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Owner's Manual
JCRIIFTSMIIN°J
LAWN TRACTOR
16.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273800
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
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
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Warranty ................................................ 2 Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ..................... 23 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 acciden- tion and do not point it at anyone. Do tal starting when setting up, transporting, not operate the mower without either adjusting or making repairs, always the entire grass catcher or the guard in disconnect spark plug wire and pl
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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 3.5 Gallons nia Public Resources Code). Other states Capacity Unleaded may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the and Type: Regular muffler is available through your nearest Oil Type SAE 10W-30 (Above 32°F) Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS (API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30 (Below 32 F) section of this manual). Oil Capacity: W/Filter 1.11 Qua
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Steering Wheel O Premium Steering Steering Extension Adapter Sleeve Shaft Steering Steering @ Wheel Insert (1) Locknut 1/2-20 ® (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Seat (1) Washer @ 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use 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 _ Insert easier. Standard wrench sizes you need _"_ 1/2 Hex Nut are listed below. (1)
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NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest po- sition. INSTALL SEAT 2. Release parking brake by depressing Adjust seat before tightening adjustment clutch/brake pedal. knob. 3. Place freewheel control in '"trans- 1. Remove adjustment knob and f
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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 SA
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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 Clutch Lever Switch Ammeter -~-. Lift Lever Plunger Choke Control Throttle Control. Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Pedal Height Adjustment Indicator Free Wheel Control Parking Brake Lever Motion Lever 3MPH 2MPH t
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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 IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will TO SET PARKING BRAKE cause the battery to discharge and go Your tractor i
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• The average lawn should be cut to ap- _CAUTION: Do not operate the mower proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool without either the entire grass catcher, season and to over 3 inches during hot on mowers so equipped, or the deflector months. For healthier and better looking shield in place. lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. Lift Lever • For best cutting performance, grass High over 6 inches in height should be Position mowed twice. Make the first cut rela- tively high; the second to
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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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PURGE TRANSMISSION WARMWEATHERSTARTING(50° Fand above) _CAUTION: Never engage or disengage 8. Whenengine starts,slowlypush choke freewheel lever while the engine is run- control in untilthe enginebeginsto ning. runsmoothly.If the enginestartsto To ensure proper operation and per- runroughly,pullthe chokecontrolout formance, it is recommended that the slightlyfor a fewsecondsand then transmission be purged before operating continueto push the control inslowly. tractor for the first time. This pro
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MULCHING MOWING TIPS MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep • Mower should be properly leveled for mower housing free of built-up grass and best mowing performance. See "TO trash. Clean after each use. LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the • The special mulching blade will recut Service and Adjustments section of this manual. the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall • The left hand side of mower should be onto the lawn they will disperse into used for trimming
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FiLL,. O ATES ASYOU COMPLETE /__A_O_ _._ _ _._ _ _ _O" REGULARSE RVICE ___i_ SER VICE DATES Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems I_' R Check for Loose Fasteners _ 11##5 T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades i3 R Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts _# Check Engine Oil Level _ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) I1_'1,_ E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) _#_,2 N Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen N_ Inspect Muffler/Sp
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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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BATTERY V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- after 100 hours of operation and replace ever, periodic charging of the battery with if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. an automotive charger will extend its life. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. ENGINE • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
