Sears 917.253250 User manual

ISears I
owners
manual
MODEL NO.
91 z 253250
3722R -7 .2 .73
~1J~
a: ~ ~a~,--- ~ ~ .' ~ Z
;; ~1-l '!b/
J;../ ~ © t C""J ·~~
Jr /. ._ (()
42 INCH
ROTARY MOWER
~ .-{ '
~ - (_/,) } L c:::t..-'
• Assembly ~a r-~
• Operating
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
Sears , Roeb uc k and Co. , Chicago, Ill. 60607 U . S.A.
and Simps on s Sears Limited , Toronto
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

During the first year, we will repair your mower free of charge if found defective in
material or workmanship. This guarantee service is available by simply contacting any
of our stores or service centers throughout the United States or Canada.
The guarantee is limited to 30 days if the item is used for commercial purposes.
SEAR S, ROE BUC K A ND CO. - SIMP SON-S EARS L TO .
SAFETY PAYS OFF
IMPORTANT
rule s for safe operation
TRAINING
1. Read the Owners Manual carefully and fully
famil iari ze yourse If with the controls and proper
use of your tractor and mowing attachm ent. Be
prepared to stop the engine and blades on a
second's notice. Only persons well acquainted
with these Ru les for Safe Operation should be
allowed to use your tractor and mowing attach-
ment.
2. Do not allow childre n or young teena gers to start
or operate your tractor and mowing attach men t.
3. Do not allow anyone in the area while cut ting.
Keep the ch ildr en and pets in the back yard
while mowing the front yard. Keep o wary eye ou t
for
children or passers-by. Place the blade con-
trol lever in the disengaged position and stop the
engine while they are in the vic inity of your
mower. Children, pa r ticularly, could get an ex-
tremity in the way of the revolving blode (s) and
also, although the area to be mowed should be
completely cleared of all foreign objects, a small
object may have been overlook ed and cou ld be
acc ident ally thrown by the mowing attac hment .
PREPARATION
4. Thoroughly inspect your lawn and remove all
foreign objects such as rocks, stones, wires,
cans, boards, bran ches, bones and other foreign
objects before each cutting. Do not strike any
roots or other foreign objects as they may be
propelled by the blades causing injury to the
operator, o bystander or a pet or damage to other
property, the tractor or the mowing attachment
itself.
5. Do not operate the tracto r and mow ing attachment
when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial footwear, preferably stee l- toed
shoes. Also, do not wear loose fitting cloth ing
that could get caught in moving ports.
3722R-7 .2 .73
- 1 -
6. Check your fuel supply before each use. Never
remo ve the gas cap or fill the gasoline tank when
the engine is running or while it is hot . When
fillin g the fuel tank, leave space for expansion,
do not fill it to the brim and keep in mind that
the heat of the sun can cause the gasoline to
expand. Wipe off any spilled gasol ine before
starting the engine. Remember, gasoline is
hi ghly flammable and must always be handled
with extreme core.
7. A tractor with a mowing attachment is a preci-
sion piece of lawn care equipment, not a play-
thing, therefore, extreme caution must be exer-
cised at all times.
8. Never attempt to operate a damaged tractor or
mowing attachment, always repair any damage
before attempt ing to start or operate your tractor
or mowing attachment.
9. Never attempt to corry any passengers, their
safety as well as your safety will be endangered.
10. Your tractor w it h the mowing attachment in
pl
ace is equipped with on engine interlock
system. Th is system will prevent the engine
from starting if the operator tries to start the
eng ine while the transmission is in gear and / or
the blade control lever is in the engaged posi-
tion . Before attempting to start the engine make
sure the gear shift lever is in neu tral and the
blade control lever is in the disengaged posi-
ti on, then firmly apply the foot brake. The
park ing brake must always be disengaged when
you put the tractor in motion. If the tractor is
operated with the parking brake engaged , serious
damage may resu lt.
11. Each time before leaving the operator 's seat,
be absolutely sure the blade control lever is in
th e disengaged position, the parking brake is
engaged, the gear shift lever is in neutral, the
engine is shut off, the blades and all moving
parts have stopped and the ignition key is
removed. Never leave the operator ' s seat with
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

