Owner's Manual ICRAFTSMAN°I 16.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271634 • 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 o 5 pm, Mort - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Warranty ................................................ 2 Maintenance ........................................ Safety Rules.......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments ..................... Product Specifications ........................... 6 Storage ................................................ Assembly ............................................... 6 Troubleshooting .................................. 17 21 27 28 Repair Parts .........................................
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. I1. SLOPE OPERATION I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe in ury or death. All slopes machine before starting. requre extra caution.
III.CHILDREN Tragic accidents canoccurif 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 childran 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 childran. • Never carry children.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shill 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, tum slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. _Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: OlLTYPE API-SF - SJ): OiL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") 1.25 UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 30 (ABOVE 32_F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 3.0 PINTS CHAMPION RC12YC GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 1ST 1.1 2ND 1.4 3RD 2.2 4TH 3.4 5TN 4.3 6TH 5.5 REVERSE: 1.7 TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI REAR: 12 PSI CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY ,YSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS 3ATTERY: AMP/HR: 25 MIN. CCA: 190 CASE SIZE:U 1R BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 27-35 FT.
Steering Wheel (1) Hex xBolt 3/8-16 1 Steedng Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 _ (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Steedng Wheel Adapter °t (1) Lockwasher 3/8 Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys € (2) Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette
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 FOR ASSEMBLY -_ _ Insert A socket wrench set wilt make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need _3_/8HeoXpewt asher are listed below.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. Terminal TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. 3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 4. Roll tractor forward off skid. 5.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (if previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. 2. Placa front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. 4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck. .F_ Deflector Shield Mulcher Plate /CHECKLIST Latch Hooks A_)_CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. t BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING ENG]NE ON REVERSE ENGINE OFF FUEL CHOKE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED OIL PRESSURE MOWER REVERSE FORWARD HEIGHT NEUTRAL FAST LIGHTS ON SLOW ! OVER TEMP LIGHT PARKING BRAKE LOCKED H L HIGH LOW KEEP AREA CLEAR UNLOCKED MOWER PARKING SLOPE LIFT BRAKE HAZ.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Attachment Clutch Ignition Switch Lilt Ammeter ..... - -. Plunger Throttle/Choke Control Clutch/Brake Pedal Attachment Lift Lever Height .
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. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR 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. TO OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
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.
MOWINGTIPS • Mower should be properly 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 dght of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE CheCk Brake Operation ;ERV]CE _ _1_ CheckT_rePressure I/ _ CheCk Operator Presence and Interlock Systems k/ Check f_ loose Fasteners Sharpen/Re@ace Mower Blades I_ If?: I1_ DATES I I_4 lu_caUonChad $/ b/ li/ I_ Check Batte_ lev_4 Clean Barley and Terminals Check Transa_e Co_mg Adlust Blade BeitCS)Tension fl/_ Adjust Moron Ddve Belt(s) Tension _s Change Engine Oi_ _2,! Clean Air Filter {t_z Clean Air Screen I1_
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.
BA'I-i'ERY Yourtractor 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.
Closed and -__ Oil DrainValve Position Locked Ca D_in Tube 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. ENGINE COOLING FINS Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating. 1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. 2. Remove hex bolts from blower housing and lift housing off engine. 3.
3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. 4. Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline. ClamP_clam p Fuel Filter CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. 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.
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 without tools. 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 puneys 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 pu]ley grooves and inside al] belt guides. 6.
TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: 1. Make sure transaxfa is in neutral (N). NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. 2. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel. 3. Position the gear shift lever in the neutral (N) position. 4.
PositiveTerminal Keps Nut _. Negative Terminal Positive (Red) Cable Cables PositiveTerminal Negative Terminal REPLACING BATTERY /LCAUTION: 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. 1. Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. 2.
ENGINE Maintenance,repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customersexpense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle controlhas been preset at the factory and adjustment shouidnot be necessary.Check edjustment as described below before loosening ceble.
