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Owner's Manual
I("nFTSMnN, I
LAWN TRACTOR
17.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273134
This product has a low emission engine which operates 1
III III differently from previously built engines. Before you start the I
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
IMPORTANT:
For answers to your questions
Read and follow all Safety about this product, Call:
Rules and Instructions before
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
operating this equipment.
5 am - 5 pm, Mo
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Maintenance ......................................... 17 Warranty ................................................. 2 Safety Rules ........................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 Product Specifications ............................ 5 Storage ................................................. 27 Assembly/P re-Operation ........................ 8 Troubleshooting .................................... 28 Operation .........................................
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IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. • Be aware of the mower discharge direc- _WARNING: In order to prevent acciden- tion and do not point it at anyone. Do tal starting when setting up, transporting, not operate the mower without either adjusting or making repairs, always the entire grass catcher or the guard in disconnect spark plug wire and pl
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DO: • Never carry children. They may fall off • Mow up and down slopes, not across. and be seriously injured or interfere with • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree safe machine operation. limbs, etc. • Never allow children to operate the • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un- machine. even terrain could overturn the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind Tall grass can hide obstacles. corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear that may obscure vision
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• Be sure the area is clear of other people • Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across. before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- terrain could overturn the machine. Tall lutely necessary. Always look down and grass can hide obstacles. behind before and while backing. • Use slow speed. Ch
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REPAIR PROTECTION CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, AGREEMENTS engineered and manufactured to give Congratulations on making a smart pur- you the best possible dependability and chase. Your new Craftsman_ product is performance. designed and manufactured for years of Should you experience any problem you dependable operation. But like all products, cannot easily remedy, please contact a it may require repair from time to time. That's Sears or other qualifie
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Steering Whee! Steering Wheellnse_ (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/2-20 m (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 _J ® (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Steering Wheel Extension Adapter _St_eritg Shaft Seat (1)Washer @ 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Slope Sheet Video Cassette Keys (2) Keys 7
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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 _- Insert ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly F_ _ 1/2 Hex Nut easier. Standard wrench sizes you need Large F at Washer a
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5. Pivotseat and pan forwardand as- NOTE: You may now roll or drive your sembleadjustmentknob and flat tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor washerloosely.Donot tighten. from the skid. 6. Lowerseatinto operatingpositionand sit in seat. 7. Slideseat until a comfortableposition TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See is reachedwhich allowsyouto press Operation section for location and clutch/brakepedalall the waydown. function of controls) 8. Getoff seat without
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in See the figures that are shown for replac- upright position. ing motion and mower blade drive belts 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front in the Service and Adjustments section of of mower deck opening and slide into this manual. Verify that the belts are routed place, as shown. correctly. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM mower deck. After yo
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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 IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL NIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW (3_---- ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRI LOCKED UNLOCKEr OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LII LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFE
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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. Light Switch Ignition Switch Position Attachment Clutch Lever Lift Lever Ammeter ...... --. Plunger Throttle/Choke Attachment Control Lift Lever Height ustment Clutch/Brake Indicator Pedal "- ...... " • Parking Brake Lever Gearshift Lever Our trac
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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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Attachment • The average lawn should be cut to ap- Clutch Lever Attachemnt proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool "Engaged" gh season and to over 3 inches during hot Position Position months. For healthier and better look- ing lawns, mow often and after moder- Low ate growth. Position • For best cutting performance, grass "Disengaged'_ over 6 inches in height should be Position mowed twice. Make the first cut rela- tively high; the second to desired height. TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Shield Gauge
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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will The engine in your tractor has been take extra cranking time to move fuel from shipped, from the factory, already filled the tank to the engine. with summer weight oil. 1. Sit on seat in operating position, 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level depress clutch/brake pedal and set ground. parking brake. 2. Unthread and remove oil fill cap/
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MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep best mowing performance. See "TO mower housing free of built-up grass and LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of this • The special mulching blade will recut 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 int
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _"_,_'_ _, ___._o_ _ REGULAR SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation _, Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and T interlock Systems a Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level a Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oll filter) E Change Engine Oil (without oll filter) N Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen II Inspect Muffler/Spark Attester E Re
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TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when per- on mandrel assembly. forming 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 highest 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See Lbs. torque). "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and IMPORTANT: Bla
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BATTERY Change the oil after every 50 hours of op- eration or at least once a year if the tractor Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- is not used for 50 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before start- ever, periodic charging of the battery with ing the engine and after each eight (8) an automotive charger will extend its life. hours of operation. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL • K
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2. Remove wing nut and air cleaner from NOTE: Operating the engine with a base. blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER removed will cause engine damage due to 3. Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. overheating. 4. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. ENGINE OIL FILTER 5. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. Allow it Replace the engine oil filter every season to dry. or every other oil change if the tractor is 6. Saturate it in engine oi
