Owner's Manual IC.nFTSMnN, I LAWN TRACTOR 18.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.273150 J This product has a low emission eng!ne which operates differently from previously budt engines- Before you start the J engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment.
Warranty ................................................. 2 Safety Rules ........................................... 3 Product Specifications ............................ 6 Assembly/P re-Operation ........................ 8 Operation .............................................. 11 Maintenance Schedule ......................... 17 Maintenance ......................................... 17 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 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. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning. • Never leave a running machine unattended.
DO: • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • 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.
=RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Unleaded Regular and Type: i Oil Type i (API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F SAE 5W-30(below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter: W/O Filter: 4.0 Pints 3.5 Pints SGPaark Plug: p: .040") Champion RC12YC Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 1st 2rid 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse: Tire Pressure: J i i Charging System: Battery: Front: Rear: 1.2 1.5 2.4 3.5 4.8 5.3 1.5 14 PSI 10 PSI 15 Amps @ 3600RPM Amp/Hr: Min. CCA: Case Size: 28 230 U1R i Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut ® (1) Locknut 1/2-20 m _J 1/4-28 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft _St_eritg Seat @ _(1) (1)Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video (2) Keys "-t 7 Cassette
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolts in slots and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten. 6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. 9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (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. Mulcher Plate Deflector Shielc _CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower. TO CONVERTTO DISCHARGING BAGGING OR Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. R N REVERSE H NEUTRAL ENGINE OFF HIGH LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL ENGINE ON OIL PRESSURE I'.
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. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter ...... Ignition Switch Light Switch Position Lift Lever Plunger --. Throttle/Choke Control Clutch/Brake Pedal Attachment Lift Lever Height ustment Indicator "- ......
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 YOU R 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 looking 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. 2. Unthread and remove oil fill cap/ dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. Remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULl" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn.
PILL BE'NOATES ° SEBVICE B AS YOU COMPLETE Check Check OATHS Brake Operation Tire Pressure _ T Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems R Check for Loose and Fasteners T Lubrication J_ 0 Check Sharpen/Replace Battery Level Mower R Clean Battery Check Transaxle Check V-Belts Check Engine _#, _ I_s Chart Blades i3 and Terminals Cooling Oil Level I_ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) E Change Engine Oil (without _1,2 oil filter) v, _1,2 U Clean Air Filter G Cle
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
BATTERY Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL 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.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Remove knob and cover. 2. Remove wing nut and air cleaner from base. NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will cause engine damage due to overheating. ENGINE OIL FILTER TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. MUFFLER 3. Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. 4.
_L WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING VICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ANY SER- Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key to "STOP" 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.
6. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket and secure with retainer spring. 7. Push clutch cable housing guide into bracket, slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring. 8. Place flat washer and clutch spring on idler pulley bolt and secure with small retainer spring. 9. Install belt onto engine pulley. Check adjustment on right side of tractor. Measure distance "D" directly in front and behind the mandrel at bottom edge of mower housing as shown.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE TO ADJUST BRAKE DRIVE 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3. If distance is other than 1-1/2", loosen jam nut and turn nut "A" until distance becomes 1-1/2". Retighten jam nut against nut "A". 4. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary.
3. Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll around the top groove of engine pulley. 4. Install belt through stationary idler and clutching idler. 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. 6. Install mower (See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in this section of manual). FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor.
TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES 1. Connect one end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery(A-B), taking care not to short against tractor chassis. 2. Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal (C) of fully charged battery. 3. Connect the other end of the BLACK cable (D) to good chassis ground, away from fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER 1. BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. 2. RED cable last from both batteries.
ENGINE 2. Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make adjustments with engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Idle speed setting - With throttle control lever in slow position, engine should idle at 1750 RPM If engine idles too slow or fast, turn idle speed adjusting screw in or out until correct idle is attained. 4.
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. _WARNING: 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. blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM i Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE 3ORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position, 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter, 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 1. Raise cutting height/reduce speed. i 2. Adjust throttle control. i 3. Clean underside of mower housing. i 4. Clean/replace air filter. i 5. Check oil level/change oil. i 6.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CORRECTION CAUSE 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel• 1. Remove obstruction. 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing• 4. Level mower deck. 5.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273150 259 258 261 39 18 58 2O8 2O9 166 2O8 ,.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273150 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 ENGINE KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 SEAT ASSEMBLY \ \ \\\\ 5 I I I I I / 21 I I I I.-" -_lj I z "Z" I I 11 12 KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 DECALS 2 18 13 6 3 11 13 10 11 20 9 16 17_ 12 j8 KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 3 13 2 4 6 6 5 13 19 20 13 32 20 19 15 13 ._-.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 175689 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 917.273150 MOWER DECK _t17 _116 23 24 25 16 27 18 5 19F 21 10---9_ 42 D m_n -t-path stir 3.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 52 53 54 55 56 59 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck STD624008 Retainer Spring 178024 Bar Sway Deck 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 CYLINDER HEADNALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER KEY NO. PART NO. 1 12-086-14-S 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12-468-03-S 24-162-03-S 25-086-47-S 12-157-06-S X-42-15-S 12-025-15-S 12-155-09-S M-548025-S 10 11 237878-S M-545020-S 12 13 14 15 12-154-06-S 41-403-09-S X-22-11-S M-639016-S 16 17 18 19 236602-S 12-132-02-S X-728-1-S M-545010-S 20 12-584-04-S NOT ILLUSTRATED 12-176-44-S 24-518-12-S 12-518-35-S X-25-5-S DESCRIPTION KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492,TYPE NUMBER 27506 STARTIN G SYSTEM_ _EMARRANT DE LE SYST_ME ENGINE MOTEUR CONTROLS CONTR(_LE 1 I / .
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492,TYPE NUMBER 27506 STARTING KEY NO. PART NO. M-839070-S 25-098-07-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 ENGINE SYSTEM 12-755-54-S 12-227-18-S 12-170-05-S 12-221-01-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Includes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, brush &spring Cap, commutator end Bolt, hex. flange 1/4-20x45/8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273150 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 M-641060-S M-629116-S 12-853-118-S 12-041-02-S 12-053-118 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-041-01-S 12-265-06-S 25-237-14-S 52-353-22-S 25-050-03-S 47-154-01-S NOTILLUSTRATED *M-561010-S *X-22-11-S 12-757-02-S 12-757-03-S 12-041-01-S 12-041-02-S 12-041-05-S 12-041-06-S 12-032-06-S 12-757-33-S 12-041-06-S 12-454-03-S 25-452-20-S 12-518-37-S KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Nut, hex.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ¢.o _k down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to up prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3.
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