Owner's Manual 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 46" MOWER 6 SPEED GARDEN TRACTOR Model No. 917.272954 • • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment, For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly .............................................. 8 Operation ............................................ 12 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments.................... 22 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ...
IMPORTANT: Thiscutting machine iscapable ofamputating handsandfeetand throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are e major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can remachine before starting. sult in severe injury or death.
Ill.CHILDREN Tragic accidents canoccurif the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if chitdren enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children.
/I, CAUTION: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. "Sras can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY ANDTYPE: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE _.PI-SP-SJ): SAE 10W30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) W/FILTER: 4.5PINTS W/O FILTER: 4.0PINTS ILCAPACITY: SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION _AP: .030") RC12YC GROUND SPEED LO: Hh (MPH): 0.7 1.7 1.4 3.3 2.3 5.4 REVERSE: 0.9 2.1 TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI CHARGING 15AMPS @ 3600RPM SYSTEM: BATTERY: AMP/HR: 35 MIN. CCA: 280 CASE SIZE:U1 R BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 27-35 FT.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert Steenng Sleeve Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob Mower (5) etainer Spnngs (2)Ranged _ (double loop) (2) etainer Spr;ngs (1)Front Plate (single loop) Assembly "_ = _(_ -% ) Shoulder Bolts y)/ Gauge Wheels _ (.,wes,.,.,.'_.
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 FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly _Wheel Insert easier. Standard wrench sizes you need (_ _ _Steedng _--Hsx Bolt are listed below.
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. 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.
INSTALL MOWERANDDRIVEBELT Besuretractor is on level surface and mower suspension arms are raised with attachment lift control. Engage parking brake. 1. Cut and remove ties securing antisway bar and belts. Swing anti-sway bar to left side of mower deck. 2. Slide mower under tractor with deflector shield to right side of tractor. IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. 3. If equipped, turn height adjustment knob counterclockwise until it stops. 4.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractorwere overinflated at the factoryfor shippingpurposes. Correct tire pressure is importantfor best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSi shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. CHECK MOWER LEVELNESS For best cuttingresults, mower should be properlyleveled. 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. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENOINEON ENG,NEOFE O,LPRESSORE L,e.
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. Ignition Switch Position Ammeter, Switch Throttle Control Plunger ClutcWBrake A_achment Lift Lever Parking Brake Control Height Adjustment Knob ShiffLever \ Gear Shift Lever Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National St
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. • Never use choke to stop engine. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "OFF" will cause the battery to be discharged, (dead).
Thecutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". 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 locking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
TOWING CARTS ANDOTHER ATtACHMENTS Towonlytheattachments thatare recommended byandcomply with specifications ofthemanufacturer ofyour tractor. Usecommon sense whentowing. Tooheavy ofa load, while on a slope, is dangerous. _res can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1. Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. 2.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) 7. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly lor a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. • 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 descdbed above. COLD WEATHER STARTING (50° F and below) 7.
2 - _ mo_) orlon whim _adng In _dy or dully co_J_o_a. 3 • ff _0p_I _ o4 filler, ohange C_l ov_/50 hO4JrL 4 - _ t_ad_b rnorI often _ mo_no Y_ iandy _, GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warrantyon thistractor does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain tractoras instructedin this manual. Some adjustmentswill need to be made periodicallyto properly maintain your tractor.
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 manuat). 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.
BA'I-rERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficientfor 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.
Oil Drain Valve cap )'? DrainTubej _""-'_C osedand LockedPosition CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. C_ean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels tree of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. A We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life. CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position. • Measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground level at front corners of mower. Distance "A" on both sides of mower should be the same. • I1adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower ooly. • 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. NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 3/16".
Screws Left Hand Mandrel L.eftn ,_-_ Ha o'_" Mandrel Electric Idler Left Hand Mandrel Mower Blade Pulley Crutch Center Mandrel Mandrel Cover t Mower Drive Bert Idler Arm Mower Drive Belt BeR \ Sway Bar Bracket \ Keepers TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on levef surface. Engage parking brake. 1. Remove mower drive belt (See "TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT" in this section of this manual). 2. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). 3.
4. Road test tractor tor proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stoppingdistance is still greater than six (6) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. PAR I ( BRAKE "ENGAGED" WITH __ Operating,, IMPORTANT: n . AboveBelt Keeper _xle _'J _=_///_t "A" _vV;:_ "JamN_ TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level sudace. Engage parking brake.
Adjustment Sleeves Jam Nuts FRONT WHEEL CAMBER The front wheel camber is not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the frontwheel camber, contact a Sears or other qualified service center. TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS FRONT WHEEL 1. Block up axle securely. 2. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal. 3. Repair tire and reassemble. 4. Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. 5. Replace axle cover. REAR WHEEL 1.
7. Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) battery terminal with remaining hex bolt and keps nut. Tighten securely 8. Close terminal access doors. 9. Close hood. Hex Bolt KepsNut Terminal Access ..' Door _ Positive ":" Cable Terminal (Black) Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the gd]l. 3. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood.
Idle Fuel Adjusting speed Adjusting Screw Throttle Control Cable Clamp Screw" ControlCable TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary, check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: 1, With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position.
