Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRWI LAWN TRACTOR 17 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.272075 I_ differently from previously built engines. Before you start the enhis product a low emission engine Manual. which operates gine, read andhas understand this Owner's CAUTION: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, operating this equipment.
Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 8 Operation ............................................. 11 Maintenance Schedule ....................... 17 Maintenance ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................ 27 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. A A_,Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTIONH! BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. • 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.
DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overtum 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. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• 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 fail 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): (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 4.5 Pints Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") Champion Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 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 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 _(1) Locknut (1) Locknut _ 1/4-28 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Boot Steering 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 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 7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel. 8. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.
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 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 packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM 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.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Ammeter Ught Switch Position 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 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START CHECK When starling 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.
FELL IN DATES RE O SERV,CE R ERV'C EDATES ch.:or.oger=o. Check Ti_ PressurB T R I Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems and Check for Loose Fastep_rs T Sharpei_'Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level R if I_ I_s _3 V' Clean Battery and Terminals I_ Check Transaxle Cooling V i' If Check V-Belts if Check Engine 011 Level I_ Change Eng_ _i (witho.
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 "-ro 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 I 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.
AIRFILTER Yourenginewill not run properlyusing a dirty air filter. Cleanthe foam pre-cleaner CLEAN Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled. 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.
_ 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 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 LEVELMOWERHOUSING Adjustthe mowerwhiletractor is parked on levelgroundor driveway. Make sure tires are properly 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 114" 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- Mandrel' Pulley TO ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right 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.
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 right rear wheel. 3. Position the gear shift lever in the neutral (N) position. 4.
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 Loose or damaged wiring may cause your tractor to run poorly, stop running, or prevent it from starting. • Check wiring. See electrical wiring diagram in the Repair Parts section.
ENGINE 2. Start engine and allew to warm for five minutes. Make adjustments with engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Idle soeed setting - W'rth thro_e control lever in slow position, engine should idle at 1750 RPM. If engine idles too slow or fast, fum idle speed adjusting screw in or out until correct idle is attained. 4.
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. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6, Dirty fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Lossofpower CORRECTION CAUSE 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. 15. Engine valves out of adjustment. Clean underside of mower housing. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil leveVchange oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7.
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, 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Replace mower drive belt.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 SCHEMATIC RED BATTERY SOLENOID m AMM_ETER FUSE STARTER _CK (OPTIONAL) RED _t BSM RED FUEL B-UE IGNITION SWITCH C '- - - - 1.... ' I I LINE (CLUTCH OFF) I I w W LUE= 85 (NOT OCCUPIED) :8% /7 FUEL SHUT-OFF 86_ i_ ('F SOBj_CKEQU,PPED) : - STA i ,85 : 87 86 : B_CK PRESENCE RELAY #1 3o ' W OPNEcR_TOR_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.272075 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 74 114 115 142 143 144 145 159 166 206 207 208 211 212 -- Chassis Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 BumperHood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16x3/4 Panel, Cash, L.H. Panel, Cash, R.H.
GROUND DRIVE TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 14 16 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) Peedess206-545C 146682 Spring, Return, Brake 123666X Pulley, Transaxle 12O00028 Ring,Retainer 121520)( Strap, Torque 17060512 Screw 5/16-18x3/4 165866 RodShifterFenderSTLT STD561210 Pin, Cotter 105701X Washer, Shift Plate 74550412 Bolt 1/4=28 UNF W/Patch Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 STEERINGASSEMBLY .f. ,, ,_---42 .
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 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 SteeringWheel Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 ENGINE 38 I. 33 31 / r i_'-• --- i 29 4O OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 17O548 17720408 3 ...... 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 3_ 33 174667 12-041-03 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 109202X 158990 123487X DESCRIPTION Control,Throttle Screw. Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 DESCRIPTION Seat 180597 180166 Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 19131610 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga 145oo6 Clip Push In Hinged STD5414,37 Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 Unc 124181X Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi 17000616 Screw 3/8-16 X 1 19131614 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga 180186 Pan Pnt Seat (blk) 166369 Knob Seat Adj Wingnut KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 DECALS 2 13 6 3 13 10 11 11 2O 9 15 7 8 12 14 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 Maintanance 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 NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 /i /' _8 ; 5 3 13 I l" 2 11_ 6 5 15 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 SpringW! Plunger Shaft Asm, Lift PinGroove E Ring#5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Beadng Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read LinkAsm Lift LH. Link Asm Lift R.H. KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 MOWER DECK I 106"_ 102 103 105 113 111 11\4 1 J'- i 114"_.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 CYLINDER HEAD, VALVE AND BREATHER I 1t D 20 19 _ 10 16 18 CRANKCASE_.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV490,TYPE NUMBER27508 CYLINDER HEADNALVF-JBREATHER CRANKCASE KEY PART NO. NO. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY NO. PART NO. KEY PART NO. NO. 1 12-086-14-S 2 3 4 12-468-03-S 24-162-03-S 25-086-47-S 5 6 7 8 9 12-157-06-S X-42-15-S 12-025-15-S 12-155-09-S M-548025-S 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M10x1.5x46 Washer, plain 3/8" Screen, grass Bolt, shoulder M6x1.0x16 (4) Fan Kev Fly_vheel Connector Screw, hex. cap M5x0.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 STARTING KEY PART NO. NO. M-839070-S 25-098-07-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 ENGINE CONTROLS SYSTEM 12-755-54-S 12-227-18-S 12-170-05-S 12-221-01-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange MSx1.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Includes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, brush & spring Cap, commutator end Bolt, hex. flange 1/4-20x45/8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272075 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 DESCRIPTION M-641060-S Nut, box. flange M6xl.0 (2) M-629116-S 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 repairof major brand appliancesin your own home... no matterwho made it, nomatterwho sold 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ www,seal's.COl'rl For repairofcany-in products like vacuums, lawnequipment,and electronics,callfor the nearestSears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Any_, dayorni0ht (U.SAonly) www_ For the replacement parts,accessories and owner's manuals thatyou need to do-it-yourseff, callSears ParlsDirectSMt 1-800-366-PART (l"S00""r"r"r"r_727S) 6 a.m.-11 p.m., 7daysaweek (u.s.A" _y) www.sears.
