Owner's Manual ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271532 • 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: Sears, Estates, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman 1-800-659-59t7 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 prn, Mon - Sat Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Maintenance ....................................... 17 Safety Rules......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments .................... 21 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Storage ............................................... 27 Assembly .............................................. 8 Troubleshooting ................................. 28 Operation ............................................ 11 Repair Parts .
MPORTAN'r: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould resu t in serious injury or death. II. SLOPE OPERATION I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand,and follow all Slopesare a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the controland tipoveraccidents,which can resuit in severe injury or death. All slopes machine before starting. require extra caution.
Ill. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children.
• Useslowspeed. Choose a lowgearso thatyouwill not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOUN r= CAPACITY _ND TYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE _,PI-SF-SJ): SAE 30(ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION GAP: .030") RCt2YC GROUND SPEED FORWARD: (MPH): TIRE PRESSURE: CHARGING SYSTEM: BATTERY: 3LADE BOLT FORQUE: 1ST 1.1 2ND 1.4 3RD 2.2 4TH 3.4 5TH 4.3 6TH 5.5 REVERSE: 1.7 FRONT: 14 PSI REAR: 12 PSI 3 AMPS BATTERY 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS AMP/HR: 25 MIN. CCA: 190 CASE SIZE:U1R 27-35 FT.
Steering Wheel t Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Wheel Insert Steedng Extension Shaft (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 3/8 @ 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Hex Bolt Locknut (1) 5/16-18 Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge 11)Knob For Future Use Keys Video Cassette (2) Keys 7 Slope Sheet
D'kou 8 I 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. 6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock TOOLS REQUIRED FOR washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten ASSEMBLY securely. A socket wrench set will make assembly 7.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. _rminal INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packingand set aside for assembly of seat to tractor, 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing, Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tiros on your tractor were ovednflated at the fadory 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. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be propedy leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literaturesupplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BA3-i-E Ry CAUTION OR WARN]NG REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENG,.SO. e.G,NSOSF O,LPRSSSORS L,O.TEON O%_.
KNOWYOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the igustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
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 spectaoles 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. • The average lawn shoaid 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.
ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. 5.
MOWING TIPS • Mower should be propedy 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 rightof the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _S YOU COMPLETE REGU L_,R SERVICE Che¢_ Blake _ERV;CE Oporation Che_ "_ pmssure V' CheCk _ralof prese,_;e ]r_erk_ Systerr_ Check for Loose I/ a,,,:d k/ Fastenem Sl_rpelVReplace _ _T MoWS# Blade_ Lu_rk;a_onchart If Vii Battery Level If Clean Batte_ and Tetminab I1 / (_eck Trar,saxm Cooing I// Ten_ I_' s AdjustMOtionDrk,e Bali[s) Tension _ Check Engir_e O= Level V S Air Filter I11= Clean Air Screen V/= (_ean C_arlje 2.
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.
BATTERY Your tractorhas a battery charging system which is sufficientfor normal use, However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger wiUextend 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.
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 stubborndried gum fibers. ENGINE COOLING FINS Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating. 1. Remove screws from blower housing and lift housing and dipstick tube assembly off engine. 2. Cover oil fill opening to prevent entry of dirt. 3.
CLEANING • CEeanengine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc, • Protect painted surfaces with automothte type wax. A We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life, CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING 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). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. 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.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT The mower blade drive belt may be replaced withouttools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL 1. Remove mower from tractor (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). 2. Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION 4. Install new belt in reverse order of removal. 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 6.
TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steedng wheel crossbam are not horizontal(left to dght) when wheels are positionedstraight forward, remove steedng wheel and reassemble per instructionsin the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WH EEL TOE-IN/CAMB ER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurredto affect the front wheel toein or camber, contact a Sears or other qualified service center. TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS 1. Slack up axle securely. 2.
REPLACING BATTERY J_I,CAUTION: DO not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connectingbattery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and carefully remove batteryfrom tractor. 3.
2. Check that holes "A" in governor control lever and hole in governor plate line-up. If holes "A" are not aligced, loosen clamp screw and move throttle cable until holes are aligned. sscurely. T_ghten clamp screw Governor Control Lever Governor Control Plate \ Holes =A" Clamp Screw hrottle Cable TO ADJUST CARBURETOR NOTE: The carburetor on this engineis low emission. It is equippedwith an idle fuel adjusting needle with a limifer cap, which allows some adjustmentwithin the limits allowed by the cap.
