MODEL NO. 917.257480 Caution: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions Before Operating This Equipment 18.0 HP TWIN CYLIN ELECTRIC START " OWER DECK 5 SPEE TRANS_LE LAWN TRACTOR • Assembly • Operation , Maintenance • Service and Adjustment • Repair Parts Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES CAUTION; ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUGWIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SETTING-UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS_ IMPORTANT SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. TRAINING: • • • • Know the controls and how to stop quickly.
PRODUCT CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor_ tt has been designed, engineered and manu. factured 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/Departmento We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your unit properly.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OPERATION ........................................................... MAINTENANCE ...................................................... SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ STORAGE .................................................................... TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................. REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ...................
ACCESSORIES ANDATTACH ................................... ENT$ = ill These accessories 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 MAINTENANCE ENGINE SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABIL_ZER BLADES BELTS PERFORMANCE Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your vehicle.
1iris= CONTENTS OF HARDWARE = ===ll Hrn, --,11 , ==1 nu =,,,,_ Parts packed separately in carton Parts Bag contents shown full size ,i PACK H=i,===,, iiirt = = ,ram ,,, n Seat Battery acid (1) Shoulder' Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 1/2-13 x 1 (1) Lockwasher (1) Washer t/2 Steering Wheel Battery Parts Bag Owner's Manual 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Ga, inn, nn ....................
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier+ Standard wrench sizes are listed° (1) 7/16" wrench (1) Tire pressure gauge (2) 9/16" wrenches (1) Screwdriver (1) 1/2" wrench (1) Utility knife INSERT HEX LOCKNUT (1) 3/4" wrench When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel)+ STEERING TO REMOVE UNPACK Remove all loose parts from carton (See page 6), • Cut, from top to bottom, all
ii ,i iii, iiii ,i,, HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL PREPARE Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. BATTERY (See Fig, 2) CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield= Wash hands or clothing Immediately if accldentallyin contactwith battery acid. Do not smoke. Fumes from charged battery acid are explosive° Read the instructions included with the battery vent caps. Always wear gloves, clothing and goggles to protect your hands, skin and eyes. SEAT (See Fig.
, ,, i,,,,,,,, i, i i i, i i ,i ,,,,,,.,i,, ASS , INSTALL , ,,,m, ,,,,, ,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,i I'lU'"'llll'll"l'H BATTERY (See Figs. 4 & 5) WING NUT CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals. Before installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. _/ TERMINAL ACCESS DOOR Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding.
OPERATION ==l HIIHIHH = 11l= iHlil = = =Ill,,= KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. this manual for future reference.
= H nHlll H OPERATION __ xJ_ =mmiNu 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, ! HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE IGNITION (See Fig. 7) • Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position and hold.
OPERATIO iiiii Jl_ I_LI,IILll0 TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig, 8) Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the eng!ne running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut.
,,, ,H, , m,,,,,,,, , ==,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,, ,, m,= OPERATIO ,re,iN,,,, TO START ENGINE ,,,,1,,1 ,m,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 1,1 1, ,m,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the machine, This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting. (See Fig.
MAUNTENANCE O A,°TE°A.OESO.EO0"E FILL IN DATES J T"i Check Brake Operation R ! Check Tire Pressure A Check for Loo,se Fasteners C Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubricate Pivot Points Check Battery Level/Recharge ' Clean Battery and Terminals '........ i ....... J .............. Check Engine Oil Level E Chaje Engine Oil Clean Air Fiiter?'FoamPro-cleaner N Clean Air Screen . _ _##_'2 Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester N E I Clean Eng!ne Coottng Fins Replace Spark Plug ......
AINTENANCE i , ,,, ,,, in, u ,., ii,uu,,l,uuuu, ll,,,,,,,J,J..u,., Jl,ltl TRACTOR TO SHARPEN Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
NTENANCE :u,,iJ,=_w .................... BATTERY (See Fig. 12) e Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend it's tile. • Acid solution level in each battery celt should be even with bottoms ofvent wells Add only distilled or iron free water if necessary. Do not overfill. CUT AWAY VIEW j ............. VENTCAP VENT WELL Catch oil in a suitable container'.
== , i===== MAINTENANCE = H,H. MUFFLER KNOB Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage, WING NUT CARTRIDGE PLATE SPARK FOAM PRE-CLEANER Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first. Spark plug type and gap setting is shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual. CARTRIDGE IN-LINE AIR SCREEN FUEL FILTER (See Fig.
