Owner’s Manual LAWN TRACTOR 17.5 HP, 42” Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.275370 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 about Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Warranty............................ ...................... 2 Safety Rules...................... ...................... 3 Product Specifications............................. 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation .. ...................... 8 Operation............................................... 11 Maintenance Schedule.......................... 17 Maintenance........................ ..................17 Service and Adjustments.... ..................21 Storage................................ ..........
SAFETY RULES IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. AwARNING: In order to prevent ac cidental starting when setting up, trans porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. AwARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
SAFETY RULES II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Opera tion on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
SAFETY RULES • • • • 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 clofhing, change clothing immediately. Never overfill fuel tank.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Unleaded and Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) (API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter 3.5 Pints W/0 Filter 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed Forward: (MPH): 1st 1.1 2nd 1.4 3rd 2.2 4th 3.3 5th 4.4 6th 4.9 Reverse: 1.4 Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI Rear: 12 PSI Charging System: 3 Amps Battery 5 Amps Headlights Battery: Amp/Hr: 28 Min. CCA: 230 Case Size U1R Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Steering Wheel (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18x4 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Extension Shaft (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys (2) Keys Slope Sheet
ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION 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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press ciutch/brake pedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat without moving its ad justed position. 9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely. NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) 1.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overin flated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. ^CHECKLIST Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Duality Product. Please review the following checklist: / All assembly instructions have been completed.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
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. Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used to engage the mower blades, or other at tachments mounted to your tractor.
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. HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• The average lawn should be cut to ap proximately 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. ^WARNING: Backing up with the at tachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged.
TO TRANSPORT • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. • When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift iever is in neutral (N) position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). ^CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below) 6. When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, imme diately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several minutes (the colder the temperature, the longer the warm-up). • The attachments can also be used dur ing the engine warm-up period.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Check Brake Operation ✓ ✓ Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓s ✓ Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades ✓a Lubrication Chart ✓ Check Battery Level ✓4 Clean Battery and Terminals ✓ Check Transaxle Cooling ✓ ✓ ✓ Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) ✓ Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) 1,2 Ciean Air Fiiter ✓2
CHECK REVERSE OPERATION (ROS) SYSTEM • When the engine is running with the ig nition switch in the engine "ON" position and the attachment clutch is engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should shut off the engine. • When the engine is running with the ignition switch in the ROS "ON" position and the attachment clutch is engaged, any attempt by the operator to shift into reverse should NOT shut off the engine. BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp.
• To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with balancer.) NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not. • Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position.
6. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve. 7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see “PROD UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick. Keep oil at “FULL’ line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.
4. Immediately wipe up any spilled gaso line. Clamp Clamp Fuel Filter CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, efc. • Protect painted surfaces with auto motive type wax. We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmis sion are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor.
TO INSTALL MOWER 1. Raise attachment iift lever to its highest position. 2. Slide mower under tractor with deflec tor shield to right side of tractor. 3. Lower lift lever to its lowest position. 4. Connect front links to mower deck and secure with retainer springs. 5. Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure with retainer springs. 6. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket and secure with retainer spring. 7.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT The mower blade drive belt may be re placed without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake oper ating 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.
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. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toe-in or camber, contact a Sears or other qualified service center. TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS 1. Block up axle securely. 2.
Terminal 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. Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3.
ENGINE 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 The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be nec essary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for stor age at the end of the season or if the trac tor will not be used for 30 days or more. AwARNING: 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 Wili not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5. Stale or dirty fuel.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in “CHOKE” position. 3. Buiid-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10. Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Poor cut - uneven continued CAUSE CORRECTION 4. Bent blade mandrel. 5. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 SCHEMATIC BATTERY K II_ ) I I lo SOLENOID STARTER •14 VOLTS A^IN. @ 3600 RPM (LIGHTS OFF) BLACK HEADLIGHTS NOTE IGNITION SWITCH POSITiON CIRCUIT “MAKE” OFF M+G+A1 RUN/OVERRiDE B+A1 RUN B+A1 L+A2 START B + S + A1 YOUR TRACTOR IS EOUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR NON-REMOVABLE REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 40 41 42 43 48 52 90 92 93 94 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 Nut, Keps Hex 1/4-20 unc Cable Ground 6 Ga. 12" black Switch Seat Switch Ign Key Ign Molded Craftsman Switch Light/Reset Harness Ign Bolt BIk.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 39 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 206 207 208 209 212 278 -- -- DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 193510X012 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carnage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, L.H. 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 65 67 68 71 82 88 91 95 97 DESCRIPTION 186780 Steering Wheel 175131 Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1 -5/8 x 16 Ga. 19272016 Washer 27/32 X 1-1/4 X 16 Ga.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 170545 17720408 3 ...................... 4 13 14 23 29 31 32 33 137352 165291 148456 169837 137180 187750 140527 123487X KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 37 38 40 44 Line, Fuel Plug, Drain Oil Easy Bushing Snap Screw, Hex Washer Head, Thd., Roll. 1/4-20 X 3/4 45 17000612 Screw Hex Wsh Thdr 3/8-16 x 3/4 46 19091416 Washer 9/32 x 7/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 188716 2 180166 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat 71110616 Bolt 19131610 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga. 145006 Clip, Push-In Hinged STD541437 Nut 124181X Spring, Seat 17000616 Screw 3/8-16 X 1-1/2 19131614 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 DECALS KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 193308 186377 186280 179128 186281 133644 195879 138047 186282 149516 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Decal Fender Opr. Inst. Decal, HP Engine Decal, Hood RH Decal, Deck Decal, Hood LH Decal, Customer Maintenance Decai, Replacement Decal, Battery Decal, Fender Decal, Battery, Dngr/Psn Eng 11 12 14 15 16 ----- -- WHEELS & TIRES 156439 193545 186787 160396 172331 138311 184310X428 184311X428 195888 195889 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H. Retainer Spring 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 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 40 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165892 STD533107 138017 165460 STD624008 178024 850857 STD551137 140296 Mower Deck Assembly, 42” Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front Bracket Sway Bar 38/42” eck Retainer Spring Bar Sway Deck Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C REF NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-El KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.275370 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-El KEY NO. PART NO.
SERVICE NOTES 54
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION vtvvvvvvvvvvwvvvvvvvvvvvvtvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvTtv cn on WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of siopes, never across the face. Do not mow siopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns graduaily to prevent tipping or ioss of controi. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Toid inli- page along dotteci line indicatsd above. 2.
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