Owner's Manual ICRRFT$1VlAW J 16 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272053 • Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before For answers to your questions about this product, Call: operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am- 5 pm, Mort. Sat 1-800-659-5917 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Maintenance ....................................... 17 Service and Adjustments.................... 21 Storage ............................................... 27 Troubleshooting ................................. 28 Repair Parts ........................................ 32 Parts Ordedng ..................... Back Cover Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications.......................... 6 Assembly ................
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and foot and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in sedous injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manuel and on the control and tipover accidents, which can machine before starting. result in severe in ury or death. All slopes require extra caut on. f you cannot back up • Only.
IlL 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 carry children.
• Useslowspeed. 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 tum 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 GASOUNE 1.25GALLONS CAPACITY ANDTYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL'I'YPE SAE 10W30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS W/OFILTER: 3.5 PINTS CHAMPION RC12YC (API-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER SPARK PLUG: GAP: .040") GROUND SPEED FORWARD: (MPH): 1s'r 1.2 2ND 1.5 3"D 2.4 4TM 3.5 5TM 4.8 6 TM 5.3 REVERSE: 1.
Steering WheelInsert Steering Wheel C2 I_(1) Hex Bolt \ (1) Large Flat Washer l_ I1),ook _h_,_/ washer 3/8 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 3/8-16 x 1 1) Locknut 5/16-18 Steering Extension Shaft Steedng Boot J_ Steering Wheel Adapter Seat ,\ ___, (_ Washer 1_32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys € Slope Sheet (2) Keys 7 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.
Label Terminal Batter Door INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat washer eacudng 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. Push down on seat to engage shoulder belt In slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in updght 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. A(_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.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. A BATTERY ENGINE =.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of vadous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Attachment Clutch Amme_r ignition Switch ..... Lift Lever Plunger --.
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 recemmend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR 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 dudng the cool season and to over 3 inches dudng hot months. For healthier and Petter looking lawns, maw 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.
TOWING CARTS ANDOTHER ATTACHMENTS Towonlytheattachments thatare recommended byandcomply with specifications ofthemanufacturer of your _WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasehol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids dudng storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an tractor. Use common sense when towing. engine while in storage. To avoid engine Toe heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below) 6. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature. • The attachments can also be used dudng the engine warm-up period.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ]he warrantyon thistractordoes net cover items that have bean subjectedto operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain b'actor as instructedin this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodicallyto propedy maintain your tractor. All adjustments in the Service and Adjustmentssection of this manual should be checked at least once each season.
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and fiat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated. Star Center Always obsawe 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.
• Keep battery andterminals clean. • Keep battery boltstight. • 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. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to =leak" power. 1. Open battery box door. 2.
Every100hours ofoperation (more often SPARK PLUGS underextremely dusty, dirtyconditions), Replace spark plugs at the beginning of remove theblower housing andother each mowing season or after every 100 cooling shrouds. Cleanthecooling fins hours of operation, whichever occursfirst, andexternal surfaces asnecessary. Spark plug type and gap setting are Makesurethecooling shrouds are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" reinstalled. section of this manual.
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all _asoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive 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 ORADJUSTMENTS: 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 are over or undednflated, you will not propedy 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.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT The mower blade ddve bolt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL1. Remove mower from tractor (Bee =TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). 2. Work bolt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. Pull belt away from mower. 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.
TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position.The adjustment is preset at the factory; however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: 1. Make sure transaxle is in neutral (N). NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. 2. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the dght rear wheel. 3. Position the gear shift lever in the neutral (N) position. 4.
Positive Terminal Battery Positive Terminal Keps Nut _, Hex Bolt positive(Red) Cable Negative(Black) Cable Negative Terminal Negative Terminal REPLACING BA'rrERY _kCAUTION: 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, dngs, etc. Positiveterminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1.
ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
Immediately prepare your tractorfor storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more, _CAUTION: Never store the trectorwith 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 CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start I 1. Outoffuel. 12. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. Hard to start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4, Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air tilter. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirtyfuel tilter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power 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. 1. Set in =Higher Cut" position/ reduce speed. 2. Adjust throttle control. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirtyfuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Mowerbladeswlll not rotate Poor grass discharge Headlight(s) not Norklng [Ifso equipped) CAUSE 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower ddve belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Replace blade mandrel. 1. Place throttlecontrol 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.
