Owner's Manual JCRIIFTSMRN°J 21.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271833 • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and fellow 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, IL60179 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. II. SLOPE OPERATION 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.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• 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 3.5 GALLONS CAPACITY UNLEADED ANDTYPE: REGULAR _)ILTYPE API-SF-SJ): OILCAPACITY: SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 3.0 PINTS SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") CHAMPION OR J19LM We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
Steering Wheel O (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 Steedng Wheel Insert (1) Large Rat Washer @ (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 _ , (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Lockwasher 3/8 Steering Extension Steedng Wheel i i , Steering Boot Adapter Shaft 0 Seat (1) Washer _ 7/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob For Future Use Video Keys Slope Sheet (2) Keys 7 \ 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 6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely. 7.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. ..J "" .~ Label t 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 gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 4. Roll tractor forward off skid. 5.
INSTALL MULCHER CHECK TIRE PRESSURE 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. The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.
o/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 oharged.(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.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOURTRACTOR Comparethe illustrationswithyour tractorto familiarize yourselfwith the locationsof variouscontrolsand adjustments.Save this manualfor future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter Choke Control Light Switch Ignition Switch --.
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments We recommend wide vision safety mask over he operationor ofrepairs. any tractor can result inaforeign objects thrown into the _ spectacles, or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE • Turn ignition key to =OFF' position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT TO OPERATE MOWER 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.).
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) 7. 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 ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. COLD WEATHER STARTING (50o F and below) 7.
• For best results, adjust the mower cutting height so that the mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly. • Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path. • Change your cutting pattern from week to week.
,,,,TE,,,CESC,EDULE Check Tire Pressure Check Operator II// Prasenee and T Interlock Syslams R Check for Loose Fasteners If If _f7 I# / SharpeNReplace Mower Blades V'4 T LubricationChart If V' 0 Check BatteryLevel R Clean Battery and Termi_ala Check Trans_xle Cooling I_ I_ i/ Adjust Blade BeR(s) Tension Adjust MotionDrive Belt(e)Ter_ion Check Engine Oil Level II_s Ks ik_ I1_ ChangeEngineOil Ik/_ E Clean Air F'gtor Ifz N Clean Ak Screen Inspect Muffler/Spark NE b/ If= An'este
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated. 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.
when used above 32°E Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running 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 BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight.
CLEAN AIR SCREEN NOTE: if very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge. 4. Reinstall cartridge plate, wing nuts, precleaner, cover and secure with knob(s). 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 air to clean or dry cartridge. Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating.
CLEANING 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. • 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. ,_ 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 properly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tires ere over or underinflated, 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.
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 Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual.) 2. Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler.
_ " .... Gearshift Lever Neutral Lock Gate Adjustment Bolt TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor.
REPLACING BA'n'ERY TO REPLACE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind the dash. _,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.
FINAL SETTING - 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.
Also, experiance indicates that 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. 2. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. • Use fresh fuel next season.
TROUBLESHOO_NG CHART PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. . Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. ° Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Nard to start !Engine will not turn over . Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 1. Clean/replace air filter. 2. Replace spark plug. 3. Recharge or replace battery. 4.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM LOSSof 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/didy 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. f 4. Carburetor out of adjustment. 15. Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Mower blades will _1. Obstruction in clutch not rotate mechanism. '2, Worn/damaged mower ddve belt. 3, Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Replace blade mandrel, Poor grass discharge 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. Mower deck not level. 4.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 SCHEMATIC BATTERY ,,E0 _ FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) WHIT_ L ..... I SOLENOID RED SEATSWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION SWITCH )G ) STARTER r- AI( (CLUTCHOFF) (_ UNIT _(2 IGNITION 3 AMp DC g 3_00 RPM NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, RUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED. AT IDLE THE LIGHTS WILL DIM.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 ELECTRICAL KEY NO.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917,271833 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 t8 20 23 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 60 64 74 1t4 115 142 143 144 145 159 206 207 208 211 212 -NOTE: DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Assembly 176554 Drawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X013 Dash TD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8_16 x 1 155927 Panel, Dash, L.H. 145660 Clip TInnerman Grille P/L 172107)(010 Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR GROUND KEY NO, PART NO. 1 ........ - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUM BER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 STEERING KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 g 10 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 3O 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 63 65 67 68 71 62 85 88 91 SteedngWheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, L.H. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 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 Control, Throt Paddle Screw, Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, B&S, (See Breakdown) NO.463707-0159-E1 Muffler Exhaust Exhaust Asm. Left Exhaust Asm. Right Clamp Tube Double Engine Bolt 5/16-18unc x 3/4 W/Sems Heat Shield Lt Washer Lock Hvy. Helical 1/4 BoR Fin Hex 1/4-20Unc x .
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat 3350 BIWblk Craftsman Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (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.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 DECALS 7 5 22 20 19 13 15 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, 156439 176682 1716_ 171_7 1_2_ 133644 l_g 171808 1632_ 1_1_ Fender Danger Sears Engine Hood, R.H. Hood, L.H. Hood Side Maintenance Lower Dash Rplcmnt Fender, Craftsman Gold Deck 'B' 42 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.271833 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 19 1g 20 31 32 Wire Asm, Inner Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R,H.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271833 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.271833 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER206-545C KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.271833 BRIGGS& STRA'I-I'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER463707,TYPENUMBER0159-E1 212 51A 51 414o I 267 365 _ L _1 _ _1 ]629C_J_ 524 o 119_ 23_ 102_ 97 276 108 _ 9s,. 105_ 394 391 434 859A I_ .\ 859 105_ 95_ 276A _ "_,.
TRACTOR- MODELNUMBER917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
(I-800-469-4663) (u.s_ andCanada) V_NW,_,ca For repairof carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Any_me, dayornifft (U.SA only) For the replacement parts, accessories and owner'smanuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirectSM! 1-800-366-PART 6a.m.-11 (1-800-366-7278) p.m., 7days aweek (U.S.A.only) www.sears.
