Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMIIH°I LAWN TRACTOR 18.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273404 [_ differently from built engines. Before operates you start the his product haspreviously a low emission engine which 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 ................................................ Safety Rules .......................................... Product Specifications ........................... AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ Operation ............................................. Maintenance ....................................... Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Service and Adjustments ..................... 23 Storage ................................................ 29 Troubleshooting .................
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. _IbWARNING: In order to prevent ac- • cidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. ,_WARNING: hill in neutral, tractor.
II. SLOPE OPERATION blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• • • • Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
PRODUCT In the state of California SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints W/O Filter: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: (GAP: .030") Ground (MPH): Champion Speed Tire Pressure: Front: Rear: Charging 3 Amps 5 Amps System: 32°F) REPAIR 14 PSI 12 PSI Battery Headlights Amp/Hr: Min. CCA: Case Size: Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 28 230 U1R Ft. Lbs.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1 ) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering j n Boot I I n _ Steering Wheel Adapter Extension Shaft Steering Seat (1 Washer 1Lf)/32x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 7
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 ASSEMBLY FOR 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. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 6. 7. 8. 9. NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK (If previously removed) 1. 2. 3. 4. Raise and hold deflector shield upright position. Place front of mulcher plate of mower deck opening and place, as shown. Hook front latch into hole on mower deck. Hook rear latch into hole on mower deck. _CAUTION: Do not remove shield from mower. over front slide into Mulcher Plate Deflector Shield Latch Hooks f TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR DISCHARGING Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. R N H REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH or in literature supplied I\1 LOW o, o CHOKE FAST SLOW G ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON with the product.
KN OW YOU R TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR 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 Ignition Switch Light Switch Position Ammeter Throttle/Choke Control Attachment Lift Lever Height Adjustment Indicator Clutch/Brake Pedal Freewheel Control Parking Brake Lever Approx.
HOW 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety I I I I mask worn I TO USE YOUR TO SET PARKING over spectacles. TRACTOR • Never use choke to stop engine.
TO TRANSPORT When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position. Freewheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor. 1. Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. 2. Pull freewheel control out and down into the slot and release so it is held in the disengaged position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To re-engage transmission, reverse above procedure.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting ((See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual. ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below. 6. Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute.
PURGE TRANSMISSION MOWING To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recommended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have developed during shipping of your tractor. IMPORTANT: Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation before operating the tractor. 1.
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. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.
/_/_X'x_'_/_ /__/_ FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE C hh:; kkBirakp r?sPe_;i° n DATES _ i R Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level 1_4 Clean Battery and Terminals ll_ Mower and I_ If ll_s Blades I_ I_ If Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Change If Oil Level Oil (with oil filter) Engine Oil (without Change N Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen E Clean ll_ lI_1,_ oil filter) 1_1,2 If 1_2 v' Arrester Oil Fi
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION 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. per- If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted.
ENGINE • 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. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. To open, pull out on the drain valve. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
MUFFLER CLEANING Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG(S) • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmission covered to keep water out.
WARNING: SERVICE ORTOADJUSTMENTS: AVOID SERIOUS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INJURY, PERFORMING ANY Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place motion control 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. TRACTOR TO REMOVE 9.
7. 8. 9. • Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length. • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. • To lower front of mower loosen nut "E" on both front links an equal number of turns. • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. • To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F" from trunnion on both front links.
BELT INSTALLATION - . 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys 2. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 3. Install mower (See "To Install Mower" in this section of this manual). Mandrel Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than five (5) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary. Replace brake pads or contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT Engine Pulley ----- TF]_ Clutching Idler/ _ REMOVAL/ Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual. I TO ADJUST MENT STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble with crossbars horizontal.
If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system. The other vehicle must also be a 12 volt system. Do not use your tractor battery to start other vehicles. TO ATTACH 1. Connect 2. 3. 2. JUMPER CABLES one end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery(A-B), taking care not to short against tractor chassis. Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal (C) of fully charged battery.
ENGINE IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result if screw is turned in too tight. Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE PRELIMINARY 1. 2.
