Owner's Manual CRRFTSMRNo 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 46" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272160 , Safety ° Assembly ° Operation ° Maintenance ° Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipmento For answers to your questions about this product, CalF: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mort - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Visit our Craftsman website: www.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly .............................................. 8 Operation ................................................... 13 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 20 LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANT'( Maintenance ....................................... 20 Service and Adjustments .................... 24 Storage .................................
IMPORTANT;This cuttingmachineis capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwingobjects. Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or storing the machine° Allow machine to cool before storage. • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the I!. SLOPE OPERATION machine before starting.
Ilh CHILDREN ° Never run a machine inside a closed area. ° Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition° ° Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. ° Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
o Use slow speed.Choosea low gearso thatyou will not haveto stop or shift while on the slope. ° Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope, if tires lose traction,disengagethe bladesand proceedslowly straight down the slope. • If machinestops while going uphill, disengageblades,shift into reverse and back down slowly. • Do not turn on slopes unlessnecessary, and then, turn slowly andgradually downhill,if possible. ,_Look for this symbolto pointout importantsafetyprecautions.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS REPAIR GASOLINE CAPACITY &NDTYPE: DILTYPE A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details° 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 10W30 (ABOVE32°F) APt-SFiSG/SH): SAE5W-30 (BELOW32°F) OILCAPACITY': W/FILTER:4.5 PINTS W/OFILTER: 4.0PINTS SPARKPLUG: CHAMPIONRC12YC GAP:.
Steering Wheel © Steering Sleeve Extension Steering Wheel Insert Steering Sleeve Seat (1 ! I @ (_(1) (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _J (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Knob Mower k Assemblies (4) Retainer Springs (single loop) (3) Retainer Springs (double loop) Gauge Wheels (2) Washers 3/8 x 7/8 x 14 Gauge (2) Shoulder Bolts (2)lock CenterNuts 7
'(our newtractor has beenassembledat the factorywith exceptionof those partsleft unassembledfor shippingpurposes.To ensuresafe and proper operationof your tractor all parts and hardwareyou assemblemustbe tightenedsecurely°Use the correct tools as necessaryto insurepropertightness.Reviewthe video cassettebefore you begin. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
INSTALL SEAT TO DRIVE Operation 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. Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt securely. 4. Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten. 5.
4. Reassemblehex bolt, lock washer and flat washerin exact orderas shown. 5. Tightenbolt securely(27-35 Ft.Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat TO CONVERT DISCHARGING Trailing Edge Up Blade plate if previously Mandrel Assembly Center Hole plate in a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory.
9. CHECK Place the R.H. suspension arm on outward pointing deck pin,, If necessary, rock and raise front of mower to align deck pin with the hole in suspension arm. Retain with double loop retainer spring with loops down as shown. CHECK FOR ALL BELTS CHECK TIRE CHECK PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance.
V' CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATEAND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT° PLEASE REVIEW CHECKLIST: THE 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.
Thesesymbolsmay appearon your tractoror in literaturesuppliedwith the product. Learn and understandtheir meaning.
KNOW YOUR 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 various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference° Light Switch Position Ignition Switch Ammeter Choke Control of Attachment Clutch Switch Throttle Control Lift Lever Plunger Clutch!Brake Control Attachment Lift Lever Height Adjustment Parking Brake Motion Control Lever Freewhee! Control Approx.
The operationof any tractorcan resultin foreign objectsthrowninto the eyes, which can result in severeeye damage.Alwayswear safetyglasses or eye shieldswhile operatingyour tractoror performingany adjustments or repairs.We recommenda wide vision safetymask over spectacles,or standardsafetyglasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING • Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use. ° Never use choke to stop engine.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2"to 4", The heightsare measured from the groundto the bladetip with the enginenot running. Theseheightsare approximateand may vary depending upon soil conditions,height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • The average lawn shouldbe cut to approximately2-1/2 inchesduringthe coolseason and to over 3 inches duringhot months. For healthierand better lookinglawns,mow often and after moderategrowth. 3, Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control.
• 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 MENTS CARTS AND OTHER IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.
WARMWEATHERSTARTING (50° Fand above) 8. When enginestarts,slowly push chokecontrolin until the engine beginsto run smoothly,if the engine startsto run roughly,pull the choke controlout slightly for a few seconds and then continueto pushthe control in slowly. o The attachments andgrounddrivecan nowbe used.If theenginedoesnotaccept the load,restartthe engineandallowitto warmupforoneminuteusingthe choke as describedabove. COLDWEATHERSTARTING(50°F and below) 8.
