ICRRFTSMRN°I LAWN TRACTOR 17.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.271661 I _ differently from previously built engines. Before you start the This product has understand a low emission operates engine, read and this engine Owner's which Manual. CAUTION: For answers Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Sears Service ...................... Back Cover Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 AssemblyPre-Operation .........
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. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look clown and behind before and while backing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before tuming.
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 seriousty 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 Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". Gasoline 1.25 Gallons Capacity and Type: Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (Above SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: GAP: .030") Champion Ground (MPH): Speed Forward: Reverse: REPAIR 32°F) AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product.
Steering Steering Wheel Insert Wheel C) (1) Large Flat Washer (1) kocknut 112-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 × 1-1/4 (1) kocknut 114-28 Steering Boot _ Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter ;;_ L_,) l_(1) (_Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 7
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, 6. Assemble large flat washer, 1/2 hex TOOLS REQUIRED FOR nut and tighten securely. ASSEMBLY 7.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. Label Seat F Terminal TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) INSTALL 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. 3.
INSTALL MULCHER CHECK PLATE (If previously removed) V' CHECKLIST Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this quality product. Please review the following checklist: ,I All assembly instructions have been completed. J No remaining loose parts in carton. ,/Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). ,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ,/All tires are properly inflated.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. or in literature supplied BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE LOCKED R N ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED _(_ REVERSE NEUTRAL ATTACHMENT IGNITION DANGER, FORWARD FAST L HIGH LOW CLUTCH DISENGAGED SLOW ! OVER TEMP LIGHT H KEEP AREA CLEAR with the product.
KNOW YOUR 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• The average lawn should be out 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 IMPORTANT: The motion control lever does not return to neutral (N) position when the clutch/brake pedal is depressed.
BEFORE CHECK STARTING ENGINE THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. 2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP NOTE: During this step there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic drive system. 5. Move motion control lever to neutral Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows: 1. Be sure the tractor is on level ground. 2. Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/brake slowly return to operating position. 3. Allow one minute for transmission to warm up.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "3-O 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 of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE F,LL ,. O*TE AS YOU SCHEDULE COMPLETE ..,_/_/,,_/_ /_____R-_._b R EGU LARSE RVICE R.4.,)_ _..j_ Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems ,_,a_ ;a _/_._. SE RVIC E DATES I _1 and Chock for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Battery and Terminals If V', V w I,," Mower Blades V" V" Check Transaxle Cooling I/ Check V-Be]ts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine /_.
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES 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.
• Keepbatteryand terminalsclean. • Keepbatteryboltstight. • Keepsmallvent holesopen. • Rechargeat 6-10amperesfor 1 hour. NOTE:The originalequipmentbatteryon yourtractoris maintenancefree.Do not attemptto openor removecapsor covers. Addingor checkinglevelof electrolyteis not necessary. TO CLEANBAI-1-ERY ANDTERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the batteryand terminalscan causethe batteryto "leak" power. 1. DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirst then RED batterycableand remove batteryfromtractor. 2.
7. Refillenginewith oil throughoil fill dipsticktube. Pourslowly. Do not overfill. Forapproximatecapacitysee "PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 8. Usegaugeon oil fill cap/dipstickfor checkinglevel. Be suredipstickcap is tightenedsecurelyfor accurate reading. Keepoil at "FULL"line on dipstick. CLEAN ENGINE Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pro-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.
• Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life. ClamP_Clamp Fuel Filter CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. ,_il WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS SERVICE ORTO ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3, 4. 5. 6.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. • To lower front of mower loosen nut "E" on both front links an equal number of turns. • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. • To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F" from trunnion on both front links. Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE DRIVE With Parking Brake The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL Engaged" - \_ _ 1. Remove mower from tractor (See 'q-o REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). 2. Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION Arm - 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys 2.
Motion Control Lever Neutral Lock Gate Engine Clutching /" Stationary Idler TRANSMISSION MENT Center Span Keeper Transmission Input Pulley .f ,,, _T ,L "........." REMOVAL/REPLACE- Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual.
TO START BATTERY ENGINE WITH A WEAK AWARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BA-FFERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual). If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system.
Governor TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY 1. Raise hood. 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. 3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. 4. When replacing hood, be sure to reconnect the headlight wire connector. Governor Control Plate _ttle Cable Holes "A" TO ADJUST \ Clamp Screw CARBURETOR NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission.
