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® MODEL 917.257621 OWNER'SMANUAL oAssembJy oOperation oCustomer Responsibilities oService and Adjustments o Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment. IIII III I ................
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SAFETY RULES & Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers tMPORTANT: 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_ IlL CHILDREN GENERAL OPERATION •...
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PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor° It has been designed, engineered and manufac- HORSEPOWER: 12..5 tured to give you the best possible dependabitity performance. GASOLINE CAPACITY 5 QUARTS AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
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ruESAND ATTACH INT$ ..i,, i ,i,i ,,it, l , ........These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor., ENGINE MAINTENANCE...
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Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembted 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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY...
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......,i _ ........ HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3) Adjust seat before tightening adjustment boll PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2) Remove cardboard packing on seat pan. • Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder' bolt.. CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield, Assemble adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer Wash hands or clothing immediately if...
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INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 4 and 5) CAUTION: Do not short battery termi- nals. Before installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding. ii Ull, ..Lift seat to raised position_ •...
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,,_i r,ll ,i _, i,l,l,i ....... ii,l,l,l,llllll OPERATION ii,l,llll ,i ii i ........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.
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OPERATION 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 for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
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OPERATION TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 8) ° To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal. Your tractor isequipped with an operator presence sensing Make allturns slowly switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged wilt TO TRANSPORT shut off the engine...
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OPERATUO Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7) that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the machine_ This will result in a more even distribution of When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from clippings and more uniform cutting the tank to the engineo...
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RESPON 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 'q'O ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjust- merits section of this manual).
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CUSTOME ILITIES ENGINE BATTERY (See Fig. 12) Your' tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi- LUBRICATION cient for normal use,, However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger wilt extend its life. Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service Acid solution level in each battery cell shoutd be even classification S F or SG Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade with bottoms of vent well&...
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CUSTOME ILITIE$ AIR FILTER (See Fig. 15) CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 16) Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter° Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of opera- engine damage from overheating..
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RESPO ILITIE$ CUSTOME MUFFLER CLAMP CLAMP Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUGS Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or afte_ every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
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$ERVUCE AND ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: CAUTION: 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 "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug, TRACTOR...
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ERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs 2i and 22) IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE_ Adjust the mowerwhile tractor is parked on level ground or' FOLLOWING FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See NECESSARY, BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKS...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" (See Fig. 23) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools° Park the tractor on level surface_ Engage parking brake BELT REMOVAL - PIace attachment ctutch in "DISENGAGED"...
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AND ADJUSTMENTS SERVWCE TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (See Fig, 27) If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer- ing wheel and reassemble per instructionsin the Assembly CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries gener- section of this manual°...
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ERVICE A ADJUSTMENTS ENGRNE TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB Raise hood., ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the (See Fig. 29) grill o The throttle control has been preset at the factory and °...
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SERVUCE AND ADJUSTMENTS ACCELERATION TEST - TO ADJUST CARBURETOR (See Fig. 30) ° Move throttle control lever from slow (,,_) to fast (,_) The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjust- position_ ff engine hesitates or dies, turn idle mixture ment should not be necessary_ However, minor adjust- valve out (counterclockwise)
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STORAGE ENGINE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor wilt not be used for 30 days or more.. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT PREVENT & CAUTION: Never store the tractor with DEPOSITS FROM FORMING...
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PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION ........Will not start Out of fuel Fi!l fuel tank Engine not "CHOKED" propedy,, See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section Engine flooded Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Bad sparkplug_ Replace spark plug. Dirty air fitter Ctean!reptace air filter.
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PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION ..i.,i i Engine continues to run Faultyoperator-safety presence control system Checkwlring, switches and connections If not when operator leaves seat corrected, contact an authorized service center! with attachment clutch department, engaged Poor cut. uneven Worn, bent orloose blade Replace blade Tighten blade bolt...
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12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 SCHEMATIC BATTERY WHITE FUSE 30 AMP. _t _!_ STARTER 8LACK ..CLUTCH / BRAKE SOLENOID (PEDAL UP) ..SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION ..SWITCH B_cK I\r-_ BLACK ..BLACK ATT'MENT CLUTCH GROUNDING (CLUTCH OFF)
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 ELECTRICAL 36 38...
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140399 Switch Ign 5 Term Wo/wash/nut 140400 Nut Ignition 141226 Cover Sw Key Blk 1 25 Text SLT 140403 Key Ign Molded Craftsman 110712X Switch Light Blk Bik Red 140336 Bracket Switch Interlock 17021008 Screw Tap Hex #10-24unc X 1/2...
