Owner's Manual ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272420 • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance • Repair Parts _ differently from built engines. Beforeoperates you start the This product haspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual, CAUTION: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 SafetyRules......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Storage ............................................... 29 Assembly .............................................. 8 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Operation ............................................ 11 Repair Parts ..........
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. I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, undemtand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starling. • 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.
III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry chiJdren.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. _.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS REPAIR AGREEMENT 3ASOLINE CAPACITY _,ND TYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR DIL TYPE _PI-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: SAE 10W30(abova 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS W/OFILTER: 4.0 PINTS SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") GROUND SPEED(MPH): TIRE CHAMPION CHARGING SYSTEM: FORWARD: REVERSE: FRONT: REAR: A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER RC12YC 5.5 2.
Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer I_(1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Lock 3/8 washer (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Steering _ _ Boot (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter Seat _(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob I1 Keys Slope Sheet (2) Keys For Future Use 7 Video Cassette
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 FOR ASSEMBLY _ Insert A socket wrench set will make assembly _ 3/8 Hex Bolt easier. Standard wrench sizes you need 3/8 Lock Washer are listed below.
Label Terminal Battery Door INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. 4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck. After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
Thesesymbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOUR 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. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the 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 BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• 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 tooking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse 'above procedure. 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.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing.
• 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 ° F and below) 7. 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. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.
MOWING TIPS • 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERV$CE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure I_ Check Operator Presence and InterlOck Systems I_ v, Check for Loose Fasteners !v V, V V Clean Battery and Terminals V , Check TransaXle CooUng v Sharpen!Replace Mower Blades Lubrlca{ion Charl CheCk Batte_' Lever V° V0 Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Check Engine Oil Level I_ V Change Engine Oil Clean Air Filter Clean Air Screen
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 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.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Insert dipstick into the • tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube when taking reading• Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished. Oil Drain Valve TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER 3. Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. 4. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. 5. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. Allow it to dry. 6. Saturate it in engine oil.
3. Apply a thin coating of new engine oil to the rubber gasket on replacement oil filter. 4. Install replacement oil filter on filter adapter. Turn oil filter clockwise until rubber gasket contacts the filter adapter, then tighten filter an additional 1/2 turn. 5. Fill crankcase with new oil (See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIU' in this section of this manual). For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 6. Start the engine and check for oil leaks.
_CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position, 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key "OFF" 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.
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. • If adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side.
BELT INSTALLATION 4. Install new belt in reverse order of • removal. 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 6. Install mower in reverse order of removal instructions. TO ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted. 1.
3. Tighten adjustment bolt securely. 4. Start engine and test. 5. If tractor still creeps, repeat above steps until satisfied. Motion Control Lever TRANSMISSION MENT Washers Retaining_ f_'_ Ring\ I\ _'_"_'_'_ Axle \ I \ II/1{_ llll Neutral Lock Gate Square Key (Rear Wheel Only) TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY z't 4UICAUTION: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when mound batter;_=s.
REPLACING BATTERY _IkCAUT!ON: Do not short battery terminais Dy 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 prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 3.
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR 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 lead. If the carburetor does need adjustment, proceed as follows: In general, turning the adjusting needles in (clockwise) decreases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a leaner fuel/air mixture.
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. Also, experiance indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation end formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of and engine while in storage. 1. Drain the fuel tank. 2. Starf the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CHART CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 10.Engine valves out of adjustment. CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Check all wiring. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power continued) CORRECTION 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil leveVdirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10. Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. t3. Loose or damaged wiring. 14.Carburetor out of adjustment. 15.Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CHART CORRECTION CAUSE Poor grass discharge 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Allow grass to dry before 3. Wet grass. mowing. 4. Mower deck not level. 4. Level mower deck. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5. Check tires for proper air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 6. Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten blade bolt. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and 7. Clean underside of mower trash under mower. housing. 8.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 SCHEMATIC "° BATTERY SOLENOID AMMETER _ / "° ! O ' : i F_ ' =wHrrE , , :c I #L_-.;_,_;,_L-,, i- l t ' ! O, ', E IA: • i STARTER , '_' _: i /'_ - '_ /77 USE _ _ II -- ' ELECTRIC CLUTCH ,_ - ...... , ' : 9_: SPARK (2 PLUGS ON nnNIN CYL ENGINES I FUEL SHUT-OFF__SOLENOID t,l,-_sj) _z:::z_ ", t\_ _.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 ELECTRICAL KEY NO, 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 50 51 52 80 81 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO, PART NO. 1 ......
