Owner's Manual 23.0 HP ELECTRIC START 50" MOWER (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY NOT INCLUDED WITH TRACTOR) AUTOMATIC GARDEN TRACTOR Model No. 917.275000 • • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Une 5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Maintenance ....................................... 19 Service and Adjustments.................... 23 Storage ............................................... 31 Troubleshooting ................................. 32 Repair Parts ........................................ 36 Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly ..............
MPORTANT: This cutting machine s capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing..objects.Failure to observe the foUowing safety instructions coutd result in sedous Injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and fdik:_wa_ Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can remachine before starting. sult in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution.
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 ol 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, if possible.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY ANDTYPE: OILTYPE _PI-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: We have competent, wen-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the =SAFETY RULES'. REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. 3.
Steering Wheel © Steering Sleeve Steering Wheel Insert Steering Sleeve Extension Seat (1)Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob Mower (2) Flangecl c_> (1)Front Plate _" Assembly o o;ing s (2) Retainer Springs j-_ _single o_q:_ loop) Gauge Wheels (2) Washers 3/8 x 7/8 x 14 Gauge (2) Shoulder Bolts _(2) Wheels 7 Q(2) Centerlock Nuts
Video Cassette Keys Slope Sheet € (2) Keys (1) Oil Drain Tube 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 ASSEMBLY FOR BEFORE REMOVINGTRACTOR FROM SKID ATTACH STEERING WHEEL 1.
_._ Wheel insert J_p_--_ Steedng o-.-_-Lock Washer _ LargeRat Steering Wa.r Steering_ Sleeve _:_:::_--Tabs Extension I Sleeve _#'_:/,,.;,_ -, / : HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR CHECK BATTERY 1. Lift hood to raised position. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions). "'_ • i!i: -_ 3.
TODRIVETRACTOR OFFSKID(See Operationsectionfor locationand functionofcontrols) _ILWARNING: Before starting read, understand and follow all insfructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects. 1. Be sure all the above assembly steps have been completed. 2. Check engine oil level and fig fuel tank with gasoline. 3. Place freewheel control in "transmission engaged" position. 4.
Front Suspension SUS_Mowe r Brackets Bracket Chassis Bracket Double Loop Retainer Front Electric Clutch Pulley Front plate Shodder Bolt Wlleel Single Loop Retainer Springs 3/8 Washer 3/8-16 Double Center Loop Locknut Retainer Spring Anti-Swa! Bar Use Pliers For Retainer Springs Deflector Double Loop Retainer Spring \-Loop deck pins) (Outward pointing Up V'CHECKLIST Before you operate end enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Q
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product.
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.
I 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. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". 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 soil 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.
TOTRANSPORT When pushing ortowingyourtractor, be suretodisengage transmission by placing freewheel controlin freewheeling position. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor. 1. Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. 2. Pull freewheel control out and 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: BeforestarUng,read the warm and cold startingproceduresbelow. 6. 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) 7.
5. Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. Shut- off engine and set parking brake. 6. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in driving position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this section of manual). 7. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. Disengage parking brake. 8. Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves appmximataly five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position.
1 . Cl_ngl rn_e Olten when _,tg undo4- m hem_ lold ¢r kl l_,gh mT_nt GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on thistractor 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 instructedin this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made pedodically to properly maintain your tractor. All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when pedorming 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.
• Keep battery and ENGINE LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. terminals clean. • 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.
Oil Drain Valve Cap_ D i -_ re n Tube f _ _'_ 9. Reassemble air cleaner, cartridge plate, and nut. 1O.Reinstall air cleaner cover and secure by tightening knob. = _CIosedand "Locked Position CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers.
_bCAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 3. Turn ignition key =OFF" and remove key. 4. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 5. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and p_acewire where it cannot come in contact with plug. TRACTOR TO REMOVE MOWER 1. Place attachment clutch in =DISENGAGED" position. 2. Turn height adjustment knob to lowest setting. 3.
• II adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side. NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 3/16". • Recheck measurements after adjusting. BottomEdgeof _ oo _ Mandrel BothFrontUnks Shouldbe Equalin Length BottomEdge of Nut "H_ FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE.