or blades running. Always get on or
off your tractor with the mowing attachment in
place from the operator's left-hand side. This
will reduce exposure to the discharge area.
Always mow in daylight or good artificial light,
only.
Never operate your tractor in wet or slippery
gross, where traction is unsure or at a speed
which could cause a skid.
OPERATION
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Do not attempt to change the governor setting
or overspeed the engine. The governor controls
the eng ine speed and prot~cts the engine from
damag ing , excessive speeds. Excessive engine
speeds ore dongerou s.
When starting your engine on tractors equipped
w it h a pull starter, steAd firm and make sure
your feet ore well away from the mowing attach·
ment.
Never place your hands or feet under the mowing
a ttachmen t, in the di scharge chute or near any
moving ports while the tractor or m~wer o~e
running. Always keep clear of the d1 schorge
chute.
Always place the blade control lev er in the
disengaged position, set the porki~g brok e,
shift into neutra l, shut off the eng1ne, make
absolutely sure the blades and a ll moving ports
hove come to a stop and remove the ignition
key each time you dismount your tractor, even
for a second. Children, yourself, other persons
or pets may be endangered.
If your tractor or mowi~g ott?chm~nt sh_ ould
inadvertently strike a fore1gn obJect, Immediate-
ly place the blade control lever in the dis-
engaged position, set the parking broke, shift
into neutral , shut off the engine, make absolute·
ly sure the blades and all moving ports hove
completely stopped, remove the i gnition key,
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug(s) ond keep the wire away from the plug(s)
to prevent injury or occidental stortin~, then
thoroughly inspect the tractor and mow1ng at-
tachment for any damage. Such damage must
be repaired before restarting and operating the
tractor and mowing attachment.
If the tractor or mowing attachment should
start to vibrate abnormally, place the blade
control lever in the disenga ged position, set
the parking broke, shift into neutral, shut off
the engine, make absol ut ely sure the blades
and aII mo v ing ports hove completely stopped,
remove the ignition key, disconnect the spark
plug wire from the spark plug(s) and keep 1t
away from the plug(s) to preve~t in j~ry or oc-
cidental starting, then check 1mmed1otely for
the cause of this vibration as vibration is
generally a warning of trouble. . .
Before clearing the discharge chute, adJuSting,
cleaning, repairing, or inspect ing your tractor
or mowing attachment, place the blade control
lever in the disengaged position, set the parking
brake, shut off the engine, make absolutely sure
the blode(s) and all moving parts hove com-
pletely stopped, remove the ignition key, dis-
connect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug(s) and keep it away from the spark plug(s)
3722R-7 .2.73 - 2 .
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27 .
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33 .
and keep it away from the spark plug(s) to pre·
vent injury or occidenta l starting.
Do not run the engine indoors because the en-
gine exhaust fumes contain carbon mon~xide
which is a tasteless, odorless, deadly po1son.
Never mow a terrace, slope, or incl ine that is
too steep to preserve good stability and control
in order to prevent tipping or sideways upsets.
Always mow up and down such an incline, at
a slow speed when using a tractor, do not mow
across.
Do not start or stop suddenly when going up or
down a terrace, slope or incline. If it is ne·
ce ' ssary to stop your tractor upon on in_cli~e,
do so firmly to prevent the tractor from p1ck1ng
up speed during declutching and before reochi_ng
the broke position. Do not shift gears whde
going up or down inclines . Choose a gear low
enough to negotiate the incline without stop·
ping and shifting gears. To reduce the speed
of the tractor on an inc! ine move throttle lever
to slow.
Never attempt to operate your tractor or mowing
at tachment without the proper shields, guards,
plates or other protective devices in place and
fully functioning.
Be absolutely sure that the discharge shield is
used at all times when the mowing attachment
is operating in order to minimize the possibility
of injury or damage from a thrown object.
Before and while attempting to bock up, look
carefully to be absolutely sure that children,
bystanders, pets, foreign objects or obstacles
of any kind ore not behind you.
Never direct grass clipp ings from the discharge
chute toward by stonders or pets nor a !low any-
one near the tractor while it is operating.
Be sure to exercise special core when mowing
around fixed object s in order to prevent the
blades from str i king them. Never deli berotely
run a tractor or mowing attachment into or over
any foreign objects.
Never shift gears to reverse your direction of
travel until the tractor comes to a complete
stop.
Always stay alert to ovoid holes in the terrain
and other hidden hazards. Tipping or sideways
upset s con happen eosi ly in holes or ditches.
Use low gear on unfomiIi or ground. If the tractor
or mowing attachment becomes stuck in a hole,
always place the blade control lever in the
di sengoged posi tion before att empt in g to free it.
Be ready to start mowi ng b efore you sta rt the
engine of your tracto r, place the blade control
lever in the engaged pos i tion or shift into gear.
The use of any precis ion pi ece of power equip-
ment requires your fu ll concentration and at-
tention to the job being done in order to prevent
in ju ry or damage.
Always place the bl ade control lev er in the
disengaged posit ion when not cutting gross
such as when cross ing a grovel drive, side-
walk, or roadway or wh en transporting the
trac tor .
Watch
out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

o per ation (cont.)
MAINTENANCl:
34. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight in order
to be sure that the tractor and mowing attach-
ment are in safe working conditio n. Be sure the
broke and mowing attachment controls are
always in proper adjustment and repair. Chec k
the blad e and engine mounting bolts at frequent
int~rvals for proper tightness. Before performing
any maintenance, always place the blade con-
trol lever in the disengaged position, set the
parking brake, shift into neutral, shut off the
engine, make absolutely sure the blades and
all moving pa r ts hove completely stopped,
remove the ignition key, disconnect the spark
plug wire from the spark plug(s) and keep it
away from the plug(s) to preven t injury or oc-
ci dental sta rting .
35. Keep the engine free from accumulations of
grass, leaves or excessive grease as these
accumulations ore combustible and could ' re -
introduction
suit in o fire. Always keep your tractor and
mowing attachment in good operating cond ition
and make sure that all shields, guards , plates
and other protective devices ore in place. Gi ve
your tractor and mowing attachment the regular
mai ntenanc e they need and hove a competent
serv ic eman make a thorough inspect i on of the
tra ctor and mowing attachment at lea st once a
year .
36. Do not store your tractor for pr olonge d periods
(m ore than 30 days) with gasoline in the tank.
Do n ot store your tractor or o gaso li ne con-
tain. er insid e a buildin g where fum es may reach
an open flame or spark, they should be stored
in a cool, dry place. Be su re to let the eng i ne
cool before storing in any enclosure. Al ways
u se on app roved gasoline con~oiner for storing
gasoline and keep your tractor, mowing attach-
ment and gasol ine container in locked storage
to prevent children from playing and tampering
with them.
This tractor or attachment has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible depend-
ability and performance .
Should you experience any problem you cannot eosi ly remedy, p lease contact your nearest Sea rs Roebuck or 3impsons-
Seors, Ltd . Service Dept. They have well qualified, compet ent trained technic i ans and the proper tools to service or
repair this unit .
It is important that the operator ALWAYS OBSERVES THE "RUL ES FOR SAFE OPERATION" as well as other
instructions contained in these manuals .
Your new
Rotary Mower Attachment utlizes multiple sha rp cutt i ng bl ades rotating about vertical shafts with in the
housing. These blades rotate at 14,000 feet per minute . The blades sl i ce gross at approximately 158 miles per hour
to provide a uniformly cut lawn . Gross clipp ings ore exhausted •hrough the mower discharge orec by the fast flow
of air created by the revolving blades .
The Rotary Mower has been shipped from the- factory partially assemb l ed, for shipping purposes. All ports necessary
to complete assembly ore included in plas tic bog within the carton. The bag of ports include the following items:
2 adjusting pins
4 reta i ner springs
2 bushing s
1 spring
2 hex bolts
2 carr i age bolts
10 flat washers
6 l ockwoshers
6 hex nuts
1 i nstruct ion sheet
ta bl e of content s
GUARANTEE
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
4- 9
OPERA TING INSTRUCTIONS
9-10
MAINTENA NCE INSTRUCTIONS 10 - 12
REPAIR PARTS 13-17
3722R -5 .3 J3 - 3 -
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

