Craftsman 917254274 Owner’s Manual

OWNERS MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.254274

Caution:

Read and Follow

All Safety Rules

And Unstructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

LT 11 HP ELECTRIC START 4 SPEED - 36" MOWER LAWN TRACTOR

® Assembly

® Operation

® Maintenance

• Repair and Adjustment

• Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co, Chicago, IL 60684 U S A

SAFETY RULES

t Know the controls and how to stopqulckly READ THIS

OPERA TOR'S M 4NUAL and instructions furnished with

attachments

2 Do not allow children to ol_rate the machine Do not allow

adults to operate it without proper instruction

3 Do not carry passengers Do not mow when children and

others ate around

4 Always wear substantial footwear Do not wear loose fit-

ting clothing that could get caught in moving parts

5 Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower end the

area being cut Do not let other interests distract you

8 Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when

not in the drivers seat

7 Always get on or off your tractor from the operator's left

hand side

8 Cleat the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc ) which

might be picked up and thrown

9 Disengage allattachment clutches before attempting to

start the engine

10 Disengage power to attachments end stop the engine

before leaving the operator's position.

I I Disengage power to mower, stop the engine end dsscon.

nect spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(sl before clean- ing, making an adjustment or repair. Be careful to avoid

touching hot muffler or engine components

t 2 Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not

in use

I 3 Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un-

attended. Disengage the power-take.off, lower the at- tachments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key

14 Do not stop or start suddenly when going, uphill or

downhill. Mow up and down the face of slopes loot

greater than 15 °11never across the face. Refer to page 51

15 Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre-

vent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

16. While going up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Control Lever in tat gear position to negotiate the slope without

stopping

I 7 Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is un.

sure or at a speed which could cause a skid.

18_ Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards

Keep away from drop-arts

19_ Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and pubfic

highways.

2 0 Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects

in order to prevent the blades from striking them Never

deliberately run tractor or mower into of over any foreign objects,

21 Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop. 22 Never place hands or feet under the moweh in discharge

chute or near any moving parts while tractor or mower are running Always keep cleat of discharge chute

2 3 Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment

a Use only approved drawbar hitch points

b Limit loads to those you can safely control c Do not turn sharply Use care when backing

d Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested

in the owner's manual

24 Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways. 2 5 When using any attachments, never direct discharge of

material toward bystanders not allow anyone near the vehicle while in operation

26 Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable

e Usa approved gasoline containers b Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add

gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that

has not bean allowed to cool for several minutes after running. Never fill tank indoors, always clean up spill-

ed gasoline,

c Open doors if the engine is run in the garaqe - exhaust

2 7 Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con-

28 Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip- 2 9 Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank in-

30 To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves

3 I Except fat adjustments; DO NOT operate Engine if air

32. Do not operate_without a muffler or tamper with exhaust

3 3 The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-

34 Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed

3 5, When using the vehicle with mower, proceedas foflows;

3 6_ Do not operate the mower without the deflector shield in

3 7 Disengage power to mower before backing up Do not

38 Undetnormalusagethegrasscatcherbagmaterialissub.

fumes are dangerous_ Do not run the engine indoors

dition, and keep safety devices h} place end working

ment is in safe working condition

side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or

spark_ Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure,

or excessive grease Do not clean product while engine

is running.

cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is ramoved_ Removal of such part could create a fire hazard

system. Damaged mufflers or spark arrestors could create a fire hazard Inspect perio_dically end replace ffnecessary.

spected for damage after striking a foreign object and the damage should be repaired before restarting and operating

the equipment=

the engine; severe damage or injury may result.

a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

b Shut the engine off when unclogging chute, c. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness

at frequent intervals,

place,

mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then on- ly after careful observation of the entire area behind the

mower.

ject to deterioration and wear It should be checked fre-

quently for bag replacement Replacement bags should be checked to ensure compliance with the original

manufacturer's recommendations or specifications

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

IT MEANS--ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS

THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED

ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST COVERED, BRUSH COVERED, OR GRASS COVERED LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEET-

ING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE LAWS (IF ANY). iF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR

/n the State of Cahfornia the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the Cahfornia Pubfic Resources Cod_ Othet stales may have similar laws Federal laws apply on federal lands Refer to Repair Parts Section, page 32

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn Tracto_ Ithasbaendesigned, engineeredandmanufactured

to give you the best possible dependability and pedormance.

SERIAL

NUMBER

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem-

edy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Department,

DATE OF PURCHASE

We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable on thisproducL

See the nearest Sears store or service center for details.

