rVl another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com MODEL NUMBER 917.
A SAFETY Practices RULES for Ride-On Safe Operation Mowers A IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. GENERAL • Read, understand, and fellow 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 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 tractor. another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com Please read and retain this manual.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3 CUSTOM ER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15-18 WARRANTY .................................................................. 3 TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................... 5 ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 7-10 OPERATION ..........................................................
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS iii i ii ii1,1 ii These acceesodes and attachments were available when the unit was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor. ENGINE another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
CONTENTS another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
|1 ASSEMBLY .11 i Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassemb[ed 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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY STEERING A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com PREPARE BA'I-FERY (See Fig. 2) CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield. Wash hands or clothing immediately if accidentally in contact with battery acid. Do not smoke. Fumes from charged battery acid are explosive. Read the instructions included with the battery vent caps.
i ASSEMBLY another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com INSTALL MOWER (See Figs. 4, 5, 6 & 7) • Remove banding holding parallel linkup against tractor. • Remove retainersecuring long hingepinto parallellink and remove long hinge pin. • • Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. Remove banding from mower deck links and V-belt. • Slidemowerundertractorwithdischargeguardtoright side of tractor. • Attach front of mower to parallel linkwith long hinge pin.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL BATTERY CAUTION: (See Figs. 8 and 9) Do not short battery termi- metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. nals. Before installing battery, remove Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. DOORS another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com w • Make sure drain tube isfastened to drain hole in battery tray and battery tray is positioned in hole of battery • support.
OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR. Compare the illustrationswith yourtractorto familiarize yourselfwith the locationof various controlsand adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. ATrACHMENT IGNITION SWITCH CLUTCH LEVER LIFT LEVER PLUNGER another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com LIGHT SWITCH CHOKE ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER PEDAL BRAKE LEVER THRO'n'LE CONTROL GEARSHIFT 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 before starting your tractor and while moving. We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
i ii OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER TO TRANSPORT (See Figs. 11 & 12) another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the mower clutch engaged willshut off the engine. • • Raise attachment lift controlto highest position. When pushing ortowing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in "NEUTRAU' position. • Do not push tractor at more than five (5) MPH.
| OPERATION m i i MOWING TIPS • • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be,properly leveled for best mowing performance. See q-O LEVELMOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • Use the runner on the right hand side of mower as a guide. The blade cuts approximately an inch outside the runner (See Fig. 13). The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.
i1|11|11 CUSTOMER another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com III .v,c _(.0_ I Check BrakeOperation Ik## V' CheckTire Pressure V' V P Checkfor LooseFasteners Sharpen/ReplaceMower Blades V' If 1_4 C_ LubricationChart f Check BatteryLevel/Recharge 0 Clean Batteryand Terminals R CheckTransaxleCooling v' v' !_ V' V' .V'_..
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR TO SHARPEN Always observe safety rules when performing any mainteRanGe. Care should be taken to keep the biade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and engine. BRAKE OPERATION • another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES i another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 18) Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG. • Remove terminal guard. • Be sure tractor is on level surface. • Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AIR FILTER (See Fig. 20) MUFFLER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner element after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Inspect and replace corroded mufflerand spark arrester (if equipped) as itcould create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 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. another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST MOWER DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 27) FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 25 and 26) To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so the back is approximately 7/8" to 1-1/8" higher than the front when the mower is in highest adjustment position. Your tractor has been manufactured with the ability to readjustmower drive belt to provideyou with longer belt life.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER (See Figs. 28 and 29) DRIVE BELT TO REPLACE • Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL - another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Figs. 30, 31 and 32) • Remove mower (See'70 REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). Remove mowerdrive belt (See"TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELl-" in this section of this manual). Pull mower blade drive belt towards rear of mower at tensioning pulley.
i SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST TO REPLACE BRAKE (See Fig. 33) Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. • • Depress clutch!brake pedal and engage parking brake. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A° on brake rod.
