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Owner's Manual
rRRFT [MRN°
20.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270962
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
° Maintenance
• Repair Parts
eng n_,tead andUn_eNtan_i;thi_
CAUTION:
For answers to your 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 pm, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, I160179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com
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Warranty............................................... 2 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Safety Rules ......................................... 2 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Storage ............................................... 29 Assembly .............................................. 7 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Operation ............................................ 11 Re
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blades and proceed slowly straight • Slowdown beforeturning. down the slope. • Neverleavea runningmachine DO NOT: unattended.Alwaysturn offblades,set • Do not turn on slopes unless neces- parkingbrake,stop engine,and sary, and then, turn slowly and removekeysbeforedismounting. gradually downhill, if possible. • Turnoff bladeswhen notmowing. • Do not mow near drop-otis, ditches, or • Stop enginebeforeremovinggrass embankments. The mower could catcheror uncloggingchute. suddenly turn over if a whe
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• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. attachment bolts, tight and keep • Grass catcher components are subject equipment in good condition. to wear, damage, and deterioration, • Never tamper with safety devices. which could expose moving parts or al- Check their proper operation regu- low objects to be thrown. Frequently larly. check components and replace with • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or manufacturer's recommended parts,
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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 • Read and observe the safety rules. API-SF/SG/SH): (ABOVE 32°F) • Follow a regular schedule in maintain- SAE 5W-30 ing, caring for and using your tractor. (BELOW 32°F) • Follow the instructions under "Mainte- OIL CAPACITY: 3.0PINTS nance" and "Storag
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Steering Wheel Extension Steering Shaft Steering Sleeve I teering Wheel Adapter (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 @ (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Seat (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Washer @ 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob b Video Cassette Keys Slope Sheet (2) Keys
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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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY • Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock A socket wrench set will make assembly washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten easier. Standard wrench sizes you need securely. are listed b
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HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR NOTE: You may now roll or drive you CHECK BATTERY tractor off the skid. Follow the appropri- ate instruction below to remove the • Lift hood to raised position. tractor from the skid. • If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See (label located between terminals) Operation section for location and charge battery for minimum of one function of controls) hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" • Press lift lever plun
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE • Slowly move the motion control lever forward and slowly drive tractor off (If previously removed) skid. • Raise and hold deflector shield in • Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking upright position. brake and place motion control lever • Place front of mulcher plate over front in neutral position. of mower deck opening and slide into • Turn ignition key to "OFF" position. place, as shown. Continue with the instructions that follow. • Hook front latch into hole on front
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V' CHECKLIST WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY TRACTOR, PAY EXTRAANENTION TO YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS: ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVETHE ,/ Engine oil is at proper level. BEST PERFORMANCE AND ,/Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY regular unleaded gasoline. PRODUCT. ,/ Become familiar with all controls - their PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING location and function. Operate them CHECKLIST: before you start the engine
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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 ® FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEFGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIR- LOCKED R N H L A'FFACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CLUTCH ENGAGED PARKING BRAKE SLOPE HAZARDS ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) FREE WHEEL DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (A
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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. ht Switch Attachment Ignition Clutch Lever Switch Ammeter Lever Choke Plunger _ent Throttle Con Lift Lever Clutch/ Height Adjustment Knob Free Wheel Brake Lever Motion Control Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American Nation
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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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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 CAUTION: Do not operate the mower mowed. without either the entire gras
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• Pull freewheel control out and down ADDGASOLINE into the slot and release so it is held in • Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular the disengaged position. unleaded gasoline with a minimum of • Do not push or tow tractor at more 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline than two (2) MPH. will increase carbon and lead oxide • 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 protec
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• 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 several attempts, push choke control feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32
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• Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With 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 position. After the tractor moves IMPORTANT: For best performance, approximately five (5) feet return the keep mower housing free of
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Ch. SrekeO ration W Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems I_ R Check for Loose Fasteners I1_ 11_7 Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level ' _ Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _. g Clean Battery and Terminals I1_ Check Trensexle Cooling V' Adjust Blade Bell(s) Tension _s Adjust Motion Ddve Belt(s) Tension _s Check Engine Oil Level _ V' Change Engine Oil 11_1_2,_ V' E Clean Air Filter 11_2 N Clean Air Screen _1#12 ! Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrestar V' E Clean Engine Cooling
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• Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. TRACTOR torque). Always observe safety rules when IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat performing any maintenance. treated. BRAKE OPERATION Trailing Edge Up Mandrel Assembly If tractor requires more than six (6) feet Blade Center stopping distance at high speed in Hole highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in Flat Washer. the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). Lock Washer TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in al
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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 BATTERYAND 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. when used above 32°F. C
