Owner's Manual OCRfiFTSMRN°I 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 48" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272242 • • • • 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, Mo_ - 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 handsandfontand throwing objects. Failure toobserve thefollowing safety instructions couldresultin sedous injuryordeath. I.GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, andfollowall Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructions inthe manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can remachine before starting. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions,to operate the machine.
II1.CHILDREN • Tragic accidents canoccuriftheoperator isnotalerttothepresence ofchildren. • Children areoftenattracted tothe machine andthemowing activity.Never assume that children will ramaln where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and tum machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children.
• Useslowspeed. 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 necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. _lkLook for this symbol to pointout important safety precautions.
_RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS -_ASOLINE CAPACITY _ND TYPE: :31LTYPE 'API-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 10W30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS W/OFILTER: 4.0 PINTS CHAMPION RC12YC SPARK PLUG: GAP: :030") GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0-5.5 MPH): REVERSE: 0-2.4 TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI REAR: 10 PSI CHARGING SYSTEM: 15 AM PS @ 3600 RPM BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30 MIN. CCA: 240 CASE SIZE: U1R BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 45-55 FT. LBS. CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
Steering Steering Wheel Insert Wheel Steering Sleeve (l)W_ 17132 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob Mower Retainer Springs (2)Flanged ) (1)FrontPlate (2} Retainer Springs (single loop) i _ (4) Adjusting Bar _" As,er._ _k_'% Retainer Springs Gauge(4) Wheels _, L.7 y __(double loop) _a:.t_. Nose Roller -- (4) clevisPins €._S.
Your new tractor has been assembled 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.
4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and fiat washer loosely. Do not tighten. 6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/broke pedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. 9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely. Seat Shoulder Bo_t 1.
TOATTACH NOSEROLLER 1. Position brackets, 17/32 x 7/8x 16 gauge washers, andnoseroller between deckmounting brackets as shown.Besuretoposition brackets oncorrect side,asshown. 2. Installhexboltsandlocknutsas 6. Install belt into electric clutch pulley groove. 7. Place the suspension arms on outward pointing deck pins. Retain with double loop retainer spdng with loops up as shown. 8. Install front plate assembly to tractor suspension brackets and retain with shown. Tighten hardware securely.
PRESSURE _ CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were ovednfiated 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 PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: ,/ All assembly instructionshave been completed.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning.
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.
Theoperation ofany 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. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
Thecuttingheight TO STOP MOWER BLADES disenqaae attachment clutch control. _,CA[JI']ON: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place. Attachment Clutch Attachment Lift Switch Pull Out To Lever HighPosition range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running.
TOWING CARTS ANDOTHER ATtACHMENTS Towonlytheattachments thatare recommended byandcomply with specifications ofthemanufacturer ofyour tractor. Usecommon sense whentowing. Tooheavy ofa load,whileona slope, is dangerous. Tirescanlosetraction with theground andcause youtolosecontrol ofyourtractor. BEFORE STARTING THEENGINE CHECK ENGINE OILLEVEL Theengine inyourtractorhasbeen shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. 2.
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 period. • 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.
FILL IN DATES AsYoo Se.PL E Check Brake Operafio_ I1_ CheCl_TirePressure I/ t/_ Check Operator P_esence and T Inte,do_ systems Check10rLooseFasteners A Sharpen/Replace I_ I_ Mowe_ Blades 11,/1 L.
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.
• 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 tree. 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 NOTE: Do not wash the paper cartddge or use pressurized air, as this will damage the cartddge. 6. Remove nut and cartridge plate. 7. Reinstall the pra-cleaner (cleaned and oiled) over the paper cartridge. 8. Check rubber seal for damage and proper position around stud. Replace if necessary. 9. Reassemble air deaner, cartridge plate, and nut. 10. Reinstall air cleaner cover and secure by tightening knob.
CLEANING • Clean engine, batter,!, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. 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. _CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE ORADJUSTMENTS: 1.
TOLEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are propedy inflated (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not propedy 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.
5. Remove any dirt or grass clippings which may have accumulated around mandrels and entire upper deck surface. 6. Disconnect R.H. suspension arm from 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 primary idler arm and spring arm.
4. Roadtesttractor for TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT 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 Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor.
TO START ENGINE WITH AWEAK BATTERY =_I, CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. 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 tractor is equipped with a 12 volt negative grounded system.
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-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttlecontrol has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
2. Withengine offturnidlefuel ACCELERATION TEST 5. Move throttle control lever from slow to fast position. If engine hesitates or dies, turn idle fuel adjusting needle out (counterclockwise) 1/8 tum. Repeat test and continue to adjust, if necessary, until engine accelerates smoothly. High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust-damage may result.
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. _QI, CAUTION: Neverstore 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. V_en 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.
