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Owner's Manual
LAWN TRACTOR
21.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.274031
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
I I_ This product has a low emission engine which operates
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
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 pro, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebu
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Maintenance ......................................... 17 Warranty ................................................. 2 Safety Rules ........................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 Product Specifications ............................ 6 Storage ................................................. 27 Assembty/Pre-Operation ........................ 8 Troubleshooting .................................... 28 Operation ..........................................
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IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- !n.g 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 • 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 • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven enters the area. 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 behind before and while
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS In the state of California the above is re- quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- Gasoline 4.0 nia Public Resources Code). Other states Unleaded Capacity and may have similar laws. Federal laws apply Type: Regular on federal lands. A spark arrester for the Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) muffler is available through your nearest SAE 5W-30(below 32°FI Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS API-SG-SL): section of this manual). W/Filter: 4.0 Pints Oil Capacity: W/O Filter:
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']_ ower Leveling Wrench _Bubble Level Dr'ain T_ For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette (2) Keys 7
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Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory. Review the video cassette before you begin. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the oper- ating position (seated behind the steering wheel). TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON UNPACK CARTON 1. Cut along dotted lines on all four pan- els of carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat. Adjustment 2. Remove protective materials from trac- tor hood and grille. Knob IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any stap
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6. Start the engine. After engine has INSTALL MULCHER PLATE started, move throttle control to idle (If previously removed) position. 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in 7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full upright position. "BRAKE" position and hold. Move 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front gearshift lever to 1st gear. of mower deck opening and slide into 8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and place, as shown. slowly drive tractor off skid. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of
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CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ,/CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overin- Before you operate and enjoy your new flated at the factory for shipping purposes. tractor, we wish to assure that you receive Correct tire pressure is important for best the best performance and satisfaction cutting performance. from this Quality Product. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in Please review the following checklist: "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section ,/All assembly instructions have been of this manual. complet
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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 UGHTS 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 UGHT ®@@@@ ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (SEE SAFET
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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. Switch Position Hourmeter Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Lift Lever Plunger Attachment Throttle Control Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Pedal ", ... _ ._ _ -" , o Height Adjustment Lever Parking Brake Lever Choke Control Gearshift Lever Our tract
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into 1 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 a wide vision safety mask over I spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine TO SET PARKING BRAKE running, hot engine exhaust gases may Your tractor is equi
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• The average lawn should be cut to approxi- 1. Select desired height of cut. mately 2-t/2 inches during the cool season 2. Start mower blades by engaging at- tachment clutch control. and to over 3 inches during hot months. TO STOP MOWER BLADES - For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. disengage attachment clutch control. • For best cutting performance, grass over _CAUTION" Do not operate the mower 6 inches in height should be mowed without either the entire
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TOWINGCARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid MENTS engine problems, the fuel system should Tow only the attachments that are recom- be emptied before storage of 30 days mended by and comply with specifications or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use engine and let it run until the fuel lines common sense when towing. Too heavy and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel of a load, while on a slo
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COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing below) performance and proper discharge of 6. When engine starts, leave throttle material. Regulate ground speed by control in choke position until engine selecting a low enough gear to give the warms up and begins to run roughly. mower cutting performance as well as Once rough running begins, imme- the quality of cut desired. diately move the throttle control to the • When operating a
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REGULAR SERVICE "SYOOCOMPLETE ,'/ RV'OEOA,ES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure _ Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems If g Check for Loose Fasteners V' I_s V' T Lubrication Chart I_ 0 Check Battery Level CA Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _ R Clean Battery and Terminala V' Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level V _ I_ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) 11_,2 V' E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) _1,2 V _ N CleanAirFilter _#2 G Clean Air Screen Arres
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TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, Always observe safety rules when per- center hole in blade must align with star forming any maintenance. on mandrel assembly. 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 NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils Your tractor has a battery charging system (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in which is sufficient for normal use. How- cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. ever, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. Check your engine oil level more frequent- • Keep battery and terminals clean. ly to avoid possible engine damage from • Keep battery bolts tight. running low on o
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ENGINE OIL FILTER Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), Replace the engine oil filter every season remove the blower housing and other or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make AIR FILTER sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled. Your engine will not run properly using a NOTE: Operating the engine with a dirty air filter. Clean the
