SEA/ 8 ® MODEL NUMBER 917.
SAFETY Practices RULES for Ride-On Safe Operation Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDSAND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. = • • • = GENERAL OPERATION III. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
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 Service Center/Department. We nave competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit. Please read and retain this manual.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15-18 WARRANTY ................................................................... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................. 4 INDEX ..................................................... ;....................... 4 TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ........................................
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACH These accessories and attachments were available when the unit was purchased, They are also available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor_ ENGINE SPARK PLUG MAINTENANCE MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER BLADES BELTS PERFORMANCE Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your vehicle Many of these are listed below with brief explanat
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK Parts Bag contents shown full size Parts packed separately in carton ÷ Battery acid Seat z ! (1) Knob __ Plate Steering Wheel Battery (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 m t I Steering Sleeve J I I Owner's Manual Parts Bag Parts bag contents not shown full size o (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Ga (2) Shoulder Bolts @ (2) Screws #10 x 5/8 @ (2) Washers (2) Lock Washers (2) Gauge Wheels Steering _Wheel Insert #10 (2) Keys (2) Weld Nuts #10 (2) Battery Carriage Bo
ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of these 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 their proper tightness. TOOLS REQUmRED FOR ASSEMBLY STEERING WHEEL A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed _-" .........
ASSE LY HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR PREPARE BA'I-rERY (See Fig. 2) INSTALL Remove cardboard packing on seat pan. o Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Wash hands or clothing immediately if accidentally in contact with battery acid. o Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten, Do not smoke. Fumes from charged battery acid are explosive. o Tighten shoulder bolt securely_ Wear eye and face shield. Read the instructions included with the battery vent caps.
ASSEMBLY CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM WINGNUTS TERMINAL GUARD 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, TERMINAL DOORS INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 4 and 5) BATTERY BOLT CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals. Before installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL o MULCHER TO CONVERT DISCHARGING (See Figs. 7A & 713) PLATE Install two latch hooks to muicher plate using screw, washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown. Tighten hardware securely ° Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. ° Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. • Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. o Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
OPERATION 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 location of various controls and adjustments this manual for future reference_ ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER Save IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT SWITCH "LIFT LEVER PARKING LEVER CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL HE{GHTADJUSTMENT KNOB - GEARSHIFT BRAKE LEVER FIG.
OPERATmON The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result G_SSE_ in severe eye damage. Always wear safety _llasses or eye shields before starting your tractor and while moving. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO MOVE FORWARD TO SET PARKING (See Fig. 9) o BRAKE Depress clutch/brake and hold (See Fig.
OP TO OPERATE MOWER TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 10) Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the mower clutch engaged will shut off the engine. • Select desired height of cut, using height adjustment knob. o Lower mower with lift lever. o Engage mower by slowly moving mower clutch lever to "ENGAGED" position. TO STOP MOWER - Move mower clutch lever to "DISENGAGED" position.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 10) When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fue! from the tank to the engine. • Depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position. Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBmLITIES FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE T ___ _._'j_cb_._j_£._'5_" .
CUSTOM RESPONSmB LITMES TRACTOR TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14) Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and engine.. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance, BRAKE The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel Do not attempt to sharpen while ori the mower.
CUSTOMER RESPO AIR CUT AWAY VIEW j VENTCAP BATTERY : : :: : : _: :: :: :l: : :: CELL AC,O :--"_: LEVEL V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. TRANSAXLE COOLING Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which can restrict cooling ENGINE Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG.
CUSTOMER RESPONS BnL T ES CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. o o B Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position, o Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. o 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 @ TRACTOR TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Fig& 22 and 23) 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 1/4" to 3/4" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position Check adjustment on right side of tractor, Measure dis
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" (See Fig. 24) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface, Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on the mower housing, BELT REMOVAL NU'T "A" - o o Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position_ Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its lowest position, o Roll belt off engine pulley .
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER o BLACK cable first from left side of chassis and fully charged battery. RED cable last from both batteries. TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual.
SERVnCE AND ADJUSTMENTS ACCELERATION ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE (See Fig. 30) CONTROL ° CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
STORAGE 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, & ENGHNE FUEL SYSTEM 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. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 Out of fuel Engine not "CHOKED" properly Engine flooded Bad spark plug Dirty air filter Dirty fuel filter Water in fuel 8 9 10 Loose or damaged wktng Carburetor out of adjustment Engine valves out of adjustment Ftl fuel tank See 'TO START ENGINE" in Operation section, Wait several minutes before attempting to start Replace spark plug Clean/replace air filter Replace fue! filter Drain fuel tank and car
TROUBLESHOOTING POUNTS PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch 1 Faulty operator-safety presence control system 1 Check wiring, switches and connections if not co[rected, contact an authorized service center/ department 1 2 Worn, bent or loose blade Mower deck not level 1 2 Replace btade Tighten blade bott Level mower deck.
