Craftsman 917254421, 917254420 Owner’s Manual

lJ 1/ L/

SE_ARS

MODEL NO.

917.254420

917.254421

Caution: Read and Follow

All Safety RuBes And instructions

Before Operating This Equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 UoS.A.

GT2OHP 6 SPEED

GARDEN

Assembly

Operation

Maintenance Repair and Adjustment

Repair Parts

TWIN

- 44"" TRACTOR

3AFE' "Y RUL5S

1 Know the controls and how to stop quickly_ READ THIS

OPERA TOR'S MANUAL and instructions furnished with attachments

2 Do not allow children to operate the machine, Do not allow

adults to operate it without proper instruction,

3 Do not carry passengers Do not mew when children and

others are around,

4 Always wear substantial footwear_ Do not wearloose fit-

ting clothing that could get caught in moving parts.

5 Keep your eyes and mind on your ttactor, cnower and the

area being cut, Do not let other interests distract you

6 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 Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc ) which

might be picked up and thrown,.

9. Disengage aft attachment clutches before attempting to start the engine,

10 Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine

before leaving the operator's position

1 1 Disen_]age power to mower, stop the engine and discon.

nect spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before clean- ing, making an adjustment or repair Be careful to avoid touching hot muffler or engine components,

12 Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not

in use,

13 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 f/ or

downhill Mow up and down the face of slc _ (not greater than 15 o); never across the face, Refer t age 5 t.

1 5 Reducespeedonsfopesandmaketurnsgraduaftytopre-

vent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes,

1 6 While going up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Control

Lever in 1st gear position to negotiate the slope without stopping

! 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-offs,

19, Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and public

highways,

2 O, Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects

in order to prevent the blades from striking them Never deliberately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign

objects

2 1, Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop, 2 2, Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge

chute or near any moving parts while tractor or mower are running, Always keep clear 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 whee! weights when suggested

in the owner's manual,

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

material toward bystanders not allow anyone near the

vehicle°while in operation

2 6, Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable

a,. Use 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 been 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 garage - exhaust

fumes are dangerous., Do not run the engine indoors,

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

dfion, and keep safety devices in place and working

2 8, Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip-

ment is in safe working condition,.

2 9 Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank in-

side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark, Allow the engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure,

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

or excessive grease,, Do not clean product while engine is running

3 1 Except for adjustments; DO NOT operate Engine if air

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

32 Do not operate without a muffler or tamper with exhaust

system, Damaged mufflers or spark arrestors could create a fire hazard,. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary,

33, The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-

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

34 Do not change the engine governor settings or ovetspeed

the engine; severe damage or injury may result,,

3 5 When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as foflows;

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,

36_ Do not operate the mower without the deflector shield in

place

3 7 Disengage power to mower before backing up Do not

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

mower_

3 8, Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is sub-

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:

WARNING; This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on of near any unimproved forest-covered,

brush-covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local

or state laws fif any}. If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator,.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code) Other states may h@ve similar laws Federal laws apply on federal lands See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark arrestors Refer

to Repair Parts page 32 for part number

LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS,,

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears GT 20HP Garden Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible depend-

ability and performance° Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Depart- menL We have competent, well-trained technicians and the

proper tools to service or repair this uniL

Please read and retain this manual° The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your Tractor pro-

pedy. Always observe the "'SAFETY RULES"

YOUR NEW GT 20 HP GARDEN TRAC- TOR FEATURES...

CRAFTSMAN 20 HP TWIN--CYLINDER ENGINE--cool- running performance and long life with plenty of power

to take on a variety of yard, gardening or snow removal tasks°

ALL GEAR TRANSMISSION--six speeds forward, two reverse speeds--to let you select the proper speed for

the terrain and the job. Automotive--type differential helps guard against turf scuffing_

MODEL

NUMBER SERIAL

NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL ANDSERIAL'NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE FENDER° YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER

AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this

product.. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CONTROL PANEL-=with Throttle, Choke, Light Switch, Hour Meter, Ignition Switch, Indicator Lights, Parking Brake Lever and Clutch Switch--conveniently grouped for ease

of use. ATTACHMENT VERSA TILITY_-handles a large variety of

Sears Yard and Garden Tractor Attachment including •

44inch mower with three "high-lift" blades to stand

grass up for level cuts,

OTHER SOIL TILLAGE ATTACHMENTS including Plow, Disc Harrow, Drag Harrow, Cultivator, and 8 HP Tiller.

46 INCH DOZER BLADE levels or moves dirt and gravel

or removes snow_

40 INCH SNOW BLOWER handle wet, heavy powdery snow with ease.

REAR GRADER AND LEVELER BLADE levels new yards, grading lanes driveways and parking areas

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe the safety rules, Always use care when using your tractor. Keep away from moving parts° DO NOT work on your tractor with engine running. Always keep your tractor and mower clean_

Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor. A well cared for tractor wifl run and last longer.. Follow the instructions under "'Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual.

LIMITED THREE YEAR WARRANTY

ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT

For three .years from date of purchase, when this tiding equipment is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instruction in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge

any defect in material of workmanship in this electric staff 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 16 Carburetor 20

Electric Clutch 21 Gauge Wheels 73

Motion Drive Belt 22 Mower Drive Belt 10 Mower

Fron t- To -Rear 24 Side-To-Side 23

Throttle Control Cable 20

Air Filter

Cleaning 17 Paper Cartridge . 19

Air Intake Screen, Engine . 19 Assembly 5-10

Battery:

Charging 7

Cleaning t 8

installation 8

Levels 17

Preparation .... 7

Starting with Weak Battery 20 Storage. 25

Terminals t8

Belt:

Blade Drive (Blade-to- Blade)

Removal/Replacement 24

Motion Drive Adjustment 22 Motion Drive, Remove/Replace 21-

Mower Drive (Engine-to-Mower

Adjustment. 10

Mower Drive Belt installation 10

Blade:

Sharpening 17 Replacement 25

Brake Adjustment 16

Carburetor Adjustment 20 Clutch, Electric, Adjustment 21

Controls, Tractor 11 Cutting Level, Mower !0

Engine:

Air Screen ........................ I9

Oil Change ........................ 18

OilF#ter ............................. 18

Oil Levet .......................... 16

0[I Type ............................ 16"

Starting .............................. 12

Storage 25

Filter, Air 17 Fuel:

Type 12 Storage 25

Fuse 23

Gauge Wheels 13

Hood Removal 23

Lubrication:

Chart l B

SteeringbrontW;eefs 19

Tractor Pivot Points 18

Maintenance 15-19

Air Filter . 17 Air Filter Paper Cartridge 19

Air Screen 19 Buttery ! 7

Blade Sharpening 17

Brake Adjustment 16 Engine oil 15

Lubrication 18

Spark Plugs 19

Tire Care 17

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Rear 2# Adjustment, Side-to-Side 23

Blade Sharpening 17 Blade Replacement 25

Cutting Level t0 Installation t0

Operation 13 Removal . 23

Mowing Tips 14

Mu filer 19

Spark Arrestor 2

off

Cold Weather Conditions !2 Engine 16

Transaxle 23 Storage 25

Operation . t 1-14

Operating/Tractor and Mower 13 Speed . 14

Starting the Engine 12

Stopping Your Tractor . 12 Tractor Operation on Hills 14

Parts Bag 5, 6

Repair and Adjustments 20_ 25

Blade Drive Belt 24 Blade 25

Carburetor 20 Electric Clutch 21

Fuse . 23 Hood Removal 23

Motion Drive Belt Adjustment 22 Motion Drive Belt Replacement 21

Mower Front-to-Rear 24 Mower Side-to-Side 23 Mower Removal. 23

Throttle Control Cable 20

Transaxle Oil Level 23

Safety Rules 2 Seat 7

Service Record 19 Slope Guide Sheet 5 ! Spark Plugs 19

Speed Selection Guide 14

Starting the Engine 12 Steering Wheel 8

Stopping the Tractor 12 Storage 25

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment 20 Tires 17

Transaxfe Off Levei 23 Trouble Shooting Chart 25-26

Warranty 3 Wiring (Schematic) 27

ASSEMBL Y

Know Your Tractor

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE OPERA TING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR° If you unders- tand the machine and its operation, you will achieve efficient and peak performance. While reading

the manual, compare the illustrations with your Garden Tractor to familiarize yourself with the loca- tion of various controls and adjustments. Study the operating instructions and safety precautions

thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Garden Tractor and to prevent injury to yourself and others° Be sure to pay strict attention to all notes and cautions; they are included for your safe-

ty. Save this manual for future reference.

Unpacking Instructions

1 Remove items from carton The box contains the items

shown below

2 Cut down four corners of the carton with a utility knife

and fold down sides.

3 Remove banding holding mower deck to skid. 4 Lower mower deck to floor and remove packing

5. Remove banding holding tractor to skid

6. Disengage Parking Brake Z. Carefully guide the tractor backwards off the skid

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 before starting your tractor and while mowing, We

recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety

glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores.

Parts Bag Contents Not Shown Full Size:

@ Illi{It_IJillflHHIt{III{fttI{IHIiltH_IIH IILL[I

(2) Battery Carriage Bolts - I/4 - 20 x 7 - I/2

Terminal Guard

A. Battery Acid

BoBattery C, Seat

D, Owner's Manual

E. Parts Bag F. Steering Wheel G. SteeringAdapter H, Steering Sleeve

15 o Slope Instruction Sheet (2) Keys

Steering Wheel Cap

V-Belt

(6) Battery Caps

ASSEMBL Y

LOCA TION

BA TTERY

BA TTER Y

TERMINALS

SUSPENSION

ARMS

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

(2) Lockwasher, 1/4 Int/Ext Tooth

12) Hex Nut, 1/4 - 20

12) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x !6 Gao

12) Hex Bolt, 1/4 - 20 x 3/4

(2) Wing Nut - 1/4 - 20

(2) Lockwasher 1/4

SEAT

GAUGE

WHEELS

14) Spring Retainer (4) Washer 17/32 x 1 _ 1/!6 x !3 Ga.

(I) Flex Bolt

1/2 _ 13 x 1 Grade 5

(I) Shoulder Bolt

(t) Lockwasher 1/2

(I) Washer t7/32 x 1-3/16

x 12 G&

(1) Washer 15/32 x 1x 16 Ga..

Toassembleandadjustyourtractoryouwillneed:

ti _I (2) 7/16" wrenches (2) 1/2'" wrenches

(1) 9/16" wrench Screwdriver (1) 3/4" wrench Tire Pressure Gauge

NOTE: RIGHT HAND (R.H.) AND LEFT HAND (L.H.) ARE DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR,

Utility Knife

CUT AWAY VIEW

ASSEMBL Y

VENT CAP

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD.

MEDIATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY IN CON- WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IM-

TACT WITH ELECTROLYTE.

DO NOT SMOKE, FUMES FROM CHARG- ED ELECTROLYTE ARE EXPLOSIVE.

NOTE: THIS TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN

OPERATOR PRESENCE SENSING SWITCH. ANY AT-

TEMPT BY THE OPERATOR TO LEAVE THE SEAT WITH

THE ENGINE RUNNING AND ATTACHMENT CLUTCH

ENGAGED WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE°

1. Prepare Battery

READ INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH

THE BA TTERY CAPS FOUND IN BAG OF

PARTS° ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES, CLOTHING AND GOGGLES TO PROTECT

YOUR HANDS, SKIN AND EYES.

a, Fi!l and charge battery (before instalhng) NOTE: SEE

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WiTH BAT-

TERY VENT CAPS FOUND IN BAG OF PARTS.

b Fill battery with battery acid to bottoms of tubes

in cells (Fig 1). NOTE: DO NOT OVERFILL OVER-

FILLING WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO TRACTOR

c, Check level of battery acid after 30 minutes. Add

additional battery acid if necessary NOTE: TIGHTEN

VENT CAPS SECURELY

d _ Charge battery at the rate of six amperes for one

hour

e o Neutralize excess battery acid for disposal by add-

ing it to four inches of water in a five gallon plastic

container Stir with a wooden or plastic paddle whde adding baking soda until the addition of more soda causes no more foaming

BATTERY

TUBE

BATTERY

CELL

SEAT PAN

SHOULD[ ADJUSTMENT BOLT 'BOLT

CLUTCH BRAKE PEDAL

WASHER ASSEMBL"t MUS"i" BE TIGHTENED

THE MACHfNE SCREW,,LOCKWASHERFLAT SECURELY TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF SEAT,_

FIGURE I

FUEL

TANK

FIGURE 2

2. Instafl Seat

Seat position should be adjusted forward or back ward so that the operator can comfortably reach Clutch/Brake Pedal and safely operate the tractor (Fig 2)

a Place seat on seat pan. Screw he_: head machine

screw. Iockwasher and flat washer into seat (Fig 2) Screw shoulder bolt and flat washer into ,seat (Fig 2)

Machine screw, shoulder boll and washers found in

bag of parts (shown full size on page 6)

b Tighten shoulder bolt and flat washer using a 1/2""

wrench

c Tighten he_ bolt (adjustment boll), Iockwasher and

flat washeJ using a 3/4 _"wrench

d Place seat in operatingposition Sit on the seat and

press clutch/brake pedal aH the way down if oper-

ating position is not comfortable, adjust seat

e To adjust Raise seat. Loosen adjustment bolt Sfide

seat to desired position Tighten adjustment bolt securely

ASSEMBL Y

STEERING WHEEL CAP

HEX BOLT ----------

LOCKWASHER

2 - 3t8" DIA,, WASHER

STEERING WHEEL

STEERINGWHEEL ADAPTER

3, Install Steering Wheel

NOTE: POSITION FRONT WHEELS FORWARD,

a Use a 9/16" wrench to remove hex bolt,

lock washer and 2-3/8" diameter washer (shown

full size below) from steering column (Fig. 3),,

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

STEERING SHAF_

BATTERY COMPARTMENT

SLEEVE

HOOD

GRILL

NUT

b. Position sleeve over steering shaft assembly.

Position steering wheel over steering wheel adaptor.

c, Secure steering wheel to steering shaft using hex bolt,

/ockwashet and 2-3/8" diameter' washer (Fig. 3)

d. Snap steering wheel cap in place on steering

wheel. Steering wheel cap found in bag of partsv

4o Check Tires

Reduce tire pressure to 14 PSI in front and 10 PSI in rear tires,, (Tires were overinflated for shipping purposes).

DO NOT SHORT BATTERY TERMINALS. BEFOREINSTALLING BATTERY, REMOVE

METAL BRACELETS, WRISTWATCH BANDS, RINGS, ETCo

FIGURE 5

WASHER

HEX BO LTS

BLACK {NEGATIVE)

CABLE

DRAIN TUBE 8

5. Install Battery

a. Lift hood from rear sides (Fig.. 4).

b o Remove tape from plastic tray. Make sure drain

tube (Fig. 5) is fastened to drain hole in battery tray and battery tray is positioned in hole of bat-

tery support.

c. Place battery in plastic tray (Battery terminals to

front of tractor)(Fig. 5).

+ 18 hidden pages