Owner's Manual (RRFTSMRN° 20.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273860 [_ differentmy buimt engines. Before operates you start the This productfrom haspreviously a mowemission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manuak For answers to your questions Read and follow aH Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am =5 pm, Men =Sat 1_800°659-5917 Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Warranty................................................ 2 Safety Rules..........................................3 ProductSpecifications...........................6 AssemblyPre-Operation........................8 Operation............................................. 11 Maintenance .......................................18 MaintenanceSchedule........................18 Serviceand Adjustments.....................23 Storage................................................ 29 Troubleshooting.....................
mMPORTANT: This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghands andfeet and throwing objects.Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death. _WARNING: In order to preventaccidentalstarting when setting up, transporting,adjustingor making repairs, always disconnectspark plug wire and placewire where it cannotcontact spark _lb ug" WARNmNG:Do not coast down a hill in neutral,you may lose controlof the tractor.
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. Taft 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.
Be sure the area is clear of other people beforemowing.Stop machineif anyone enters the area. Nevercarry passengersor children evenwith the bladesoff. Do not mow in reverseunlessabsolutely necessary.Always lookdown and behind beforeandwhile backing. Nevercarry children.They may fall off and be seriously injuredor interferewith safe machine operation. Keepchildrenout of the mowingarea and under the watchfulcare of another responsibleadult. Be alert and turn machineoff if children enter the area.
PRODUCT Gasoline Capacity and Type: 4.0 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type APFSG-SL): SAE10w30(above SAE 5W-30(Below Oil Capacity: W/Filter Spark Plug: GAP: .030") Champion Ground (MPH): Speed RC12YC Forward: Reverse: 5.5 2.4 Front: Rear: Charging System: 15 Amps Battery: Amp/Hr: Min. CCA: Case Size: 27-35 32°F) 32°F 3.0 Pints Tire Pressure: Blade Bolt Torque: In the state of California SPECmFmCATmONS 14 PSI 10 PSI @ 3600RPM 35 280 U1R Ft. Lbs.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert I2¢ @ (1) Large Flat Washer 1/2-20 (1) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Steering Wheel Adapter _ Boot Extension Shaft teering (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet E1 Video Cassette
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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 insure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before you begin. TOOLS REQUIRED ASSEMBLY A socket wrench easier. Standard FOR Unsert _....__._-1/2 set will make assembly wrench sizes are listed.
mNSTALLSEAT Adjust seat beforetighteningadjustment knob. 1. Removeadjustmentknoband flat washer securingseat to cardboard packingand set aside for assemblyof seat to tractor. 2. Pivotseat upwardand removefrom the cardboardpacking.Removethe cardboardpackingand discard. 3. Placeseat on seat panso head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engageshoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
mNSTALL MULCHER CHECK PLATE 2. 3. 4. Raise and hold deflector shield upright position. Place front of mulcher plate of mower deck opening and place, as shown. Hook front latch into hole on mower deck. Hook rear latch into hole on mower deck. ,dI_OAUTmON: Do not remove shield from mower. in over front slide into _CHECKLIST front of 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 Learn and understand their meaning. R N H L REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW G or in literature supplied with the product.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHINS OWNER'SMANUAL AND SAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATmNG YOUR TRACTOR Comparethe illustrations'withyour tractorto familiarizeyourselfwith the locationsof various controlsand adjustments. Savethis manualfor 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 PARKmNG BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Be sure tractor is on a flat level surface. 1. Lower mower and adjust mower to desired cutting height(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in this section of manual). 2.
Transmission Transmission Engaged AII_CAUTmON: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. mMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTmON: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) 7. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. 1. 2. 3. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) 7.
MOWmNG TraPS MULCHING Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the TIPS mMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. The speciat mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn.
.A,.TE.A.OE SO.EOU'E F,LL,.OATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Check T R A /__.
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATmON per- 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 checked and adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TroPES Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual).
• Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY SAE VISCOSITY F 40 8 60 1'o RANGE ANTICIPATED 80 _o 100 1o 4o BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE ing the engine and after each eight hours of operation.
ENGmNEOraLFmLTER Replacethe engineoil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hoursin one year. AmRFmLTER Yourengine will not run properlyusing a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner afterevery 25 hoursof operationor every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operationor every season, whicheveroccursfirst. Serviceair cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Loosen knobsand removecover. TO SERVICEPRE-CLEANER 2.
Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. 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.
WARNmNG: TO AVOmD SERmOUS VmCE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. mNJURY, BEFORE TO REMOVE MOWER Mower will be easier to remove right side of tractor. 1. Place attachment 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ANY SER- Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
TO LEVEL MOWERHOUSmNG Adjust the mowerwhile tractor is parked on level groundor driveway. Makesure tires are properlyinflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"sectionof this manual). If tires are over or underinfiated, you will not properlyadjustyour mower. SIDE-TO-SIDEADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground. Distance "A" on both sides of mower should be the same or within 1/4" of each other.
With parking MandreU Pulley Idbr Pulleys _N_at brake "Engaged" "A" m iut perating Mandrel Pulley rm Do not touch this nut. if further brake adjustment is necessary contact a Sears or other qualified service center. TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle.
TRANSMmSSmON REPLACEMENT Engine REI_IOVAL/ Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual.
