Owner's Manual [RI:IFTSMANo 20.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270861 • Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: For answers Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. about this product, Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears,com/craftsman to your questions Call: 1-800-659'5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am- 5 pm, Mon- Sat 11.
Warranty ............................................... Safety Rules .......................... : .............. Product Specifications .......................... Assembly .............................................. Operation ............................................ Maintenance Schedule ...................... LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY 2 2 5 8 11 18 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ......................................
• 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 • Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
• 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 MAINTENANCEAGREEMENT 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 API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30(ABOVE SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: CUSTOMER 32°F • Read and observe the safety • Follow a regular schedule in ing, caring for and using your • Follow the instructions under 3.5PINTS W/O FILTER: 3.0PINTS !SPARK PLUG: I (GAP: .
Parts Bag contents shown full size I_/,exBol * ' 3/8-16 k "_--_ / _ (1 ) Locknut (1) Large Flat Washer _11 / [l_ii[1L rJ x 1 (1)Lockwasher 3/8 5/16-1 8 III (1) Shoulder _ (1)Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Knob N 17/32x1-3/16x12Gauge I_ _ (2)Screws #10x5/8 _ (2) Lock Washers ii (2) Weld Nuts (2) Washers 3/16x3i4x16Gauge 6 i110 #10 J7 _'_l ; i I
Parts packed separately Seat in carton _F Mulcher Plate EC] Steering Wheel Video Cassette I Steering Boot Manual I ' Parts Bag Parts Bag contents not shown full size Wheel Insert (2) Latch Hook Assemblies S*eer, n41111 (2) Keys Steering Extension Shaft n Slope Sheet I_ n Steering Wheel Adapter 7
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. Steering TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY Wheel Insert A socket wrench set will make assembly ex Bolt easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
• • Remove banding holding guard up against tractor. Label TO DRIVE INSTALLSEAT Adjust seat before knob. tightening adjustment • 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.
Hook Points Weld Nut From The T¢ Weld Nut Lock Washer CHECK FOR PROPER OF ALL BELTS 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 / Latch CHECK Nut Washer PlateMUlcher BRAKE SYSTEM 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.
Thesesymbolsmay appearon your tractoror in literaturesuppliedwith the product. Learn and understandtheir 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.
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 • Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "OFF" will cause the battery to be discharged, (dead).
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 runnirig. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • 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.
• 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 end 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, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again, if engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry.
• Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/ brake pedal. • Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion control lever to the neutral (N) position.
MAINTENANCE i Check Brake Check A Sharpen/Replace T Lubrication O Check Battery Level a Clean Battery and Terminals Cbeck Transaxle Adjust Blade Belt(s) Adjust Motion Check Engine Change Mower Blades Cooling Drive Tension Belt(s) Tension Oil Level Engine Oil Air Filter N Air Screen G Inspect N, ReplaceEngine Oil Filter (If equipped) Clean Coo,ling Fins Muffler/Spark Replace Spark Replace Air Filter Replace Fuel Filter more often 2 - Se p*,ice more orlon 3 - I
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.
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. TO CLEAN BATTERYAND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. • Remove terminal guard. • Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS Kn°bs_s _ " Cover _Cartridge Foam Pre-Cleaner / To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of tile engine are kept clean at all times.
4 _:_CAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments: Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place motion control 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. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length. Both links should be approximately 10-3/8". • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. • To lower front of mower loosen nut "=." 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).
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT With Parking Brake "Engaged" 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). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION Jam Nut Arm - • Install new belt in reverse removal. order of _J Do not touch this nut.
TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TO ADJUST ALIGNMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten. • Start engine and move motion control lever until tractor does not move forward or backward.
TO START BATTERY ENGINE WITH AWEAK REPLACING CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries, Always wear eye protection when around batteries, the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,rings,etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding.
TO REMOVE ASSEMBLY HOOD AND GRILL • Raise hood. • Unsnap headlight wire connector. • Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. • To replace, reverse above procedure. • With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position. • Loosen knob and remove cover assembly from air cleaner. • Choke should be closed. If it is not, loosen casing clamp screw and move choke cable until choke is completely closed.
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 Wili not start CHART • Out of fuel. • Engine not "CHOKED" properly. • Engine flooded. • Bad spark plug. • Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. I• 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. • Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM. CHART " CAUSE Engine clicks but will not start (Cont'd) Loss of power CORRECTION I • Loose or damaged wiring. • Faulty solenoid or starter, I, 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING =ROBLEM dower blades will not rotate 3oor grass discharge CHART CAUSE CORRECTION • 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. • Travel speed too fast. • Wet grass. • Mower deck not level, • Low/uneven tire air pressure. • Worn, bent or loose blade.
SERVICE 32 NOTES
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 SCHEMATIC 8LACK RED BATTERY AMMETER FUSE (OPTIONAL) ' ', L .......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 ELECTRICAL t I _~_ i i 24 I I I I 41 i i I I I / t I I I 25 i i i II #/ I I I I I I #/ i # I I _45 29 11 i- :: :::::::::....i....
