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Owner's Manual
ICRAFT.TMAN" I
LAWN TRACTOR
20.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.271910
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
I D 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
1-800-659-5917
Rules and Instructions before
Sears Craftsman Help Llne
operating this equipment.
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat
Se
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Maintenance ............................. ........... 17 Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ................................................ 27 Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 8 Troubleshooting .................................. 28 Operation ............................................. 11 R
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IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing,objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in senous injury or death. • Be sure the area is clear of other people 41_Look for this symbol to point out before mowing. Stop machine if anyone important safety precautions. It means enters the area. CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR • Never carry passengers. SAFETY IS INVOLVED. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always lo
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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. • Never allow children to operate the limbs,etc. machine. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall • Use extra care when approaching blind comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects grass can hide obstacles. that may obscure vision. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
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• 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
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, 3asoline 3.5 engineered and manufactured to give Unleaded and 3apacity and you the best possible dependability and rype: Regular performance. SAE 30 _)ilType Should you expedenca any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact a _,PI-SF-SJ): (above 32°F) Sears or other qualified service center. SAE 5W-30 We have competent, well-trained techni- (below 32°F) cians and the proper tools to service or
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Steering Wheel O Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ @ (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/2-2_ _ (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Extension Adapter Steering Shaft P _ Steedng Wheel Boot Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys 7
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Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledat 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 r_ _j_ Insert A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need _-_ 1/2 Hex Nut are listed below. Larg
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INSTALL SEAT TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Adjust seat before tightening adjustment Operation section for location and knob, function of controls) I. Remove adjustment knob and flat 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise washer secudng seat to cardboard attachment lift lever to its highest packing and set aside for assembly of position. seat to tractor. 2. Release parking brake by depressing 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from ciutcWbrake pedal. the cardboard packing. Remove the 3. Place gearshif
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS (If previously removed) 1. Raiseand hold deflectorshieldin See the figures that are shown for upright position. replacing motion and mower blade drive 2. Placefront of mulcher plate over front belts in the Service and Adjustments of mower deck opening and slide into section of this manual. Verify that the place, as shown. belts are routed correctly. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM mower deck. After you lear
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These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. f BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENG,','EON ENG,NEOFF O,LPR_S°RE OG,-n'SON OVE_P I FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKINGBRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) FREEWHEEL DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (Au
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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. Attachment Ignition Switch Light Switch Position Clutch Lever Ammeter Lever Plunger Choke Control_ A_achment Throffie UR Lever Clutch/Brake ,.,, -, Height Pedal Adjustment Lever Brake Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the America
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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 IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP' will TO SET PARKING BRAKE cause the battery to discharge and go Your tractor is equippe
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2. Start mower blades by engaging The cutting height range is approxi- attachment clutch control. mately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade TO STOP MOWER BLADES - tip with the engine not running. These disengage attachment clutch control. heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of _,CAUTION: Do not operate the mower grass and types of grass being mowed. without either the entire grass catcher, on • The average lawn should be cut
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TOWINGCARTSANDOTHERATTACH- longer. Drain the gas tank, start the MENTS engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel Towonly theattachmentsthat are next season. See Storage Instructionsfor recommendedby and complywith additional information. Never use engine specificationsof the manufacturer of your or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tractor. Use common sense when towing. tank or permanent damage may occur. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is d
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COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 = F and • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet below) grass will plug mower and leave 7. When engine starts, slowly push undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry choke control in until the engine before mowing. begins to run smoothly. Continue to • Always operate engine at full throttle push the choke control in small steps when mowing to assure better mowing allowing the engine to accept small performance and proper discharge of changes in speed and load, until the mater
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Check Brake Operation _ C_O_ Tim P_m Check OperatorPresence and T Interlock Systen_ R Check forLoose Faste_rs t/ t/_ t/ A SharpervReplace M°wer Blades i_ s T L,_,_.o. Ch_ 0 CheckBattwyLeve0 R c_=nBattery and Terminals _ I_ Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Beb v' v' Ch=ngeEng_eO_l (w_h oarater) I_',_ I/ v' E Change Englne Oil (w_hout oil filler) _,_t N Clean AirFiltmr IS= G Clean Air Screen _= Attester v' NI i,_pectMumer,'Spark E P.eple_ oJR_r (Heq_ I_.= Clean Engine Coolklg Fire; I_= Replace Spar
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IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, TRACTOR center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet shown. stopping distance at high speed in 5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. highest gear, then brake must be ad- torque). justed. (See =TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8
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BATTERY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in Your tractor has a battery charging system cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will which is sufficient for normal use. How- result in increased oil consumption when ever. periodic charging of the battery with used above 32°R Check your engine oil an automotive charger will extend its life. level more frequently to avoid possible • Keep battery and terminals clean. engine damage from running low on oil. • Kee
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CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, To insure proper cooling, make sure the tighten dipstick cap securely onto the grass screen, cooling fins, and other tube before removing dipstick. Keep extemal surfaces of the engine are kept oil at =FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten clean at all times. cap onto the tube securely when Every 100 hours of operation (more often finished. under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), ENGINE OIL
