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13

OPERATION

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5)

When starting the engine for the fi rst time or if the engine 
has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move 
fuel from the tank to the engine.
•      Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake 

pedal and set parking brake.

•      Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.
•      Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
•      Move throttle control to choke (  )  position.

NOTE: 

 Before starting, read the warm and cold starting 

pro ce dures below.
•         Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to “START” 

position and release key as soon as engine starts.  
Do not run starter continuously for more than fi fteen 
sec onds per minute.  If the engine does not start after 
several attempts, move throttle control to fast  position, 
wait a few minutes and try again.  If engine still does 
not start, move the throttle control back to the choke (

 ) position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)
•     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)
•         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. This 
may require an engine warm-up period from several 
seconds to several minutes, depending on the tem-
 per a ture.

•      The attachments can also be used during the engine 

warm-up period.

NOTE:

  If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold 

tem per a tures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may 
need to be adjusted for best engine performance.  See “TO 
ADJUST CAR BU RE TOR” in the Service and Adjustments 
section of this manual.

CAUTION:  Alcohol blended fuels (called 
gas o hol or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to sep a ra tion and 
for ma tion of acids during storage.  Acidic gas 
can damage the fuel system of an engine while 
in storage.  To avoid engine problems, the fuel 
system should be emptied before stor age of 
30 days or longer.  Drain the gas tank, start 
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines 
and carburetor are empty.  Use fresh fuel next 
sea son.  See Storage In struc tions for additional 
information.  Never use engine or carburetor 
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent 
damage may occur.

MOWING TIPS

•         Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing per-

 for mance.  See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the 
Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

•      The left hand side of mower should be used for trim-

 ming.

•     Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area 

that has been cut.  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 clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, 
drive ways, etc.  After one or two rounds, mow in the 
opposite direction making left hand turns until fi nished 
(See Fig. 7).

FIG. 7

00272

•      If  grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to 

reduce load and possible fi re hazard from dried clip-
 pings.  Make fi rst cut relatively high; the second to the 
desired height.

•      Do not mow grass when it is wet.  Wet grass will plug 

mower and leave undesirable clumps.  Allow grass to 
dry before mowing.

•        

Always operate engine at full throttle when mow-
ing

 to assure better mowing performance and proper 

dis charge of ma te ri al.  Regulate ground speed by se-
 lect ing a low enough gear to give the mower cutting 
per for mance as well as the quality of cut desired.

•     When operating attachments, select a ground speed 

that will suit the terrain and give best performance of 
the attachment being used. 

Summary of Contents for WET1742STB

Page 1: ...O WET1742STB 17 0 HP 42 Inch Lawn Tractor 191064 Rev 1 03 02 04 TR rad PRINTED IN U S A For Parts and Service contact our authorized distributor call 1 800 849 1297 For Technical Assistance call 1 800 829 5886 ...

Page 2: ...he manual and on the machine before starting Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine Clear the area of objects such as rocks toys wire etc which could be picked up and thrown by the blade Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow ing Stop machine if anyone enters the area Never carry passengers Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely n...

Page 3: ...the watchful care of another responsible adult Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area Before and when backing look behind and down for small children Mow up and down slopes 15 Max not across Remove obstacles such as rocks tree limbs etc Watchforholes ruts orbumps Uneventerraincouldoverturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles Use slow speed Choose a low gear so that you will...

Page 4: ...caring for and using your tractor Follow the instructions under Maintenance and Stor age sections of this owner s manual WARNING This tractor is equipped with an internal com bustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimprovedforest covered brush coveredorgrass covered land unless the engine s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws if an...

Page 5: ...ope Sheet 1 Oil Drain Tube 1 Bolt 1 Washer 17 32 x 1 3 16 x 12 Gauge 1 Lock Washer 1 2 1 Large Flat Washer 1 Hex Bolt 1 4 28 x 1 1 4 1 Locknut 1 4 28 1 Locknut 1 2 20 2 Keys Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Wheel Insert Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft ...

Page 6: ...UT LOWER STEERING SHAFT STEERING BOOT EXTENSION SHAFT 1 4 HEX BOLT STEERING WHEEL INSERT ADAPTER 1 2 HEX NUT LARGE FLAT WASHER TABS TAB SLOTS BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID ATTACH STEERING WHEEL See Fig 1 ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft Align mountingholesinextensionandlowershaftsandinstall 1 4 hex bolt and locknut Tighten securely IMPORTANT TIG...

Page 7: ...lever in neutral position Turn ignition key to OFF position Continue with the instructions that follow FIG 3 CHECK BATTERY See Fig 3 Lift seat pan to raised position If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label label located between terminals charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6 10 amps See BATTERY in MAINTENANCE section of this manual for charging instruction...

Page 8: ...HE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS Engine oil is at proper level Fuel tank is filled with fresh clean regular unleaded gasoline Become familiar with all controls their location and function Operate them before you start the engine Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes Correct tire pressure ...

Page 9: ...ould result in serious injury or death The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety inform ation about hazards which can result in death serious injury and or property damage DANGER indicates a hazard which if not avoided will result in death or serious injury WARNING indicates a hazard which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury CAUTION indicates a hazard which if not avoid...

Page 10: ...ng and brak ing the tractor and starting the engine PARKING BRAKE Locks clutch brake pedal into the brake position GEARSHIFT LEVER Selects the speed and direction of the tractor ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER Used to raise lower and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor LIFT LEVER PLUNGER Used to release attachment lift lever when changing its position IGNITION SWITCH Used for ...

Page 11: ...rn ignition key to OFF position and remove key Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use Never use choke to stop engine IMPORTANT LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN OFF WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED DEAD ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER ENGAGED POSITION IGNITION KEY DISENGAGED POSITION PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED POSITION GEAR SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE CHOKE CONT...

Page 12: ...than five 5 MPH 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 recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac tor Use common sense when towing Too ...

Page 13: ... section of this manual CAUTION Alcohol blended fuels called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol can at tract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage To avoid engine problems the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer Drain the gas tank start the engine and let it run un...

Page 14: ...LUBRICATION CHART dSPINDLE ZERK dFRONT WHEEL BEARING ZERK cSAE 30 OR 10W30 MOTOR OIL dGENERAL PURPOSE GREASE eREFER TO MAINTENANCE ENGINE SECTION IMPORTANT DO NOT OIL OR GREASE THE PIVOT POINTS WHICH HAVE SPECIAL NYLON BEARINGS VISCOUS LUBRICANTS WILL ATTRACT DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE SELF LUBRICATING BEARINGS IF YOU FEEL THEY MUST BE LUBRICATED USE ONLY A DRY POWDERED GRAPHI...

Page 15: ...ine is running and the attachment clutch is engaged any attempt by the operator to leave the seat should shut off the engine The attachment clutch should never operate unless the operator is in the seat BLADE CARE Forbestresultsmowerbladesmustbekeptsharp Replace bent or damaged blades 5 8 BOLT OR PIN BLADE CENTER HOLE TO SHARPEN BLADE See Fig 9 NOTE We do not recommend sharpening blade but if you ...

Page 16: ...n oil fill cap dipstick for checking level Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading Keep oil at FULL line on dipstick YELLOW CAP ENGINE LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF SJ Select the oil s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE SAE VISCOS...

Page 17: ...hould be replaced once each season If fuel filter becomes clogged obstructing fuel flow to carburetor replacement is required With engine cool remove filter and plug fuel line sec tions Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline 00667 FIG 12 FU...

Page 18: ...Disconnect front links from deck by removing retainer springs Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms Slide mower out from under tractor IMPORTANT IFANATTACHMENTOTHERTHANTHEMOWER DECK IS TO BE MOUNTED ON THE TRACTOR REMOVE THE FRONTLINKSANDHOOKTHECLUTCHSPRINGINTOSQUARE HOLE IN FRAME TO INSTALL MOWER See Fig 13 Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position Slide mower under tractor with def...

Page 19: ...of turns FIG 17 01267 BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH FIG 16 00598 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway Make sure tires are properly inflated See PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS section of this manual If tires are over or underinflated you will not properly adjust your mower SIDE TO SIDE ADJUSTMENT See Figs 14 and 15 Raise mower to its highest...

Page 20: ...DLER PULLEYS MANDREL PULLEYS 1 1 2 00238 JAM NUT WITH PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED OPERATING ARM NUT A FIG 19 TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE See Fig 19 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 ...

Page 21: ... steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal left to right whenwheelsarepositionedstraightforward removesteer ing wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual 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 your nearest authorized service center d...

Page 22: ...Fig 23 WARNING Lead acid batteries gen erate explosive gases Keep sparks flameandsmokingmaterialsawayfrom batteries Always wear eye protection when around batteries If your battery is too weak to start the engine it should be recharged See BATTERY in the Maintenance section of this manual If jumper cables are used for emergency starting follow this procedure IMPORTANT YOURTRACTOR IS EQUIPPEDWITH A...

Page 23: ...NECTOR FIG 26 TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY See Fig 26 Raise hood Unsnap headlight wire connector Stand in front of tractor Grasp hood at sides tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor To replace reverse above procedure ENGINE TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary If adjustment is nec essary see engine manu...

Page 24: ...FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER FUEL HOSE OR TANK DURING STORAGE ALSO EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOLORMETHANOL CANATTRACTMOISTUREWHICH LEADSTOSEPARATIONANDFORMATIONOFACIDSDURING STORAGE ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run until the fuel lines a...

Page 25: ...Faulty ignition switch 7 Check replace ignition switch 8 Faulty solenoid or starter 8 Check replace solenoid or starter 9 Faulty operator presence switch es 9 Contact an authorized service center department Engine clicks but will not 1 Weak or dead battery 1 Recharge or replace battery start 2 Corroded battery terminals 2 Clean battery terminals 3 Loose or damaged wiring 3 Check all wiring 4 Fault...

Page 26: ... Mower deck not level 4 Level mower deck 5 Low uneven tire air pressure 5 Check tires for proper air pressure 6 Worn bent or loose blade 6 Replace sharpen blade Tighten blade bolt 7 Buildup of grass leaves and trash under mower 7 Clean underside of mower housing 8 Mower drive belt worn 8 Replace mower drive belt 9 Blades improperly installed 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades us...

Page 27: ...d for rental or commercial purposes is limited to 90 days from the date of original purchase 5 This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled adjusted operated and main tained in accordance with the instructions furnished This Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to alteration misuse abuse improper assembly or installation delivery damage or to...

Page 28: ...n of the Power Train Component and parts The cost of normal maintenance and replacement of service items which are not defective shall be paid for by the original purchaser C Securing Warranty Service Warranty service can be arranged for by contacting either a Tecumseh Authorized Service Outlet any Tecumseh Registered Ser vice Dealer Tecumseh Authorized Service Distributor or Tecumseh Central Ware...

Page 29: ...the face Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes 1 Fold this page along dotted line indicated above 2 Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure 3 Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to me...

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