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. o The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. o Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This wilt result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENAN'CE' SCHEDULE _._ FILL IN DATES ,_O_==_ Check BrakeOperalion if If Check Tire Pressure V _ If T Check Operator Presence }nterlock Sysiem_ and a Check far Loose Fasteners V _ V _' V _, (_ Sh_;e,_Rep!_,ce Mo,_e'r"B1;,_e_ ........ V'. T Lubrication chart _ 0 Check I_B R Clean Battery and Terminais Batter,i Level * ' ........... Sf ' _ ........................ ' CheckT,anS,xl, CQor!_g ...................................... V" ...............
TRACTOR Alwaysobservesafety ruleswhen performingany maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION tf tractorrequiresmorethan six (6) feet stoppingdistance at high speed in highestgear,then brakemust be adjusted. (See"TOADJUSTBRAKE"in the Serviceand Adjustmentssectionof this manual). TIRES • Maintainproper air pressurein all tires (See"PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS" sectionof this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Keepbatter,/and terminalsclean. ° Keepbattery'bolts tight° ° Keepsmall vent holes open_ • Rechargeat 6-10 amperesfor 1 hour. NOTE:The originalequipmentbatteryon your tractoris maintenancefree, Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checkinglevel of electrolyteis not necessary, TO CLEANBATTERYANDTERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the batteryand terminalscan causethe batteryto "leak" power.
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. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AIR FILTER 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.
CAUTION: BEFOREPERFORMING 1, 2, 3_ 4, 5. 6. ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) positiom Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
. To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side. NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 1/8". o Recheck measurements after adjusting. Bottom edge of Bottom edge of mower to ground mower to ground _andrel Both Front Links Should be Equal in Length _Nut Lift Link Adjustment Nut FRONT-TO-BACK "E" ADJUSTMENT TO REPLACE IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-toside.
Screws Electric Clutch Pulley L.H. Mandrel Idler PL leys L.H. Man4 Irel Mower Blade Drive Belt Center Mandrel Mower ,Drive Belt Idler Pulley RH. Secondar Idler Arm Cover L.H_ Mandre Spring Bracket Prima Idler Arm TO ADJUST MOWER BLADE DRIVE Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking braker 1. Remove mower drive belt (See "TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT" in this section of this manual), 2, Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this 3. manual), Remove screws from R.H.
TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT 1. 2. Loosen the adjustment bolt, Move the motion control lever 1/4 to 1/2 inch in the direction it is trying to creep, 3, Tighten adjustment bolt securely. 4o Start engine and test, 5. If tractor still creeps, repeat above steps until satisfied. Motion Control Lever Neutral Lock Gate Park the tractor on level surface° Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest.
REPLACING _,CAUTION: 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, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift hood to raised position. 2. Remove terminal guard,, 3. Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 4.
TO REMOVE ASSEMBLY HOOD AND GRILL TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary, check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjusF ment is necessary, proceed as follows: 1o With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position. 2_ Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cartridge plate to expose carburetor choke (See "AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). 3.
2. ACCELERATION 5. Move throttle With engine off turn idle fuel adjusting needle in (clockwise) closing it finger tight and then turn out (counterclockwise) 1 turn. FINAL SETTING TEST control lever from slow to fast position. If engine hesitates or dies, turn idle fuel adjusting needle out (counterclockwise) 1/8 turn. Repeat test and continue to adjust, if necessary, until engine accelerates smoothly. High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust-damage may result.
indicates that alcohol experiance 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 and engine while in storage° 1o Drain the fuel tank. 2. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. ° Use fresh fuel next season.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 1_ Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3, Engine flooded, 4. 5. 6, 7, Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter, Dirt/fuel filter, Water in fuel. & 9, Loose or damaged wiring, Carburetor out of adjustment. 10, Engine valves adjustment, Hard to start Engine will not turn over 1. 2. 3. 4. 5o out of Dirty air filter, Bad spark plug, Weak or dead battery, Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuelo 1. Fill fuel tank.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 3, Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower, 4o Dirty air filter. 5, Low oil leveVdirty oil, 6. Faulty spark plug, 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter, Stale or dirty fuel. underside of mower housing,, 4o Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7. Replace fuel filter° 8. Drain fuel tank and refill with fresh gasoline.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Poor grass discharge CORRECTION 1o Enginespeed too slow. 2o Travelspeedtoo fast. 3, Wet grass_ 4. Mowerdeck not level. 5. Low/uneventire air pressure 6. Worn,bent or looseblade, 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower, 8. Mower drive belt worn. 9_ Blades improperly instalted_ 10,Improper blades used. 11 .Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. iHeadlight(s) not working (if so equipped) 1, Switch is"OFF". 2.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272'160 SCHEMATIC BATTERY SOLENOID I ...... ) I STARTER ) 8LACK ; _ I i ELECTPJC CLUTCH I RED SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) i 1 t __ © I .....G._. ..............
