Owner's Manual ICRAFTZHAX°I LAWN TRACTOR 17.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.271662 [_ differently built engines. Beforeoperates you start the This productfrom haspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before For answers to your questions operating this equipment.
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Sears Service ...................... Back Cover Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 AssemblyPre-Operation .........
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. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning.
DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Please road and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (Above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: GAP: .030") Champion Ground (MPH): Speed Forward: Reverse: REPAIR A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel insert _(1) (1) Large Flat Washer Locknut _ (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 1/2-20 Steering Boot _ _ _/)4!28cknut Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter Seat (_Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 7
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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, 1/2 hex nut and tighten securely. 7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. 8.
Label Terminal NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID Operation section for location function of controls) INSTALL (See and 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. Mulcher Plate Deflector Shield Latch Hooks _1, 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. I- ;I BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FORWARD ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE FAST LIGHTS ON ® FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT R N ATrACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED IGNITION DANGER, REVERSE NEUTRAL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED SLOW PARKING BRAKE LOCKED H L HIGH LOW ov,%_.
KNOWYOUR 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.
I or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any ;_aesS_ev_hich can result inWe severe eye damage. Always safetyor a adjustments safetywear glasses The operationorofrepairs, any tractor recommend can result instandard foreign objects thrown into the wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. _ 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 2-112 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.
BEFORE CHECK STARTING ENGINE THE ENGINE TO START OIL LEVEL ENGINE 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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP NOTE: Dudng this step there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic ddve system. 5. Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. Shutoff engine and set parking brake. 6. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in 'transmission engaged" position (See "TO TRANSPORT in this section of manual). 7. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed.
MOWINGTIPS MULCHING • Mower should be propedy leveled for best mowing performance. See _'1"O 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 already 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 FILL ,.O,TEB j_ R EOURV,CE RBE ASYOUCOMPLETE _ Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure T R Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Sharpe_'Replace 0 Check Battery Level ; R 9.1'/; _ I/ If I_s II_ 1_3 _ If V' Cooling V* Check V-Belts V' Check Engine Oil Level II/ V' Change Engine Oi_ (with oil filter) 1_1_2 E Change Engine Oii (without oil filter) V'_.
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.
• Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery botts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for I 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 BATTERYAND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1.
7. Refillenginewith CLEAN 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. AIR FILTER Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating.
• 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. ClamP_clamp Fuel Filter CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
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 undednflated, 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 The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL ngaged" Jam Nut - rn 1. Remove mower from tractor (See 'q'O REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). 2. Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. Pull belt away from mower. Arm BELT INSTALLATION 1. Work belt around both mandrel 2. 3.
Neutral Lock Gate Motion Control Lever Engine Pulley -_ Clutching Idler /_ Stationary Idler TRANSMISSION MENT ._._.___. TO ADJUST MENT Adjustment Bolt REMOVAL/REPLACE- STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble with crossbars horizontal. Tighten securely.
TO START BATTERY ENGINE WITH A WEAK _I, WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. Ifyour battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BA-I-i-ERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual). If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system.
TO REMOVE SEMBLY HOOD AND GRILL Governor ControLLever AS- 1. Raise hood. 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. 3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. 4. When replacing hood, be sure to reconnect the headlight wire connector. Governor Control Plate __rottle Holes "A" TO ADJUST Cable Clamp Screw CARBURETOR NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission.
Idle Speed 3. While still holding throttle lever against idle speed screw, turn idle mixture valve full travel clockwise then counterclockwise until engine runs rough. Turn valve to a point midway between those two positions. Release throttle lever. ACCELERATION TEST4. Move throttle control lever from slow to 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.
