Owner's Manual ICRAFTSMRN'I 20 HP ELECTRIC START 48" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272231 • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment, For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 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.sears.
Warranty............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications.......................... 6 Assembly .............................................. 8 Operation ............................................ 13 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 19 Maintenance ....................................... 19 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ...
IMPORTANT: Thiscutting machine iscapable ofamputating handsandfeet and throwing objects. Failureto observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION II, SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the control and tipever accidents, which can machine before starting. result in severe injury or death. All slopes • Only.
• IlLCHILDREN Tragic accidents canoccuriftheoperator • isnotalerttothepresence 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 tam machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children, • Never carry children.
• Useslowspeed. Choose a lowgearso thatyouwillnothavetostoporshift whileontheslope. • 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 turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, tum slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. _,Look for this symbol to DOnt out mportant safety precautions.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS REPAIR AGREEMENT GASOLINE 3.5GALLONS A Repair Agreement is availal_e on this CAPACITY UNLEADED product. Contact your nearest Sears ANDTYPE: REGULAR store for details. OILTYPE SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES (PI-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30 Ibelow 32°F) • Read and observe the safety rules. OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS W/OFILTER: 4.0 PINTS CHAMPION RC12YC SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030"_ GROUND SPEED (MPH): 1st 1.2 2nd 1.5 3rd 2.4 4th 3.5 5th 4.8 6th 5.3 REVERSE: 1.
Steering Wheel Steedng Steedng Sleeve Mower (5) Retainer Spdngs (double loop) _ _ _ (1)Front Plate Assembly _her _ 17/32 x 1_3/16x 12 (1) Knob_ (2)Flanged v_ Gauge Pins (2) Retainer Spdngs (single loop) _ r- (4) Adjusting Bar (4) Shoulder Bolt _ (4)Washers 3/8 _3/4 x 14 Ga. _ (4) Locknut 318-16 (4) Retainer,S,pn.'ngs (QOUDlelOOp) (4) Wheels (2) Locknuts 5/16-18 oeoer :2)Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1 _BN°ScekRs°l[er Key Slope Sheet (2) Keys __ Cassette (2) Washers 17/32 x 7/8 x 16 Ga.
Your newtractor hasbeenassembled 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.
2. Pivotseatupward andremove from 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and fiat washer loosely. Do not tighten. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat.
ASSEMBLE GAUGEWHEELSTO MOWER DECK The gauge wheels are designed to keep the mower dock in proper position when operating mower. Be sure they are propody adjusted to ensure optimum mower performance. 1. Slide gauge wheel bar down into bracket channel, Be sure that gauge wheel bar aligning boles are on top. Assemble gauge wheels as shown using shoulder bolts, 3/8 washers and 3/8-16 center Iooknuts and tighten securely. 2.
9. Position frontplateassembly between CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractorwere overinflatsd at the factory for shippingpurposes. Con'ect tim pressure is importantfor best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of thismanual. CHECK MOWER LEVELNESS For best cuffing results,mower shouldbe properly leveled. See =TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
=/CHECKUST Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor,we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this quality product. Please review the following checklist: J' All assembly instnJctionshave been completed, / No remaining loose parts in carton. ,/Battery is propedy prepared and charged.(Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). ,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. / All tires are propedy inflated. (For shipping purposes, the tires were ovednflated at the factory).
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENG,REON ENO,NEOFF O,LPRESSURE L,OHTSON ov_.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THISOWNER'S MANUAL ANDSAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. htSwitch Pos=tion Ammeter Attachment Clutch Switch Plunger Attachment Clutch/Brake Control Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
Theoperation ofanytractor canresultinforeign objects thrown Intothe eyes,whichcanresultinsevere eyedamage. Always wearsafety glasses oreye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles, or standard safety glasses.
