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Owner's Manual
IC..FTSMeWl
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273160
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
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, Mon- Sat
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Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Warranty ................................................ 2 Service and Adjustments ..................... 22 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ................................................ 28 Troubleshooting ................................... 29 AssemblyP re-Operation ........................ 8 Operation ............................................. 11 Repair
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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. • 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 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 while on the slope. beh
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS In the state of California the above is re- quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- i Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Gallons nia Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply and Type: Unleaded Regular on federal lands. A spark arrester for the Oil Type SAE10W30(Above 32°F muffler is available through your nearest API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30(Below 32°F Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS Oil Capacity: W/Filter 4.0 Pints section of this manual). W/
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Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt (1) Locknut 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Extension Boot Wheel Adapter Shaft _ teering Steer, (_Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob 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 _._-_J Insert ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly _._1/2 Hex Nut easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) 3/4" wrenc
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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 how to operate your trac- (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 Adjustments section of 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front 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. w
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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\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 LIFT LIGHT ®@@@@ ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS 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 Attachment Clutch Lever Lift Lever Ammeter .... ~-.. Plunger Throttle/Choke Attachment Control Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Height Pedal Adjustment Indicator Freewheel Parking Brake Lever Control Motion Control Lever Our tr
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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 I or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safetyl mask worn over spectacles. J HOW TO USE YOU R 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 tract
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TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS TO OPERATE ON HILLS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted _iLWARNING: Do not drive up or down when they are slightly off the ground when hills with slopes greater than 15° and do mower is at the desired cutting height in not drive across any slope. Use the slope operating position. Gauge wheels then guide at the back of this manual. keep the deck in proper position to help • Choose the slowest speed before start- prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. ing up or down hil
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TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage MENTS Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner Tow only the attachments that are recom- products in the fuel tank or permanent mended by and comply with specifications damage may occur. of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy TO START ENGINE of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and When starting the engine
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AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONWARM UP NOTE: During this step there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being Beforedrivingthe unitin cold weather, removed from hydraulic drive system. the transmissionshouldbe warmedup as 5. Move motion control lever to neutral follows: (N) position. Shutoff engine and set 1. Be surethe tractor is on levelground. parking brake. 2. Placethe motioncontrol lever in 6. Engage transmission by placing neutral.Releasethe parkingbrake freewheel control in '"transmissi
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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 _,_ ,_-_ ,_,_ _ _-_. ,_ AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE _'__'_" S E R V lC e DATES i Check Brake Operation _ Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and f Interlock Systems R Check for LooseFasteners _ 1_'5 t_' A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _#3 T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level 1_4 R C_ean Battery and Terminals _#, I_ Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Leve_ I_ I_ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) _1,2 ql_ v, N Clean Air Filter E Change Eng
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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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NOTE:The originalequipmentbatteryon SAE V_SCOSITY GRADES yourtractor is maintenancefree. Do not attemptto open or removecapsor covers. Addingor checkinglevelof electrolyteis F not necessary. TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTiCiPATED BEFORE NEXT OiL CHANGE TO CLEANBATTERYANDTERMINALS Change the oil after every 50 hours of op- Corrosionand dirt onthe batteryand eration or at least once a year if the tractor terminalscan causethe batteryto "leak" is not used for 50 hours in one year. power. Check the crankcase
