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Owner's Manual
JCRIIFTSMIIN'J
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273390
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, Mort - Sat
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Maintenance ......................................... 17 Warranty................................................. 2 Safety Rules........................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 ProductSpecifications............................ 6 Storage ................................................. 27 Assembly/Pre-Operation ........................8 Troubleshooting .................................... 28 Operation.............................................. 1
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IMPORTANT:This cuttingmachineiscapable of amputatinghandsand feet and throw- ing objects.Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscould resultin serious injuryor death. Be aware of the mower discharge direc- _,WARNING: Inorder to preventac- tion and do not point it at anyone. Do cidentalstartingwhen settingup,trans- not operate the mower without either porting, adjustingor makingrepairs, the entire grass catcher or the guard in alwaysdisconnectspark plugwire and place. placewire where it
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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 • 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 tow gear lutely necessary. Always look down and so that you wilt not have to stop or shift behind before and while
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In the state of California the above is re- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Unleaded nia Public Resources Code). Other states and Type: Regular may have similar laws. Federal taws apply Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) on federal lands. A spark arrester for the API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30(betow 32°F muffler is available through your nearest Oil Capacity: W/Fitter 3.5 Pints Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS W/O Filter 3.0 Pints section of this
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Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Steering Extension O1 :_ Steering Wheel Adapter _g Shaft I I Boot I I Seat (1)Washer @ 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge i_(1) Knob For Future Use Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys _t 7
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Yournewtractor hasbeen assembledat the factorywiththe exceptionof thoseparts left unassembledfor shippingpurposes.To ensuresafeand properoperationof yourtractor all partsand hardwareyouassemblemustbetightenedsecurely.Usethe correcttools as necessaryto insurepropertightness.Reviewthe videocassettebeforeyoubegin. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below. (1) 3/4"wrench (1) Pliers (2) 7/16" wrench (1) Utility knife (1
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5. Pivot seat and pan forward and as- NOTE: You may now roll or drive your semble adjustment knob and flat tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate 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 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 mower deck opening and slide into of this manual. Verify that the belts are place, as shown. routed 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 Ikl REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING DRAKE PARKING DRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT LIGHT @@@@@ ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT KEEPAREACLEAR SLOPEHAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFETY
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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 -- Attachment Throttle/Choke Lift Lever Control Height Clutch/Brake Adjustment Pedal Lever g Brake Lever Gearshift Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standar
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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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• The average lawn should be cut to ap- • If slowing is necessary, move throttle proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool control lever to slower position. season and to over 3 inches during hot • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push months. For healthier and better looking clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi- lawns, mow often and after moderate tion and engage parking brake. growth. • Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be • For best cutting performance, grass over sure you have allowed
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ADD GASOLINE . Insert key into ignition and turn key • Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular not run starter continuously for more unleaded gasoline with a minimum of than fifteen seconds per minute. If the 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline wilt engine does not start after several increase carbon and lead oxide deposits attempts, move throttle control to fast and reduce valve l
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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_o_ " FILL IN DATES _,_ ,_.0_ ,_.C; ,_0 ,_£'_ _ _0 AS YOU COMPLETE _'_ £x 4,_ £x 4,'_ £x 4,9 _" £k 4,_ _q'_ REGULAR SERVICE _"__ SERVICE DATES i i Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems a Check for Loose Fasteners V # _5 V # T Lubrication Chart _1_ 0 Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _43 R Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Beffs Check Engine Oil Level _ Change Engine Oil (with oi_ filter) _1,2 _1_ E Change Engine Oil (wi
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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 NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in Your tractor has a battery charging system cold weather, the oils will result in in- which is sufficient for normal use. How- creased oil consumption when used above ever, periodic charging of the battery with 32°R Check your engine oil level more an automotive charger will extend its life. frequently to avoid possible engine dam- • Keep battery and terminals clean. age from running tow on oil. • Keep battery bolt
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ENGINEOIL FILTER CLEAN AIR SCREEN Replacethe engineoil filter everyseason Air screen must be kept free of dirt and or everyotheroil changeif the tractoris chaff to prevent engine damage from used morethan 100 hoursin one year. overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stub- AIR FILTER born dried gum fibers. Your engine will not run properly using a ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every Debris may clo
