Sears 917.25741 User manual

ISears I
owners
manual
MODEL NO.
91Z 25741
4979R-25.6.73
ST/16
GARDEN TRACTOR
• As sembly
• Ope rating
• Maintenanc ·e
•
Repai r Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co. , Chicago, Ill. 60607 U.S.A.
and Simpsons Sears Limited, Toronto
PRINTED IN U. S. A.

, .~------------------------------------ ---
GUARANTEE
Your Tra c tor is guaranteed for one full year. If any defect in mater ial or workmanship
should appear during
this time, simply contact our nearest Sears store or service center
throughout the United States or Canada.
We wiII make all necessary repairs, including
pa r ts and labor, at no charge to you. Tractors equipped with batteries: If battery proves
defective
and will not hold o charge, in exchange for the battery, we will: During the
first 90 days-replace battery at no charge. After 90-days-replace battery, charging cus-
to me r l / l2t h of th e price of t he new battery for each full month from date of sale.
If the tr actor is used for comme rcial or rental purposes, this guarantee applies for thirty
days.
SEAR S, ROEBUCK AND CO . - SIMPSON-SEARS LTO.
~~~~~~
SAFETY PAYS OFF
IMPORTANT
rules for safe
TRAINING
1. Read the Owners Manual carefully and fully
familiarize yourself with the controls and
proper use of your tractor as well as any at-
tachment. Be prepared to stop the engine and
powered ottochment(s) on a second 's notice.
Only persons well acquainted with these Rules
for Safe Operation should be allowed to use
your tractor.
2. Do not a II ow children or young teenagers to
start or operate your tractor.
3. Do not allow anyone in the area while op-
erating your tractor. Keep the children and
pets in the bock yard while using it in the
fr ont yard. Keep a wary eye out for c hild re n
or
passers-by. Di sengoge the power to all
attachments and stop the engine while they
ore in the vicinity of your tr actor. Children,
porticulorlyh could get in the way of and in-
Ju red by t e tractor or on attachment .
PR EPARAT ION
4. Do not operate the tractor when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial
footwear, preferably ste el- toed sho es. Also,
do not wear l oose fitting clothing that could
get caught in moving ports.
5. Check your fuel supply before each use. Never
remove the gas cop or fill the gasoline tank
when the engine is running or while it is hot.
When filling the fuel tonk , leave space for
4979R -2 5.6.73
- 1-
operation
expansion, do not fi II it to the brim and keep
in mind that t he heat of the sun can cau:.e the
gasoline to expand. Wipe off any spilled gas -
oline before starting the engine. Remember,
gasoline is highly flammable and must always
be handled with extreme care.
6. A tractor and all attachments are prec is i on
pi eces of equipment, not pi ayth ings, therefore
extreme caution must be exercised at all t i mes.
7. Never attempt to operate a damaged tracto r or
attachment, always repair any damage before
attempting to s tart or ope r ate your tractor or
attachment.
8. Never c.ttem pt to corry any passengers, th eir
safety as well as your safety will be endangered.
9. Before attempting to start the engine of your
tractor make sure the gear shift lever is in
neutral and the powe r to all attachments is
disengaged, then firmly apply the foot br ake
and be sure to release the parking brake. The
parking broke must always be disengaged when
you
put the tr actor in motion. If the tractor is
operated with the parking brake engaged ser i ous
damage may result.
10. Each time before leaving the operator's seat,
be absolutely sure the power to all attachments
is disengaged, the parking broke is engaged,
the gea r shift lever is in neutral, the engine
is shut off, the attachments and all moving
parts hove completely stopped and the igniti on
key is removed. Never leave the operator's
seat with th e engine or any powered attachment
running. Always get on or off your tractor from
the operato r's left-hand side.

rules for safe operation {cont.)
11. Alway s operate your tractor in d aylight; du sk
or dark - use your lights.
12 . Opera te your tractor at safe speeds on wet or
slippe ry surfaces, where traction is unsure.
Never ot a spe ed which could cause a skid.
OPERATION
1 3.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Do not attempt to change the governor setting
or over speed the engine. Th e governor controls
the engine speed and protects the engine from
damaging, excessive speed s. Excessive engine
speeds ore dange r ous.
When starting your engine on tractors equipped
with a pull starter, stand firm and make sure
your feet ore well away from a II powered at-
tachments.
Never place your hands or feet in or under any
powered attachment or near any moving ports
wh iIe the tractor or any powered attachment
is runnin ~.
Always d1sengoge the power to all attachments,
set the parking broke, shift into neutral, shut
off the eng ine, make absolutel y sure any power-
ed attachm ent and all moving ports hove com-
pletely stopped and remove the ignition key
each time you dismount your tractor, even for
a
second. Child r en, yourself, other persons or
pets may be endangered.
If your tractor or any attachment should inad -
v erten tly str ike a foreign object, immediately
disengage the power to the attachment, set the
parking broke, shift into neutral, shut off the
engine, make absolutely sure any powered
attachment and all moving po rt s hove com-
pletely stopp ed, remove the ignition key, dis-
connect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug and keep the wire away from the plug to
prevent injury or occidental s tart in g, then
thoroughly, inspect the tractor or attachment
for any damage. Such damage must be repaired
before restarting and operating the tractor or
a tt achment.
If the tractor or any powered atta c hment should
start to vibrate abnormally, place the control
lever for powered attachment s in the disengaged
posit ion, set t he park ing broke, shift into
neutral, shut off the engine, make absolutely
sure the powered attachment and all moving
ports hove comp letely stopped, remove the
ignition k ey, disconnect t he spa rk plug wire
from
the spark plug and keep it away from the
plug to prevent injury or occiden tal starting,
then check im medi ately for the cause of this
vibrat ion as vibration is generally a warning
of troub le.
19. Before ad jus ting, cleaning, repo1r 1ng or in-
specting your tracto r or any powered attach-
ment, disengage the power to a ll attachments,
set the parking broke, shut off the engi ne, make
absolutely sure the powered attachm ents and
all moving ports hove compl ete ly stopped,
remove the ignition key, d isc onnect the spark
plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug
to
prevent injury or occ ide nta l start ing.
20. Do not run the engine i ndoors because the
eng ine e xhaust f umes cont ain carbon m onoxi de
wh ic h is o tasteles s, odorless, deadly poi so n.
