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Owner’s Manual LAWN TRACTOR 18.5 HR 42” Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273642 This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the ------- engine, read and understand this Owner’s Manual. m IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Maintenance Schedule........ Service and Adjustments.... Storage................................ Troubleshooting................... Repair Parts........................ Sears Service...................... Warranty......................... ........................2 Safety Rules.................. ........................3 Product Specifications... ........................6 AssemblyPre-Operation ........................8 Operation........................ ......................
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SAFETY RULES IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. ^ WARNING: In order to prevent ac cidental starting when setting up, trans porting, adjusting or making repairs, al ways disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. A WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
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SAFETY RULES 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. Opera tion 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.
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SAFETY RULES • • • • Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with 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-open device. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Never overfill fuel tank.
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity 4.0 Gallons and Type: Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30(above 32T) SAE 5W-30(Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints W/0 Filter: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: (GAP: .030") Champion RC12YC Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 5.5 Reverse; 2.4 Tire Pressure; Front; 14 PSI Rear: 10 PSI Charging System: 9 Amps @ 3600RPM Battery: Amp/Hr: 28 Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R Blade Bolt Torque; 27-35 Ft. Lbs. CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
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UNASSEMBLED PARTS Bubble Level Mower Leveling Wrench For Future Use Keys (2) Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette
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ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory. Review the video cassette before you begin. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the oper ating position (seated behind the steering wheel). TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON UNPACK CARTON 1. Cut along dotted lines on all four pan els of carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat. 2. Remove protective materials from trac tor hood and grille.
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4. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set the parking brake. 5. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 6. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest posi tion. 7. Start the engine. After engine has started, move throttle control to idle position. 8. Release parking brake. 9. Slowly move the motion control lever forward and slowly drive tractor off skid. 10.
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CHECKLIST Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this quality product. Please review the following checklist: / All assembly instructions have been completed. y No remaining loose parts in carton. / Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). y Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight ened securely. / All tires are properly inflated. (For ship ping purposes, the tires were overin flated at the factory).
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OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
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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. Light Switch Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. LIFT LEVER PLUNGER - Used to release attachment lift lever when changing its position. LIGHT SWITCH POSITION - Turns the headlights on and off.
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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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. • Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
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TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Be sure tractor is on a flat level surface. 1. Lower mower and adjust mower to de sired cutting height(See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in this section of manual). 2.
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Transmission Engaged Transmission Disengaged NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH MENTS Tow only the attachments that are recom mended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.
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WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above) 7. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below) 7. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position.
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MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. • Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the trac tor. This will result in a more even distri bution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
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MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades C SERVICE DATES ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Lubrication Chart ✓ Check Battery Level ✓ 4 T 0 R ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling ✓ ✓ Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level ✓ b ✓ ✓ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) ✓ ✓ V^1,2 Change Engine Oil (witho
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TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. (See “TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual).
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TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi nals can cause the battery to “leak” power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 3. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. 5. Coat terminals with grease or petro leum jelly. 6.
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ENGINE OIL FILTER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stub born dried gum fibers. AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.
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We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmis sion are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower. CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
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5. Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure with retainer springs. 6. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket and secure with retainer spring. 7. Install belt into electric clutch pulley groove. • If adjustment is necessary, make adjust ment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side.
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TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. LENGTH TO CHECK BRAKE 1. Park tractor on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and engage parking brake. 2.
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TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. 1. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten. 2. Start engine and move motion con trol lever until tractor does not move forward or backward. 3.
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TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT if steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steer ing wheel and reassemble with crossbars horizontal. Tighten securely. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toe-in or camber, contact a Sears or other qualified service center. TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS 1. Block up axle securely. 2.
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ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers ex pense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3.
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FINAL SETTING 1. Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 2. Move throttle control lever to slow posi tion. With finger, rotate and hold throttle lever against idle speed screw. Turn idle speed screw to attain 1750 RPM. 3. While still holding throttle lever against idle speed screw, turn idle mixture valve full travel clockwise then coun terclockwise until engine runs rough.
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STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for stor age at the end of the season or if the trac tor will not be used for 30 days or more. ^WARNING: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTfON Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 3. Engine flooded. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 5. Clean/repiace air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 7.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power (continued) 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 8. Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline. 9. Water in fuel. 9.
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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 8. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades improperly installed. 10. Improper blades used. 11.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 SCHEMATIC HEADLIGHTS NON-REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS IGNITION SWITCH POSITION CIRCUIT ^‘MAKE" OFF M + G+A1 NONE ON + LIG HTS B +A1 L + A2 B +A1 NONE B 4S + AI NONE ON START GFC WIRING INSULATED CLIPS NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
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REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 46 50 55 79 89 Battery Bolt.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 GROUND DRIVE drive-hydro.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 _.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 15 17 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 46 65 67 68 71 73 82 87 88 91 95 Wheel Steering Axle Asm Spindle Asm LH Spindle Asm RH Bearing Race Thrust Harden Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 ENGINE 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.1cyL51 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 13 14 23 29 31 32 33 37 KEY PART NO. NO.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket Pivot Seat Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Washer 13/32x 1 x 10 Ga Clip Push-In Nut Hex w/lns. 3/8-16 unc Spring Seat Cprsn Screw 3/8-16x1-1/2 Washer 13/32x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj. Wingnut Bracket Mounting Switch 180598 180166 STD523710 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246X KEY PART NO. NO.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 DECALS KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Reflector, LH Decal, Battery, Diehard, Sears Decal, Hood RH Decal, Hood LH Decal, Fender Craftsman Decal, V-Belt, Drive Schematic Decal, Dash Decal, Deck, Caution Decal, Replacement Hood Decal, Fender, Danger Decal, Panel, Dash Decal, Mower, Heavy-Duty Decal, Replacement Parts 187407 138047 186242 186243 186572 146046 164096 179128 192830 156439 189088 172331 133644 KEY PART NO. NO.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 Plunger Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H, Retainer Spring Link Front Sus. Nut Hex Jam 1/2-13 unc Trunnion Front Susp. 179504 159476 188822 12000002 19211621 120183X 175830 139865 139866 4939M 173288 73350800 175689 KEY PART NO. NO.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 --- 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 54 55 56 59 61 68 91 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 182032 Mower Housing STD533107 Bolt 138017 Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42” STD624008 Retainer Spring 178024 Bar Sway Deck 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 X 1.25 Gr.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART NO. NO.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777JYPE NUMBER 0348-El KEY NO. PART NO.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
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TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777JYPE NUMBER 0348-El KEY NO. PART NO.
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SERVICE NOTES 54
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION i il ,_ _ _ _ _ .. i>;a,Vit ,V,!dV,V,V,-1V'l , cn cn |>vvvyvvv>vvYvvv>vnvvyvvvvvvvnvvvvvv>»vvvvvvyvvvvvvvvvvvvvvyvvvYt-vyvvvvvvvvvvnvvvvvmvvvyvvvvvvyvvvvvYvvvvyvvvvyvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvyvvvvvvvv7 WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control.
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Get it fixed, at your home or ours! Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessories and owner’s manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters. 1-800-4-MY-HOME® Anytime, day or night (1-800-469-4663) (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.comwww.sears.
