Owner's Manual CRHFTSMIIN 9.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271814 • • • • 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 - 5 pm, Mort - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... Safety Rules ......................................... Product Specifications .......................... Assembly .............................................. Operation ............................................ Maintenance Schedule ...................... Maintenance ....................................... 19 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................
MPORTANT: This cutt ng machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the follow ng saraty instructionscould resu t n serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. , Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. , Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
IlL CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presenoe 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 children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off i_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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY ANDTYPE: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR )ILTYPE API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) ,IL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM GAP: ,030") OR J19LM GROUND SPEED FORWARD: (MPH): 1sT 1.2 2 N° 1.5 Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact a Sears or other qualified service center. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert @ (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 5/16-18_ [_ ,' °t (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Lockwasher 3/8 !_A]_J] Wheel ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ', Steering Adapter _ teering Boot Steering Extension Shaft (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Keys C (2) Keys Knob 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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
:_-4-;_- ° _.,..... •"" ., "' .. ' Label ;o ,ji..... INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer secudng 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.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled. See =3-0 LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
_CHECKLIST Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this quality product. Please review the following checklist: J" All assembly instructionshave been completed. •/ No remaining loose parts in carton. •/ Battery is properly prepared and charged,(Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). J"Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. #" Alltires are properly inflated.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Leam and understand their meaning.
KNOW YOU RTRACTOR READTHISOWNER'S MANUAL ANDSAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare theillustrations withyourtractor tofamiliarize yourself withthelocations of various controls andadjustments.Save this manualfor futurereference.
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 Yourtractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO ADJUST MOWER cUTTING HEIGHT The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height. • Grasp lift lever. • Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position. The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.
TO TRANSPORT • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. • When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TO START ENGINE When staring the engine forthe firsttirne or if the engine has runout of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. 2. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Move throttle control to fast position 5. Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt.
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 machine. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS yOU COMPLETE REGULAR S ERV_CE _ERVICE C_eck Brake Ope_atk_ fl_ V/ Cl_eck Tire pressure (I/ I## DATES Check Operator pr_ en#,eand c_eck _ Loo_Fa=_6ra SharpeWRepla_ ip/ t/7 Mowe_ Blades I,/ _4 Lubr_t_Ch=_ V' !t/ CleanBatteryand Tem_ina b b# b/ C;leCkTransaxle Coolieg f_ Check Batter),Lewd AdjustB_le Be_(s)Te_¢C_ I_s Ad_u_4Motic_DriveBelt[s)T_8_,,_ check _0_ O_L,,vet _i,/s t/ V*' ChangeEngineOil l_z3 Ck_n .
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and BRAKE OPERATION flat washer in exact order as shown. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet 5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. stopping distance at high speed in torque). highest gear, then brake must be adIMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat justed. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the treated.
BA'FrERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficientfor normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend ks life, • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolls tight. • Keep small vent holes open, • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour, NOTE: The odginal 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.
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. Air guide covers must be removed. Remove side panels and hood (See "TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, ete. • 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. CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
• Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length. • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. • To tower front of mower _oosennut "E" on both front links an equal number of turns. • When dister_e "O" is 1/6" to 1/2" lower at front then rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. • To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F' from trunnion on both front links.
BELT INSTALLATION 4. Install new belt in reverse order of removal 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 6. Install mower in reverse order of removal instructions. Mandrel TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Parkthe tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installationguide decal on bottom side of left footrest. 1. Remove mower (See "3"0 REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual.) 2. Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. 3.
Gearshift , Lever F- Neutral Lock Gate Adjustment BoJt i TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNVENT If steedng wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steedng wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WH EEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and c_mber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toe-th or camber, contact a Sears or other qualified sewice center.
REPLACING BA'rFERY _CAUTION: 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 hood to raisedposition. 2. Remove terminal guard. 3. Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 4.
TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: 1. With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position. 2. Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cartridge plate to expose carburetor choke (see "AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). 3. Choke should be closed.
