Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRN°I LAWN TRACTOR 18.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.271760 [_ differently built engines. Beforeoperates you start the This productfrom haspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. CAUTION: For answers 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 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. Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. • 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: • 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 read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor propedy. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (Above SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 3.5 Pints Spark Plug: 'GAP: .030") Champion Ground (MPH): Speed Forward: Reverse: REPAIR 32°F) AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product.
Steering Steering Wheel insert Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut _ (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Steering Boot _ Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob ,Oraio 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 FOR 6. Assemble large flat washer, 1/2 hex nut and tighten securely. ASSEMBLY 7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. 8.
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 TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID Operation section for location function of controls) Termini 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 BRAKESYSTEM 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 A CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. or in literature I r supplied with the product.
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 various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Ammeter Light Switch Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch of .... .. ..... -, _.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the I eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety I glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any I adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectac es. | ] • Turn ignition key to "STOP" position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use.
Attachemnt • 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 ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS =Engaged" Posi_on Position Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels on a flat level surface.
TransmlsslonEngaged Transmission ACAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. ACAUTION: 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.
• The attachments now be used. If accept the load, allow it to warm using the choke and ground drive can the engine does not restart the engine and up for one minute as described above. COLD WEATHER below) STARTING ( 50 ° F and 7. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • 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 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.
F,LMAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .,__ _"._"_/_._" DATES //// / / Check T_re Pressure Check R Operator Presence Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace T T LubricationS'/sterns Chart interlock Check Battery Level 0 R and ills Mower Blades _1 _3 _4 Clean Battery and Terminals V' Check Transaxle Cooling J Check V-Belts V' Check Engine Oil Level _ If Change EngineOil (withoil filter) E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) a G Air Screen Filler Clean Air 11_1# V'l.
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 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 NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F.
8. CLEAN 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. ENGINE 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. OIL FILTER ENGINE Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year.
• 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. Clam_clamp Fuel Filter CLEANING • Clean of all • Keep of all _lb engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. foreign matter. finished surfaces and wheels free gasoline, oil, etc.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. • To lower front of mower loosen nut "E" on both front links an equal number of turns. • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. • To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F" from trunnion on both front links. Tighten nut "E" on both front links an equal number of turns. The two front links must remain equal in length.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE TO ADJUST DRIVE 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3. If distance is other than 1-9/16", loosen jam nut and turn nut "A" until distance becomes 1-9/16". Retighten jam nut against nut "A". 4. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in "transmission The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface.
5. 6. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. Install mower (See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in this section of manual). Neutral Lock Gate Motion Control Lever Engine _ _ Adjustment Bolt Clutching Idler TRANSMISSION MENT Stationan Idler Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual.
TO START BA'n'ERY ENGINE WITH A WEAK 3. Install new battery with terminals in same position as old battery. 4. First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten securely. Slide terminal cover over terminal 5. Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) terminal with remaining hex bolt and keps nut. Tighten securely. _I, WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries.
TO REMOVE SEMBLY Governor Control Lever HOOD AND GRILL AS- Governor Control Plate 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. \ \ __ottle Holes "A" TO ADJUST Cable Clamp Screw CARBURETOR NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission.
3. Idle Speed 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 S_LTh TEST- 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. ,_ CAUTION: 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. Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual PROBLEM Will not start unless directed CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. lO.Engine valves adjustment. Hard to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. out of Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug. Weak or dead battery. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 6.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CAUSE 3. CORRECTION 4. 5. 6. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. 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 adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate (con't) Poor grass discharge unless directed CAUSE CORRECTION 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 2. 1. Engine 1. speed too slow. 2. 3. Travel speed too fast. Wet grass. 4. 5. Mower deck not level. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, 7. 8. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades bent or loose blade.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) STARTER BLACK WHITE I RED SOLENOID I )a j CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) At( WHITE IGNITION SWITCH r ...... SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) • BLACK ( BLAC_ _A_MEmDCU_r_.-'"_....... (CLUTDH OF:_-- BLUE GROUNDING CONNECTOR '_ (OPTIONAL) ' J IGNITION UNIT - - -FOE_L] Bt.
TRACTOR-- MODELNUMBER 917,271760 ELECTRICAL F/ I I I _ I t I II f I /i i I I i J/ i / j I 26 r I I t L \ \ I / I 161 i J I I / \ P / \ I I I I I 34 /
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES MODELNUMBER 917.271760 28 39 166 31 _/5 58 208.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ...... 8 10 14 16 19 21 22 24 25 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 74 DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. Transaxle(See Breakdown) Peedess LTH2000 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x I CAD 10040400 Washer Leek Hvy Helical STD541431 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins.
TRACTOR-- MODELNUMBER 917.271760 STEERINGASSEMBLY I-.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER KEY PART NO. NO. 917.271760 DESCRIPTION 1 139768 SteedngWheel 2 175131 Axle Assembly 3 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 4 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 ENGINE 81 78 r s _ _s 31 29 \ OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 42 ,3, _ _, _.._.--._.._ _ ,_ .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 62 72 78 81 Control,Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine (See Breakdown)B&S Model No. 31H777-0228-E1 Muffler Gasket B&S Tube Drain Oil Easy Washer Shield BrrdDbr Guard Arrestor, Spark Tank. Fuel Cap Assembly, Fuel Sears, Vented Clamp, Hose Line, Fuel Plug, Drain Oil Easy Bushing,Snap, Fuel Line Screw, Hex Washer Head, Thd., Roll.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 21 [ I 11 17 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Seat Bracket, Pivot, Fender Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Knob Seat 18o597 180166 71110616 19131610 145o06 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 DECALS 10 3 4 7 13 16 2O 11 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, HP Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H. Decal HoodReplacement Decal, CustomerMaintenance Decal, HoodSide Decal, Deck Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger Decal, Deck B 42" 156811 183794 177278 177279 183831 133644 177253 172331 163204 156439 179128 WHEELS KEY PART NO. NO. 12 13 14 16 20 -- & TIRES 7 3,9 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 175689 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 Uft Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21132 x 1 x21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Bed Unk, Uft, L.H. Unk, Uft, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 MOWER DECK 68 106 _-_ 102 ; 142 ;147 103 105 lo2 t i 34 \ 2 16 27 1 18 18 114 . 7.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533t07 138017 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 54 55 56 59 DESCRIPTION KEY NO. Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" eck STD624008 RetainerSpdng 178024 Bar Sway Deck 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 3 6 6 9 13 772151 770135 776356 778263 786197 778366 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.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0228-E1 108A _ , oo_/_ !95_' _---- 634A_ I 2,0,_ 137 @ 276 (_ 950 947 _]_ L.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0228-E1 30SA _ 1265 643 729 697 _ 74 _1_ 803_ 310_ 31H777-O228-E1 579 • 7s _ 503 1070 802 544A 801A (_ 1o 1& 803A 1_ 311A NOTE: Fc_ Replacement Starter Motor.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 BRIGGS & STRA'R'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0228-E1 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271760 BRIGGS& STRATTONENGINE-MODELNUMBER31H777,TYPE NUMBER0228-E1 KEY PART NO. NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION .Opt" _. 1. Fold this page along dotted line 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 (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.ca (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.
