Owner's Manual (RAFTtMAN" 13.5 HP ELECTRIC START 38" MOWER 5 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270430 • 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.
Warranty ............................................... Safety Rules .......................................... Product Specifications .......................... Assembly ............................................... Operation. ............................................ Maintenance Schedule ...................... 2 2 5 8 11 17 Maintenance ....................................... 17 Service and Adjustments .................... 21 Troubleshooting ................................. 28 Repair Parts .......
• Tum off blades when not mowing. • Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute. • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to lossof-control and tipever accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
• Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairs with the enginerunning. • Grasscatchercomponentsare subject to wear,damage,and deterioration, • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. • Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OIL'TYPE SAE 30(ABOVE SAE 5W-30 (API-SF/SG/SH): MAINTENANCE A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER 32°F 3.0 PINTS ;PARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM _AP: .030") CALVE INTAKE: 3LEARANCE: EXHAUST:.009"-.0t 3ROUND .005"-.
Parts Bag contents shown full size (2) Sheet Metal Screws #10-16 x 1/2 (1)Locknut 3/8-24 (1) Large Flat Washer © (1) Knob (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge 6 (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18
Parts packed separately in carton F-7 Seat Video Cassette Manual Steering Wheel Steering Boot Parts Bag Parts Bag contents not shown full size Wheel Steering Insert, (2) Keys Slope Sheet Steering Bushing 7 , , = i Steering 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. Review the video cassette before you begin. f_ I _ Steering Wheel TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
• Roll tractor forward off skid. • Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor. Battery Box Label TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow all instructions 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 INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. • Remove cardboard packing on seat pan. • Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE 4CHECKLIST • The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Leam and understand their meaning.
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. Attachment Clutch Lever Ignition Switch Plunger Throttle/Choke Attachment Lift Lever Pedal Adjustment Indicator Brake Lever \ Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
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 leaving tractor to prevent unauthodzec TO SET PARKING use. BRAKE • Never use choke to stop engine.
TO ADJUST HEIGHT MOWER CUTTING The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height. • Grasp lift lever. • Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position. 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 soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.
ADD GASOLINE TO START ENGINE • Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide de_its and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and below) • When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke contro/is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly.
MAINTENANCE Fi,, ,.o. s SCHEDULE ..,_.
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.
BATI'ERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and 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.
ENGINE COOLING FINS • Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface. If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge. • Reinstall cartddge, nut, prscleaner, cover and secure with knob(s). IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean the cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use prassudzed air to clean or dry cartridge. Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating.
CLEANING Clean engine,battery,seat, finish,etc. of all foreign matter. Keepfinished surfacesand wheels free of all _]asoline, oil, etc. • 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. .
TO LEVELMOWERHOUSING Adjustthe mowerwhile tractoris parked on level groundor driveway. Makesure tires are properly inflated (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 5 of this manual). If tiros 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 MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT The mower blade drive bolt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake, BELT REMOVAL• Place attachment clutch in =DISENGAGED" position, • Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its lowest position. • Roll belt off engine pulley. Mandrel • Disconnect R.H. suspension arm from rear deck bracket by removing retaine spring, • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys an€ idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower.
TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface, Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of leftfootrest. • Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual.) • Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. • Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor. Remove belt upwards from transaxle pulley by deflecting belt keepers. • Pull belt toward front of tractor and remove downwards from around engine pulley.
Positive Terminal Negative Terminal TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • Raise hood. • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. • Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. • Close hood. Chassis. INTERLOCKS Terminal REPLACING BA'I-rERY cause running, o wiring section. TO REPLACE FUSE ,_CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time.
TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as descdbed below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: • With engine not running, move throttle control lever from slow to choke position. Slowly move lever from choke to fast position. • Check that holes =A" in governor control lever and hole in governor plate line-up.
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 stodng in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storable. When mower is to be stored for a penod of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART IPROBLEM ' Will notstart CAUSE CORRECTION • Outoffuel. • Engine not =CHOKED" propedy. . • Engine flooeea. • !, • • Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment. • Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start • Dirty air filter. • Bad spark plug. • Weak or dead battery. • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE l Loss of power CORRECTION • 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. • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Water in fuel. • Spark plug wire loose. • Dirty engine air screen/ fins. • Dirty/clogged muffler. • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment. • Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CHART CAUSE CORRECTION • Place throttle control in =FAST" position. • Travel speed too fast. • Shift to slower speed. • Wet grass. • Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Mower deck not level. • Level mower deck. • Low/uneven tire air • Check tires for proper air pressure. pressure. • Worn, bent or loose blade. • Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten blade bolt. I• Buildup of grass, • Clean underside of mower leaves and trash under housing. mower.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 SCHEMATIC RED O BATTERY AMMETER I FUSE 30 AMP. J. I -_ i_ r---QG L "- Al
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270430 ELECTRICAL KE-'YPART NO. NO.