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. ,_&C._UTION Never store th(ptractor with gasoline in the tank inside a ouilding 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. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Will not start 'Hard to start CAUSE 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. j 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. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Check all wiring. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Loss of power CHART 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 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUM BER 917,271814 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) i CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDALUP) [ ...... (NOTOCCUPIED) SEATSWITCH i i ...... L ---_ (OPTIONAL) • _;_ IGNITION UNIT FUELb _ PARK GAP PLUG (2 PLUGS ON I TWIN CYL.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTO R- MODEL NUMBER 917,271814 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917,271814 CHASSIS ANDENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 20 23 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 5t 52 53 54 55 57 58 60 64 74 114 115 142 143 144 145 159 206 207 208 211 212 - - 174619 Chassis Assembly 175554 D_wb_ 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 BumperHood,Dash 168337X013 Dash STD533710 Boil, Carriage 3_-16xl 155927 Panel, Dash, L.H. 145660 Clip 13nnerrnan Grille P/L 172107X010 Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271814 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 1t 13 14 16 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 ........ KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL N UMBER 917,271814 STEERING 40
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271814 STEERING KEY pART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 61 54 63 65 67 68 71 _2 85 88 91 SteedngWheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,271814 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 23 25 26 27 29 31 32 33 34 37 38 3_ 45 81 170547 17720408 ...... 149723 144069 144068 138129 171877 145552 S'_3551125 STD522507 165287 148456 $3_)551237 17060624 169837 145996 73920600 152927 137180 157103 161696 123487X 106082X 8543R 148315 109227X 17000612 73510400 ControI,Thret Paddle Screw, HexThdCutll4-2Oxll2 Engine, B&S,(SeeBreakdown)No.42E707-2275-E1 Metller Exhaust Exhauet Asm.
TRACTOR --MODEL NUMBER 917.271814 SEAT ASSEMBLY ej-_e KEY NO, PART NO DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 140123 140551 71110616 16131610 145006 STD541437 124161X 17000616 19131614 174894 166369 121246X Seat Bracket Pnt P=votSeat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/ins 3/8-16 Unc Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1 5 SMGML Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan Pnt Seat (blk) Knob Seat Bracket Pnt Mounbng Switch KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTO R-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271814 DECALS 2O 19 21 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1t 156439 176681 171696 171697 1"27253 1_44 177265 171908 163204 156368 Decal, Fender Danger Sears Decal, Engine Decal, Hood, R.H Decal, Rood, LH. Decal, Hood Side OecaI, Mainlenar_ce Decal, Lower Oash Decal, Rplcrnnt Decal, Fender, Craftsman Gold Decal, Fender STLT Oper Inst FJS WHEELS AND TIRES 2--_ 6 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMB ER 917.271814 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 3_ 159460 159471 105767X 120(X]002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 165689 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540690 Lift Lever inner Wire Assembly Shelt Assembly, Lilt Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 xl x21 Gauge Bearing, NyLon Gdp, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lilt, L,H, Link, Lilt, R.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.271814 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 t0 11 13 14 15 16 15 19 20 21 32 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 32 53 54 55 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165892 $3D533107 138017 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck STD324008 Retainer Spring 130832 Arm, Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL N UMBER 917.271814 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271814 BRIGGS & STRA'n'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 42E707, TYPE NUMBER 2275-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271814 BRIGGS& STRA'rroN ENGINE-MODELNUMBER42E707,TYPE NUMBER2275-E1 KEY PART NO. NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I _ OperateyourTractorupanddownthefaceofslopes(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.
For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matterwho made it, no matterwho sold it! 1-800--4-MY-HOME _ (1-aX_469-4663) _, dayornight (U.S._. a_ Canada) _flNw_ear_oDI1t INt_=#.S_tl_.(_8 For repair of carry-in products likevacuums, lawn equipment,and electronics,callfor the nearest Sears Parts and RepairCenter. 1-800-488-1222 ._y_me,dayor_ (U.SA c_y) Www.._e._,s.