Owner's Manual ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917,270681 • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance • Repair Parts differently from built engines, Before operates you start the enThis product haspreviously a low emission engine which gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. CAUTION: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Wa_ranty .......... ._. ...... :...... i ...................... 2 Safety Rules .................. :...................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Assembly ........... _...... _........................... 7 Operation ........... i ...... ':...... :................... 10 Main!ena, nce _...... !.....!_....._ .................. Maintenance Schedule ...................... 1 Service and Adjustments .................... ,_ Storage ...............................................
IMPORTANT: 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. GENERAL OPERATION can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
_Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR _FETY IS INVOLVED. CAUTION: 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 CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor. PRODUCT Please read and retain this manual.
Steering Steering Wheel Insert Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer I_(1) (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Lock 3/8 washer Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Steering __ Boot I _ Extension Shaft Steering Steering Wheel Adapter Seat (_Washer (]_1_32 xl-3/16 Gauge x12 (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 1) Knob Keys Slope Sheet F-] Video Cassette 6
Your new tractor 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 tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before you begin. TOOLS REQUIRED ASSEMBLY FOR ,. A sockei wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) _"'REMOVE THE FOLLOWING BULLET FOR MODELS WITH ELECTRIC LIFT. • Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. • Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. • Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to disengage transmissio_ (See "TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation section of this manual). • Roll tractor forward off skid.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. (If previously removed) • Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. • Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. • Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. • Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S YOUR TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Light Switch Ignition Switch Clutch. Lever _ Ammeter Lift ._-- - ~- -. _ Throttle/Choke Control _[_ _" Lever Plunger _ ,',,'L_.
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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to "backfire".
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) • 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. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 o F and below) • When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • 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 so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE - _ J O£-/_ _£-.
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
BATTERY TRANSAXLE Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. • 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.
• Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. _,)k,_(', I _ '_OII ,, If! Fill Oil Drain CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.
C::I CamP free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water oul Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life. CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • 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.
TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT MOWER BLADE With Parking Brake "Engaged" Nut "A" The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL - - Remove mower from tractor (See "TO. REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. m Nut BELT INSTALLATION • install new belt in reverse order of removal.
TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT FRONT • Block up axle securely. • Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). • Repair tire and reassemble. • On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. • Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. • Replace axle cover.
TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES • Connect each end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery, taking care not to short against chassis. • Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of fully charged battery. • Connect the other end of the BLACK Battery Dec Box cable to good CHASSIS GROUND, away from fuel tank and battery. Keps_ Nut ._ ......... TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER • BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery.
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission. It is equipped with an idl_ fuel adjusting needle with a limiter cap, which allows some adjustment within the limits allowed by the cap. Do not attempt to remove the limiter cap. The limiter cap cannot be removed without breaking the adjusting needle. The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
PRELIMINARY SETTING - Idle Speed Screw • Air cleaner assembly must be assembled to the carburetor when making carburetor adjustments. • Be sure the throttle control cable adjusted properly FINAL SETTING (see r_ -.--- __.,...Throttle -_ -. Lever is above). - • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position. • Move throttle control lever to slow position.
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. A(_ CAUTION: 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. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CHART • CAUSE Out of fuel. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. • • • • Bad spark plug. Didy air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. • • • • • • Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment, Service Adjustments Engine valves out of adjustment. • • • • • Hard to start Engine will not turn over _• Dirty air filter. • Bad spark plug. • • • Weak fuel or dead Dirty filter. battery. Stale or dirty fuel.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power • I CORRECTION Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. Engine valves out of adjustment. Worn, bent or loose blade. • Bent blade mandrel. Loose/damaged part(s). • • Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. in fuel. Spark plug wire loose. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring.
tROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate • • Remove obstruction. • Replace mower drive belt. • • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. • • Replace Replace idler pulley. blade mandrel. • Engine speed too slow. • • • Travel speed too fast. Wet grass. • • • • Mower deck not level. Low/uneven tire air pressure • • • Worn, bent or loose blade.
SERVICE NOTES 32
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 SCHEMATIC REO BATTERY A FUSE AMMETER (OPTtONAL) , _ wH,,E i -)G STARTER -] BLACK , © : ,<_f______ REO --K _ I SOLENOID i CLLUTCH / BF_A-K _" (PEDAL All UP) WHITE IGNITION SWITCH .... WI'_TE , __ _ I SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) / I i_i_l .......... i BLACK /7 BLACK • BLUE (OPTIONAL) _ FUEL_ I _LINE I i BLACK IGNITION UNiT _ _ GAP SPARK PLUG (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL. ENGINES) __.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION\ t 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 70 Battery 12 VOLT 25 AMP Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc x 3/4 Case Battery Switch, Interlock Push-In Harness Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga 1t" red Cable Battery 6 Ga w/16 wire red Fuse 15AMP Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Unc Cable Ground 6 Ga 12" black Switch Plunger Nc Gray Switch Ign Key Ign Harness tgn Bolt BIk.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 17 18 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 51 52 53 54 55 57 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 206 207 208 212 -- Chassis Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 Bumper Hood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 3/4 Panel, Dash, L.H. Clip Tinnerman Grille P/L Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 STEERING ASSEMBLY _38 63 I .... - ....
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 62 63 65 66 67 68 79 80 82 85 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 ENGINE / 9 72 62 ....
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 162157 17720410 4 13 14 15 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 137352 165291 13280324 13200300 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 158990 123487X 137040 38 40 44 45 46 62 72 78 81 ......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6. 7 8 9 10 11 12 140122 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 DECALS 13 6 4 3 5 13 10 2O 9 21 12 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 PART NO. 156811 171761 171696 171697 133644 166887 163204 156439 146046 163252 160396 WHEELS KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal,Replacement Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 130171 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. Link Asm Lift R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 165460 STD624008 130832 850857 STD551 ! 37 140296 134149 129895 137645 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 128774 110485X 140329 72140505 132827 159770 STD541431 134753 131267 105304X 1237!3X 110452X 130968X428 19111016 131491 157722 129963 153535 137266 STD533717 133835 131494 STD551037 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 _0 1.4 _5 :!8 _.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER HYDRO TRANSAXLE KEY _10. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 ,_!_1 _ r : 718 40868 , 510 294 1034 ',, 830d _ 238' 1029 25_ 27 '!:" 46 i '_-:: ) !lJll!)!tp! _rIOI)J] ,'iii 'i 26 43_. ,, ! :,L_.; 15 1033 VALVE OVERHAUL k _ KIT !i 22 )_!, REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL =.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 616 1251 1141[ ( _,_, 95_ "_ _': 9s'r _ [ _ I 231 _' _1 692I 188_ 51A i,_ _. LMTICARBURETOR PART NUMBER LOCATIONS 142 THIS CARBURETOR SERVICES BOTH CHOKE-A-MATIC AND MANUAL CHOKE SYSTEMS 358 GASKET SET 977 CARBURETOR 51A I _, 267 _--_) - GASKET SET I I 137((_ _ ....
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY NO. t 3 7 3 ) L0 I1 12 13 15 !6 _0 _3 _3A _4 _5 _6 _7 Z8 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 KEY NO. 562 579 601 614 616 617 634 635 654 668 695 697 718 726 PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE _. _CuT TH_s 15 ° MAX. I i1 _rLJ_ i _ Operate your 15°), Tractor up across and down of slopes (not greater than never the the face.face Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme il caution when changing direction on slopes.
Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOM E s. Anytime, day or night (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics for repair, call for the location of your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Anytime, day or night www.sears.