Owner's Manual i(:RRFTSMRN°i 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272441 • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance • Repair Parts CAUTION: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructionsbefore operating this equipment. about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mon - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Maintenance....................................... 18 Warranty............................................... 2 SafetyRules......................................... 3 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 ProductSpecifications .......................... 6 Storage ............................................... 29 Assembly.............................................. 8 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Operation............................................ 11 Repair Parts .......
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. I1. SLOPE OPERATION I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area. • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• 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. • Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
PRODUCT REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS W/O FILTER: 3.75 PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION GAP: .040") RC12YC GROUND SPEED (MPH): ]'IRE PRESSURE: FORWARD: REVERSE: FRONT: REAR: CHARGING SYSTEM: 16 AMPS @ 3600 RPM BATTERY: AMP/HR: 28 MIN. CCA: 230 CASE SIZE:U 1R BLADE BOLT tORQUE: 27-35 FT.
Steering Wheel Steedng Wheel Adapter I Steering Sleeve Extension Shaft teering (1)5/16-18 Locknut Steering Wheel Insert © (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 washer (1) Lock 3/8 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 11) Large Flat Washer Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys (2) Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet
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. TOOLS REQUIRED 8. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill. IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture tires where tractor is to roll off skid.
INSTALL SEAT TO ROLLTRACTOR Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
. CHECKTIRE PRESSURE 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. 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 Learn and understand their meaning. supplied with the product.
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. Light Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter Ignition Switch - -- ..
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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOWTO NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to "backfire". • Turn ignition key to "OFF" position and remove key.
Thecutting height range is approxi"mately 1-1/2 to 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 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.
ADD GASOLINE 2. Pull freewheel control out and down into the slot and release so it is held in the disengaged position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AI-rACHMENTS • Fill fuel tank.
.7. Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START" position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry. WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) 8. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly.
8. Slowlymovemotioncontrollever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion control lever to the neutral (N) position. Repeat this procedure with the motion control lever three (3) times. Your tractor is now purged and now ready for normal operation. MOWlNGTIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE T R __R_V Check Tire BrakePressure Operation Check _ Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems V f CheCk for Loose Fasteners _ CA Sharpe_Rep_ace T Lutxication Chart O Check Battery Level R _e__O_ s ,_ _, _ _ ,4,q; _ _ ,-,t"j3 _O_ _;_ _ _,'_ ,-4_ ,__o_j_" CE DATES 11_7 Mower Blades _" i/ Clean Battery and Terminals i/ Check Transaxle Cooling v'_ Adjust BEadeBelt(s) Tension Y, Adjust Moron Ddve Belt{s) Te
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 IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and fiat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs.
. 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.
• 7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. 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. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Oil Drain Valve Closed ",_ and __r_ ....Locked if--_---------'Tf_c_ _- -° Cap _ I TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER 2. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. 3.
CLEANING IN-LINE FUEL FILTER "The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. 1. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. 2. Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. 3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. 4. immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline. • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
,_ CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake, 2, Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position• 4. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. 5, Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped, 6. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
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 underinflated, you will not properly 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.
Mandrel Idler Pulleys Mandrel Pulley TO ADJUST 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.
1. Loosenthe adjustmentbolt. '2. Movethe motioncontrollever1/4 to 1/2inchinthe directionit is tryingto creep. 3. Tightenadjustmentbolt securely. 4. Start engine and test. NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent fiat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. Washers 5. If tractor still creeps, repeat above steps until satisfied.
Terminal Hex Bolt Positive (Red) Cable REPLACING Negative (Black) Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood. INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS BATTERY _CAUTIQN: Do not short ba.ttery terminals oy allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time.
TO ADJUST 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 nonroad engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
Also, 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. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of and 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 PROBLEM CHART CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See =TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty airfiltec 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filte_ 6. Replace fuel filter. 7. Waterinfuel. 7. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 8. Check all widng. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 9.
.TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/didy oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 1O.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. Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2.
, TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CHART CORRECTION CAUSE 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. Level mower deck. 4. Mower deck not level. 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. Clean underside of mower trash under mower. housing. 8. Mower drive belt worn. 8.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) SOLENOID SEAT SWITCH NOT OCCUPIED) IGNITION SWITCH IGNITION UNiT _2(2 PLUG SPARK GAP PLUGS ON "rWIN CYL ENGINES) -i t i FUEL SHUT-OFF _ SOLENOID (IF SO EQUIPPED) -- BROWN e NON-REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS Q IGNITION SWITCH OFF _'C_A1 R.UNP,.IGHT B÷At .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 -ELECTRICAL KEY NO. 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER "CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.272441 28 39 166 58 208.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER :CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.272441 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION I 2 3 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 39 58 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 159 166 206 207 208 212 -- ChassisStamping Drawbar Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 BumperHood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 Panel, Cash, L.H. Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 "GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 ...... 8 10 14 15 16 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 64 DESCRIPTION Transaxle(See Breekdown) HydreGr 314-0510 165866 Red ShiftFenderAdjust STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x I CAD 10040400 Washer Look Hvy Helical 74490544 BoltHex FLGHD 5/16-18 x Gr 5 ST0541431 Nut Look Hex W/Ins.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER _-;_---_30 i ..... .I-._._ j i '_ j/ 47 40 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 =STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 159944X428 SteeringWheel 2 154427 Axle AssemblySTMP Dmppad STL 3 169840 SpindleAssembly,L.H. 4 169839 SpindleAssembly,R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 ENGINE 2 1_ 14 38 81 i 37 33 31 i 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 23 PART NO. 170546 17720410 DESCRIPTION Control,Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 ......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 'LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 41 ,8 / / / / / /' / / 3 2 6 5 20 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 175689 Lilt Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Bearing,Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lilt, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 " SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Gauge Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring,Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13132x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat KnobSeat Bracket,Switch Mounting 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 174894 166369 121246X KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 DECALS lO 4 21 13 9 16 2o 8 KEY NO, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 PART NO. 156811 165407 177356 177357 174322 133644 177355 172331 163204 156439 146046 WHEELS DESCRIPTION Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, HP Engine Decal, Hood,R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H. DecalHead Replacement Decal,CustomerMaintenance Decal, HoodSide Decal, Deck Decal, Fender,Craftsman Decal,FenderDanger Decal, V-Belt Drive Schematic &TIRES KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 MOWER DECK 21 _23 29 .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 M(_NER DECK KEY PART NO, NO.
119- o 120{128 12 , ;o | | 109 oO / 81 mo r- m zl"z ice 77 73 79 19 17 O=Jb 16 124 32 351_ 64 93 6O 63 58
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 BRIGGS AND STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0121-E3 929 t lO Ir11_ 213_] 265 [_ 2674 9_ 188 445 = 1 216 1 222 \ 11_REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS 265 TOINSTALL SEEREPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. _ 5,_ 967 r_ [_ _ 718 267 _O_OA _.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 BI_IGGS AND STRA'rroN ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0121-E3 5A_ i 888 _e 40_°_, ..& _o °. 1022 V _11o2,_ 798_ _ 51{._ olO 1y _ 38587_ r_ .... fnl 11_ 51A_ ,,0aoo 1124_' 1.: 788_'_ _ 11691 Io0,_--_, I 11421 ,,t_,_lm I[ 105_ 1051 033 _ 533@ (_';'_1 907_ _ 552 _ 51A _J o=, 1123 ,_ , 105 e _ 13o 95, I .T _ i--n_] -- r-..
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272441 BI_IGGS AND STRAI-FON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777,TYPE NUMBER 0121-E3 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 5A 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 33 34 35 36 40 42 45 46 48 50 51 51A 53 54 73 74 75 89 95 98 104 105 108 117 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS AND STRATTON KEY NO, 383 385 387 404 418 445 447 447A 462 467 474 501 505 510 513 523 524 525 526 544 PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION SIGHTING GUIDE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not I 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.
For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold itJ 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-8oo4694663) _ Anyame, dayor_ht (u.sA andCanada) www._ears.com wwwJ_exs.ca For repair of carry-inproducts like vacuums, lawn equipment,and electronics,callfor the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Anytime,dayor right(U.SA only) V,N_W.seal.
