Owner's Manual I(.nFT$MnN°l LAWN TRACTOR 15.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.272350 This productfrom has previously a low emission engine which differently built engines. Beforeoperates you start engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat this equipment.
Maintenance........................................17 Serviceand Adjustments.....................21 Storage................................................ 27 Troubleshooting...................................28 Repair Parts.........................................32 Sears Service........................Back Cover Warranty................................................ 2 SafetyRules..........................................3 ProductSpecifications...........................6 Assembly/Pre-Operation.........
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: • 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. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• 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 while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
PRODUCT In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). SPECIFICATIONS iGasoline iCapacity and Type: _)ilType: API-SF-SJ): Oil Capacity: Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") iGround Speed i(MPH): 1.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert C) (1) Large Flat Washer 1/2-20 (1 ) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering =_ SteeringAdapter Wheel I Boot Extension Shaft teering Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 7
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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 ASSEMBLY Insert FOR 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.
CHECKTIRE PRESSURE J 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 your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product. Please review the following checklist: ,/All assembly instructions have been completed.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. R ENGINE H N REVERSE NEUTRAL OFF HIGH LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED ENGINE ON OIL PRESSURE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED Models only) & Failure to follow ENGINE BATTERY injury or death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards which can result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR 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.
The operation of any 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR • Turn ignition key to "STOP" position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use. • Never use choke to stop engine.
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.
ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. . _CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
MOWING TIPS • If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height. • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper discharge of material.
MAINTENANCE REGULAR C::::: SCHEDULE _ ._-_._ .,_. _._ ._._z _ _=__.S_.
TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. 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.
BATTERY Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/ dipstick securely each time you check the oil level. Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use.
AIR FILTER ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Pull up on air filter cover handle and rotate towards engine. 2. Remove cover. 3. Carefully remove air filter cartridge and pre-cleaner from base. 4.
CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower. • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to side. If the following front-to-back adjustment is necessary, be sure to adjust both front links equally so mower will stay level side-to-side. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position. Check adjustment on right side of tractor.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE DRIVE 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3. If distance is other than 1-1/2", loosen jam nut and turn nut "A" until distance becomes 1-1/2". Retighten jam nut against nut "A". 4. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than five (5) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary.
BELT INSTALLATION - TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY 1. Carefully work new belt down between transaxle belt keepers and onto the input pulley. 2. Slide belt into the center span keeper. 3. Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll around the top groove of engine pulley. 4. Install belt through stationary idler and clutching idler. 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. 6. Install mower (See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in this section of manual).
REPLACING BATTERY TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind the dash. _WARNING: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift seat pan to raised position. 2.
FINAL SETTING - 2. Check that holes "A" in governor control lever and hole in governor plate line-up. If holes "A" are not aligned, loosen clamp screw and move throttle cable until holes are aligned. Tighten clamp screw securely. Governor Governor Control Lever Control Plate 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. 2. Move throttle control lever to slow position.
Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an 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. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. • Use fresh fuel next season.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7 Water in fuel. . 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. iHard to start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE LOSS of power . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. CORRECTION Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate i Poor grass idischarge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 8.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 SCHEMATIC ÷ 0Eo o1113 0LAoK BATTERY RE° FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) STARTER BLACK i I WHITE I I SOLENOID REO L CLUTCH J / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) WHITE SEAT IGNITION SWITCH NOT 8LACK SWITCH OCCUPIED) 'O // [ 8LACK /_ATYMENT CLUTCH BLACK (CLUTCH OFF) GROUNDING CONNECTOR A V (OPTIONAL) IGNITION UNIT BLACK SPARK _@ J LINE I CHARGING SYSTEM Ob3"PUT LUG GAP (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 90 163465 74760412 176689 176138 175685 4152J 4799J 146147 175158 73510400 4207J 121305X 175566 140403 179720 71110408 131563 178861 121433X 141940 180449 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 Unc x 3/4 Box Battery Fender Switch Interlock Harness Socket Light W/4152J Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga.
TRACTOR -- MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.272350 212 30 29 12 28 25 26 5 53 26 31 55 57 209 208 209 54 26 33 lo 35 34 7 206 3 chassis-pl.
TRACTOR -- MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.272350 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 STEERING KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 ENGINE 3 72 13 4 J I 14 78 33 31 40 33 29 \ I OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyl KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 170545 17720408 4 137352 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 165291 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 184900 140527 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Control Th/ch Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine (See Breakdown) Briggs, Model No.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 SEAT ASSEMBLY \ \ \ I I 22 21 I I I I ......-16 11 12 seat It.knob 1 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 140122 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 121246X Seat Bracket Pvt St Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 Unc x 1 Washer Fiat 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga. Clip Push-In Hinged Lecknut Hex W/Wsh 3/8-16 Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 DECALS 14 lO 9 4 13 15 I 12 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 6 156867 184847 171704 179128 133644 7 9 10 186019 163204 149516 11 156439 DESCRIPTION Decal Dash lnst Oper English Decal HP Engine Decal Hood Logo Decal Deck Decal Maint Cust Sears Domestic Decal Replcmnt Decal Fender Craftsman White Decal Battery Dngr/Psn Eng Acme Decal Danger Fender Eng/span WHEELS AND TIRES ,9 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 5 3 13 2 6 6 5 13 19 2O 13 2O 19 15 lift- rh, 1piece KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 Wire Asm lnner/Sprg W/plunger Shaft Asm Lift Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc E Ring #5133-62 Washer Pltd 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. Bearing Nylon BIk 629 Id Grip Handle Fluted BIk Button Plunger Red Link Lift LH Link Lift RH Retainer Spring 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 165460 STD624008 178024 850857 STD551137 140296 11 134149 -- 139775 - - 138971 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 137645 128774 110485X 174493 72140505 132827 159770 STD541431 177563 105304X 123713X 110452X 130968X428 19111016 131491 173984 129963 153535 178342 STD533717 131494 STD551037 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR DANA TRANSAXLE--MODEL -- MODEL NUMBER NUMBER D4360-140 917.
TRACTOR DANA TRANSAXLE--MODEL KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 170981 2274J 134400 105904X 160940 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 -- MODEL NUMBER NUMBER D4360-140 DESCRIPTION Housing, Upper Screw, Tapping, 1/4-20 X .734 Ball, Detent Spring, Detent Screw, Tapping, No. 10-24 X .482 138235 Assy, Kit, Shifter 108727X V-Ring 148266 Bearing, Flange 148269 Seal, Oil 2225J Ring, Retaining 134793 * Assy, Kit, Shim, .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 282H07,TYPE 305A 643 1267 729 801 697 _ _ 544_ 74 8O3 _ 310 1 73_ 311 579e • _ 75@ 503_ 462 1070 802 @ _ NOTE: 311A For Rep/acement Starter Motor, See Reference 309.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 282H07,TYPE KEY NO. 1 2 PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272350 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 282H07,TYPE KEY NO. 544 544A 552 562 579 584 601 614 616 617 634 PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION u_ u_ _IL down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to up prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 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.
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