lift mately 1-1/2" to 4". The heights are control. measured from the ground to the blade • Start mower blades by engaging tip with the engine not running. These attachment clutch control. heights are approximate and may vary • TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen- depending upon soil conditions, height gage attachment clutch control. of grass and types of grass being A CAUTION: DO not operate the mower mowed. without either the entire gr
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
• Pullfreewheelcontrolout and down ADD GASOUNE into the slot and release so it is held in • Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regula the disengaged position. unleaded gasoline with a minimum of • Do not push or tow tractor at more 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse deposits and reduce valve life). Do above procedure. not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used NOTE: To protect ho
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
• Insert key into ignition and turn key • The attachments can be used during clockwise to =START" position and the engine warm-up period after the release key as soon as engine starts. transmission has been warmed up Do not run starter continuously for and may require the choke control be more than fifteen seconds per minute. pulled out slightly. If the engine does not start after NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 several attempts, push choke control
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
• Sitting in the traotor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. W'dh 1 motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/ brake pedal. • Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly MULCHING MOWING TIPS move motion control lever to reverse IMPORTANT: For best performance, position. After the tractor moves keep mower housing free of built-up approximately five (5) feet
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _-,/_ ._o_ ._JP_'_ __/_,y Check Check Tire Brake Pressure OperaUon _ Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems v', v' R Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades T Lubrice_on Chart 0 Chec_ Battery Level R Clean Battery and Terminals v' Check Transaxla Cooltng v' Adjust Blade Bait(s) Tension Adjust Motion Drive Beti(s) Tension Check Engine Oil Level t/ I/ Change Engine Oil E Clean Air Filter N Clean Air Screen v' GI Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester Replace
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
TRAC1OR • Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). Always observe safety rules when IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 he_ performing any maintenance. treated. BRAKE OPERATION T,o_ "g =,_.... _.. Mandrel Assembl_ If tractor requires more than six (6) feet ...... Center stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in _ H;le _ the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES Lock Washe_'__ _.Star • Maintain proper air pressure i
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary, TO CLEAN BATI'ERY AND TERMINALS NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils Corrosion and dirt on the battery and (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in terminals can cause the battery to "leak" cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils power, will result in increased oil consumption Remove terminal guard. Disconnect BLACK bat
