Owner's Manual JCRnFTSMAN'J LAWN TRACTOR 17 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.272074 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. CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 8 Operation ............................................. 11 Maintenance Schedule ....................... 17 ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................
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: • Mow • • • • • 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. 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.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Unleaded Regular Oil Type SAE 10W30 API-SF-SJ): CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact a Sears or other qualified service center. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
Steering Wheel (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer O (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 ,=_ (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Lockwasher 3/8 Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Seat _J (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge .
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. Label Terminal TO ROLLTRACTOR Operation section function INSTALL Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat 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.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOUR TRACTOR 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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING 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 STARTING THE ENGINE TO START CHECK When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. 2. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Move attachment clutch to disengaged position. 4. Move throttle control to choke position. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below. 5.
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.
AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE /_._/¢_¢_.
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 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.
• TO CHANGE 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. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1.
AIR FILTER CLEAN Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Remove knob and cover. 2. Remove wing nut and air cleaner from base.
[_lb WARNING: TO AVIOD 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 "OFF" 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 SPECIFICATIONS" 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 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. 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 flat tires due to slow leaks, purchase and use tire sealant from Sears. 13re 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 _WARNING: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time.
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 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 tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. ,_ILCAUTION: 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 appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center 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. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 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 Lossofpower CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" 4. 5. 6. position. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 3. 9. 10. Spark 10.Connect and tighten spark plug wire. 11.Clean engine air screen/fins. 12. Clean/replace muffler. 13.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge 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. 5. Mower deck not level. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. 8. 9.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,272074 ELECTRICAL 26 \ / i J i J / I i I I :32
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 61 90 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc x 3/4 Box Battery Switch, Interlock Harness Asm LightW/4152j Bulb Light#1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga w/16 wire red Fuse Hut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Uric Cable Ground 6 Ga 12" black Switch Plunger Normal Op Olive Switch Ign Key Ign Harness Ign Bolt BIk.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 39 58 60 64 74 114 115 142 148 144 145 159 166 206 207 208 211 212 -- Chassis Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 BumperHood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 3/4 Panel, Dash, L.H. Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 ........
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 ....... oi......
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 63 65 67 68 71 82 85 88 91 SteeringWheel Axle AssemblySTMP Dropped STL Spindle Assembly, L.H. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 ENGINE 8O 38 i I 16 I 105 105_ 33 31 29 4O 33 \ OPTIONAL Spark KEY PART NO. NO, 1 2 170548 17720408 3 ......
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 SEAT ASSEMBLY 11 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Seat 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 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan Pnt Seat (blk) Knob Seat Adj Wingnut 180597 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 DECALS 20 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Replacement Decal, Hood, R.H+ Decal, Hood, L+H. Decal, Battery Decal, Customer Maintenance Decal, HP Engine Decal, Mower Srs Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger 156368 181423 177333 177334 138047 133644 177367 172331 163204 156439 WHEELS 2 _ KEY PART NO. NO.
LIFTASSEMBLY TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 3 13 2 6 13 19 I 20 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 DESCRIPTION Washer Asm Inner Spring W/ Plunger Shaft Asm, Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. BearingNylong GripHandle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. LinkAsm Lift R.H. 161718 20 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER MOWER DECK 158 157 ,(_,_. 67 151 152 - _. lS3 34 18 i 44 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 CYLINDER KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY PART NO, NO. KEY NO, DESCRIPTION 1 12-086-14-S 2 3 4 DESCRIPTION PART NO. M-545010-S 12-466-03-S 24-162-03-S 25-086-47-S Screw, hex. flange M10x1.5x46 Washer, plain 3/6" Screen, grass Bolt, shoulder M6xl.0x16 2 3 4 24-468-10-S 12-146-07-S M-550010-S 5 6 7 8 9 12-157-06-S X-42o15-S 12-025-15-S 12-155-09-S M-548025-S Fan Key Flywheel Connector Screw, hex.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV490,TYPENUMBER27508 ENGINE CONTROLS STARTING SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. M-839070-S 25-098-07-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 12-755-54-S 12-227-18-S 12-170-05-S 12o221-01-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S DESCRIPTION Screw, hax. flange MSx1.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Includes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, brush & spring Cap, commutator end Bolt, hax. flange 1/4-20x45/8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272074 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 M-641060-S M-629116-S 12-853-118-S 12-041-02-S 12-053-118 12-041-01-S 12-265-06-S 25-237-14-S 52-353-22-S 25-050-03-S 47-154-01-S NOTILLUSTRATED *M-561010-S *X-22-11-S 12-757-02-S 12-757-03-S 12-041-01-S 12-041-02-S 12-041-05-S 12-041-06-S 12-032-06-S 12-757-33-S 12-041-06-S 12-454-03-S 25-452°20-S 12-518-37-S *attaches CRANKSHAFT DESCRIPTION Nut, hex.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION O1 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.
1-800-488-1222 For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals 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.com/parlsdirect To purchase or inquire about a Sears Service Agreement or Sears Maintenance Agreement: 1-800-827-6655 1-800-361-6665 (u.sJ_) 7 &m. - 5 p.m,,CST, MOrL- Sat. (Canada) 9 &m.-8 p.m. EST, M- F, 4 p.m. S_ Para pedir sewiciode reparac_n a domicilio,y para ordenar piezas: 1.
