MRN MODEL NUMBER 917.259573 OWNER'SMANUAL Assembly Operation Customer Responsibilities Service and Adjustments Repair Parts For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mort - Sat CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating ................................... this equipment.
SAFETY Practices RULES for Ride-On Safe Operation Mowers IMPORTANT: TH_S 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. . . • • = o = • o . • • • GENERAL OPERATION Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are famiiiar with the instructions, to operate the machine.
PRODUCT CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/Department Department. We have competent, welFtrained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 17-20 WARRANTY .................................................................. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................ 4 INDEX ............................................................................ 4 TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ..........................................
ACCESSO AN ATTACHMENTS These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased. Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor. ENGINE SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE GAS CAN ENGINE OiL FUEL STAB_L|ZER AiR FILTER BLADES } @ELTS PERFORMANCE Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your tractor.
CONTENTS Parts Bag contents (1) Large Fiat Washer shown OF HAR[:)WA ful! size PACK Parts packed separately in carton (l) Hex Bolt _ \ ) '_ ji(1) _ Seat Video Cassette Lockwasher 3/8 (1) Locknut 5/16-18_qX1 \/f f _ (1)HexBolt _._/ 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Steering Wheel Mulcher Plate (t) Hex Bolt 1/2-13 x 1 I E E Steering Boot Manual (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16.
ASSEMBLY 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.
ASSEMBLY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CONNECT BATTERY iNSTALL SEAT (See Fig, 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt. (See Fig, 2) CAUTION: Do m_otshort battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the sametime. Before connecting battery, remove metat bracelets, wristwatch bonds, rings, etc. Positive termina! must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidenta_ grot_nding, Lift hood to raised position.
ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLE GAUGE DECK (See Fig. 4) WHEELS TO TO CONVERT DISCHARGING MOWER Assemble surface. - Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual). - NOTE: It is not necessary to change blades. The mulcher blades are designed for discharging and bagging also.
,/ CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SA TISFA CTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: •/ All assembly instructions have been completed. ,/ No remaining toase parts in carton. ¢" Battery'is properly prepared and charged. 1 hour at 6 amps). ¢" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ,/ All tires are properly inflated.
OPERATiO These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATIC KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES Compare theitlustrationswithyourtractortofami]iadzeyourselfwiththe this manual for future reference. CHOKE CONTROL BEFORE OPERATING TRACTOR locations of various cQntrolsand adjustments, Save LIGHT SWITCH POSITION ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER AMMETER YOUR THROTTLE CONTROL ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER CLUTCH/ BRAKE PEDAL IGNITION SWITCH HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB PARKING BRAKE FREEWHEEL CONTROL MOTION CONTROL LEVER APPROX.
OPERATION spectacles or standard safety glasseso NOTE: Under certain conditions when b'actor is standing idle withthe e_gine running, hot engine exhaust gases may cause "browning" ef grass. To eliminate this possibility, always stop engine when stepping tractor on grass areas. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 8) Your tractor isequipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
0 TO OPERATE MOWER ERATION (See Fig. 9) TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 10) Your tractor isequippedwithanoperatorpresencesensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut. Lower mower with attachment lift control. When pushing or towi_g your tractor, be sure transmission by ptacing freewheel controljn position. Free wheel control is ]ocated al the of tractor.
OPERATION WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohot 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. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS MULCHING best mowing HOUSING" in this manual. used for trim- o Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the dght of the tractor. "['his will result in a more even distribution of clippings and mere uniform cutting. - When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings wilt discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc.
CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILIT! SCHEDULE FILL [N DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE ;ERVICE DATES ;heck Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T I Check for Loose Fasteners R I" SharpenlReptace A l" Lubrication I i Mower Blades Chart Cl. T [ Check Battery Level/Recharge 0 I Clean Battery a_td Terminals R [ Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Biade Belt(e)Tension Adjust Motion Drive Belt{s) Tension Check Engine Oil Lever Change Engine Oil F_..
CUSTOME RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR TO SHARPEN Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbatanced b}ade wit} cause excessive vibration and ever].. tuat damage to mower and engine. BRAKE • the btade can be sharpened with a file er on a grindhtg wheet. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower. Q "To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin. or acene balancer.
CUSTO BILITIES After oif has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely. V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. TRANSAXLE , Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES IMPORTANT: PETROLEUM SOLVENTS, SUCH AS KEROSENE, ARE NOT TO BE USED TO CLEAN THE CARTRIDGE. THEY MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION OF THE CARTRIDGE. DO NOT OiL CARTRIDGE. DO NOT USE PRESSURIZED AIR TO CLEAN OR DRY CARTRIDGE. MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark attester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
SERVICE CAUTION: • = • • - TO REMOVE BEFORE PERFORMING ADJUSTMENTS ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Place motion control tever in neutral (N) position. Depress clutch/brake pedal fuUy and set parking brake, Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position, Turn ignition key "OFF" 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 plugo MOWER (See Fig.
ADJUSTM SERVlC TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT_TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 23 and 24) IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE, IF THE FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE-TOSIDE. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position. Check adjustment on right side of tractor.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE (See Fig. 25) MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT TO ADJUST BRAKE {See Fig, 26) Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the side of the transaxle. The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface, Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL - If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping _Jstance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
SERVICE AN TO REPLACE (See Fig. 27) MOTION DRIVE AD, USTMENTS BELT TO ADJUST MOTION (See Fig. 28) Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest, CONTROL LEVER • Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual,) The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
i i, ! Jl,lll i SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS iiiiii TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL TO START ENGINE (See Fig.
SERVICE AND TO REPLACE o e e HEADLIGHT BULB ENGINE Raise hood. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill, Close hood, INTERLOCKS TO ADJUST THROTTLE (See Fig, 32) AND RELAYS FUSE Replace with 30 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. fuse holder is located behind the dash. TO REMOVE HOOD (See Fig. 31) AND GRILL The ASSEMBLY - Raise hood. = ° Unsnap headlight wire connector.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 33) The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Checkadjustment as described below before loosening cable, tf adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: • With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash pane!) to full choke position.
STO Immediately prepare your :tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or ENGINE more. FUEL SYSTEM _nside L, Whetefumes P or _1 _ng iMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE.
I • • _Juu_ TROUBLESHOOTING CORRECTION CAUSE PROBLEM Wi|l not start 1 Out Of fuel. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Engine not "CHOKED" Engine flooded, Bad spark plug, Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. 9. Hard to start will not turn over properly. Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug, Weak or dead battery. 4, 5. 6. 7. Dirty fuet filter. Stale or dirty fuel. Loose or damaged wiring, Carburetor out Of adjustment. 8. Engine valves out of adjustment, 1_ 2, 3. 4. 5. 6, 7.
....... .k • / .... i,,n i ¸ BLESHOOTI POINTS ................. PROBLEM I CAUSE :"" 1. _ i i i' CORRECTION ,t,=............ Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch . , Faulty 0perator-safety presence control systeml 1. ! 