21. Nev er operate your tractor upon a terrace,
s lope or inclin e that is too steep to preserve
good stability and con trol in o rder to prevent
tipping or sideways upsets. Always ope r ate a
tra c tor up and down such on incline, at a slow
speed, do not ope rat e it across. Alway s ex-
ercise extreme caution when chang ing direction
on inclines . Never attempt to ope rate your
tractor on steep terra ces , slopes or inclines
with more than a 15 deg ree slope.
22. Do not sta rt or stop suddenly when going up or
down a terrac e slope or in cline. If it is ne-
cessary to stop your tracto r upon on incline,
do so firmly to prevent the tractor from picking
up speed during declutching and b efore rea ch -
ing the b roke position. Do not shift gear s while
going up or down incli ne s. Choose a gear low
enough to
negotiate the inclin e without stop-
ping and shi fting gears. To reduce the speed of
the tractor on on incline move throttle lever to
slow.
23. Never attempt to opera te you r tr actor or any
atta c hments wi thout the proper shields, guards,
plates or other protective devices in place and
fully functioning.
24. Before and while attempting to bock up, look
carefully to be absolutely sure th at children,
bystanders, pets, foreign objects or obstacles
of any kind o re not behind you.
25. Never allow anyone near the tractor or any
attachment while th ey ore operating.
26. Be sure to exercise special core when operating
your tractor around fixed objects in order to
prevent the tractor or any attachmen t from
striking them. Never deliberately run a tractor
or on attachme nt into or over any foreign ob-
je cts.
2.7. Use core when pulling lo ads. Use only approved
drowbor hitch points. Limit loads to those you
con safely control. Do not turn sha r ply. Use
counte r weight or wheel weight ( s) when suggested
in the attachment Owners Manual.
28. Never shift gears to reverse your directio n · of
travel until th e tractor comes to a complete stop. ·· ·.
29. Always s tay alert to ovoid holes in the terr ain
and other hid den hazards. Tipping or sideways
upsets co n happen ea sily in holes or ditches.
Use low gear on unfamiliar ground. If the tractor
or any attachment becom es stuck in a hole,
always disengage the power to all atta chments
before attempt ing to free i t.
30. Th e u se of any pr ecis ion piece of power equip-
ment requires your full conc entrat ion and at-
tention to the jo b be in g done in or der to pre-
vent inju ry or damage.
31. Always dis e ngage the power to all attachments
when not actually in use such as when crossing
o grovel drive, sidewalk or roadway or when
tron
spo rting the tractor.

rules for safe operation (cont.)
32. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
MAINTENANCE
33. Keep all nuts, bolts and scr ews tight in order
to be sure tha t the tractor and any attachment
is in safe working condition. Be sure t he brake
and all powered attachment cont ro ls ore always
in proper adjustment and r epa ir. Check the
attochmen ·t and engine mounting bolts at fr e·
quent intervals for proper tightness. Before
performing any maintenance, always disengage
the power to all attachments, set th e parking
broke, sh ift into neutral, shut off the engine,
make absolutely sure the powered attachment
and all moving ports hove comp let ely stopped,
remove the ignition ke y, disconnect the spa rk
plug
wire from the spark plug and ke ep it away
from the plug to prevent injury or occ i dentSJI
start i ng. The only exception to this rule is
carb ure tor adjustment, page 12 .
introduction
34. Keep the engine free from acc umulations of
gross, leaves or excessive gre as e as t hese
accumulat i ons ore combustible and could r esult
in a fire. Always keep your tractor and all
attachments in good operat ing condition and
make
su re that all shields, gua r ds , plates and
other protective dev i ces ore in place. Give
your tractor and all attac hm ent s the reg ul ar
maintenance they need and hove a competent
serviceman make o thorough inspection of them
at l east once a y ear.
35. Do not store your tractor for prolonge d peri ods
(more than 30 days) with gasoline in the tank.
Do not sto re your tractor or a go sol ine co n-
ta iner in side o building where fumes may reac h
on open flame or spark, they should be store d
in o
cool, dry place. Be sure to le t the eng i ne
cool before storing in any enclosure. Al ways
use an approved gasoline container for stor ing
go sol ine and keep your tractor, attachme nts
and go soline container in locked storage to
prevent children from play ing and ta mpering
with them.
This
tract or has been designed, engineered an d manufactured to give you t he best possible dep e ndability and per-
formance.
Should you
experience any problem you cannot easi ly remedy, pleas~ contact your nearest Sears , Roebuck or Simpsons
Sears, Ltd. Store. They have well qualified, competent trained technicians and the proper to ols to service or repair
this unit.
It is important that the ope rato r ALWAYS OBSERVE THE "RULES FOR SAFE OPERA T ION" as well as other
instructions contained in this Man ual. We have provided this Manual to he lp you operate your Tractor with utmo st
efficiency. We urge you to study this Manual so you will understand your new Tractor thorooghly before operat ing it.
We suggest that you toke co re of your Manual so that it will be ava il able for future r ef er en ce should you need it.
table of contents GU
ARAN TEE
RULES F OR SAFE OPERATION
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
O PER ATING IN ST RUC TI ONS
MA IN T EN ANC E INS TRUCTI ONS
REP AIR P AR TS
assembly instructions
1 • 3
3 • 5
5 - 7
8 •
14
15 • 33
A letter in pa renthesis in the following inst ructio ns refers to on arrow in the adjoining Figure (illustra tion), except
when otherwise stat ed. When R.H. (Right Hand) or L.H. ( left Hand) is used, it should be und erstoo d to mean as if
one
were se ated on the Tractor se at facin g forward.
1. Remove battery. Cut banding hol ding Trac tor to bottom of crate.
2. Your Tractor has been com!Jietely assemb led at the factory ex ce pt, to fill, . charge and install the batt er y. The
battery was shipp ed dry. Inst r uctions are giv en on page 4 fo r f illin g, charg ing and ins tallat ion.
3. Your
Tractor • was lubric ated at the factory however, we suggest you follow the Lube Chart on page 10 before
operation.
4979R-25 . 6.73
- 3 •

4. Tires were ov er-inflated for shipp i ng purposes. Reduce air pressure to 12 lbs. in front tires and 12 lbs. in rear
ti res. This will improve tr action and gi ve you the comfortable ride you will want.