_L,== SERVICE AN 11 CAUTION: =!= 11 llili= ADJUSTMENTS =H BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSl"MENTS: o Depress clutch!brake pedal fully and set parking • • 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. 11111 ill brake.
SE CE AND ADJUSTMENTS i,iLuiu,illU ,i,1,, i i , REAR SUSPENSION ARM BOTTOM OFCURL BOTTOM OF CURL GROUND REARSUSPENSIONTRUNNION 70 LINE FIG. 20 GROUNDLINE FIG. 18 SIDE TO SIDE ADJUSTMENT TRUNNION '_._ NUT"E" REAR SUSPENSION TRUNNION _L_UT _ REAR SUSPENSION ARM "C" LIFT BRACKET ..... ......................... j NUT "B" FIG. 19 FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT(See Figs.
TO ADJUST MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 22) IDLER BELT GUIDE Your tractor has been manufactured with the ability to readjust the mower blade drive belt to provide you with longer belt life. LH. MANDREL ENGINE PULLEY BELT With tt_e engine off and the lift lever in the highest fposition, move clutch lever' up slowly until resistance is ell If distance from bottom of slot in dash to cIutch lever is greater than 4-1/2 inches, adjustment is necessary.
SERVICE AN ADJUSTMENTS ==HH TO ADJUST BRAKE TO REPLACE MOTION Figs. 25 and 26) (See Fig. 24) Your unit is equipped with an adjustabte brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxte, Depress dutch/brake pedal and engage parking brake° • Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. • If distance is other than 1-1/2", disengage parking brake loosen jam nut and turn nut "A" until distance becomes 1-1/2".
CE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................................................. TO ADJUST = STEERING WHEEL WHEEL CAUTION: LEAD-ACID BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES. KEEP SPARKS, FLAME AND SMOKING MATERIALS AWAY FROM BATTERIES. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN AROUND BATTERIES. TOE-IN!CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your unit. If damage has occured to affect the front wheel toeqn or camber, contact your nearest Sears Service Center. TO REMOVE WHEEL (See Fig.
TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 30 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is Iocated in the engine compartment, directly in front of the dash, TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • Raise hood,_ • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the gdH1 • Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. • Close hood. INTERLOCKS FIG.
TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CLAMP SCREW ---__\I (See Fig. 32) The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary, Checkadjustment as described below before loosening cable If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: . With engine not running, move throttle control lever to "FAST" position° . Check that swivel is against side of quarter circle. If it is not, loosen cable clamp screw and pull cable back until sw{vel is against quarter circle.
SERVUCE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST CARBURETOR (See Fig. 34 & 35) The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load.
LH'J=N STORAGE lU,ULULU,J Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more. CAUTION: NEVER STORE THE TRACTOR WITH GASOLLNE IN THE TANK INSIDE A BUILDING WHERE FUMES MAY REACH AN OPEN FLAME OR SPARK. ALLOWTHE ENGINETO COOL BEFORE STORING IN ANY ENCLOSURE. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor' for winter storage_ When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove ail dirt, grease, leaves, etc.
TROUBLESHOOTfNG PROBLEM CAUSE Wilt not start 1. Out of fuel 2. 3. 4.. 5. 6. 7. Engine not "CHOKED" Engine flooded Bad spark plug. Dirty air fitter Dirty fuel fitter Watertn fuel Hard to start ,, ,,,,,,,I,L, POINTS CORRECTION 1 2 3 4. 5 6 7. properly. 8 9. _0. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment. 8, 9. 10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Dirty alr filter. Bad sparkptug Weak or dead battery Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel Loose or damaged wiring.
LESHOOTNNG PORNTS TBO ±,,H, 11,1 ,,,,, ], N=,, ,,,1 ,, L, CAUSE PROBLEM ,11,, _1, 111,1 CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Fauity operator-safetypresencecontrolsystem 1_ Check wiring, switches and connections tf not corrected, contact Sears Service Department POOr cUt - uneven 1. 2, 3 4_ Worn, bent or toose blade Mower deck not level Build-up of grass, leaves, and trash under mower Bent blade mandrel 1 2 3.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SiGHTiNG SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ,,.,w. ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL .,..,.. SIGHTING "" 1= 0 SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. m ,-r m m / 15° MAX. i i i i ii ii i,iiiiii i i i i greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns graduOperate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not ally to prevent tipping or loss of control.
® OWNER'S MANUAL 18.0 HP TWiN CYLI ELECTRIC START 38" OWER DECK 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL NO. 917.257480 Each tractor has its own model number. number. Each engine has its own model 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.