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. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. 1. Drain the fuel tank. 2. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM Will not start CORRECTION 10.Engine valves out of adjustment. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See 'q'O 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 carbure tor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Check all wiring. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power (conUnued) CORRECTION CAUSE 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. 5. 6. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirly engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring. 14.Carburetor out of adjustment. 15.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate (con't) Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 2. directed Worn/damaged mower drive belt, Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. Engine speed center 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. 4. Replace idler pulley. Contact aSears or other qualified service center. too slow. 1. Switch is "OFF". 2. Bulb(s) or lamp(s) burned out. 3. Faulty light switch. 4. Loose or damaged wiring. Blown fuse. 1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 SCHEMATIC BATTERY © AMMETER FUSE (OPTIONAL) _ STARTER .... 8L_CK i i t : G GL_ A1 A_ SOLENOID i a__ J (PEDAL UP) wwrE CLUTCH/ BRAKE IGNITION SWITCH ,-...... , ,(N_OT_ OCCUPIED) SEAT SWITCH BUCK BLACK A v (OPTIONAL) SPARK BLACK F_E_L: (_ UNIT IGNITION _ I (3P_RGING SYSTEM C,4JTpt]T 3 AMP DC O 3600 RPM GAP _ PLUG _2PLUGS ON TWI_ CYL ENGINES) 28 VOLTS AC MIN.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 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 90 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc x 3/4 Box Battery Fender Switch, Intedock Hamess Asm LightW/4152j Bulb Light#1156 Cable Battery6 Ga 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga w/16 wire red Fuse20AMP Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Uric Cable Ground 6 Ga 12" black Switch Plunger Nc Gray Switch Ign Key Ign Harness Ign Bolt BIk.
TRACTOR-CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES MODELNUMBER 917.271662 28 39 166 58 0/5 208.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.271662 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER GROUND DRIVE 38 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 8 10 14 15 16 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 70 ...... DESCRIPTION Transmission (See Breakdown) Hydro Gear Model 322-0510 165866 Rod, Shift STD561210 Pin, Cotter 1/8 x 1 STD551125 Washer Lock 1/4 74490544 BoltHex FIghd 5/16-18 Gr.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 -D- - t _ 3g l t L I "----._..1 IL---,.-,.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 170545 17720408 ........
SEAT ASSEMBLY TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 5 21 wI iI 12 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 140122 1_1 71110616 19131610 145OO6 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 121246X KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 DECALS 13 6 7 7 4 2 13 10 20 11 12 t KEY PART NO, NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Hood Replacement Decal, Hood, R.H Decal, Hood, L.H. Decal, Deck "B" 42" Decal, Customer Maintenance Decal Hood Side LT100O Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger Decal, Battery 156811 181414 177278 177279 179128 133644 177253 163204 156439 138047 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 8 i I' i 5 .i l' ,I i .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 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 Wesher Asm Inner SpringW/Plunger Shaft Asm. Uft Pin Groove E Ring#5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. BeadngNylong Grip Handle Fluted ButtonPlunger Read LinkAsm Lift L.H. LinkAsm Uft R.H. Retainer Spdng LinkFront Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Unc Trunnion Nut Lock w/Wsh 1/2-13 Unc Arm SuspensionMower Retainer Spring Bearing, Pvt.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 MOWER DECK 157 158 34 >21 29 .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165892 STD533107 138017 165460 STD624008 178024 85O857 STD551137 140296 134149 137645 Mower Dock Assembly, 42" Bolt BracketAssembly,Sway Bar, Front Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck Retainer Spdng Bar Sway Deck Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 HYDROTRANSAXLE- - MODELNUMBER322-0510 NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 170351 170-352 170353 170354 169898 170355 170356 170357 170358 170359 170360 169870 170361 173158 16 170362 17 18 19 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 170363 170364 173159 170365 170366 170367 170368 170369 170370 170371 32 170.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 1022 1023_J _3 .
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 104,_1270 =78_ 987® 9s_ O3,A_6._ 1,,O "3'%,R 1095 VALVE GASKET SET 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 617 0 3 (_ 1022_ 524 _ 842 _' 691_ 176_ 48 NIKKI 131,,1 _1 13OA©_1 JJ 121A CARBURETOR 95A _ 51 276A O 104A _ 217.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271662 BRIGGS & STRA'I-I'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0137-E1 KEY NO. 287 304 305 306 307 309 310 311 333 334 337 344 358 363 369 383 404 445 455 462 467 474 503 505 510 513 523 524 525 544 552 562 579 601 614 616 617 633 634 PART NO.
SERVICENOTE 58
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION Ol (o 1. Fold this page along dotted llne indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that Its left edge Is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill.
Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters. 1-800-4-MY-HOME _) Anytime, day or night (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.