MODEL NO, 917.257281 ERR Caution: Read and follow all Safety Rules and instructmns Before Operating This Equipment 12.0 IC ELECTRIC START 38" MOWER DECK 5 TRANS/_LE LAWN TRACTO • Assembly oOperation ° Customer Responsibilities ° Service and Adjustment , Repair Parts Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, iL 60684 U.S.A.
SAFETY Safe Operation Practices RULES for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT; THIS CUTTtNG 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. Io GENERAL • Read, understand, and follow all instructionsin the manual and on the machine before starting, Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and penormanceo :bRODUCT SPECiFICATiONS 12.0 GASOLINECAPACITY: 5 QUARTS UNLEADEDREGULAR OIL (3.0 PINTS): SAE 30 (above32°F) 5W30 (below32°F) SPARKPLUG (GAP,030IN.): CHAMPION RJ-lgLM STD361458 VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE .005 - .007 IN. EXHAUST .009 - .01t IN. GROUND SPEED: FORWARD 1st 1.10 MPH 2nd 2.00 MPH 3rd 3.00 MPH 4th 4.00 MPH 5th 5.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIUTIES ..................... 3, 14.17 WARRANTY .................................................................. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 4 INDEX ............................................................................ 4 TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ..........................................
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS Thoseaccessoriesand attachmentswereavailablewhentheunitwaspurchased.They are alsoavailableat mostSears retailoutlets, catalogand servicecenters. MostSearsstorescanorderthoseitemsforyouwhenyou providethemodel numberofyourtractor. ENGINE SP K PLua MAINTENANCE MUFFLER AIR FILTER GASCAN ........ F.N iNE O,L STABILIZER BLADES BELTS PERFORMANCE Searsoffersa wide varietyof attachmentsthat fit yourvehicle.
iiiiiii1,,, I ................................ ii/!1 .... ii I1'111111"1' i,, i,i I IIII '1 I LI]II! CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK ,HWI'II' '= III1' I ................................................................ .......... iii1,11, ii Parts Bag contents i,i shown full size ..... ii I , .. ill ,1[ Parts packed separately iiii1! , ii ,, !, © L'IJ Jl In carton I,LI Seat '\\\/#10.16 Battery acid x 1_/2 (1) Locknut 3/8-24 (1) 2-3/8" Dia.
, L,,,,............... LY ............ r '"'"" ................ : "Your new iract0r has been assembled at the factory with 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 tlghtened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure their propertightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY Asocket wrench set witl make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR PREPARE I II I I , BATTERY ii INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. • Remove cardboard packing on seat pan, (See Fig. 2) , i,ii,i,1,ii,ii,iiiii,iiii,ii,iiii, I, III, , L !LLLIJLI CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield. Wash hands or clothing immediately If accidentally In contactwlth batteryacid. Do not acid smoke, Fumes from charged battery are explosive, Read the lnstrucUons Included with the battery vent caps.
ASS SLY iNSTALL BATTERY (See Figs, 4 & 5) CAUTION: Do not short batten=/terminals, Before Installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accldentat grounding. Lift seat to raised position_ Open battery box door. , , Lower battery into battery box with battery terminals toward front of unit.
i .... iiiii1,,i ........... _ ii ,i ii iii , ii ii1,111,111111111 i I i i i, ,11, II'H : KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Comparethe,tustrations with your tractortofamiltadze yourselfwith the locations ofvarious controlsand adjustments.
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.
OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8) Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operatorto leave the seat with the eng!ne runningand the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut.
OPERATnO ° TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7) When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Depress the clutch!brake pedal and set the parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position_ o • Move attachment clutchto "DISENGAGED" position. Move throttle controllever to "CHOKE" position for cold engine start. For warm engine start, move throttle control to "FAST" position.
RESPONSIBILITIES ASYOU COMPLETE REGULARSERVICE .................. _, _€ _ /_/_/_.,_ERVICE DATES III1'11'11 I' CheckBrakeOperation Ii# # !k/ C,eck',roP.e=ura IV v' " +. " " " T Checker _0SeFasteners R Sha_ervl:leplace MowerBlades tj_4 c m+<8o.;_ L,;vom_h;;_o 0 Clean Batteryand Terminals R Check Transmission Cooling ..... ,_djUS, Stad_,,olti;+) Tens,on . -- V' ...... _ _,_V',, + Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension ......
CUSTO E TIES TRACTOR AZways observe safety rules when performingany matnten_ce, BRAKE OPERATION If unit requires more than six (6) feet stopptngdistance at high s_eed in highest gear, than brake mustbe adjusted. (See 'TO ADJUST BRAKE" in Service and Adjustments section of this manual). "t TIRES , . - Maintain proper air pressure In all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual), Keeptires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi. cais which can harm rubber.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES BATTERY (See Fig. 12) Your unit has a battery charging system whlchis sufficient for normal use° However. periodic cnargmg of.the battery with an automotive charger will extend it's life. • Acid solution level In each battery cel!should be even with bottoms of vent walls. Add onlydistilledor ironfree water if necessary. Do not overfill. CUT AWAY VIEW / ! r ENGINE LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oll rated with API service classification SG.
AIR FILTER FOAM PRE-CLEANER SCREWS (See Fig. 14) BLOWER HOUSING Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirtyair filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner element after every 25 hoursof operation, more often if used in very dusty, dirty conditions. , Remove knob and cover. - Remove cartridge nut and replace cartridge. • Reassemble and tighten securely, NOTE: Do not attempt to clean or oil the paper cartridge.