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REPAnR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,257621 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 14-,..4 _.,._ 13 _2_,_'J...
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Bracket, Asm.. Pivot, Loll., Mower Rear 139887 Bracket, Asm.. Pivot, R.Ho, Mower Rear 100 105037X Strip, Foam 18" 105466X Pad Footrest Rbr Sq Craftsman 5479J Plug Button BIk 359 Dia NOTE: All component dimensions given in UoS. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm...
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REPARRPARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 DRIVE...
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REPARR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Washer 13/32 X 13/16 X 12 Ga 19131312 142602 Transaxle 5sp Std Dana, Model No, 4360-79 STD541437 Nut Crownlock 3/8-16 Unc 105706X 110422X Bearing Nyl 503 X 628 X 1 25 Spring Return Brake T/a Zinc 123666X 110812X...
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 STEERING ASSEMBLY \ j_,...
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REPAUR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 Wheel Steering Std Black 142033 Axle Asm Front 135227 Spindle Asm Lh 135228 Spindle Asm Rh 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden t21748X Washer 25/32 X 1 5/8 X 16ga 19272016 Washer 27/32 X 1 1/4 X 16 Ga '12000029...
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12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Seat V350 BIk/blk Craftsman 72050411 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20xl-3/8 127437 1343OO 14055 I Spacer Split 28 X 96 Zinc Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk)
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DECALS PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 137537 "138955 Decal Instruction Operat Eng Deca! Caution English/Spanis 138653 Decal B&S tC/G HV Craftsman 4900J Decal Clutch/brake English 140560 I09199X Decal V-belt Dr Sch Tractor E Decal Hood Slope Rh Craftsman '140561 105809X Decal Hood Slope Lh Craftsman Decal Chassis 5 Sp 38"...
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REPAUR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 ENGINE 33___/1 ...... OPTIONAL EQUIPM ENT Spark Arrester ll,i........
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR .. - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 132759 Control Throt Rh Blk Pd115 10 17720410 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T 137425 Engine B&s ICQ Dual 1 Vt, Model No,, 289707, Type No, 0121-01 125593X Gasket 1 313 Id Tin Plated STD551131...
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 LIFT 161718...
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REPAHR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 LIFT PART DESCRIPTION 136973 Rod Asm, Lever 122507X Shaft Asm, Lift 105767X Pin Groove 120000O2 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. 120183X Bearing Nylong 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 122365X...
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 38" MOWER...
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REPAUR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 38" MOWER PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 122052X Spacer, Retainer 1-3/4 "142829 Mower Housing Assembly 19131612 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 12 Gauge STD541431 Nut, Crownlock 5/16..18 STD541437 Nut, Crownlock 3/8-16 STD533t07 Bolt, Carriage 5/16-18 x 3/4...
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REPAUR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 DANA TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 4360-78 11" F"_I 3 iB55...
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REPAnR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,257621 DANA TRANSAXLE - MODEL NUMBER 4360-78 KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO, 105928X 142671 Sprocket, 9 Teeth Housing, Upper 110084X Gear, Bevel, 42 Teeth 2274J Screw, Self-Tapping, Large 134394 1/4-20 x °734...
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 289707, TYPE NUMBER 0130-01 634,_ <Z <:3...
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 289707, TYPE NUMBER 0130-01 :310 _'i_" iI R_ference Number Motor and B0it Brush Ddve Armetum Drive End Cap End Cap Ass'y. Housing Menufecturer Drive Ass'v.
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REPAURPARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 289707, TYPE NUMBER 0130-01 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 212897 Gear, Cam 490450 Cylinder Assembly 272465 *** Gasket, Carburetor 399265 Bearing, Cylinder (Requires Speciat Tools For Installation)
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REPAIR PARTS 12.5 HP 38" TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.257621 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE - MODEL NUMBER 289707, TYPE NUMBER 0130-01 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 493935 Lever Assembly, Governor 66538 Elbow, Spark Plug 94742 Washer, Governor Crank 224546...
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CE NOTES ....... IIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIII...
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® OWNE 12.5 HP OHV ELECTRIC START 38" MOWER 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL NO. Each tractor has its own model number. Each engine has its own model number. 917.257621 The model number for your tractor wii_ be found on the model plate located under the seat.