Owner's Manual [RI:IFTSMI:IN° 17.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No 917.270723 • Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: For answers Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. aboat this product, to your questions 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 Call: website:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 2 Product Specifications..........................5 Assembly.............................................. 8 Operation............................................ 12 Maintenance LIMITED Schedule ...................... TWO YEAR WARRANTY Maintenance ....................................... 19 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ..............................................
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the • Slow down before turning. • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. • Turn 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.
• 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. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
PRODUCT MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE _,PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30(ABOVE ShE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°1) OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. 32°F 3.0PINTS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES • Read and observe the safety • Follow a regular schedule in ing, caring for and using your • Follow the instructions under W/O FILTER: 3.5PINTS SPARK PLUG: GAP: .
Parts Bag contents shown full size (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Lockwasher 3/8 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Knob © (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (2) Screws #1(' x5/8 (2) Lock Washers (2) Weld Nuts (2) Washers #10 _ #10 1 --tJ 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge 6
Parts packed separately in carton Seat Video Cassette Mulcher Plate Steering Boot m Steering Wheel Manual Parts Bag Parts Bag contents not shown full size _ (2) Shoulder Bolts t_" _=LI {j ( (2) Gauge /_)_1 Wheels Was.
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 FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
• Remove banding holding guard up against tractor. Seat Pan _, TO DRIVE SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. • Remove cardboard packing on seat pan. • Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt securely. • Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten. • Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat. • Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
Shield 3/8-16 Gauge Wheel Mounting Bracket INSTALL Wheel 3/8 Washer Bolt Latch Hooks MULCHER PLATE • Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate using screw, washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown. NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch CHECK TIRE PRESSURE 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.
_CHECKUST Please review the following checklist: `/ All assembly instructions have been completed. / No remaining loose parts in carton. `/Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). `/Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ,/All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory). ,/Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting results. ('Tires must be properly inflated for leveling).
Thesesymbolsmay appearon your tractoror in literaturesuppliedwith the product. Learn and understandtheir meaning.
KNOWYOUR"rP.ACTOR READTHIS OWNER'SMANUALAND SAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATING YOURTRACTOR Comparethe illustrationswith your tractorto familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Ignition ,_ Ammeter Switch , Lever Plunger Throttle Lift Lever Pedal Height Adjustment Knob Free Wheel Brake Lever Motion Control Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National 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 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". 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. • Select desired height of cut. • Lower mower with attachment lift control. • Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control. • TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control.
• 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 transporting your 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.).
• 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.
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE /____*" AS YOU COMPLETE .
TRACTOR • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and fiat washer in exact order as shown. • Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat treated. 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 '_O ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
BATrERY TRANSAXLE 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.
• 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. TO SERVICE • • • • i Oil Fill _ Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. Saturate it in engine oil. Wrap it in clean, absorbent cloth and squeeze to remove excess oil. • If very dirty or damaged, cleaner. Cap/Dipstick • Reinstall • Reinstall knob(s).
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. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. • Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. • Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. • Immediately gasoline. wipe up any spilled CLEANING Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
SIDE-TO-SIDEADJUSTMENT • Raise mowerto its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. • To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F" from trunnion on both front links. Tighten nut "E" on both front links an equal number of turns. • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nut "F" against trunnion on both front links. • Recheck side-to-side adjustment.
Mandrel Pulley TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engag, parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. Iley TO ADJUST MOTION • 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. Carefully remove belt upwards from transmission input pulley and over cooling fan blades.
NOTE: If additional clearance is needed • On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. • 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. to get to adjustment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position.
TO REMOVE ORDER - CABLES, REVERSE • BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. • RED cable last from both batteries. Positive I Negative Terminal Positive (Red) Cable TO REPLACE Cables Positive Terminal REPLACING Negative Terminal BATI'E RY 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.
