Owner's Manual ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271063 • • • • 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 pm, Mon- Sat Seam, 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 M ai nt _n._,r_.e,,_S.(;:.bedu!e....................... 17 Service and Adjustments .................... : Storage ............................................... : Troubleshooting .................................
SLOPE 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. DO: 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.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, o_ 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.
_nLOOk, for this symbol to. point o_ import sarety precautions, h means L;AU- ACAUTION: 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 your tractor. TION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. d_eCA.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert C) (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Lock 3/8 washer 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 E? (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Steering Extension Shaft Steering Boot , _ Steering , Wheel Adapter O Seat @ _(1) (1)Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _) Shoulder olt 5/16-18 Knob Keys F-1 "-t Slope Sheet Video Cassette 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 _ _-------3/8 _,----.---3/8 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
Label Terminal Battery Door 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. Do not tighten.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. (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.
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. Light Switch Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Lift Ammeter ..... .... Throttle 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.
• 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.
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 t(_ tractor (rope, cord, etc.). IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) • When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) • When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See 'qO 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 ___i_o_'_/" FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE T R Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems I Check for Loose Fasteners /_._.'_._._0_ _
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 TrailingEdge Up Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
BATTERY 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.
TO SERVICE /_ver Knob x_j.gg Nut ,__Rubber r_. / Grommet • Replace a dirty, bent, or damaged cartridge. NOTE: Do not wash the paper cartridge or use pressurized air, as this will damage the cartridge. • Reinstall the pre-cleaner (cleaned and oiled) over the paper cartridge. • Reassemble air cleaner, wing nut, cover and tighten knob securely. ENGINE OIL FILTER Air Cle_ Cover ( _ Foam-_-_--_ Pre_ - .
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER CLEANING 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 wipe up any spilled gasoline. • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
• Disconnect front links from deck by removing retainer springs. • Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms. Slide mower out from under tractor. IMPORTANT: If an attachment other than the mower deck is to be mounted on the tractor, remove the front links and hook the clutch spring onto square hole in frame. TO INSTALL MOWER • Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. • Slide mower under tractor with discharge guard to right side of tractor. • Lower lift lever to its lowest position.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT With Parking Brake "Engaged" Nut "A" The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. Nut 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. Arm BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt in reverse order of removal.
• 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. • Hold motion control lever in that position and turn engine off • While holding motion control lever in place, loosen the adjustment bolt. • Move motion control lever to the neutral (N) (lock gate) position.
Positive Terminal Negative Terminal TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • Raise hood. • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. • Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. • Close hood. INTERLOCKS C ed Battery Negative Terminal Positive Terminal REPLACING BATTERY A CAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by aUowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time.
• With engine not running, move throttle control lever from slow to choke position. Slowly move lever from choke to fast position. • Check to see if hole in throttle lever and hole in speed control bracket are aligned. • If holes are not aligned, loosen cable clamp screw and align the holes by inserting a pencil or a 1/4" drill bit through both holes. • Pull throttle cable up to remove slack and tighten cable clam screw. Remove alignment )encil or drill bit.
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. _,b CAUTION: Never store the tractor wdh 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 storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Willnotstart CHART CAUSE • • • • • 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 Service Adjustments Engine valves out of adjustment, • • • • • • • Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug. Weak or dead battery. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. • • • • • • • Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Lossofpower • CORRECTION • • • • 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. • • • Waterin fuel. • • Spark plug wire loose. • • Dirty engine air screen/fins. • • • • Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. • • • Poorgrass discharge • • • • • • • • • • Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 'Battery will not charge Loss of drive Engine "backfires" whenturning engine "OFF" CORRECTION • • • • • • • • Remove obstruction. • Replace mower • • Replace Replace drive belt. idler pulley. blade mandrel.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 SCHEMATIC BLACK REO BATTERY i ..... / o Lo FUSE AMMETER , (OPTIONAL) ;© WHITE __ STARTER : ,O--_----- ..... I D RED CLUTCH/ BRAK_= bG All (PEDAL UP) I WHITE IGNITION SWITCH ........ _ IWHITE SEAT SWITCH (NOTOCCUPIED) I I I I _ i ........