Thecuttingheightrangeis approximately 1-1/2 to 4".Theheights are measured fromtheground totheblade tipwiththe engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • 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 better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
TOWING CARTS ANDOTHER ATTACH-_I_CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill.WIpe off any MENTS spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use Towonlytheattachments that are gasoline near an open flame. recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing, Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. "Rrescan lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
• The attachments can be used dudng the engine warm-up pedod and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly. NOT[=: ifat a highaltitude (above 3000 feet) or in cdd tempereturos(below32 F) the carburetorfuelmixturemay need to be best ADJUST CARBURETOR in the Service andAc_us_nentsseclk_ of thismanual. MOWlNGTIPS • Mower should be propedy leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Check Tn Pressure CI_ O_mtor I_ I_ _ t/ and R ch=_f_ Lo_. F=_=.
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 he adjusted. (See =TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in ell tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Keep battery andterminals clean. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL • Keep battery bolts tight. • 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 Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to =leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2.
CLEAN AIRINTAKEICOOLING AREAS Toinsure proper cooling, makesurethe grassscreen, cooling fins,andother external surfaces oftheengine arekept cleanatalltimes. Every 100hours ofoperation (mare often underextremely dusty, dirtyconditions), remove theblower housing endother cooling shrouds. Clean theceol_ng fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
_CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE ORADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set perking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in _DISENGAGED" posiUon. 4. Turn ignition key =OFF" and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where It cannot come in contact with plug. TRACTOR TO REMOVE MOWER 1. Place attachment clutch in °DISEN* GAGED" position.
Bottom Edge of Mower toGround -- Bottom Edge of Mower toGround BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGT GROUND LINE -- Suspension Nut "E" Link Nut NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 1/8". • Recheck measurements after adjusting. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-toside.If the following front-to-back adjustment is necessary, be sure to adjust both front linksequally so mower will stay level side-to-side.
BeltTension Rod (Disengaged R.H. position) Mandrel Pulleys Arm Mandmt R.H, Arm Primary TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 1. Remove mower drive belt (See "TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT" in thissection of thismanual). 2. Remove mower (Son "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this sectionof this manual). 3. Remove screws from L.H. mandrel cover and remove cover. 4. Carefully roll belt off L.H. mandrel pulley. 5.
Electric _ O,atch C=utching/"II/ Stationa Idler Transaxl Pulley /(_9 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, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion.
REPLACING BA'I-rERY _LCAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the came time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, dngs, 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.
IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle.= and the seats in carburetor may result screw is tamed in too tight. PRELIMINARY SETTINGThrottle 1. Be sere you have a clean air filter, Control the throttle control cable is adjusta properly (see =TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE" in Service and Adjustments section c this manual). 2. With engine off turn idle fuel adjus needle In (clockwise) closing it fin tight and then turn out (counterclo wise) 1 tum. Stop ) Screw FINAL SETTING TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL 1.
Immediately prepare yourtractor for storage attheendoftheseason orifthe expedance indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol 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 and 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 CHART PROBLEM Will net start Hard to start CAUSE 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 filter. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. 7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Loose or damaged widng. 8. Check all wiring. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Lossofpower 1. CuRing toomuchgrass/too1. Setin =Higher Cut" positio_ fast. 2. Throttle in =CHOKE M 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. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12.Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring. 14. Carburetor out of adjustment. 15.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE _1owerbladeswlll not rotate CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Replace blade mandrel. Poor grass discharge 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Wet grass. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4.
SCHEMATIC TRACTOR --MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 BAT11ERY FUSE AMME3_R SOLENOID IC (PEDAL UP) i b i i i iB G: , i i ,(_) q F _ H i i i i i SEAT SWtTCH (NOT OCCUFIF..
ELECTRICAL TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ........
