Owner's Manual ICRnFTSMnN ! LAWN TRACTOR 21.0 HP, 48" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273280 [1_ from previously start the engine, read This product has built a lowengines. emission Before engine you which operates differently and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Assembly/P re-Operation ....................... 7 Operation ............................................... 9 Maintenance Schedule ........................ 15 Maintenance ........................................ 15 Service and Adjustments ..................... 19 Storage ................................................ 27 Troubleshooting .
IMPORTANT: 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. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning. • Never leave a running machine unattended.
DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a tow gear so that you wilt not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Here's what's included in the Agreement: • Expert service by our 12,000 profesional repair specialists. • Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs. • Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed. • Discount of 10% from regular price of service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive maintenance check.
Your new tractor you begin. has been assembled at the factory. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means, from your point of view, when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel). TO REMOVE TRACTOR CARTON Review the video cassette before Adiostment FROM UNPACK CARTON Knob 1. Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat. 2. Remove packing materials. 3.
6. Start the engine.After engine has started,move throttle controlto idle position. 7. Releaseparkingbrake. 8. Slowlydepress forwarddrive pedal and drivetractor off skid. 9. Applybraketo stop tractorand set parkingbrake. 10.Turnignition key to "STOP"position. Continuewith the instructionsthat follow. JCHECKLIST Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. R N REVERSE H NEUTRAL ENGINE OFF HIGH LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL ENGINE ON OIL PRESSURE I'.
KNOW READ YOUR YOUR TRACTOR THIS OWNER'S TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
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 TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height. • Grasp lift lever. • Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position. The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 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.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.
• If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows: 1. Be sure the tractor is on level ground. 2. Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position. 3.
EILL,.OATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERV,CE S E R V IC E DATES _'_.
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat treated. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
NOTE:The original equipmentbattery on your tractor is maintenancefree. Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checking levelof electrolyteis not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY SAE VtSCOS_TY -20 .30 -20 TEMPERATURE AND TERMINALS 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. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 4.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN 7. Refill enginewith oil through oil fill dipsticktube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. Forapproximatecapacitysee "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"section of this manual. 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstickfor checkinglevel. Foraccuratereading, tighten dipstickcap securely onto the tube beforeremovingdipstick. Keepoil at "FULl" line on dipstick.Tightencap onto the tube securely when finished.
CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower. • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. 3. If equipped, turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise until it stops. 4. Lower mower linkage with attachment lift control. 5. Be sure belt tension rod is in disengaged position. 6. Install belt into electric clutch pulley groove. 7. Place the suspension arms on outward pointing deck pins. Retain with double loop retainer spring with loops up as shown. 8.
BOTH FRONT PLATE LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH Suspension Arm -- FRON_TO-BACK Lift Link ustment Nut ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level sideto-side. If the following front-to-back adjustment is necessary, be sure to adjust both front links equally so mower will stay level side-to-side. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower blades should be adjusted so the front tip is approximately 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear tip when the mower is in its _lghest position. CAUTION: Blades are sharp.
18.Engagebelt tension rod by pushing rod into locking bracket. R.H. Mandrel Belt Tension Rod (Disengaged Position) _ Cover Electric Clutch Pulley ,7 Idler Pulleys R.H. Mandrel Spring Arm \ R.H. Suspension Arm TO REPLACE MOWER Primary Idler Arm 9. Remove any dirt or grass which may have accumulated around mandrels and entire upper deck surface. 10.Check secondary idler arm and idler pulley to see that they rotate freely. 11.
17. Reinstall INSTALL mower to tractor (See "TO MOWER" in this section of manual). Secondary Idler Arm Idler Pulley L.H. Mandrel ;ing Secondary Arm Mandrel \ Mower Blade (Secondary) Drive Belt R.H. Mandrel TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE 4. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in "transmission engaged" position. 5. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary.
TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstaltation and before operating the tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual. - 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual).
If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BATTERY" in the Maintenance section of this manual). If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system. The other vehicle must also be a 12 volt system. Do not use your tractor battery to start other vehicles. 6. First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten securely. 7.
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your tractor to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and/or adjustment. High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust - damage may result. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous.
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the trac_witt not be used for 30 days or more. WARNING: Never store the tractor 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. ance indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohot or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART: section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power continued) 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8. Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART: section PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate (con't) Poor grass discharge in manual unless directed CAUSE CORRECTION 2. Replace mower drive belt. 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4. Level mower deck. 5. Check tires for proper air pressure. 6. Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten blade bolt. 7. Clean underside of mower housing. 8. Replace mower drive belt. 9.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE AMMETER '©IC_ I CLUTCH / BRAKJE (PEDAL UP) 7 SEAT SWITCH /7 (NOTOCCUPIED) .= ,, ) _, {GNmON UN{T RELAY #t PRESENCE _) OPERATOR PLUG GAP SPARK (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273280 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 GROUND DRIVE 57 41 254 251 35 223 32 _52 253 2_31 6 55 22 drive*hydro.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 6 9 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 65 66 74 75 76 DESCRIPTION --- Transaxle, HydroGear, Model Number 336-0510 (See Break down) 17060512 Screw 5/16-18 179334 Clutch Electric 74490544 Bolt Hex Flghd 5/16-18 Gr. 5 73800500 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins. 5/16-18 Unc 126197X Washer 1-1/20D x 15/32 ID x.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 SEAT ASSEMBLY 18 \ \ \ /15 i 17 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga Clip Push-In Nut Hex w/Ins. 3/8-16 Uric Spring Seat Cprsn Screw 3/8-16 X 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga. Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj. Wingnut Bracket Mounting Switch 175134 140551 STD523710 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 177957 121246X KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 DECALS 7 7 11 16 3 13 21 _, 21 4 10 20 6 ----15 --1 8 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 20 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 51 52 53 54 179504 159476 178981 12000002 19211621 120183X 175830 175370 175371 4939M 175562 73350800 175689 73800800 163552 176205 175994 155097 123935X 17060516 19112410 155098 145212 19171416 175378 175802 175560 Plunger Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Link, Lift, LH.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 3 5 6 8 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 39 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 50 52 54 55 56 57 72 91 92 94 95 97 98 99 100 110 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 121 122 126 130 132 182 183 184 -- 180358 138017 4939M 178024 174365 Deck Weldment Mower 48 Bracket Asm. Sway Bar Retainer Spring Bar Sway Deck Bolt 7/16 Asm.
Z ...< 0 128 m .-I z_ o_ 88 123 co _z 130 ooc 19 ¢dl'l i-I, .124 16 18 'M _-94 0 108 \103 _-110 6-Sealant (Joint d' etancheite) 57-20W50 Oil - 78,80Z (OZ de 78.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 336-0510 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 35 130 117_ 137 0 51A_ 1123 1124'_' _ 1128_,_"_ 276 O 104_ 105_ 633@ 977 CARBURETOR 51A_ I 987_ 552 Q 552A_ 742 404 552A6 691 GASKET SET 137_ 276 O 672_ 1123_ 1124_ 150 LU.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273280 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION _k down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate tractor and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns your 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. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3.
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