t
refer ence drawing
and instructions
LIFT LEVER WITH PLUNGER
DECK DRIVE COVER
DEFLECTOR
assemb ly
RUNNER R.H.
A ssemb ly as well as all of the different sections of
this Owne rs Manual should be studied very closely
before beginning to assemble your Rotary Mower.
A
letter in parenthesis in the following instructions
refers
to on arrow in on odjoaning Figure (illustra-
tion), unless otherwise stated. When R.H. (Right
Hand) or L.H. ( Left Hand) is used, it means from
a
posit ion behind the steer in g wheel as if one were
seated on the tractor seat and facing forward .
c
FIG. 2
1. Cut all wires, and remove mower, plastic bog,
and other ports from carton. P lostic bog con-
tains ports, and hardware necessary for the as-
sembly of the mower. Loy out ports for assembly,
and separate bolts etc. according to size.
2. Remove top bolt (A) from rear of mower (dis·
charge end).
3. Make sure chain links ore not kinked, and slip
shield (B) over discharge end of mower housine
as shown. Replace bolt (A) (head to inside)
3722R-? .2 .73
for assembly
SUSPENSION V-BELT
PLUNGER ASSEMBLY (ENGINE TO CENTER MANDREL)
FIG. 1
. 4 .
BE T GUIDE
WELDMEN T -FRONT
through mower housing and shield (B). Slip o
11/32 x 11 /16 x 16 Go . washer (found in plastic
bag) on bolt and secure with lockwosher, and
hex nut, which was previously removed . Leave
bolt loose.
4 . Insert o 5/16 x 3/4 carriage bolt (C) (head to
inside) through front of mower housing and shield
(B). Secure with 11/32 x 11/16 x 16 Ga. flar
washer, lockwosher, and hex nut. Leave bolt
loose. Bolt, washers, hex nut wi II be found in
plastic bag.
5. Inse rt a 5/16 x 3/4 bolt (D) (head to inside)
through top center of housing, and shield, in
same manner as step 4 above. Tighten all 3 bolts
in shield securely.
FIG . 3 \
PLACE LIFT LEVER
OVER NOTCHED
LEVER BRACKET
AND TlLT BOTTOM
OF LEVER OUT-
WARD TO ALIGN
BOLTS IN LEVER
BRACKET WITH
HOLES IN LEVER.
~ "
t
6. Refer to Fig. 3. Install lift lever (D), to R.H. end
of I ift shaft (E) . Be sure notched lever bracket
(F), is between le ver and lever clip, and that
lever fits on end of lift shaft (E). Secure with
flat washers 13/32 x 7/8 x 14 Go., lockwoshers,
and hex nuts shipped in plastic bag. Tighten
nuts securely .
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

FIG. 4
7. Depress lever plunger (G). Move le ver to approxi-
mately middle of notched lever bracket (F). Drive
roll pin (H), thru lever, notched lev er brocket,
and lever clip . Refer to Fig. 4.
T HICKER PORTIO N
OF H
UB TOWARD
GAUGE WH EE L SUPPORT (K)
FIG. 5
8. Refer to fig. 5. Assemble gauge wheels {J) to
R.H. side of each gouge wheel support { K).
NOTE: A bushing must be ins ide each wheel
hub, and a 13 / 32 x 7 /8 x 14 Ga. washer must
3722R-7 .2.73 - 5 -
be on each side of whee l. Secure with 3/ 8 x 2 ~
hex bolt, lockwasher, and hex nut. Use top hole
in each brocket (K} to mount wheels . T ighten
nut s secure l y.
~
()
FIG . 6
9. Refer to Fig . 6. Install L.H. front hanger (L), to
trac tor os s ho w n. Use b olts in tractor.
If tractor is equipped with L .H . front han ger
di sregard the abo ve in structions.
FIG. 7
10. Refer to Fig. 7. Install belt tightener l ever and
han ge r weldme nt (M) to R.H. si de of tr actor , as
shown. Front attachin g bolt is in tr actor fr ame .
Rear attachin g hex bolt 3/ 8 x 1!4, lockwosher,
and hex nut will be found in pla stic bag . If your
· rector come equ i pped with a belt ti ghtener
l ev e r, di sregard the above i nstructions . NOTE:
Lev er and hanger we ldment L.H. front is not
Incl ud ed with mower.
11. t your tr actor does not have rear hang er weld-
ment equipped with attaching brackets (N);
Remove the one that is on the tractor, and re-
pla ce with new style . Order cat. no. 25391 for
S uburban, or cat. no. 25392 for Hydro -troc
12.
13.
'"oc·ors.
FIG. 8
=<e:er to f 1 g. 8 . Tip mower (A) on its back edge
as shown. Rotate bl ades to be sure t hat every
•r · ,.,g clear s. CAUTION: Blades are sharp .
V.Co<e sJre oil bolts, nuts e tc . ore ti ghtened
secure y.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

attachi ng
inst ructions
1. Check tire pressure making sure it coincides with
recommended pressures • See owners manuaI or
rna intenance deca I on underside of tractor hood.
2. Place tractor on smooth level surface.
3. Position mower on R.H. side of tractor as shown.
4. Turn tractor steering wheel to the extreme left.
5. Lock all four attaching plun gers (A), in the
"out" position.
6. Move lift lever (B), to the extreme rear position .
7. Slide mower under trac tor unti I suspension arms
(C), ore directly beneath hanger brackets (D).
FIG. 10
8. For ease in attaching mower to tractor. Place
a two foot long 2 x 4 flat wise (or similar object )
under
each end of mower.
9, Place lift lever (B), in extreme forward pos i-
tion .
10, Refer to Fig. 10. Grasp suspension arms by
spring boxes (E). Raise R.H. suspension arms
and align with holes in front and r ear hanger
brackets (C).
11 . Release front plunger, so that plunger enters
hole in R .H. front mounting hanger .
3722R-7.2.73 - 6 .
12. Release rear plunger, so that plunger enters
slot in R .H. rear mounting hanger.
13 . Repeat steps 10, 11, and 12 for L. H. side of
mower .
14. Pull lift lever (B) back to lift mower.
1 5. If you have used 2 x 4's or similar objects
under each end of mower-- as suggested in step
8, they should be removed at this time.
FIG. 11
16. Raise front channel cover (1), and slide idler
shaft assembly ( F), into front of tr a ctor chan n el
(G). Refer to Fig. 11.
/
I
I
/ ,
"'
I
l ~I NC H
OF THRE AD
'\
([
' '
--- -- ......
FIG. 12
17. Hook offset loop of spring (H), int o hole in rear
of front axle bracket (J) , and other loop of spring
in hole in front of frame of idl er shaft assembly
(F).
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