5. A plastic bag of parts was sh i pped with your Tractor and should be opened at this time. It will contain the fol·
lowing items:
1 • Ba tt ery Clamp
2 •
Wing Nut s
2 •
Ba t tery Bolts
2 •
Fl at Washe rs
(
Th es e it ems hold b att ery in JX> Si tion on Tractor.
They are used in steps 3 and 5, page 5).
fill and charge battery
CAUTION: DO NOT ASSEMBLE BATTERY TO
TRACTOR UNTIL BATTERY HAS BEEN FILL-
ED AND CHARGED .
FILL BATTERY AS SHOWN
DO NOT OVERFILL __
CORRECT LEVEL IS BOTTOM OF
TUBES IN CE LL S.
1. F ill batterJ with e lect rolyte and charge battery
as o ut l ine in instruct io ns in b att ery conta i ner.
NOTE: Afte r fil li ng c el l s, let battery stand for
thirt y ( 30) minutes . Re check acid le vel, add more
electro ly te if necessar y, then char ge battery at
a rate not ex ce eding t hr ee (3) am p eres for about
2 Y2 ho urs. CORR E CT LEVE L IS BOTTOM OF
TUBES IN CE LLS.
CUT - AWAY Vi EW
OF BATTERY
V1+--i-+-- BATTERY
.......... ..._- ---- -------
------ ------
----- - - -------
__ _ ,......_, __ ----- --
_..._ ___ __, _____ ........,....._
TUBE
,:- __ ,_- --- - --- _:- : ~ -2' Z ~:::.. BATTERY
~-- ~ ~ - ; L; C TRO~ Y;E - ..... : -:.:;-,::; ~ CELL
FIG. 2
4979R·25.6. 73
. 4 .
2 • Hex Nuts
(They secure ground s trap and positive cable
to battery. T hey are used in steps 6 and 7,
page 5).
2 • Ignition K eys
(We suggest one key be removed from the wi re
ring and kept in a sa fe place. Position the
second key in the Tra c tor ignition).
There will be an amount of electrolyte (acid) in
the container after battery is filled. This should
be disposed of and not used at a I ater date to
refi II T roctor or any other battery. Using a common
5
gallon polyethylene garbage can or pail, fill
with a minimum of four inches of water. Avoid
spillage on person or clothing, add left over
electrolyte to water. Then sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) should be added and the mixture
stirred or agitated until the addition of bicar-
bonate no longer causes foaming . Agitate with a
wooden or plastic stake or stick only. It will
now be safe to dispose of this down a reguiar
sewage system. Since the product is well neu -
tralized, no critic ism from authorities should
result.
It is preferable, where permissible, to burn the
em pty acid pak to prevent pos s ible further con·
tact with acid.
battery installation
FIG. 3
2. To lift hood as se mb ly (A), grasp each side of
hood at rear and pull outward and upward. Lift
hood to its extreme forward position.

FI G. 4
3. Assemble clomp (B), to one of two battery bolts
(C). F lot washer and wing nut above clo mp 'as
shown. Hook the bolt into rear of battery suppor t
(D).
Turn clomp to tht'! side as shown to allow
positioning of battery.
FIG. 5
4. Slide battery i nto position as shown, with ter-
minals to center of Tractor.
5. Hook the b ottery boIt (C) into the front of the
ba t tery sup p ort (D). Assemble clomp (B ), to bolt
(C}, with the remaining washer and wing nut.
Tighten both wing nuts securely.
6. Connect cable and cover (E, Fig's . 4 and 5), to
pl us (+) termina l. Tighten with hex nut securely.
7. Conne ct ground cable ( F, Fi g's. 4 an d 5 ), to
negative (·) ter minal. Tighten with hex nut se -
cu r ely.
4979R-25.6.73 . 5 •
seat position
)'--
---- -------------
FIG. 6
l. The sea t (A), may be moved toward the front or
rear to give the most comfortable and safe operat -
in g posit i on. To move the seat, loosen the nut
(B), beneath the se at spr ing (C). Sl i de the seat
to the position desi red. Tighten nut securely.
Make sure that the seat spring (C), has not
twi sted out of alignment with the seat pl ate
(D).
instructions before
operating
controls
The following co nt ro ls ore used to operate t he Trac-
tor:
l. Clutch and broke foot pedal is located on the
l eft si de foot rest. The foot pedal operates o
combination broke and drive c lutch. There ore
thr ee positions of op era tion on the foot pedal.
o. The clutch is in DRfVE position when the
pedal is all the way· out (when the foot is • _
removed from the pedal). V
b. The clutch is in NEUTRAL when the pedal is
depressed hotf way or more.
c.
The BRAKE is on when the peda l is de·
pressed all the way forward.

•
2. The transaxle (transmission) gear shift lever
(A), is located at front, center of seat.
a. The gear shift lever selects the FORWAgD,
NEUTRAL and REVERSE gears.
3. To engage parking brake, pu II park brake I ever
(B), to rear (lock) posit i on. To release parking
brake, pu sh l ever (B), forward.
FIG. 9
4. The high-low rang e shfft lever (C) , is loca te d on
R.H.
side of chassis, just forward of R.H. rear
fender. The high-low range lever has 3 positions,
up for high-range, center for neutral and down fo r
low-range.
There are 2 neutral positions in
tr ansmission, one on the gear shift lever (D), and
one on the high-low range lever (C). Both ievers
must be engaged for Tractor to operate. Place
b oth levers in neutral for pushing of Tr actor or
when Tr actor is being towe d. Refer to "Towing
Tractor " , page 7.
4979R-25.6.73
- 6 -
fuel and lubricant
FUEL TA NK
OIL FILLER CAP
AND DI PSTICK
~ I~
FIG. 10
1. Raise hood.
I
2. Engine crankcase is shipped with oi I ready for
use . However, check oiI I eve I before starting.
If necessary, add oil to bring oil level up to full
mark on the dipstick. Dipstick must be screwed
in tight for checking oil level, and tractor should
be level. NOTE: Do not fill above full mark on
dipstick. Use Allstate S.A.E. 30 oil or equivalent
for summer use. For winter use, below 32°, use
Allstate Multi- grade oil S.A.E. lo'W-30, lOW - 40
or equivalent. Nothing shou ld be added to th e
recommended
oil. Make . sure the oil used is a
high quality detergent oil ciassified "for service
MS, SD, SC or SE. Because of recent changes in
the classifications, the oil containe r may show
one or a combination of these recommended
classifications. For extreme cold, below 0° F.,
use S.A.E. SW-20.
