Summary of the content on the page No. 1
Owner's Manual
15.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.271554
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
This product has a low emission engine which operates
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
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 E
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Maintenance ....................................... 17 Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments .................... 21 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Storage ............................................... 27 Assembly/Pre-Operation ...................... 8 Troubleshooting ................................. 28 Operation ............................................ 11 Repair Part
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. ,_li, Look for this symbol to point out • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely important safety precautions. It means necessary. Always look down and CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR behind before and while backing. SAFETY IS INVOLVED. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
DO: • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree with safe machine operation. limbs, etc. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall • Use extra care when approaching blind grass can hide obstacles. corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other limbs, etc. people before mowing. Stop machine if • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. anyone enters the area. Uneven terrain could overturn the • Never carry passengers or children machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. even with the blades off. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- that you will not have to stop or shift lutely necessary. Always look down while on the slope. and beh
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this Gasoline 1.25 Gallons product. Contact your nearest Sears Capacity Unleaded store for details. and Type: Regular CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F) • Read and observe the safety rules. _PI-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) • Follow a regular schedule in maintain- Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints ing, caring for and using your tractor. • Follow the instructions under "Mainte- Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC nance
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel _g Adapter Sleeve Steering Extension Shaft Steering (lw)aL_rge Flat Wheel Insert @ _ (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys 7
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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 (
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your Seat tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. Label TO ROLLTRACTOR OFFSKID (See Operation section for location and erminal function of controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing INSTALL SEAT clutch/brake pedal. Adjust seat before tightening adjustment 3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) knob. position. 1. Re
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE /CHECKUST The tires on your tractor were overinflated Before you operate your new tractor, we at the factory for shipping purposes. wish to assure that you receive the best Correct tire pressure is important for best performance and satisfaction from this cutting performance. Quality Product. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in Please review the following checklist: "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section ,/All assembly instructions have been of this manual. completed. CHECK DECK
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the _roduct. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT I FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED R N H L c® 31 ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS ATTACHMENT IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) FREE WHEEL DANGER, KEEP H
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
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. Attachment Clutch Ignition Switch Ammeter Lever Position Lever Plunger Throttle/Choke Attachment Lift Lever Clutch/ Height Brake Pedal Indicator g Brake Lever Gearshift \ Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standa
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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR • Turn ignition key to "STOP" position and remove key. Always remove key TO SET PARKING BRAKE when leaving tractor to prevent Your tractor is equipped with
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
These heights are approximate and may • If slowing is necessary, move throttle vary depending upon soil conditions, control lever to slower position. height of grass and types of grass being • If stopping is absolutely necessary, mowed. push clutch/brake pedal quickly to • The average lawn should be cut to brake position and engage parking brake. approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches • Move gearshift lever to lst gear. Be during hot months. For healthier and sure
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
ADD GASOLINE . Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler key as soon as engine starts. Do not neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, run starter continuously for more than regular unleaded gasoline with a fifteen seconds per minute. If the minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded engine does not start after several gasoline will increase carbon and lead attempts, move throttle control to fast oxide deposits and reduce va
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
MOWING TIPS • If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and • Mower should be properly leveled for possible fire hazard from dried clip- best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height. Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet • The left hand side of mower should be grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry used
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
FILL IN DATES REaU . SERV,OE ERV, CEDATES Check Brake Operation If V' Check Tire Pressure If Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems I_ R Check for Loose Fasteners ik/ I_s If I T Lubncation Chart A 0 SharpergReplace Check Battery Level Mower Blades i _ V* I R Clean Battery and Terminals If i Check Transaxle Co_ing I_ Check V-Belts If Check Engine Oil Level _ V' Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) I_t,2 _Vtl E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) 11_,2 N Clean Air Filter V'2 G Clean Air
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as shown. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in 5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). highest gear, then brake must be ad- IMPORTANT: justed. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Blade bolt is grade 8 h
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
However, periodic charging of the battery Check your engine oil level more with an automotive charger will extend its frequently to avoid possible engine life. damage from running low on oil. • Keep battery and terminals clean. Change the oil after every 25 hours of • Keep battery bolts tight. operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. year. Check the crankcase oil level before NOTE: The or
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
ENGINE COOLING FINS AIR FILTER Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner cooling fins to prevent engine damage after every 25 hours of operation or every from overheating. season. Service paper cartridge every 1. Remove screws from blower housing 100 hours of operation or every season, and lift housing and dipstick tube whichever occurs first. assembly off engine. Service air cleaner more often under 2. Cover o