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor wiU not be used for 30 days or more. _kCAUTION: 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, dean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. 5. 6. 7 Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 1O.Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start 1, Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery, 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5. Stale or dirty fuel. 6. Loose or damaged wiring. 7. Carburetor out of adjustment. ! 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM .ossofpower CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 1. CuKingtoo muchgrass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. i 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. j41Low o,level/dio, i 6. Faulty spark plug, 7. Dirtyfuel fitten 8. Stale or dirty fuel, 9. Waterinfuel, 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.Enginevalvesout of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Mowerbladeswill not rotate CHART CAUSE 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2, Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3, Frozen idler pulley, 4. Frozen blade mandrel, Poor grass discharge 1. Engine speed too slow, Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 1. Switch is "OFF". 2. Bulb(s) or lamp(s) burned out. 3. Faulty light switch. 4. Loose or damaged wiring. Engine"backfires" whentuming engine "OFF" 2. Replace mower drive belt, 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Replace blade mandrel. 1.
SCHEMATIC TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 BATTERY _',4) _0 _' (PEDAL UP) '-' " ww_ SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) CLUTCH I BjpR_ _ _ GLUT F GROUNO_,G 1 (OPTIONAL)FUEL UNiT IGNITION - SPARK GAp PLUG J (_ pLUGS : ON TWiN CYL. ENGINES) FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID (IFSOEQUIPPED) I --o_,___,_,_'_,_ Rio -- _'_------ ) YOUR TRACTOR _-%.A_/_J_ D_O_ - ...... _ "x....... HEADLIGHTS /_ NON-REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS SW_rC N REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS WIRING , ',ALTERNATOR IS ALTERNATOR _YSTEM.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 ELECTRICAL 25 i ' _J- i ...................... 1 _ 32 i.....
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917,27t634 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR --MODEL NUMBER917.271634 CHASSIS ANDENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ....
TRACTOR - - MODEL STEERINGASSEMBLY NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 9t 7.271634 STEERINGASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 6 6 7 6 9 16 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 ENGINE 62 81 13 78 < 29 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 170545 17720410 ........ 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 137352 165291 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 158990 123487X DESCRIPTION KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 LIFT ASSEMBLY 13 19 15 32 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12C(:(:(:O2 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 DESCRIPTION Washer Asm Inner Spring W/ Ptunger Shaft Asm. Lift RH Pin Groove E Ring #6133_2 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. Link Asm Lift R.H. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 SEAT ASSEMBLY \ KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMB ER 917.271634 DECALS 6 4 7 7 10 2 13 14 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 156388 174210 171_6 171697 176677 133644 177253 172331 163204 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Replcmnt Decal, Hood Rh Decal, Hood Lh Decal, Hp Engine Decal, Maint Customer Sears Dora Decal, Hood Side DecalMower Decal, Fender Craftsman WHEELS &TIRES 2_ 5,8 4,10 11 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 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 48 49 50 51 KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck S]_2.4008 Retainer Bpdng 130832 Arm, Suspension.Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 9t7.271634 DANA TRANSAXLE- - MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 BRIGGS& STRATTONENGINE-MODEL NUMBER310707,TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 51 _ L. 1421 _.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 BRIGGS & STRATTONENGINE-MODEL NUMBER310707,TYPE NUMBER0137-E1 ! 977 CARBURETOR 121 CARBURETOR GA.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 9t 7.271634 BRIGGS& STRATTONENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707,TYPE NUMBER0137-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 690156 399265 391086 494236 690188 692410 495735 27803 691666 691328 692226 13 15 16 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 43 45 46 48 50 51 83 54 73 74 75 78 93 94 94A 95 95A 98 98A 104 104A 165 105A DESCRIPTION * .+ • • 692466 • 692405 .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271634 BRIGGS & STRATTONENGINE-MODELNUMBER 310707,TYPE NUMBER0137-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPENAIION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I I_ greater than 15 ), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution changing slopes.
For repairof major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ (1_Y_0-469-4663) Any_, cbyorr_ht (U.SJ_andCanada) For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 An_, dayofnight(U.Sk orly) tq_V_Nm For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourseff,call Sears PartsDIrectS"t 1-800-366-PART (1-800-3_6-7278) 6 a.