3.• Fill fuel tank with a good grade of fresh, CLEAN,
regular gas olin e. Wipe off all sp iII ed fuel and oiI.
oper a ting instr uctions
how to start and sto p
1. Check to see that gasoline shut-off valve (A},
is turned all the way open - counter-clockwise .
NOTE: Turn by hand on ly. Close shut-off valve
after each days use .

~ ~==~====== ================ ====~ ~ ===-~-=-- --~-- ---- ---
FIG. 12
2. Pull out choke control (B), to full chok e position
to start in cold weather.
3. Advance throttle contra I lever ( C), to about Y2
throttle.
4. This Tractor is equipped with two safety switch-
es. One swi t ch is located on the gea r shift lev~r
(D, Fig. 9, at point E). The other switch is
lo ca t ed on attachment clutch lever (F, Fig. 18).
The gear shift lever must be in neutral (center
position) . The attachment clutch lever must also
be in disengaged (out), position for engine to
sta r t. Turn key (F), in ignition-starter switch
clockwise to engage starter. When engine starts,
release key. Aft er engine starts, push in choke
control (B), as engine worms up. Let engine
worm up before apply ing load. CAUTION: Do
not run starter continuously for more than 30
seconds at o time. If after several attempts,
engine do es not start, move throttle control
(C), to fast pas ition. Wait two minutes and try
again.
NOTE: If attachment clutch lever (F, Fig . 18 ), inter-
feres with attachment to be used, remove handle.
CAUTION: First move handle to "OUT" position,
then remove nut and handle. Save for use with at-
tachment for which it is requ ire d.
5. To stop engine, turn ignition key (F), in o counter-
clockwise direction to OFF position. Key should
be r emoved to prevent unoutho ri zed operation.
safe operating
c
8
1. Try your Tractor in a Iorge, open space. Learn to
start, stop and reverse.
2. Start the engine and put the throttle lever at about
1/ 3 throttle. Push down on foot pedal, move gear
shift lever and range shift lever to speed desired .
Release foot pedal slowly, and Tractor will start
to move. After foot pedal is fully released (clutch
engaged), move throttle lever to fast position. If
ground travel is too fast, reduce throttle lever to
about Y2 throttle, depress foot pedal and shift to a
slower ground travel speed . Always select o ground
travel speed that wi Ii suit attachment being used
and not overload the engine.
3. Do not shift gears while Tractor is moving.
4979R-25.6.73 - 7 -
4. To stop Tractor , push foot pedal all the way down
and reduce throttle lever to about Y2 throttle . Dis-
engage power to attachment. Move gear shift lev er
to neutral, set parking broke lock and r elease foot
pedal. Always check to make sur e broke lock will
hold Tractor secure. Shut-off and remove key from
switch. This will prevent unauthorized ope r atio n.
Keep key in a safe place out of reach of children .
Never leave engine running with Tract or unattend -
ed.
5. Do not operate the Tractor in high gea r going
down
hill. Do not turn sharp corners while
going down hill . If it is necessary to stop
Tractor while going down hill, do so quic kly to
prevent Tractor from picking up speed during the
declutching to broke p osition.
NOTE: The engine produces considerable brak -
ing action when throttled bock to idling speed
without declutching. This procedure is re -
commended before applying broke.
DO NOT OPERATE TRACTOR ACROSS SLOP ES.
DO NOT OPERATE TRACTOR UP OR DOWN
SLOPES WITH MORE THAN A 15 DEGREE SLOPE.
6. Do not shift gears while going up steep hills.
Choose a low enough gear to climb hill without
stopping and shifting gears. If it is necessary
to stop while going up hill, do so quickly to
prevent Troc tor roIIi ng bock word. Before st art ·
ing Tractor in motion going uphill , use one of
the l owest gears. Reduce eng ine speed and en·
gage Clutch gradual Iy to prevent T roc tor from
.. . ,,
rear rng up .
7.
Upsets co n happen easily in ditches. S tay aler t
for ho
les or other yard hazards.
8. If tractor becomes mired in a hole, try to bock out ..
ro ;.1 er than dr iving forward. C.Z. .....,
towing tractor
l. Plac e gear shift lever and range shift leve r in
neu
tral position . Tractor con then be towed at
a reasonabl e sa fe speed not foster than 6 miles
per hour.
en g i n e pulley grooves
to use for your v ar ious
attach me nts
:NGINE
_j
MAIN DRIVE BELT
TO TRAN SMISSION
SICKLE BAR MOWER
FIG. 13
ENGINE
PULLEY

maintenance
instructions
air cleaner
WING
NUT
Your engine is equipped with a dual type air cleaner.
A dry typ e in ner element and on outer foam fi Iter
pre-cleaner. The out er f oam filter shou ld be periodi-
cally re mo ved and cleaned (at least ev ery 25 hours
of ope rat ion and more frequently under extremely
dusty conditions), to maintain maximum engine
perfor ma n ce.
l. Rem ov e outer foam
fil te r (no disassembly
necessary), and wash
in water and de-
tergent.
2. Remove exces s water
by squeezing as a
sponge and allow to
dry thor oughly. FIG. 1S
3. Coat foam fi l ter with three (3) tablespoons of
S.A . E. No. 30 engine oil. Knead into foam filter
to spread. Wring excess oil from foam filter.
4. Re-install foam filter.
Under extremely dust y conditions or if engine runs
erratic afte r comp le ting above procedures, the inner
element must be replaced.
1. Remove wi ng nut and
cover.
2. Separate inner ele-
ment from outer foam
fi Iter pre-c le aner.
3. Replace inner ele-
ment.
4. Re-assemble.
It is reco mmended that
the inner element be
replaced yearly.
FIG. 16
NEVER RUN YOUR ENGINE WITHOUT AIR
CLEANER COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND
IN PLACE ON THE ENGINE.
