Owner's Manual JCRRFTSMIIWJ 14.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAX_ LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270532 • Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before For answers to your questions operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Assembly .............................................. 7 Operation ............................................ 10 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 16 Maintenance ....................................... 16 Service and Adjustments .................... 20 Storage ............................................... 26 Troubleshooting ..
SLOPE 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. GENERAL OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to lossof-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• 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. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of _lUWrtractor. ARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. ._Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
Steering Wheel (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 Steering Wheel Insert @ (1) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 [_E_ (1) Large Flat Washer 5/16-18 L J , 3/8 _ Steering Extension Steering Wheel _St_erotg ' (1) kockwasher Adapter Shaft O Seat @ _(1) (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Knob Keys (2) Keys (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Video Cassette Slope Sheet 6 F-9
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. TOOLS REQUIRED ASSEMBLY FOR • Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID Operation section for location function of controls) INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob, • Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. • Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt securely. • Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE /CHECKL_T 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. CHECK FOR PROPER OF ALL BELTS BEFORE YOU OPERATEAND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVETHE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
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. Ammeter Attachment Clutch Ignition Switch \ Lever Plunger Attachment Lift Lever Throttle/Choke Control o Clutch/ Brake Pedal ".. "......
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 BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT TO OPERATE _CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope. • Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. • Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. • If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake. • Move gearshift lever to 1st gear.
BEFORE CHECK STARTING THE ENIGNE TO START ENGINE ENGINE OIL LEVEL When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. • Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position. • Move throttle control to choke position.
MOWING TIPS high; the second to the desired height. • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired.
AS YLARSE OU COMPLETE REOU RV,CE ," Check BrakePressure Operation Check Tire RV'CEOA _V w Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems R CheckforLoose Fasteners V' (klw7 T Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart _, 0 Check Battery I##s R Clean Level Battery and Terminals _ I_ v' Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s)Tension I_, v', Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Check Engine Oil Level V' Change Engine Oil E Clean Air Filter U Clean Air Screen If _2.
TRACTOR • Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. • Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat treated.
BA'n'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 Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating. • Remove screws from blower housing and lift housing and dipstick tube assembly off engine. • Cover oil fill opening to prevent entry of dirt. • Use compressed air or stiff bristle brush to thoroughly clean engine cooling fins. • To reassemble, reverse above procedure. Screws Blower Housing • Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface. If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge.
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. 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. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are propedy 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 MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT • Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than six (6) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary. Contact your nearest authorized service center/department. With Parking Brake "Engaged" The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
TO ADJUST ALIGNMENT STEERING WHEEL If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEELTOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toe-in or camber, contact your nearest authorized service centeddepartment.
REPLACING BA'B'ERY INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS Loose or damaged wiring may cause your tractor to run poorly, stop running, or prevent it from starting. • Check wiring. See electrical wiring diagram in the Repair Parts section. _CAUTION: 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.
• Check that holes "A" in governor control lever and hole in governor plate line-up. If holes "A" are not aligned, loosen clamp screw and move throttle cable until holes are aligned. Tighten clamp screw securely. Governor Control Lever Move throttle control lever to slow position. With finger, rotate and hold throttle lever against idle speed screw. Turn idle speed screw to attain 1750 RPM.
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. 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. • Drain the fuel tank. • Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start • • Outof fuel. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. before attempting to start. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter, Dirty fuel filter, Water in fuel. • • Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. • • • • • • • • Hard to start Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter. Drain fuel tank and carbure tor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. Check all wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power • 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. plug wire. Dirty engine air screen/ fins. Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART _ROBLEM CAUSE _lower blades will lot rotate (Cont'n' • • • Poor grass :lischarge Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) Battery will not =harge Engine "backfires' when turning engine "OFF" CORRECTION Worn/damaged mower drive belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. • Engine speed too slow. position. • Travel speed too fast. Wet grass. mowing. Mower deck not level. Low/uneven tire air pressure. Worn, bent or loose blade. Tighten blade bolt.
