Owner's Manual CRI FTSMIIN° 17.5 HE 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.273374 [_ differently built engines. Before operates you start the This productfrom haspreviously a mowemission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. For answers to your questions about Read and follow all Safety Rules and instructions before this product, Call: operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am o 5 pm, Men o Sat 1_800-659°5917 Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Maintenance.........................................17 Service andAdjustments......................21 Storage................................................. 27 Troubleshooting....................................28 Repair Parts.......................................... 32 Sears Service.........................Back Cover Warranty................................................. 2 SafetyRules ........................................... 3 ProductSpecifications............................
mMPORTANT: 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. _IWARNmNG: 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. dHLWARNING: Do not coast neutral, you may lose control down a hill in 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. 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. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. Taft grass can hide obstacles. Use slow speed.
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. Be alert and turn machine enter the area.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATmONS Gasoline 1.25 Capacity and Unleaded Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above32°F) IAPFSG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints Spark (Gap: Champion Plug: .030") 32°F RC12YC 1.1 1.4 2.2 3.3 4.4 4.9 1.4 Tire Pressure: Front: Rear: 14 PSI 12 PSI Charging 3 Amps 5 Amps Speed System: Battery: Blade 27-35 REPAmR 28 230 U1R Ft. Lbs. CONGRATULATmONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert
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 REQUmRED ASSEMBLY A socket wrench easier. Standard are listed below.
5. 6. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and fiat washer loosely. Do not tighten. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which atlows 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. Seat NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.
mNSTALLMULCHER PLATE CHECK OF ALL (If previousmy removed) 1. 2. 3. 4. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck. _,CAUTmON: Do not remove shield from mower.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. or in literature R N H L I\1 REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE supplied with the product.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHINS OWNER'SMANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATmNG YOUR TRACTOR Comparethe illustrationswith your tractorto familiarizeyourselfwith the locationsof various controls and adjustments. Savethis manualfor 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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. mMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
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 OPERATE If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position.
ADD GASOUNE Fill fuel tank to bottom , of 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 vah!e life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. choke _CAUTmON: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE /_J/_'_ Check Tire BrakePressure Operation Check _1_ T Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication 0 Check Battery a Clean Mower E R VICED I_ and If If I_s Blades If Level If 1_4 Battery and Terminals I_ If i/ Cooling Check V-Belts I_ Check Engine Oil Level I_ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) Engine Oil (without E Change N Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen I Inspect
TRACTOR Alwaysobserve safety ruleswhen performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATmON If tractor requiresmore than five (5) feetto stop at highest speed in highestgear on a level,dry concreteor pavedsurface,then brakemust be checked and adjusted.(See "TOADJUST BRAKE"in the Serviceand Adjustmentssection of this manual). TmRES mlVlPORTANT: 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.
BATT E RY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, the oils will resuJt in increased oil consumption when used above 32°R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil leveJ before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.
ENGmNE OIL FmLTER Replacethe engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used morethan 100 hoursin one year. AIR RLTER Yourengine will not run properlyusing a dirty air filter. Replacepre-cleanerafter every 25 hours of operationor every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operationor everyseason, whicheveroccursfirst. Serviceair cleaner more often underdusty conditions. 1. Pull up on air filter cover handleand rotate towardsengine. 2. Removecover. 3.
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. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower. 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.
2. Slide mowerundertractor with deflector shield to right side of tractor. 3. Lower lift leverto its lowestposition. 4. Connectfront linksto mowerdeck and secure with retainersprings. 5. Connectsuspensionarms to rear deck bracketsand secure with retainer springs. 6. Connectanti-swaybar to chassis bracketandsecure with retainerspring. 7. Push clutch cable housingguide into bracket,slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainerspring. 8.
TO REPLACE I_OWER BLADE DRmVE BELT The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL 1. 2. 3. 2. 3. 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.
5. 6. FRONT Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. Install mower (See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in this section of manual). WHEEL The front wheel camber, contact service center. TO REMOVE Center TransaxUe PuUUey be in neutral should NEU- also prevents If steering horizontal positioned ing wheel horizontal. Adjustment STEERmNG WHEEL FOR REPAmRS tire dry rot and corrosion. Washers Ring Axle Cover \, freely, the transaxle is in neutral. 2.
2. Connectone end of the BLACKcable to the NEGATIVE(-) terminal (C) of fully charged battery. 3. Connectthe other end of the BLACK cable (D) to good chassisground, awayfrom fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVECABLES, REVERSE ORDER1. BLACKcable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. 2. RED cable last from both batteries. Terminal Cover Keps Nut "-_. Positive (Red) CaMe Hex Bolt Negative (Black) Cable TO REPLACE HEADUGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2.
mMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result if screw is turned in too tight. Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. W]arranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE PRELIMINARY SETTING - 1.
