Summary of the content on the page No. 1
Owner's Manual
ICRAFTSMAN°I
LAWN TRACTOR
21.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.272464
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
_] his product has a low emission engine which operates
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
IMPORTANT: 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 Line
operating this equipment.
5 am - 5 pro, Mon - S
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Warranty ............................................... 2 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Storage ............................................... 29 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 AssemblyPro-Operation ....................... 8 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Operation ..........
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. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely A necessary. Always look down and AMk, WARNING: In order to prevent behind before and while backing. accidental starting when setting up, • Be aware of the mower discharge transporting, adjusting or making repairs, direction and do not point it at anyone. always disconn
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
DO: • Never carry children. They may fall off • Mow up and down slopes, not across. and be seriously injured or interfere • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree with safe machine operation. limbs, etc. • Never allow children to operate the • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven machine. terrain could overturn the machine. Tall • Use extra care when approaching blind grass can hide obstacles. corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that may obscure visio
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 Please road and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble 3.5 Gallons Gasoline and maintain your tractor properly. Unleaded Capacity Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". and Type: Regular REPAIR AGREEMENT SAE 30 Oil Type A Repair Agreement is available on this API-SF-SJ): (Above 32°F) product. Contact your nearest Sears SAE 5W-30 store for details. (Below 32°F) CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Oil Capacity: 4 Pints • Read and observe the safety rules. Spark P
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Loeknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/2-20 1/4-20 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-20 Steering Extension Shaft Wheel Adapter Steering (1) Washer L_ 17/32x 1-3/16x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 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 6. Assemble large flat washer, 1/2 hex nut and tighten securely. ASSEMBLY 7. Snap steering wheel insert into center A socket wrench s
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest INSTALL SEAT position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. clutch/brake pedal. 3. Place freewheel control in "transmis- 1. Remove adjustment knob and f
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALL MULCHER PLATE After you learn how to operate your (If previously removed) tractor, check to see that the brake is 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST upright position. BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front section of this manual. of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. v" CHECKLIST 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of Before you operate your new tractor, we mower deck. wis
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. R N H L I',,I REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNmON ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BArfERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT MOWER I.JL_r LIGHT A'FrACHMENT A'I-rACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFET
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 illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Light Switch Clutch Lever Ignition Switch Position Ammeter _ Choke .... Lift -.. Lever Control Plunger Throttle Control _ AttachmentLever Clutch/ Brake Pedal Height Adjustment Knob Freewheel Parking Brake Lever Control Motion Control _ A
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 I adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. [ 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
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
• The average lawn should be cut to _CAUTION: Do not operate the mower approximately 2-1/2 inches during the without either the entire grass catcher, on cool season and to over 3 inches mowers so equipped, or the deflector during hot months. For healthier and shield in place. better looking lawns, mow often and Attachment Attachemnt after moderate growth. Clutch Lever • For best cutting performance, grass "Engaged" High over 6 inches in height should be Position Position mowed twice. Make the fi
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
Transmission Engaged IMPORTANT: When operating in tem- peratures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel Transmission Disengaged system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel NOTE: To protect hood from damage system shou
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
• The attachments and ground drive can IMPORTANT: Should your transmission now be used. If the engine does not accept require removal for service or replacement, the load, restart the engine and allow it to it should be purged after reinstallation warm up for one minute using the choke before operating the tractor. as described above. 1. Place tractor safely on level surface COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and with engine off and parking brake set. below) 2. Disengage transmission by placing freew
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for IMPORTANT: For best performance, best mowing performance. See 'q'O keep mower housing free of built-up LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the grass and trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of • The special mulching blade will recut this manual. the grass clippings many times and • The left hand side of mower should be reduce them in size so that as they fall used for trimming. onto the lawn they will disperse in
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE _.,,'_ t'J:_ "_._'_ G_'_ #f" Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure _ _,_ Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems V' R Check for Loose Fasteners V' V's V _ T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level A SharpeNReplace Mower B_ades _3 R Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling I_ Check V-Be_ts Check Engine Oil Level V / Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) I_1_= I_ E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) 1_.2 V' N Clean Air Filter It,//: G Clean Ai
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, TRACTOR center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safetyruleswhen 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 blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. highest gear, then brake must be ad- Lbs. torque). justed. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is gra
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
V-BELTS BATTERY Check V-belts for deterioration and wear Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. ever, periodic charging of the battery with Replace belts if they begin to slip from an automotive charger will extend its life. wear. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. ENGINE • Keep small vent holes open. LUBRICATION • Recharge at 6-10 amperes