~-----·~ ~---BELT GUIDE
-
18. Remove the two retainer spr i ngs (L) and en-
gine belt guard (M). Screw, bushing and nut
were shipped in place with tractor.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
Remove nut, lockwashe r, and be lt guard (K),
from
front of idler shaft assem bly (F) . Place
belt on idler shea ves (P ) and on eng in e pull ey
(0), as shown. N OTE: See in se rt for pr ope r
way of i nsta llin g be lt s on idler pull eys (P) .
Backside ( outs i de ) of belt mu st be pl ace d in
flat (outside) idler. Belt must be pl ace d in
largest groove on engine pulley (0 ).
Refer to Fig. 12 . Assemble adjusting .P. in (N),
to threaded end of belt tightener link {Q) . Pin
will be found in plas t ic bag.
See F i g. 12 . I nsta ll belt ti ght ener link (Q)
thru open ing in id l er sh aft as sembly ( F). At-
tach be nt end of link (Q) to rear end of be lt
tightener l ever arm (S) . Sec ure wit h smallest
retainer spring. Spring reta i ne rs will be found
in plast ic bag.
Refer to F i g. 12. At tac h ad ju st ing pin (N),
to i dler frame (R) with lar ge st spring reta in er.
Refer to " Belt Ad j ust me nt " , pa ge 8 .
Refer to F i g. 13. Replace be lt gui de (K) on
front idle r sh aft ( F) adjust belt guide (K) so
that it clears belt by 1/16 to 1/8 inc h, when
belt is tight (cl utch engaged) and mower is in
l
owest cut ting positi on . Then raise mower to
hi Qhest cu tt ing po s iti on and check be lt guide
(K) to make ce rta in it cl ears the be lt by 1/1 6
to 1/ 8 i nch at t op.
24 . Rei n stall eng in e belt gu ard ( M) on engine, an d
secure with two re tainer spri ngs (L ) .
25, Adjust be lt s ee Page 8 for be lt a d j ust m ent.
3722R-22 2. . 73
M ACHINE SCREW
-- BUS HIN G
V
GROOVE
INSIDE IDL ER
FIG . 13
. 7 .
~
FIG. 14
26. ~ e ' e· · :: F1 g. 1 4. After adjusting belt, assemble
s~ ~ : :e · ;:,., II rod (T) to snubber weldment (U),
cs s -:: ... ~ r Fi g. 1 4, and secure with retainer
s :: · -; • :o.md in pl ast ic bag.
ALWA YS GET ON OR OFF TRACTOR FROM
THE L .H . SIDE. THIS WILL REDUCE EX -
PO SU RE TO DIS CHARGE AREA AND AVOID
THE POSS I BLE OBS TRUCTION OF LIFT
LE V ER I ~ THE OP ERATOR'S PATH.
AL 't~ A v s <::EP A LL SHI ELDS , AND SAFETY
DE Y CES ~ PLACE. NEV ER DIRECT DIS-
CH A=< G !: c= MA TER IAL TOWARD BYSTAND -
ERS,
C~ BL , _ D J ~ GS . NEVER A LL OW ANYONE
NE A~ • .• J..C f-1 E, WH IL E IN OP ERATION.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

0
v__ ~ r
----u FIG. 15
27 . Refer to Fi g. 15. Place mower clutch lever
(W) approximately 1" away from front edge of
R. H. foot rest .
28. Thread adj usting pin (X) on snubber pull rod
(T) untiI
adjust ing pin wi II enter lowe r hole in
idler shaft assembly (F). Remove adjusting pin
from hole and slip a 9/16 x 15116 x 11 Go. flat
washers on pin (X) against shoulder . Reinsert
pin wi th washers in lower hole of idler shaft
ossy ( F). Sec ure w it h retainer spring (Y).
instructions before
operating
belt adiustment
----- .....
,
/8
I
I ~c
, '
I~~
('~0" ( 1' it---~
\ ~~ I
\ ~G
\ ("i..._o I
'' ... ~ FI G. 16 , :;;-/I
~---~
Remove retainer spring from adjusting pin (A}.
Re
move adjusting pin (A) from idler frame (B)
Turn adjusting pin counter -c lockwis e, to tighte n
3723R-5 .3 .73
- 8 -
belt, clockwise to loosen belt. See Fig. 16. Engage
clutch lever ( push forward ). Belt is properly aa-
justed when belt c an be squeezed together with
thumb and fore fing er (without undue pressure) mid
way between engine and idler pulleys. After 2 hours
use recheck belt for proper tension. Replace re·
toiner spring in adjust ing pin (A).
Belt from center to outs i de mandrels is spring loaded
and no adjustment is necessary.
adiustment of snubber
(brake for mandrels)
Refer to Fig. 15. After belt has been properly adjust-
ed, adjust adjusting pin on snubber pull rod as stated
below . Remove retainer spring (Y) holding adjusting
pin (X) in idler shaft assembly (F) . Remove adjusting
pin from idler shaft assembly. Position clutch lever
\H) so that it is approx im ately 1" from front of R.H.
foot rest as shown. Turn adjusting pin ( X) on snub-
ber pull rod (T) until adjusting pin will enter hole
in idler shaft assembly. Secure with retainer spring
(Y) . When clutch is fully d is engaged (lever pulled
back aga inst foot rest ) blades sho uld stop quickly .
CAUTI ON: Make sur e that broke is not against man-
drel pu Il ey when mower is engaged ( lever pushed
forward).
Do not shift gears whil e going up steep hill s.
Choose a low enough gear to climb hill without
stopping and shifting gear s. If it is necessary
to stop while going up hill, do so quickly to
prev
ent tractor rolling backward. When starting
tractor in motion going up on inc I ine, use one
of the lowest gears, reduce engine speed and
engage
clutch gradually to prevent trac tor from
II • It
rearrng up •
level mow er from
to side
FI G. 17
side
1. Refer to F ig . 17. Place tractor, with mo wer
mounted on a smooth level surface. Lift Mower
with 1 ift lev er (A) unt iI runners and gouge wheels
ore off the level surface . Mea sure the distance
from rear of housing (B) (at rear runner attaching
points ) to level surface . Distance from hous ing
to level surface at each end of mower mu s t be
the some. If not mower will not cut leve l from
side to side.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