SERVICE NOTES 3O
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 SCHEMATIC RED BLACK BATrERY R£D .Eo FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) _ p STARTER I I BLACK '© WHnE { L ---_ )G At, ....... J CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) i SOLENOID WH{TE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED ..... IGNITION SWITCH _ IWHITE } I /i _......... i BLACK BLACK i I ,_ eLUE __; I FUEL, BLACK (_ IGNITIONuNIT J CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT 3 AMP DC Ii 31600 RpM I LINE =l Lso Eou,,Eo, FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID (IF oP.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270532 ELECTRICAL 21 . 22 / f I I 42 41 26 I L -I i i I 25 I t ..... I T iI I I 29 28 27 _ .........
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 30 29 55 54 26 13 v_ "j" . -.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 33 34 35 37 38 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 145 206 208 209 212 - - Chassis Lt Stamping Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 Bumper HoocVDash Saddle SLKSCRE FLT SDL Clip Insulator .406 Mtg Hole Dash Slkscr PIm Mech Sym Bolt RdHd Sqnk. 3/8-16 x 1 Panel Asm.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NU MBER 917.270532 STEERING ',.,::-- _,._.,--:.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMB ER 917.270532 STEERING KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 162157 17720410 .......
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 140122 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X Seat Bracket Pvt St Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 Washer Flat 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga Clip Push-In Hinged Locknut Hex W/Wsh 3/8-16 Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 X 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj. Wingnut Bracket Mounting Switch KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 DECALS 6 7 14 3 16 16 9 10 13 15 12 5 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 5 6 156867 165393 171704 133179 133644 7 9 10 174210 163204 149516 DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR MOWER -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR MOWER -- MODEL NU MBER 917.270532 DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 165460 STD624O08 130832 850857 STD551137 140296 134149 129895 137645 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 3O 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 128774 110485X 140329 7214O505 132827 ,159770 STD541431 134753 131267 105304X 123713X 110452X 130968X428 19111016 131491 157722 129963 153535 137266 STD533717 133835 131494 STD551037 4O 44 45 46 STD541437 140088 STD624003 137729 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR DANA TRANSAXLE--MODEL -- MODEL NU MB ER 917.270532 NUMBER D4360-140 20 21 22 8 11.
TRACTOR DANA TRANSAXLE--MODEL - MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 NUMBER D4360-140 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 170981 2274J Housing, Upper Screw, Tapping, 1/4-20 X 3 4 5 134400 105904X 160940 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 138235 108727X 148266 148269 2225J 134793 * 148268 120415X .734 Ball, Detent Spring, Detent Screw, Tapping, No. 10-24 X .482 Assy, Kit, Shifter V-Ring Bearing, Flange Seal, Oil Ring, Retaining Assy, Kit, Shim, .
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E3 1022 654 _J 914 8_ 1023 383_ 883_ 4o_ 71 10_ I 1034 51A 757 17581 307 25 I 27 ,033V, OOOVER.,ULOT 5'0 22_ 4 15 REQUIRESSPECIALTOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E3 467 875[ 711 )e8 °/ I I_ 971 967 __ 601 24o_ _lr445 REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLSTO INSTALL, SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL, I / 6921 sos 231 _ _ 634 _' _ 127 , LMTiCARBURETOR PART NUMBER LOCATIONS 276 [ 142 _ -- - 18.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NU MBER 917.270532 BRIGGS & STRATI'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E3 813 783 _ 513 729_ 697 _'_LJ • 462 i • 304 (1 .. 305 J 305A_ 78 _' =_. _g /_L_---_ ,_, _, 648 {l_ - 607A "_J 934_ _ I ,oo8 /i_"-'_t i _ I i 74 I 1005_ 729 I_ 668_ 1044 _ 75 23A 455_ 1081 _ 1051_,.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.270532 BRIGGS & STRA'n'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1255-E3 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SIGHTING GUIDE 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 SMAnytime, dayor night (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. 1-800-488-1222 Anyt,me, day or nzght www.sears.
