® MODEL NUMBER 917.
SAFETY Practices RULES for Ride-On Safe Operation Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CU'FI-tNG MACHINE tSCAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 1. GENERAL • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before Starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are famil{ar with the instructions, to operate the machine. Clear the area of objects such as 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, welFtrained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY- RULES ............................................................ 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........................ ;.............. 3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15-18 WARRANTY ................................................................... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................. 4 iNDEX ............................................................................. 4 TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................
ACCESSORIES A ATTACHMENTS These accessories and attachments were available when the unit was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retait outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores Can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor. ENGINE SPARK PLUG MAmNTENANCE MUFFLER AIR=FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABiLiZER BLADES BELTS PERFOR[_ANCE Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your vehicle.
CONTENTS Parts Bag contents shown OF HARDWARE fult size PACK Parts packed separately in carton Seat Metal t (2) Screws Sheet x I/2 O Battery acid Mulcher Plate -t \ Steering Wheel Battery (t) Locknut 3/8-24 (1) Large Fiat Washer Steering Boot Parts Bag (l) Shoulder Bott 5/16-18 (1) HexBolt Owner's Manual t/2-13xl Parts bag contents _(2) not shown full size © Shoulder Bolts (2) Locknuts 3/8 - ! 6 (1) Lock Washer 1/2 _tch Hook (2) Gauge wheels Assembtys (1) Washer 17/32 x t-3/16
ASSE LY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts tel 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 toots as necessary to insure proper tightness.
ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL SEAT (See Fig, 3) PREPARE Adjust seat before tightening BATTERY CAUTION: (See Fig. 2) o Wear eye and face shield, Remove cardboard adiustment packing on seat pan. Place seat on pan and assemble Wash hands or c_othing immediately if accidentally in contact with battery a¢ido Do not acid smoke. Fumes from battery are explosiveo , Charged Read the instructions included with the battery vent caps.
BLY INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 4A & 41B) (POSIT_VE} CAUTION: Do not short battery termlnaiso Before instaling battery, remove HEX NUT. rings, etc. rect!! bracelets, wristwatch bands, Positive termina_ must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding° LOCK WASHER FLAT WASHER NOTE: For ease of battery installation, the heat shiefd between engine and battery compartrnent may be removed. Before removing heat shield, note position and routing of att cables and wires.
ASSEMBLY iNSTALL lVlULCHER PLATE DEFLECTOR SHIELD (See Figs. 6A & 6B) Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate using screw, washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown. NOTE:: Pre-assemble wetd nut to latch hook by inserting weld nut from the top with hook pointing down. o Tighten hardware securely. , Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower opening and sJide into place, as shown. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. , Hook rear {arch into hole on back of mower deck.
O ERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR C0mparethe illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of vadouscontrols this manual for future reference. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER \ IGNiTiON and adjustments. SWITCH LIFT _ _----_ Save LEVER PLUNGER % CHOKE : % _ \ \ LIGHT SWITCH ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER CLUTCH_RAKE PEDAL THROTTLE CONTROL PARKING BRAKE LEVER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB FiG.
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 glasses 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. HOW TO USE YOUR TO SET PARKING • TO MOVE FORWARD TRACTOR BRAKE (See Fig. 8) AND BACKWARD (See Fig.
OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER Move gearshift Iever to 1st gear and be sure you have altowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement. (See Fig. 9) 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. o Select desired height of cut. Lower mower with attachment lift control o Start mower blades by engaging control.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8) When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it wil! take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. Depress the clutch/brake brake. • When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used. pedal and set the parking Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position. Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
OUSTO MAINTENANCE ESPONSIBmLmES SCHEDULE FtLL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T R A C T 0 R Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Biades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level!Recharge Clean Battery and Terminals Chock Transmission Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension Adjust Motion Drive Bett(s) TenSion Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil Clean Air Filter E N Clean Air Screen GI inspect Muffler!Spark Attester
CUSTOMER ESPONSIBILITiES TRACTOR TO SHARPEN Always observe safety rules when pedorming any maintenance. Care should be taken to keep the b:lade balanced, An unbalanced blade wilt cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and engine. BRAKE • The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen white on the mower. ,, To check b_ade balance; you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or cone balancer.
CUSTO RESPONSIBILITIES TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS - ,, Remove drain plug. Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. o After oi! has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely. Remove terminal guard. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. Wash battery with solution of four tablespoons of baking soda to one gallon of water. Be careful not to get the soda solution into the ceils.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILiTiES MUFFLER IMPORTANT: PETROLEUM SOLVENTS, SUCH AS KEROSENE, ARE NOT TO BE USED TO CLEAN THE CARTRIDGE. THEY MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION OF THECARTRtDGE. DO NOTOIL CARTRIDGE. DO NOT USE PRESSURIZED AIR TO CLEAN OR DRY CARTRIDGE. Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage, SPARK PLUGS KNOB COVER Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUT|ON: BEFORE PERFORMING Depress clutch/brake ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: pedal fully and set parking Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" brake. position, = ® - Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blades and at! moving parts have completely • Disconnect spark plug wire from spark pNugand place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug, stopped.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT(See Figs. 22 and23) iMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE. tF THE FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE-TOSIDE, Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3). If tires are over or under inflated, you wilt not properly adjust your mower.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE (See Fig. 24} MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WiTH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" 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 dutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its _owest position. , Ro!t belt off engine puitey.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT TO START if steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL If your batten/is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: iMPORTANT: YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A 12 VOLT NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE ENGINE FUSE Replace with 30 amp automotive-type ptug4n fuse. The fuse holder is located in the engine compartment, directly in front of the dash. TO ADJUST THROTTLE (See Fig. 31) TO REPLACE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment shouid notbe necessary. Checkadjustment as described below before loosening cable. IFadjustment is necessary, proceed as foltows: HEADLIGHT BULB Raisehood.
SEFIVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST CARBURETOR High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust- damage may result. (See Fig. 33 & 34) The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or lead. If the carburetor does need adjustment, proceed as follows: IMPORTANT: NEVER TAMPER WITH THE ENGINE GOVERNOR, WHICH tS FACTORY SET FOR PROPER ENGINE SPEED.
STORAG 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 mere. FUEL SYSTEM iMPORTANT: IT tS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURtNG STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. Out of fuel, 2. 3. 4. 5, 6, 7, Engine not "CHOKED" Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuet, POINTS CORRECTION properly, 1, Fill fuel tank. 2. 3. 4. 5. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section, Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug, Clear_'replace air filter. 6, 7. Replace fuel filter. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1,, Check wiring, switches and connections, If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department, 1. 2. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not tevel. t, 2, Replace biade_ Tighten blade bolt, Level mower deck. 3, 4. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel. 5.
SERVICE 28 NOTES
!8 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 SCHEMATIC RED BLACK BATTERY i ...... RED RED _,T_I, WHITE STARTER WHITE BLACK _K_ J L SOLENOID CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) IGNITION SWtTCH SEAT I ........ I SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) I .... F I BLACK 1 j BLACK ........
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - o MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 ELECTRICAL KEY NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR CHASSIS A B - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 CHASSBS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS !8 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,254860 DRIVE 71 !8 17 41 4 2O 32 30 5I 33 62 35 77 36 34 25 26 i} 27 1 75 34 54
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 DRBVE KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR STEERING - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 ASSEMBLY 38 _37 36 14 46 43 12 / // 25 26 !o 34 : 35 \ 36 45 / \ .
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR STEERING KEY NO, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 I0 t! 12 13 14 15 16 t7 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,254860 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 21 4 DECALS 14 !9 6 3 7 10 8 5 8 10 7 14 11 22 12 13 15 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1! 12 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 ENGINE KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 t4 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 PART NO, 132755 17720410 137518 137978 136989 136988 138129 t22439X 17190408 128199 STD551125 STD522707 8545J 13280336 13200300 STD551237 17490624 137358 105839X 105838X STD551025 KEY NO, DESCRIPTION Control Throt Rh Blk Pd115 10 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine B&s 18hp, Model No. 422707, Type No. 1522-01 Muffler Exhaust Exhaust Asm. Left Exhaust Asm.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 LIFT KEY NO. PART NO. 1 136973 2 I22507X 3 105767X 4 12O00002 5 19211621 6 120183X 7 12563tX 8 122365X I0 122512X 11 134619 12 135388 13 4939M 14 135563 15 127218 16 73350800 17 130171 18 73800800 19 130832 20 3!46R 21 19151216 22 12000037 23 110807X 24 19131016 25 2876H 26;76020308 27 126971X 28 73350600 29 138057 30 t10810X DESCRIPTION Rod Asm. Lever Shaft Asm, Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x I x 21 Ga.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR 42" MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 DECK 62 37 40 61 57 38 60 :_-J ,_:::.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.254860 42" tVIOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER DANA TRANSAXLE 917.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR DANA TRANSAXLE KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER - MODEL NUMBER 917,254860 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1522_01 304 J 881 74I 1019 358 LABEL GASKET 32 KIT l SET ] Q 22O _1£A * REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO iNSTALL, SEE REPAIR tNSTRUCTIO N MANUAL.
REPAIR PARTS t8 HP 42" TRACTOR BRtGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL - - MODEL NUMBER '_ 238 537 e s_2 35;8 GASKET SE_ t861 PUMP REPAiR KIT_ ['_2' OVERHAUL CARBURETOR KiT t 49 NUMBER 917.254860 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1522..
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL - - MODEL NUMBER NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 468 5O 917=254860 ! 522-0t
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON R_ferer_ce _umb_r ................... ENGINE ! Manufacturer MODEL NUMBER 309 __ - - MODEL _ 310 311 Mo_';T'an_| T.%'_o_t |Drive Ass'v. Brush NUMBER 422707, 544 Armature! Assemb_ J AsseMblv 917.254860 TYPE NUMBER aol Dr{re End C=p Assembly ..... I Housing ] Commutaio_" End Cap Ass'y, j 39553B 390837 002 3gss3z.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 42" TRACTOR- BRtGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO. NO.
SERVICE 54 OTES
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. U_ U1 / 15° MAX. iii i _i /_ !_t AA !1 _ IIIHIIIIIIIII • IIIIII IIIIII II I I I Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face.
£RI:IFTZMIIN® S_F/A/RS OWNER'S MANUAL 18 HP TWIN CYLINDER ELECTRIC START 3 in One Convertible 42" MOWER 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. MODEL NO. 917.254860 The model number for your tractor witl be found on the model plate located under the seat. The model number for your engine will be found on the blower housing of the engine. All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears, Roebuck and Co.
