Owner's Manual £RAFTZMAN+ 16.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No 917.
Warranty............................................... Safety Rules ........................................ Product Specifications .......................... Assembly .............................................. Operation ............................................. Maintenance Schedule ...................... LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY 2 2 5 7 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 drugs. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment belts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • 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.
PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS GASOUNE CAPACITY AND TYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE SAE 10W30 API-SF/SG/SH): (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 AGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES OIL CAPACITY: (BELOW 32°F) 4.0PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION • Read and observe the safety • Follow a regular schedule in ing, caring for and using your • Follow the instructions under nance" and =Storage" owner's manual.
Steering Steering Sleeve Whee Extension Shaft teering t Adapter (l_8H1e; B_lt / \ [ _ I _ w °e, .\ Insert _ _ Jr washer (1)HexBott (t) Large Flat -_ /r r -_ I IIIII_IIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIII m , Washer I_ Lo_ut I_i J:...................
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, TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CHECK BATTERY • Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. • If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps, (See "BATTERY" in MAINTENANCE section of this manual for charging instructions). Seat Label Battery Door INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE INSTALL MULCHER PLATE The tires on your tractor were ovednflated (If previously removed) at the factory for shipping purposes. • Raise and hold deflector shield in Correct tire pressure is important for best upright position. cutting performance. • Place front of mulcher plate over front of • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in mower deck opening and slide into =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section place, as shown. of this manual.
CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEWTHE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ,/ All assembly instructions have been completed. #" No remaining loose parts in carton. J Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). ,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. 4" All tires are properly inflated.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter Ignition Switch / Lever Plunger Lift Lever Control Clutch/ Brake Height Adjustment Knob Free Wheel Brake Lever Control Lever Ourtractors co_ormtothes_e_standa_s _the American N_ionalStanda_s In_e.
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 averagelawn should be cut to approximately2-1/2 inches during the cool seasonand to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthierand better _1_ CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield place. 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 to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS A'FFACHMENTS AND OTHER 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.
• Insert key into ignition and tum 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.
MOWINGTIPS • Mowershould be properlyleveledfor best mowingperformance. 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 rightof the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operstion Check T R Tire Pressure Check _lor presence : Intedock Systems _ and Check for Loose Fasteners T Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level Shaq_n/Replace Mower Blades Clean BatteP/snd Terminals R Check li_ _ II_T Chart Trsn.
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 odginal 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 BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. • Open battery box door. • 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 To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times. Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds.
CAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments: • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral iN) position, • Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. • Tum 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.
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. • If adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side.
Mandrel Pulley Idler TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT el TO ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. • Depress clutch/brake pedal and engage parking brake. • Measure distance between brake Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
• Move motion control lever to the neutral (N) (lock gate) position. • Tighten adjustment bolt securely. NOTE: If additional clearance is needed to get to adjustment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position. After above adjustment is made, if the tractor still creeps forward or backward while motion control lever is in neutral position, follow these steps: • Loosen the adjustment bolt. • Move the motion control lever 1/4 to 112 inch in the direction it is trying to creep.
PositiveTerminal Negative Terminal Hex (Red) Cable TO REPLACE ged Battery Positive Terminal Negative Terminal REPLACING BAI-rERY _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 to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. • Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door.
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. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: • 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.
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. CAUTION: Never store the tractor w=thgasoline 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 a penod of time, clean remove all dirt, grease, in a clean, dry area.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Wllln_ert 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. Herd to stert Enginewill not turn over Engine clicks but _'III not start Loss of power CORRECTION • Fill fuel tank. • See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power (Continued) • Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. • Dirty air filter. • Low oil level/dirty oil. • Faulty spark plug. CORRECTION • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Water in fuel. • Spark plug wire loose. • Dirty engine air screen/fins. • Dirty/clogged muffler. • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment. • Engine valves out of adjustment. Excesslve vibration •Wom, bent or loose blade. • Bent blade mandrel.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Poor grass dlscharge CAUSE CORRECTION • Engine speed too slow. • Travel speed too fast. • Wet grass. • Mower deck not level. • Low/uneven tire air pressure, • Worn, bent or loose blade. • Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. • Mower drive belt worn. • Blades improperly installed. • Improper blades used. • Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) • • • • Switch is =OFP.
SERVICE NOTES 32
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 SCHEMATIC RB_ [ BATTERY SOLENOID AMMETER vrdrns FUEL ._NI" )'WI' IN H UNE I l _ i OPERATOR ' IGNITION UNiT J---_ SPARK i • PLUG GAP 2 PLUGS ON TWI_ CYI. ENGINES) • t-.- i ALTERNATOR OPERATOR pRESENCE RELAY #3 RED I I IGNmON I I SWITCH NON-REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS WIRING IKSULATEO CUPS NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER GROUND DRIVE • 52 16 26 38 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ......