........ u i i iii iii AND ADJUSTM I L' ,ll,ll,lml,ll,l,lll,ll,ll,, i I i1,1111,1,1111, i i i i1,, ,i,iil,l,lllllllllllllllll CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: &. s tl e 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.
ADJUSTMENTS ........................ TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING i ::It FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs, 20 and 21) IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE. IF THE FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT tS NECESSARY, BESURE TO ADJUST BOTHFRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE-TOSIDE, To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted sothat the front isapproximately 1/4" to 3/4" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position.
;E TO REPLACE (See MOWER AND ADJUSTM BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE _ENGAGEO = Fig. 22) 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 installaUon guide decal on the mower housing. BELT REMOVAL• Place attachment clutch in =DISENGAGED" position= • Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its lowest position. • Roll belt off engine pulley. • Disconnect R.H.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS =_ .,.o ._, . ............ TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL TO START ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (leftto right) when wheels are positioned straight forward_ remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual FRONT WHEEL ii Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. ° Replace hub cap. BATTERY I1'1 "1 : ,;,,,; ;.
AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL (See Fig. 28) FUSE (See Fig. 27) Replace wit_.30 amp automotive+type plug+in fuse. The fuse holder iS located in the engine compartment,directly in front of the dash. CAUTION: Muffler Is hot. Be careful when removing retainer springs from hood pivot brackets, , FUSE HOLDER • Raise hood, • Unsnap headlight wire connector+ • , Remove retainer spdngs from hood pivot brackets. Stand in front of tractor.
CE A ADJU FINAL SETTING - ENGINE TO ENT$ ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion controllever in "NEUTRAL position° , Move throttJe control lever to "SLOW" position. With finger, rotate and hold throttle lever against Idlespeed screw. Turn Idle speed screw to attain 1750 RPM.
STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or ifthe unitwill notbe used for30 days or more. 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. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OFACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TRO PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. 2. 3, 4. 5. 6o 7. POINTS CORRECTION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. e. 7. Fitlfuel tank. See "TO START ENGINE"in OpereUonsection. Walt severalminutes beforeatlempUngto staff,. Replacesparkplug. Clean/replaceair filter. Replacefuelfilter. Drainfuel tankand carburetor,refilltankwithfresh gasolineand replacefuelfilter. 8, Check all wiring. 9. ContactSears Service Center/Depatlment.
TROU OOTING POINTS _t JHLI_HUU PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION EnginecontinuestO run when operatorleaves unt with attachment clutch engaged 1. Fault/operator.safsty presence control system. 1. Checkwtdng,switchesand conneotlons,If not corrected,contactSears ServiceCenter/Depertment. Poorcut - uneven 1. 2. 3_ 4. 5_ 1, 2. 3_ 4_ 5. Replaceblade. Tightenbladebell Levelmowerdeck, Cleanundersideofmowerhousing. Replaceblademandrel, Cleanaroundmandrelsto openvent holes.
t2 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 SCHEMATIC °111° BATTERY RED FUSE 30 AMP, I i I STARTER WHITE |_ L ..... _ _ SOLENOID BLACK IGNITION SWITCH I I I _l I /: I I I | I I I I I I I I SLACK CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL UP) BLACK I i I SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) I ATT_MENT CLUTCH (CLUTCHOFF) _D SPARK PLUG e------_ D BLACK (_ I IGNITION UNIT RED ALTERNATOR 3 _J_PSoc_L_ 2OVOLTSAC t_N.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ELECTRICAL A B 12 E C 3 F 18 33 32 \ J I J 16 t ! \ ! l 1 \ / \ t 29 | I I 1 I 28
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR = - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - .. MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =,. MODEL NUMBER 917o257281 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 50 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 DRIVE ! 70 66 81 86 45 83 37 5S 3O 8 26_:7 36 3_ I 30 22 .
REPARR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAURPARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 SEAT ASSEMBLY 1 E 10 c A _19 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 127436 126656X STD523707 19131210 2751R STD541437 124181X 17490616 19131614 131451 121251X 121246X 121248X DESCRIPTION KEY NO, PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 DECALS 13 18 6 3 7 8 19 5 8 7 4 13 10 9 15 11 16 12 17 14 KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE F G X I _12 _17 _11 _7 3 J 5 36 32 \ ,36 31 B / B 33 37 14 27 o 38 22 21 25 30 19 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPM ENT Spark Arresier 38 18 J _6
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR =- MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 38" MOWER KEY NO. PART NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR .. - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR ,. = MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 TRANSAXLE DANA = MODEL NUMBER 4360-6 TRANSAXLE KEY PART NO, NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 283707, TYPE NUMBER 121 CARBUP,ETOR OVERHAUL KIT 131 141 618 _634 62 164 51 _105 123 4A 535 © 9 127 224 _138 _ 955 _78 726 423 [ 60e::_t ..........
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 283707, TYPE NUMBER 0217-01 310 803 801 Reference Number i :309 _torand 1111310 I ThrJBo|t I i :3tl at.=. e_1............ I e_ Ddv,t ] Armntum Bdggs .StrattonMenufecturer,, HO_L_ Drive Ass'v" i Assembly i Assembly Assembly t Assembly 12V ..
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO. NO.
REPAIR PARTS 12 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257281 ENGINE BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY PART NO. NO.
SERVICE 50 NOTES
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SiGHTiNG SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATiOH ,,,,,,. ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. t 15° MAX. _ I A OPerate your Tract0_rup anddown the face o flllslopes _inot _ll_ greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradu- ! ally to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
CRRFTSMIIN 12.0 HP IC ELECTRIC START 38" MOWER DECK 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL NO. 917.257281 Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. 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. All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears, Roebuck and Co. Service Centers and most Retail Stores.
