Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRWI 16 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270671 • • • • • 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 Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Maintenance .......................................16 Service and Adjustments....................20 Storage ...............................................27 Troubleshooting .................................28 Repair Parts........................................32 Parts Ordering .....................Back Cover Warranty ...............................................2 Safety Rules .........................................3 Product Specifications ..........................5 Assembly .........................
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 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. DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
• 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 tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
_CAUTION: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply 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 _UWrtractor. ARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Steering Wheel (1) Steering Wheel Insert 3/8-16 x 1 @ (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 _ , _ (1) Locknut __ (1) Large Flat Washer 5/16-18 (1) Lockwasher Steering Wheel , Adapter / teering Boot 3/8 Steering Extension Shaft © Seat @ _(1) (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Knob Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet (2) Keys 6
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 • A socket wrench set will make assembly easier.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) • Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. • Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) .position. • Roll tractor forward off skid. • Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor. Seat Terminal Battery Door INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK FOR PROPER OF ALL BELTS (If previously removed) • Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. • Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. • Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. • Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck. _I,CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower. Raise and hold shield when attaching mulcher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in operation.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning.
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 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.
• 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. • 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 • Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.
ADDGASOLINE 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, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry. • Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO 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 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.
.E OLA. SE.V,CE AS YOU COMPLETE f Check Operation Check Brake Tire Pressure ! T _1_ Check Interlock Operator Systems Presence and !V' a Check for Loose Fasteners T Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart _1_1 , 0 Check Battery Level 1_6 a Clean and Terminals I/ Battery I_ 1_7 If i/ Tension ll_s Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Check Engine Change Engine Oil Level I_s if Oil I_ 1_1,2.
TRACTOR 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. Mandrel Assembly Trailing Edge Up Blade Center Hole Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. 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.
ENGINE COOLING FINS • Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface, if very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge. • Reinstall cartridge, nut, precleaner, 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 pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, 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 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 DRIVE BELT MOWER BLADE 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. The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL• Remove mower from tractor (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual).
TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER • Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. • Replace axle cover. 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. NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position.
Positive Terminal Negative Terminal Keps_ Nut Hex -""-_ -_ Positive (Red) Cable Negative Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT ed Battery Positive Terminal Negative Terminal REPLACING BATTERY _, 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, Positive terminal must be connected first Bolt (Black) BULB • Raise hood.
ENGINE TO ADJUST Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO-ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission.
ACCELERATION TEST • Move throttle control lever from slow to fast position. If engine hesitates or dies, turn idle mixture valve out (counter-clockwise) 1/8 turn. Repeat test and continue to adjust, if necessary, until engine accelerates smoothly. High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust--damage may result.
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. • Use fresh fuel next season.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM • • Will not start • Out of fuel. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. • • • • Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. • Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment • Hard to start Enginewill turn over CORRECTION CAUSE not • • Fill fuel tank. See"TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. • Wait several minutes before attempting to start. • Replace spark plug. • Clean/replace air filter. • Replace fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine clicks but willnot start • • • • Weak or dead battery. Corroded battery terminals. Loose or damaged wiring. Faulty solenoid or starter. • • • • Recharge or replace battery. Clean battery terminals. Check all wiring. Check/replace solenoid or starter. Loss of power • • Set in "Higher Cut" position/ reduce speed. Adjust throttle control. • • • • Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Poorcut-uneven • Worn, bent or loose blade. • • • Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. • • • Remove obstruction. • Replace mower drive belt. • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. • • Replace Replace idler pulley. blade mandrel.
TRACTOR ~- MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 SCHEMATIC RE0 OI ÷ I 0L,0, BATTERY RED | STARTER t I_LACK I sS&_Si; ! WHbTE IGNITION SWITCH .... _ iWHITE t i BLACK SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED t .... _ I i _......... 7 i i i I- BLACK 0 (OPTIONAL) _[ FUEL_ IGNITION UNIT _ J _I-_R GING SYSTEM OUTPUT 3 AMP D(_ @ 3600 RPM SPARK 1 GAP PLUG _ _2 PLUGS ON TW'N CYL. ENG,NES) d 28 VO(.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 ELECTRICAL 22 _ 21 4; I , 41 26 ....
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 28 12 53 31 55 208 2O7 54 ,_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 17 18 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 51 52 53 54 55 57 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 206 207 208 212 - - PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 GROUND DRIVE 116 1 64 168 42 150 _. 48 21 39_.
TRACTOR o - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 14 16 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 146682 123666X 12000028 121520X 17060512 165866 STD561210 10570tX 74550412 10040400 STD541431 STD523710 STD541437 106933X 130804 STDS.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 139768 Steering Wheel 2 154427 Front Axle Assembly 3 156483 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 4 157473 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 5 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 6 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Gauge 7 19272016 Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Gauge 8 12000029 Ring.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 162157 2 17720410 3 ........
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 140122 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 DECALS 4 10 2 20 11 11 13 14 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 PART NO. 156368 171760 171696 171697 174794 133644 166887 163204 156439 WHEELS KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, 11 12 13 14 20 ---° - - - Oper. instr. Replcmnt Hood Rh Hood Lh Hp Engine Maint Customer Sears Dom Deck Mower EZ3 FenderCraftsman Fender Danger & TIRES 4,10 7 11 I \ PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 PART NO. 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 130171 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 DESCRIPTION WasherAsm Inner SpringW/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift RH PinGroove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. Link Asm Lift R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 616 PART NUMBER LMT/CARBURETOR LOCATIONS 142 _ .... 18_6 _. j 947 THIS CARBURETOR SERVICES BOTH CHOKE-A-MATIC AND MANUAL CHOKE SYSTEMS 358 GASKET SET 3 _ 524 _ j.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 BRIGGS KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 & STRATTON PART NO. 690156 399265 391086 494238 690188 692410 495735 27803 94621 281246 271916 271997 271996 13 94728 15 16 20 22 23 23A 24 25 94239 690136 291675 95187 693557 492326 222698 692271 692272 .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270671 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 3 ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING IUIDE _ ..,CUT ` TH_S I greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns graduOperate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not ally 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 sM Anytime, day or night !_::_i _I (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. iii!_!i:ii! 1-800-488-1222 Anytime, day or night www.sears.