Screws Electdc Clutch Putley Left Hand Mandr_ Idler Pulleys Spdng Bolt in Housing Left Hand Mandrel Mower Ddve Belt Pdmary Belt Keepers TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT Park the tractoron level surface. Engage parking brake. 1. Remove mower ddve belt (Sea TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT" in this section of this manual). 2. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). 3. Remove screws from R.H. mandrel cover and remove cover. Unhook spring from bolt on mower housing. 4.
1. Make sure attachment clutch and ignition switches are in =OFF" position. 2. Adjust the three nylon Iocknuts until space between clutch plate and rotor measures .012" at all three slot locations cut in the side of brake plate. NOTE: After installing a new electric clutch, run tractor at full throttle and engage and disengage electde clutch 10 cycles to wear in clutch plate.
TO CHECK TOE-IN 1. Position front wheels straight ahead. 2. Measure distance between wheels at front and rear of tires (dimensions "A" and "B"). • Front dimension "A" should be 1/8" to 1/4" tess than rear dimension "B". NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. Washers Retainin TO ADJUST TOE-IN 1. Loosen jam nuts at adjustment steevas on tie rod. 2.
REPLACING BA'I-rERY _3AUTION: 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 hood to raised position. 2. Remove terminal guard. 3. Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 4.
ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacament of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-roed engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service oufiet. TO ADJUSTTHROTrLB CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
NOTE: The high idle is set at the factory and cannot be adjusted. 2. Idle speed seffinn - With throttle control lever in slow position, engine should idle at 1200 RPM. if engine idles too slow or fast, turn idle speed adjusting screw in or out until correct idle is attained. 3.
expedance indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids dudng storage. Acidic gas can CAUTION: Never store the tractor damage the fuel system of and engine with gasoline in the tank inside a building while in storage. where fumes may reach an open flame or 1. Drain the fuel tank. spark, Allow the engine to cool before 2. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM _till not start Hard to start "nglnewlllnot :urn over CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. CORRECTION 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 carburetor.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Lo_power 1. Cuttingtoo m_hgraas/too 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 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. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12.Dirty/clogged muffler. 13.Loose or damaged widng. 14.Carburetor out of adjustment. 15.Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM _ower blades will rtot rotate Poor grass discharge Headlight(s)not working (if so equipped) CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. iEnglne "backfires" whenturnlng ienglne "OFF" 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Replace blade mandrel. 1. Place throttle control in =FAST" position, 2. Travel speed too fast. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Wet grass. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU_t6_-.R9_t7.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 42 45 50 52 79 81 PART NO. 144927 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 153664 166184 4152J 150755 1088_4X 73510400 170697 160784 175566 140403 17G_38 154336 1228_2X 174652 141940 163996 109748)( DESCRIPTION Battery Bolt Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray, BattePJ Bolt I/4-20 x 7.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 CHASSIS ANDENCLOSURES KEY PART NO, NO. 1 175465 2 175282 4 73800700 5 163976X428 6 1578_2 7 17720408 8 145166 14 175259X558 16 121794X 17 17060612 18 174515X&58 19 19131312 20 S'RTo23710 21 STD541437 24 145243X558 28 145244X558 30 145_o2 31 161419 32 161327 33 161326 34 177018 35 19111116 36 S'R3.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. 1 2 6 7 9 20 22 23 29 33 34 36 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 46 48 50 52 53 55 56 58 61 64 65 58 69 70 71 73 74 77 89 PART NO. .....
