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Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN'I
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273401
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.
For answers to your questions
IMPORTANT:
about this product, Call:
Read and follow all Safety
1-800-659-5917
Rules and Instructions before
Sears Craftsman Help Line
operating this equipment.
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sa
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Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ..................... 23 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ................................................ 29 Troubleshooting ................................... 30 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. • Be aware of the mower discharge direc- ,_WARNING: 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 and be seriously injured or interfere with • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree safe machine operation. limbs, etc. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un- even terrain could overturn the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects Tall grass can hide obstacles. that may obscure vision. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gea
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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 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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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS In the state of California the above is re- quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- Gasoline 1.25 Gallons nia Public Resources Code). Other states Capacity Unleaded may have similar laws. Federal laws apply and Type: Regular on federal lands. A spark arrester for the Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) muffler is available through your nearest _,PI-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30 Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS (Below 32°F) section of this manual). Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints
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Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ @(1) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 1/2-20 M V Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys "-t 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 ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below. (1) 3/4"wrench (1) Pliers (2
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6. Lowerseat intooperatingpositionand TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See sit in seat. Operation section for location and 7. Slide seat untila comfortableposition function of controls) is reachedwhichallowsyouto press 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise clutch/brakepedalall the waydown. attachment lift lever to its highest po- 8. Get offseat without movingits ad- sition. justed position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing 9. Raiseseat and tighten adjustment clutch/brake pedal. knobsecurely. 3. Pl
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM 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. wi
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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. Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever _t Switch Position Ammeter ..... . Lever Plunger Throttle/Choke Control Attachment Lift Lever Height Clutch/Brake Adjustment Pedal , Indicator Freewheel Parking Brake Lever Control Motion Control Lever Our t
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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 YOUR TRACTOR • Never use choke to stop engine. TO SET PARKING BRAKE IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will Your tractor is
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TOTRANSPORT • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed When pushing or towing your tractor, be twice. Make the first cut relatively high; sure to disengage transmission by placing the second to desired height. freewheel control in freewheeling position. Freewheel control is located at the rear TO OPERATE MOWER drawbar of tractor. Your tractor is equipped with an operator 1. Raise attachment lift to highest posi- presence sensing switch. Any attempt tion with at
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• For cold weather operation you should NOTE: Before starting, read the warm change oil for easier starting ((See the and cold starting procedures below. oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance 6. Insert key into ignition and turn key section of this manual). clockwise to start position and release • To change engine oil, see the Mainte- key as soon as engine starts. Do nance section in this manual. not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the ADD GASOLINE engine
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PURGE TRANSMISSION MOWING TIPS To ensure proper operation and per- ,, Mower should be properly leveled for formance, it is recommended that the best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will Service and Adjustments section of this manual. remove any trapped air inside the trans- • The left hand side of mower should be mission which may have developed during shipping of your tractor. used for tri
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MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recut- ting action of
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ._f_ ,_-_ _ _ o-_ ,_/_, F, LL,.OAT ES AS YOU COMPLETE DATES REGULAR SERVICE _'__"S E RVIC E Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure _ Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners _ _1_5 _ Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _3 T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level _4 a Clean Battery and Terminals _ Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts I1_ Check Engine Oil Level I_ I_ Change Engine Oil (with oil fitter) _1,: E Change Engine Oil (without oil filt
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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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• Keep battery bolts tight. ENGINE • Keep small vent holes open. LUBRICATION • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. Only use high quality detergent oil rated NOTE: The original equipment battery on with API service classification SF-SJ. your tractor is maintenance free. Do not Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade attempt to open or remove caps or covers. according to your expected operating Adding or checking level of electrolyte is temperature. not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corr