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 STEERINGASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART 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 8O 82 85 139768 SteeringWheel 154427 Front Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR'" MODEL HUMBER 9t7.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 ENGINE KEY NO, PART NO. 1 2 3 4 13 14 15 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 162152 17720410 ....... 159420 12-041-03 13280328 13200300 STD551231 169837 137180 I09202X 158990 123487X 137040 40 44 45 46 62 77 79 80 81 101 124028X 17490412 17000612 19091416 STD551131 19101216 M740108025 74760508 73510400 M73030800 DESCRIPTION Control Throt I Ch Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine(See Breakdown) Kohler Model No.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 SEAT ASSEMBLY 21 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X Seat 3450 BIkJblkCraftsman Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 3/3-16unc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 Unc Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 SIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,271140 DECALS 7 6 2 1 4 11 2 20 14 14 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 156439 163205 171698 171699 168920 133644 7 9 11 171765 163204 156811 13 KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Decal Fender Danger Sears Decal Fend Auto Sears Gold Decal Hood Rh Craftsman Decal Hood Lh Craftsman Decal Engine H/P Decal Maint Customer Sears Dora Decal Replacement Srs Decal Fender Craftsmen Gold Decal Fender STLTH Oper Inst E/S 13 14 15 19 20 22 -- °. .. .° WHEELS&TIRES PART NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART 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 49 50 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 167253 73350800 130171 73800800 139868 163552 110807X 19131016 2876H 169484 126971X 73350600 138057 150233 140302 73540600 145212 110452X Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm. Shaft Asm. Lift PinGroove E Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
o 119120- 11 88 =_, _9 mO I | o_=_ 109 _o / 81 9OO cZ .
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER KEY NO. PART NO. I 2 25-351-01 12-755-81 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12-411-01 12-041-10 12-017-01 12-017-02 12-016-01 12-016-02 X-75-23 12-318-19 25-186-01 12-599-03 M-0640034 12 13 14 15 12-089-01 12-173-01 12-755-03 12-468-05 16 17 12-112-13 12-086-15 18 19 20 X-426-9 12o326-03 M-0645020 21 22 12-096-07 M-0545010 23 24 12.018-01 12-402-02 6 CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV16S,TYPE NUMBERPS-43520 IGNITION / ELECTRICAL BLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLES _D 2 I 4 I _--23 22 _--6 / i-- AIR INTAKE 10 I I IO_, 11 4..7_ .
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 12-(_5-14 Screw, hex. flange MlOx1.5x46 2 12-468-03 Washer, plain 3/8 3 24-162-03 Screen, grass 4 M.0639016 Screw, hex. flange M6x1.0x16 (6) 6 12-157.03 Fan 7 41-403.09 Regulator, rectifier 8 X-22-11 Washer, lock (2) 9 236602 Connector 10 X-42-15 Key 11 12-025-35 _ 12 41-155-02 Connector (4 contact) 13 M-0548025 Screw, hex. cap M5x0.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 STARTING KEY NO. SYSTEM PART NO. M-0839070 2 25-098-05 3 4 5 6 7 8 12-755-54 12-227-06 12-170-05 12-221-01 12-227-13 12-211-01 DESCRIPTION Screw, bex. flange M8x1.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Includes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, brush & spring Cap, commutator end Bolt, hex. flange 1/4-20x4-5/8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271140 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 3 4 5 M-064t060 X-22-11 M-0629116 12-853-95 6 7 12-041-02 12-053-95 8 9 10 11 12 13 12-041-01 12-265-04 47-154-01 X-426-09 25-353-10 25-050-02 NOT ILLUSTRATED 12-757-02 12-757-03 12-041-01 12-041-02 12-041-05 12-041-06 12-032-06 12-757-33 12-041-06 12-454-01 26-462-20 12-454-03 M-0561010 M-0645020 CRANKSHAFT DESCRIPTION Nut, hex. flange M6xl.0 (2) Washer, star _/4 Stud M6x1.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION SIGHTING GUIDE __A ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL erate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not I greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradu- | ally 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 reparaci6n 1-800-676-5811 a domicilio In Canada for all your service and parts needs call Au Canada pour toutte service ou les pi_ces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need: Call 6 am - 11 pm CST, 7 days a week PartsDirectsM 1-800-366-PART (1-600-366-7278) Para ordenarpiezas con entrega a domicilio 1-800-859-7084 For the location of a Sears Parts a