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 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 The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
Also, experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels 9celled gasohol or using 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 en ine while in storage, g • Drain the fuel tank. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 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. Engine valves out of adjustment. IHardtostart • 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. • Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CHART CAUSE Engine clicks but will not start (Cont'd) Loss of power CORRECTION • Loose or damaged wiring. • Faulty solenoid or starter, • Check all wiring, Cutting too much grass/too fast. • Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. • Set in "Higher Cut" position/ reduce speed. • Adjust throttle control. • Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. • Faulty spark plug. • Clean/replace air filter. • Check oil level/change oil.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Mower blades will not rotate • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. • Worn/damaged mower drive belt. • Frozen idler pulley. • Frozen blade mandrel. • Remove obstruction. • Engine speed too slow. • Place throttle control in "FAST' position. • Shift to slower speed. • Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Level mower deck. • Check tires for proper air pressure. • Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten blade bolt. • Clean underside of mower housing.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 SCHEMATIC RED BLA_K BATTERy FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) STARTER 8L/_CK WHITE CLUTCH/ BRAKE (PEDALUP) SEATS3NITCH (NOTOCCUPIED) tGNITtON SWITCH I I J.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 ELECTRICAL 21 J I J f I I I 41 25 33 j/ _.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 8 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 40 41 42 43 44 45 52 70 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1_ 74760412 156417 153664 STITo51125 73350400 166182.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 166819 140356 17060612 19131216 155272 161917X013 STD533710 1_7 145660 169118 t7_ 144983X558 126938X 19131312 STD541437 156725X558 155217X599 151287X558 139976 1749(To08 139886 139_87 738O04OO 19091416 145201 161464 145202 s'rD522507 72140606 154798 7368O6OO 158418 165867 154966 1542O7 156524 5479,.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. 1 PART NO. ..... KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 STEERINGASSEMBLY "-'-'--- dr3 .----.....11 9 ' r-2--_, .._-2_-_ ,' •. -. _.-=----.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 . 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 62 63 65 66 67 68 79 80 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 139768 154427 156483 157473 6266H 121748)( 19272016 12000029 3366R 156438 STD551137 154779 73.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 ENGINE KEY NO. 1 2 3 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 SEAT ASSEMBLY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 140123 140551 STD523710 19131610 1450O6 S'FDS,41,437 124181X 17060616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13F32x 1 x 10 Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Emboss QCK Conn. Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 DECALS 13 21 6 4 3 lO 21 2O 8 12 5 KEY NO. 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 PART NO. 156811 163200 1632O2 165406 133644 169503 166887 163204 t56439 169210 WHEELS DESCRIPTION Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, LH. DecaL, HP Engine Decal, CustomerMaintenance Decal, Replacement Sears Decal, Deck EZ3 Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger Decal, By Pass Lt Hyd & TIRES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 _SSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 49 50 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 MOWER DECK 36 I 34 31 17 >21 \2 16 18 4 \ 6 21 10-.--< 9 -.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 R DECK PART NO. 164961 STD533107 138017 J o I1 12 13 138440 5TD624008 130832 85O857 _Yo51137 140296 134149 129895 137645 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 128774 110485X 140329 72110610 72140505 132627 159770 STD541431 134753 131267 105304X 123713)( 110452X 130968 19111018 131491 157722 4o 41 43 STD541437 133.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 319.0650 58 34 139 28 59 91 \\ 23 "_ 19 90 53 2_ .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 319-0650 PART NO. 14L>o_0 142_1 142932 142_8 1429_3 6 142QG4 7 142935 8 150771 142937 9 13 142938 1429_9 14 15 142940 17 142941 16 150772 19 150773 23 142944 24 142945 25 142946 26 150774 27 142948 28 142949 29 142960 3O 150787 34 142951 35 142(352 36 142953 37 142954 38 14,2955 39 150777 4O 150778 41 142958 DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 1022 914_ 383 35 761 8! 25[ 2_ _ 741 15_ 1033 VALVE OVERHAUL KIT 12 0 _r REQUIRES 8PECIALTOOLS TO INSTALl SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 BRIGGS & STRATTON - MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 958 4o4_ 976 616 _.'*_614 SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION . MANUAL. ..... 127_ 5,A i LMT/CARBURETOR PART_UMBER { 142 LOCATIONS 18_ __ j THIS CARBURETOR SERVICES BOTH CHOKE-A-MATIC AND MANUAL CHOKE SYSTEMS 121 CARBURETOR KIT 104_ 634A J_ 127 0 267 _ 634 _.
TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRAI-rON - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 & SYRATrON - MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 ,RT O.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270723 BRIGGS & STRAI-rON - MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING 01 0D 15 ° MAX. _ _ A, Jk 0 Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15 ), never across.the face. Make turns gredually to prevent tipping 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 sM (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 pieces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need: Call 6 am - 11 pm CST, 7 days aweek PartsDirect sM 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
