Owner's Manual JCRIIFTSMIIWJ 16.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271644 • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance • Repair Parts differently built engine engines.which Before you start the This productfrom has previously a low emission operates engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly ......................
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. II. SLOPE OPERATION I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructions in the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes machine before starting. require extra caution.
Ill. CHILDREN • 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, 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.
CAUTION: 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 ,_you r tractor.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F ' SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 3.0 PINTS OIL CAPACITY: Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC GAP: .
• Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert C) (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 washer (1) Lock 3/8 3/8-16 x 1 (1) kocknut 5/16-18 Steering Boot _ Steering Wheel Adapter t Extension Shaft teering Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video 7 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 ASSEMBLY FOR 6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely. 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. Label Seat Terminal Battery Door TO ROLL TRACTOR 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.
INSTALL MULCHER CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM PLATE (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. 2. Place 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. Deflector Shield Mulcher Plate Latch Hooks _lb CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature Learn and understand their meaning. I- supplied with the product.
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 Lift J Lever Plunger Attachment Lift Lever Height Adjustment Indicator "Parking Brake Lever Motion Control Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
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. TO OPERATE MOWER IMPORTANT: The motion control lever does not return to neutral (N) position when the clutch/brake pedal is depressed.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. 2. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. 3. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 4. Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position. 5.
AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONWARM UP Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows: 1. Be sure the tractor is on level ground. 2. Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/brake slowly return to operating position. 3. Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during the engine warm up period. • The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up.
MOWING TIPS • 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 right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
F,LL,, DATES AS YOU COMPLETE °EOU RV,CE RSE O_' Check Brake Operation Tire Pressure _V' T Check Operator Presence and InterlockSystems V # R Check for Loose Fasteners V # T Lubrication 0 A Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades a Clean _?._ ?._ _, 9,-_ _7 V e I_ i4 Battery and Terminals I_ Cooling V # Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension _#ws Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Check Engine Oil Level Ks V e Change Engine OiJ I1_1_.
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 IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
• 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 CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1. Open battery box door. 2.
NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace pre-cleaner. 6. Reinstall pre-cleaner over cartridge. 7. Reinstall cover and secure with knob(s). 7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. CLEAN AIR SCREEN TO SERVICE CARTRIDGE 1.
C'amP C,am0 • 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. Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life. uo, CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are propedy 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 BELT MOWER BLADE DRIVE With Parking Brake "Engaged" _Nut The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. O ratin0 /r A "A" Nut BELT REMOVAL1. 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.
TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. 1. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten. 2. Start engine and move motion control lever until tractor does not move forward or backward. 3. Hold motion control lever in that position and turn engine off. 4. While holding motion control lever in place, loosen the adjustment bolt. 5.
TO ATI-ACH JUMPER CABLES 1. Connect each end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery, taking care not to short against chassis. 2. Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of fully charged battery. 3. Connect the other end of the BLACK cable to good CHASSIS GROUND, away from fuel tank and battery. Seat oy Box TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER 1. BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. 2. RED cable last from both batteries.
ENGINE TO ADJUST Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, 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 NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission.
ACCELERATION TEST4. Move throttle control lever from slow to Idle Speed Screw _ fast position. If engine hesitates or dies, turn idle mixture valve out (counterclockwise) 1/8 turn. Repeat test and continue to adjust, if necessary, until engine accelerates smoothly. High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust - damage may result. IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for proper engine speed.
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. _1, 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM CORRECTION 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Check all wiring. 9. See "To Adjust Carburetor" in Service Adjustments section. 10. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM I Loss of power (cont nued) CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 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 or dirty 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. Excessive vibration 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 8. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades improperly installed. 10.Improper blades used. 11.Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) Switch is "OFF".
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,271644 SCHEMATIC BATTERY RED FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) :© WHITE STARTER : ©-_, -SOLENOID /)G L ....... J CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDALUP) A1 WHITE IGNITION ........
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 Battery 12 VOLT 25 AMP Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc x 3/4 Case Battery Switch, Interlock Push-In Ha mess Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga w/16 wire red Fuse 20 AMP Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Unc Cable Ground 6 Ga 12" black Switch Plunger Nc Gray Switch Ign Key Ign Harness Ign Bolt BIk.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 5 9 10 1t 12 13 14 17 18 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 51 52 53 54 55 57 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 206 207 208 212 - - DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Orawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X013 Dash 72140608 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 155927 Panel, Dash, L.H. 145660 Clip Tinnerman Grille P/L 172107X010 Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 GROUND DRIVE 120 '_'_ 36 52 62 36 35 95 @32 ..
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 GROUND DRtVI KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 SEAT ASSEMBLY ij I i 5 I f16 I1/18 \ 11 17 12 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 DECALS 13 13 6 3 10 7 2O 9 5 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, 156811 171696 171697 179126 133644 177253 172331 163204 156439 146046 177259 WHEELS Oper. Instr. Hood, RH. Hood, L,H. Deck "B" 42" Customer Maintenance Hood Side LT1000 Deck Fender, Craftsman Fender Danger V-Belt Drive Schematic Dash Panel & TIRES 4,10 11 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift LH. Link Asm Lift R.H. Retainer Spring Link Front Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Unc Trunnion Nut Lock w/Wsh 1/2-13 Uric Arm Suspension Mower Retainer Spring Beadng, Pvt.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 MOWER DECK 103 105 / 101 102f 34 21 .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 3 5 6 9 13 772151 770135 776355 778263 786197 778368 14 778368 15 17 22 23 25 26 28 29 31 36 37 38 40 41 42 42A 43 44A 44B 45 47 48 49 56 65 67 778373 786139 792194 792195 792073A 792125 792035 780065 780189 790071 790007 799021 792204 790102 792202 792203 792171 790100 790099 790101 774869 774688 778378 778379 780195 776440 DESCRIPTION Cover L.H. Case Counter Shaft Spur Gear 11T Neutral Sleeve (.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 BRIGGS & STRA'rTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 "k-REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 690156 399265 391086 494238 690188 692410 495735 27803 691666 591328 692226 DESCRIPTION Cylinder Assembly Kit-Bushing/Seal Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) Sump-Engine Head-Cylinder o+ Gasket-Cylinder Head Breather Assembly Gasket-Breather Screw (Breather Assembly) Tube-Breather Gasket-Crankcase (.015 Thick, Std) 692406 Gasket-Crankcase (.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.271644 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 KEY NO.
SERVICE NOTE 58
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN NOT ACROSS HILL o'l _D 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.
Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repair of major brand appliancesin your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ Any_e, dayornight (1-800-469-4663) (U.S.A. and Canada) www.$ears.com www,seats.ca For repair of carry-inproducts likevacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, callfor the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 AnyOne,dayor_g_t(U.SJ_orCy) wl_N.seats.
