Operator's Manual (RRFT$14RN° LAW TRACTO 17.5 HR* 38" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.28015 5O0O This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before this product, operating Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat this equipment.
Warranty ................................................ Safety Rules .......................................... Product Specifications ........................... AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ Operation ............................................. Maintenance ....................................... CRAFTSMAN Maintenance 2 3 6 8 11 17 Schedule ........................ 17 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................
_IbDANGER: 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.
• • • 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. GENERAL • • • • • • • • • • • • SERVlCE Never operate machine in a closed area. Keep all nuts and boltstight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(below 32°F Oil Capacity: 48 oz. Spark Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") In the state of Californiathe 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. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).
Steering Wheel ! / \ \ I \ / Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x4 I ....
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 ensure proper tightness. INSTALL STEERING TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
INSTALL SEAT Adjust knob. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. seat before CHECK tightening adjustment 1. Lift seat pan to raised position. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this Remove adjustment knobandflatwasher securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE V"CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated 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 and enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product. Please review the following checklist: _/AII assembly instructions have been completed. v/No remaining loose parts in carton.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ YOUR 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. Attachment Clutch Lever of Ignition Switch Throttle /Choke Control Light Switch / Lift Lever .,, Plunger Attachment Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Pedal -. -.. "-.
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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. SAFETYGLASSES HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING is standing idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause "browning" of grass.
TO OPERATE MOWER ,_WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the attachment clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
BEFORE CHECK STARTING ENGINE THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE OIL LEVEL When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. The engine in yourtractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. 2.
MOWING • Tire TIPS chains cannot be used when 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. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. • Drive sothat clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Check Brake Check Tire BEFORE EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE EACH USE 8 HOURS 25 HOURS 50 HOURS 100 HOURS SEASON STORAGE Operation _' Pressure R_ Check Operator A Check for Loose C ChecWReplace T Lubrication 0 Check Battery, R Clean Battery _ Presence v' & ROS Systems Fasteners Mower _ if _111#3 Blades Chart _ Level _4 and Terminals _ Check Transaxle Cooling Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check IV # Engine Change Oil Level
TRACTOR • When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the ROS "ON" position and the attachment clutch is engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine. BLADE CARE Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION 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.
2. Rinsethebatterywithplainwaterand dry. 3. Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. 4. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum 5. jelly. Reinstall battery BATTERY" in the _CAUTION: If engine has been operated for an extended period of time immediately prior to draining oil, oil will be hot. (See "REPLACING SERVICE AND AD- Drain Hole JUSTMENTS section of this manual). TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE Keep transaxle free from build-up chaff which can restrict cooling.
AIR FILTER ENGINE Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. Debris may clog the engine's air cooling system. Remove blower housing and clean area shown to prevent overheating and engine damage. Clean out chaff and debris Air Screen 1. 2.
SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS: ARNING" ORTO AVOID SERIOUS _) INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral position. 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 come in contact with plug.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make suretires are properly inflated (See side of tire for proper PSI). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise to its highest mower • To raisefrontofmower, loosen nut"F"from trunnion on both front links.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE DRIVE The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor level surface. Engage parking brake. TO REPLACE Place attachment on BELT REMOVALclutch in "DISEN- 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and GAGED" position. 2. Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its lowest position. 3. Roll belt off engine pulley. 4. Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys.
TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEU= TRAL ADJUSTMENT TO ADJUST MENT The If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble with crossbars horizontal. transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: 1. Make sure transaxle is in neutral.
REPLACING _,WARNING: BATTERY TO REPLACE Do not short battery Replace with 20 amp automotive-type in fuse. The fuse holder is located the dash. termi- nals 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 TO REMOVE SEMBLY prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift seat pan to raised position. 2.
ENGINE Im mediately prepare you r tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will FUEL not be used for 30 days or more. SYSTEM IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel hose, ortank during storage. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol 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 Hard to start Engine will not turn over CAUSE CORRECTION 1 Out of fuel. 2 Engine 3 1 Fill fuel tank. 2 See"TO START ENGINE" Operation section. Enginefiooded. 3 Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4 Bad spark plug. 4 Replace 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 CORRECTION 1 Weak or dead battery. 1 Recharge 2 Corroded 2 Clean battery terminals. 3 Loose or damaged 3 Check all wiring. 4 Faulty solenoid 4 Check/replace 1 Cutting too much grass/too 1 Raise cutting height/reduce speed. 2 Throttle 2 Adjust throttle control.
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) Battery charge will not CORRECTION 1 Worn, bent or loose blade. 1 Replace 2 Mower 2 Level mower deck. 3 Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Clean underside housing. 4 Bent blade mandrel. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of drive Debris on steering equipped). Engine "backfires" 1 See "CLEANING" in the maintenance section. Motion drive belt worn, damaged, or broken. 2 Replace 3 Axle key missing. 3 Install axle key at rear wheel. See "TO REMOVE WHEEL" in the Service and Adjustments section.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ,-,,,,, ,,..,., ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL co 15 DEGREES MAX. i_ 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. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
CRRFT_I4Rtl° 12.22.10 SR Printed in the U.S.A.
