Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRN°I 19.5HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271821 • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance • Repair Parts _ i_ ":,_::':_!_:_.:: _:::_ :::::.'.':_-_-_:_. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: "_::_:'::::.:_:_ ======================================== .::.:. : ..::-.-...- ::..:..:.:: :_..
Maintenance ....................................... 19 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Parts Ordedng ..................... 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 resur[ in serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsIn the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can remachine before starting. salt in severe injury or death.
III. 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 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 tum 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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY ANDTYPE: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 3.0PINTS OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") GROUND I SPEED (MPH): TIRE PRESSURE: CHARGING SYSTEM: BAI-FERY: BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 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.
Steering Wheel sd_:ri_g Steering Extension Steering Sleeve Shaft ,o i Adapter (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 SWh teering nsert o /@ (W1)as Large Flat eel __',_ L71ck.
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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY 7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. 8. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.
INSTALL SEAT 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. Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to disengage transmission (See =TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation section of this manual). 4. Roll tractor forward off skid. 5. Remove banding holding deflector shield up against tractor.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE INSTALL The tires on your tractor were overlnfleted 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. (ff previously removed) 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.
t/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 REVIEWTHE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: J All assembly instructions have been completed. ,/No remaining loose parts in carton. •/ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). ,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ,/All tires are properly inflated.
These symbols may appear Learn and understand their BA'FrERV on your tractor or in literature meaning. CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE supplied FORWARD with the product. FAST SLOW ENG,NEON E.G,NEOFF O.LRRESSURE L,GHTSO. O%._MP i 4" fl ® c2 m FUEL CHOKE A'rI'ACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED REVERSE MOWER HEIGHT NEUTRAL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED IGNITION '_._.... PARKING BRAKE LOCKED H L HIGH LOW KEEP AREA CLEAR UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT PARKING BRAKE SLOPE HAZARDS (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION) .
KNOWYOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiadze 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 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.
These heightsare approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • 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.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure. 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.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above) 8. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. • The attachments and grounddrivecan now bo used.Iftheenginedoes notacsept thebad,restart theengineand allowitto warm up for one minute usingthe choke as described above. COLD WEATHER STARTING (50° F and below) 8.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • Mower should be propedy 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 distdbution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
FILL iN DATES Check BrakePressure Operation Check Tire Check Operator _ presence and T _Interlock Systems R Check forLoose Fasteners If 1_7 T Lubr_ation Chart 0 A Check BatteP/Level Sharpe_Replace Mower Blades Clean BattePjandTe_m_els i4 CheckTra_axle Cooling fl_ R t,/ I_ Adjust Blade Belt(s) T_sion II_s Adjust Motion DriveBelt(s)Tension l_s Check _in. Oilu,_,l I_ i/ Q1ange Engine Oil 1_12:.
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. (_ee "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.
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 BA'I-rERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to =leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 3. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 4.
Oil Drain Valve Closed and Locked A_'_ I 41_ Position _Drain Cap _Tube 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 dded gum fibers. ENGINE COOLING FINS 2. Carefully remove cartridge to prevent debris from entering carburetor. 3. Clean cartridge by tapping gently on flat surface. NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge. 4.
CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electdcal system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life. Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. i of all foreign matter. Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
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 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.
Mandrel Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor. Carefully remove belt upwards from transmission input pulley and over cooling fan blades. . Pull belt toward front of tractor and remove downward from around engine pulley. 5. Install new belt by reversing above procedure. Idler Pulleys . Mandrel Pulley Engine Pulley -- TO ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the side of the transaxle.
Motion Control Lever Neutral Lock Gale Adjustment Bolt TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT 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.
Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift hood to raised position. 2. Remove terminal guard. 3. Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 4. Install new battery with terminals in same position as old battery. 5. Reinstall terminal guard. 6. First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten securely. 7.
3. Choke should be closed. If it is not, loosen casing clamp screw and move choke cable until choke is completely closed. Tighten casing clamp screw securely. 4 Reassemble air cleaner. Clamp Quarter Choke Closed Casing Screw TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load.
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. • i, 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 stodng 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 CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. Hard to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Clean/replace air filter. Replace spark plug. Recharge or replace battery. Replace fuel filter. Drain fuel tank and refill with fresh gasoline. 6. Loose or damaged wiring. 6. Check all wiring. 7. Carburetor out of adjustment. 7. See "To Adjust Carburetor" in Service Adjustments section. 8. Engine valves out of 8. Contact a Sears or other adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power (continued) 3. Build-up of grass, leaves 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8. Drain fuel tank and refill with fresh gasoline. 9. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 10. Connect and tighten spark plug wire. 11.Clean engine air screen/ fins. 12.
