Part of the John Deere Repair Manuals.
This is the John Deere technical manual TM1908 for the Spin-Steer lawn tractors SST15, SST16, and SST18. It is the same 340-page factory document a dealer technician works from, covering the machine system by system: Safety, general vehicle specifications, both engine options (Briggs and Stratton and Kohler), Electrical, Power Train, Steering, Brakes, Attachments, and Miscellaneous service.
With it you can diagnose the reverse-steering and drive faults these tractors are known for, read the wiring schematics, follow tests and adjustments, and pull the exact torque values, capacities, and clearances needed for a repair. Coverage runs from carburetor adjustment and engine teardown to transaxle service and mower-deck attachment work.
Delivered as a downloadable PDF you can read on any device or print, so you have the procedure in front of you at the machine instead of guessing.
What's Inside This Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 5-8 | Recognize Safety Information, Be Prepared for Emergencies, Use Care in Handling and Servicing Batteries, Service Machines Safely, Work in Clean Area, Avoid Harmful Asbestos Dust |
| General Vehicle Specifications | 9-22 | Engine Specifications, Fuel System, Electrical, Powertrain Specifications, Fastener Torques, Serial Number Locations |
| Engine ? Briggs and Stratton | 23-70 | Engine Specifications, Torque Specifications, Tests and Adjustments, Carburetor Adjustment, Engine Removal and Installation, Piston, Rings & Rod Removal and Installation |
| Engine ? Kohler | 71-116 | General Specifications, Torque Specifications, Troubleshooting, Tests and Adjustments, Engine Repair, Starting Motor Removal and Installation |
| Electrical | 117-200 | General Information, Specifications, System Schematics, Diagnostics & Operation, Tests and Adjustments |
| Power Train | 201-246 | Specifications, Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnostics, Tests & Adjustments, Repair |
| Steering | 247-270 | Specifications, Component Location, Theory of Operation, Diagnostics, Adjustments, Repair |
| Brakes | 271-282 | Specifications, Component Location, Theory of Operation, Tests & Adjustments, Repair |
| Attachments | 283-326 | Repair Specifications, Component Location, Diagnostics, Tests & Adjustments, Repair |
| Miscellaneous | 327-334 | Repair Specifications, Torque Specifications, Tire Pressure Adjustment, Hood Removal and Installation, Fender Deck Removal and Installation, Rear Wheel Removal and Installation |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| All Models | ||
| Steering Gear Assembly to Frame | 25 N•m (18 lb-ft) | p. 249 |
| Fender Deck Front Bolts | 6.8 N•m (60 lb-in.) | p. 249 |
| Declutch Spring Length | 54 – 58 mm (2.12 – 2.28 in.) | p. 203 |
| Declutch Idler Pulley Nut | 26 N•m (19 lb-ft) | p. 203 |
| Reverse Rod Length | 747.5 mm (29.43 in.) | p. 249 |
| Steering Switch Gap | 1.5 mm (0.1 in.) | p. 249 |
| Forward Pedal to Deck Height | 50 mm (1.97 in.) | p. 214 |
| Forward/Reverse Pedal Lock Nuts | 47 N•m (35 lb-ft) | p. 329 |
| SST18 | ||
| Blade Bolt Torque | 68 N•m (50 lb-ft) | p. 14 |
| Blade cap screw | 68 N•m (50 lb-ft) | p. 285 |
| SST15 | ||
| SST15 Horsepower | 11.2 kW (15 hp) | p. 11 |
| SST16 | ||
| SST16 Horsepower | 11.9 kW (16.0 hp) | p. 11 |