TRACTOR - -MODELNUMBER917.
TRACTOR - -MODELNUMBER917.272420 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO, NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 17 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 4O 41 42 43 44 46 51 54 63 65 68 71 82 87 88 91 SteedngWheel Axle Assembly Cast Iron Spindle Asseml_y, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODELNUMBER KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 917.272420 ENGINE 1 2 3 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 44 45 46 77 80 81 101 105 NOTE: 170548 17720410 ...... 159420 12_41-03 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 158990 123487X 137040 148315 17670412 17000612 19091416 19101216 74760508 73510400 M_ 17120616 Control, Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cuffing 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, (See Breakdown) Kohler Model NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 SEAT ASSEMBLY 18 \ \ \ 24 I I i i t I I I I i _15 17 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket. Switch Mounting 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 1700_616 19131614 174894 166369 121246X KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 DECALS 11 9 13 5 6 3 7 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 156811 177374 177356 177357 177805 133644 177355 172331 163204 156439 Decal, Ober. Instr. Decai, HP Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L,H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft ASSembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Gauge Beadng, Nylon Gdp, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, LH. Link, Lib, R.H.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 MOWER DECK "_'40 _3736 40 44_'_ 37 55, 145 106 /_ ' 102 103 _o3J_/_- // 101/'_ !05 / 104 106 34 21 22 116 113 111 114 23 24 _ 6 16 118 _ 28 1 _.18 5 ' ,.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
-r ,,< 119 0 ¢) Ill 120 128 14 x('} 12 I 109 o_ o0 mt_ 88 r / 81 79 19 m zr 123 73 t 9OO !i 17 16 o_ 124 0 93 107 58 69 _7 66 43
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 CYLtNDER READ/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 25-351-01-S 12-755-94-S 1 2 Seal, crankshaft Block, cylinder(Use Short Block 12 522 49) 12-445-02-S Strap, lifting Screw, hex. flange M-839025-S Max1.25:<25 Dowel, lOCating (4) 24-380-13-S 12-755-49-S Kit, camshaft (Includes 7,8) 12-089-31-S Spring, actuating 12-422-08-S Shim, camshaft (A.R.) btue 12-422-09-S Shim, camshaft (A.R.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 IGNITIONIELECTRICAL t _LECTRIQUE ALLUMAGE BLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLES I HABITATION DE SOUFFLEUR ET D_CALENT J 4 _3 12 lO --7 1t\,_ 13 AIR INTAKE 14 I A_RE DE_ ARRIVSEJ1.
TRACTOR -- MODELNUMBER917.272420 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPENUMBER 27506 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 STARTING SYSTEM| D_MARRANT DE L_ SYST_ME ENGINE CONTROLS MOTEUR CONTROLE 1 I t / / 0 .t 4' 11 OIL PAN I LUBRICATION | DE LA HUILE PAN DE LA LUBRIFICATION _,, Z.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272420 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 ENGINE CONTROLS STARTING SYSTEM KEY NO. PART NO. 1 M-839070-S 2 25-098-07-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 12-755-54-S 12-227-18-S 12-170-05-S 12-221-01-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x70 2 Starter assereby ncudes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, brush & spring Cap, commutator end Bolt hex. flange 1/4-20x4-5/8 2 OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - -MODELNUMBER917.272420 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPENUMBER 27506 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY NO. 1 2 3 PART NO. DESCRIPTION M-641060-S Nut, hex. flange M6xl.0 (2) M-629116-S Stud M6x1.Ox116 (2) 12-853-118-S Kit, carburetor w/gasket (Includes 4,5,6 qty 1 Tie, cable 12.
SERVICE NOTES 6O
SERVICE 61 NOTES
SERVICE 62 NOTES
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I _U_ O t_ ca/_ greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not ution when changing direction on slopes.
Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repairof major brandappliancesin your own home, .. no matterwho made it, no matter who soldit! 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ Any_ dayornigtlt (1_) (U.S.A. and Canada) wY/iN.seal_.corll '_lt/W._6_ELC_I For repair ofcarry-inproducts like vacuums,lawn equipment,ar_ electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 /u_rne,dayorright(U.SA.only) www.
