Operator's Manual ® LAWN TRACTO 17.5 HP,*42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.25350 This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions Read and follow a!! Safety Rules and Instructions before this product, Call: operating this equipment.
Maintenance Scheduie ........................ t7 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 Storage .................................................. 26 Troubleshooting ..................................... 27 Sears Service .......................... Back Cover Warranty .................................................. 2 Safety Rules ........................................... 3 Product Specifications ............................ 6 AssemblyPre-Operation ......................... 8 Operation ......
_DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands throwing objects, Failure to observe the following safety instructions in serious injury or death, _WARNING: 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 plug, • • _WARNING: Do not coast down a hil! in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
. • .
GENERALSERVICE • • • • • • • . • • . • • Never operate machine in a closed area, Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition, Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Check their proper operation regularly. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-upo Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing, If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspectthe machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and "S/pe: 1.25 Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter: W/O Filter: Spark Champion RCI2YC (Gap: ,030") Forward: 1st 1.1 2nd 1,4 3rd 2.
Steering / Wheel \ I \ \ f \ t Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) 5116 Lock Washer (t) Hex Bolt 5/t 6-18 x 4 <,,_ 1, ,4 1-..
Your new tractor has been unassembled for shipping all parts and hardware you necessary to insure proper TOOLS REQUIRED A socket wrench easier, Standard are listed belowr (I) 314" wrench (1) t/2" wrench (1) Tire pressure assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as tightness.
INSTALL SEAT CHECK Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. I. Remove adjustment knob and flatwasher securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tracton 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.
CHECK TIRE v/CHECKLIST PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes, Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. ° Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOW YOUR 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 various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future reference. of "ON" Position Attachment Clutch Lever Throttle/Choke Control , ., _.x_:_ Light Switch " , ignition Switch ._'.:.:: ,".
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 TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped presence sensing switch. running, any attempt bythe the seat without first setting will shut off the engine_ 1.
TO OPERATEMOWER Your tractor is equippedwith an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operatorto leavethe seat with the engine runningand the attachmentclutch engagedwill shut off the engine°Youmust remainfully and centrallypositionedin the seatto preventthe enginefromhesitatingor cutting off when operatingyour equipment on rough,rollingterrainor hills. 1, Selectdesiredheightof cut. 2. Startmowerbladesby engagingattachmentclutchcontrol. TO STOPMOWERBLADESdisengage attachment clutch control.
TOWlNGCARTS &OTH ERATTACHMENTS TO START ENGINE Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor° Use common sense when towing, Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor. When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
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 sothatclippings are dischargedonto the area that has already 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 T a Check Brake Check Tire Pressure BEFORE EAC, USE EVERY 8 HOURS EVERY 25 HOURS EVERY 50 HOURS EVERY EVERY _0O HOURS 'BEFORE SEASON STORAGE Opera,ion Check Operatc, r P_esentte & ROS System! _' A Check for Loose Fasteners ....... C ChecktReplace T Lubrication Mower Blades _ Chart v' _" 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Battery j and Terminals Check Transaxte Cooling Check Mower Check V-Belts Levelness v' ,.
TRACTOR Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requiresmorethan five (5) feetto stop at highestspeed in highestgear on a level,dry concreteor paved surface,then brakemustbe checkedand adjusted.(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE"in the Service and Adjustmentssectionof this manual). TIRES • Maintainproper air pressurein all tires (Seesidesof tire for properPSI).
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 t 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.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER CLEANING The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required, 1. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections, 2, Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. 3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. 4. Immediatelywipe up anyspilled gasoline. • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS: ARNING: ORTO AVOID SERIOUS _ INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY I. Depress clutch!brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position, 4, Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key, 5, Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
TO LEVEL [V]OWER HOUSING When distance "D" is 1t8" to 112" lower at front than rear, tighten nut "F" against trunnion on both front links, Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level groundordriveway. Makesuretires are properly inflated (See side of tire for proper PSI). If tires are over or underinflated, you wilt not properly adjust your mower, SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position.
TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT TO CHECK Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake,, For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. 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 serviced, You may also check brake by: i. Park tractor on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and engage parking braker 2.
TO REMOVEWHEEL TO START TERY FOR REPAIRS I_ Block up axle securely_ 24 Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheels have a square key - Do not lose). 3, Repair tire and reassemble, NOTE: On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. 4 Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. 5o Replace axle cover, NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to stow leaks, purchase and use tire sealant from Sears.
REPLACING BATTERY TO REPLACE FUSE _WARNING: Do not short battery termF nats by 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 Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plugin fuse, The fuse holder is located behind the dash, prevent sparking from accidental grounding.
ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will FUEL SYSTEM not be used for 30 days or more. _IbWARNING: 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. iI_4PORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor, fuel hose, ortank during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART: section PROBLEM Will not start Will not start Hard to start Engine will not turn over Engine clicks but will not start in manual unless directed to Sears service center CORRECTION CAUSE 1 Fil! fuel tank, 2 See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section Engine flooded, 3 Wait several minutes before attempting to start, 4 Bad spark plug 4 Replace spark plug 5 Dirty air filter 5 Clean/replace 6 Dirty fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual PROBLEM directed CAUSE Loss of power Loss of power Excessive unless vibration to Sears service center CORRECTION 1 Cutting too much grass/too fast, 1 Raise cutting height/reduce speed, 2 Throttle in"CHOKE" position, 2 Adjust throttle control 3 Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower 3 Clean underside of mower housing.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual PROBLEM unless directed CAUSE to Sears service center CORRECTION 1 Remove obstruction. 2 Replace mower drive belt Frozen idler plllley, 3 Replace idler pulley. 4 Frozen blade lnandre! 4 Contact a Sears or other qualified service center 1 Engine speed too slow, 1 Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2 Travel speed t)o fast, 2 Shift to slower speed.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL co / 15 DEGREES ii _=_ MAX. down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise whenup and WARNING: To avoid serious injury, extreme operate caution your tractor changing direction on slopes. !. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
" fi ×ed, ..... at your:home Get=t: or:ours! Your Home 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! For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourselfi For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters. 1-800-4-MY-HOME ® (1-800-469-4663) www.sea rs.