SCHEMATIC TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER 917.272053 BAIILRy STARTER CLUTCH / BRAKE ATI_MENT CLUTCH (CLUTCH OFF) SEAT SV_TCH (NOT CCCUPIED) pRESENCE RELAy #1 IGNITION UNIT OPERATOR J_ SPARK _ PLUGS ON IYvl_ CYL ENGINES) REGULATOR OPERATOR pRESENCE RELAy #3 B5 88 HEADLIGHTS 30 IGNITION SWITCH RtlN#JGHI _.A1 A2÷L RUN START I_A_ Bt S_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 ELECTRICAL KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR --MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. 1 PART NO. ........
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER 917.272053 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 ENGINE 38 31 _"_ 33 2g OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY NO. 1 2 PART NO. 170548 17720410 3 ...... 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 159420 12-041-03 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 158990 123487X DESCRIPTION Control,Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, (See Breakdown) Kohter ModelCV 16.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER 917.272053 SEAT ASSEMBLY 2 4_ _t2 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 166369 121246X "_\5 11 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 3/8.16unc X 1 Washer 13132 X 314 X 10 Ga Clip Push In Hinged NUt Hex Lock wllns 3/8-16 Uric Spring Seat Cprsn 2 260 Blk Zi Screw 3/9-16 X 1 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan pnt Seat (blk) Knob Seat Adj Wingnot Bracket Pnt Mo_JntingSwitch KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 DECALS 13 11 10 4 \ 2o 8 \ 12 7 KEY NO. pART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917,272053 LIFTASSEMBLY 'i/iLl/ \ 5 _ _l/ 13 2O 13 32 19 32 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 126183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 DESCRIPTION Washer Asm Inrter Spring WI PlU_er Shaft Asm. Ufl Pin Groove E Ring#5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga, Eeadng Nylong Gdp HandleFluted Eufton Plunger Read Link Asm Lift LH. Link Asm Lift R.H. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 MOWERDECK KEY NO. pART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 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 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 69 67 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck STD624098 RetatnerSpdng 130832 Arm, Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUM BER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER206-545C RB = NO. PAR]" NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV16.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV16.5,TYPE NUMBER43527 CYLINDER H EADNALVFJIBREAll"I KEY pART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 810 11 12 13 14 15 16 25-351-01-S 12-755-81-S 12-411.01-S 12-041-10-S 12-017-01-S 12-017-02-S 12-016-01-S 12-016-02-S X-75*23-S 25-186-01-S 12-318-19-S 12-59g-03-S M-640034-S 12-089-01-S 12-173-01-S 12-755-03-S 12-468-05-S 12-112-13-S ER DESCRIPTION Lifter. valve (2 Kit, cy oder bead includes 3-18.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV16.5,TYPE NUMBER43527 IG NITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBERCV16.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV16.5,TYPE NUMBER 43527 STARTING ENGINE SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 M-839070-S 2 25-g98-07-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 12-755-54-S 12-227-18-S 12-17g-05-S 12-221-gl-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8xl.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Intrudes 38) Kit, drive end Cap. drive end Armature Kit. brush & spring Cap, commutator end Bolt, bex. flange 1/4-20x4-5/ 8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 12.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 KOHLERENGINE-MODEL NUMBERCVt6.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272053 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCVt6.5, TYPE NUMBER43527 FUEL SYSTEM CRANKSHAFT KEY PART NO, NO. 1 2 3 4 DESCRIPTION M-641060_ X-22-11-S M-629116--S 12-853-94-S Nut, hex. flange M6xl.O (2) Washer. lock 1/4" Stud M6x1.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL GUIDE _ Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control, Exercise extreme cautioncaution whenwhen changlngchanglng directlondirection onslopes.on slopes.
For repair of carry-inproductslike vacuums, la_msquipment,and electronics,call for the nearest Seam Parts and Repair Center. Forthe replacementpads,accessoriesandowner'smanuals thatyou needto do-it-yourealf, callSears PartsDirectSU! 1-800-366-PART (1-eoo_66-7278) 6a.m.- 11 pJ'n.,7days aweek (u.s.A.orgy) www.sears.com/_ To purchaseor inquireabout a SearsService Agreement or SearsMaintenanceAgreement: 1-800-827-6655 (u.S.A) 7 a.m.- 5 p.m.
