Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRN°I LAWN TRACTOR 17 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.271654 differently from built engines, Before operates you start the enThis product haspreviously a low emission engine which gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. CAUTION: For answers Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment.
Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 8 Operation ............................................. 1t Maintenance Schedule ....................... 17 Maintenance ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................ 27 Troubleshooting ...
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity Type: 1.25 and Unleaded Regular and OilType API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") Champion Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: RC12YC 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse: Tire Pressure: Charging System: Battery: CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Steering Wheel \ / Steering Wheel Insert 3/8o16 x 1 \ (1) Hex Bolt (1) Locknut 1/4-28x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 1/2-20 _ Steedng Wheel Adapter Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Seat \ _" (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet (2) Keys 7 Video Cassette
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before you begin. 7. Snap steering wheel insert into center TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY of steering wheel. A socket wrench set will make assembly 8.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. Terminal TO ROLL Operation function INSTALL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See section for location and of controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. 3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 4. Roll tractor forward off skid. 5.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. 4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck. Mulcher Plate Deflector Shielc PROPER POSITION OF See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature Learn and understand their meaning. supplied with the product.
KNOWYOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S YOUR TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height. TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
ADD GASOLINE NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below. 5. 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 fifteen seconds 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.
MOWING MULCHING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. • Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right ot the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
P, AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE T R A T /"_,,//_'/_'"_ Check Operation Check Brake Tire Pressure _ Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems V w Check for Loose Fasteners _ Sharpen/Replace Lubrication S ER VICED VPs Mower B,ades A TES V' _, Chart 0 Check Batter,/Level R Clean Batted/and Terminals V' I_ / =/ Check Transaxle Cooling Chec_ VoBelts V' Check Engine Oil Level fJ_ ll_ Change Engine Oil (with oil fi_ier) J_l,_ I_ E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter)
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated. Mandrel Assembly Trailing _-_ Blade _ J" Center Edge Up{', [ Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
• Keepbatteryand terminalsclean. Change the oil after every 25 eration or at least once a year tor is not used for 25 hours in Check the crankcase oil level • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN hours of opif the tracone year.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Remove knob(s) and cover. TO SERVICE 4. Use compressed air or stiff bristle brush to thoroughly clean engine cooling fins. 5. To reassemble, reverse above procedure. PRE-CLEANER 2. Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. 3. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. 4. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. 5. Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean, absorbent cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil. NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace pre-cleanero 6.
,_ WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INJURY, 6. 7. 8. 9. ANY IMPORTANT: If an attachment other than the mower deck is to be mounted on the tractor, remove the front links and hook the clutch spring Into square hole in frame. TO REMOVE MOWER Mower will be easier to remove from the right side of tractor. 1. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 2. Move attachment lift lever forward to 5. PERFORMING Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
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 • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground. Distance "A" on both sides of mower should be the same or within 1/4" of each other.
TO REPLACE Mandrel Idler MOTION BELT REMOVAL - 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. 2. Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. 3. Remove belt downward from around Pulley TO ADJUST DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BRAKE engine pulley.
TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: 1. Make sure transaxle is in neutral (N). NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. 2. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel. 3. Position the gear shift lever in the neutral (N) position. 4.
Weak or Dead Battery REPLACING TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood. INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS Fully Charged Battery BA'I-rERY z_ _WARNING: Do not short b.attery terminals Dy allowing a wrencn or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time.
ENGINE IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result if screw is tumed in too tight. Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service o_et. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE PRELIMINARY 1.