FIG . 18
2 . Adjust nut (C), on hanger link at L.H. side to
level mower. Shorten this link to raise L.H. side
of mower - lengthen this link to lower L.H. side
of mower. Refer to Fig. 18.
adiust mower from
front to rear
1. Refer to Fig. 18. The mower should cut ap-
proximately 3/16" lower at front than at t he
rear. After mower has been leveled from side to
side -adjust for pitch from back to front. Place
tractor, with tires properly inflated on a smooth
level surface. Raise mower unti I mower and
wheels are in a floating position . Position R.H.
mower blade, so that it is in line with the length
of tractor. Measure the height of the front tip of
blade - rotate blade one - half turn and measure
height of tip of rear. The front tip must be ap-
proximately 3/16 inch lower at front than at
rear.
Arljust nuts (D) up or down to obtain the above
pitch or difference from fr ont to rear, Adjusting
nuts up will raise the rear of mower - lowering
nuts wi II lower rear of mower. Tighten the two
nuts securely against leveling pin.
THE MAIN DRIVE BELT (ENGINE TO CENTER
MANDREL) MUST BE PROPERL Y ADJUSTED
BEFORE OPERATING. A DRIVE BELT NOT
PROPERLY ADJUSTED CAN BE RUINED IN
JUST A FEW MINUTES OF OP ERATION. THE
MOW ER MUST BE LEVELED FROM SIDE TO
SIDE, AND f~OM FRONT TO BACK, BEFORE
OPERATING. THIS IS NECESSARY FOR LEV-
EL, AND EFFICIENT MOWING.
operating
instructions
READ THE "SAFETY PRECAUT I ONS" ON PAGE
1 CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
MOWER.
3722R-7 .2.73 - 9 -
CAUT ION: Place tractor shift l~ver in neutral.
Di sengage clutch and be sure mower belt tightener
lever ( A), is disengaged before starting tr actor
eng i ne .
1. Set engine speed to about 1/3 to 1/ 2 thro ttle
b efore engaging or disengaging mower. In either
case, engage or disengage mower belt tightener
l ever ( A), slowly. Afte r mower is engaged, set
to f ull throttle . CAUTION: Never engage mowe r
excep t when s i tt ing on tr actor seat.
2. S tan mo win g in a low r ange and i ncrease ground
spee d as co nditi ons wi II e.ermit. Average cutting
heigh is app r ox i mat ely 2).-2 to 2% inches . Height
of cut con be ad j usted by means of the lift lever
(E . Moving the lev er forward l owers the mower.
Moving it backwar ds raises the mower. The
lever lat ch is actuated by depressing the latch
bt- t 'o n a t the to p of the lever handle. Each
f~Ot c h chan ges the height of cut approximately
i in c h, ref er to F i g. 20, page 10.
3. S ho<.. ld so me i nt ermediate height be desire d.
Loose n the two nut s (B), at the bottom of the
li t lever . Rotate the l ever forward or backward
relo• ve fo he lift sha f t. Forward movement will
rc se + e height of cut. Rearward movement wi II
lo ,., er 'he he ig ht of cut. This adjustment will
ro' se o· l ow er the cutting range approximately
h ';;en rhe e quiv alen t of one -half notch on the
1" '1 tever quadrant (D) . Retighten nuts (B ), se-
cure ly .
4. There ar e four hol es in the R.H. and L.H. gauge
wh ee t s up ports ( C, Fig. 19). With lift lever set
to g ve d es ir ed hei ght of cut and with tracto r
a nd ~ o w e r on l evel ground. Adjust gouge wheels
to one of the h oles in gouge wheel supports so ,
th o 'ney c l ear the ground by approximately %
inch .
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

.. __ )
•
height of cut adiustment
FOR INTERMEDIATE HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT -REFER
TO
STEP 3, PAGE 9 1·5/16"
4-9/16"
FIG. 20
..................................................................................................................... 1
t
~ --=-~ - - --~-~ 'I 'j I
t ~ j rr -- - - , I It :
j( jl j! ' j.
.· l '-'---_ _;Itt
ll
'- \.. __ - __ )) '
\..__ _ _ )
-- - .J
:.. .............. ... ... .............. . ........ . ......... . ....... .... ... ............................................... .:
FIG. 21
5. Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the
area that has been cut. See Fig . 21 for line
of cut on right hand side of mower. Have the
cut area to the right of the machine. This will
result in a more even distribution of clippings
and more uniform cutting. When mowing large
areas, start by turning to the right so that the
clippings wil l be discharged away from shrubs,
fences, driveways, etc. After two or three rounds
mow in the oppos it e direction making left hand
turns until finished. If grass is extremely tall,
it should be mowed twice. The first time, cut
relativelt high. The second time to the desired
height. The L.H. end of mower should be used
for trimming.
3722R-7 .2 .73
. 10 •
maintenance
LINE
OF
CUT
FIG. 22
lubrication
Mandrels are equipped with grease retainers and
shou ld require no lubrication during a seasons use.
See instructions under storage page 12.
Pe ri od ical ly apply a few drops of motor oil to all
pivot points of lift and suspension linkage, lever
plunger and belt tightener lever.
blade care
For bes t results, cutting bl ade must be kept sharp •
The blade ca n be sharpened with a few strokes of
a
file , or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to
sharpen whi le on mower.
When
grinding, care should be taken to maintain
blade balance and t he blade should be checked for
proper ba l ance before re-installation on mower.
Unbalance or bent blade wi ll cause excessive
vibration when runnin g, and eventual damage to
mower or engine . Replace bent or damaged blades.
To insure satisfactory operation, it is recommended
that before the start of each mowing season, the old
blades be discarded and replaced with new blades.
Mower blad es can be purchased at all Sears reta iI
stores and mai l order outlets .
CAUTION: BE SURE MOWER CLUTCH IS DIS -
ENGAGED, AND REMOV E ENGINE SPARK
PLUG WIRE BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO RE-
MOVE BLADE.
BEFORE CUTTING AN UNFAMILIAR PLOT OF
GRASS, ALWAYS STOP TO ANALYZE THE
LAWN OR FIELD FOR BEST MOWING PROCE-
DURE. CONSIDER ALSO THE HEIGHT OF
GRASS TO BE MOWED, TYPE OF TERRAIN
(LEVEL, HILLY OR PITTED), AS WELL AS
THE PRESENCE OF ROCK OR TRASH. EACH
CONDITION WILL REQUIRE CERTAIN AD-
JUSTMENTS OR PRECAUTIONS AS OUT.
LINED IN THIS MANUAL.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