YOU SHOULD RECORD THESE NUMBERS AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE,

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and retain this manuaL Study and observe the safety nJles. Always use care when using your tractor, Always keep your tractor and mower clean. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for, and using your tractor. A well cared for tractor will run better and last Ionger.

A TTACHMENTS

This unit can use many attachments now available at your Sears store It cannot use attachments that engage the ground like a plow, harrow, cultivator, or tiller See page 50 for a hst of available attachments

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT

For one year from date of purchase, when this riding equipment is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up ac-

cording to the operating and maintenance instruction in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship in this electric start riding equipment

This warranty excludes blade(s), blade adapter(s), spark plug(s), air cleaner and belt(s), which are expen*

dable and become worn during normal use

This warranty does not cover:

Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects (such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass); and

repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure to maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual; and riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes

FULL 90-DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For 90 days from the date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace

the battery at no charge WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART-

MENT IN THE UNITED STATES, This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state

to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK and CO,, D/698-731A, Sears Tower, Chicago, II 60684

INDEX

Adjustments:

Brake ....................................... 14

Carburetor ................................. 18

Mower Drive Belt ....................... 2.2

Mower

Front-to-Rear .................... 22

Side-to-Side .............................2.2

Throttle Control Cable ............... 18

Air Filter

Cleaning .............. 16

Element ....... 16

Air Intake Screen. Eng .16

Assembly ............ 5-8

Attachments ........... 50

Battery:

Charging .....................................................7

Cleaning .................................... 15

Installation .................................... 8

Levels ...............................................15

Preparation ..........................................7

Staffing with Weak Battery ...... 17

Storage ..........................................23

Terminals .........................................15

Belt:

Motion Drive Replacement .......19

Mower Drive Adjustment ............2.2

Mower Drive,

Remove Replace ......................2.1

Blade:

Sharpening ........................................14

Replacement ........................................14

Brake Adjustment .......................................14

Carburetor Adjustment ......................18

Controls, Tractor. .....................................9

Cutting Level Mower ..............................12

Engine:

Air Screen ...................................................16

Oil Change .....................................16

Oil Level ..............................................16

Oil Type ................................................16

Starting .................................................10

Storage ...........................................23

Filter ................................................. 16

Fuel:

Type ........................................... 10

Storage ....................................... 23

Fuse ................................................. 2.0

Hood Removal .................................. 20

Levelling Mower Deck ........................2.2

Lubrication:

Chart ...................................................24

Tractor Pivot Points ....................17

Maintenance ..............................................13

Air Filter ..............................................16

A# Filter Element ........................ 16

Air Screen ......................................16

Battery ..............................................15

Blade Sharpening ..............................14

Brake Adjustment ..........................14

Engine Oil .......................................16

Lubrication Chart ............................24

Spark Plugs ..................................18

Tire Care ..........................................14

Mower,t

Adjustment, Front4o-Rear ........23

Adjustment, Side-to-Side ............22

Blade Sharpening ...........................14

Blade Replacement .....................14

Cutting Level ......................................12

Installation ...........................................21

Operation ..........................................11

Removal .............................................20

Muffler. ...........................................................17

Spark Arrestet ...................................2

Oil

Cold Weather Conditions ..........16

Engine ..................................................16

Storage ....................................................23

Operation .................................................9-12

Operating Your Mower ...............t 1

Operating Your Tractor ..............11

Starting the Engine .......................11

Stopping Your Tractor ..................10

Tractor Operation on Hills ..........12

Options

Attachments .................. 50

Spark Arrester ................... 2

Parking Brake ........................................14

Parts Bag .................................................5-6

Repair and Adjustments ............. 14.2.4

Blade .......................................... 14

Carburetor ......................................18

Fuse ...............................................20

Hood Removal ..............................2.0

Motion Drive Belt

Replacement ...........................19

Mower Drive Belt

Replacement ...........................21

Mower Adjustment

Side-to-Side .............................22.

Mower Removal ...................................20

Safety Rules ................................................2

Seat .................................................................7

Service Record ............................................13

Slope Guide Sheet ........................ 51

Spark Plugs ....................................................18

Speed Control Chaff ...............................12

Starting the Engine .................................10

Steering Wheel .........................................5

Stopping the Tractor ...........................10

Storage .................................................23

Throttle Control Cable

Adjustment .................................18

Tires ...................................................................14

Trouble Shooting Chart ..................25.26

Warranty .........................................................3

Wiring (Schematic) .................................27

Unpack Tractor

a Take items out of box The box contains the items

shown below

b Cut down four comers of the carton with a utifity

knife and fold down sides

c Disengage Parking Brake

Install Steering Wheel

1. Slide upper steering shaft over lower steering shaft until bolt holes line up with slots in lower

steering shaft (Fig, 11.