4979R-25.6.73
- 8 -
NOTE: Your engine carburetor breathes through the
air cleaner. Your engine with a dirty air cleaner
will have a very difficult time trying to do the same
job as an engine with a clean one . If your air cleaner
is only 50% efficient, it will reduce the efficiency
of the engine by at least 1/ 3 of its horsepower
rating. A dirty air cleaner will cause a premature
buildup of carbon in the exhaust and cylinder area.
There will also be a noticeab le loss of power. The
spark plug will also foul prematurely. It a l so raises
the operating temperature of the engine and you can
expect higher maintenance costs and a shorter en-
gine life. THE NUMBER ONE STEP OF YOUR
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM SHOULD BE: KEEP
THE AIR CLEANER CLEAN.
THIS TRACTOR HAS AN AIR COOLED EN-
GINE. AIR MUST BE ABLE TO CIRCULATE
FREELY
AROUND THE ENGINE , THROUGH
THE STARTER SCREEN AND AIR CLEANER,
AND OVER THE FINS OF THE CYLINDER
BLOCK. KEEP THESE AREAS FREE OF AC -
CU MULATED DIRT AND TRASH OR THE EN -
GINE WILL OVERH EAT AND RESULT IN
DAMAGE TO MOVING PARTS .
starter
.
aar screen
FIG. 17
The starter screen guard (A), and the starter ro-
tating screen (located directly behind the starter
screen guard), ore designed to keep gross, chaff
and leaves from ente ring the cooling system. They
must be cleaned periodically. The cleaning of
the sc r eens will vary with the conditions in which
the Tractor is used. They should not be allowed to
become dirty. T his would interfere with the cooling
of the engine. Remove the screen guard (A), clean
it and the starter rotating screen regularly.

..
engine lubrication
STOP ENGINE AND WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES
BEFORE CHECKING OIL LEVEL
. BE SURE TRACTOR IS ON LEVEL GROUND
AND ENGINE IS STOPPED BEFORE CHECK -
ING O IL L~VEL.
~
OIL FILL PLUG
1\
FIG. 18
1. Change oil in crankcase after FIRST 2 HOURS of
operation. Engine sho uld be worm when oil is
changed.
2. To drain oil, unscrew oi l drain plug at lower R. H.
side of engine. Catch oil in suitable container.
3. Refill engine crankcase with oil as instructed
under " Fuel and Lubricant " , page 6. Capacity
3 pints. Check oil level af t er each 8 hours of
operation and add oil, if necessary, to bring to
correct level on dipst i ck.
4. After first oil change, oil should be changed
after each 25 hours of operation. In extremely
dirty or dusty conditions, change oil every 15
hours of operation.
NOTE : THE BEST TIME TO DRAIN OIL IS AT
THE END OF A DA Y 'S OPERAT ION AT WHIC H
TIME THE OIL IS HOT AND ALL DIRT AND
FOREIGN MATERIA L IS SUSPENDED IN THE
OIL.
IMPORTANT : BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL TO
PREVENT DIRT OR FOREIGN PARTICLES
FROM ENTERING THE ENGINE CRANKCASE
OR TRANSMISSION WHEN CHECKING OIL
LEVEL OR CHANGING OIL.
4979R-25 .6. 73
- 9 -
transaxle {transmission)
lubrication
FIG. 19
Rear wheel is removed for illustrat in g.
1. Check oi I in transaxle every 50 hours of operation .
To check oil level, remove filler plug from tr ans-
axle. Oil level should be even with this plug.
2. Change oi I in transaxle after 500 hours of op -
erat i on. To drain, remove drain plug and catch
oil in suitable container.
3. To fill transaxle, use 5 qts . of A ll state S.A.E.
30 motor oil for service MM or MS or equ ival ent.
Fill throu gh filler plug as shown.
~~
BEFORE
B. ACKING __ _
· ~
'

lubrication chart
8
F
-- -= ~-;..-:;.-_;, ':;'t "::. =-:: =- --
1
I
FIG. 20
8
There ore only 6 grease fittings on your tractor. Give each grease fitting 2 shots of grease every 5 hours of operation.
Use high performance extreme pressure lubricating grease Amdex No. l. This may be obtained by ordering port number
2557R from your local Sears store or Catalog outlet.
A Front Wheels (2 fittings, both sides)
B Front Spindles (2 fittings, both sides)
C - Steer ing Bell Cronk
D - Steering Gear Sector and Arm
E- Check oil in engine crankcase at least every 8 hours of operation. Change oil every 25 hours of normal operation.
In extremely di rty or dusty conditions, change oil every 15 hours of operation.
F -Check oil in transoxle ( tr ansmission) every SO hours of operation. Change oil in tronso xle every 500 hours of op ·
erotion.
-- Apply severa l drops of oil to all pivot points every 5 hours of operation.
4979R-25.6.73
-10 -

!3et1 .:;;- - ~./e ~; ~ ~ yo t'
transaxle (transmission) drive belt adiustment
A new belt will stretch after the fi rst few hours of operat io n, th en after initia l stretch , ad ju stment is se ldom nec es -
sary.
FIG. 21
1"
6-
2
~TO P OF F RAME
l. Loosen bolt in flat idler and frame, and p~sh idler and bo lt down in slo t of frame until center of idler pulley on
idler brocket ( just bock of engine), is 612 inches above fra me as shown. Tighten bolt in flat idler and frame secure ly.
NOTE: Foot pedal should be in vertical or j ust bock of ve rti ca l pos it i on with clutch engaged. New belts will
stretch after a few hours of operation , then after ini tia l stretch , adjustment is seldom necessary. Adjust
belt after fi~st 10 hours of operation.
brake adiustment
4-3 / 8''
---- ·- ;
I FOOT PEDAL
T
OP OF F RAME
FI G. 22
To adjust broke, loosen nut bock of turnbuckle and turn turn bu c kl e (c l oc kwi se wh en stand i ng in front of tractor ), one
turn at o time until foot pedal has about 4 i nches of trave l from c lut ch e n gaged to full broke pos iti on , or centerof
idler is about 4-3/ 8 above frame as shown.
Tab on idler brocket will deflect be lt slightly. Tighten jam nu t against turnbu ck le to lock turnbuckle in posit i on. Keep
broke pro pe rly adjusted especially in hilly terrain.
park braiCe lock adiustment
To t ighten par king broke l oosen hex nuts (A and B). Rotate parking lo ck le ver to lock posit i on . By hand press foot
pedal forwa rd to full broke position. Wh i le holding broke pe d al forward t igh te n nut (B), against bushing ( C), fi nger
tight. Release foot pedal, and turn nut (B), bock aga i nst bus hin g (C), two a ddi t iona l tur n s. T i ghten nut (A), against
nut (B), to lock in pos i tion. Place h i gh-low lever in ne ut ral pos iti on. Pul l pa r kin g loc k l ever back ( lock ) pos iti on.
Rear wheels of tractor shou ld slide when tractor is pu she d.
4979R-25.6.73 - 11 -
,..,

carburetor adiustment
CAUTION : WHEN FOLLOWING STEPS 1 THRU
5 BELOW, USE EXTREME CARE TO AVOID
CONTACT WITH MUFFLER OR MOVING PARTS
TO PREVENT INJURY. ALSO, BELT GUARD
MUST BE IN PLACE.
THROTTLE
STOP SCREW
FIG. 23
DO NOT MAKE UNNECESSARY ADJUST-
MENTS. FACTORY SETTINGS ARE CORRECT
FOR YOUR TR ACTOR. IF ADJUSTMENTS
ARE NEEDED , PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:
1. High speed adjustment is pre-set at the factory
(1 \4 turns open) and it should not be necessary
to re-adjust.
2. Start engine.
3. Wi th throttle contro l lever in "F" fast position,
adjust "Idle Adjusting Needle" one eight h (l/8)
turn at a time clockwise or counterclockwise
until engine runs smoothly. (1Y2 turns open).
4. Move thrott le control lever to "S" slow position,
adjust "Throttle Stop Screw" to obtain correct
idle speed. If n ecessary, re-adjust "Idle Ad-
justing Needle" by turning clockwise or counte r-
clockwi se as in step 3 until engine idles smooth-
ly.
5. Allow several seconds between each adjustmen t
for
engin e carburetor to re act to the new sett i ng.
CAUTION: Never attempt to change maxi mum engine
speed. This is preset at the factory and con only be
ch ang ed by a qualified Sears Se rvice Te chn ician
who has the necessary equipment.
spar k plug
IG. 24
l. Remove the spark plug each time you change oil
and inspect it.
a. The electrodes should be kept clean and free
of carbon . The presence of carbon or excess
oil will greatly hinder proper engin e per-
formance.
b. If possible, check the spark plug gop (area
between electrodes), using a wire fee ler
gouge. This specification should be .030.
4979R-25.6.73 - 12 -
2. If you need a new spark plug refer to "Repair
Ports" section for proper rep I acement.
3. Before installing spark plug, coat threads lightly
with graphite grea se if P.ossible, to insure easy
removal next time the spark plug needs in-
spection.
tires
Keep tires inflated to 12 pounds of air pressure in
·front; 12 pounds in rear.
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts and other hazards.
Cuts in tires should be ' repaired immediately as
neglect dec reases the tire life. Keep tires free
from oil and grease as both destroy rubb er. After
using the Tractor for sp rayin g--insect control work--
wash off any chemi cals that may be on the tires.
\~
A 8
FI G. 25
To remove a front tire and wheel, proceed as fol-
lows:
l. Block up Tractor rocker bar (front axle) securely
or use a Sears Tractor Jack.
2. Remove hex bolt (A), and dust cap (B).
3. Remove gripco nut (C), w ear washer (D), pin
(E), and wash e r (F), from spindle shaft as -
sembly (G).
4. After tire is r epaired, reverse abov e procedure
for reossemb ly.
A rear wheel and tire is re moved by removing the
five hub bo l ts from wheel and hub. FIRST: Block
up rea r axle secu rely or use a Sears Tractor Jack.
Sears or your local service station can repa ir your
Tractor ti re in the same ma nner as on automobile
tire.
how to start if b at tery
is low
l. Connect quick - start battery cab l es or "ju mpers "
from your automobile 12 volt battery to t he Trac-
to r battery CAUTION: Co nnect positive (+ )
terminal to positve (+ ) terminal. Th is method of
starting is only a means of emergency starting.
Hove Tractor battery reclo!arged or r eplaced im-
mediately.

trouble shooting
POSSIBLE CAUSE
WILL NOT START
Dead battery
Attachment clutch lever engaged ........................ ..
Gear shift lever in gear .................................... .
No gc-sol ine in fuel tonk or carburetor
POSSIBLE REMEDY
Recharge or replace battery.
Move to "out" position.
Shift in to neut ral posit ion.
Fill the tank with gasoline; open fuel shut-off valve.
Check fuel line and ca rburetor.
HARD TO START
Water in gasoline or old fuel
Choked improperly. Flooded engine ................... ..
Dirty air cleaner ............................................. .
Spark plug dirty or improper gap ... .............. ...... .
Defective battery .......... . .................. .. ...... .. ... .. .
Defective ignition or loose wiring
Drain fuel tonk and carburetor. Use new fuel and dry
spa rk plug.
Push in choke, open throttle control and crank en-
gine several times to clear out the gas.
Remove and clean, refer to page 8.
Clean, adjust the gap or replace. Refer to page 12.
Repl
ace.
Ch eck the wiring and spa rk plug.
ENGINE MISSES OR LACKS POWER
Dirty starter air screen
P artially plugged air cleaner .............................. .
Low
oil level or dirty oi l .......... ..... .................. ..
Improper carburetor adjustment .... ....................... ..
Spark plug dirty , wrong gap or wrong type .......... ..
Engine overloaded .................. .......... ................ .
Faulty ignition
Oil in gasoline ............................................... .
Poor compression . ...... ..... ............................... ..
Clean screen over sta rter, see page 8. Be su re fins
on cylinde r head and around cylinder ore cle an.
Remove and
clean, refer to page 8.
C heck or chan ge oil, see page 2.
Refer to page 12.
Cl ean , reset the gap or rep lac e.
Sh ift to a lower gear or reduce load.
Check spa rk p lu g and fo r loose wires. If trouble
cannot be corrected, contact Sears.
Drain and refill gasoline tank and carburetor. Oil
reduces the efficiency of the engine.
Contact Sears.
ENGINE OVERHEATS
Dirty starter air screen
Low oil level or dirty oil .......... ... .. ................. .
Partially plugged muffler ..................... ........... ..