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: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CORREC_ON =ROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. 5. 6. 7 Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8, Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment, Hard to start 1. Dirty air filter. 2, Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirtyfuel filter. 5. Stale or dirty fuel. 6. Loose or damaged wiring, 7. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Loss of power CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass!too fast. i 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel 9. Water in fuel. lO.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.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Vlowerbladeswlll rot rotate Poor grass discharge CHART CAUSE 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt, 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. CORRECTION 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Replace mower drive belt. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4. Replace blade mandrel. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Wet grass. 13. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4. Mower deck not level. 4.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 SCHEMATIC AMMETER (OPTIONAL) BSI IGNmONSWITCH GFC WIRING INSULATED CLIPS NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 ELECTRICAL KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO, PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 42 43 44 45 47 50 175465 175282 73680700 163976X428 157882 17720408 145166 161C_3X558 121794X 17060612 160564X558 19131312 $3_523710 _1437 145243X558 145244X558 145051)(014 161419 161327 1613_6 177018 19111116 17060512 167285X558 175278 72140608 136939 136940 154913 174906(_ 175476 Rail, Frame RH Drawbar, Gt Nut, Crownl_.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7552R 1748_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 STEERINGASSEMBLY KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPllON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 30 40 41 42 45 Wheel, Steering Axle Cast., Front Fitting, Grease Spindle/_sm, LH Spindle Asm,, RH Beapng, Race Thrust Harden Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. Ring, Klip #T5304-75 Cap, Spindle BOll, Fin Hex 5,8-11 x 2-3/4 Spacer Beadng Axle Front Nut, Lock Flange 5'8-11 Unc Washer 25/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 ENGINE 25 81 18 15 I 17 I 37 29 \ 16 39 ISPARKARRESTERKITI 4o KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 ...... Engine(SeeBreakdown) KohlerModelNo.CV20-65561 2 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 35 149723 121361X 177748 175287 17(X)56 143996 151346 t09"Z27X 1C6082X 14C627 177328X428 164863 175441X428 STD551237 73920600 3645J 139277 7834R 137180 10010500 Muffler Pulley V-Idler Keeper Asm.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 PART NO. 140123 140651 140675 12S/018X 145006 73800600 124181X 171877 174894 121246X 121248X 72050412 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket, Pivot Seat Strap, Fender Bolt, Shoulder 5/18-18 x .52 Clip, Push In, Hinged Nut w/Ins. 3/8-16 Unc Swing, Seat Cprsn Bolt 5i18-18Uncx 5/4 w/seres Pan, Seat Bracket, Mounting Switch Bushing, Snap Boit, Carr_ge 1/4-20 X %1/2 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 DECALS 2 6 15 \ 4 lO 9 13 16 17 _EY NO, PARr NO. 1 2 3 4 5 172507 164085 1717(_ 171703 149516 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 133644 163_10 171705 163_04 156439 4_OOJ 146047 KL=Y PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR o- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 LIFTASSEMBLY 4O 42 43 38 39 16 20 KEY NO. PART NO, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 19 20 21 23 24 26 121006)( 1775,35 159189 1_00_22 19292016 7111_o24 125631X 1223_5X 122364X 2876H 146704 163552 139868 169865 STD541437 674A247 143363 ST0551037 5328J STD52710 S'1_6240¢8 73800800 19 18 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION Rod Asm., Lever Shaft Asm., Lift Vgi Lever Asm., Uft Rh E-Ring Truarc #5133-87 Washer29i32x1-1/4x16Ga.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 156948 Deck Weldment 3 5 6 138457 $1_(_4008 130832 8 850857 9 10 STD551137 14(]_96 11 13 14 15 15 18 19 176084 137553 137152 110485X 174493 STD5331C6 132827 Brackut Asm., Sway BaT Retainer Spdng Arm, Suspension, Rear(Sway Bar) Bolt, Patched 3/8-24 x 1-I/4 Gr, 8 Washer, Lock Hvy., Unplated 3/8 Washer, Hard Blade, Mower Vented Blade Sheff Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 TRANSAXLE KEY NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBERCV20, TYPE NUMBER 65561 CYLINDER HEAD, VALVE AND BREATHER I m'f3 [_jls N 15,_, ,\ _17 7- 4 29 50
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV20, TYPE NUMBER65561 HEADNALVE/B REATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,272954 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV20, TYPE NUMBER 65561 IGNITION/CHARGING KEY NO, 1 PART NO. 54-755-15-S BLOWER KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Kit, grass screen (Includes 2-4,and 24 113 18) 2 M-403025-S Screw, bax. cap M4x0.7x25 3 4 5 6 7 X-25-92-S 24-112-04-S 25-086-47-S 24-157-03-S 12-086-14-S 8 9 10 11 12 13 12-468-03-S X-42-15-S 24-025-04-S 25-403-03-S X-25-92-S 24-086-18-S er, plain 5/16" (4) Spacer grass screen (4) Bolt, shoulder (4 Fan Screw, flex.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV20, TYPE NUMBER 65561 STARING KEY NO. PART NO. 1 M-839070-S 2 3 24-096-05-S M-839080-5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-468-01-S 25o098-05-S 12-221-01-S 12-227-13-5 12-211-01-S 12-755-54-S 12-227-06-S 12-170-05-S ENGINE OIL PAN/LUBRICATION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Screw, hex, flange M8x1.25x70 Cover. inion Screw, Rex, flange M8xl.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272954 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV20, TYPE NUMBER 65561 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 24-014-72-S 52-139-09-S Crankshaft Plug, cup (Includes 2) KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24-853-25-S 2 3 24-041-15-S 24-053-25 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 24-041-14-S M-629095-S M-641060-S 47-154-01-S 24-353-03-S X-426-9-S 24-086-12-S EXHAUST KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I_ greater than 15 ) never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exerc se extreme caution changingup direction slopes.
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