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. 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. Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in rnanuam urfless PROBLEi_ directed CAUSE Wiii not start 1. 2. 3. Out of fuel. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. 4. 5. 6. 7 Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. Engine turn wiii 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. not qualified 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8. Engine valves out of adjustment. 8. 1. 1. Depress Clutch/brake pedal not depressed. Attachment clutch is engaged.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, [eaves and trash under mower. 1. Raise cutting height/reduce speed. 2. Adjust throttle control. 3. Clean underside of mower 4. 5. 6. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty o1[. Faulty spark plug. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate PROBLEM Mower blades wiii not rotate section directed Obstruction mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. in clutch speed drive 1. Engine 2. 3. Travel speed Wet grass. 4. 5. Mower deck not level. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, 7. 8. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades too slow. too fast. bent or loose improperly blades blade. installed. used. 11.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 SCHEMATmC BATTERY I RED O: REo FUSE I I WH,TE ,© r--I , _,,' i /_ ___( )G II i I I AI( _..... i STARTER , BLBCK SOLENOID (PEDAL UP) WHITE SWITCH WHITE WHITE II _-,-I-A III I I BLACK BLACK JA I (_ I I ........ I (_ BLACK fTTM-E_lf _ L-U].
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 2B 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 90 163465 74760412 176689 176138 183759 4152J 4799J 146147 175158 73510400 4207J 121305X 175566 140403 179720 71110408 131563 178861 121433X 141940 180499 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 Box Battery Fender Switch, Interlock Harness Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 CabIe Battery 6 Ga. 11" red Cabie Battery 6 Ga.
TRACTOR o o MODEL CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273374 29 212 / 28 39 278 31 @/5 208 209 208 2O7 6O 6O - 209 37 _209 209 14 208 74 chassis-Laser-It.
TRACTOR o° MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 26 28 29 30 31 37 38 39 60 64 74 142 143 144 145 206 207 208 209 212 278 --- Chassis Stamping Drawbar Bumper Hood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 Panel, Dash, L.H. Panel, Dash, R.H. Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 Hood Assembly Laser Bumper Extrusion Nut Grille Lens Asm Laser dndudes Key Nos.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 GROUND DRmVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 STEERINGASSEMBLY / / 68 8_ 47 65 steering pl.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 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 95 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL SpindIe Assembly, LH= Spindle Assembly, R=H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 ENGmNE 2 3 72 1 81 13 4 78 38 14 33 31 29 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyl KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 170545 17720408 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 137352 165291 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 184900 140527 DESCRIPTION Control, Throttle/Choke Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 SEAT ASSEMBLY 10 5 // / f 15 \ 11 \ \ \ 17 12 seat It.knob 9 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 188716 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246X Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga. Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 DECALS 11 6 14 7 14 10 8 4 16 15 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 156368 186377 184728 179128 184729 133644 193554 138047 184899 149516 156439 Decal Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, WHEELS Fender Opr. InsL HP Engine Hood RH Deck Hood LH Customer Maintenance Replacement Battery Fender Battery, Dngr/Psn Eng Danger Fender EngiSpan KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 UFT ASSEMBLY 7 13 6 5 13 2O 18 20 15 31 _ 32 KEY NO, PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, LH= Link, Lift, R=H= Retainer Spring lift-rh.lpiece KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 MOWER DECK 67 106 _'_._ 102 _147 103 105 142 \_ _1o4 101i"_/__,_.
TRACTOR oo MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 MOWERDECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 --13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 40 44 45 46 48 KEY PART NO. NO.
PEERLESS TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE o o MODEL NUMBER 206o545C REF NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 BRmGGSENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER31C707,TYPE NUMBER0230=E1 11 25_ .
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 BRmGGS ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230=E1 d 1095 VALVE GASKET 617 238 0 SET 1022 868 35 13_' _.
TRACTOR o ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 BRmGGS ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1 108A _ 130 _ _ 231 95 _' 987 634A,_ 93t e.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 BRmGGS ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230oE1 305A _ 3041 1265 968 729 801 (_ 697 _ 37 74 603 @ 310 1 73_ 67_'46 _ _7_7 _ 60_ 75@ 1070 _ 802 (_ _7-q-- _OlA (_ 1005 363 783A_ 544A 513 803A _A ] 31o 783 @ 1083 _/311A NOTE: For Replacement Starter Motor, See Reference 309.
TRACTOR o ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 BRmGGS ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR oo MODEL NUMBER 917.273374 BRmGGSENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER310707,TYPE NUMBER0230=E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL L_ 15 DEGREES MAX. _ down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to up prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
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