Owner's Manual ICRIlFT.TMRWI LAWN TRACTOR 16 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.272059 differently from built engines. Before operates you start the enThis product haspreviously a low emission engine which gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. CAUTION: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................ 27 Troubleshooting .................................. 28 Repair Parts ......................................... 32 Sears Service ....................... Back Cover Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ...........................
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. • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
DO: • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity Type: 1.25 and Oil Type API-SF-SJ): Unleaded Regular and SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 4.0 Pints Spark Plug: (Gap: .040") Champion Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: RC12YC 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse: Tire Pressure: Charging System: Battery: CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut (1) Locknut _ 1/2-20 1/4-28 Steering Wheel Adapter Steedng Boot Steenng Extension Shaft Seat (1) Washer 17/32 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 the exception of those parts left unassernbled 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 7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. 8. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and gdll.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. Terminal TO ROLL Operation function TRACTOR OFF SKID section for location of (See and controls) 1. INSTALL 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.
INSTALL MULCHER CHECK FOR PROPER ALL BELTS 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. OF See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S YOUR TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize 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. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
• 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.
BEFORE CHECK STARTING THE ENGINE ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. 2. Unthread and remove oil fill cap/ dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. Remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • 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 already 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.
FILL IN DATES "SYOOCOMP ETE REGULARSERVICE #_"_'_JC_'_'->"C_'_'_'_f"f BrakePressure Operation Check Tire T R Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Sharpen/Replace Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level I_ and V # Check for Loose Fasteners T R _ SERVICE ....
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 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. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES 5.
• Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. 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. Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Remove knob and cover. 2. Remove wing nut and air cleaner from base. TO SERVICE NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will cause engine damage due to overheating. PRE-CLEANER ENGINE OIL FILTER 3. 4. 5. Slide foam pre-cleaner off cartridge. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. Allow it to dry. 6. Saturate it in engine oil.
A WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires areproperly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECtFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tires are 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.
TO REPLACE Mandrel Idler MOTION Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL - 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. 2. Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler. 3. Remove belt downward from around engine pulley. 4. Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor.
4. Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. 5. Replace axle cover. NOTE; To seal tire punctures and prevent fiat tires due to slow leaks, purchase and use tire sealant from Sears. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. 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.
Weak or Dead Battery REPLACING TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood. INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS Fully Charged Battery BATTERY AltWA.RN.ING: Do not short b,attery terminals oy allowing a wrencn or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time.
2. 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-read engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST TI-IRO'R'LE 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 tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. _01LCAUTION: 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 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 See appropriatesectionin manualunlessdirectedto Searsservicecenter PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. air _ter. 5. Clean/replace 6. Replace fuel filter. 7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8, Check all wiring. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE LOSS of power . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. CORRECTION Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 9. Water in fuel. 9. 10.Spark 10.Connect and tighten spark plug wire. 11.Clean engine air screen/fins. 12. Clean/replace muffler. 13.Check all wiring. 14.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART section PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge in manual unless directed to Sears service CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 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. i8.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 SCHEMATIC RED STARTER CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) WHITE _)AMMETER FUEL A_PMENT i-_ : GI_.,='N (CLUTCH L85 CLUTCH OFF) 86 FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID (IF SO EQUIPPED) _ J SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) 30 ' /7 IGNITION SWITCH POSrRON CIRCUIT "MAKE" OFF M+G+A1 NONE RUN/UGH] B+A1 A2+L RUN B+A1 NONE START I + S + At NONE NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 39 58 60 64 74 114 115 142 143 144 145 159 166 206 207 208 211 212 -NOTE: 174619 176554 17060612 155272 168337X013 S_710 174996 172105X010 17490608 174330X558 126938X 19131312 STD5414.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,272059 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO, NO. 1 ......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 STEERING ASSEMBLY _--,'P-_3, "r P_-12 Is• i | .....
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 65 67 68 71 82 85 88 91 Stcedng Wheel Axle AssemblySTMP Dropped STL Spindle Assembly, L.H. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 170548 17720408 3 ...... 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 77 80 81 101 105 174667 12-041-03 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 15899O 123487X 137040 148315 124028X 17670412 17000612 19091416 19101216 74760508 73510400 M73030800 17120616 DESCRIPTION Control,Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, (See Breakdown) KohlerModel No.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 SEAT ASSEMBLY I 5 I J I 11 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x _4 Gauge Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting 180597 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246X KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 DECALS 3 4 7 13 10 16 20 11 14 8, KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIP13ON KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, HP Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, LH.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODELNUMBER 917.272059 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 LiftLever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21132x 1 x21 Gauge Bearing,Nylon Gdp,Handle, Fluted Button,Plunger, Red Link, Lift, LH. Link, Lift, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 MOWER DECK 157 "_ 158_ "_ _.,..
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO.
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TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODELNUMBER 917.272059 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV460, TYPE NUMBER 26509 CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO. 25-351-01-S 12-755-94-S DESCRIPTION Lifter, valve (2) Kit, cylinder head (Includes 3-17, Gaskets 12 041 01-S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Seal, crankshaft Block, cylinder (Use Short Block 12 522 50) Strap, lifting 12-445-02-S Screw, hex. flange M-839025-S M8x1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV460,TYPE NUMBER26509 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. 12-086-14-S 2 3 4 12-468-03-S 24-162-03-S 25-086-47-S NOT ILLUSTRATED M-541050-S 12 096 40-S regulator hole 12 141 01-S cover 12 096 DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange MlOx1.5x46 Washer, plain 3/8" Screen, grass Bolt, shoulder M6x1.0x16 AIR INTAKE/FILTRATION KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272059 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV460, TYPE NUMBER 26509 ;TARTING SYSTEM ENGINE CONTROLS 1 1 /2 / ,i 0 8 +-_ il 2 11 OIL PAN I LUBRICATION J 11 O...
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL 917.272059 NUMBER CV460, TYPE NUMBER 26509 ENGINE CONTROLS STARTING SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. M-839070-S 2 25-098-04-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 12-755-39-S 12-227-03-S 12-170-04-S 12-755-38-S 12-243-04-S 12-086-20-S KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Includes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, drive parts Cap, commutator end Screw, hex. flange (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL 917.272059 NUMBER CV460, TYPE NUMBER 26509 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 M-641060-S M-629116-S 12-853-118-S 12-041-02-S 12-053-118 12-757-02-S 6 12-041-01-S 7 12-265-06-S 8 25-237-14-S 9 25-353-10-S 10 25-050-07-S 11 47-154-01-S NOT ILLUSTRATED *M-561010-S *X-22-11-S 12-757-02-S 12-757-03-S 12-757-33-S 12-454-03-S 25-452-20-S 12-518-37-S DESCRIPTION Nut, hex. flange M6xl.0 (2) Stud M6x1.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION $ 1. Fold this page along dotted line Indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that Its left edge Is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4, Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill.
For rear of major brand appliancesin your own home... no matter whomade it,no matter whosold For repairof catTy-inproducts likevacuums, lawn equipment,and electronics,callfor the nearestSears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Anyane, dayorrig_ (U.S._.o_y) www_ iHi i H i For the replacementparts,accessoriesand owner'smanuals that you need to do-R-yourself, callSears PartsDirectSM! 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278) 6&rn,-11 p.m., 7days aweek (U.S.A.only) www.seam.