blade replacement
FIG . 23
It is not necessary to remove tractor mower for blade
replacement . Raising mower lift lever to highest
position will pe rmi t access to blades . Raising front
of tractor upon blocks or substantial support wi II
also aid in replacement.
1. Remove the two hex head Heat Treated bolts
(A), to detach old blade ( B). ALWAYS USE HEAT
TREATED B OLTS TO ATTACH BLADES.
2. Install new blade with SHARP EDGE DOWN
and secure with two Heat Treated hex bolts and
lockwas hers . TIGHTEN SECURELY.
3. Check b lad es occasionally to make sure bolts
in blades are tight.
cteaning mower
Raise front end of tractor using Sears riding tractor
jack, or blo ck up each front whee I. Be sure there
is no way tr actor can fa II off bloc ks or j ack. Place
tractor in gear, and set parking brake. Clean un-
derside of mower with a putty knife or sim ilar tool.
Mower may be removed from tractor for cleaning.
W ater pressure from a garden hose wi II remove
fresh clippings from underside of mower . Cl ean
mower after each mowing.
daily maintena nce
Make sure all nuts on bolts ore tight and cotters
spread. Keep blades sharp . Observe a II safety
precautions. Keep mower well lubricated .
Y OUR TRACTOR MO WER IS A PRECISIO N
PIECE
OF POWER EQUIPMENT, NOT A
PLAYTHING. THEREFORE, EXERCISE EX-
TREME CAUTION AT ALL TIMES.
Do not operate the tractor in high gear going
down hill, and do not turn sharp corners while
going down hill. If it is necessary to stop tractor
while
going down hill, do so quickly to prevent
tractor
from pick ing up speed during the de-
clutching to braking operation. NOTE: The
engine produces considerable braking ac
ti on
when throttled back to idling speed w ith out de-
cl utching, and th is procedure is recom mended
before applying brake.
3722R-7 .2. 73 - 11 -
to remove mower from
tractor
1. Remove engine bel t guard ( M) F ig. 13 .
2. Remove be lt fr om eng ine pulley (0, Fi g. 13).
3. Refer to Fig . 1 5. Remove spr ing reta in er (Y)
holding ad j usting pin (X) to idler shaft assembly
(F) . Remove adjust i ng pin (X) from idl er shaft
assemb ly (F) .
4. Refer to Fig. 14 . Remove spring retainer (V)
holding snubber pull rod ( T) to snubber weldment
(U), and remove snubber pu II rod.
5. Refer to F ig. 12. Remove spring reta ine r from
ad j ust in9 pin (N). Unhook spring (H), from id ler
frame {R), and front axle bracket ( J), and remove
i dler shaft assem bly ( F), from front of tractor
and place on ground between f ront wheels.
6. Lower mower by means of the lift lever (B),
Fig. 9, to its extreme low position .
7. Pull four suspe nsion arm pl ungers (A, Fig. 9),
outward to detach mower from tractor .
8 . Turn front
wheels to left and , s Iide mower out
from under R.H. side of tractor.
9. Belt tightener lever and hanger weldment (M,
Fig. 7), must be removed from tracto r when at-
taching a bulld ozer. If tractor has a safety
switch on belt tightener lever , just the lever may
be removed. See tractor book for more deta i Is.
L. H. front hanger (L, Fig . 6L and rear h an ger
weldment (N, Fig. 7L can be left on the tracto r.
m ower main drive belt
1. See Fi g. 24. Re m ove belt gui de (A), at center
m andre l by removing 3 nuts (B).
2. Refer to F i g. 11. Remove nut and loc kwasher
f ro m i dler shaft assembly (F), and remove be lt
g
uid e (K), and b elt.
3. In sta ll new be lt and replace belt guides. Adjust
gui des for 1/ 16 to 1/8 inch clearance of belt
when be lt is ti ght and mower is in lowes t cutting
pos iti on. Then raise mower to highest cutting
pos ition and ch eck belt guar d to make certain it
c le ars at top guide by 1/ 16 to 1/ 8 i nch.
belt replacement
OUTER BLAD ES DRIV E BELT
(
CE NT ER TO OUTER MANDRE LS )
~
Remove mower from tr actor.
Unh oo k sp ring (L) from r ea r of beIt g uide (A) .
Remove be lt guide (A
), at cent er mandr el by
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

