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IMPORTANT MANUAL OWNER'S MANUAL MODEL: PR17542STC LAWN TRACTOR Always Wear Eye Protection During Operation Do Not Throw Away 02478 Read the Owner's Manual and follow all Warnings and Safety Instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury. 183384 3.18.02 RD...
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDE-ON MOWERS 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. I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
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Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
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.
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SEAT PAN FIG. 2 INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. • Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing.
I M P O R T A N T : F O R S H I P P I N G P U R P O S E S , T H E MULCHER PLATE WAS PREATTACHED TO YOUR MOWER. THE MULCHER PLATE MUST ONLY BE USED WITH THE MULCHING BLADES THAT CAME PACKED SEPARATELY IN THE CARTON.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE CLUTCH LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT...
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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. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER AMMETER CHOKE CONTROL...
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.
• With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely. • Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6) 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. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte- nance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to “leak” power. • Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. •...
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AIR FILTER (See Fig. 13) Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key to “STOP” and remove key. •...
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See “PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 20) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOWER”...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 23) The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: •...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Figs. 26 and 27) CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals 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 prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE (See Fig. 29) The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: •...
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: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start Dirty air filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS PROBLEM CAUSE Engine continues to run Faulty operator-safety presence control system. when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged Poor cut - uneven Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 SCHEMATIC AMMETER (OPTIONAL) WHITE IGNITION SWITCH IGNITION SWITCH POSITION CIRCUIT “MAKE” M+G+A1 NONE RUN/LIGHT B+A1 A2+L B+A1 NONE START B + S + A1 NONE BATTERY FUSE CLUTCH / BRAKE...
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 ELECTRICAL D .C...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 12 Volt 35 Amp 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc X 3/4 176689 Battery Box 176138 Switch Interlock Push-In 175685 Harness Socket Light...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16x.75 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 DRIVE...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION - - - - - - Transaxle Peerless (206-545C) (Order parts from transaxle manufacturer) 146682 Spring Return Brake T/a Zinc 123666X Pulley Transaxle 18" tires...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 STEERING ASSEMBLY...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 STEERING ASSEMBLY NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm PART DESCRIPTION 180656 Wheel Steering 172393 Axle Asm Cast Iron LT 169840...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 171683 Seat 140551 Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 Unc X 1 19131610 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 DECALS PART DESCRIPTION 156369 Decal Oper 176305 Decal Fender Side 176308 Decal Hood LH 178206 Decal Side Panel Logo 180973 Decal HP Engine 179128 Decal Deck "B" 42"...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 170771 Control Th/ch Flag 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x1/2 - - - - - - - - Engine, Briggs Model 445777 (Order Parts From Engine Manufacturer)
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 MOWER DECK 153 154 132 91...
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 MOWER DECK PART DESCRIPTION 165892X421 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 72140506 Bolt 138017 Bracket Asm Fr. Sway Bar 3/42 165460 Bracket Asm Deck 42" Sway Bar 4939M Retainer Spring...
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER PR17542STC, PRODUCT NUMBER 954 56 78-26 MOWER LIFT 17 18 20...
The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we find to be defective due to materials or workmanship.
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POLICY ® Issued January 1980 Revised January 1991 NEW PEERLESS GEAR POWER TRAIN COMPONENTS Peerless Gear and Machine Division of Tecumseh Products Company (“Tecumseh”), subject to the limitations contained below, will,at its option, repair or replace, without charge for parts or labor only, any part of a new Power Train Component (which as used herein means and includes the transaxle, gear box, transmission, differential and right angle drives, and any part of the Power Train Component), EXCEPT any new Power Train Component incorporated in equipment used for commercial or rental purposes, which is found upon examination by any Tecumseh Authorized Service Outlet or by Tecumseh’s factory in Grafton, Wisconsin, to be DEFECTIVE IN MATERIAL...
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and 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.