Owner's Manual [CRI FTSMIIN'[ LAWN TRACTOR 20.0 HP, 48" Mower Electric Start AutomaticTransmission Model No. 917.272246 This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance ....................................... 15 Service and Adjustments .................... 19 Storage ............................................... 28 Troubleshooting ................................. 29 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Sears Service ...................... Back Cover Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications ..........................
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning.
DO: • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. 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 whi_e going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
PRODUCT Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES", SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline 4 Gallons Capacity and Type: Unleaded Regular Oil Type SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) API-SF-SJ): Oil Capacity: W/Filter: W/O Filter: Bpark Plug: 'Gap: .030") 3round Speed Champion REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory. Review the video cassette before you begin. When right this manual, view, when tion (seated or left hand is mentioned in it means, from your point of you are in the operating posibehind the steering wheel). Adjustment TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON UNPACK CARTON Knob 1. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners of carton, and lay panels flat. 2. Remove packing materials. 3. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.
6. Start the engine. After engine has started, move throttle control to idle position. 7. Release parking brake. 8. Slowly depress forward drive pedal and drive tractor off skid. 9. Apply brake to stop tractor and set parking brake. 10.Turn ignition key to "STOP" position. Continue with the instructions that follow. /CHECKLIST Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOW READ YOUR YOUR TRACTOR THIS OWNER'S TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
The operationof any tractorcan resultin foreign objectsthrownintothe _ glasses or eye while operating your tractor or performing es, which canshields result in severe eye damage. Always wear safetyany adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
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 during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth. • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height.
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AI-FACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are 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. "13rescan lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor. 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.
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 during the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Cho B keO--tion Check Tire PreSsure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Check forSystems Loose Fasteners T 0 R V_s SharperdReplece Mower Blades ¥#3 Lubrication If Chart If If Check Battery Level 1_4 Clean Battery andCooling Terminals Check Transaxle _ I_ Check V-Belts V' Check Engine Oil Level V' Change Engine Oil (with oil tilter) v' =/ I_I,= E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) 11_1; N Clean Air Filter
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 'q'O 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.
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 3. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 4. Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. 5. Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. 6. Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS 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. ENGINE OIL FILTER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter.
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. SERVICE OR WARNING: TO ADJUSTMENTS: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY 1.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground such as a carport or garage. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual), if tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. 3. If equipped, turn height adjustment knob countemlockwise until it stops. 4. Lower mower linkage with attachment lift control. 5. Be sure belt tension rod is in disengaged position. Install belt into electric clutch pulley groove.
ALTERNATE SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT METHOD • Raise mower to its highest position. • Measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground level at front corners of mower. Distance "A" on both sides of mower should be the same. • If adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side.
TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE 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. BELT MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL 1. Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. 2. Lower mower to its lowest position. 3. Disengage belt tension rod from lock bracket. MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION 12.Install belt in both idlers. 13.
TO REPLACE (SECONDARY) MOWER BLADE 10.Check secondary idler arm and idler pulley to see that they rotate freely. 11 .Be sure spring is hooked in secondary idler arm and secondary spdng arm. DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). 2. Remove screws from R.H. and L.H. mandrel covers and remove covers.
TO ADJUST 5. BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted. 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal and engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3.
FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toein or camber, contact your nearest Sears or other qualified service center. TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS 1. Block up axle securely. 2. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheels have a square key - Do not lose). 3. Repair tire and reassemble. NOTE: On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle.
TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT ENGINE LAMP _,CAUTION: When lit, the halogen lamps get extremely hot. Hold lamp assembly by the holder and do not touch the bulb. 1. Raise hood. 2. Disconnect harness from lamp assembly. 3. Rotate counterclockwise and pull lamp assembly out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Insert new lamp assembly and rotate clockwise to lock.
TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL PRELIMINARY The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should 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 cartridge plate to expose carburetor choke (See "AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). 3. Choke should be closed.
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. experiance indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Clean/replace air filter. B. Replace fuel filter. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power continued) CAUSE 3. CORRECTION Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. 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: See appropriate section in manual unless directed IPROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate (con't) CAUSE 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. CORRECTION 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Contact aSears or other qualified service center. 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.