"ROUBLESHOO_NG Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) Battery will not charge CORRECTION CAUSE _ROBLEM Poor grass discharge CHART 1. Place throttle control in =FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast. 2. Shift to slower speed. i3. Wet grass, 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4. Mower deck not level. 4. Level mower deck. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5. Check tires for proper air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 6. Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten blade bolt. 7.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 SCHEMATIC RED kAOK BATTERY RIED FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) --_ I _rrE '© I _, BtACX w, ' I _O_t C-L,:.'_ R7B-R_-E (PEDAL UP) _ I STARTER v,_rnE SEAT SWITCH IGNmON SWITCH I- - - :_ - - - 1 I _ I (NOT OCCUPIED) I 1 I BLACK B(AC_ "' UTCH _c_'" i " I GROUNDING (OPTIONAL) SPARK I _ Jl _ I1_1 m-ut (_ FUELr LINE 1It UNIT IGNITION _ I I C,_AR Q IN(J _ _ AMP KX; O $600 _ GAP r--, PLUG i, (2f2P LUGS ON TWIN CYL ENGINES), , .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 ELECTRICAL 26 \ 16 I, I _1 I I i.... I I / 4I\ _ /// \ / / I I \ jl I / / I \ 1 I II I --T ....
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR-CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.271821 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ...... 8 10 14 15 16 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 3_ 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 64 DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) Hydro Gr 314-0510 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust STD561210 Ptn Cotter 1/8 x I CAD 10040400 Washer Lock HW Helical 74490544 Bolt Hex FLGHD 5/16-18 GR.5 STD541431 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 ENGINE KEY PART NO. 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 39 45 81 ControlThrot Paddle Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engtne (See Breakdown) Bdggs Model No. 461707-0147-E1 Muffler Exhaust Exhaust AsmoLeft Exhaust Asm. Right Clamp Tube Double Engiee Bolt 5/16 - 18 UNC X 3/4 W/Sems Heat Shield Lt Washer Lock Hvy.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat 3450 BIk/blk Craftsman Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (btk) 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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 DECALS I 7 3 2 2 4 11 2O 22 19 14 14 13 15 KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 13 14 Decal Fendar Danger Sears Decal Hood Side Decal Hood Rh Craftsman Decal Hood Lh Craftsman Decal Engine H/P Decal Maint Customer Sears Dom Decal Replacement Srs Decal Fender Craftsman Gold Decal Fender STLTH Opar Inst E/S Decal V-belt Dr Sch Tractor E Decal Dash Panel 156439 177253 171696 171697 176681 133644 171809 163204 156811 146046 177265 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm. Shaft Asm. Lilt Pin Groove E Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. Link Asm Uft R.H. Retainer Spring Link Front Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Unc Truonion BIk Zinc Nut Lock w/Wsh 1/2-13 Unc Arm Suspension Mower Retainer Spring Bearing, Pvt. Lift.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 MOWER DECK i I I I 34 21 22 _23 24 16 28 27 29 14 \ 18 .112 .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 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 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165892 STD533107 138017 Mower Housing Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" STD624008 Retainer Spring 130832 Arm, Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
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TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 170351 170352 170353 170354 169898 170355 170356 170357 170358 170359 170360 169870 170361 169869 16 170362 17 18 19 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 32 170363 170364 150771 170365 170366 170367 170368 170.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917 ")71821 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 83s% 383_ 5o7_ 520B 359_ 9[_ 883 TO INSTALL.SEE REPAIR MANUAL _tr INSTRUCTION REQUIRES SPEClALTOOLS 691 O 24_] 552A_ 404 o 552 _ 1132 334_2_ 0o 27 26 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL ] 11018 _.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917 ' 71821 BRIGGS & STRA'i-FON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 5A 7 7A 8 9 10 11 12 12A PART DESCRIPTION NO. 498583 Cylinder Assembly 399265 Bushing-Cylinder • Seal-Oil 391086 493304 Sump-Engine 691162 Head-Cylinder No. 1 891163 Head-Cylinder No. 2 271867 •+ Gasket-Cylinder Head #1 271868 •+ Gasket-Cylinder Head #2 495754 Breather Assembly •+ Gasket-Breather 27803 690334 Screw (Breather Assy.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271821 BRIGGS & STRA'r'I'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 KEY NO. 333 334 337 358 359 363 365 373 383 391 392 394 395 404 414 425 432 434 435 441 445 447 449 474 505 507 510 513 520 523 524 525 544 551 552 552A 562 573 601 615 616 629 635 643 689 691 695 697 725 726 741 742 783 789 PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN NOT ACROSS HILL ol _o __ greater than 15 ), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme perate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not caution when changing direction on slopes.
For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! Anytime, day or night (us._ andCanada) _vw.seats.ca For repair of carry-in products likevacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Anyt_e,dayorr_ht (U.S_.ody) WWW.Seat_conl For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirect_! 1-800-366-PART 6a.m.-11 (1-800-366-7278) p.m.