Owner's Manual JCRHFTSMIIH°J 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 48" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272241 • • • • 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 pm, Mon- 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 ............................................ 12 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ..
IMPORTANT: Thiscutting machine iscapable ofamputating hands and feet and throwing,objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in sedous injury or death. I1. SLOPE OPERATION I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, arid follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss--ofinstructions in the manual and on the control arid tipover accidents, which can resuit in severe injury or death. All slopes machine before starting.
ttt. CHILDREN Tragic accidents con occur if the operator is not alert to the presence 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 core of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area, • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children.
• 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. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessaw, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE 3.5GALLONS CAPACITY UNLEADED ANDTYPE: REGULAR OIL TYPE API-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: REPAIRAGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES • Read and observe the safety rules. • Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor. • Follow the instructions under "Maintenanco" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel insert SteeringSleeve Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob Mower Retainer Springs (2)Flanged _:_ ) (1)Front Plate _ (2) Retainer Springs (single loop) (4) Adjusting Bar _ _ _ y ) L L Nose Roller_ (2) Locknuts _ 5/16-18 Video Cassette J J " _ 10/%, Gauge Wheels (4) Retainer Springs __(double i-O_ (_ loop) ) Washers 3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Gm (4) Shoulder Bolt Nose Roller_ _ _'#_ Nose Roller (2) Hex Bolts 5/tR-1R x t .........
Yournewtractor hasbeenassembled atthefactory withexception ofthose 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.
4. Pushdownonseattoengage shoulder beltinslotandpullseat towards rearoftractor. 5. Pivotseat and pan forward and 6. 7. 8. 9. assemble adjustment knob and fiat washer loosely. Do not tighten. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
TOATTACH NOSE ROLLER 6. 1. Position brackets, 17/32 x 7/8x16 7. gauge washers, andnoseroller between deckmounting brackets as shown.Besuretoposition brackets oncorrect side,asshown. 8. 2. Install hexboltsandlocknutsas shown.Tighten hardware securely. NOTE:Besurebracket tabsareposi9. tioned intabholesindeckbrackets. Tab Nose Roller Lock "B"Bracket Install belt into electric dutch pulley groove. Place the suspension arms on outward pointing deck pins.
PRESSURE v' CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSi shown in =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. CHECKTIRE CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be propedy leveled.
These symbols mayappear onyourtractor orinliterature supplied withtheproduct, Learnandunderstand theirmeaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THISOWNER'S MANUAL ANDSAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of vadous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Theoperation ofanytractor canresultinforeign objects thrown into the I eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses I or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments I or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles, or standard safety glasses. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
Thecuttingheightrangeis approximately 1-1/2to4".Theheights are measured fromtheground totheblade tipwiththeengine notrunning. These heights areapproximate end may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass andtypes of grass being mowed. 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.
TOWING CARTS ANDOTHER ATTACH-_kCAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank MENTS filler neck. De not overfill. Wipe off any Towonlytheattachments thatare spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use recommended byandcomply with gasoline near an open flame. specifications ofthe manufacturer of your TO START ENGINE tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose tractionwith the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows: 1. Be sure the tractor is on level ground. 2. Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position. 3. Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during the engine warm up pedod. • The attachments can be used dudng the engine warm-up peded after the transmission has been warmed up and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.
CheCkBrakeOperation _ CheCk Tire Plessufe I_ Check Operator Prelsence and T 1In_cxsy_lems Ri cr_ckf= L0o_Fasleners ip# Vt I/ S hBrpe_'Replace Mowe_ B_ des T J..
TRACTOR Always observe safety ruleswhen performing anymaintenance. BRAKE OPERATION Iftractor requires morethansix(6)feet stopping distance athighspeedin highest gear, thenbrake mustbeadjusted. (See"TOADJUST BRAKE" inthe Service andAdjustments section ofthis manual). TIRES • Maintain proper airpressure inalltires (See=PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Keep battery and terminals clean. • 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.
Oil Drain Valve Closed and Locked Position Cap NOTE: Do not wash the paper cartridge or use pressurized air, as this will damage the cartridge. 6. Remove nut and cartridge plate. 7. Reinstall the pre-cleaner (cleaned and oiled) over the paper cartridge. 8. Check rubber seal for damage and proper position around stud. Replace if necessa_. 9. Reassemble air cleaner, cartridge plate, and nut. 10. Reinstall air cleaner cover and secure by tightening knob.
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat,finish, etc. ofall foreign matter. We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. ,_CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
TOLEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust themower whiletractor isparked onlevelground ordriveway. Makesure tirosarepropedy inflated (See"PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS" section ofthis manual).Iftirosareoveror undednflated, youwillnotpropedy adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of beth 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.
5. Remove anydirtorgrassclippings whichmayhaveaccumulated around mandrels andentire upperdeck surface. 6. Disconnect R.H.suspension armfrom rear deck bracket by removing retainer spring. 7. Carefully roll belt over the top of R.H. mandrel pulley. 8. Remove belt from electric clutch pulley. 9. Remove belt from idler pulleys. 10.Check primary idler arm and two idlers to see that they rotate freely. 11. Be sure spring is securely hooked to pdmary idler anti and spdng arm. MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION 12.
4. Roadtesttractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than six (6) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary. Contact your nearest authorized service center/department. With Parking Brake "Engaged" Arm h this nut. If fudher brake adjustment is necessary contact your nearest authodzed service center/department TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY A, CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries _enerate explosive gases. Keep sparks, area and smoking matedals away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around battedes. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, It should be recharged. (See "BATTERY"in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual). If "jumpercables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your 1factoris equipped with a 12 volt negative grounded system.
TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment shoutd not be necessary, check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: 1. With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position. 2. Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cartddge plate to expose carburetor choke (See "AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). 3. Choke should be closed.
2. Withengine offtumidlefueladjusting ACCELERATION TEST needle in (clockwise) closing itfinger 5. Move throttle control lever from tightandthenturnout(counterclock- fast position. If engine hesitates wise)1turn. dies, turn idle fuel adjusting ne_ out (counterclockwise) 1/8 turn, FINAL SETTING 1. Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
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. _,CAUTION: 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 b_lore 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 PROBLEM NIII not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded, Hard to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Englnewlll not turn over 1, Brake pedal not depressed. 2. Attachment clutch is engaged. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Blown fuse. 5. Corroded battery tan_inals. 6. Loose or damaged widug. 7. Faulty ignition switch. CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE _ in Operation section. 3, Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power [continued) 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. CORRECTION 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. Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Poorgrass 1. Engine speedtooslow. discharge 2. Travel speedtoofast. CORRECTION 1. Place throttle control in =FAST" position. 2. Shift to slower speed, 3. Wet grass. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing, 4. Mower deck not level, 4. Level mower deck. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5. Check tires for proper air pressure. 6. Warn, bent or loose blade. 6. Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten blade bolt. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and 7.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 SCHEMATIC I BAITESRY FUSE STARTER AMMETER OPTIONAL) ....... t CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) , i .... i _,C i Gi I , i , _O , F i I bB q i . i SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCtJpfED) __ ELECTRIC CLUTCH , i FUEL i i i i OPERATOR PRESENCE RELAy #1 _d_SOUENC40_RUT'OFF ] (IF SO EQUIPPED) (o PT_C,t,_,L) , ........
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 ELECTRICAL KEY NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
GROUND DRIVE TRACTOR - - MODEL 26 241 74 NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. 1 9 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 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 61 62 63 65 66 74 75 PART NO. ...... DESCRIPTION Transakie (See Breakdown) Hydrogear Model 323-0510 174367 Clutch Elec 74490544 Bolt Hex Flghd 5/16-18 Gr. 5 73800500 Nut Lonk Hex W/Ins. 3/16-18 Unc 126197X Washer 1-1/20D x 15/32 ID x .250 73800600 NutLockHexWhNsh 315`16Unc 173937 Bo5 Hex 7/15`20 x 4 x Gr. 5-1.
STEERINGASsEMTLP_y cTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917,272241 40
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 STEERINGASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
ENGINE TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 3 175439X505 Control, Throitle .......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 9t7.272241 SEATASSEMBLY 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 Knoh Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting Bushing,Snap 175134 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 ST0541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 177957 121246X 121248X KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 DECALS 15 18 1\ 13 \ 18 7 10 9 12 14 24 KEY NO, PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 177888 174969 177909 177910 177917 133644 177967 177916 177967 156439 146046 177890 175291 177254 Decal, Hood/Seat Reflector LH. Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal HOOd,LH.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 LIFT ASSEMBLY 41 ! .
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 10 20 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 51 52 53 54 176263 159476 138284 120_0002 19211621 120183X 175830 175370 175371 4939M 175562 73350800 175689 73800800 163552 176205 175994 155697 123935X 17060516 19112410 155098 145212 19171416 175378 175802 175560 Plunger Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lilt Pin, Groove E-PJng Washer 21132 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Link, Lift, L,H. Link, LJft,R.H.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
MOWER DECK TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 KEY NO. PART NO.
128 m ,,4 I 88 oO 123 zr ;0m _m _.n -.4 .124 6-Sealant (Jolt d" etRr_he4te) S7-20WSO Oil - 78,80Z (OZ de 70.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 HYDRO GEARTRANSAXLE. - MODEL NUMBER 323-0510 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER 65578 CRANKCASE H EADNALVF.JBREATHER KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER 65578 IGNITIONICHARGING KEY NO. 1 PART NO. 54-755-15-B BLOWER 2 M-403025-S 3 X-25-92-S Kit, grass screen (Includes 2-4,and 24 113 18-S) Screw, hex. cap M4x0.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMB ER917.272241 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624 TYPENUMBER 65578 BTARTING _YSTEM I _narrant Svstt_mel ENGINE CONTROLS _oteur Contr6Je t /tl LL.,-',-._ W ! $ I _27 I OIL pAN / LUBRICATION De L'Huile Pan Lubdficatlon I [ D--$ .
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER65578 STARTING KEY NO. SYSTEM PART NO, KEY NO. DESCRIPTION 1 M-839080-S 2 25-og8-o8-s 3 4 5 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 6 7 OIL PAN/LUBRICATION 25 141 05-S 25-221-BI-S Screw, hex. flange M8xl.25x80 (2) Starter, sOlenoid shift assembly (Includes 47) Nut, hex. flange Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion ddve _cludes 6) ng Kit, brush PART NO.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272241 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624TYPE NUMBER65578 FUEL SYSTEM CRANKSHAFT KEY NO, PART NO. 1 24-014-42-S 2 52-139-09-S KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Crankshaft 2) Plug, cup (thcludes PART NO. 1 24-853-25-S 2 3 24-g41-15-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 EXHAUST KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 8 greater than 15°) never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exerc se extreme Operate when your Tractor and downonthe face of slopes (not caution changingup direction slopes. !_ I ......... _._ _: .... ....,...,..,,,_.,.,........,,,..,_ _._.
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