Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMIIN°I 17.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273383 differentmy buimt engines. Before operates you start the This productfrom haspreviously a mowemission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manuak For answers to your questions Read and follow aH Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am = 5 pm, Men =Sat 1-800°659°5917 Sears, Roebuck and Co.
MaintenanceSchedule........................18 Serviceand Adjustments.....................23 Storage................................................ 29 Troubleshooting...................................30 Repair Parts.........................................34 Sears Service........................Back Cover Warranty................................................ 2 Safety Rules..........................................3 ProductSpecifications...........................6 AssemblyPre-Operation.................
JiVIPORTANT: 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. Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. Slow down before turning. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
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. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. 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.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall 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.
PRODUCT In the state of California SPECIFmCATmONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: (GAP: .030") Champion Ground (MPH): Speed Front: Rear: Charging 3 Amps 5 Amps System: Battery: Blade 27-35 32°F) REPAmR PROTECTION Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Craftsman® product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut _ 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering j _ Boot _ ' __] ,, Steering ' Wheel Adapter _ Extension Shaft Steering Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette
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 A socket wrench easier. Standard are listed below.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. 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. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which atlows you to press clutch/brake pedal atl the way down. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
mNSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK (if previousmy removed) 1. 2. 3. 4. Raise and hold deflector shield _I, CAUTmON: Do not remove shield from mower. front into VCHECKMST of Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this quality product. Please review the following checklist: ,/ All assembly instructions have been completed. ,/No remaining loose parts in carton. ,/Battery is properly prepared and charged.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. R N H REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH G ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON or in literature supplied with the product. I\1 LOW o,.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHINS OWNER'SMANUAL AND SAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATmNG YOUR TRACTOR Comparethe illustrations'withyour tractorto familiarizeyourselfwith the locationsof various controlsand adjustments. Savethis manualfor future reference. ignition Switch Attachment CDtch Lever Light Switch Position Ammeter --::--.. .::. ger Throttb/Choke Control Attachment Lift Lever Clutch/Brake Pedal Freewheel Control Parking Brake Lever Approx.
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 TRACTOR Turn ignition key to "STOP" position and remove key.
,, 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 stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.
TOWING rvIENTS CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- CAUTION: 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. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
PURGE COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) 7. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recommended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have developed during shipping of your tractor.
MOWmNG TraPS MULCHmNG Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the TIPS mMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of this manual. The left hand side of mower should be 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.
MA,.TE.A.CE SC.
TRACTOR Alwaysobserve safety ruleswhen performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATmON If tractor requiresmore than six (6) feet stopping distanceat high speed in highest gear, then brakemust be adjusted.(See "TOADJUST BRAKE"in the Service and Adjustmentssection of this manual). TmRES * Maintainproper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). , Keeptires free of gasoline,oil, or insect control chemicalswhich can harm rubber.
Keepbattery bolts tight. Keepsmall vent holes open. Rechargeat 6-10 amperesfor 1 hour. NOTE:The originatequipmentbattery on your tractor is maintenancefree. Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checkinglevel of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERYAND TERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the battery and terminals can causethe battery to "leak" power. 1. DisconnectBLACKbattery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 2.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. To open, pull out on the drain valve. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the end of the drain valve. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
m'vIUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG(S) 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. We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmission covered to keep water out.
WARNmNG: SERVmCE ORTOADJUSTMENTS: AVOmD SERmOUS mNJURY, BEFORE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. TO REMOVE 9. right side of tractor. 1. Place attachment 5. Raise lift lever to raise suspension arms. Slide mower out from under tractor. mMPORTANT: If an attachment other than the mower deck is to be mounted on the tractor, remove the front links and hook the clutch spring Into square hole in frame. MOWER Mower will be easier 3. 4. ANY Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
7. 8. 9. Push clutch cable housing guide into bracket, slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring. Place flat washer and clutch spring on idler pulley bolt and secure with small retainer spring. Install belt onto engine pulley. TO LEVEL MOWER Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length. If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link.
BELT INSTALLATION - , 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys 2. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 3. Install mower (See "To Install Mower" in this section of this manual). Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than five (5) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary. Replace brake pads or contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
TRANSMmSSmON REPLACErvIENT Engine Pulley .... _ REMOVAL/ Shoutd your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual. Clutching Idler _ TO ADJUST MENT STEERmNG WHEEL 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.
If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: mMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system. The other vehicle must also be a 12 volt system. Do not use your tractor battery to start other vehicles. Seat TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES 1. Connect one end of the RED cable 2. 3. to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery(A-B), taking care not to short against tractor chassis. Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal (C) of fully charged battery.
