Southern States SO17542STA

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is an owner's manual for a Southern States lawn tractor, model number SO17542STA. It is a 17.5 HP, 42-inch lawn tractor designed for residential lawn maintenance.

Function Description:

The lawn tractor is designed for mowing grass and can also be used for towing various attachments recommended by the manufacturer. It features an internal combustion engine, a transaxle for ground drive, and a mower deck with blades for cutting grass. The tractor is equipped with safety features such as an operator presence sensing switch, which shuts off the engine if the operator leaves the seat without setting the parking brake or if the attachment clutch is engaged.

Important Technical Specifications:

Engine: 17.5 HP
Mower Deck: 42 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.25 gallons, using unleaded regular gasoline (minimum 87 octane).
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F) or SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F), API-SF-SJ classification.
Oil Capacity: 3 pints
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC, gap .030"
Ground Speed (MPH):
- Forward: 1st (1.1), 2nd (1.4), 3rd (2.2), 4th (3.3), 5th (4.4), 6th (4.9)
- Reverse: 1.4
Tire Pressure: Front (14 PSI), Rear (12 PSI)
Charging System: 3 Amps Battery, 5 Amps Headlights
Battery: Amp/Hr: 28, Min. CCA: 230, Case Size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.
System Voltage: 12 Volt

Usage Features:

Controls: The tractor includes a throttle/choke control for engine speed, an attachment clutch lever to engage/disengage mower blades, an attachment lift lever to adjust cutting height, a clutch/brake pedal for declutching and braking, a gearshift lever for speed and direction, an ignition switch for starting/stopping, a parking brake lever, a light switch, and an ammeter to indicate battery charge.
Starting: Requires the operator to be seated, clutch/brake pedal depressed, parking brake set, gearshift in neutral, and attachment clutch disengaged. The throttle control should be moved to the choke position for starting, then to fast once the engine is warm.
Mowing Height Adjustment: The attachment lift lever allows adjustment of cutting height, approximately 1-1/2 to 4 inches from the ground to the blade tip. Gauge wheels should be adjusted so they are slightly off the ground at the desired cutting height to prevent scalping.
Slope Operation: Emphasizes safety on slopes, recommending mowing up and down, not across, and avoiding slopes greater than 15 degrees. Slow speeds and gradual turns are advised.
Towing: Only recommended attachments that comply with specifications should be towed. Common sense and slow speeds are advised, especially on slopes, to prevent loss of traction and control.
Safety Interlocks: The tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch and interlock systems to prevent starting or operation under unsafe conditions (e.g., leaving the seat with blades engaged).
Headlights: Equipped with headlights for operation in low light conditions.

Maintenance Features:

Maintenance Schedule: A detailed schedule is provided for regular service, including checks for brake operation, tire pressure, operator presence systems, loose fasteners, mower blades (sharpen/replace), lubrication, battery level, transaxle cooling, V-belts, engine oil (check/change), air filter, air screen, muffler/spark arrester, spark plug, and fuel filter.
Engine Oil: Check engine oil level before each use and every 8 hours of operation. Change oil every 25 hours or at least once a year. Instructions for draining and refilling oil are provided.
Fuel System: Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. For storage longer than 30 days, the fuel system should be emptied, or a fuel stabilizer should be used.
Battery Care: Keep battery and terminals clean, bolts tight, and vent holes open. Periodic charging with an automotive charger is recommended. Instructions for cleaning terminals and jump-starting are included.
Mower Blades: Blades should be kept sharp for best cutting results. Instructions for removal, sharpening (though not recommended by the manufacturer), and balancing are provided.
Belts: V-belts should be checked for deterioration and wear after 100 hours. Instructions for replacing mower blade drive belt and motion drive belt are included.
Tire Pressure: Maintain proper air pressure as specified for optimal cutting performance.
Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the engine, battery, seat, and other surfaces is recommended. Avoid using a garden hose or pressure washer on the engine and transmission.
Storage: Detailed instructions for preparing the tractor for storage, including cleaning, inspecting parts, lubricating, charging the battery, and preparing the fuel system and engine cylinders.
Troubleshooting Chart: A comprehensive chart is included to diagnose and resolve common issues such as the engine not starting, hard starting, engine not turning over, engine clicks but won't start, loss of power, excessive vibration, engine continuing to run when the operator leaves the seat, poor cut, and mower blades not rotating.