SERVICE NOTE 32
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 SCHEMATIC ° IIIIit BAITERY SEAT SWITCH /9 OPERATORPRESENCE O ] SPARK PLUG I 12 PLUGS ON i TWI_ CYL. ENG'NES) (IF SO EQUIPPED) I PTO SWITCH HEAD-LIGHTS I POSmON 0___ IGNITION PosmoN OFF SWITCH CIRCUIT M+G+A1 _UN/LIGHT B+AI RUN B+A1 START B + S ÷ A1 "MAKE" NONE A2.+L NONE NONE I CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS WIRING INSULATED CLIPS REMOVABLE NON-REMOVABLE NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WlRtNG.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 42 45 46 50 55 79 81 Battery Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray, Battery Bolt, Battery, Front 1/4-20 x 7-1/2 Holddown, Battery, Front Nut, Push, Nylon, Battery, Front 1/4 Switch, Interlock Harness, Light Cable, Battery Fuse Nut, Hex, Keps 1/4-20 UNC Cable, Ground Switch, Seat Switch, Ignition Key Harness, Ignition CoverTerminal Ammeter Hourmetor Switch, PTO Screw, Thd. Roll.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. 1 6 9 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 65 66 74 75 76 PART NO. DESCRIPTION - -- Transaxle, Hydro Gear, Model Number323-O510(See Breakdown) 17060512 ScrewS/16-18 174367 Clutch Electdc 74490544 BoltHex Flghd 5/16-18 Gr, 5 73800500 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins. 5/16-18 Unc 126197)( Washer 1-1/20D x 15/32 ID x .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 15 17 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 46 65 67 68 71 72 82 87 88 91 Wheel Steering Axle Asm Spindle Asm LH SpindleAsm RH Bearing Race Thrust Harden Washer 25/32 X 1-5/8 X 16 Ga Ring Klip#t5304-75 Link Drag Washer Lock Hvy Hlcl Spr 3/8 Nut Hex Jam Toplock 1/2-20 Unf Spacer Beadng Axle Front Nut Hex Flange Lock Shaft Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 3 4 5 6 8 10 13 14 16 17 23 25 26 29 31 32 33 34 37 38 39 40 41 45 81 101 102 111 DESCRIPTION 175439X505 Control, Throttle - -Engine, Kohler, Model Number CV624-65578 (See Breakdown) 149723 Muffler, Asm.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 21 i 24 ! ; 11 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga Clip Push-In Nut Hex w/Ins. 3/8-16 Unc Spring Seat Cprsn Screw 3/8-16 X 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga. Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj. Wingnut Bracket Mounting Switch 175134 140551 STD523710 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 177957 121246X KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 DECALS 11 9 13 3 21 21 4 9 11 10 2O 6 / 8 KEY PART NO. NO. t 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 t0 11 12 13 14 15 16 174969 138047 177909 177910 180978 146O46 177916 178455 177254 156439 177967 178482 133644 175291 174970 177890 15 26 KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. 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 PlungerAssembly Shaft Assembly, Uft Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H. Retainer Spdng Plate Asm Suspension Front Nut Hex Jam 1/2-13 Unc Trunnion Front Susp. Nut Lockw/Wsh 112-13 Unc Retainer Spring Trunion Sups. Arm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. 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 Deck Weldment Mower 46 Bracket Asm., Sway Bar Retainer Spdng Bar Sway Deck Bolt 7/16 Asm. Blade Blade Shaft Mandrel Asm. Greaseable HousingMandrel Bearing, Ball, Mandrel Stripper Mandrel Deck Bolt RDHD Sq Neck 3/8-16 x 1.
= o 128 -ii =_.., r.a I | o_ ,- 88 oO 123 Zl- _19 _1'11 ,124 -108 6-Sealant (Joint d' etancheite) 57-20W50 Oil - 78.80Z (OZ de 78.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 323-0510 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624 TYPE NUMBER 65578 HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624 TYPE NUMBER 65578 IGNmON/CHARGING BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY NO. KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24-027-20-S 2 3 4 5 24-100-01-S 25-139-16-S 24-100-02-S M-545020-S 6 M-545016-S 7 M-551016-S 8 M-645016-S 9 10 11 24-146-16-S 24-146-20-S 24-063-20-S 12 13 24-063-14-S 24-063-58-S 14 15 24°063-23-S M-545010-S PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624 TYPE NUMBER 65578 STARTING SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 M-839080-S 2 25-098-08-S 3 4 5 6 7 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 25 141 05-S 25-221-01-S OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x80 (2) Starter, solenoid shift assembly (Includes 4-7) Nut, hex. flange Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion drive (Includes 6) Ring Kit, brush ENGINE CONTROLS KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272246 KOHLERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV624TYPENUMBER65578 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 24-014-42-S 52-139-09-S Crankshaft (Includes 2) Plug, cup 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 47-154-01-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 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill.
1-800-4-MY-HOME _ Anyl_e,dayornigtt (U.SJ_andCanada) For repairof cany-inproducts likevacuums,lawnequipment,and electronics, callfor the nearestSears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 AnyOne,dayornight(U.SA ody) www_ Forthe replacement parts,accessoriesand owner'smanuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirectSM! 1-800-366-PART 6a.m.-11 (1-s00-368-7278) p.m., 7days aweek (U.S.A. only) www.seam.
