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Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN'I
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273763
I
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
[_ This product has a low emission engine which operates I
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
I
For answers to your questions
IMPORTANT:
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, M
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Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Warranty ................................................ 2 Service and Adjustments ..................... 23 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ................................................ 29 AssemblyP re-Operation ........................ 8 Troubleshooting ................................... 30 Repair Parts ......................................... 34 Operatio
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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 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 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 API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30 Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS (Below 32°F) section of this manual). Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints R
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Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Extension Wheel Adapter Shaft Steering Seat \ (1) 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 ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly _- 1/2 Hex Nut easier. Standard wrench sizes you need _ Insert are listed below. Larg
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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 washer loosely. Do not tighten. instruction below to remove the tractor 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 function of controls) clutch/brake pedal all the way down. 8.
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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 f. 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 UGHTS ON ENGINE OH 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 RU
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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. Attachment Ignition Switch Clutch Lever / Light Switch Position Ammeter ..... "'- Plunger Throttle/Choke Attachment Lift Lever Height Clutch/Brake Adjustment Pedal Indicator Freewheel Parking Brake Lever Control Motion Control Lever Our tractors c
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the I eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses I 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 spectac es. HOW TO 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 eq
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• For best cutting performance, grass over Attachment _ -_. Attachemnt Clutch Lever '"/_ _)_ / Lift Lever 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; "Engaged" _ _ _/_ High. the second to desired height. Position _ _ Pos,t, on TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Pos t on Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when "pD°isi_ingaged"_ _ _ Deflector mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then Shie,d keep the
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Transmission Engaged A(_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 separation and formation of acids during storage. Acid- ic gas can damage the fuel system of an Transmission Disengaged e
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1. Place tractor safely on level surface • The attachmentsand grounddrive can with engine off and parking brake set. nowbe used.If the enginedoes not 2. Disengage transmission by placing acceptthe load, restartthe engineand freewheel control in disengaged posi- allowit to warm up for one minute using the choke as describedabove. tion (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this section of manual). COLDWEATHERSTARTING( 50° F and 3. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. below) After the engine is running, mov
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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 ._f_ ,_-_ _ _ o-_ ,_/_, AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE _'__'S E RVIC E DATES i 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 filter) _1,2 Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) _1_1,_ E N
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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. SAE V{SCOS_TY GRADES • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on 8o your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. oH vise chmrll e Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in Corrosion and dirt on the battery and cold weather, they will result in inc
