OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 917.254531 ® Caution: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions Before Operating This Equipment 12.0 HP IC ELECTRIC START 38" OWER DECK 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR oAssembly • Operation • Customer Responsibilities • Service and Adjustment ° Repair Parts ............ , Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A. ,, ,, ,,,, ,,,.
SAFETY Practices RULES for Ride-On Safe Operation Mowers & IMPORTANT; THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS, FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH I. GENERAL * Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. Cteartheareaofobjects suchas rocks, toys, wire, etc.
PRODUCT CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor, It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. .Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Center/Department. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit, Please read and retain this manual° The instructions will SPECIFICATIONS HORSEPOWER: t2.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIMTIES ..................... 3, 14-17 WARRANTY ................................................................... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................. 4 INDEX ...................................... ;...................................... 4 TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .........................................
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS These accessories and attachments werg available when the unit was purchased.
Parts Bag contents shown full size Parts packed separately in carton O (2) Sheet Seat Battery acid Screws Metal #10-16 x 1/2 L.............. l Steering Wheel Battery Steering Boot Owner's (1) Hex Bolt t/2-13 x I Manual ,i C @ (I) Shoutder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Lock Washer (1) Washer ,, i , .............. , , •............. ,,,,,,_,, ,= ................. Parts bag contents , ...........
ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY INSERT 3/8-24 HEX LOCKNUT A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) 5/16" wrench (2) 7/t6" wrenches Tire pressure gauge Screwdriver (1) 1/2" wrench Utility knife (t) 2-3/8" STEERING 9/t6" wrench When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).
ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL PREPARE Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolto BATTERY (See Fig. 2) SEAT (See Fig. 3) • Remove cardboard packing on seat pan. CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield. ° Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Wash hands or clothing Immediately If accidentally In contact wlth battery acid. • Assemble adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten_ Do not smoke. Fumes from charged battery acid are explosive.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL BATTERY CAUTION: (See Figs. 4 & 5) Do not short battery terml. metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, nals. Before Installing battery, remove rings, etc, Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from acclden= tat grounding. • Lift seat to raised position, = Open battery box door. = Lower battery into battery box with battery terminals toward front of unit. . Be sure battery drain tube is attached to battery box.
OPERATnON 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, this manual for future reference_ ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER IGNITION SWITCH Save LIFT LEVER PLUNGER ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER LIGHT SWITCH \\ THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL CLUTCH!BRAKE MOWER DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT POSITIONS [ J GEARSHIFT LEVER FIG, 6 Sears tractors conform to the s
OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage, Always wear safety g|asses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog stores.
OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8) Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch° Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine, • Select desired height of cut. • Engagemower by slowly moving attachment lever to ENGAGED' position. ° TO STOP MOWER _ Move attachment clutch lever to "DISENGAGED" clutch po__sition; ........... .
OPERATION TO START ENGINE Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the machine. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting. (See Fig, 7) When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine, • Depress the clutch/brake brake.
..... ii ¸ lu-ill iii1,, iiii, ,, ,u .... CUSTOMER RESPONS BILFRES nunl i , MAINTENANCE i]_, i,, ,,, i, lU,,, SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES v' Check Br,a, ke Ope,ra!!on Check T_rePressure 6#4' _44 _A Check for Loose Fasteners ...... Sharpen!Replace Mower Blades LubricationChart C Check Battery LeveVRecharge 0 Clean Battery and Terminals R Check Transmission Cooling R ....... v' e/ v', v' v' ......
CUSTOMER ESPONSIBILITmES TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance_ BRAKE DE f'_ _" "_ MANDREL OPERATION If unit requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear,,!han brake must be adjusted, (See 'TO ADJUST BRAKE in Service and AdjLJstments section of this manual), TIRES - Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PROD ,_ UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual), .
iiiiii i, RESPONSiBILiTIES BATTERY (See Fig. 12) ENGINE Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However periodic charg,ing of the battery wth an automotive charger will extend its life. LUBRICATION • Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter or at least once a year ff the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year° Acid solution level in each battery cell should be even with bottoms of vent wells.
AIR FILTER FOAM PRE-CLEANER (See Fig, 14) SCREWS BLOWER HOUSING Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter_ Clean the foam pro-cleaner element after every 25 hours of operation, more often if used in very dusty, dirty conditions. • Remove knob and cover. • Remove cartridge nut and replace cartridge. , Reassemble and tighten securely, NOTE: Do not a_empt to clean or oil the paper cartridge.
SERVSCE AND ADJUSTMENTS i,, i i CAUTION: ii,l,,,i i,ii1,1,,,,11,, ,i i ! ii BEFORE PERFORMING i ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: •• , Depress clutch/brake fully andposition, set parking brake. Place gearshift lever inpedal "NEUTRAL" Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. o • Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped, . Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
ii ii,i, ,i , ..............
_111 ....... i ....... SERVICE AN =:n,l,ll, ii, ii ADJUSTMENTS , TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED' (See Fig, 22) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on the mower housing_ BELT REMOVAL • • Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.
SERVICE AN TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS ALIGNMENT TO START ENGINE (See Fig, 26) if steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer.. ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual.
SERVICE AN ,, ,i ADJUSTMENTS i,i ,i ,,111,,111,,, TO REPLACE i ii TO REMOVE FUSE (See Fig. 27) Replace with 30 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located in the engine compartment, directly in front of the dash. HOOD AND GRILL ii, / i i ........... ,,,, , . Unsnap headright wire connector. o Remove retainer springs from hood pivot brackets. ° Stand in front of tractor.
