Owner's Manual ICRIIFTSMRN'I LAWN TRACTOR 21.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.272460 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: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. about this product, Sears, Roebuck Estates, and Co.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 AssembtyPra-Operation ....................... 8 Operation ............................................ 11 Maintenance ....................................... 18 LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ..............................................
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. _Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION[H BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look clown and behind before and while backing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone.
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. Taft 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.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". Gasoline Capacity and Type: 3.5 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (Above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 4 Pints Spark Plug: GAP: .030") Champion Ground Speed (MPH): REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Hex Bolt 5116-18 x 1-1/4 1) Lock 3/8 washer 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 1 SEtx_eering n Boot Steerinc_ Wheel Steering Adapter _ Shaft Seat (_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 FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
•"_..... NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. ; l__bel TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID Operation section for location • INSTALL function of (See and controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. 3. Place freewheel control in "transmis- SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. 4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck. After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
Thesesymbolsmayappearon your tractoror in literaturesuppliedwiththe product. Learnand understandtheir meaning.
K]qOW 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. Attachment Clutch Lever Light Switch Ignition Switch Ammeter Choke Control Throttle --'" .... Lift Lever -- _ "_.
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 TO SET PARKING TRACTOR BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO OPERATE • 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. TO ADJUST GAUGE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO TRANSPORT When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position. Freewheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor. 1. Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. 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 re-engage transmission, reverse above procedure.
. 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, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry. WARM WEATHER above) STARTING (50 ° F and 7.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "3"O LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed.
FILL IN DATES T R /_j_:>_/cp.
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.
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 BATTERYAND TERMINALS 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.
8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick. 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.
[,_ WARNING: TO ADJUSTMENTS: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR 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.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE With Parking Brake "Engaged" DRIVE The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL Jam Nut Nut =A" - 1. Remove mower from tractor (See "-I-O REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). 2. Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. 3. Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION Arm - 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys 2.
Motion Control Lever Neutral Lock Gate Clutching "., Stationary Idler TRANSMISSION MENT Transmission Input Pulley TO ADJUST MENT STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble with crossbars horizontal. Tighten securely. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor.
TO START BATTERY ENGINE WITH A WEAK 4. ,_WARNING: 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 "BATTERY" 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 system.
TO REMOVE SEMBLY HOOD AND GRILL AS- 1. Raise hood. 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. 3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. 4. When replacing hood, be sure to reconnect the headlight wire connector. 1. With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position. 2. Loosen knob and remove cover assembly from air cleaner. 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: 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.
TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION • 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. 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. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power continued) CORRECTION CAUSE 3. 4. 5. 6. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 1. air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13.Loose or damaged wiring. 14. Carburetor out of adjustment. 2. Bent blade mandrel. 3. Loose/damaged part(s). 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate PROBLEM section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE CORRECTION Mower blades will not rotate (con't) Poor grass discharge CHART: 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 2. Replace mower drive belt. 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4. Level mower deck. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 SCHEMATIC RED BLACK BATTERY AMMETER (OPTIONAL) FUSE _ARTER : i i .... I SOLENOID I J CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) WH_E IGNITION SWITCH /; ,- - _ .... Ii I i (NoTSEAToccuPIED)SWITCH P BLACK J ATI_M E_IT (_LUTCH SL_K (CLUTCH i k b L BLACK R_ ..... G OUNDING SPARK IGNITION UNIT NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 55 163465 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 176138 175688 4152J 4799,.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 20 23 25 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 39 58 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 159 166 206 207 208 219 174619 176554 17060612 155272 168337X013 STD533710 174996 175149 174906o08 174330X612 126938X 180679 124028X 19131312 STD541437 177403 174332X599 175692X612 139976 17490508 175710 174714 174930 STD533707 154798 STD5414.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODELNUMBER 917.272460 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO, NO. 1 ......
TRACTOR-STEERING ASSEMBLY L_ _ _---..-..._ MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 311 . __39 i', _ i _ --_ _" ....
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 10 11 13 15 17 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 51 54 63 65 67 68 71 82 87 88 91 - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 13 14 16 17 23 25 26 29 31 32 33 34 37 38 39 45 62 72 81 ControlThmt Paddle Screw Hex Thd Cut 114-20 x 1/2 Engine (See Breakdown) B&S Model No, 407777-0174-E1 Muffler Exhaust Exhaust Asm. Left Exhaust Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 SEAT ASSEMBLY 8 , _ 22 11 s 52',";'-L 12 KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 180597 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STO541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 Seat Bracket Pivot Fender Bott F}n Hex 3/6-16unc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 10 Ga Clip Push-In Nut Hex w/Ins. 3/8-16 Unc Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 X 1.5 Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga. Pan Seat Knob Seat -. ' 4 :k4.5 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 DECALS 8 7 13 2 11 10 9 15 _4 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Decal Fend STLTOper Decal Steer. Wheel Decal HoodRH Decal Batt Diehard Decal Engine Decal V Belt Drive Sch Decal Dash Pnl Decal CustomerResponsibility DecalCraftsman Decal Fender Danger Eng/Fr Decal Hood LH 156811 164065 177356 138047 181569 146046 181703 133644 163204 156439 177357 WHEELS KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 30 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 50 Wire Asm Inner W/Plunge5r Shaft Asm Lift PinGroove E Ring Washer 29/32 x 1-1/4x 21 Ga. Bearing Nylon BIk .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 MOWER DECK 68 ; 142 ;147 I 34 21 23 24 25 \ 2 119 \ 16 118 27 1 18 13_ 6 19F 21 10 .-.-.
TRACTOR -- MODELNUMBER 917.272460 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 165892 2 STD533107 3 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 - - --o 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42, Deck STD624008 Retainer Spdng 178024 Bar Sway Deck 850857 Bolt, He:< 3/6-24 x 1.25 Gr.
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TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 BRIGGS & STRA'I'rON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0174-E1 sl 1029 I022 I 211 _'i_ `P" _D_' 2_ 914'_) I 40_ 121 CARBURETOR 505 I_ OVERHAUL KIT 108_ 51 L__)_ )_J 104 105 _ 276 633 O • 987 • 117 _ 0,B_ _ 4040 9T/CARBURETOR 137C_ 150_ 276 | GASKET SET 633 • 987 • 983C:;_ 118 IP 1123_ 0 , _ 0 117 f 51 11311130 1124_ 53 9stl I--_,.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777, TYPE NUMBER 0174-E1 KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272460 BRIGGS& STRA'n'ONENGINE-MODELNUMBER407777,TYPENUMBER0174-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES _ MAX. down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious Injury, operate your tractor and bslopes 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.
1-800-4-MY-HOME _ 1-800-488-1222 For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirectS_! 1-800-366-PART 6a.m.-11 p.m.,7daysaweek (1-800-366-7278) (U.S.A. only) www.sears.com_rect To purchase or inquire about a Sears Service Agreement or Sears Maintenance Agreement: 1-800-827-6855 (U.S.A.) 7 a.m.- 5 p.m., CST, Mort. - Sat. ,,H,i;, ,iL i i i i J ! @Seals,RoebuckandCo. (Canada) 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. EST, M- F, 4 p.m. Sat.