2 Use two hex bolts 3/8 - 16 x 1-1/4 and two

Ioeknuts 3/8 - 16 to retain upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft, Tighten securely.

3 Position Steering Sleeve over steerinfi shaft

assembly.

4 For easier assembly, tilt tube towards front of

tractor.

5 Place bottom of Steering Sleeve over two front

prongs on steering bushing.

6 Squeeze the two steering sleeve retainers inward

to allow Steering Sleeve to pass over retainers

7. Push Steering Sleeve down aligning notch on

Steering Sleeve with tab on steering bushing.

ASSEMBLY

B Place steering wheel adapter on upper steering

shaft.

9 With front wheels pointed straight ahead, place

steering wheel on steering wheel adapter Bars of steering wheel should point straight across

tractor

10 Place 2- I/4" diameter washer on upper steer-

ing shaft and install a 1/2" Iocknut (washer and Iocknut found in bag of parts). Tighten secure

ly.

t I Snap insert into steering wheel

Remove plastic on tractor hood

Raise attachment lift handle.

Roll Tractor off skid Be careful of staples in skid

The operation of any tractor can result In foreign objects thrown Into theeyes, which can result In severe eye damage. Always

wear safety glasses or eye shields before

startlngyourtractorandwhllemov/ng. We

recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Cata. log Stores.

Parts Bag Contents Not Shown Full Size

b steotln_ wheel c b#ltet¥ d bmffoty acid

o,Nn_l 5 mttt_at

l l_atfs bag

g steel;rig 51o8v# h uppr, t sleeting _hlH!

IIIHtlillllIlilllilllllltllltlii!lillillilliilllll

121 Battery Carriage Bolts . 1/4 ° 20 x 7 , t/2

Terminal Guard

15" Slope Instruchon Sheet 12) Keys

ring Wheel Adapter

Battery Caps

L And Instructions Steering Wheel Insert

ASSEMBLY

A SSEMBL Y LOCA TION

BA TTER Y

BATTERY

TERMINALS

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

12l Lockwasher, I/4 Int/Ext Tooth (2) Wing Nut - 1/4 - 20

(21 Hex Bolt, I/4 - 20 x 3/4 _'_

{2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga.

(2) Lockwasher 1/4

121Flex Nut, 1/4 - 20

SEAT

UPPER STEERING SHAFT

(1) Hex Bolt, 1/2- 13x 1

Grade5

(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16 - 18

(I) Washer 15732x I x 16 Ga

llllllllllllllllllllllJ

(2) Hex Bolt3/8- 16x I. 1/4

(J)Lockwasher 1/2

(1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16

x 12 Ga,

(2) Flex Locknut 3/8- 16

STEERING WHEEL

111Locknut, 1/2-20

"" Dia, Washer

To assemble tractor you will need

(2) 7/16" Wrenches Tire Pressure Gauge (1) 1/2" Wrench Screwdriver

(21 9/16" wrenches Utility Knife (tl 3/4" wrench

NOTE: RIGHT HAND (RH) AND LEFT HAND (L H ) ARE

DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IM -

MEDIATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY IN CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID

DO NOT SMOKE; FUMES FROM CHARGED BATTERY ACID ARE EXPLOSIVE

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUD ED WITH THE BATTERY VENT

CAPS IN THE BAG OF PARTS AL- WAYS WEAR GLOVES, CLOTHING

AND GOGGLES TO PROTECT YOUR

HANDS, SKIN AND EYES.

2 1/4 DIA

STEERING WHEEL

ADAPTER

UPPER STEERtNG SHAFT

SLEEVE

STEERING SLEEVE

RETAINER

SPRING

!RING

SHAFT

STEERINI BUSHING

2. Prepare Battery Flll and charge battery (before installing) NOTE SEE

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WITH BATTERY VENT CAPS FOUND IN BAG OF PARTS

a Fill each cell with battery acid Add the acid until it

reaches the bottom of the vent tubes (Fig 3) DOnot

add the acid beyond this level or the additional acid can come out when the battery is charged

b. After cells are filled, tilt battery from side to side to

release air bubbles

c Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty

minutes If the level of acid falls below the point described in step (a), add more acid until the correct level is reached Instal/the battery caps, found in the

bag of parts, to cover the vent tubes Wash the top of

the battery with water to remove any acid, then wipe

dry.

d Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no

damage has occured in handling.