i ,....,, .,, i .,..,,.,, i. SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE SHIFTER LINKAGE JUSTMENT (See Figs. 35 and 36) AND AD- TO ADJUST STEERING 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. another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com The transaxle shouldbe in neutral when the gearshift lever is in the neutral (lock gate) position.
i i| i iiii ill l i i i SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Figs. 41 and 42) ii i CAUTION: another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com i I If your battery istoo 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. THE OTHER VEHICLE MUST ALSO BE A 12 VOLT NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 41) The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Checkadjustmentas described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com (See Fig. 42) The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustmentshouldnotbe necessary.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST CARBURETOR (See Figs, 43 and 44) High speed stop isfactory 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. IFYOUTHINKTHE ENGINE-GOVERNED HIGH SPEED NEEDS ADJUSTING, CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER, WHICH HAS PROPER EOUIPMENTAND EXPERIENCE TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
iiii iii i STORAGE 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. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start t. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Out of fuel. Engine not "CHOKED" pmpedy. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Loose or damaged widng. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment. 8. 9. !0. See =TO START ENGINE" in Operation section.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check widng, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Poor cut - uneven 1, 2. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. 3. 4. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel. 1. 2. 3_ 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
18 HP 44 " TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 SCHEMATIC RED BA'I-rERY RED RED I I I I i I RED FUSE 30 AMP. another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com WHITE STARTE R BLACK 41 I L ....
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,255890 DECALS another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com 7 15 22 14 3 5 5 13 2 14 17 / 10 11 11 16 21 12 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 21 22 9 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 136127 138280 138279 138264 138261 108631X 125880X 137537 4900J 109199X 105567X 136834 138049 132267 136794 138047 106202X 133644 137758 137759 101539X Decal, Engine, HP Decal, Hood, Stripe, L.H. Decal, Hood, Stripe, R.H.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR ELECTRICAL - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 3 B C _12 / another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 ELECTRICAL another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com KEY NO. 1 2 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 5O Y 67 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 DRIVE another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 STEERING AND FRONT AXLE A B C D E F another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR STEERING another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com KEY NO. - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 AND FRONT AXLE PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 LIFT ADJUSTMENT 1 2 ! ! another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 LIFT ADJUSTMENT another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com KEY NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917,255890 p-..-.- 7 ='_- 13 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com MOWER KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" PEERLESS TRANSAXLE TRACTOR - - MODEL - MODEL NUMBER NUMBER 917.255890 143.820-016 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com 33_.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" PEERLESS another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com REF PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com BRIGGS & STRATI'ON TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1254-01 5-1_ 18 16 11019 LABEL KIT I 1358 GASKET SET ! 2!9A * REQUIRES SPECIAL TO 0 LS TO INSTALL, SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com BRIGGS & STRA'I-rON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER e 592 1358 GASKET SET I ]86_PUMP.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1254-01 O f-_--------.
REPAIR PARTS 18 liP 44" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.255890 another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 422707, TYPE NUMBER 1254=01 i ! ! Reference Numl ,_.,. r Manufacturer Briggs& Housing Strait.on Length t 2v 3.5f8" • includesBr,,shSet 309 Motor and Drive Ass'y. 310 Thru Bolt Asssmbty 311 Brush Assembly 394808 94003 395538 'Reference Number Starter 510 Starter' ' I)rive , , Motor Mfr.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 18 HP 44" BRIGGS & STRAI-FON another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com KEY PART NO. NO.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com SERVICE = , ..
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE _" "- ....CUT OUT o TH_ I_. _ NDOTT_ _ 76O8L _ _.....- SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. o'1 ol 15 ° MAX. lit _! A m _ J _ nllln lit Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not I greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control.
SEARS another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com OWNER'S MANUAL [R;IFTSMI N ® 18.0 HP TWIN CYLINDER ELECTRIC START 44" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE GARDEN TRACTOR Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. MODEL NO. 917.255890 The model number for your tractor will 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.