If "jumpercables"are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: mMPORTANT: Yourtractor is equipped with a 12 volt system.The othervehicle mustalso be a 12 volt system.Do not use your tractor battery to start othervehicles. TO ATTACHJUMPER CABLES1. Connect one end of the REDcable to the POSITIVE(+) terminal of each battery(A-B),taking care not to short against tractor chassis. 2. Connect one end of the BLACKcable to the NEGATIVE(-) terminal (C) of fully charged battery. 3.
1. Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE 2. 3. The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. _,WARNmNG: 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. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manuam unmess directed PROBLEM CAUSE Wiii not start 3. Hard to start Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gas= oline and replace fuel filter. Check all wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG See appropriate PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CHART: section in rnanuam unmess directed CAUSE Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 11. 12. 13. 14. 5. 6. plug wire loose. Dirty engine air screen/fins. %rtyiclogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 15. Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive bent or loose Check oil level/change oil. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manuem urfless directed center CORRECTION CAUSE Poor grass discharge to Sears service 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. 3. Travel speed Wet grass. 4. Mower 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7. 8. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades too fast. deck not level. tire air pressure. bent or loose blade. improperly 10. Improper blades installed. used. 11.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 SCHEI_ATmC .................................................................. .................................................. .......................................... ......................... BATTERY [ AMMETER (OPTIONAL) I FUSE _- I __ ED STARTER SOLENOID CLUTCH /BFIAKJE )G A1 (PEDAL UP) WHITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION ' WHITE SWITCH I BLACK ..... I '_ ................................... _ _.% [ /ATT'MENTdLUTdH"""h IGNITION UNIT .....
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 ELECTFlmCAL !i..........
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 ELECTRmCAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR ° - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 CHASSmSAND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRmPTmON 1 2 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 20 23 26 28 30 31 37 38 39 58 60 64 74 90 142 143 144 145 159 166 206 207 208 209 217 219 258 259 260 263 264 272 273 274 275 -- Chassis Drawbar Bumper Hood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 Panel, Dash, LH Panel, Dash, RH Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 Hood Assembly Bumper Hood Hate Mtg Battery Fuel Tank Bushing, Snap, Nylon, Fuel Line Locknut, Hex, with Insert 3/8-16 Uric Grille/Lens Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 GROUND DRWE =_= I 70 / ' 116 36 3O 73 38 drive-hydro.
TRACTOR GROUND KEY NO, o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY ! o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRiPTiON 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 51 54 65 67 68 71 82 87 88 91 Steering Wheel Front Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, L.H. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 ENGINE 2 1 14 ,105 1os 32 13 23 41 29 \ OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 8 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 I engine-kohler KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 SEAT ASSEMBLY 18 I I I i I i I i I i I 24 : ! \ 25 i Ii I 11 h 17 seat It.knob 12 2 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 188719 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 121246X Seat Bracket Fender Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 Uric x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga Clip Push HnHinged Nut Hex Lock w/Hns3/8-16 Unc Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 LmFT ASSEMBLY 13 6 6 5 13 19 13 20 32 /_ 161718 20 19 15 [ift-rh,lpiece KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 Lift Lever HnnerWire Asm. Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing NyIong Grip HandIe Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift LH. Link Asm Lift R.H. Retainer Spring KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 MOWER DECK 67 _3o -40 6J 4OJ_ /46 lO3 lO5 105' 44_53 _148 52 / 106 lOl lO2 -/ 21 _>21 139 117 j 119 _> 118 119 118 116 2 27 lj 21 42 D man=t=path 46 stlt 4.
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122 _, Z ,,< U ! 0 m 120- t 0_ ,85 \ \ 14_ 56_ 55 _ >,,_ x_ F !2 34X mO | | lO9 o_ m F_ 90O 4_ CO 81 83 77 19 _m _j57 2\ 16 m m_ 79 73 zr_ c _z 6® \127 12 32 "4 35 64 4 125 107 59 60 58
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 KOHLER ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER SV600, TYPE NUMBER 0001 HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO. 1 2 3 20 098 03-S Kit, vaHve cover (inciudes 2) 20 041 O4-S Gasket, vaive cover M-645020-S Screw, hex. fiangeM6xl.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 KOHLER ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER SV600, TYPE NUMBER 0001 mGNmTmON/ELECTRmCAL KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 20 162 02-S 12 086 14-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 468 03-S 20 146 02-S 20 157 01-S X°42° 15°S 20 025 05-S M-561025-S 9 10 11 12 13 231285-S M°548025°S 237878°S 236602°S M°545020°S DEBCRmPTmON Screen, grass Screw, hex. fiange M 10x 1.5x46 VVasher, spring 3/16" Plate, fan mounting Fan Key, woodruff Fiywheei Screw, hex. fiange M5x0.8x25 (2) Clip, cable (2) Screw, hex. hd. M5x0.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273860 KOHLER ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER SV600, TYPE NUMBER 0001 STARTmNG SYSTEM KEY NO, PART NO, DESCRmPTmON 20 098 01-S Starter assembiy, inertia drive 25 100 31-S Nut, hex. serrated flange (2) OIL PAN/LU BRICATION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL LO 15 DEGREES MAX. down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow WARNING: 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.
Your Home Au Canada pour service en frangais: 1-800-LE-FOYER Mc (1-800-533-6937) www.sears.ca 02410 © Sears, Roebuckand Co. ® Registered Trademark / TMTrademark / SMService Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co. ® Marca Registrada / TMMarca de Fabrica / SM - Marca de Servicio de Sears, Roebuck and Co. MCMarque de commerce / MD Marque depos6e de Sears, Roebuck and Co. 189049 Rev. 4 8/2/04 TRiMH Printed in U.S.A.