Owner's Manual CRI FTSMIIN° T 18.0 H P, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.273396 [_ differently built engines. Before operates you start the his product fromhaspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before this product, Call: operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat 1°800°659°5917 Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Warranty ................................................. Safety Rules ........................................... Product Specifications ............................ Assembly/Pre-Operation ........................ Operation .............................................. Maintenance Schedule ......................... 2 3 6 8 11 17 Maintenance ......................................... 17 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 Storage .................................................
IMPORTANT:This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghands andfeet and throwing objects.Failureto observethe following safetyinstructionscould resultin serious injury or death. _IWARNING: In order to preventaccidentatstarting when settingup, transporting,adjustingor making repairs, alwaysdisconnectspark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. _I_WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral,you may losecontrol of the tractor.
DO: o Mow up and down slopes, not across. o Removeobstaclessuch as rocks,tree limbs, etc. o Watchfor holes,ruts, or bumps. Uneventerrain could overturnthe machine. Taft grass can hide obstacles. o Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. o Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. o Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
o Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.Stop machineif anyone enters the area. o Nevercarry passengersor children evenwith the bladesoff. o Do not mow in reverseunless absom lutely necessary.Always lookdown and behind beforeandwhile backing. o Nevercarry children.They may fall off and be seriously injuredor interferewith safe machineoperation. o Keepchildrenout of the mowingarea and underthe watchfulcare of another responsibleadult.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATmONS GasolineCapacity1.25 Unleaded and Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above32°F) 'APFSG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below Oil Capacity: W/Filter 3.5 Pints W/O Filter 3.0 Pints Spark (Gap: Champion Plug: .030") 32°F RC12YC Forward: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse: 1.1 1.4 2.2 3.3 4.4 4.9 1.4 Tire Pressure: Front: Rear: 14 PSI t2 PSI Charging 3 Amps 5 Amps Ground (MPH): Speed System: Battery: Blade Battery Headlights Amp/Hr: Min. CCA: Case Size: Bolt Torque: 27-35 28 230 U1R Ft.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 [__ I (1) Locknut 1/2-20 I 1/4-28 Steering Extension Steering Wheel Adapter I (1) Locknut Steering Boot I Shaft Seat @ _(1) (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Knob (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Keys (2) 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 ASSEMBLY A socket wrench easier. Standard are listed below.
5, Pivot seat and pan forwardand assemble adjustmentknoband flat washer loosely.Do not tighten. 6, Lower seat into operatingpositionand sit in seat.
mNSTALLMULCHER PLATE CHECK OF ALL (ff 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. _f;_,CAUTION: Do not remove shield from mower. Deflector Shield CHECK OR Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. or in literature supplied R N H L I\1 "_ REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST G ENGINE OFF (:::}:--LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON with the product.
KNOW YOU R 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.
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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR iMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
o The average lawn should be cut to ap m proximately 2ml/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. o 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 o If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position.
ADD GASOLmNE * 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 valve life), Do not mix oil with gasoline, Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness, Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS o 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.
.AINTENANCE SCHEDULE AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE /__ERVICEDATES Check Tire BrakePressure Operation Check _ T Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication O Check Battery R Clean Mower and if I_s Blades Chart if if Level _4 Battery and Terminals _ Check Transaxle I_ Cooling Check V-Belts I_ Check Engine Oil Level if Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) Engine Oil (without E Change N Clean Air Filter G Cle
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATmON 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 heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts.
BATTERY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting in cold weather, the oils will result in im creased oil consumption when used above 32°E Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.
ENGmNE OraLFmLTER CLEAN AIR SCREEN 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 screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. AmR FmLTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.
CLEANING 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.
2. Slide mowerundertractorwith deflec= tor shield to right side of tractor. 3. Lower lift leverto its lowestposition. 4. Connectfront linksto mowerdeck and securewith retainersprings. 5. Connectsuspensionarms to rear deck bracketsand securewith retainer springs. 6. ConnectantFswaybar to chassis bracketand securewith retainerspring. 7. Push clutch cable housingguide into bracket,slide collar onto guide and securewith large retainer spring. 8.
TO REPLACE MOWER 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 opeF ating 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 Transaxle The transaxle be in neutral should NEU- WHEEL or other FOR qualified REPAmRS also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion. when Washers the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position.
2. Connect one end of the BLACK 3. to the NEGATWE (-) terminal (C) of fully charged battery. Connect the other end of the BLACK Terminal Cover cable cable (D) to good chassis ground, away from fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVE ORDER - CABLES, REVERSE 1. BLACK cable first from chassis and 2. then from the fully charged battery. RED cable last from both batteries. Positive (Red) Cable Negative (Black) Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2.
IMPORTANT: 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. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CABLE PRELIMINARY SETTING - 1.