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. _CAUTION: hose, or tank during storage. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. • Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start Hard to start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 10. 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate =ROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CHART: section in manual Faulty spark plug. 6. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 7. 8. 9. Water in fuel. 9. plug wire loose. out of Worn, bent or loose blade. 2. Bent blade mandrel. 3. Loose/damaged . . 2. 3. 4. 5. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 1. Poorcut-uneven Poor grass discharge 10. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment 15.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Poor grass discharge (continued) CAUSE CORRECTION 3. Wet grass. 3. 4. Mower 4. 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. Blades improperly installed. 8. 9. deck not level. tire air pressure. bent or loose blade. 10. Improper blades used. 11. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 SCHEMATIC REDoIIl& "1 °LACK BATTERY RE° _! STARTER BLACK ____( )G Ali • WHITE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION SWITCH WHITE I........ I i I I _. 1 / I -- BLACK BLACK GROUNDING CONNECTOR B tl A di v (OPTIONAL) BLACK JELl LINE _ SPARK PLUG _ _ GAP v (2 PLUGS ON • • TWIN CYL ENGINES) _D _ I I IGNITION UNIT i i i CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT 3 AMP DC @ 3600 RPM • 28 VOLTS AC MIN.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 163465 74760412 176689 176138 183759 4152J 4799J 146147 175158 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 Box Battery Fender Switch, Interlock Harness Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga. w/16 wire red Fuse 20 AMP 27 28 73510400 4207J Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 uric Cable Ground 6 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917,273404 / 28 39 278 31 @/5 208 209 208 2O7 .209 60 209 209 6O _209 37 /209 14 209 208 74 3_ 206 38_14 209 chassis-Laser-It.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 GROUND DRIVE ' /30 52 36 35 28 _ I 53 252 25 78 76 96 1 drive.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION Peerless LTH2000 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 ENGINE 81 13 4 78 38 14 33 37 31 29 \ OPTIONAL 23 EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs=lcyl KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 SEAT ASSEMBLY 10 17 12 seat_It.knob_9 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 188716 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246X DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Fender Pivot Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga. Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 unc Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3t8-16 x 1 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan Pnt Seat KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 DECALS 13 1 13 6 3 4 7 7 10 \ 20 11 12 16 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 156811 190937 184728 184729 179128 133644 184730 184899 156439 138047 146046 WHEELS 2 DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO. Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Replacement Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, LH.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 LIFT ASSEMBLY 13 6 5 12 13 19 20 13 31 32 KEY PART NO. NO. 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 18 20 19 \. _p// 15 lift-rh=lpiece3 DESCRIPTION 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. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 MOWER DECK ÷--,o°.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 165892 STD533107 Mower Bolt 52 53 139888 184907 137645 128774 110485X 174493 72140505 132827 159770 STD541431 177563 105304X 123713X 110452X 130968X428 19111016 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck Retainer Spring Bar Sway Deck Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 115 (_ _ _ 56 '6 87 31 ,o ...
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 3 5 6 9 13 14 15 17 22 23 25 26 28 29 31 36 37 38 40 772151 770135 776355 778263 786197 778368 778368 778373 786139 792194 792195 792073A 792125 792035 780065 780189 790071 790007 799021 792204 Cover L.H. Case Counter Shaft Spur Gear 11T Neutral Sleeve (.572) Bevel Gear (Incl. 14) (13 Teeth) Bevel Gear (Incl.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 11 .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 @ 105A 127A 1091 276A@ 947A_ NIKKI I 1127 ,_ B 947_ 118 977 CARBURETOR 627t_ 51_ GASKETSET 1370 276@ 1266 0 121ACARBURETOR 121 CARBURETOR 104 _ 105 _] 127Q 137_..___/ OVERHAUL 231'_ 95 e' KIT 987(_ 276@ 1266 93 _:2 106 _'_ 117,_ 142 6170 634_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 KEY NO, PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL L_ 15 DEGREES MAX. & t. Fold this page atong dotted line indicated above. 2_ Hotd page before you go that its [eft edge is vertically para[_e_ to a tree trunk or other upright structure, 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of h[[[ slope you want to measure, 4. Compare the angle of the fotd with the stope of the hill.
Your Home "_ii!ii!ii!ii!ii!ii!i For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii[ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiii
