SEA/ 8
®
MODEL NUMBER 917.255450 OWNER'SMANUAL
Dnvertible
oAssembly
oOperation
oCustomer
Responsibilities
oService
oAdjustments
oRepair Parts
Caution:
Read and Follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE ISCAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDSAND FEETAND 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.
= Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine
Clear the area of ob ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc,
which could be picked up and thrown by the b ade
Besure the areais clear of other people before mowing Stop
machine if anyone enters the area
• Never carry passengers
Do not mowin reverse unless absolutely necessary Always
look down and behind before and while backing
• Beaware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
itat anyone Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place
• Slow down before turning
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting
Turn off blades when not mowing
= Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs_
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck
IL SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a ma or factor related to ]oss_of-control and tipover
accidents, which can resu t n severe njury or death A s opes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow iL
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across_
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles
Use slowspeed Choose a low gear so that you will nothave
to stop or shift white on the s_ope
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments
These can change the stability of the machine
Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope_ If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope
DO NOT:
• Donottumonslopesunlessnecessary, andthen,turnslowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in
Do not mow on wet grass Reduced traction could cause
sliding
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
• Keep children outof the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area
° Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation
Never allow children to operate the machine
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other obiects that may obscure vision
IV. SERVICE
Useextracarein handling gasoline and other fuels. Theyare
flammable and vapors are explosive
Use only an approved container
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not
smoke
Never refuel the machine indoors
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition
Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper
operation regularly
• Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before
storing
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
detedoraiion, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec-
essary
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service as
required
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTlf! YOUR
I & Lookforthissymboltopointoutimpor-
SAFETY IS INVOLVED°
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears
tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-
tured to give you the best possible dependability and
performance_
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Service
Center/Department. We nave competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this
unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your unit properly
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.255450
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEA']'.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICAT ONS
HORSEPOWER: 140
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 35 GALLONS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL (35 PINTS w/o FILTER) SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
(4,0 PINTS w/FILTER) 5W-30 (Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG (GAP030 IN): CHAMPION RC12YC
VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 0015-.0030 IN
EXHAUST: .0020-0035 IN,
GROUND SPEED: FORWARD:
1st 1.10 MPH
2nd 1,40 MPH
3rd 2,00 MPH
4th 3.00 MPH
5th 4.20 MPH
6th 5.00 MPH
REVERSE: 1.50 MPH
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS Battery
5 AMPS Headlights
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 30-35 FT, LBS.
WARNING: This unit isequipped with an internal combus-
A Sears maintenance agreement isavailable on this prod-
uct Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSiBILiTiES
tion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-
proved 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/if
any), If a spark arrester is used, itshould be maintained _n
Read and observe the safety rules,
o
Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your unit.
o
Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili-
ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
effective working order by the operator,
In the state of California the above is required by law
CSection 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws, Federal laws apply on
federal lands_ A spark arrester for the muffler is available
throughyour nearest Sears authorized service center (See
the "REPAIR PARTS" section of this manual)
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this riding equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the
instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in matedal or
workmanship.
This Warranty does not cover:
,, Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts.
Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or accident or the failure to maintain the
equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.
o Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes
LiMiTED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For 90 days from 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 RETURNING THE RIDING EQUIPMENT TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE
CENTER/DEPARTMENT 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/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15-18
WARRANTY ................................................................... 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................. 4
INDEX ..................................................... ;....................... 4
TRACTOR ACCESSORIES ........................................... 5
ASSEMBLY .............................................................. 7-10
nNDEX
A
Accessories ....................................................5
Adjustments:
Brake ................................................ 21
Carburetor ..........................................23
Mower
Front-To-Back .......................... 20
Side-To-Side ........................... 20
Throttle Control Cable ......................23
Air Filter, Engine .................................... 17
Air Screen, Engine ................................ 17
Assembly ..............................................7-10
B
Battery:
Charging ...................................... 8
Cleaning .............................................16
installation ....................................... 9
Levels ........................................8,16-17
Preparation ........................................8
Starting with Weak Battery .......... 22
Storage ............................................. 24
Terminals ........................................ 16
Belt:
Motion Drive
Removal/Replacement ................2!
Mower Blade Drive
Removal/Replacerrrent .............21
Blade:
Sharpening ..................................... 16
Replacement .............................. 16
Brake Adjustment .................................. 21
c
Carburetor Adjustment ....................... 23
Controls, Tractor ..........................................11
Customer Responsibilities ............. 15-18
Engine:
Ah Filter ..................................... 17
Air Filter Foam Pre-Cleaner .... 17
Air Screen, Engine .....................17
Battery ..................................... 16
Engine Oil ................................. 17
Fuel Filter ......................................18
Oil Filter .........................................18
Spark Plugs ..................................18
Tractor:
Blade ..............................................16
Lubrication Chart ....................... 15
Maintenance Schedule ............. 15
Tire Care ........................... 8,16,22
Cutting Height, Mower .........................12
Electrical:
Schematic .......................................27
Wiring Diagram ........................... 28
Engine:
Air Filter .............................................17
Air Filter Foam Pre-Cleaner ........ 17
Air Screen ................................... 17
OilChange ....................................17
Oil Level .................................. 13,17
Oil Type ........................................ 17
Preparation .................................... 13
Repair Farts ...............................44-49
Starting .................................................14
Storage ..............................................24
Filter:
Air Filter .......................................... 17
Air Filter Foam Pre-Cleaner ..........17
Fuel .............................................18
Oil..................................................18
Fuel:
Type .......................................13
Storage ............................................ 24
Fuse ........................................................22
Leveling Mower Deck .............................20
Lubrication:
Chart ...........................................15
MairrtenanceSchedule........................I5
Mower:
Adjustment, Front-to-Back ........... 20
Adjustment, Side-to-Side ..............20
Blade Sharpening .............................16
Blade Replacement ....................... 16
Cutting Height .................................12
Installation ..................................... 19
Operation ..............................................13
Removal .........................................19
Mowing Tips ........................................... 14
Muffler.........................................................18
Spark Arrester ............................. 3,36
Mulcher Plate ............................................10
Oil:
Cold Weather Conditions .......13,17
Engine ..................................................17
Filter .........................................................18
Storage ..................................... 24
OPERATION ........................................................... 11-14
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 19-23
STORAGE .................................................................... 24
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 25-26
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR .................... ;............. 25-45
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ..................................... 46-51
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................... BACK PAGE
E
Operation .................................... 11-14
Operating Mower ...................................13
Options:
Accessories ..............................................6
Spark Arrester ................................3,36
P
Parking Brake .................................11-12
Parts Bag ......................................................6
Parts, Replacement/Repair _.......... 28-51
Product Specifications ..........................3
R
Repair Parts .................................... 28-45
F
L
M
0
Safety Rules .............................................. 2
Seat ...........................................................8
Service and Adjustments ..............19-23
Carburetor .........................................23
Fuse ..............................................22
Motion Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement .............21
Mower Blade Drive Belt
Removal/Replacement ..............21
Mower Adjustment
Front- to-Back ......................... 20
Side-to-Side ....... _.................... 20
Mower Removal ...........................19
Tire Care ...................................8,16,22
Slope Guide Sheet ............................51
Spark Plugs ........................................18
Specifications........................................3
Starting the Engine ..............................13-14
Steering Wheel ....................:.............7,22
SteppingtheTractor............................12
Storage .................................................... 24
Throttle Control Cable
Adjustment .................................28
Tires....................................................8,16,22
Trouble Shooting Chart ...................25-26
Transaxle:
Repair Parts ............................... 44-45
Warranty...............................................3
Wiring Diagram ....................................... 28
Wiring Schematic ..............................27
S
T
W
4
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACH
These accessories and attachments were available when the unit was purchased, They are also available at most Sears retail outlets,
catalog and service centers Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor_
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER
PERFORMANCE
Sears offers a wide variety of attachments that fit your vehicle Many ofthese are listed below with brief explanations of how they can
help you This list was current at the time ofpublication; however, it may change in future years- more attachments may be added, changes
may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available or fit your model, Contact your nearest Sears store for the
accessories and attachments that are available for your unit.
Most of these attachments do not require additional hitches or conversion kits (those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy
attaching and detaching
MAINTENANCE
BLADES BELTS
PERMANEX BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and
leaves for a healthier, neater looking lawn Two Permanex
containers hold 30-gallon plastic bags.
LAWN SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves,
LAWN VACS for powerful collection of heavy grass clippings and
leaves, Wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach
places.
CARTS make hauling easy, Variety of sizes available
ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch
diameterwater-tight drum holds up to 390 Ibs. of weight. Rounded
edges prevent harm to turf, Adjustable scraper automatically
cleans drum
SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed
killing easy Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular
de-icers and sand
CORING AERATOR takes small plugs out of soil to allow mois-
ture and nutrients to reach grass roots. 36-inch swath. 24
hardened steel coring tips 150 Ib capacity weight tray
AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn. Ta-
pered 25-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs
puncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in
Steel weight tray for increased penetration.
MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and
matted leaves to lawn surface foreasy pickup. Twenty spring line
teeth, Useful to prepare bare areas for seeding. Available for front
or rear mounting.
SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that connects to the
tractor battery or other 12-volt source Includes booms for
automatic spraying when pulling, and hand held wand for spot
spraying Wand has adjustable spray pattern For applying
herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and liquid fertilizers
SNOW BLADE for snow removal only 14-inch high, 42-inch
wide blade clears 38-inch path when angled left or right Raises,
lowers with side lever Adjustable skids; replaceable, reversible
scraperbar (Use with tire chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight)
SNOWTHROWER has 40-inch swath Drum-type auger handles
powdery and wet/heavy snow. Mounts easily with simple pin
arrangement Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat 6-inch
diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet Lift controlled at
tractor seat. (Use with chains, wheel weights, or rear drawbar
weight)
TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extra-large cross
links give smooth ride, outstanding traction,
WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for
snowremovalordozingheavymaterials. Inpairs (301bs each)
TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel
frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree
visibility Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operatorwarm
and dry. Remove vinyl and windshields for use as sun protector
in summer. (Catalog only,)
Optional accessories for tractor cab: tinted/tempered solid
safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper; 12-volt amber
caution light for mounting on cab top. (Catalog only )
TRACTOR COVER protects tractor from weather. Made of
Evolution 3 fabric (water-repellent, extremely breathable, light
weight, soft, non-abrasive, pliable in all temperatures, durable,
stain/teadpuncture resistant, will not shrink or stretch_) (Catalog
only_)
TILLER has 5 hp engine and 36_inch swath to prepare seed beds,
cultivate, and compost garden residue. Tiller has its own built-in
lift and depth control system and does NOT require asleeve hitch
Fits any lawn, yard, or garden tractor_ Simply hook up to the
tractor drawbar and gol
5
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Parts Bag contents shown full size
z
! (1) Knob
(1) Shoulder Bolt
5/16-18
Parts packed separately in carton
Seat
__ Plate
Steering
Wheel
m
Steering
Sleeve
÷
Battery acid
Battery
t
I
J
I
I
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Ga
(2) Screws #10 x 5/8
@
(2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4
(2) Lock Washers #10
(2) Weld Nuts #10
(2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
@
(2) Washers
9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge
(2) Lock Washers 1/4
@
®
Q
Owner's Manual
Parts bag contents not shown full size
(2) Shoulder (2) Flange Locknuts
Bolts ' 3/8-16
Steering
_Wheel
Insert
(2) Battery Carriage Bolts 1/4-20 x 7-1/2
Assemblies
o
(2) Keys
Terminal Guard
Parts Bag
(2) Gauge
I i
Ii '
I i
I i
Wheels
i
(2) Wing Nuts 1/4 - 20
15° Slope Sheet
6
Battery Caps
and instructmns
ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of these 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 their proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUmRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed
(2) 7/16" wrenches
(1) Screwdriver
(1) 1/2" wrench
(1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) 3/4" socket w/drive ratchet
(1) Utility knife
(1) 9/16" wrench
When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (seated
behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
o Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton (See page 6).
o Cut along lines on the carton, from top to bottom, all
four corners of carton and lay panels flat,
• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
BEFORE ROLLING UNiT OFF SKiD
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
° Remove Iocknut and large fiat washer from steering
shaft.
• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward..
o Slide the steering sleeve over the steering shafL
o Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide onto adapter.
• Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with locknut
and large flat washer previously removed. Tighten
securely_
• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel
° Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE UNIT IS
TO ROLL OFF SKID,
STEERING WHEEL
_-" ......... HEX LOCKNUT
=D.,_ FLAT WASHER
_ TEERING
, ., SHAFT
WHEEL
STEERING _ ,_ST
ADAPTER EERING
/ /
STEERING
\
/
FIG. 1
WHEEL
TO ROLL UNIT OFF SKID (See Fig. 8)
° Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position_
• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal.
o Place gearshift lever in "NEUTRAL" position.
° Roll unit backwards off skid.
° Remove banding holding discharge guard up against
tractor.
7
ASSE LY
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
PREPARE BA'I-rERY (See Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield.
Wash hands or clothing immediately if
accidentally in contact with battery acid.
Do not smoke. Fumes from charged bat-
tery acid are explosive.
Read the instructions included with the
battery vent caps. Always wear gloves,
clothing and goggles to protect your hands,
skin and eyes.
Your unit has a battery charging system which is sufficient
for normal use However, periodic charging of the battery
with an automotive charger will extend its life.
o See instructions packed with vent caps in parts bag.
o Fill battery with acid. Fill each cell until it reaches the
bottom of the vent wells_ Do not overfill.
• Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty
minutes. After standing, check the level of acid_ If
below the vent wells, add more acid until the correct
level is reache&
While battery is standing (after adding acid) and later, while
battery is being charged, continue with assembly of uniL
IMPORTANT: TO MAXIMIZE THE LIFE OF YOUR
BATTERY, IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE BATTERY BE
CHARGED BEFORE USE FAILURE TO CHARGE
BATTERY CAN RESULT IN A SHORTENED BATTERY
LIFE
o Charge battery at a rate of 6 amperes for 1 hour_ Use
a 12 volt battery charger, Observe all safety precau-
tions 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_
Install the vent caps to cover the vent well& Wash the
top of the battery with water to remove any acid, then
wipe dry
Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no
damage has occurred in handling.
Dispose of excess battery aci& Neutralize acid for
disposal by adding it to four inches of water in a five
gallon plastic container. Stir with a wooden or plastic
paddle while adding baking soda until the addition of
more soda causes no more foaming
Follow instructions on how to install battery
CUT AWAY VIEW
VENT CAP
VENT WELL
I
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
o Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
o Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt.
o Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely.
Do not tighten,
o Tighten shoulder bolt securely_
° Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat,
. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal ai! the way
down.
o Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
o Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
SEAT
SEAT PAN
SHOULDER
BOLT
=LATWASHER
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
FIG. 3
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for
shippingpurposes, Correcttirepressureisimportantfor
best cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion, mower
drive, and mower blade drive belts in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are
routed correctly.
FIG. 2
8