Idle Speed 3. While still holding throttle lever against idle speed screw, turn idle mixture valve full travel clockwise then counterclockwise until engine runs rough. Turn valve to a point midway between those two positions. Release throttle lever. ACCELERATION Screw TEST- 4. Move throttle control lever from slow to fast position. If engine hesitates or dies, turn idle mixture valve out (counterclockwise) 1/8 turn. Repeat test and continue to adjust, if necessary, until engine accelerates smoothly.
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. CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 8, Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves adjustment. Hard to start to Sears service center 1. 2. 3. 4. i 5, out of Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug. Weak or dead battery. Dirty fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power continued) 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/didy oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 3. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark 11 .Dirty plug wire loose. engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring. 14. Carburetor out of adjustment. 15.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Mower blades will not rotate (con't) 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Engine Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 1. 2. 13. 4. Switch Bulb(s) Faulty Loose 5. Blown will not Loss of drive 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. 4. Replace idler pulley. Contact aSears or other qualified service center.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) i STARTER ___ - - BLACK i i b I .--( )G SOLENOID AI SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION SWITCH i (CLUTCH GROUNDING CONNECTOR OFF) • SPARK (OPTIONAL) I : PLUG GAP _I_---_ (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL ENGINES) I QI | 4L V NOTE I YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. ALTERNATOROF THIS, SYSTEM.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 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 Harness Asm LightW/4152j Bulb Light#1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga 11• red Cable Battery 6 Ga w/16 wire rod Fuse20AMP Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Unc Cable Ground 6 Ga 12" black Switch Plunger Nc Gray Switch Ign Key Ign Harness Ign BoltBIk.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.271661 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 51 52 53 54 55 57 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 159 206 207 208 212 -- Chassis Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 BumperHood/Dash Dash Bolt, Cardage 3/6-16 x 1 Panel, Dash, LH. Clip Tinnerman Grille P/L Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ...... 8 10 14 15 16 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165866 STD561210 STD551125 74490544 73800500 73800600 130564 169498 73350600 106888X 19131316 STD561210 175765 71673 174973 74760512 175578 120183X 19211616 1572H Transmission (See Breakdown) Hydro Gear Model 322-0510 Rod, Shift Pin, Cotter 1/8 x 1 Washer Lock 1/4 Bolt Hex Flghd 5/16-18 Gr.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 19 11 12 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 65 67 68 71 82 85 88 91 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, L.H. SpindleAssembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODELNUMBER 917.271661 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 SEAT ASSEMBLY 24 ! i % \ I 25 11 17 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTO R - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 DECALS 2 13 6 3 13 4 7 10 \ 2O 11 12 ...... :'. I ,,: 16 14 KEY PART NO. NO, KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 t1 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Hood Replacement Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H. Decal, Deck "B" 42" Decal, Customer Maintenance Decal Hood Side LT1000 Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger Decal, Battery 156811 181414 171696 171697 179128 13.3644 177253 163204 156439 138047 12 13 14 15 16 2O .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 LIFT ASSEMBLY _ 13 . 7 .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 I7 18 19 20 31 32 Washer Asm Inner SpringW/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. BeadngNylong Gdp Handle Fluted ButtonPlunger Read Link Asm Lift LH, LinkAsm Lift R.H. Retainer Spring LinkFront Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Unc Trunnion Nut Lock w/Wsh 1/2-13 Unc Arm SuspensionMower RetainerSpdng Bearing, Pvt.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 MOWER DECK I .
TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 DECK KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 HYDRO TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 322-0510 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 170351 170352 170353 170354 169898 170355 170356 170357 170358 170359 170360 169870 170361 173158 16 170362 17 18 19 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 170363 170364 173159 170365 170366 170367 170368 170369 170370 170371 32 170.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 513_ _%#'_ 803 304 462 579 697 133,_ 3.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 BRIGGS & STRATI'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 104_'1270 278@ 9s7® 95_, 1095 VALVE GASKET SET 8o8 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 3_ 524_ 842 891@ 176_ 48 ¸ NIKKI 130A_.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.271661 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER 917.271661 BRIGGS & STRA'R'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 KEY NO. 287 304 305 306 307 309 310 311 333 334 337 344 358 363 369 383 404 445 455 462 467 474 503 505 510 513 523 524 525 544 552 562 579 601 614 616 617 633 634 PART NO.
SERVICENOTE 58
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION u1 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.
(U.SA and Canada) WY_l/,seats.ca For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearest Sears Pads and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Anytime,dayo_r_ht (U.SA on_y) www.$ear$.col_ For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirectS_! 1-800-366-PART _':_ ,,.,_,_ 6&m.- 11 p.m., 7days aweek (1-800-366-7278) (u.sA only) www.sears.