Operator's Manual (RRFTSMRN° LAW TRACTOR 21.0 HR 42"' Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.28722 · Espahol, p. 33 This product [[[_ operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. has a low emission engine which IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment, SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., website:www HOFFMAN For answers to your questions about this product, Call: t -800-659-59 t 7 Sears Craftsman Help 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat Line ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman sears corn/craftsman / Warranty ................................................ Safety Rules .......................................... Product Specifications ........................... Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... Operation ............................................... Maintenance Schedule ........................ 2 3 6 7 9 17 Maintenance ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................ 28 Troubleshooting ................................... 29 Sears Service ........................ Back Cover LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TRACTOR AND BATTERY 2-YEAR ON TRACTOR When used and maintained according to the operator's manual instructions, if this tractor fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free repair. During the first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charge to service the product in your home. For your convenience, in-home warranty service will still be available after the first 30 days of purchase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if you transport the product to an authorized Craftsman drop-off location. For the nearest authorized location, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. Tractor , warranty coverage does not include: Expendable items which become worn during normal use, including but not limited to blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters. , Standard maintenance servicing, oil changes, or tune-ups. , Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass. , Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to damage caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the tractor, impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine. · Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual. , Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs necessary because of fuel determined to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date. , Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement. · The tractor battery, which is covered for only 90 days as stated below. 90=DAYS ON BATTERY For ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, if the battery included with this tractor is defective in material or workmanship (our testing proves it will not hold a charge), it will be replaced free of charge. During the first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charges your home. For your convenience, in-home warranty service the first 30 days of purchase, but a trip charge will apply. This you transport the battery to an authorized Craftsman drop-off authorized location, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. to replace the battery in will still be available after charge will be waived if location. For the nearest All tractor and battery warranty coverage is void if this product is used for commercial or rental purposes. This warranty applies only while this product is within the United States. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 _I, DANGER: 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. _IWARNING: In order to prevent acNever direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working. Slow down before turning. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard. Operate machine 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. Always wear eye protection when operating machine. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. Follow the manufacturer's recommen- cidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. _I_WARNING: Do not coast neutral, you may lose control down a hill in of the tractor. ,_WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. 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. _,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects harm. or other reproductive _I, WARNING: Battery and related accessories lead compounds, State of California posts, terminals contain lead and known to the cancer and harm. chemicals to cause birth defects or other reproductive Wash hands after handling. I. GENERAL * OPERATION Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual before starting. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blades. Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. * * * * dation for wheel weights or counterweights. Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do not allow the mower to plow leaves or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage. * , 3 II. SLOPE OPERATION · Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. , Mow up and down slopes, not across. · Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. , Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. · Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction, which could cause the machine to roll over. Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the edge or if the edge caves in. ill. 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. that children will remain saw them. · Never where assume you last Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. Children who have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine. Never allow children to operate machine. the · , Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child. IV. TOWING · Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control. Travel slowly to stop. and allow extra distance , · · · , , , V. SERVICE SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE · , To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. , Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. · Use only approved gasoline container. , Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. , Never fuel the machine indoors. , Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle when filling. , · Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children. · . . Remove gas-powered equipmentfrom the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,then refuel such equipmentwith a portable container,rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-opendevice. . Check their proper operation regularly. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing. If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary. · If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. . Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. GENERAL SERVICE · . Never area. operate machine in a closed Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Never tamper with safety devices. . . · Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine anyone enters the area. Never carry passengers. Do not mow in reverse unless abso- . if . · Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children. Mow u ...