I_OUBLESHOOTING _RO!_LEM Will not start Hard to start CHART CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. i 2, See =TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. 4. Bad spark plug. i 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 flesh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Check all widng. 8. Loose or damaged widng. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CORRECTION 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 dirtyfuel. 9. Water in fuel. 1O.Spark plug wire loose. 11. Didy engine air screen/fins, 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13.Lense or damaged widng. 14. Carburetor out of adjustment, 15.Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration 1. Wom, bent or loose blade. 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE _ROBLEM 3oor grass :llscharge Headlight(s) not working If so equipped) CORRECTION 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. Mower deck not level. 4. Level mower deck. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5. Check tires for proper air pressure. 6. Replace/sharpen blade. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. Tighten blade bolt. 7. Buildup of grass, leavesand 7.
SCHEMATIC TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 _TTERY SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) FUEL SHUT-OFF SOIENC_D (IF SO EQUIPPED) (OPTIONAL) HEADUGHTS _ IGNITION SWITCH IP°sm°N OFF I I IC÷F.B÷E,A*_I ON aRCBT C÷G,B_H CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS WIRING INSULATED CUPS REMOVABLE NON_qEMOVABLE NOTE: IF "_RING INSULATED CLIPS '€_ REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD BE NE _I..*_E D TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 GROUNDDRIVE KEY NO. pART 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 DESCRIPTION Transaxta (See Breakdown) Hydro gear Mcde1323-0510 174367 Clutch Elec 74490544 Bog Hex Flghd 5/t6-18 Gr, 5 73800500 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins, 5/16-16 Unc 126197X Washer 1-112 OD x 15/32 ID x .250 73800600 NutLockHexW/Wsh 3/6-16Unc 173937 So6 Hex 7/16-20 x 4 x Gr. 6-1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 STEERINGASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 175439X505 .......
TRACTOR-SEATASSEMBLY MODEL NUMBER 9t7.272242 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Seat Bracket, Plvut, Seat Bog Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13132 x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting Bushing, Snap 175134 140551 71110615 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174694 177957 121246X 121248X KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 DECALS 15 13 18 18 \ 7 10 16 9 12 14 25 24 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 PART NO. 177888 174969 177909 177910 177917 133644 177967 177916 177967 156439 146046 177890 175291 177254 138047 164757 KEY NO. 18 19 20 21 ZZ 23 24 25 26 27 ----* -o -- DESCRIPTION Decal, Hood/Seat Reflector L,H, Decal, Hood, RH. Decal, Hood, LH.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 t3 15 16 17 18 20 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 51 52 53 54 176263 159479 178981 12000002 19211621 120183X 175830 175370 175371 493,._M 175562 73350800 175689 73800800 163652 176205 175994 155097 123935)( 17060516 19112410 155098 145212 19171416 175378 175802 175560 PJungerAsSembly Shaft Assembly, Uft Pin, Groove E-RJUg Washer 21132 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Gdp, Handle, Fluted Link, Lift, LH.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 3 5 6 8 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 39 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 174348 178944 4939M 130832 174365 173920 174360 174358 110485X 174493 72110610 72140505 132827 174378 73680500 105304X 178102 110452X 174346)(428 19111016 131491 157722 129963 177865 178342 19131316 173437 174375 165723 174373 174343 137729 174369 174368 73680600 72110612 52 53 175820 19131312 KEY NO. PART NO.
:I: ,.< 0 0 m ._129 128 ;0 -4 i i o_ 88 oo 123 zr- _m t_.M 6-Sealant (Joint d' etahchelle) 57-2QWSQOil - ?SJ_ OZ (OZ de 78.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 HYDRO GEARTRANSAXLE- - MODEL NUMBER 323-0510 KEY NO. pART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER65578 H EADNALVF.JEREATHER KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER65578 IGNITION/CHARGING KEY NO. PART NO. 1 54-755-15-S 2 M-403025-S 3 X-25-92-S 4 24-112-04.S 5 25-066-47-S 6 7 24-157-03-S 12-086-14-S BLOWER KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Kit, grass screen llncludes 2-4,and 24 13 18-S) Screw, he)(. cap M4X0,7X25 (4) Washer, plain 5/16" HOUSING & BAFFLES PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624 TYPE NUMBER 65578 STARTING SYSTEM [ [_marrant Svst_me I ENGtNE CONTROLS Aoteur ContrSle ! 3 _2T I O DIL PAN / LUBRICATION [ De L'Hulle Pan Lubrifieation J I# z .-Q 56 O.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624TYPE NUMBER65578 STARTING KEY NO. SYSTEM PART NO. 1 M-539080-S 2 25-09 fl.08-S 3 4 5 6 7 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 25 141 O5-S 25-221.01-S OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x80 (2) Starter, solenoid shift assembly (Inc;udes 47) Nut, hex. flange Kit. solenoid Kg, pinion drive (Includes 6) Ring Kit, brush PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272242 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER 65578 CRANKSHAFT KEY NO, PART NO, 1 24-014-42-S 2 52-139-09-S FUEL SYSTEM KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Crankshaft 2) Plug, cup (Includes EXHAUST KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24-041-02-S 2 25-072-04-S NOT ILLUSTRATED -PA-65578 -24-522-221 -24-782-24 -24-755-107-S 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 DESCRIPTION Gasket.
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HiLL GUIDE I p_ Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15 ), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.. .......................
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