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. 1. Drain the fuel tank. 2. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM Will not start CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. 5. 6. 7 Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves adjustment. Hard to start out of 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. 5. Dirty fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE CORRECTION 4. 5. 6. Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. . 2. 3. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 1 1. Dirty engine air screen/fins. i12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART section in manual unless directed PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Worn/damaged drive belt. 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. 4. Replace Replace idler pulley. blade mandrel. 3. 4. Poor grass discharge to Sears service center Frozen Frozen mower idler pulley. blade mandrel. 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 SCHEMATIC BATTERY STARTER AMMETER (OPTIONAL) 8tJ_CK W_ITE REO SOLENOID SWITCH _ GNITIO_ (OPTIONAL) SPARK FUEL, E_CK ,_ L ._J IGNITION UNIT _ l PLUGGApwL_ _22 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL ENGENES) FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER !117.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 90 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc x 3/4 Box Battery Fender Switch, Interlock Hamsss Asm LightW/4152j Bulb Light#1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga w/16 wire red Fuse 20 AMP Nut, Keps Hex 1/4-20 UNC Cable Ground 6 Ga 12" black Switch Plunger NcGray Switch Ign Key Ign Molded Craftsman Harness Ign Bolt BIk.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.271654 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 39 58 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 159 161 166 206 207 208 212 -- Chassis Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 Bumper Hood/Dash Dash. Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 Panel, Dash, L.H. Panel, Asm. SLKSCR Dash R.H. Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 Hood Assembly Nut, Lock Hex W/Ins. 3/8-16 UNC Grille w/Lens Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 GROUND DRIVE 57 197 81 ,.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 Transaxle (See Breakdown) Peerless 206-545C 146682 Spring Brake Return 123666)( PulleyTransaxle 12000028 Ring Retainer 121520X StrapTorque 30 Degrees 17060512 Screw 5/16-18 x 3/4 t 65866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x 1 CAD 105701X Washer Plate Shift 74550412 Bolt t/4-28unf Gr. 8 W/Patch 10040400 Washer Lock Hvy Helical STD541431 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins. 5/16-18 Unc STD523710 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 x 1 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 STEERING ASSEMBLY ..... .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 ENGINE 81 4 78 ,_ 14 33 31 40 33 29 I OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY NO, PART NO. 1 2 3 170545 17720408 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 137352 165291 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 158990 123487X t KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 LIFTASSEMBLY 7 ,8 // / i !" I' .! 3 13 2 6 6 13 19 2O 2O 13 19 13---o 32 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 DESCRIPTION Washer Asm Inner Spring W/ Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift RH Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. Link Asm Lift R,H. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 12 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 140122 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 121246X KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 DECALS 6 3 10 4 7 2 :0 15 13 14 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 156368 182018 177278 177279 181450 133644 177253 172331 163204 156439 179128 WHEELS KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Replcmnt Decal, Hood Rh Decal, Hood Lh Decal, Hp Engine Decal, Maint Customer Sears Dom Decal, Hood Side DecalMower Decal, FenderCraffsman Decal, Fender Danger • Decal, Deck & TIRES 11 12 13 14 15 20 - - - - -.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 MOWER DECK 157 158.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO, NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165892 STD533107 138017 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck STD624008 Retainer Spdng 178024 Bar Sway Dock 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL _r REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 F;.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -" MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 121 CARBURETOR 977 CARB._URETOR GASKET SET OVERHAUL KIT 104,_1270 278_ 51 _ 987® 95_, 137 O 634A_ 276_) 634J_ 1170 231_ 1095 VALVE GASKET SET E.O,.E GASKET SET 617 0 1022_ 3_ s24@ 842_ 691_ 176_ ,81 6170 868_ 51_ 9 NIKKI 12__.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 BRtGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER Q137-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 690156 399265 391086 494236 690188 692410 495735 27803 691666 691328 692226 DESCRIPTION Cylinder Assembly Kit-Bushing/Seal ° Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) Sump-Engine Head-Cylinder .+ Gasket-Cylinder Head Breather Assembly • Gasket-Breather Screw (Breather Assembly) Tube-Breather • Gasket-Crankcase (.015 Thick, Std) 692406 • Gasket-Crankcase (.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271654 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 KEY NO. 287 304 305 306 307 309 310 311 333 334 337 344 358 363 369 383 404 446 456 462 467 474 503 505 510 513 523 524 525 544 552 562 579 601 614 616 617 633 634 PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 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 measure. 4, Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill.
Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters. 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com _) Anytime, day or night (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.