Maintenance,repair,or replacementof the emissioncontroldevicesandsystems,which are beingdoneat the customersexpense, may be performedby anynon-roadengine repairestablishmentor individual.Warranty repairsmustbeperformedbyan authorized enginemanufacturer'sserviceoutlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLECONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been presetat the factoryand adjustmentshould not be necessary. Checkadjustmentas described below beforelooseningcable. If adjustment is necessary,proceedas follows: 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. _I, CAUTmON: hose, or tank during storage. 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. Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate PROBLEM section in manuam unmess directed CAUSE Will not start Hard to start 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. turn will not 10. 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5. Stale or dirty fuel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manuam unmess directed _ROBLEi_ CAUSE Loss of power (continued) 6. Faulty spark 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark 11. 12. 13. 14. plug. 6. plug wire loose. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment 1. Worn, 2. Bent blade mandrel. 3. Loose/damaged Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in marluam unmess directed PROBLEi_I Poor grass discharge i(continued) 3. Wet grass. 3. 4. Mower 4. 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. Blades improperly installed. deck not level. tire air pressure. bent or loose blade. 10. Improper blades used. 11. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. 5. Check tires for proper air pressure. 6.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 SCHEMATmC BATTERY RED ___ AMMETER (OPTIONAL) STARTER WHITE --_ RED FUSE )G I ,O,C I I i I i SOLENOID CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) A1 BLACK WHITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION SWITCH i (NOT OCCUPIED) WHITE I i I I I _ BLACK .......... I • F I I GROUNDING g CONNECTOR _lW (OPTIONAL) r , BLACK _.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 ELECTRmCAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR ° o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 CHASSmSAND ENCLOSURES / 28 39 278 31 @/5 208 209 208 207 .209 6O 209 209 6O _209 37 _209 14 209 208 74 3_ 206 38_114 209 chassis-Laser-It.
TRACTOR o o MODEL CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273383 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 GROUND DRIVE 36 35 28 _ I 29 252 53 i \ 27_ 22 55 252 25 1o 78 76 96 1 drive.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 t- - ;_--_38 _39 37---_-!" 88 91 _ j_ I J 67 67 29 46 8_ 47 67 \ 65 26 43 / 28 l 30 steering pl.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRmPTmON 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 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, L.H. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 ENGINE KEY NO, PART NO, 1 2 3 170545 17720408 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 72 78 81 137352 165291 148456 STD551237 169837 137180 184900 140527 123487X 137040 181654 124028X 17670412 17000612 19091416 183906 17060620 73510400 NOTE: Atlcomponent linch = 25.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 SEAT ASSEMBLY 6 "/ 21 5 i 11 17 12 seat It.knob 9 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Seat 3350 BIWbIk Craftsman Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga. Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 unc Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 DECALS 2 1 13 6 3 13 10 7 2O 11 12 15-16 14 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 DecaI, Oper= instr. Decal, Hood Replacement Decat, Hood, R=H= Decat, Hood, L.H= DecaI, Deck "B" 42" DecaI, Customer Maintenance Decat Hood Side LT1000 DecaI, Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger Decal, Battery Decal, V-Belt Drive Schematic 156811 190927 184728 184729 179128 133644 184730 184899 156439 138047 146046 WHEELS KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 LmFTASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 Washer Asm HnnerSpring W/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21Ga. Bearing Nytong Grip HandIe Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift LH. Link Asm Lift R.H. Retainer Spring Link Front Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 unc Trunnion Nut Lock w/Wsh 1/2-13 unc Arm Suspension Mower Retainer Spring Bearing, Pvt.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE ° ° MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 3 5 6 9 13 14 15 17 22 23 25 26 28 29 31 36 37 38 40 41 42 42A 43 44A 44B 45 47 48 49 56 65 67 772151 770135 776355 778263 786197 778368 778368 778373 786139 792194 792195 792073A 792125 792035 780065 780189 790071 790007 799021 792204 790102 792202 792203 792171 790100 790099 790101 774869 774688 778378 778379 780195 776440 Cover LH. Case Counter Shaft Spur Gear 11T Neutral Sleeve (.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 BRmGGS & STRATTON ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230°E1 108A 634A,_ e.
TRACTOR oo MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 BRmGGS& STRATTON ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31C707, TYPE NUMBER 0230°E1 305A _ 643 1267 30_ 729 801 697 _ 74 803_ 579_46 _ 310 1 ___1 797 "_ _o_ 1070 802 801A_ 1783A.@. 544A lO0_ _ _ 31o_ 1051& 513 803A NOTE: For Replacement S_er See Re.fence 309.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 BRmGGS & STRATTON ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31CT07,TYPE NU_,_BER 0230=E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273383 BRJGGS & STRATTON ENGiNE=MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230°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. & 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Homd page before you so that its melt edge is vertically paraffem to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fomd in the direction of hill smope you want to measure. 4.
Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiii
