Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRN'I 17.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271730 • Safety • Assembly • Operation = Maintenance • Repair Parts differently from built engines.
Maintenance ....................................... 17 Service and Adjustments.................... 21 Storage ............................................... 27 Troubleshooting ................................. 28 Repair Parts ........................................ 32 Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications.......................... 6 Assembly ................
IMPORTANT: This cuttng machine is ca pa.,bleof amputating hands and feet and. throwing objects. Failure to observe the following sarety instructions coulo result in serioUS injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow a!l Slopes are a major factor related to icssinstructions in the manual and on the of-control and tipover accidents, which machine before starting. can result in severe injury or death.
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 rerr_in 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.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will 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 tum on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY ANDTYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE32°F SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) W/FILTER:3,5 PINTS W/OFILTER:3,0 PINTS CHAMPION RCt2YC OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") VALVE CLEARANCE: GROUND MPH): REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreementis available on this product. Contactyour nearest Sears storefor details. INTAKE: ,003"-.005" EXHAUST: .
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Lock 3/8 washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 3/8-16 x 1 (1) L_x_knut 5/16-18 Steering _ Steering Wheel Adapter I Boot _/ Extension Shaft teedng 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 exception of those parts left unaseembled 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 socketwrenchset will make assembly easier. Standardwrenchsizes you need are listedbelow.
INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and 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. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shownfor replacingmotion and mower blade drive belts in the Serviceand Adjustments sectionof thismanual. Verifythatthe belts are routed correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learnhow to operateyour tractor,checkto see that the brake is propedyadjusted.
Thesesymbols mayappearonyourtractor orinliterature supplied withtheproduct. Learnandunderstand theirmeaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR 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.
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 ad ustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectac es 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.
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER A'I'rACHMENTS 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. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor. BEFORE STARTINGTHE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
• The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-up pedod. NOTE-" If at a high altitude(above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetorfuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustmentsss_lon of this manual. MOWINGTIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be propedy leveled for best mowing performance.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FtLL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVIC_ Cheek Operator Presence and I_erlock Systems I(_ Check _ LooseFasteners I/ 11/71 I Sharpen/ReplaceMowerBlades Lubfica_on Chart I_ _1_ Check Battely Level Clean Baltmy and Terminals I1_ Check Transaxle Cooling I_ (1_ Adjust Blade Bell(s) Tep.slon Ks Adjt_t Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension CheCk Engine Oil Level _s If c;.,_ En_r,e og _=.
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 tiros (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 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.
1. Remove screwsfromblowerhousing andlifthousing and dipstick tube assembly off engine. 2. Cover oil fill opening to prevent entry of did. 3. Use compressed air or stiff bristle brush to thoroughly clean engine cooling fins. 4. To reassemble, reverse above procedure. Screws BlowerHousing IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean the cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized sir to clean or dP/cartridge.
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANYSERVICE ORADJUSTMENTS: 1.Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 3. 4. 5. 6. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFP 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. TO INSTALL MOWER 1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2.
• 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. NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 1/8". • Recheck measurements after adjusting.
TO ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted. 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal and engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3.
TOREMOVE WHEEL FORREPAIRS 1. Blockupaxlesecurely. 2. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). 3. Repair tire and reassemble. NOTE: On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. 4. Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. 5. Replace axle cover. NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent fiat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer.
TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood. INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS Loose or damaged wiring may cause your tractor to run poorly, stop running, or prevent it from starting. • Check wiring. See electrical wiring diagram in the Repair Parts section. TO REPLACE FUSE 1. 2.
2. Move throttle controllever to slow position.W'_ finger, rotateand hold thmttie lever against idle speed screw. Turn idle speed screw to attain 1750 RPM. 3. While stillholdingthrottie lever against idle speed screw, turn idle mixturevalve full travel clockwisethen counterclockwise until engine runs rough. Tum valve to a point midway between those two posilJons. Release throttle lever. ACCELERATION TEST 4. Move throttle control lever from slew to fast position.
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 PROBLEM Will not start Hard to start CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 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 Water in fuel. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty airfilter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Waterin fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11 .Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12, Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring. 14.Carburator out of adjustment. 15. Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstructionin clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt, 3, Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Replace mower ddve belt. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Replace blade mandrel. 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Wet grass. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 SCHEMATIC BLACK BATTERY "° o-T- i CG3e------ RED AMMETER _ "_ _(OPTIONAL) FUSE i j:_ ', 0 ', 0"4_ .___, .... ! I _ I STARTER '-- ..... EOLENO,O CLUTCH I BRAKE ....... SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) _rr E i _ GNITION BL_;K I ! / i e _ ,i I BIj_K . CONNECTOR _ b.t*_ : _=_IEL_ : LINE : i i I i C[ i _ I.I_CK J (OPTIONAL) =. E _- ......... IGNITtOt4 UNIT SPARK _ GAP PLUG TWI_ CYL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
ELECTRICAL TRACTOR -. MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODELNUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 GROUND DRIVE __. 2- *.7 _..
