Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRWI 21.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.271841 • Safety = Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Repair Parts This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
Maintenance ....................................... 19 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly ..............
IMPORTANT; This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and thr(_wing ob ects, Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in 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.
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 ale_ and turn 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. ,_Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY ANDTYPE: OILTYPE API-SF-SJ): 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OIL CAPACITY: SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 3.0PINTS SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") VALVE ADJUSTMENT CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM INTAKE: .004"-.006" EXHAUST: .00"7"-.009" GROUND SPEED (MPH): TiRE PRESSURE: FORWARD: REVERSE: FRONT: REAR: CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATi'ERY 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30 MIN. CCA: 240 CASE S_ZE:Ut R BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 27-35 FT. LBS 5.5 2.
"f-_ / Steering / / /// Steering v Sleeve f __ I { \_F'_,/ Wheel ( } }I _ _l,,_,p_'J _/ ' 5/16-18 IE_ II _xtenslon I I brian > _J ,teer, ng <_;_:_'1 __ il _ Wheel Adapter _ (1)Locknut _/_ (i _- Wheellnsert / / Washer (1) Hex Bolt / 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 ! __22-2-2-22-:- Seat @ (1)Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob For Future Use Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet
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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
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 pecking, 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. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor.
CHECKTIRE PRESSURE INSTALL 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 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.
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 CHECKLIST: FOLLOWING #" 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.
KNOW YOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Corfipare the illustrations with your tractor to faroiliarize 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 shierds while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOWTO USE YOURTRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches d0ring 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 ATTACHMENTS AND OTHER Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing.
• Theattachments andground drive can nowbeused. |t 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 (50° F and below) 8. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in.
MOWINGTIPS MULCHING • Mower should be properly leveled for I_est 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 distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE Check Brake Operation I_ I_ / Check Tire Pressure I# / ll_ DATES Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems CheCk ior L@o_e Fasteners Sharpen/Replace _ {1_7 Mower Blades (i_ 1_14 Lubrioation Chart If Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Tenmklals _ i# # Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension I_s Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension CheCk Engine Oil Level Change Ks I_ I_ Engine Oil _2; I# t
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 ad usted. (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.
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 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.
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, 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 a shortened engine life.
SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position. • A't 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. • If adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side.
TO ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted On the side'of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted. 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal and engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3.
TRANSMISSION MENT REMOVAL/REPLACE- Shduld 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 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.
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. Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) battery terminal with remaining hex bolt and keps nut. Tighten securely 8. Close terminal access doors. 9.
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. If it is not, loosen casing clamp screw and move choke cabre until choke is completely closed. Tighten casing clamp screw securely. 4 Reassemble air cleaner. Casing Choke Lever Screw TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
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: Never stora 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 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 CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. Hard to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug. Weak or dead battery. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 6. Loose or damaged wiring. 7. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. Engine valves out of adjustment. Engine will not turn over CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2, See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART I_ROBLEM LOSSof power CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting toe 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. 1. Set in "Higher Cut" position/ reduce speed. 2. Adjust throttle control. 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1. Replace Tighten 2. Replace 3. Tighten Replace 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CORRECTION CAUSE 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 ddve belt worn. 9. Blades improperly installed. 10.Improper blades used. 11.Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 1. 2. ! 3. 4.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 SCHEMATIC BATTERY i AMMETER (OPTIONAL) FUSE i ilF_ _ J _ I I I _ _ --STAF_TER soLENo,o SLO S.,OR, E ...... (NOT OCCUPIED) SEAT SWITCH E,_cK e_CK FUEL SHUT-OFF (CLUTCH OFF) I e=Ac_ GROUNDING CONNECTOR SOLENOID NOTE 'fOUR TRACTOR tS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS ARE NOT O(3NNECTEO TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE BP, IGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - . MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - ° MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 lO 11 13 19 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 4o 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 62 63 65 66 67 68 71 79 8o 82 85 88 99 90 91 SteedngWheel Front Axle Assembly Bplnd_e Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,271841 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 3_ 33 34 37 38 39 45 81 Control Throt Paddle Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Englne(SeeBreakdown) BdggsModelNo.461707-o147-E1 Muffler Exhaust Exhaust Asm. Left Exhaust Asm. Right Clamp Tube Double Engine Bolt 5/16 - 18 UNC X 3/4 W/Sems Heat Shield Lt Washer Lock Hvy.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 14500_ STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 Seat 3450 BIk/blk 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 SpdngSeatCprsn2250BIkZi Screw 3/8-t6 x 1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 DECALS 7 2 1 4 11 2O 22 14 14 13 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 13 14 Decal Fender Danger Sears Decal Hood Side Decal Hood Rh Craftsman Decal Hood Lh Craftsman Decal Engine H/P DecaJ Maint Customer Sears Dora Decal Replacement Srs Decal Fender Craftsman Gold Decal Fender STLTH Oper Inst E/S Decal V-belt Dr Sch Tractor E Decal Dash Panel 156439 177253 171696 171697 176682 133644 171809 163204 156811 146046 177289 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 LII_'TASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 2O 31 32 Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm. Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. Seadng Nylong Gdp Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift LH. Unk Asrn Lift R.H. Retainer Spdng Link Front Nut Jam Hex 1F2-t3 Uric Trunnion BIk Zinc Nut Lock wANsh 1/2-13 Unc Arm Suspension Mower Retainer Spdng Beadng, Pvt, Lift.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 MOWER DECK 34 -21 ! _4 1 25 29 18 115 _ .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 MOWER DECK KEY P,ART NO. NO.
120- 112 88 mO 4_ i 19 oO 88 mo r'rl 1 Zr o ,T,= _: 0,,_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE*MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 212 _ 2os _ 51A _J 51 _ /_/_ _ 842 441 , . 414 .... 267_ x i 203 202_ 449_ 524 /_ 54 883 \/_ _ \_ '_ 51A 108_ 105_ 117 \ 26 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 859A 102/ _,.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271841 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0147-E1 KEY NO. 333 334 337 358 359 363 365 373 383 391 392 394 395 404 414 425 432 434 435 441 445 447 449 474 505 507 510 513 520 523 524 526 544 551 552 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 HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL €O A _U_ Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greaterthan 15°), nevar across the face. Maketurnagradually to prevent tipping or lose of control. Exercise extreme _ng direction on slopes.
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