............................... SERVICE AN ,1 , ill = , = i i, M,,, =,H.,,.I, j_ =l ..... m ADJUSTMENTS i ,, i , ,,i i,, 11, i, i i, _L,,u,_,, FINAL SET'f'tNG - ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE (See Fig. 29) CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
.......................... , ,, ...................... _ -- STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more.
TROU ,i,, ,,i, ],11 illl PROBLEM ill I UU'U. , Ulll LESHOOTING ............................. : POINTS ............ CAUSE • _:,_ ...................... CORRECTION ii Will not start 1, Out of fuel. 2, 3 4. 5. 6. 7. Engine not "CHOKED" Engine flooded, Bad spark piug. Dirty eJrfilter. Dirty fuet filter. Water In fuel 1 properly, 8. 9o 10 Loose or damaged wNng. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to 8tart 1 2. & 4 5. 6. 7. 8. Dirty air fiitar..
..... ii, , ,ir,, /i '1 TROUBLESHOOTING , i,i i,l_,_J,J ,i,J,i, PROBLEM ...... i' ,11,, POINTS _ ,,, i,ii i CORRECTION CAUSE , Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch ....... ,1 ,,1,1 1, Check wiring, switches and connections, If not corrected, contact Sears Service Department, Worn, bent or _oosebiade_ Mower decknotlevel Buildupof grass, _eaves,and trashundermowe_, Bent blade mandrel, I, 2, Rep{ace blade. Tighten blade boll Leve_ mower deck. 3 4.
12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254531 SCHEMATIC RED BLACK BATTERY RED FUSE 30 AMP. I i l STARTER WHITE -- ( I_ J SOLENOID BLACK I IGNITION SWITCH ....... ' O1 I {,._1 ...... F WHITE 1 __..
REPAnR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR ° .. MODEL NUMBER 917.254531 ELECTRICAL A B C 32 12 13 33 18 28 4 I 31 8 \ 28 34 19
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR., o MODEL NUMBER ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAUR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING CHASSIS LAWN TRACTOR ° = MODEL NUMBER 917,254531 AND ENCLOSURES A B D E F G H ! K L _2s 9 10 23_.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING CHASSIS LAWN TRACTOR ,-,- MODEL NUMBER AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER DRIVE D 57 30 _! E_L 13 _1 _1 12 14 -17 \ E 39 -_, 0----21 10 8 A B 15 C D 6 E F 18 72 1 _ 19_o_ 32 34 37 G H 67 68 I 0 32 917.
REPARR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254531 DRIVE KEY PART NO.
/ I !," }_J_I._ tl I \,, I _o ,,+ s#'-'_ t \ " .,tp t 2"_ i q!,l_,lii.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR STEERING - - MODEL NUMBER ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RBDING LAWN TRACTOR o - MODEL NUMBER 917.254531 SEAT ASSEMBLY 8 C •, ! 2 16 |'..,, 12 A _19 B C _22_ D 4 (_)8 E _)17 13 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 t0 11 !2 13 14 f5 127436 126656X STD523707 19131210 275tR STD54t437 12418tX 17490616 19131614 124294X 12!26tX 121246X 121248X 72050411 t2t249X KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR., - MODEL NUMBER 917.254531 DECALS 13 18 6 4 7 8 5 8 7 3 13 10 9 t5 11 16 12 1 KEY PART NO, NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 t08456X 126685X 124489X 124490X 132674 133644 126770X 10863tX 125880X 106974X KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR = = MODEL NUMBER ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR = ,. MODEL NUMBER 917.254531 38" MOWER 52 45 45 53 55 44 77 71 _'/ 57 58 51 50 37 56 C L 57 63 1 24 27 o 22 "J 19 17 15 14' 10-.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - = MODEL NUMBER 917.254531 38" MOWER KEY PART NO. NO.
FIEPAnFI PARTS 12 HP 38 '=RIDING LAWN TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAgR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDING LAWN TRACTOR FOOTE/DANA KEY PART NO, NO.
REPAURPARTS 12 HP 38" R_DHNG LAWN TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER o o MODEL 283707, TYPE NUMBER 334 307 11 13 44 NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" RRDING LAWN TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE = MODEL 12t CARBURETOR 965 NUMBER OV_UL 131 53 - ° MODEL 283707, NUMBER TYPE NUMBER 917.25453! 0217o01 KIT 14t _ lo8 987,= _ ®634 52 164 535 17' © 127 84A I .
EPA R PARTS 12 HP 38" RiDiNG BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE LAWN TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER = ° MODEL 283707, NUMBER TYPE NUMBER 917.254531 0217-01 3tO 803 801 .F{eference Number .__._urer Br=ggs& j . 1 3-__ izv Housing | 309 1 310 ......|i "311 I 51Q Motor and I _Bolt I Brush I Drive I Drive Ass__.,_L_,I Assembtv I Assembly t J J J 544 Armature Assembtv i Ii_ _9480_ _I L_40_3_ l__39ss;_O.
REPAUR PARTS 12 HP 38" RIDBNG LAWN TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" R D[NG BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO, NO.
SERVICE: NOTES 49
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR S_GHTING SLOPES FOB SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LiNE OR TREE. 15 ° MAX. greater neverup across the face. Make Operate than your !5°), Tractor and down the face of turns slopes gradu (not ally to prevent tipping or Joss of corntrel. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction en siopes.
® 12.0,HP IC ELECTRIC START 38" MOWER DECK 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 917.254531 Each tractor has its own model number. number. Each engine has its own model The model number for your tractor will be found located under the seat. on the model plate The model number for your engine wilt be found on the blower housing. All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears, Roebuck and Co. Service Centers and most Retail Stores..