removing the three nuts (B) l ockwas hers , and
flat w ashers.
3. Remove cotter pins (C), at front of lower sus -
p ens ion arms (D), and move suspens i on li nkage
outward and swing to rear--both R .H. and L.H.
sides.
4. Remove mower deck drive cover (E),
5. Remove belt guide (No. 27, page 15), at L.H.
mandrel sheave.
6. Remove old belt.
7. Clean away any dirt and grass whi ch may have
accu mulated around sheav es and i dler arm.
FIG. 25
8. Install new be lt in g ro ove of L.H. mandrel (K),
lower groove of center mandrel (F), and around
flat idler (H) . Fro m a position at discharge
end of mower, grasp rearmost strand of belt in
left hand and pull belt coming from idler (H),
w
it h right hand unti I it will go into groove of
R .H . mandrel sheave (J).
9. Rotate ce nter mandre l (F), by ha nd to make sure
be lt is runn ing in th e grooves properly.
10. Replace be lt guide at L.H. mandrel (K), and
adjust so that there is 1/16 to 3/ 32 inch clear-
ance between it and the be It a II around .
11. Rep la ce m ower deck drive cover (E).
12. With ma in drive belt in position, rerlac e belt
guide and snubber at center mandre (F), and
adjust so that there is 1/16 to 1/8 inch clear-
ance between it and the sheave. Adjust drive
belt and snub b er.
13 . Replace suspension arms in their original posi-
tion and secure w ith cotter pins (C).
3722R-7.2.73 • 12 .
storage
Remove mower fr om tractor, before processing for
winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a
period of time, clean it thorough ly, remove all dirt,
grass, leaves, etc . Give blades and underside of
housing a good coat of grease or rust preventative.
Store in a clean dry area.
Each mandrel should be fi lied annually with grease
thru the zerk located between mower blade and under-
side of the mower housing. "Use high performance,
extreme pressure lubricating grease, Amdex No. 1
EP (American Oil Co.- Standard Oil or equivalent).
This grease may be obta i ned by ordering thru - your
nearest Sears repair parts department . Part No.
2557R. Add grease until it is found out around the
cap above the blade, or under the sheave. This will
not damage the grease retainer.
SAFETY
rays Dff
.~.:~~
- ~~- /
- - .. .,
Sea rs, Roebuck and Co. or Si mpsons-Sears Ltd. in
Ca nada reserves the right to make any changes in
design or i mp rovements without i mposing any ob-
ligation to in stall the same upon i ts it ems h eretofore
manufactured.
BECOME FULLY FAMILIAR WITH THE
RULES FOR SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONS
IN THIS MANUAL. YOUR SEARS TRACTOR
AND MOWER WILL PROVIDE MANY LEI-
SURE HOURS .
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

repair parts
33
3 __j
--2
~41
IDJ 1
a::n 1
i J ~
.. 2 EJ
IIIJ 1 -
13 -
a::n 1
3722R-7 .2 .73
I
"--"'
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

repair parts
42" ROTARY MOWER--MODEL NUMBER 917.253250
..._ ...;.,;
KEY
PART DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION
NO. NO. NO.
NO.
1
504P Hex Nut 5/16-18 25
880R Woodruff Key \4 x 1 .7 H. T.
2
1003P Lockwasher 5/16 26
882R
Metallic Seal :3:99
3
1537P
Washer 11 / 32 x 11/16 x 27
9494H
Bearing Cone
7·1"
16 Ga. 28
888R Bearing Cu ·p
4
2629R
Brake Shoe
29
634A427 Mandrel
Tube & Cups· :J./'IJT
5
3770R Spring Center
6 623A590
Snubber Weldment
30
634A481 Mandrel Sheave-Center
7
2503P
Cotter Pin 3/32 x 3/4
w/Set Screw
8
623A588
Belt Guide Weldment·
32
3716R
V -Be It (Center to Outer
Center Mandrels)
9 634A482 Deck Drive Cover &
33
3538R Deflector-Caution Deco I
Weld Bolts 34 634A498
Deflector Shield w/Chain
10
4831H
Elastic Stop Nut %-16
35 3724R
Runner R.H.
11
634A417
Mandre l Sheave-Outer
-... . 36
_... 3863R Mower Housing -
w/Set Screws
37
3239R
Safety Standards Sticker
12
4515P
Hex Socket Headless
38
9484H
Blade
Set Screw 3/8-16 x 5 /8
39
2070R Runner L.H.
13
881R
Metallic Seal
40
3539R Instruction-Caution
14
1554H
Bearing Cone Decal
15
1553H
Bearing Cup
41 1001P Lockwasher 7/ 16
16
634A431
Mandrel Tube & Cups A 16P
Carriage Bolt 5/ 16-18 x%
Outer B 17P Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 1
17
9458H
Mandrel Cap
c
16P Carriage Bolt 5/16- 18 x %
18
634A31 5 Shaft & Flange-Outer D
3204P H ex Bolt 7/16 x 14 x%
19
634A423 Mandrel Assembly 1J 0:
H.T. Grade 5
w/Sheave
Outer
E
6855M
Grease Fitting
0
20
739R
Mandrel Shim-L.H . G
3011P Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1
21
634A485 Mandrel Assembly H
2557R
Amdex No. 1 E.P.
w/Sheave-Center
Grease Not Furnished
22
8330H
Woodruff Key \4- 1 H.T. with
Mower (For Service
23
1036R
Mandrel Cap Center Only)
24
634A426 Shaft & Flange -C enter '-'j'f~ 9
3722R-7 .2.73 •
14 •
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

Pa
•I f part 5 L N UMBER 91 7.253250
f e
42
,, ROTAR Y MOWER--M ODE
I~
6 ___ m:
ml
S A ~
s-
-- 26
'' rK
J
3722R-7.2.73 -
15 -
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