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 38 40 41 42 43 45 52 81 163465 74760412 156417 161343 166182 4152J 4799J 146147 166180 73510400 4207J 160784 163968 140403 170219 71110408 131563 145673 12143.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR'" MODEL" r_ul_,,-,....
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUM BER 917.271063 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 82 85 NOTE: PART NO. 139768 154427 169840 169839 6266H 121748X 19272016 12000029 3.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 ENGINE KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 13 14 15 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 77 80 81 101 105 PART NO. 162156 17720410 159420 12-041-03 13280328 13200300 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 158990 123487X 137040 124028X 17670412 17000612 19091416 19101216 74760508 73510400 M73030800 17120616 DESCRIPTION Control, Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine,(See Breakdown)KohlerModel No.CV15.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.271063 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 i 21 (EY _0. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 3 7 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x 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 9 10 11 12 KEY NO. 13 14 15 16 17 21 22 24 25 NOTE: 42 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 DECALS 10 21 4 3 13 16 2O 9 12 14 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 156811 171698 171699 171763 133644 166887 163204 156439 146046 163261 160396 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H. Decal Hood Replacement Decal, Customer Maintenance Decal, Deck EZ3 Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal, FenderDanger Decal, V-Belt Drive Schematic Decal, Dash Pnl Decal, V-Belt Schematic KEY NO. 16 20 21 KEY NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUM BER 917.271063 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 130171 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 DESCRIPTION Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 MOWER DECK lS8_ 151 ls_ O'/s7 ...C'/"..-_'_ - "_ 153 _, 155 _ _ 37 I_ 159"-._ 46 144 ..
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 319-0650 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV15.5S, TYPE NUMBER 41596 I AIR INTAKE I BLOWER HOUSING 1 @-, AND BAFFLES _ I 3 15 $ 14 -1 6--e 13-_' ENGINE CONTROLS I 12 / CRANKSHAFT I _ |((( 10 r " _ _ •_,, 1%..
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV15.5S, TYPE NUMBER 41596 AIR INTAKE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 12-743-05-S 2 3 4 5 6 4 7 25-341-02-S 12-096-24-S 12-083-08-S 12-100-01-S X-25-63-S 8 9 12-313-04-S 12-094-12-S 10 12-072-05-S 11 12-086-01-S 12 12-041-02-S 12-083-05-S NOT ILLUSTRATED -12-113-53-S ENGINE KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.271063 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV15.5S, TYPE NUMBER 41596 CYLINDER UEL SYSTEM IEY !0. PART NO. I M-641060-S _. X-22-1 t -S M-629116-S 12-853-94-S 12-041-02-S 12-053-94-S t I0 I1 t2 13 14 12-041-01-S 12-265-04-S X-426-9-S 25-353-10-S 25-050-02-S 47-154-01-S 12-757-02-S 12-757-33-S 15 12-041-06-S lOT ILLUSTRATED •12-041-01-S •12-757-03-S •12-518-37-S -- M-561010-S ••- 24-452-20-S 12-454-03-S DESCRIPTION Nut, Hex. Flange M6xl.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.271063 KOHLER IGNITION KEY NO. NUMBER / ELECTRICAL PART NO. 12-086-14-S 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12-468-03-S 24-162-03-S 25-084-47-S 12-157-03-S X-42-15-S 12-025-37-S 12-155-09-S M-0548025-S 10 M-0545010-S 11 12 13 14 15 12-085-10-S 12-132-02-S X-728-1-S 12-584-04-S M-0545020-S NOTILLUSTRATED -12-518-35-S -- ENGINE-MODEL 12-454-03-S 0V15.5S, KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, Hex Flange M10x 1.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING GUIDE A 'r _ COT TH'_ 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 iiiiiiii_ sM Anytime, day or 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 Anytime, day or night www.
