Owner's Manual lernFT=MnWI LAWN TRACTOR 15.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.272353 i_ This productfrom haspreviously a low emission engine which operates differently built engines, Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance ........................................ 17 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................ 27 Troubleshooting ................................... 28 Repair Parts ......................................... 32 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. _bWARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. ,_WARNING" Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
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 while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact a Sears or other qualified service center. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual.
Steering Steering Wheel Insert Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer iwilinil l 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1 ) Locknut > 1/4-28 1) Locknut Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge i_(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 A socket wrench easier. Standard 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 The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best catting 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 leveled. 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. R N REVERSE ENGINE H NEUTRAL OFF LIGHTS FUEL OVER TEMP LIGHT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED HIGH ON ENGINE LOW ON OIL PRESSURE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) & Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR 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.
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. WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) 6.
MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. • Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE ./__. _o_o_ /_..._3_'_._ ,/'__"_)_,_ _._,_ o OOL.O.
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). 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.
BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • 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.
AIR FILTER ENGINE 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 • 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. A 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.
5. Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure with retainer springs. 6. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket and secure with retainer spring. 7. Push clutch cable housing guide into bracket, slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring. 8. Place flat washer and clutch spring on idler pulley bolt and secure with small retainer spring. 9. Install belt onto engine pulley. TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway.
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 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 TO REPLACE BATTERY ,_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. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 3.
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 \ Holes "A" TO ADJUST Clamp Screw Throttle Cable CARBURETOR NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission.
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 Will not start CAUSE 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. . Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. . 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. . Dirty fuel filter. 5. Stale or dirty fuel. .
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate PROBLEM Loss of power CHART: section in manual unless directed CAUSE CORRECTION Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. i4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. . 17. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed PROBLEM Mower blades not rotate CAUSE will to Sears service center CORRECTION • Obstruction in clutch mechanism, 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel, 1. Remove 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. 4. Replace Contact qualified Poor grass discharge 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.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 SCHEMATIC BATTERY RED © .Eo FUSE AMMETER STARTER _ACK i I o-€,'-- W,41TE __(OPTIONAL) [ )G SOLENOID J CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDALUP) AI( WHITE IGNITION SWITCH ........ WHITE I ,o BLACK h SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) , i ...... _,LACK (CLUTCH 1 GROUNDING dh, e_CK eLUE • le (OPTIONAL) IGNITION UNIT SPARK _ J • PLUG _ GAP (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 ELECTRICAL 22 I "_ I I I I I i /4 I 4 I t i i II i ! , 26 t I I I 1 , 16 t / / // I ..... I I / \ \ I I I \\_ / I I I I i/ I I I I L I I i I 45 29 27 I r 32 .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
CHASSIS TRACTOR -- MODEL AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.272353 212 3O 29 53 26 31 54 jP 35 208 26 2os chassisopl.
CHASSIS TRACTOR AND ENCLOSURES -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR GROUND -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 DRIVE KEY PART NO, NO. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 146682 123666X 1200OO28 121520X 17000512 162240 131679 STD561210 105701X 19151216 74550412 STD551125 74490544 73800500 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 4t 47 48 STD523710 STD541437 106933X 130804 STD541237 106888X 19131316 STD561210 175765 71673 174973 STD523107 175578 120183X STD551062 STD571810 179114 74760648 175556 127783 154407 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 STEERING I-. _r ,:_ i ,_----42 88 I J 68 67 67 29 J 67 \ \ 68 \ _. _._ steering_l.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 STEERING KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 65 67 68 71 82 85 88 91 Wheel Steering Opp Sears BIk Axle Asm Front Spindle Asm Lh Spindle Asm Rh Washer Thrust .75 x 1.230 Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 ENGINE 2 1 81 13 4 i 78 '33 31 _"_'_ 40 33 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyl 17 KEY PART NO. 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 917.272353 SEAT ASSEMBLY i J .I 2.,,,, i 5 I 25 12 seat It.knob 1 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 140116 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 121246X KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Seat BracketPvt St BoltFin Hex 3/8-16 Unc x 1 Washer Flat 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga Clip Push-InHinged LocknutHex W/Wsh 3/8-16 SpringSeat Cprsn2 250 BIk Zi Screw3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga Pan Seat KnobSeat Adj.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 DECALS 14 11 9 4 13 2_ 15 12 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 6 156867 184847 171704 179128 133644 7 9 10 186800 163204 149516 11 156439 WHEELS DESCRIPTION Decal Dash Inst 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 ANDTIRES 4,10 7 11 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 LIFT ASSEMBLY 13 13 19 2O 2O 13 32 13_ 19 15 31_ 32 / KEY PART NO, NO, 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 lift-rh.1piece 3 DESCRIPTION Wire Asm Inner/Sprg W/plunger LT Shaft Asm Lift Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc E Ring #5133-62 Washer Pltd 21/32 x 1 x21ga Bearing Nylon BIk 629 Id Gdp Handle Fluted BIk Button Plunger Red Link Lift LH Link Lift RH KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 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 !05304X 123713X 110452X 130968X428 19111016 131491 173984 129963 153535 178342 STD533717 131494 STD551037 KEY PART NO. NO.
PEERLESS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE--MODEL NUMBER 206-545C REF NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE t_ 305A 643 967 968 1040 0 3091 729 801 697 _ 803_ 310_ 311 579e • _ 462 503_ 1070 802 _E_ ,oo5 _1 801A I 544A I 310_ 513_J oo3,_ 802A 1083 311_ NOTE: For Replacement Starter Motor, See Reference 309. 51 1o.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 310707, TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272353 BR[GGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230.E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION O1 O1 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 ford in the direction of hill elope you want to measure. 4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill.
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