Immediately prepare your tractor for stor m age at the end of the season or if the trac m tot will not be used for 30 days or more. _IWARNmNG: 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 storage. When mower period of time, clean it atl dirt, grease, leaves, clean, dry area. 1. Clean entire tractor in the Maintenance 2. 3. 4. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART: section PROBLEM in manuam unless directed CAUSE Will not start 1. 2. Engine will turn over not 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. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug. Weak or dead battery. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 6. 7. Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate PROBLEM Loss of power CHART: section in manuam unless CAUSE service center CORRECTmON 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 oil. Faulty spark plug. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 7. 8. 9. Water in fuel. 9. 11. 12. 13. 14. Engine continues to run when to Sears 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate section PROBLEM Mower blades not rotate CHART: in manual unless directed Obstruction mechanism. in clutch 2. Worn/damaged mower belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. drive 2. Replace mower 3. 4. Replace Contact idler pulley. a Sears or other qualified Poor grass discharge 1. Engine 2. 3. Travel speed Wet grass. 4. 5. Mower deck not level. Low/uneven tire air pressure 6. Worn, speed too slow. too fast. bent or loose blade. 7.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 SCHEMATIC 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 A-I-IA II I I BLACK BLACK /A I (Z_ I I I ........ I (_ BLACK fTTM-E_lf _ L-U].
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO, 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 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 NOTE: DESCRiPTiON Battery BoEt Hex Hd 1/4o20 unc x 3/4 Box Battery Fender Switch, Interlock Harness Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CNASSmS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273396 28 39 278 31 209 9_ 208 209 208 2O7 60 209 208 74 chassis-Laser-It.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. 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 --NOTE: 174619 176554 155272 187846X013 STD533710 174996 172105X010 17490608 185682X558 184921 STD54!437 188636 174332X599 188571X558 139976 17490508 175710 174714 72140606 154798 73680600 175702 186689 175582 156524 170165 17670508 17670608 17000612 175143 191611 5479J 187801 NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 GROUND DRIVE 57 \ 120 26 75 27 drive-fender.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 DESCRiPTiON 2 3 4 5 6 146682 123666X 12000028 121520X 17000512 Transaxle (See Breakdown) Dana 4360-140 Spring Brake Return Pulley Transaxle Ring Retainer Strap Torque 30 Degrees Screw 5/16o18 x 3/4 8 10 11 13 165866 STD561210 105701X 74550412 Rod Shift Fender Adjust Pin Cotter 1/8 x 1 CAD Washer Plate Shift Bolt l/4-28unf Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 STEERING ASSEMBLY I , _4_ _ i j.f" 37 _ 68 t 46 29 13 65 17 82 4O / lO steering pl.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRiPTiON 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 139768 184706 169840 169839 6266H 121748X 12000029 175121 STD551137 73940800 136518 145212 180641 126847X 19131416 17000612 STD561210 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1o5/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 ENGINE 72 62 13 4 I 38 33 23 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.1 cyl 49 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 170545 17720408 3 4 13 14 23 29 31 32 33 37 137352 165291 148456 169837 137180 187750 140527 123487X 137040 KEY PART NO, NO, DESCRIPTMON 38 40 44 181654 124028X 17670412 Engine, Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 SEAT ASSEMBLY 10 6 "/ 15 11 17 12 seat_It.knob_9 KEY PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 DECALS 1o 16 13 20 11 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal 156368 184728 184729 190813 133644 184730 172331 184899 156439 179128 146046 KEY NO. PART NO, Oper. Instr. Hood, R.H. Hood, L.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 LiFT ASSEMBLY 13 6 11 5 12 13 19 13 2O 20 32 19 15 32 KEY NO. PART KEY PART NO, DESCRiPTiON NO, NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 MOWER DECK 46 103 4__2 55 105 105" / .
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO.
DANA TRANSAXLE TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER - - MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 9i7.
DANATRANSAXLE TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER - - MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 Key Part No. No. Description 1 170981 Housing, 2 2274J Screw, Tapping, 3 134400 4 917.273396 Key Part No. No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 BRIGGS ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER 31 P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 q .
TRACTOR - ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR BRIGGS ENGmNE-MODEL - - MODEL NUMBER NUMBER 31 P777, TYPE 917.273396 NUMBER 0299-E1 51 105A l 1091 127A J 127 276A @ 947A [_ NIKKI J 1127 _ B 947_ % 118 1266A O 977 CARBURETOR 527(_ 51_ GASKET 137 276_O_/ 1266 0 121A CARBURETOR 121 CARBURETOR 104 _ 1270 105 _ 137 0 OVERHAUL 231_ KIT 93_ 95 106 _ 117_ 142_ OVERHAUL KIT 6170 987L:_ 95A 276 @ 634_.
TRACTOR - ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31 P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273396 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31 P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL L_ O1 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. t, Fold this page along dotted line indicated above_ 2.
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