Owner's Manual JCRI FTSMIIW J LAWN TRACTOR 18.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.272480 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 about this product, operating this equipment.
Maintenance Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 AssemblyPre-Operation ....................... 8 Operation ............................................ 11 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Schedule ...................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ..........
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!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. • 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: • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • 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.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- • • • • • if lutely 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 o_ the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
_RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (Above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 4.5 Pints Spark Plug: 'GAP: .030") Champion Ground Speed MPH): Tire Pressure: Charging System: Forward: Reverse: Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES". REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product.
Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Lock 3/8 washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Steering Boot _ _ Wheel SteeringAdapter _ t Extension Shaft Steering Seat (1) Washer 17/32x 1-3/16x Gauge (_ _(1) 12 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 FOR 6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely. 7.
Label _rminal NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. TO ROLL Operation function INSTALL SEAT 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.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM (If previously removed) After you leam 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. 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.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S YOUR 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, Attachment Clutch Lever Ignition Switch Light Switch Ammeter Lever Plunger Throttle/Choke Control Attachment Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Pedal Height Adjustment Knob Freewheel Parking Brake Lever Lever Approx.
The operationof 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 TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• 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. _lutch Lezer((" Engaged TO ADJUST A_achmant ._! Position. GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.
Transmission Engaged Transmission Disengaged 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 MENTS CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- 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.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) 7. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) 7. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • 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.
.A..TENA.CESCHEDULE AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE T R Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure If Check Operator Presence and Intedock Systems If Check for Loose Fasteners I_ I_s T Lubrication Chart O Check BatteP/LevelMower Blades SharperdRep[ace Clean Batte W and Terminals _3 Check Transaxle Cooling I_ R ! If / If Check V-Belts If Check Engine Oil Level _ _' Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) N G Ctean Air Filter I_1_.
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 grade 8 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 ENGINE Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, pedodic 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 6. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve. Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam 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. Remove knob and cover. 2. Remove wing nut and air cleaner from base. 7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube.
CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING IN-LINE FUEL FILTER AREAS The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times. Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
J& 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. TRACTOR TO INSTALL TO REMOVE MOWER 1.
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" ot each other. • 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 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.
NOTE: If additional clearance is needed to get to adjustment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position. After above adjustment is made, if the tractor still creeps forward or backward while motion control lever is in neutral position, follow these steps: 1. Loosen the adjustment bolt. 2. Move the motion control lever 1/4 to 1/2 inch in the direction it is trying to creep. 3. Tighten adjustment bolt securely. 4. Start engine and test. 5. If tractor still creeps, repeat above steps until satisfied.
REPLACING BATTERY TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located behind the dash. dllWARNING: 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.
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR ACCELERATION The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the carburetor does need adjustment, proceed as follows: In general, turning the adjusting needles in (clockwise) decreases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a leaner fuel/air mixture.
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. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CORRECTION CAUSE PROBLEM Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded, 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" 4. Bad spark plug, 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss _ power CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty airfilter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. . Faulty spark plug. 3. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM Mower blades will I 1. Obstruction in clutch not rotate mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged drive belt. 3. 4. CORRECTION 1. Remove obstruction. mower 2. Replace Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. 3. 4. Replace idler pulley. Contact aSears or other qualified Poor grass discharge 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 SCHEMATIC RF.D BATTERY SOLENOID FUSE AMMETER _) REO RED WHITE CLUTCH/ BRAKE (PEDAL UP) -- i I , ,_ ........ _ /_._, ...... ATT'MENT CLUTCH "o_s_ • (CLUTCH OFF) GRE£N FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID (IF 60 EQUIPPED) SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) 187 /7 : 30' 87A _UE _ 85 86 BLACX F _ ',87 i I 3o, RESENCE RELAY #1 i 1 IGNITION UNIT PLUG _-_{ GAp (2 PLUGS ON SPARK TWIN CYL.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 ELECTRICAL 22 i/ I I I i I I i i I I 42 I 'I , -I 41 26 / / / \ / \ \ / i t I # I i i i I I i I I , 29 I 27 I I I I.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES 28 39 166 58 31 208.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 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 -- Chassis Stamping D_ Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 BumperHood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16xl Panel, Dash, LH. Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER GROUND DRIVE • 6 :38 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 ...... 8 10 14 15 16 19 21 _'P 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 165866 S'1"D561210 10040400 74490544 STD541431 STD541437 174779 169498 73350600 106888X STD551037 STD561210 175765 71673 169592 74760512 175578 120183X 19211616 1572H 179114 74760648 175556 127783 154407 123205X STD523715 STD541437 STD541431 105710X 105709X 17060620 140294 16..