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 163465 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 153664 S'1"D551125 73350400 166182 4152J 4799J 146148 166180 73510400 145491 .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 PART NO. 166819 14O356 17060612 STD551025 5 9 10 155272 165454X013 STD533710 11 12 13 14 155927 145660 169118 17490608 17 18 144983X558 126&.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO, PART NO. KEY NO. DESCRIPTION PART NO. t Transaxle (See Breakdown) 66 154778 2 3 142431 143995 Hydro Gr 319 0650 Spring, Return, Brake Pulley, Transaxle 70 71 72 134_ 140158 19132012 8 10 165866 STD561210 Rod Shift Fender Adiust Pin Cotter 1/8 x 1 CAD 73 74 156347 121199X 14 16 10040400 STD541431 18 STD523710 Washer Lock Hvy Helical Nut Lock Hex W/Ins.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER STEERING ASSEMBLY g i i 117 '\ _ \ 40 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 169387 17720410 3 ...... 4 5 6 8 10 13 14 15 16 17 23 25 26 29 31 32 33 34 35 37 149723 159955 160589 150178 162797 165391 13280336 13200300 STD551237 174,90624 159880 145996 73920600 137180 157103 161686 123487X 106082X 1706O512 8543R 38 ....... 39 62 72 81 109227X 10O4O5OO 71070512 128861 NOTE: DESCRIPTION Control Throt Paddle Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine (See Breakdown) BriggsModel No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 140123 140551 74760616 19131610 145006 _1437 124181X 17060616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X Seat 3450 BIk/'olkCraftsman Bracket Pnt PivotSeat (blk) BoltFin Hex 3/8-16une X 1 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga Clip Pushtn Hinged NOtHex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 Uric Spdng Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 X 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan Pnt Seat (blk) Knob Seat Bracket Pnt Mounting Switch KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 DECALS 1 11 3 2 9 2O 19 14 14 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 156439 163205 3 4 5 163200 163202 170100 6 133644 9 11 163204 156811 13 146046 WHEELS 2 _ r& 13 KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Decal Fender DangerSears Decal Fend Auto Sears Gold Decal Hood Rh Craftsman Decal Hood Lh Craftsman DecaIHP Engine Decal Maint Customer Sears Dom Decal Fender Craftsman Gold Decal Fender STLTH Oper Inst E/S Decal V-belt Dr Sch Tractor E 14 15 19 20 22 -*----- KEY TIRES NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 LIFT ASSEMBLY 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 36 37 38 40 41 49 bO NOTE: PART NO. DESCRIPTION 159460 159471 105767)( 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 124526X 139865 139866 S_4008 127218 73350800 130171 73680800 139868 163552 110807X 19131016 2876H 76020308 126971X 73350600 138057 150233 140302 73540600 155097 123935X 17060516 19112410 155008 145212 110452X LiftLever Inner Wire Asm. Shaft Asm.
TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. 1 2 165892 STD533107 Mower Housing Bolt 3 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 4 5 165460 STO624008 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" P._tainer Spring 6 8 9 130832 850857 STD551137 Arm, Suspension, Rear Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr. 8 Washer, Lock 10 11 140296 134149 Washer, Hardened Blade, Mulching 12 13 1298_5 137645 14 128774 Bearing, Ball Shaft Assembly, Mandrel, Vented (Incl.
TRACTOR HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 319-0650 58 23 19 30 91 90O / 6 ,%,.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 319-0650 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 142930 142931 142932 Housing, Lower Assembly, Upper Housing Seal, Up 43 44 52 142884 150829 142991 Washer 7/16 x 7/8 x .060 Differential Assembly Washer 3/4 x 1.5 x .13 4 5 6 142928 1429.33 142934 Ring, W_re Retaining Ring, Retaining Bearing, Shaft Ball 53 56 58 142961 142963 142964 Seal .75 x 1.25 x .250 Shaft, Input Bolt 1/4-20 x 1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL 917.270861 NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0122-E1 256_ 823 _ 11L_ 592 a 22! REQUIRESSPECIALTOOLS TOINSTALL.SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONMANUAL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL "51 917.270861 NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0122-E1 -k REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLI TO INSTALL SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL, 883 ,k-REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOL,_ TO INSTALL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL l___j 1411 108_ NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0122-E1 ,,°, 95 917.270861 t_ ' ,02_ I ,5o ____j _ 13o ,5, [987 _© 823 823 222 265 _ 351 g lo5 0 467f f 97__JF_ 137 _,,,/ 5%1 116 119B_ 160 _ 117_ 967 355 305 7o3 o_ 8°°,_ 258 _,-_ e2_...--4 855_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 523 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0122-E1 116B O 195 116C 823 _I_ 1027 176_ 10_5 525 r 116D _ 60! 4.977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET 51A _ 137 0 102 _ 150_ 116_ 116A_ .358 s_. 355_ 967 7_. GASKET SET 2o@ 51_ 633 @ e121 CARBURETOR KIT 1 51 _, °lA 163_s55,_ 11sB0 117_ J 116C_ 1 70 116D _ A 1033 VALVE OVERHAUL 102 KIT 105 116_ 116A'_I_ 355@ 987@ 51 _ 633 @ .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRAI-rON KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION I "" SIGHTING GUIDE i_ _% i_| _LJk i| _ 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 in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-HOME s_ (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 a week 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 a