TRACTOR CHASSIS - MODEL NU M BER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES I_EY PARr NO. NO.
TRACTOR GROUND - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR GROUND 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 917.270430 DRIVE KEY PARr NO. NO. 1 - MODEL NUMBER ...... 146682 123666X 12000028 121520X 17490512 162240 131679 STD561210 105701X 19151216 74550412 STD551125 STD523710 STD541437 106933X 130804 STD541237 106888X STD551037 STD561210 145204 124236X 130807 S]O523107 155071 120183X STD551062 1572H 131494 STD523727 4470J 165838 19131312 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 STEERING • j ._.
TRACTOR - MODEL N U MBER 917.270430 STEERING K]EYPART NO. NO. DESCRIPTX_ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 3_ 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 46 47 62 65 66 67 68 79 80 SteeringWheel AxleAssembly STMP Dropped STL Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 ENGINE KEY PN:n" NO. NO. 1 2 3 162144 17720410 4 13 14 15 16 23 29 31 32 33 35 37 137348 165291 13280324 13200300 STD551237 159880 137180 1092(_X 158990 123487X 17490512 137040 38 ....... 4O 44 46 62 72 78 81 124028X 17490412 19091416 STD551131 71070512 17490620 128861 DESCFIIPTION Control Th/ch RH BIk Pd115 10 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine (See Breakdown) BdggsMode128R707-1140.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 SEATASSEMBLY I I I I I I I I 5 KIEY PART NO. NO. DES_ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket Pvt St Bolt Fin Hex 3/6-16unc X 1 Washer Flat 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga Clip Push-InHinged Locknut Hex W/Wsh 3/6-16 Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 X 1 Ty4t Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj. Wingnut Bracket Mounting Switch 127426X 140551 STD523710 19131610 145006 S10541437 124181X 17490616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X I
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 DECALS 6 14 11 13 15 12 18 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 165837 2 167177 3 1632O4 6 133644 8 10 156867 149516 11 156439 I_EY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 LIST ASSEMBLY KL=Y pARr NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 Wire Asm Inner W/plunger Shaft Asm Lift Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc E Ring#5133-62 Washer Pltd 21/32 X 1 X 21ga Bearing Nylon BIk 629 Id Grip Handle Fluted BIk Button Plunger Red Link Lift LH Link Lift RH Retainer Spring Link Front Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Unc ' Trunnion BIkZinc Nut Crownlock 1/2.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 MOWER DECK KEY PARr NO. NO, 1 2 3 142829 S'rD533107 138017 4 138440 5 6 8 9 STD624008 130832 850857 STD551137 10 140296 11 12 13 134148 129895 137645 14 15 16 19 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 40 41 43 45 53 54 128774 110485X 140329 132827 STD541431 137607 105304X 123713X 110452X 106736X 19111016 106735X 157722 129963 153532 137266 131494 STD541437 133551 133504 STD624003 130840 133943 _ PAre" NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NU MBER 917.270430 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 205-544C REF PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270430 BRIGGS & STRAI"rON ENGINE.MODEL NUMBER 28R707, TYPE NUMBER 1140-E1 1019 LABEL KIT I 3O6 _562 "_ REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270430 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707, TYPE NUMBER 1140-E1 52 105 50 _ 123 lk REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707, TYPE NUMBER 1140-E1 24O 265 2o9 _l_ 663 ISSLON_,_________________ i 216 _ /-/- 52 i.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707, TYPE NUMBER 1140-E1 l.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270430 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707, TYPE NUMBER 1140-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270430 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28R707, TYPE NUMBER 1140-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
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SUGGESTED _1 _ GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION _ SIGHTING GUIDE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. ! Operate your Tractor up and down the face of elopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipplng or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
For in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-HOME" (1-800-469-4663) Para pedir servicio de reparacibn a domicilio 1-800-676-5811 In Canada for all your service and parts needs call Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pi_ces 1-600-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need: Call 6 am - 11 pm CST, 7 days a week PartsDirect s" 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278) Para ordenar piezas con entrega a domicilio 1-800-659-7084 For the location of a Sears Parts an