e. Neutralizeexcessbatteryacidfordispesalbyadding

it to four inches of water in a five gallon plastic container. Stir with a wooden orplasticpaddle while

adding baking soda until the addition of more soda

causes no more foaming_

L Use a 12 volt battery charger Charge battery at a

rate of 6 amperes for I hour NOTE: OBSERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, LISTED IN BOX ABOVE,

REQUIRED FOR BATTERY CHARGING Check the acid level after the battery is charged If the acid

has fallen below the correct level, add distilled or iron free water

STEERING SLEEVE

RETAINER k

FIGURE 1

SPRING

3. Install Seat.

Seat position should be adjusted forward or backward so that the operator can comfortably reach Clutch/Brake Pedal and safely operate tractor

Place seat on seat pan Screw hex head machine screw, Iockwasher and flat washer into seat (Fig

2) Screw shoulder bolt and flat washer into seat

(Fig 2) Machine screw, shoulder bolt and flat

washers found in bag of parts (shown full size on page 6)

Ttghten shoulder bolt and fiat washer using a 1/2"" wrench

Tlghten machine screw, Iockwasher and flat washer using a 1/2"" wrench

Place seat in operating position Sit on the seat and press clutch/brake pedal all the way down If operating pos/tion is not comfortable, adjust seat

To ad/ust Raise seat Loosen machine screw

Sfide seat to desired position Tighten machine screw securely

WASHER MUST BETIGHTENED SECURE-

I_ MACHINE SCREW-LOCKWASHER-FLAT J

LY TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF SEAT.

_{At PAN _IAT

4. Check Tires

Check the air pressure in the tires Tires with too much air

pressure will cause the unit to ride rough The wrong air pressure will also keep the mower from cutting level The

correct air pressure Is shown on the side of the tires If the air

pressure is not shown, set topressures shown in the REPAIR

AND ADJUSTMENT section (page 141,

5. Install Battery

BEFORE INSTALLING BATTERY, REMOVE METAL BRACELETS,

WRISTWATCH BANDS, RINGS, ETC. FROM YOUR PERSON. TOUCHING

THESE ITEMS TO BATTERY TERMI- NALS COULD RESULT' IN BURNS.

Lift seat (Fig 2)

Lower battery into fender well with battery tetmitlals

toward front of tractor (Fig 4). Make sure battery rests in battery tray (Fig. 4),

NOTE: BE SURE BATTERY DRAIN TUBE IS SECURELY

ATTACHED TO BATTERY TRAY DRAIN

5HOULO[R AOJU$1MENf

F|NDI_

BOLT BOLt

0ATI|R Y • ISATT|#V

T|R_INAL T|RMINAL

t"ltl AWAy V_[W t3ATT|Ry

_ATT|nY

FIGURE 2

CAP

!.:: f

L___J _

" . VENT

..,-_f_ BAI_IERY

NEGATIV£ TERMINAL

WASHER

TUBE

VEL

CELL FIGURE 3

NEGATIVE

NECTED FIRST TO PREVENT

SPARKS FROM ACCIDENTAL POSITIVETERMINALMUSTBECON- l

GROUNDING

c. Connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery

terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lockwasher and hex nut (shown full size on pg 6) found in bag of parts Tighten securely with two 7/16" wrenches.

(Fig 4)

d Connect BLACKgroundcable to negative (.) battery

terminal with remaning hex bolt, flat washer, lock- washer and hex nut (shown full size on pg. 6) found

in bag of parts. Tighten securely_ (Fig 4)

e. To prevent oorrosion, apply grease to the battery

terminals after installing cables.

f Usingthekeyholeononesideofthebatterysupport

(Fig_5) slide battery bolt into frame key hole (head of bolt down), Fasten the battery belt to the terminal guard using internal/external lockwasher, wing nut, (shown full size on pgo 6) as shown in Fig 5.

g, Assemble the remaining battery bolt to other side of

battery support and fasten terminal guard to it with remaining internal/external Iockwasher and wing

nut, (Shown full size on pg 6). Tighten wing nuts securely by hand (Fig, 5).

NOTE:

KEEP TERMINAL ACCESS DOORS CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE

CAUTION: DO NOT START ENGINE UNTIL YOU HAVE

REVIEWED THE OPERATION SECTION OF

THIS MANUAL

BATTERy TRAy BATTERY

FIGURE 4

LOCKWASHER

6. Maintenance After First 2 Hours (Two Mowlngs) Changing oil after the first two hours (ortwo mowings) will help eliminate break4n residue which might be damaging to

your engine,

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