Owner's Manual 21.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271832 • • • • 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, Mon _Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly .............................................. 8 Operation ............................................ 12 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 19 Maintenance ....................................... 19 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ..
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. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructions in the manual and on the controland tipover accidents, which can remachine before starting. sult in severe in ury or death. AJl stopes requ re extra caution.
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 turn machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carP/children.
" Usa 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. ,_Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS CAPACITY UNLEADED ANDTYPE: REGULAR OILTYPE (API+SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM IGAP: .030") OR JtgLM GROUND SPEED FORWARD: (MPH): 1sT 1.2 2"o 1,5 3m° 2.4 4 TM 3.5 5 TM 4.8 6 TM 5.
Steering Wheel _,,_ __..__n_o. _ '_,°;x_, 't (1) Large Flat Washer (1)HexBe,t_5/16-18x1-I/4 (1)Locknut 5/16-18_ IIIlilllll IIIIIIIIll , (1)Lockwasher _, Steering Wheel , _ M Steering Jl _^ Adapter 3/8 Sle_tg E.
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.
..,, , Label NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. 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.
INSTALL MULCHER 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. _II,CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower. Raise and hold shield when attaching mulcher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in operation.
V'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: ,/ 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 on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATrERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING / ENO,NEON ENG,NEOFF O,LPRESSORE L,O._SON O%_.
KNOWYOUR TRACTOR READTHISOWNER'S MANUAL ANDSAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare theillustrations withyourtractor tofamiliarize yourself withthelocationsof variouscontrolsand adjustments.
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. I HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor 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 Wben sta,'_rotbe er_ne fortbe first_me or if • e engineI-msrun outof fuel,il wgltake exlra crankingtimeto movefuelfromthe tank tothe engine. 1. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. 2. Place gear shift lever in neutraJ(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 MULCHING 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.
_. I_n_lp_ed_ _i a_,, ch_ _ e_ir/SOI_XNt 7. Ti_d'q)q h'_ntL_de pl'.'__OX_ 3__.4_a.rn_ LUBRICATION GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractordoes not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain tractor as instructedin thismanual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tractor.
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION It 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.
BA'I-rERY when used above 32°F. Check your Yourtractor hasabattery charging system engine oil level more frequently to avoid whichissufficient fornormal use.How- possible engine damage from running ever,pedodic charging ofthebattery with low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.
CLEAN AIRSCREEN Airscreen mustbekeptfreeofdirtand chafftoprevent 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, etc. • 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 e shortened engine life. CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or ddveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual), If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower, SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • 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.
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 Idler Pulleys Pulley _,_ _:_,___'/_ ._ _L,,f/ Mandrel lley TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level sudace. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. 1.
Neutral Lock Gate GearshiftLever _Adjustment Bolt TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not hohzontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructionsin the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toe-in or camber, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
REPLACING BAI"I'ERY TO REPLACE FUSE _I_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 raised position. 2. Remove terminal guard. 3. Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and cerefully 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. _CAUT ON Never store th(ptractor with gasoline in the tank inside aouilding 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.
TROUBLESHOO_NG CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "ro START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 14. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty airfilte_ 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirty fueltilter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7 Waterin fuel. 7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. B. Check all wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment 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 wlll not rotate CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. Poor grass discharge 1. Engine speed too slow. Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 1. 2. 3. 4. Switch is "OFF. Bulb(s) or lamp(s) burned out Faulty light switch. Loose or damaged wiring. 1. Bad battery ceil(s), 2. Poor cable connections. 3. Faulty regulator (if so equipped). 4.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 SCHEMATIC BATTERY _ AMMETER [OPTK3_AL) FUSE i i i i ' REO , STARTER SOLENOID SEATSWITCH __' , (NOTOCC _UPLED), (OPTIONAL) ' i IGNITION UNIT FUEL' PLUG SPARK GAP O-(2 PLUGS ON TWI_ CYL ENGINES) _ J C_I_ 3_¢C S_TEM e_PM O_JT_JT _ V_.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 56 163465 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 153664 175688 4152,.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 20 2:3 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 60 64 74 114 115 142 143 144 145 159 206 207 208 211 212 - - Chassis Assemb4y D_ Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 Bumper Hood/Dash Dash Bo!l, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 Panel, Dash, LH. Clip Tinne rman Grille P/L Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 14 16 18 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 ........ DESCRIPTION Transaxle (see Breakdown) Peerless 266-545C 146682 Spring, Return. Brake 123666X Pulley, Transaxla 120000_8 Ring, Retainer 121520X Strap, Torque 17060512 Screw 5/16-18 x 3/4 165866 Rod Shifter Fe_der STLT $1_56121g Pin, Cotter 105701X Washer, Shift Plate 74_12 Butt t/4-28 UNF W/Patch Gr.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER STEERING _n & I i 4O 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 STEERING KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
ENGINE TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 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 38 33 34 37 38 39 45 81 Control, Throt Paddle Screw, Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, B&S, (See 13reakdown) No. 461707-0147-E1 Muffler Exhaust I_xhaust Asm. Left Exhaust Asm. Right Clamp Tube Double Engine Bolt 5/16-18unc x 3/4 W/Seres Heat Shield Lt Washer LOCkHvy. Helical 1/4 Bolt Fin Hex 1/4-20Unc x .
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 DECALS 22 7 20 19 13 2 15 KEY NO, PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 156439 176682 171696 171697 177253 133644 177289 171808 163_04 179128 Decal, Fender Danger Sears Decal, Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, LH. Decal, Hood Side Decal, Maintenance Decal, Lower Dash Deca;, Rpicmnt Decal, Fender, Craftsman Gold Decal, Deck 'B' 42 WHEELS AND TIRES 5,g 4,10 KEY NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUM BER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER917.271832 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 2O 31 175150 159471 105767X 1200(XX_ 19_11621 120183X 125631X 122365X 13.9865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 17568g 738C_800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 Wire Asm, Inner Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge 8eedng, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 MOWER DECK 44 56 ] I ..-. ! 9 ; /.116 113 Ill 148 32 _,O_o 147 142 92 ! : ,..
TRACTOR - MODEL N UMBER 917.271832 MOWER DECK KEY NO, PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STt_33107 13_017 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 02 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 DESCRIPTION Mower DeCk Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" De_k STD624008 RetainerSpdng 13(_32 Arm, Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,271832 BRIGGS & STRATI'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 227 209_ 2110 910 1010 680 11: 789 11036 EMISSIONS LABEL I 4254 861 FUEL 9681 207_; PUMP KfT ' 432_ 392_ 1119_ 358 ENGINE 445 GASKET SET o,2o _---_ lo+_ 51A_ .1 + •,,.d" >' <,.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 BRIGGS &STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 5A 7 7A 8 9 10 11 12 12A 13 15 15 18 19 20 22 PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271832 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 KEY NO. 333 334 337 358 359 363 365 370 383 391 392 394 395 404 414 425 432 434 435 441 445 447 449 474 505 507 510 513 620 523 524 525 544 551 552 552A 562 573 601 615 616 629 PART NO.
:SU(_I:::STP_U GUIUE SIGHTING GUIDE I_IL FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL greater than 15 ), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate when your Tractor updlrectlon and downonthe face of slopes (not caution changing slopes.
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