Poor fuel or too lean a mixture ........... ............. .
Partially plugged air cleaner ........ .................... .
Dirty
engine
NO LIGHTS
No head lights or tail li ght with light switch knob
pulled out .... .................................................. ..
4979R -25.6. 73 -
13 -
Clean screen over starter, see page 9.
Check or change oil, see page 9.
Re mov e muffler from eng ine and c lea n.
Refer to page 12.
Remo
ve and clean, refer 'to page 8.
Clean fins on cylinder head and around cylinde r.
u
Turn fuse holder on dashboard counterclockwise-
check for burned out fuse.

important battery care
Proper attention to the battery is of utmost im-
portance.
The following points are recorded to help remind
you
to provide attention to the battery and gain full
advantage of the usable life built into the battery
and avoid costly replaceme nt.
1. Check solution leve l in battery at least once
each week. Add distilled water when required.
Correct level is bottom of tubes in cells, refe r
to page 4. After adding water, run the engine so
that the generator charge will mix the solution.
DO NOT OVERFILL. Acid spilled from the
battery wi II corrode choke control and throttle
control casing and wire, Tractor paint, etc.
2. Keep the battery clean and dry at all times.
Remove any collection of grease, corrosion or
other substance from the battery.
3. Keep battery snug in its holder.
4. Keep vent caps tight and small vent holes in
caps open.
5. If battery should become discharged or f'IJII s
below a specific gravity of 1.225, remove battery
and have it recharged.
6. When recharging, request service station to
SLOW CHARGE the battery at a rate of 3 amperes.
FAST CHARGING IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
winter care--battery
1. If Tractor is not used regularly during winter
months, the battery should be removed and
stor ed in a cool, dry place above 50° F.
2. Battery should not be placed di rect ly on cement
as this will drain the battery.
3. If Tractor is used only infrequently during winter
months, check battery at least once ea ch thirty
days to be sure a full charge is maintained.
4. A battery not fully charged can freeze, resulting
in the necessity to replace.
5. A safe rule is to charge the battery monthly or
at least test and recharge if below 1.225 specific
gravity.
6. Recharge to bring the specific gravity to normal
before replacing it in the Tracto r after storage.
PI ease remember the necessity of proper winter care
for the battery. Batteries not in use for several
months and not kept fully charged, produce a sul-
phation of the plates which cannot be removed by
recharging.
storage instructions
In the event your Tractor is to be inoperative for
periods in excess of 30 days - prepare for storage as
outlined in the next column.
4979R-25 . 6.73
- 14 -
1. Drain fuel tank and carburetor by allowing the
engine to run out of gasoline. Gasoline left in
your
engine will leave gum deposits and con-
densation in the carburetor and fuel tank. Th is
makes fuel system inoperative and will result
in hard or non-starting of the engine.
2. Lubricate cylinder by removing the spark plug.
Pour one ounce of clean lubricating oil through
the
spark plug hole into the cylinder. Crank the
engine slowly to spread oil and rep lace the spark
plug.
3. Clean the engine and Tractor of all foreign matter.
4. Do not save or store gasoline over winter.
STORE YOUR TRACTOR IN A DRY AND PRO-
TECTED PLACE. LEAVING YOURTRACTOR
OUTDOORS, EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS,
WILL RESULT IN MATERIALLY SHORTENING
ITS LIFE.
general
1. Just as your automobile needs professional
mechanical maintenance from time to time, so
does your air cooled engine. Cleaning and
adjustment of the carburetor and periodic
replacement of the spark plug and ignit i on
points is made necessary by NORMAL use.
2. Professional air cooled engine service is as
close as your nearest Sears Store.
3. A yearly check-up or tune-up by Sears is a good
idea to avoid breakdowns or delays.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. or Simpsons-Sears Ltd. in
Canada reserves the right to make any changes in
design or improvements without im posing any ob-
ligation to install the same upon its items heretofore
manuf actured.

•
repa1r
'I
I
4979 R- 25.6. 73
RA
CTOR--MODEL
$T /16 T
NUMBER 917 .2~741
M N 0
I J K l
IQl 'f
C) ·tr ~i f3
J -ao_ao tl -76=
84
a:n81 ~76 77
=eo 76 r::rr:J7~
riTJ 77
- 15 -
7
p Q
I '
~76
rrD77
13
R S
I I
""""'41-=-78
cr:D 42

•
parts
repaar
Sl /16 TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER 917.25741
KEY PART DESCRIPTION
KEY PART DESCRIPTION
NO. NO. NO. NO.
y
59 2689R Bear in g
1
2680R
Dashboard Panel 60 1513P Washer 1
3/32 x 13/ 16 x 16 Ga.
2 634A605 Dashboard
With Clips (Inc. Key
61 l360R Cover-R.H.
No.3, Does not Inc. Key No. 1)
62
1361R Tank and Battery Support
3 1998R
Dashboard Clip Bracket-R.H.
4
2794R Gr iII Screen-Center
63 7218Hl Tank and Battery Support
5
2672R
Gri II Screen-Upper Bracket
-L . H.
6 634A536 Hood Weldment
64 2789R Cover-L.H.
7 2676R
Grill-Upper 9// d 65 634A603 Tank and Battery Support
8
3651R
Decal-Grill
Weldment With Bearings
9
3624R Decal-Hood Strip
66
9770H Fuel Ta nk Strap v
")
10 3300R
Deco 1-Sears _.
67
~ 9768H- Fuel Tank '
11 2674R Grill Screen-L.H.
68 .:,>\ 97 69H -. Fuel Tank Cap an d Gauge X
12
2677R Grill-Lower 69
2796R Choke Control
13 2678R Gri 11-Side
70
634A273B Thrott le ControI Le ver
14 2673R Grill Scr~en-R.H .
71
3747R Grill Cable
15 4939M Retainer Spring
72
10 02 P Lockwasher ~
16 640A45 Belt Guard Weldment
73
1506P Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga.
17 3154P Slotted Fillister Hd . Machine
74
1505P Washer 9/32 x Y2 x 14 Ga.
Screw ~-20 x 2~
75 503P Sq. Nut
~-20
18 8238H Split Spacer
76
1004P Lockwasher 3/ 8
19 347H Huglock Nut
77
501P
Hex Nut 3/8-16
20 6485H Hinge
78
1003P Lockwasher 5 /16
21 6433H
Front Channel Cover Support 79 504P
Hex Nut 5/ 16-18 UNC
22 9011H
Belt Retainer 80 1006P Lockwasher #10
23 634A28 Front Channel Cover and Weld
81
505P Hex Nut
#1 0-24
Bolts
82 1517P Washer 7/16 x 1 x
14 Ga .
24 634A544
Eng i ne Mount Assembly
83
9771H
Fuel Line Fitting
25
634A493 Attachment Clutch Lever
84
1 685H Lock Nut
Assembly
85
9521H
Drive R iv et
26
4379H
Handle Grip
86
5394H
Lock Nut
27
511P Lock· Nut 3/ 8-24 UNF
A 5551P
Hex Washer Hd. Thd. Cutting
28
634A494 Hanger Weldment-R.H. Front Screw
~-20 UNC x Y2
29
1689E Bushing B 503P
Hex Nut ~ - 20
30
1003P 5/
16 Lockwasher c 3153P
Rd. Hd . Phillips Mach. Screw
31
504P 5/ 16-18
UNC Hex Nut
~ -20 X 1%
32
5501P Pan
Head Phillips Thread Cutting D 3027P
Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 }2
Screw #10-24 UNC x 3/8 Type T E 3010P Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x
~
33
2249R Safe ty Switch F 3012P
Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1 ~
34
634A492
Switch Bracket Assembly G 3023P
Hex Bolt 3/8 - 16 x 1
35
634A491
Belt Tightener Arm and Idler H
45 14P
Hex Socket Headless Set Screw
Shaft C.P. 5/ 16-18 X 5/ 8
36
5999H
Spring Washer
I
302 1P
Hex Bolt 3/8- 16 UNC x ~
37
3013P
Hex Bolt S/16-18 UNC x 1 Y2
J
SOSP
Hex Nut #10-24
38
6479H 1 Belt Guide Finger K 3122P Slotted Tru
ss Hd. Mach. Screw
39
1520P Washer .469 I.D. x
1-l/8 x 11 Ga. #1
0-24 X 3/8
40
6635H
Flot Idler L 3137P
Hex Bolt 3/8 -1 6 x 1~ H.T.
41
1001P Lockwasher 7/
16
M 28P Carriage Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 H.T.
42
SOOP
Hex Nut 7/ 16-14 N 3013P
Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1 }2
43
634A 101
Drawbar W/ Weldnuts 0 5501P Phillips Pan
Hd. Thread Cutting
44
634A543 Chassis Assembly W/ Bearings Screw #10-
24 x 3/8 Type T
45
4975R
Model Number Plate p 3022P
Hex Bolt 3/8-16 UNC x 7/ 8
46
634A355
Ha nger Weldment-L.H. Front Q 5554P Phillips Pan
Hd. Th read Cutting
47
2702R
Sh ift Pattern Plate Screw #10-16 Hi-Lo Thd. x
Y2
48
1518P Washer
15 / 32 x 11/16 x 16 Ga. Blunt Point
49
3155P
Hex Bolt 7/ 16 - 14 x 2Y2
R 3035P
Hex Bolt 7/16-14 x 1 ~
50
8704Hl Spacer s 3134P
Hex Bolt 5/ 16-18 UNC x ~
51
640A44 Mounting Plate and Guide Heat Treated
Assembly T 3115P
Hex Bolt ~ -20 UNC x 5/ 8
52
634Al 04
Engine Pulley W/Set Screws u
302 1P
Hex Bolt 3/8 - 16 UNC x ~
(Inc. Key Letter H)
v 3023P
Hex Bolt 3/ 8-16 x 1
53
9396E
Sq. Key~ x 2 2017R Maintenance Decal (Located
on
54
2802R
Muffler
Underside of Hood)
55
2949R
Go sket-Muffler
4979R
Owners Manual
56
634A546 Engine, Craftsman 16 H.P. Mode l
No. 143.640012
57
704R
Air Inlet Scre en
58
503P
Hex Nut ~ -20 UNC
4979R -25.6.73 -
16 -

repair parts
13--._
A
4979R-25.6.73
-L NUMBER 917 2574 1
ST/16 T RACTOR -- MOO t:
®
l ~a
-27
- 17 -

repair parts
ST /16 TR ACTOR -- MO DE L NU MB ER 91 7.25741
KEY
PART DESCRIPTION
NO. NO.
1 1528P Washer 13 / 16 x 1~ x 14 Go.
2 1309H Bearing
3 634A521 Front
Axle with Bearings
4 4764H (Inc. Key No.
2)
Huglock Nut 5/ 8- 11 UNC
5 5000P E-Ring
6 634A277 Spindle Complete-R.H.
7 9040H Flanged Bearing
8 511P
Nylock Nut, 3/ 8-24 UNF
J 9 1505P Washer
9/32 x Y2 x 14 Ga.
10 6855M Grease
Fitting
..
11 2699R Hex Bolt
12
634A278 . Spindle Complete-L.H.
13 1808R
Tie Rod and Joints
14 1552P Washer 49 /64 x 1~ x 16 Ga.
15 634A98 Steering
Bell Crank Weldment
16 9318H Drag
Link and Joints
17
6842M Grease
Fitting
18 . 634A95 S!eering Gear Sector and
Arm
19 2795R Front Tire-Tubeless
20 795R
Tire Valve
21
2891R Front Wheel
22 1562P Washer 25/32 x 1% x
16 Ga.
23 8785H Wear Washer
24 4831H
Elastic Nut %-16 UNF
25 8763H Dust Cap-Outer
26 3008P Hex
Bolt 5/ 16 - 18 x Y2
27 8798H Roll Pin 5/ 32 x 1
28 6856M Grease F
itting %-28 Taper Thread
A 2557R Amdex No. 1
E.P. Grease ( Not
furnished with
your Tractor)
4979R-25.6.73 -
18 -

repair parts
ST /1 6 TRACTOR- - MODE L NUMBER 917.25 7 41
A 8 c D E F
'
'v '
i i
~ 44 c:::= 47 ~so ~5 2 oc::e:> 50 oc::e:>50
~45 ~48 w:I151 £IJ5 3 UJ51 £1) 51
~46 I::XJ49
4979R-25.6.73 .
19 •
~1
£1)51
.
-