Owner's Manual I CRI FTSMAWI 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272440 • Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment, Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat 1-800-659-5917 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Maintenance Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly .............................................. 8 Operation ............................................ 11 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 29 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. I. GENERAL OPERATION I1. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can machine before starting. result in severe in ury or death.
III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under 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. • Never carry children.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, Lfpossible.
PRODUCT REPAIR AGREEMENT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY ANDTYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE API-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 4.0 PINTS _PARK PLUG: GAP: ,040") GROUND SPEED (MPH): TIRE PRESSURE: CHAMPION RC12YC FORWARD: REVERSE: FRONT: REAR: CHARGING SYSTEM: 16 AMPS @ 3600 RPM BATTERY: AMP/HR: 28 MIN. CCA: 230 CASE SIZE:U 1R BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 27-35 FT. LBS 5.5 2.4 14 PSI 10 PSi CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
Steering Wheel Steering © Steering Sleeve ....... Wheel Adapter _-.
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
CHECKTIRE PRESSURE TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR Thetiresonyourtractor wareoverinflatedDISCHARGING atthefactory forshipping purposes. Simply remove mulcher plate and store in Correct tirepressure isimportant for best a safe place. Your mower is now ready for cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BAI-rE RY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW (, I ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON ! OVER TEMP LIGHT i'.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter .-". Ignition Switch : -___ -" .
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. NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to =backfire". • Turn ignitionkey to "OFF" position and remove key.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon sol conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • 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.
2. Pull freewheel control out and down into the slot and release so it is held in the disengaged position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporLingyour 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.).
7. 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, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry. WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above) 8. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly.
8. Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion control lever to the neutral (N) position. Repeat this procedure with the motion control lever three (3) times. Your tractor is now purged and now ready for normal operation. MOWlNGTIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance.
1.0,ar,_,_,meolte_w_enop_at_gur,_erahew_or_h_,mb_et_rnpe_tur_. 2. Set_ol i_nl ollen when o_maUng iq dlt'/or _b/con_tons 3. _ eq_ w_h _ n_, mang_ o4 ew_ 50 hou_ 4. Repk_e brides r_m oaen wh_ mow_ _nsandy ao_ GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual.
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 • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
BATTERY Yourtractor has a battery charging system which is sufficientfor normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals dean. • 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.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipsticktube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Oil DrainValve Position TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER 2. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. 3. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. 4. Saturate it in engine oil.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. 1. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. 2. Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. 3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. 4. Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline. CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
A CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1, Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake, 2, Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3, Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. 5, Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
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 MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installationguide decal on bottom side of left footrest. 1. Remove mower (See =TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual.) 2. Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. 3. Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor. Carefully remove belt upwards from transmission input pulley and over cooling fan blades. 4.
1. Loosen theadjustment bolt. 2. Movethe motion control lever 1/4 to 1/2 inch in the direction it is trying to creep. 3. Tighten adjustment bolt securely. 4. Start engine and test. 5. If tractor still creeps, repeat above steps until satisfied. Motion Control Lever Neutral Lock Gate TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstaUation and before operating the tractor.
-peeve" (-) rL.H. Panel_/ Bolt , _ REPLACING BATTERY ,_ICAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positiveterminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. 2.
ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any nonroad engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL GABLE The throttlecontrol has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
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 tractorwith 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.
'ROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CHART CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly, 3. Engine flooded. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter, 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 7. Drain fuel tank and carbure tot. refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART _ROBLEM CAUSE .oss of power continued) CORRECTION 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Waterinfuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13.Loose or damaged wiring. 14.Carburator out of adjustment. 15.Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Poor grass discharge Headlight(s) not working (ifsoequipped) CHART [CAUSE _ I1. "FAST" Place throttle control in position. 2. Shift to slower speed. I 3. Wet grass• 3. ,_Lowgrass to dry before mowing. 14. Mower deck not level• !4. Level mower deck. 5, Low/uneven tire air pressure•i 5. Check tires for proper air I pressure. I 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. I 6. Replace/sharpen blade. I I Tighten blade bolt. ! 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and i 7. Clean underside of mower housing.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 LECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 :HASSLEAND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 25 26 25 29 30 31 37 38 39 58 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 159 166 206 207 208 212 - - Chassis Stamping Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 Bumper Hood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16x 1 Panel, Dash, L.H. Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 GROUND DRIVE
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 STEERINGASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 159944X428 Steedng Wheel 2 154427 Axle Assembly STM P Dropped STL 3 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 4 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 ENGINE KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 13 14 16 17 23 25 26 29 31 32 33 37 38 44 45 46 62 72 81 PART NO. 170546 17720410 ...... 149723 160589 159955 171877 162797 165391 148456 STD551237 17490624 169837 145996 73920600 137180 109202X 158990 123487X 137040 148315 17670412 17000612 19091416 10040500 71070512 73510400 DESCRIPTION Control, Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting I/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, (See Breakdown) B&S Model No.
SEATASSEMBLYTRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 KEY NO. 1 2 3 PAR'I" NO. 140123 140551 71110616 DESCRIPTION Beat Bracket, Pivot, Seat BOR 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 19131610 145006 B'1]_541437 124181X 1700_616 19131614 174894 166369 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 19 Gauge Clip, Push-in Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Knob Seat 12 121246X Bracket, Switch Mounting K'=Y PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 DECALS 10 2O _12 12 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 156811 165407 177356 177357 174322 133644 177355 172331 163204 156439 146046 Decal, Oper, Instr. Decal, HP Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, LH. Oeca_Hood Replacement Decal, Customer Maintenance Decal, Hood Side Decal, Deck Decal, Fender.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 159460 159471 105767X 120(_O02 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 130171 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 155097 123935X 1706(_16 19112410 155098 DESCRIPTION Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E_ing Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing,Nylon Grip.Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, LH.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 9t7.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 S'rD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 59 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" eck S]_624008 RetainerSpdng 130832 Arm, Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1,25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 HYDROGEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 BRIGGS AND STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0121-E5 029_ 10 y11_ 267J 246 9_ 188 _:_ 2-N 445 222 _ _r REQUIRESSPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONMANUAL 20_ 265 267 8 27_-_ r_ 32_1 1 1010 LABEL KIT 163_ 287_ ! I.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 BRIGGSANDSTRAI-rONENGINE-MODEL NUMBER407777,TYPENUMBER0121-E5 60_ 36_ 1022 1029 1029 I 1023 1022 31_1022_1 13 _ 337_ 383 -- 211 209% 11023AJ_1 _ 914_ [_SfiZ _ F_--117, ._] , 085" _788_ - j I SIA__I 276 _ 111122:_ 105, _ 104 _ 633 @ 087_ i- REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS 1169 100_;_ I 692 _ 51AO!,_ 404 o 552A_ _ 601 " 1124 _ 1i42 I _ 105 ,'' ]_ 1-131S 13095 r13_-]-_ ' i 975 __' 1:760.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 BRIGGS AND STRAI-I'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0121-E5 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272440 BRIGGS AND STRA'I-rON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0121-E5 KEY PART NO. NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
For repair of major brand appliances in your own home.,, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOME SMA,y,me.dayorni_,t (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics for repair, call for the location of your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center. 1-800-488-t222 Anytime, dayor night www.sears.
