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Owner's Manual
JCRnFTSMAN'I
LAWN TRACTOR
17.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273180
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
i_ 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 pro, Mon -
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Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Warranty ................................................ 2 Service and Adjustments ..................... 22 Safety Flules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ............................................ Troubleshooting ................................ AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ 8 Repair Parts ......................................... 34 Operation ...........
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IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- !ng objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious mjury or death. • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- &WARNING: In order to prevent ac- lutely necessary. Always look down and cidental starting when setting up, trans- behind before and while backing. porting, adjusting or making repairs, • Be aware of the mower discharge direc- always disconnect spark plug wire and tion 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
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• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other people limbs, etc. before mowing. Stop machine if anyone • Watch for bores, ruts, or bumps. Uneven enters the area. terrain could overturn the machine. Tall • Never carry passengers or children grass can hide obstacles. even with the blades off. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- so that you will not have to stop or shift lutely necessary. Always look down and while on the slope. beh
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In the state of California the above is re- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- 1.25 Gallons Gasoline nia Public Resources Code). Other states Unleaded Capacity may have similar laws. Federal laws apply Regular and Type: on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest SAE 10W30 Oil Type Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS (Above 32°F) (API-SG-SL): section of this manual). SAE 5W30 (Below 32°F) REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS Oil
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Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Steering Extension Steering Boot Wheel Adapter Shaft (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _i_ (1) Knob (_1_(1) Oil Drain_ For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 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 easier, Standard wrench sizes are listed. _1/2 Rex Nut Large FlatWasher (1
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3. Place seat on seat pan so head of NOTE: You may now roll or drive your shoulder bolts are positioned over the tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate large slotted holes in pan. instruction below to remove the tractor 4. Push down on seat to engage shoul- from the skid. der bolts in slots and pull seat towards TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See rear of tractor. Operation section for location and 5. Pivot seat and pan forward and as- semble adjustment knob and flat function of controls) washer
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CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALL MULCHER PLATE After you learn howto operate yourtrac- (If previously removed) tor, check to see that the brake is properly 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in upright position. the Service and Adjustmentssectionof 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front thismanual. of mower deck opening and slide into o/CHECKLIST place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of Before you operate your new tractor, we mower deck. wish to
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These symbols may appearon your tractor or in literaturesupplied withthe product. Learn and understandtheir meaning. R N H L I\1 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 UFT UGHT AITACHMENT ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFETY RULES SEC
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourseff with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Lift Lever Ammeter J Plunger Throttle/Choke Attachment Control Lift Lever Height Clutch/Brake Adjustment Pedal Indicator Freewheel Parking Brake Lever Control MotionControl Lever Our tractors conf
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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 I or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments I or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety I mask worn over spectacles. I 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 tract
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TO ADJUST GAUGEWHEELS Attachment Attachemnt Gauge wheels are properly adjusted =Engaged" High when they are slightly off the ground when Position _? Position mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then Position ke'ep the-deck ,n proper pos'tion to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor Position Deflector on a flat level surface. I. Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in
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Transmlsslon Engaged CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcoholblended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- tion and formation of acids during storage. Transmission Disengaged Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of NOTE: To
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PURGE TRANSMISSION WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) CAUTION: Never engage or dis- engage freewheel lever while the engine 7. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. is running. • The attachments and ground drive can To ensure proper operation and per- formance, it is recommended that the now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and transmission be purged before operating allow it to warm up for one minute using tractor for the fi
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MULCHING MOWING TIPS MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for IMPORTANT: Forbest performance,keep mower housingfree of built-upgrass and best mowing performance. See "TO trash. Clean after each use, LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the • The special mulchingblade willrecut Service and Adjustments section of 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 onto the lawn they will disperse into used for trimming. • Dr
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _ ,_. _ ,_. _o_ ,_ ,_ AS YOU COMPLETE _ ._e _._q_ _> _, _ _ REGULAR SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation _ Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and T InterlockSystems t_ R Check for Loose Fasteners _ l_s I_ T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level A Sharpec/Replace Mower Blades _a R Clean Battery and Terminals I_ Check Transaxle Cooling I_ Check V-Belts I_' Check Engine Oil Level tf V' Change Engine 011 (with OHfilter) I_,; ,/ E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter)
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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. BRAKE OPERATION 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). If tractor requires more than six (6) feet IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If stopping distance at high speed in highest bolt needs replacing, replace only with ap- gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and prove bolt shown in the Repai
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SAEVISCOSRY GRADES NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is •3O O TI_PERATURE R/_IGE ANTICIPATED BEI=OI_ NEXTOIL CHANGE not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Change the oil after every 50 hours of op- Corrosion and dirt on the battery and eration or at least once a year if the tractor terminals can cause the battery to =leak" is not used for 50 hours in one year. p
