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Owner's Manual
JCRIIFTSMIIN'J
LAWN TRACTOR
17.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273170
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.
IMPORTANT: 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 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 ..........................................
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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- _IWARNING: In order to prevent ac- • tion and do not point it at anyone. Do cidental starting when setting up, trans- not operate the mower without either porting, adjusting or making repairs, the entire grass catcher or the guard in always disconnect spark plug wire and
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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. so that you
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• Be sure the area is clear of other people • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree before mowing. Stop machine if anyone limbs, etc. enters the area. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. grass can hide obstacles. • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear lutely necessary. Always look down and so that you will not have to stop or shift behind before and while
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working Gasoline 1.25 order by the operator. Capacity and Unleaded In the state of California the above is re- Type: Regular quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- Oil Type SAE 10W30 (above 32°F' nia Public Resources Code). Other states API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below 32°F may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 4.0 Pints mu
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Steering Wheel Lt] Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer
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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 ASSEMBLY _,_-_ 1/2 Hex Nut A socket wrench set will make assembly D :_----- Insert easier. Standard wrench sizes you need _;_r-----_
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5. Pivot seat and pan forward and as- NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate semble adjustment knob and flat instruction below to remove the tractor washer loosely. Do not tighten. from the skid. 6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position Operation section for location and is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. function of controls) 8.
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM (If previously removed) After you learn how to operate your trac- 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in tor, check to see that the brake is properly upright position. adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front the Service and Adjustments section of of mower deck opening and slide into this manual. place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of ,[CHECKLIST mower deck. Before you operate and enjoy your new 4. H
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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 REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFETY R
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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 Attachment Position Clutch Lever Ammeter Lever Plunger Throttle/Choke Lift Lever Control Height Clutch/Brake Adjustment Pedal g Brake Lever Gearshift Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American N
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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. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR 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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• The average lawn should be cut to approxi- Lever High Position mately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. Attachment / For healthier and better looking lawns, mow Clutch Lever often and after moderate growth. "Enc For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; "Disengag Position the second to desired height. TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slig
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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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COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and Always operate engine at full throttle below) when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of 6. When engine starts, leave throttle material. Regulate ground speed by control in choke position until engine selecting a low enough gear to give the warms up and begins to run roughly. mower cutting performance as welt as Once rough running begins, imme- the quality of cut desired. diately move the throttle control to the When operating attac
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE I"_,_ ,_ _,_ _ o._. ,_ REGULAR SERVICE DATES cC:I: ;kk Birak;iOp;r ra:ion _ _' Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems I_ a Check for Loose Fasteners _ 11_5 T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Bailery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _3 a Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level _ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) 1_1,2 E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) 1_#'1,2 N CleanAirFilter _,_ G Clean Air Screen inspect Muffler/
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TRACTOR 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as Always observe safety rules when per- shown. forming any maintenance. 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. BRAKE OPERATION Lbs. torque). If tractor requires more than six (6) feet IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. stopping distance at high speed in highest If bolt needs replacing, replace only with gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts. "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Servi
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TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL NOTE:Theoriginal equipmentbatteryon yourtractor is maintenancefree. Donot Determine temperature range expected attemptto openor removecaps or covers. before oil change. All oil must meet API Addingor checkinglevelof electrolyteis service classification SF-SJ. notnecessary. • Be sure tractor is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. TO CLEANBATTERYANDTERMINALS • Catch oil in a suitable container. Corrosionand dirt on the battery and 1. Remove oil fill cap/d
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AIR FILTER MUFFLER Your engine will not run properly using a Inspect and replace corroded muffler and dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cteaner spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- after every 25 hours of operation or every ate a fire hazard and/or damage. season. Service paper cartridge every SPARK PLUG(S) 100 hours of operation or every season, Replace spark plug(s) at the beginning whichever occurs first. of each mowing season or after every Service air cleaner more often under du