TRACTOR - -MODELNUMBER 917.271730 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 ........
TRACTOR - - MODELNUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODELNUMBER 917.271730 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. 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 3_ 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 63 65 66 67 68 79 80 8_2 85 139768 154427 169840 169839 _ 121748X 19272016 12000(_9 3366R 16,°832 ST0551137 136518 145212 156546 57079 160395 165857 165851 154406 126847X 136874 19131416 1706_612 STD561210 130465 155099 152927 139769 1913.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 170545 17720410 3 ......
TRACTOR - - MODELNUMBER 917.271730 SEATASSEMBLY KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 Seat Bracket Pnt PLvotSeat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16uric X 1 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga Clip PUsh In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 Unc Spdng Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk ZJ Screw 3/8-16 X 1 Washer 13/3,?. X 1 X 14 Ga pan Pnt Seat 11 12 166369 121246X Knob Seat AdJ WIngnut Bracket Pnt Mounting Switch KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 DECALS 13 13 6 9@_ 10 3 7 8 \ 12 14 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal,Replacement Decal,Hood,R.H. Decal, Hood,L.H. Decal,HP Engine Decal,CustomerMaintenance Decal,HoodSide Decal,Mower Heavy Duty12 Ga. Decal,Fender, Craftsman Decal,FenderDanger 156368 171760 171696 171697 176680 133644 177253 172"331 163204 156439 WHEELS & TIRES 4,t0 11 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 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 Spdng W/Runger Shaft Asm. Lift Rn Groove E Ring#5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. 8eadng Nyloflg Gdp Handie Ruted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift LH, Link Asm Lift R.H.
MOWER DECK TRACTOR ° -MODELNUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 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 35 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 59 67 DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Deck ASsembly,42STD533107 Bolt 138017 BracketAssembly,SweyBar, Front 165460 BracketSweyBer38/42"Deck STD624008 RetainerSpdng 130832 Arm,Suspension,Rear 850857 Bolt,Hex 3/8-24x1,25Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART NO. NO, 1 2 3 4 5 6 6A 7 8 8A 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 20 21 22 25 25A 26 27 28 29 29A 29B 29C 30 31 772147 780086A 770128 776395 776409 778364 778369 778330 792180 792047 784352 784378 778334 778309 778368 778368 778370 786188 786102 792077A 792078 792079 792073A 792177 792125 792035 788040 780072 780160 780(_1 780199 780108 780001 31A _2 34 35 35A 36 37 38 39 40 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODELNUMBER917.271730 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPENUMBER 0125-E1 "k REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS TO INSTALL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - -MODELNUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707,TYPE NUMBER 0125-E1 121 CARBURETOR 104_ _ 127_ _\ CARBURETOR 137 0 977 OVERHAUL 276_ 987_ KIT 95_ GASKET SET 634A_ 634_J_ 117_]_ 231_42_ io. VALVE GASKET SET 61_ O" 358 ENGINE GASKET SET s!_ 524@ .2_ NIKKI 121A CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT _ 98 A 51',!_ 217_1_ 1_7A01 +_ _. _._° ,__ _ _ _ I _____1 ].
TRACTOR - -MODELNUMBER 917.271730 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0125-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 PART NO. 690156 399265 391086 5 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 690188 494238 692410 696126 27803 691666 691328 692226 13 15 16 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 43 45 46 48 50 51 53 54 73 74 75 78 93 94 94A 95 95A 98 98A 104 104A 105 105A KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271730 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0125-E1 KEY NO, 305 306 307 309 310 311 333 334 337 344 358 363 369 383 404 445 462 467 474 503 505 510 513 523 524 525 544 552 562 579 601 614 616 617 633 634 PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I 1_ greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent Upping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate when caution your Tractor changingup direction and downonthe slopes.
Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold itt 1-800-4-MY-HOME sMAw,r_,_y orn_ht (1-800-469-4663) WWW.Sears.com To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics for repair, call for the location of your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center. 1-800"488-1222 A.y,_, dayor n_ght www.sears.