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917,272160 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 9 10 11 13 17 20 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 54 58 59 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 154 155 156 157 158 !59 I60 !61 t66 206 209 Chassis Drawbar Screw, 3t8_16 x 3/4 Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 Panel, Dash, LH Panel, Dash, RH HoodAssembEy Plate Battery STYT Washer 13/32 x 13/16 x 12 Gauge Locknut, Hex, with insert 3/8-16 UNC Grilre, MS-558 Lens, GriEle FendedFootrest Bracket, Fender/Support Screw, Thdrol.
GROUND DRIVE TRACTOR-. MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRAC']+OR -- MODEL NUMBER 9'17.272160 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 8 9 10 14 15 16 t9 20 2I 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 ......
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER 917,272160 KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 t3 I5 17 18 19 22 23 25 27 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 46 47 62 65 66 67 68 72 73 79 80 82 85 SteeringWheel Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL Spindle Assembly, L.H, Spindle Assembly, R.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 ENGINE 10 13 32 31 34 33 tI _+ + + ,ix++ 2g 39 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 44 ; + I I 1_-2+ I ,_+'.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 3 t64092 ....... 4 5 6 8 10 13 149723 146699 146700 150176 146629 24-041432 I4 15 I6 !7 23 25 26 29 31 32 33 34 37 38 39 45 81 I0I 102 13280336 13200300 t1050600 17490624 169837 164415 73920600 137180 157103 t61696 123487X 106082X 8543R .......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 SEAT ASSEMBLY 10 25 11 12 KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 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 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Emboss QCK Corm.. Knob Ssat Bracket, Switch Mounting Bushing, Snap 140124 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 ST0541437 t24181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 121246X 121248X KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 DECALS 15 21 6 t3 / 18 3 t 4 7 21 18 t6 12 2 17 9 14 2 11 8 KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR MOWER -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 3 5 6 8 9 10 156948X598 I38457 STD624008 130832 850857 STD55tt37 140296 II 12 13 170698 129895 137553 14 t5 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 3t 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 137152 110485X I40329 STD533106 132827 145055 STD541431 134753X598 131267)(598 105304X 149287 110452)( 166883X428 19111016 131491 157722 129963 173434 137266 144945X598 17490628 STD551037 173438 173900 173899 137273 DESCRIPTION Deck Weldment.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65570 E3L0W_ _ HoUS!NGANp BAFFLES 1 15 7 1:3 ,-_ A,.,,_r_,KE l...... ,,,,, .................
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65570 HEAD/VALVF-,/BR EATHER CRANKCASE KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,272160 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65570 IGNITIONICHARGING KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,272160 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65570 STARTING OIL PAN/LUBRICATION SYSTEM KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO, NO, 1 1 M-839070-S Screw, hex. flange M8x1,25x70 2 3 24-096-05-S M-839080-S 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-468-01-S 25-098-07-S 12-221-01-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S 12-755-54-S !2-227-t8-S 12-170-05-S Cover, pinion Screw, hex.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272160 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV20S, TYPE NUMBER 65570 CRANKSHAFT KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 24-014-42-S 52-139-09-S FUEL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Crankshaft Plug, cup (includes 2) KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24-853-25-S 2 3 24-041-15-S 24-053-25 4 5 6 7 8 9 t0 24-041-14-S M-629095-S M-641060-S 47_154-01-S 24-353-03-S X-426-9-S 24-086-12-S tl 12 t3 I4 24-393-16-S 24-100-01-S 15-353-04-S 24-050-02-S EXHAUST KEY PART NO. NO.
SUGGESTED I GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL "" SIGHTING SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 03 b3 15 ° MAX. ' "_' greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate your Tractor and downonthe face of slopes (not caution when changingup direction slopes.
home or Ours! ! For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOM E_ Anytime, day or night (1-_9-4663) (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.com = www.sears.ca i For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Anytime, day or night(USA.. only) www.s_rs.