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 175439X505 .......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION t 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 t0 tl t2 13 175134 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124t81X 17000618 19131614 174594 177957 121246X 121248X Sere 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 QCKConn. Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting Bushing, Snap KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 DECALS 15 18 1 7 10 \ 7 12 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 177888 177249 177909 177910 156368 133644 177967 177916 177917 10 11 12 13 156439 178482 146045 177890 DESCRIPTION Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, RH Decal, LH Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Hood/Seat Name Pie. Replacarneot Pads Hood, R.H. Hood, LH.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY NO, PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 20 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 51 52 53 54 176263 159476 138284 120_2 19211621 120183X 175830 175370 175371 4939M 175562 73350800 17568_ 73800800 163552 176205 175994 155097 123g35x 17060516 19112410 155098 145212 19171416 175802 175378 175560 Plunger Assembly Shaft Assembly, UIt Pin, GrOove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Beadng, Nyton Grip, Handle, Fluted Link, Lift, LH. Link, Uft, R.H.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 3 5 6 174348 178944 4939M 130832 6 11 13 14 15 16 17 174365 173920 174360 174358 110485X 174493 72110610 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 23 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 39 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 72140505 132827 174378 73680500 105304X 178102 1f0452X 174346X428 19111016 131491 157722 129963 177865 176342 19131316 173437 174375 165723 174373 174343 137729 174369 174368 73680600 72110612 52 175820 DESCRIPTION Deck Weldment Mower 48 Bracket Asrn.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE-.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE- - MODELNUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NU MBER 917.272231 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER65578 HEADNALVFUBREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24-033-0t-S 2 3 4 5 24-C,41-23-S 24-096-59-S 25-139-60-S M-645020 6 7 25-351.01-S 24-755-66-S 8 9 10 11 12 13 24-411-05-S 24-041-08-S 24-318-12-S 25-166-0t-S 24-599-0t-S M-640034-S 14 12-086-16-S 18 24-755-74-S 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 24-153-16-S 24-086-32-S 24.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBERCV624, TYPE NUMBER65578 IGNITIONIELECTRICAL :)'allumaae ou telectrigue BLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLES I Habitation f-, e ,,,_.tl iil..
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624,TYPE NUMBER 65578 IGNITION/CHARGING BLOWER KEY NO. KEY NO. PART NO, 1 54-755-15-S 2 M-403025-S 3 X-25-92-S 4 24-112-04-S 5 25-086-47-S 6 7 24o157.03-S 12-086-14-S 8 9 "i0 11 12 12-468-03-S X-42-15-S 24-025-O4-S 25-403-O3-S X-25-92-S 13 24-086-18-S 14 15 236602-S 54-755-0g-s 16 17 12-132-06-S M-548025-S 18 19 20 21 22 235173-S 48-154=02-S X-25-63-S 24-584-01-S M-545020-S NOT ILLUSTRATED -24-126-71-S -X-22.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER65578 STARTING SYSTEM I O_maffant Svst_mel ENGINE CONTROLS _oteur Contr61e .
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER 65578 STARTING KEY NO. SYSTEM PART NO. 1 M-839080-S 2 25-098-08-S 3 4 5 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 6 7 25 141 05-S 25-221-01-S OIL PAN/LUBRICATION DESCRIPTION KEY NO. Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x80 (2) Starter, solenoid shift assembly (Includes 47) Nut, hex flange Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion ddve (Includes 6) Rltngbrush ENGINECONTROLS KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272231 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624,TYPE NUMBER 65578 FUEL SYSTEM CRANKSHAFT KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 24-014-42-S Crankshaft 2 52-139-09-S KEY NO. (Includes PART NO, 1 24-853-25-S 2 3 24-041-15-S 24-053-25 4 24-041-14-S 5 6 M-629095-S M-641060-S 7 8 9 10 47+154-01-S 24-353-03-S 25-237-14-S 24-086-12-S 2) Plug, cup EXHAUST KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED I GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SIGHTING GUIDE SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL " 0) _o I A _U_ Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15 °) never across the face. Make turns graduatly to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme c_glng _ on slopes.
For repairofmajor brand appUarlces In your own home... no matter who made it, no mattor who sotd W 1-8@0-4-MY-HOME _ A_, dayorr_ (1-800-4e_63) (U.S.A. andCanam) For repairofcarry-inproducts likevacuums, lawll equipment,and aiectronics,call for_qerP-.arest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 ._, dayorrighHU.S.A orJy) www.l_aNu_om For_e rep_cementparts,aocessoriesand owner's manuals thatyou need to do-it-yourself,call Sears PartsDirecP! 1-800-366-PART (1-eoc-366-7278) 6a.m.-11 p.m.