Owner's Manual 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 48" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272244 • • • • 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 prn, Man - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... Safety Rules ......................................... Product Specifications .......................... Assembly .............................................. Operation ............................................ Maintenance Schedule ...................... Maintenance ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................
MPORTANT: This cuttng machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious inju_ or death. L GENERAL OPERATION I1. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and to[low all Slopes are a major factor related to leas-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes machine before starting.
IlL CHILDREN Tragic accidents can 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 care 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 spend. 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. _)&Lock for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS REPAIR AGREEMENT GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: OILTYPE A Repair Agreement is available on this product, Contact your nearest Sears store for details, (API-SF-SJ): OIL CAPACITY: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 10W30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°1=) W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS WiOFILTER:4.0 PINTS CHAMPION RC12YC CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES • Read and observe the safety rules. • Fellow a regular schedule in maintaining, cadng for and using your tractor.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel insert Steedng Sleeve (1) W_ 17/32 x 1-,3/16 x 12 Gauge i_(1) (5) Retainer Springs Mower Knob (2)Flanged (1)FrontPlate _" (2) Retainer Springs (single loop) Assemb,y _r" (4) Adjusting Bar _ Gauge Wheels _ _--_ | (4) RetainerSpdngs (4,L_clevisPins_j (doub,e,oop) 3/8-16 _,_4> Wheels <4, Washers L_..._J 3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga?_=.f [_" (4) Shoulder Bolt Nose Roller_ -- Nose Rolle_ (2) Locknuts 5/16-18 Video Cassette _/r Nose Roller (2) Hex Bolts 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 flat 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/brake pedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. 9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
6. Install belt into electdc clutch pulley groove. 7. Place the suspension arms on outward pointing deck pins. Retain with double loop retainer spring with loops up as shown. 8. Install front plate assembly 1otractor suspension brackets and retain with single loop retainer springs as shown. 9. Position front plate assemb]y between front mower brackets. Raise deck and Tab Nose Roller plate assembly to align holes and Lock insert flanged pins.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shippingpurposes. Correct tire pressure is impodant for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSi shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leve]ed. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
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, Hourmeter Ignition Light Switch Position Attachment Clutch Switch Ammeter Attachment Lift Lever ,Reverse Drive Pedal • _ ....
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the I 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. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than =OFF• will cause the battery to be discharged, (dead).
The cutting height range is approximately 1-112to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass typeslawn of grass being mowed. The and average 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 AND OTHER AI-rACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specificationsof the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. _res can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of yourtractor. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1.
6. Engage transmission by placing AUTO MATiC TRANS MISSION WARM UP freewheel control in driving position Before driving the unit in cold weather, See =TOTRANSPORT" in this section the transmissionshould be warmed up as of manua ). follows: 7. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. f. Be sure the tractor is on level ground. After the engine is running, move 2. Release the parking brake and let the throttle control to half (1/2) speed. brake slowly return to operating Disengage parking brake. position. 8.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE ERVICE Check Brake Oper alion check'n_ Pr=sure Check Operator Presence and I,/ _,te,k_Sy=,_,, l,/ Check fo_-Loose F_t enels _ ShatpeNReptace DATES _ I/ _ Mower Blades _' Vt, Check Batlery Lever Cle_'_ Battery and Terminals If Check Tra_axle _ CCoting I Adjusl Blade Belt[s) T_sion I ik_/s Adjusl Molion Drive BeitIs) Tenslon Check E_jirw Oil L_E4 _l_s _ I_ / Ch,_nge Engine Oil _,_ Clean Air Filter V'_ Cleai'_ _#
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 free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or Covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BA'I-FERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2.
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipsticktube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube when taking reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, 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 OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual), If tires are over or undednflated, you will not pmperiy adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position. • Measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground level at front comers of mower. Distance "A" on both sides of mower should be the same.
_CAUTION: Rod is spring loaded. Have a firm grip on rod an release slowly. 4. Remove screws from R.H. mandrel cover and remove cover. 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.
4. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readiust if necessary. If stopping distance Is still greater than six 6) feet in highest gear, further maintenance _snecessary. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. WITH PARKING BRAKE "ENGAGED" Operating Arm Do nottouchthisnut. If furtherbrake adjustment is necessary,contact a Sears or other qualified service center. TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY _,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 "BATFERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual). If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt negative grounded system.
i .ood TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary, check adjustment as descdbed 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 cartridge plate to expose carburetor choke (See "AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). 3. Choke should be closed.
2. Withengine off turn idle fuel adjusting needle In (clockwise) closing it finger tight and then turn out (counterclockwise) 1 tum. FINAL SE37"ING 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. NOTE: The high idle is set at the factory and cannot be adjusted. 2. Idle soeed settina - With throttle control lever in slow position, engine should idle at 1200 RPM.
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 before 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 Will not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. Hard to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Enginewillnot turn over 1. Brake pedal not depressed. 2. Attachment clutch is engaged. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Blown fuse. 5. Corroded battery terminals. 6. Loose or damaged wiring. 7. Faulty ignition switch. CORRECTION 1. Fifl fueltank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM Lossofpower (continued) CORRECTION 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower, 4, Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil leveVdirty 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, Didy/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 PROBLEM Poor grass discharge -leadlight(s) not _orking if so equipped) CHART CAUSE 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. Worn, bent or loose blade. 6. Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten blade bolt. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and 7.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 SCHEMATIC BATTERY AMMETER _IIFUSE I©:_ CLUTCH I BRAKE (PEDAL UP) _ __ ...... J SOLENOIO .... _C SEAT SWITCH {NOT :=__ STARTER G ' i O_CUPIED) i A _b i , _ i t- Id EUECTRIC CLUTCH E _, PTO [DISENGAGED) _u_ i FUEL II ' LINE ' , _¢_ _ I 85 f : ', _BTA IGNITION UNIT _-UEL gH=U_,_=g J = 86 ; OPERATOR PRESENCE SPARK _ I i .........