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 STEERING KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1g 20 21 oo 23 25 28 27 28 29 31 _o 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Wheel,Steering Axle Asm., Front Fitting, Grease Splndta Asm, I.H Spindle Asm. RH Beadng, Race Thrust Harden Washer 25_J2 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. Ring. Klip #T5304-75 Cap, Spindle Bolt, Fin Hex .5/8-11 x 2-3/4 Spacer Bearing Axle Front Nut, Lock Flange 5/8-11 Unc Washer 25/32 x 1-1/4 x Ift Ga.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 ENGINE 69 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 ...... 2 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 28 27 28 29 31 149723 121361X 177748 175288 170(To6 143996 151346 10S_27X 1060_2X 161493 177328X428 164863 175441X428 STD551237 739206(_ 3645J 13_77 7834R 137180 145006 DESCRIPTION Engine (See Breakdown) Kohler Model NO.CV674-75544 Muffler Pulley V-Idler Keepe_ Asm, Beit Engine Bushing Clutch Elechic Puney Engine VGT Elect Crutch Tank Fue_ Rear 3.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 SEAT ASSEMBLY i i 22 21 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 PART NO. 140124 14_651 140675 127018X 145006 STD541437 124181X 171877 174894 121246X 121248X DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket. Pivot Seat Strap, Fender Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 x .6,?. Clip, Push In, Hinged Nut, Crownlock 3/8-16Unc Spring, Seat Cprsn Bolt5/16-18Uncx3/4 wlSems Pan, Seat Bracket, Mounting Switch Bushing, Smzp KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 DECALS 18 17 17 15 15 12 8 11 KEY NO. 1 2 PART NO. 164094 149516 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 171702 171703 14O837 133644 177416 164884 1632O4 156439 177781 177554 DESCRIPTION DecaIDash Decat Satterj ONGR/PSN ENQASm Decal Hood RH Craftsman Decal Hood LH Craftsman Decal Brake Parking SaddLe Decal Maintenance Decal Engine Decal Bk)wer Hsng Kohl Decal, Fender Craftsman Decsl Fender Danger DecalFTREST Decal V-Belt Dr Sch WHEELS ANDTIRES KEY NO.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 LIFT ASSEMBLY 40 42 43 3573 34 38 J 7 7 31 9 10 39 16 15 76 4_829 23 KEY NO. PART NO. I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 "_9 20 21 22 23 24 121006X 177535 159189 120000_2 19292016 Til I0624 175830 175831 122364X 2876H 146704 163552 13_668 169665 STD541437 674A2.47 143_63 ST_651_'/ 53_8J STC623710 127218 S]_:4006 733508(X) 75 DESCRIPTION Rod Asm., Lever She_ Asrn., L_ V_ Lever Asrn., Lift Rh E-Ring Truar¢ #5133-87 Washer 29/32 x I-1/4 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 331-3000 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 48 50 51 52 53 54 56 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 73 Main Housiog Assembly R.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPENUMBER 75544 CYLINDER HEAD, VALVE AND BREATHER I _1| I 11 " /t Q / k___ Io .-8t7 o--.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 KOHLERENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674,TYPE NUMBER 75544 HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 BLOWER HOUSING S BAFFLES IGNITION/CHARG]NG KEY NO. pANT NO. KEY PANT NO. NO. Kit, grass screen "t ll_'_ 2 t 54-755-15-S 2 M-403025oS Screw, hex. cap M4x0.7x25 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 X.25-92-S (V_asher,plain 5116' (4_4 24.112-04-S Spacer, grass semen _ ) 25-086-47-S Sctt, shouk:ler (4) 24.157-03-S Fan 12.086-14-S Screw, hex. flange Mt0x1.5x46 12.468-03-S Washer, plain 3/8" X-42-15-S Key 24.025-04-S FlyWheel 25.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV674,TYPE NUMBER 75544 ;TARTIN G SYSTEM J ENGINE CONTROLS _ • 't-_.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPENUMBER 75544 OIL PAN/LUBRICATION STARTING SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 M-839080-S 2 25-098-08-S 3 4 5 6 7 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 25-141-05-S 25-221-01-S DESCRIPTION Screw, hes. flange MBx1.25x80 (2) Starter, solenoid shift (Includes 4-7) Nut, hex. flange M8xl.25 Kit, solenoid Kit, I_olon drive (Includes 6) RIn Kit,9_nlsh KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275000 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPENUMBER 75544 EXHAUST CRANKSHAFT J ] _j2 E FUEL SyIITEM J T 1 tu FUEL SYSTEM CRANKSHAFT KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 24-014-72-S 52-139-09-S Crankshaft (Includes 2) Plug, cup EXHAUST KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 24-041-02-S 25-072-04-S Gasket, exhaust (2) Stud, M8xl.25x33 (4) ---- PA-75544 Replacement 24 782 14 Miniblock 24 755 108-SGasket Set Engine KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL GUIDE ! I_ I greater than 15 ), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate when your Tractor updirection and downonthe face of slopes (not I caution changing slopes.
For repairof major brand appliances in your own home... no matterwho made it, no matterwho sold 1-8O0-4-MY-HOME _ Any_e,daycr_1_ 0-m04Sg-4_3) (U.SAandCanada) www.qe6r,J.COfl_ WWW..qz_ztz_.c8 For repairofcarry-inproductslikevacuums,lawnequipmentand electronics, call for file nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Any1_e, dayu r_ght (U.
