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Owner's Manual
20.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273481
I
[_ This product has a low emission engine which operates I
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
I
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
Sears, Roebuck and
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Warranty ................................................ 2 Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ..................... 22 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ................................................ 29 Assembly/P re-Operation ....................... 8 Troubleshooting ................................... 30 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. safe machine operation. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Never allow children to operate the limbs, etc. 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 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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In the state of California the above is re- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- Gasoline 4.0 Gallons nia Public Resources Code). Other states Unleaded Capacity may have similar laws. Federal laws apply and Type: Regular on federal lands. A spark arrester for the SAE10W30 muffler is available through your nearest Oil Type Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS API-SF-SJ): (above 32°F) section of this manual). SAE 5W-30(Below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 4.0 Pints RE
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Steering Wheel Extension //o _\ O WheelSteering Shaft __._ Steering Insert Steering _"_._J Wheel_ Adapter (1) Flat Washer o ering (1) kecknut (1) kecknut L__ll_!(1) H_!_18 eve 1/4-28 1/2-20 Seat J "_1 ) Washer @ 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob i _ _'(" _ (4) RetainerSprings IO ]_] ((_'_) __.double loop, (4, Clevis Pins I (4) Adjusting Bar_ Guage Wheels _(4) Wheels _ @ (4) Washers (4) Lecknut 3/8-16 (4) Shoulder Belt 3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga. Video Cassette Keys Slope Sheet For Future Use "-t 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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INSTALL SEAT 3. Place freewheel control in disengaged position to disengage transmission Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. (See "TO TRANSPORT" in the Op- eration section of this manual). 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat 4. Roll tractor forward off skid. washer securing seat to cardboard 5. Remove banding holding the deflector packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. shield up against tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See the car
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CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS Pin See the figures that are shown for replac- ing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your trac- tor, check to see that the brake is properly INSTALL MULCHER PLATE adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of (If previously removed) this manual. 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in
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Thesesymbols mayappearon yourtractor or in literaturesuppliedwiththe product. Learnand understandtheir 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 CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFETY RULE
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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 Position Attachment Ignition Lift Lever Clutch Lever Switch Plunger Attachment Throttle/Choke Reverse Control B_ke Pedal Height ustment Indicator FreeWheel Control Parking Brake Lever 02730 Our tractors conform to the safety standards
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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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR • Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch TO SET PARKING BRAKE in any position other than "STOP" will Your tractor is equippe
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• For best cutting performance, grass over A(_CAUTION: Do not operate the mower 6 inches in height should be mowed without either the entire grass catcher, twice. Make the first cut relatively high; on mowers so equipped, or the deflector the second to desired height. shield in place. TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Attachment Attachemnt Lever Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when "Engaged" f,;, High Position Position mower is at the desired cutting height in opera
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Transmission 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: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- tion and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of Transmission Disengaged an eng
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COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and 3. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move below) throttle control to slow position. Disen- 6. When engine starts, leave throttle gage parking brake. control in choke position until engine 4. Depress forward drive pedal to full warms up and begins to run roughly. forward position and hold for five (5) Once rough running begins, imme- seconds and release pedal. Depress diately move the throttle control to the reverse drive ped
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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 00272 to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) • If grass is extremely tall, it should be speed as
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AS YOU COMPLETE _)_._ _4_ £,4,q; q4.e _.4,_ q4._ _._ DATES R EGU LAR SERVICE /___RVlCE Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners _ Ks I1_ T Lubrication Chart I1_ 0 Sharpen/Replace Check Battery Level Mower Blades i3 R Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V_Belts I_ Check Engine Oil Level II_ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) I1_,_ I_ E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) _,2 N CleanAirFiiter _/# _ G Clean Air Screen _ Inspect MuffledSpa
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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 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 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. power. Check the crankcase oil level before start- 1. Remove terminal guard. ing
