Operator's Manual ® CAR E 1 TRACTO 26.0 HR* 54" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.25436 This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Operator's Manual. IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (EIO) is acceptable for use in this machine.
Warranty .................................................. Safety Rules ............................................ Product Specifications ............................. Assembly/Pre-Operation ......................... Operation ............................................... CRAFTSMAN Maintenance Maintenance 2 3 6 8 13 Schedule .......................... .......................................... 21 21 Service and Adjustments ....................... Storage ..........................................
,_DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. _,WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. • _,WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
li. SLOPE OPERATION • Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• • • • Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the • ground. Ifthis is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. • Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. Iffuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Never overfill fueltank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and type: 4.0 Gallons/15,14 Regular Unleaded Oil Type: API: SG-SL) SAE30 (above 32°F/0°0) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°0) Oil Capacity: 64 Oz./1,96 Spark Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030"/0.76 mm) Plug: In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
Mower Front Wheel Mower (2) Rear _ Lift Link Assemblies (5) 1-3/16 O.D. Washers _ (1) Shoulder Bolt © (i) 1-i/40.D. Washer (1) Small @ Retainer Springs (1) Front Lift Link (5) Large Retainer Springs _ (1) Wheel Assembly (1) Oil Drain Tube if Equipped Keys (1) Anti=Sway Bar (1) 3/40.D.
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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 ensure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY ADJUST A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
TO iNSTALL MOWER 1. Set parking brake lever and attachment lift lever • Depress clutch/brake down and hold. Assemble front front of mower. , pedal lower gauge wheel all the way (W) to f_ Pull parking brake lever up and hold, release pressure from clutch/brake pedal, then release parking brake lever. Pedal should remain in brake position. Ensure parking brake will hold tractor secure. H. Front Mower Bracket X. Shoulder Bolt W. Front Gauge Wheel Y, Z, 11/40.D. Washer 3/8-16 Locknut 3.
4. Slide mower under tractor. • • Bring belt forward and check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. NOTE: Be sure mower side suspension arms (A) are pointing forward before sliding mower under tractor. • Slide mower under tractor centered under tractor. until it is • Pivot the integrated washer end of antisway bar (S) towards mower deck bracket on right side of mower. Insert integrated washer end of bar into hole in rear mower bracket (D).
m \ m \ \ \ • • • install Belt On Engine • Disengage belt tension locking bracket (L). • Install belt onto engine Clutch Pulley (M) rod clutch (K) pulley from (M). IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves and under mandrel covers. C. D. U, 8 , 9 Rear Lift Link(S) Right Side Rear Mower Bracket Hole Attach front link (E) Turn steering wheel to position wheels straight forward.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE IVfCHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were over-inflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires. Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product. Please CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best should be MOWER" section of _f cutting results, mower housing properly leveled.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Our tractors conform American to the applicable safety standards National Standards Institute. of of the (H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR ENGINE - TO SET PARKING BRAKE • Movethrottle control (D) between full speed (fast) position. Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD The cutting height range is approximately 1 "to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2" during the cool season and to over 3" during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
TO STOP MOWER Disengage _ICAUTION: BLADES attachment TO OPERATE clutch _IbWARNING: control. Do not operate OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) TO TRANSPORT When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor. Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.
SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual. NOTE: Service reminder runs when the CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
6. WARM WEATHER (50°F (10°0) 7. PURGE Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry. _I, CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is running.
MOWING • Tire TIPS chains cannot be used when • When mowing large areas, start byturning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished. the mower housing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Check Brake Check Tire EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE EACH USE 8 HOURS 25 HOURS 50 HOURS 100 HOURS SEASON STORAGE _' V" Operation Pressure aT Check Operator Presence A Check for Loose Fasteners C T ChecWReplace Mower Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery R Clean Battery Clean Debris & ROS Systems Blades Level and Terminals Off Steering Check Transaxle Check BEFORE Mower Plate Cooling Levelness v" Check V-Belts Check Engine Change Oil Le
TRACTOR CHECK REVERSE SYSTEM Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See PSI on tires). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber. For best results mower blades must be sharp. eplace worn, bent or damaged blades. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year. Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 3. Rinsethe battery with plain waterand dry. 4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. 5.
AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen mustbe kept free of dirt andchaff to preventenginedamagefromoverheating. Cleanwith a wire brushor compressedair to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLINGAREAS To ensure proper cooling, make sure the CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. Clean debris from steering plate.
Nozzle Washout Port 4. Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and push the adapter onto the deck washout port at the left end of the mower deck. Release the lock collar to lock the adapter on the nozzle. IMPORTANT: Tug hose ensuring connection is secure. 5. Turn the water on. 6. While sitting in the operator's position on the tractor, re-start the engine and place the throttle lever in the Fast "'_!_" position. IMPORTANT: Recheck certain the area is clear. .
& WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS ADJUSTMENTS: iNJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot in contact with plug. TO REMOVE MOWER 1. Place 2. GAGED" position. Lower attachment 3.
TO LEVEL MOWER 4. Make sure tires are properly inflated to the PSI shown on tires. Iftires are over or under inflated, it may affect the appearance of your lawn and lead you to think the mower is not adjusted properly. VISUAL SIDE-TO-SIDE If adjustment is necessary, and 3 in Visual Adjustment above. 5. Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both sides are equal. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level sideto-side. ADJUSTMENT 1.
TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT NOTE: MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL position of all belt guides and keepers. 2. Disconnect clutch wire harness (A). 3. Remove anti-rotation link (B) on right side of tractor. 1. 2. Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. Lower attachment lift lever to its lowest 4. position. 3. Disengage belt tension rod (K) from lock bracket (L). AUTION: Belttension rod is spring loaded. Have afirm grip on rod and release slowly. 4. Remove screws (P) from R.H. and LH.
TO CHECK BRAKE TO START TERY If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be serviced. you try to manually push the tractor forward. If the rear wheels rotate, then the brake needs to be serviced. Contact a Sears or service TO ATTACH center. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER Your new tractor front wheel toe-in WHEEL FOR JUMPER CABLES Connect one endofthe RED cable to the 2.
REPLACING _I:_WARNiNG: BATTERY TO REMOVE ASSEMBLY Do not short batteryterminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift hood to raised position. 2. Disconnect BLACKbatterycable (A) then RED battery came and carefully remove battery from tractor. 3.
ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will ,_be used for 30 days or more. ARNING: Never store the tractor FUEL with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate section in manual PROBLEM Will not start Hard to start Engine will not turn over CHART: unless directed CAUSE to Sears service center CORRECTION 1 Out of fuel. 1 Fill fuel tank. 2 Engine 2 See "TO START ENGINE" Operation section. 3 Engine flooded. 3 Wait several minutes attempting to start. 4 Bad spark plug. 4 Replace spark plug. 5 Dirty air filter. 5 Clean/replace 6 Dirty fuel filter. 6 Replace fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Engine clicks but will not start Loss of power Excessive vibration Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged CORRECTION 1 Weak or dead battery. 1 Recharge 2 Corroded 2 Clean battery terminals. 3 Loose or damaged 3 Check all wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Poor cut = uneven cutting Mower blades not rotate will Poor grass discharge Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) CORRECTION 1 Worn, bent or loose blade. 1 Replace 2 Mower deck not level. 2 Level mower 3 Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. 3 Clean underside housing. 4 Bent blade mandrel. 4 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Battery will not charge CAUSE CORRECTION 1 Bad battery cell(s). 1 Replace battery. 2 Poor cable connections. 2 Check/clean all connections. 3 Faulty regulator 3 Replace regulator. 4 Faulty alternator. 4 Replace alternator. 1 Freewheel control in "DISENGAGED" position. 1 Place freewheel control in "ENGAGED" position. 2 Debris on steering equipped).
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION I/v_- ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 03 15 DEGREES MAX. _ down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to up prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
01.10.12 BD Printed in the U.S.A.