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Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman built engines. Before you start the this Owner's Manual. For answers to your questions about...
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IN HOME warranty service will still be available after the first 30 days of pur- chase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped off at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
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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. • ILWARNING: In order to prevent acciden- tal starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
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• Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un- even terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
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• 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 abso- lutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
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.
INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.
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INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck.
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These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only)
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. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter Choke Control Throttle Control Clutch/Brake Pedal Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. 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.
The cutting height range is approxi- mately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are mea- sured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.
TOWING CARTS OTHER MENTS Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended 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.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and below) 7. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the en- gine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in.
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MA,N. .ANOESO.EOOLE FILL IN DATES R EGOLARSERVlOE AS YOU COMPLETE C :i:: kkB_a:; iOP:ur ra;i° n Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transax_e Cooling Check V_Belts Check Engine...
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TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance. 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).
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BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- ever, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. •...
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8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick. at "FULL' line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished. AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
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CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with auto- motive type wax. I& ARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING VICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
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6. Connectanti-swaybar to chassis bracketand securewith retainerspring. 7. Push clutch cable housingguide into bracket,slide collar onto guide and securewith large retainer spring. 8. Placeflat washerand clutchspring on idler pulley bolt and securewith small retainerspring. 9. Install belt onto engine pulley. TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway.
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2. Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION - 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys 2. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 3.
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Engine Pulle Clutching Stationary Keeper Transaxle Pulley TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEU- TRAL ADJUSTMENT 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: 1.
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TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BAT- TE RY _ILWARNING: Lead-acid batteries gen- erate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from bat- teries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged.
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TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL SEMBLY 1. Raise hood. 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. 3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. 4. When replacing hood, be sure to re- connect the headlight wire connector.
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Immediatelyprepareyour tractorfor stor- age at the end of the season or if the trac- tor will not be usedfor 30 daysor more. _,CAUTION: Neverstore the tractor with gasoline in the tank insidea building where fumes may reachan open flame or spark. Allow the engineto cool before storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM 1. Out of fuel. Will not start 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position, i 2. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter, Low oil level/dirty oil.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Mower blades will 1. Obstruction mechanism. not rotate 2. Worn/damaged belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel• Poor grass 1. Engine speed too slow. discharge 2.
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TRACTOR SCHEMATIC RED01115 WHITE IGNITION SWITCH FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID YOUR TRACTOR EQUIPPED ALTERNATOR THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED BATTERY, OWN ELECTRICAL BECAUSE BRIGHTNESS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED. WILL DIM. AS THE ENGINE IS SPEEDED WILL BECOME IGNITION SWITCH POSITION CIRCUIT "MAKE"...
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TRACTOR ELECTRICAL I "\,\ ' \_i - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273770...
TRACTOR CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NOTE: All component dimensions given in U. S. -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, L.H. 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H. 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 185682X613...
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 GROUND DRIVE 38 h 26 27 drive*fender,stlt 26...
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TRACTOR GROUND DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) Peerless 206-545C 146682 Spring, Return, Brake 123666X Pulley, Transaxle 12000028 Ring, Retainer 121520X Strap, Torque 17000512 Screw 5/16-18 x 3/4 165866 Rod Shifter Fender STLT STD561210 Pin, Cotter 105701X Washer, Shift Plate 74550412 Bolt 1/4-28 UNF W/Patch Gr.
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TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 STEERING I_ _3s __39 r---...-..._ 42 steering..pl.lt...
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TRACTOR STEERING NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 PART DESCRIPTION 184704X428 Steering Wheel 184706 Axle Assembly 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. 12000029 Ring, Klip 175121...
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bsintek-twin29...
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TRACTOR ENGINE NOTE: All component dimensions given in U. S. -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 PART DESCRIPTION 170546X505 Control, Throttle Paddle 17720408 Screw, Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine, B&S, (See Breakdown) No. 407577-0283-E1 149723 Muffler Exhaust 159955 Exhaust Asm. Left 160589 Exhaust Asm.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 LIFT ASSEMBLY lift- rh, 1piece 3...
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TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 LIFT ASSEMBLY NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger 159471 Shaft Asm. Lift 105767X Pin Groove 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer21/32x1 x21 Ga. 120183X Bearing Nylong 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 122365X...
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TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 943 (_ 1022 _ 12 c -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273770 NUMBER 407577,TYPE 51A_ NUMBER 0283-E1 697'_...
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING WARNING: To avoid serious injury, 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 extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
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