Owner's Manual rRI:IFTSMI:IN 20.5HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No 917.270831 • • • • 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.
Warranty ............................................... Safety Rules .......................................... Product Specifications _......................... Assembly ............................................... Operation ............................ ................ Maintenance Schedule ...................... LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY Maintenance 2 2 5 8 11 17 ....................................... 17 Service and Adjustments .................... 21 Troubleshooting ..........................
• Turn off blades • • • • • • Do nottry to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. • Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. 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.
• 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. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary. • 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE SAE 30(ABOVE SAE 5W-30 API-SF/SG/SH): (BELOW MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT OILCAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS CHAMPION SAP: .030") RJ19LM rALVE INTAKE: ;LEARANCE: EXHAUST:.007"-.O09" nance" and "Storage" owner's manual. OR J19LM TIRE PRESSURE: CHARGING SYSTEM: 1ST 1.2 2ND 1.5 3RD 2.3 4TH 3.5 5TH 4.
Parts Bag contents shown full size (1) Hex Bolt 3/6-16 x I Q (1) Locknut (1) Lockwasher 3/8 5/16-18 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-114 (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 #10 x 5/8 (2) Lock Washers (2) Weld Nuts (2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge 6 #10 #10 I----_ I
i Parts packed separately in carton Parts Bag contents _ B b_l_li _-_ not shown full size teering Wheel Video Insert Seat Steering Wheel Adapter " Mulcher Plate r i; 1i Q'-) F (2) __atch H,o.
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. t _Steering TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY %,,_ Wheel Insert Hex Bolt A socket wrench set will make,assembly Lock Washer easier.
• o" • Roll tractor forward off skid. • Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor. TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID • i • ..'... ,*° INSTALL 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.
Hook Points Down Weld Nut From The To Weld Nut X_. Lock Washer CHECK OF ALL FOR PROPER BELTS POSITION See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. Latch Hook I Screw Latch CHECK Washer After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See =TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF FUEL CHOKE r 'l REVERSE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED REVERSE MOWER HEIGHT NEUTRAL ATTACHMENT IGNITION FORWARD OILPRESSURE R N supplied FAST LIGHTS ON UNLOCKED 4_ ! MOWER LIFT L (®)SI HIGH LOW KEEP AREA CLEAR CLUTCH DISENGAGED SLOW OVER TEMP LIGHT PARKING BRAKE LOCKED H with the product.
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. Switch Attachment Clutch Lever • Ammeter Ignition Switch .
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.
• Turn knob counterclockwise(P_)to lower cutting height. The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2"to 4". The heightsare measuredfrom 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 b_ cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and .
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER A'I'rACHMENTS engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. 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 your tractor. o BEFORE STARTING THE ENIGNE _eCAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank r neck. Do not overfill.
control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature. • The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up period and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly. ° NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may needto be adjusted for best engine performance.
FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR __ SERVICE Check Opel_tion Check Brake Tire Pressure _ ATES _ Check Operator Presence and T R Interlock T LubriCation A 0 Sharpen/Replace Check Battery Level Mower R Clean Systems Check for Loose ll_ Fasteners I_ _7 Chart Battery I_ Blades _4 and Terminals Check Transaxle ll_ Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) ll_ Tension I_'s v', Adjust Motion Ddve Belt(s) Tension Check Change _ Engine Oil I_l_t,= S Clean Air niter N Clean Air Screen
TRACTOR Alwaysobservesafety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE 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. OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
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. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one BAI-FERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use.
AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. • Remove knob(s) and cover'. TO SERVICE • • • • Engine Coolinq Air GuideCover (Both Sides) PRE-CLEANER Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. Wash it in liquid detergent and water.
_CAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT from trunnion on both front links. • 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. 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 "P against trunnion on both front links. • Recheck side-to-side adjustment.
BELT INSTALLATION - • Install new belt in reverse removal. • Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. • Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor, order of • Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. • Install mower in reverse order of removal instructions. Remove belt upwards from transaxle pulley by deflecting belt keepers. • Pull belt toward front of tractor and remove downwards from around TO ADJUST BRAKE engine pulley.
TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt negative grounded system. The other vehicle must also be a 12 volt negative grounded system. Do not use your tractor battery to start other vehicles.
• ENGINE Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) battery terminal with remaining hex bolt and keps nut. Tighten securely • Close terminal access doors. • Close hood. Terminal Access Hex Bolt Keps Nut .... Ooor. 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.
• Continue to hold throttle lever against idle speed screw and adjust idle speed screw to obtain 900 to 1200 RPM. Release throttle lever. Choke Closed _ ACCELERATION I (counterclockwise) 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.
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. _I_ CAUTION: Never store the tractor w_th gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing 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.
TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART PROBLEM Willnot_art CAUSE CORRECTION • Out of fuel. • Engine not "CHOKED" properly. • Engine flooded. • • • • Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Ditty 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.
TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART PROBLEM CORRECTION CAUSE =ngine clicks but will lot start (Cont'd) • Loose or damaged wiring. • Faulty solenoid or starter. • Check all wiring. Loss of power • 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 PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate CHART CAUSE CORRECTION • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. • Worn/damaged mower drive belt. • Frozen idler pulley. • Frozen blade mandrel. Poor grass discharge • Engine speed too slow. • Travel speed too fast. • Wet grass. _• Remove obstruction. Replace mower drive belt. Replace • Replace idler pulley. blade mandrel. • Place throttle control in "FAST" position. • Shift to slower speed. • Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Level mower deck.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE 15 AMP. AMMETER (OPTIONAL) W_TE *! '© 8LACK ,O-+----I I i REO /RED STARTER SOLENOID I B _--¢C2_2___-_ ,' L ....... ,J CLUTCH I BRAKE (PEDAL UP) W_TE (NOT OCCUPIED) •A_I f_E *LL I....... i i .... 1 SEAT SWITCH I BL/_K I ?_ BUICK _ 'o _-_E_CUiaR [" aL*CK i I "I i- ' "..........
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 40 41 42 43 44 45 52 55 70 Battery 12 VOLT 28 AMP Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc x 3/4 Case Battery Bolt, Btr Front 1/4-20 x 7.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR CHASSIS - MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 AND ENCLOSURES I_'Y PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR GROUND - MODEL NUMBER DRIVE 57 , r_ 1 156 2 62 25 :36 917.
TRACTOR GROUND 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 14 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 58 917.270831 DRIVE KEY PARr NO. NO. 1 - MODEL NUMBER ........
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 STEERING ! _ _ : P"-_"- 38 i _ _\_ ......
J TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 STEERING KEY PAR'r NO. NO. DES_ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 3O 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 62 63 65 66 67 68 79 80 SteedngWheel Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 ENGINE 14 81 _'_" 26 32 .
TRACTOR - MODE L NUM BER 917.270831 ENGINE K]EY PART NO. NO. 1 1&152 2 17720410 3 ...... 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 23 25 26 27 29 31 32 33 34 35 37 149723 144069 144068 138129 150176145552 •STD551125 STD522507 165287 13280336 13200300 STD551237 17490624 159880 145996 73920600 152927 137180 157103 161696 123487X 106082)( 17060512 8543R 38 ....... 39 81 109227X 128861 DESCRIPTION Control, Throt Paddle 32 22 Screw, Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, B&S, (See Breakdown) No.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 SEAT ASSEMBLY I 5 K]EY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUM BER 917.270831 DECALS 6 8 9 7 13 15 KL=YpART NO. NO. 1 156439 3 163200 4 163202 5 163207 6 133644 7 166927 8 167180 9 163204 11 156368 13 146046 1<3EYPART NO. NO. 15 160396 19 138047 20 166887 22 149516 - - 138311 - - 154515 - - 154516 - - 169580 - - 169581 DESCRIP'nON Decalj Fender Danger Sears Decal, Hood, R.H. Craftsman Decal, Hood, LH.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270831 LIST ASSEMBLY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 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 36 37 38 40 41 49 50 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Ruted Sutton, Plunger. Red Link, Uft, L.H. Unk, Lift, R.H.
TRACTOR -'- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER 917.270831 MOWER DECK NO. 1 2 3 PARr NO.
TRACTOR PEERLESS # - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR PEERLESS TRANSAXLE-MODEL REF PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 _8i I_O_LABELKIT I 11o5eOWNER'S MANUAL tr REQUIRES 15 _.<7 5O SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL.
TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRA'I-FON 51 _:_ 122 ' 51 _:_-: ENGINE-MODEL 447_ 865d'_ (" r., 51A / :"_, 205 _ .• _ 634A e 202 _'_ - ? 212 ,'= : 267 _ 203':'r: 50 - MODEL NUMBER NUMBER 917.270831 461707, _ _ -_°'_ 305 "_ " 304 - TYPE NUMBER __ - : ..... -- • 306 "" . 3()7 | 865A 1 53_ 54_- 51A 0145-E1 725 " 240 ._? 573 -_",. °.- _.J"7"_='=t 861 PUMP REPAIR KIT 392 _ 432 _%_ ,,_ ,_'-__ 425 _ -_.... ._ _ ._ .... 297 30 A-_ 307 527 '1 121 CARBURETOR 432 _,_ _ 959 392'_ 104 ..
TRAC:I"OR - MODEL NUMB ER 917.
TRACTORBRIGGS KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 5A 7 7A 8 9 10 IOA 11 & STRATI'ON PART NO. 498583 399265 91086 493304 214517 214518 271867 271868 495754 271189 13 15 16 19 20 23 24 25 94565 94239 690666 399264 291675 491180 222698 499180 499181 499182 499183 26 499184 499285 499186 499187 27 28 263129 498319 498320 29 498314 498541 32 33 34 35 36 40 41 42 45 46 47 95017 390420 494553 691302 65906 26828 221596 292260 494553 261368 214487 393415 ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER DESCRIPTION *" _4 27803 .
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270831 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION I "" SIGHTING GUIDE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I 1_ greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate when caution your Tractor changingupdirection and downonthe slopes.
r i For in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-HOME" (1-800-46_663) Para pedir servicio de reparaci6n a _omicilio • 1-800-676-5811 In Canada for all your service and parts needs call Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pi6ces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need: Call 6 am - 11 pm CST, 7 days a week PartsDirect s" 1-800-366-PART (!-800-366-7278) Para ordenar piezas con entrega a domicilio 1-800-659-7084 For the location of a Sears Par