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 STEERING ASSEMBLY _ _39 : ...... 1....
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER KEY PART NO, NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 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 159944X428 172393 169840 169839 6266H 121748X 12000029 175121 STD551137 136518 145212 177876 17060612 171888 19111216 10040500 73540500 155099 152927 159946X428 19132411 STD541537 159945 145054x428 121749X 153720 121232X STD541431 74780520 STD523710 160367 72140618 169827 175146 169835 173966 175118 175553 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO, 1 2 3 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 77 80 81 101 105 DESCRIPTION 17O548 17720408 Control, Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, (See Breakdown) KohlerModel No. CV492-27506 174667 Muffler Gasket Kohler 12,.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 21 I i 11 12 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 3/8-16x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Gauge Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting 180597 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246)( KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 DECALS 15 9 10 3 7 7 4 13 16 20 11 8 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, HP Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H. Decal, Hood Replacement Decal, CustomerMaintenance Decal, Hood Side Decal, Deck Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger Decal, Deck "B" 42" 156811 177374 177356 177357 177805 133644 177355 172331 163204 156439 179128 WHEELS KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 LIFTASSEMBLY 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 30 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 50 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32x I x21 Gauge Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,272480 MOWERDECK 157 158 68 ,146 21 \ 2 119 'i 16 118 27 1 18 6 19F 21 48
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 16.
119.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER 917.272480 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL I #LECTRIQUE ALLUMAGE BLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLES I HABITATION DE SOUFFLEUR ET DI_CALENT I _-.-9 13 14 '_ e'O.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL 917.272480 NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY NO. KEY NO. PART NO. 1 M-545010-S 2 3 4 24-468-10-S 12-146-07-S M-550010-S 5 6 7 8 9 24-096-05-S 12-027-76-S 12-063-18-S 25-154-02-S 12-086-37-S 10 11 12-063-20-S M-645016-S 12 12-063-19-S PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 STARTING SYSTEM| DI_MARRANTDE LE SYSTI_ME I ENGINE CONTROLS MOTEUR CONTROLE I '\A A •--,, 0 /1,_ i f,' ._, _ 2 II '"p/-_J\, o ,,\ ! /_, _,_.._ 4..
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272480 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 STARING KEY PART NO. NO. M-839070-S 25-098-07-S 12-755-54-S 12-227-18-S 12-170-05-S 12-221-01-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 ENGINE CONTROLS SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Includes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, brush & spring Cap, commutator end Bolt, hex. flange 1/4-20x4- 5/8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODELNUMBER 917.272480 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV492, TYPE NUMBER 27506 FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 M-641060-S M-629116-S 12-853-118-S 12-041-02-S 12-053-118 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-041-01-S 12-265-06-S 25-237-14-S 52-353-22-S 25-050-03-S 47-154-01-S CRANKSHAFT DESCRIPTION Nut, hexo flange M6xl.0 (2) Stud M6x1.
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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 _ For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics, call for the nearestSears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 AnyOne,dayorr_J_(U.S._o_y) For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirsctS"! 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278) 6a.m.-11 p.m., 7days aweek (U.S.A.only) _Nw.sears.