repair parts
42" ROTARY MOWER--MODEL NUMBER 917.253250
J
KEY PART
DESCRIPTION
KEY PART
DESCRIPTION
NO. NO.
NO. NO.
1 634A339
L ever Plunger & B utton
32 2289R
Discharge Cutoff Plate
2 9465M Roll Pi n3/16 x 1 }1
33 3544R
Suspension Broc ket -
3
2876H Spring
Fr ont L.H.
4
1556P
Washer 13/32 x7/ 8x 14 Go .
33A 3543R
Suspension Brock et-
5
634A373
Lift Lever Front
R.H.
SA 1053R
Decal
34 2073R
Wheel S up po rt R.H.
6 2895H Handle Grip
35
3714R
Model Plate
7
280M1
Bushing
36 1 556P Washer 13/32 x7/8 x14 Go.
8
634A358
Pitch Ad jus tment Weldment
37 7375 H Bushing
9
9426H
Bracket
38
9536 H
Gauge Wheel
10 515P
Hex Nut 3/8- 24
39
634A329
Blade Shield Assembly
11 9420H
Leveling Pin
40 634A480 Gauge Wheel Support
12 2511P
Cotter Pin 3/16 x 1
Assy . L.H.
13
634A345
Suspension Arm Weldment
41 1004P
L ockwasher 3/8
Outer
42 501P
Hex Nut 3/8-16
14
634A344
Suspension Arm Weldment
43
1003P
Loc kwasher 3/8-16
Inner R.H.
44
504P He x Nut 5/ 16 -1 8
15
634A479
Lift Shaft Weldment
45
1556P Washer 13/ 32x7/8x 14Ga.
16 929R Lift Link
46 50 8P
Hex Jam Nut 3/ 8 -16
17 94 12H Hanger Link
47 1 537P
Washer 11 / 32 x 11 / 16 x 16 Go .
18 2505P Cotter Pin 1/8 x 3/4 A 21p
Sq . Neck Carriage Bolt
19 9535H Spring
3/ 8-16 X 1~
J
20
9833E Bushing
B
3023P Hex Bolt 3/8- 16 x 1
21
9505H Elastic Stop Nut 3/8 -24
c
20P Sq. Neck Carriage Bolt
22
634A343 Suspension Arm Weldment
3 /8 -1 6 X 1
Inner L.H. D
28P Carr iage Bolt Short Shoulder
23
1 500P Washer 17 /32 x 1-1/16 x 3/
8-16 x 1 Grode 5 H.T.
13 Ga.
E
3025 P Hex Bolt 3/8 -1 6 x 1 ~
24
3720R Spring
F
16P
Sq. Neck Carriage Bolt Short
25
9416H
Plunger
Shoulder 5/16- 18-3 /4
26
9504H
Roll Pin 3/16 x 2 G
3027P
He x Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 }1
27
634A334 Belt Guide Assembly
H
7P
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 2}1
28
634A477 Idl er Assembly
J 16P
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x%
29
9503H Spring
K 3
19 9P
Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 2%
30
2083R Flat Idler
Grade 5
31 4969H
Bushing
L
17P
Carr iage Bolt 5/16- 18 x 1
3722R Owners Manual
.)
3722R -7 .2 . 73
- 16 -
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

repair parts
42" ROTARY MOW ER-MODE L NUMBER 91 7.253250
!W7
/ '
18 20
KEY
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7
8
9
10
11
12
12A
A B
.- """""
I ..:._ - '-'
, ... ;---.....- .
·- ·-.:. ..;
• 0
0 0
! !
• 0
0 0
:.._ !
~~~
~~~~
.-...-
PART
NO.
4379H
634A357
16t:9E
6508H
3705R
4939M
634A362
634A363
634A355
3707R
4940M
634A589
9503H
1569P
3722R-SJ
o73
7
It ems shown in phantom do not co me with the mower . If you have a tractor that
does not have these
items mou nted on tractor , you will have to purchase these
item s seperately .
DESCRIPTION KEY PART DESCRIPTION
NO. NO.
Handle Grip
13 3766R Snubber
Pull Rod
Lever and Hanger
14 634A565 Inside
Idler
We ldm ent 15 5386H Bushing
-.__
Bushing
16 634A566 Outs
id e Idler
Lever top Strop
17
1519P Washer 15/32 x 1 x
Be lt Tightener L ink
12 Ga.
Re tainer Spr i ng
18
516P Hex Nut 7/
16 - 20
Hanger Rear (For 1966
19 634A587
Belt Guide Weldment-
and Later Suburban Front
Tractors) 20
1001 p Lockwasher 7/
16
Hanger Rear (For Hydro
21
3555R V-B
elt (Mower Ma in
Tree
Tracto r)
Drive Belt)
Hanger We ldment 22 1003P Lockwasher 5
/1 6
L.Ho Front 23 504P Hex Nut 5/ 16-18
Adjusting Pin
24
10 04P Lockwasher 3/ 8
Retainer
Sp ring 25 501P Hex
Nu t 3/ 8-16
Idler Shaft Asse mb ly A 3013P Hex
Bo It 5/ 16-18 x
Spring
1Y2
Wo sher 916 x 15 16 x 11 Go o B 3025P Hex Bo
lt 3/8- 16 x 1~
- 17 -
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

notes
3722R-7 .2 .73
• 18 •
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com

·1 Sears I
owners
manual·
SEARS SERVICE
IS AT YOUR SERVICE
WHEREVER YOU LIVE
OR MOVE
IN THE U.S .A.
3 722R-7 .2.73
The Model Number wi II be found on a plate attached to the top
of the Gauge Whee l Support Assembly L.H. Always mention the
Model Number when requesting service or repair ports fo r your
42,, ROTARY MOWER ..
All ports listed herein may be orde red through SEARS, ROEBUCK
AND CO . or SIMPSONS-SEARS LIM ITED. When ordering ports by
moil, selling pric es will be furnished on request or ports will be
shipped
at prevailing prices and you will be billed accordingly .
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIV E THE FOL-
LOWING INFORMATION AS SH OWN IN T HIS LI ST.
1. The PART NUMBER
2. The PART DESCRIPTION
3. The MO DEL NUMB ER
917. 253250
4. The NAME OF I TE M-
Rotary Mower
When you buy merchond ise
from Sears you get on extra
something that nobody el
se
con offer • •• Sears Servi ce .
Across town or
across the
country,
wh erever you live
or
mo ve in the U.S .A., Sears
Se rvi ce fo ll ows you, prov id -
i
ng trustworthyI CO mpetent
servic e technici ans us ing
only Sears
specified factory.
ports.
Sears , Roebu ck and Co., Chicago, Ill. 6060 7 U .S .A .
and Simpsons Se ars Limited , Toro n to
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
another free manual from www.searstractormanuals.com