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,272244 ELECTRICAL I i i i i / // jt s/ 34
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 25 26 27 28 29 3o 33 4o 42 45 46 5O 55 79 81 Battery Boit, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray, Battery Bolt, Btr Front 1/4-20 x 7-1/2 Holddown Battery Front Mount Nut, Push Ny$on Battery Front 1!4 Switch Interlock Push-In Harness.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ...... 9 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 38 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 Transaxle (See Breakdown) Hydro gear Model 323-0510 174367 Clutch Ele¢ 74490544 Bolt Hex Flghd 5/16-19 Gr. 5 73800500 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins. 5/16-18 Unc 126197X Washer 1-1/20D x 15/32 ID x .250 73800600 NutLockHexW/Wsh 3/8-16Unc 173937 Bolt Hex 7/16-20 x 4 x Gr. 5-1.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 ENGINE KEY NO. 4 5 6 8 10 13 14 16 17 23 25 26 29 31 33 34 37 38 39 45 81 101 102 111 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 175439X505 Control,Throttle Englae, ISee Breakdown) Kohlar Model Number CV624-65578 149723 Muffler 146699 Pipe Exhaust Lh 140"700 Pipe Exhaust Rh 171877 Bolt 5/16-18 Uric x 3/4 146629 Sh_elclHeat 24=041-02 Gasket Kohlar CV 18-CV26 (Eae Engine Breakdown) 148456 Tube Drain Oil Easy 11050600 Washer.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 SEATASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 175134 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 177957 121246X 121248X Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32x lxl0Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spdng, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Knob,Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting Bushing, Snap KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 DECALS 15 1 13 19 \ 18 10 7 16 9 12 14 25 24 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO, PART NO. DESCRIP'nON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 177888 174969 1779O9 177910 177917 133644 178989 177916 177967 156439 146046 177890 175291 177254 138047 164757 Decal,Hood/Seat Reflector LH. Decal Hood, R,H. Decal, Hood, LH. Decal, Engine HP LH Decal. Customer Maintenance Decal. Seat Decal. Engine HP RH Decal. Dash Lower Decal, Fender Danger Decal.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 20 31 3_ 36 37 38 40 41 49 51 52 53 54 176263 159476 178981 1200O0O2 19211621 120183X 175830 175370 175371 4939M 175562 73350800 175689 73800800 163552 176205 175994 155097 123935X 17060516 19112410 155098 145212 19171416 175378 175802 175560 PlungerAssembly Shaft Assembly, Uft Pin, Groove E-R_ng Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing,Nylon Grip, H_nd_e, FlUted Link, Lift. L.H. Link, Uft. R,H.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 MOWERDECK 46 130 112 i 21' 114 \ I .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO.
2: ,.< o G) 12( .4 j129 128 rrl -n -,I ..rl mo ' _0 = Z=, 88 i oz_ mO PN Zr- _19 tom ,124 16 99 _SeaJant (Join1 d' etancheite) 57-20W50 Oil. 7S,a OZ (OZ de 78.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 HYDROGEAR TRANSAXLE- - MODELNUMBER323-0510 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624 TYPE NUMBER 65578 HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 24-032o01-S 3 4 24-294-13-S 24-380-13-S 5 24-067-13-S 24-067-14-S 24-874-17_S Connecting Rod (Std.) (2) Connecting Rod (.25) (2) Piston w/Ring Set Std. 2 (Inctudes 7, 8) 24-874-18-S 24-874-19-S 24-874-14-S 24-108-11-S 24-108-12-S 24-108-13-S 24-018-01-S 12-422-09-S Piston wiring Set .25 2 P_ston wiRing Set .50 2 Piston wiring set {.08 I Ring Set (Std.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624TYPE NUMBER65578 _GNII"IONJELECTRICAL 3'allumaoe ou Electriaue i SLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLESI Rabitation de $ourtleur et Ddcalentl 0--6 d .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER65578 IGNrrlON/CHARGING KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624 TYPE NUMBER 65578 STARTINGSYSTEM I D_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPE NUMBER65578 STARTING KEY NO. PART NO, M-839080*S 25.098-0B-S 3 4 5 6 7 OIL PAN/LUBRICATION SYSTEM M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 25 141 05-S 25-221-01-S DESCRIPTION Screw. hex. flange M8x1.25xgO (2) Star_er, s_!enold shirt assembly Includes 4-7) Nut. hex. flange Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion drive (Includes 6) Ring Kit, brush ENGINE CONTROLS KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24-211-03-S 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 24.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272244 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624 TYPE NUMBER 65578 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIP_ON 1 2 24-014-42-S 52-139-09-S 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 10 24-041-14-S M-629095-S M-641060-S 47-154-gl-S 24÷353-03-S 25-237-14-S 24-086-12-S 11 12 13 14 24-393-16-S 24-100-01-S 15-353-04-S 24-050-02-S EXHAUST KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING _" ;UIDE ._. , Cu T TH_ I t .=% greater ), neverupacross the face. Make Operate than your 15 Tractor and down the face of turns slopesgradu(not ally to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme J J caution __ I when changing dlrectl on on s!ope_ ........
For repair of majorbrand appliancesin your own home... no matterwho made it, no matterwho sold For repair of carry-inproducts likevacuums,lawn equipment,and electronics,call for thenearestSears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Any_me, dayornig_(U.SAonly) w't4w.se_rs.conl FerUle replacementparts,accessoriesand owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself,callSears PartsDimctSM! 1-800-366-PART 6aJ'n.- 11p.rn.,7 daysa v,_ek (USA-c_y) w_r_.sears.