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 with 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. t.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 13. Engine flooded. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "3"0 START ENGINE" in Operation secltoo, 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to stad, 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5, Dirty air filter. 5, Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter, 6. Replace fuel filter. 7 Waterin fuel, 7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Lossofpower CHART CAUSE CORREC_ON 1. Cu_ingtoo muchg_s_oo fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale ordirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring. 14.Carburetor out of adjustment. 15.Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Mowerbladeswill not rotate Poor grass discharge Headlight(s) not working if so equipped) Battery will not charge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 2. Replace mower drive belt, 3. Replace idler pulley, 4, Reptace blade mandrel. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast, ;2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Wet grass. 3.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 SCHEMATIC JilriJ BATTERY AMMETER (OPTIONAL) FUE DIODE NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EC_UIPP ED WlTt-_ A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYST_M_ TRE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE EATTERY_ BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRiC,_I_ SOURCE_ BEO,_,USE OF TRIS_ THE l SR_GHTNESS OF TRE LIGHTS WiLL CHANGE WiTH ENGINE SPEED. AT iDLE THE LtGHTS WJLL OIM_ AS THE ENGINE IS SPEEDED UP_ THE LIGHTS WiLL BECOME THEIR SRJGHTJEST_ IGNITION _.
ELECTRICAL TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 .... 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 t3 14 15 18 19 21 22 24 25 27 28 29 30 39 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 47 48 49 146682 123666X 12000028 121520X 17060512 162240 131679 STD561210 105701X 10151216 74550412 $31_551125 74490544 BTD523710 $30341437 106933X 130804 STD541237 106888X STD581210 175765 71673 174973 STD523107 175575 120183X BTD551662 BTD571810 179114 7476C648 175556 127783 154407 123205X KEY NO.
STEERING TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 STEERING KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRiPTiON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 lO 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 3O 32 36 37 38 39 4O 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 63 65 67 68 71 82 85 88 91 139768 175131 169840 1698.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 170545 17720410 ....... 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 3_ 33 37 38 4O 44 45 46 (Y2 72 78 81 137352 165291 148456 $313551237 169837 137180 1092025( 158990 123487X 137040 148315 124028X 17670412 17000612 19091416 STD551131 71070512 17060620 73510400 DESCRIPTION ControlThtch Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20xS/g T Engine (See Breakdown) Bdggs, Model No 287707-1259-E1 Muffler Exh LT B&S 14HP IO OHV Gasket Eng 1 313 Id Tin Plated Tube.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket Pvt St Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 Washer Flat 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga Clip Push-in Hinged LocknutHexW/Wsh 3/8-16 SpringSeatCprsn2250BIkZi Screw 3/8-16 X 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 X 1X 14 Ga Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj. Wingnut Bracket Mounting Switch 140122 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 166369 121246)( KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,271532 DECALS 7 14 3 10 9 13 12 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 6 PART NO. 156867 176675 171704 179128 133644 7 9 10 174210 163204 149516 DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 LIFT ASSEM BL¥ KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 MOWER DECK KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 tO 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 165892 STD533107 t 38017 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Swey Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/43" Deck STD6240(_ Retainer Sphng 130832 Arm, Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 DANA TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 20 21 22 24 25 31 32 27 36 /_8 11.
TRACTORMODEL NUMBER 917.271532 DANA TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 KEY NO, PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 170981 2274J Housing, Upper Screw, Tapping, 1/4-20 X .734 Ball, Detent Sphng, Detent Screw. Tapping, No. 10-24 X .482 Ass, Kit, Shifter V-_n g Bearin , Flange Seal, _il 3 4 5 134400 105904X 160940 6 7 8 9 138235 106727X 145266 148269 10 11 12 13 2225J 134793 148268 120415X 14 15 142674 170983 Ring, Retaining Assy, Kit, Shim, .625 Shaft Bearing, Flange Washer, Plain, .632 X 1.38 X .
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 BRIGGS &STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1259-E1 "k REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL 53 .
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 BRIGGS &STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1259-E1 121 CARBURETOR 977CA.____RSU___RETOR GA_.. SKET SET 151_ 1370 OVERHAUL KIT 104_ 127_ 27s_ 276_ 634A_ 634_ 937@ 95e 1171_ 231_1421 VALVE GASKET 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 3_ 5241_ 842_ I NIKKI I_OA_ llr 121A CARBURETOR 23tA_ ].
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271532 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 287707, TYPE NUMBER 1259-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 20 22 23 24 25 26 PART NO. 496412 399265 391086 494238 691185 273280 495735 27803 691666 691828 692226 ° • ° 692405 • 690360 690946 690136 291675 692125 693557 222698 499284 499288 499292 495979 495854 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 49 45 46 48 50 51 53 54 73 74 75 78 93 94 94A 95 95A 98 98A 104 104A 108 105A 106 108 690193 692137.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I ,_ _ectlon 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 on slopes.
For repairof carry-inproductslike vacuums,lawnequipment,and eleclTon_s,call for thenearestSears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Any_me, deyo_r_ht(U.SA. orgy) Forthe replacementparts,accessoriesand owner's manuals that you need todo.it-yourself,callSears PartsDirectS=! d! 1-800-366-PART ===, (1-80e-366-7278) 6 a.m.~ 11 p.rn., 7 deys a we_k (u.s_-my) www.sears,c_m/partsdirect To purchase or _nquJreabout a Sears Se_ce Agreement or Sears MaintenanceAgreement. 1-800-827-6655 U.S.A. 7 a.m.