Owner's Manual JCRIIFTSMIIN'J LAWN TRACTOR 180 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.273397 [_ differently from built engines. Beforeoperates you start the This product haspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
Warranty ................................................. 2 Safety Rules ........................................... 3 Product Specifications ............................ 6 Assembly/P re-Operation ........................ 8 Operation .............................................. 11 Maintenance Schedule ......................... 17 Maintenance ......................................... 17 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 Storage .................................................
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. 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. Tall 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.
PRODUCT In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Unleaded and Type: Regular Oil Type API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter 3.5 Pints W/O Filter 3.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @ (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 _F_r_ I I (1) Locknut 1/2-20 _£ Steering Wheel Adapter I O1 (1) Locknut Steering Extension teering Boot I 1/4-28 Shaft Seat @ _(1) (1)Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet (2) Keys 7 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 REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
6. Lower seat into operating sit in seat. position NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. and 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows 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. TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) 1.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) 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. CHECK FOR PROPER OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts 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.
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.
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.
• 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. • If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position.
ADD GASOLINE • 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. . _)',CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
MOWING TIPS • 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.
MA,.TENANC SC.EOULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR _ SERVICE cChh ::: _Xx(_ _C_ _ /_% TB_::; eOp:r::i° n T R Check for Loose Fasteners T Lubrication 0 A Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Clean Battery and Terminals x"_q%_l_ll_SERVtCE DATES and _ _5 _1_ Chart Check Transaxle ._lp,_ _O _.%_7 _ Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems R ,_O_ /_.
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 heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts. Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. However, periodic 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.
ENGINEOIL FILTER Replacethe engineoil filter everyseason or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. CLEAN AIR SCREEN 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. AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.
CLEANING • 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. _IL 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.
2. Slide mowerunder tractorwith deflector shield to right side of tractor. 3. Lower lift leverto its lowestposition. 4. Connectfront linksto mowerdeck and securewith retainer springs. 5. Connectsuspensionarms to rear deck bracketsand securewith retainer springs. 6. Connectanti-swaybar to chassis bracketand securewith retainerspring. 7. Push clutch cable housingguide into bracket,slide collar onto guide and securewith large retainerspring. 8.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE DRIVE 2. 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. If stopping distance is still greater than five (5) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary.
FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel toe-in or camber, contact a Sears or other qualified service center. 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. 6. Install mower (See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in this section of manual). TO REMOVE Center .
2. Connect one end of the BLACKcable to the NEGATIVE(-) terminal (C) of fully chargedbattery. 3. Connect the other end of the BLACK cable (D) to good chassisground, awayfrom 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. Terminal Cover • Keps . Positive (Red) Cable TO REPLACE ,/Nut Hex Bolt Negative (Black) Cable HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2.
ENGINE 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 CABLE THROTTLE IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result if screw is turned in too tight. PRELIMINARY 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. _,WARNING: 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. blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. 7. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Check all wiring. 9.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE CORRECTION Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 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. 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 PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 8.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 SCHEMATIC REo *1 113 BLACK BATTERY RED FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) STARTER BLACK I WHITE '©'C_ I __S_M _ • I SOLENOID RED J L )G AI( J CLUTCH/ BRAKE (PEDALUP) WHFFE IGNITION SWITCH wa_ (NOTOCCUPIED) SEATSWITCH _ i I i BLACK LACK // BLACK E I I i I I I BLACK J ATT'MENTCLUTCH BLACK(CLUTCHOFF) J GROUNDING CONNECTOR A 'W (OPTIONAL) SPARK PLUG L GAP PLUGS ON CYL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 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 122822X 141940 180499 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 uric 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 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273397 28 39 278 31 208 209 208 ..
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS 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: NUMBER 917.273397 DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 187846X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, L.H. 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H. 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 185682X558 Hood Assembly Laser 184921 Bumper Hood Large 1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 GROUND DRIVE 57 197 13 168 150 166 48 51 51 35 34 / 22 75 26 27 drive*fender.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 I- _38 _12 I _ - 1- _/"-'_--1 36 88 67 67 67 13 65 43 15 15 15_ steering._pl.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 ENGINE 3 72 2 81 / 62 13 4 I 38 14 32_ 33 23 / 31 J / 29 33 40 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyl KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 170545 17720408 3 4 13 14 23 29 31 32 33 37 137352 165291 148456 169837 137180 184900 140527 123487X 137040 DESCRIPTION Control, Throttle/Choke Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine, (See Breakdown) Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 SEAT ASSEMBLY \ \ \ 22 21 5 11 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 145O06 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246X Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga. Clip, Push4n 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 PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 DECALS 13 10 16 11 14 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 WHEELS Oper. Instr. Hood, R.H. Hood, LH. Hood Replacement Customer Maintenance Hood Side Deck Fender, Craftsman Fender Danger Deck "B" 42" V-Belt Drive Schematic & TIRES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 3 13 2 4 6 6 5 13 19 20 13 32 20 19 15 13_ 32 KEY NO. PART 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 21/32xl x21 Ga. Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H. Retainer Spring Link, Front KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 165892 STD533107 138017 165460 STD624008 178024 850857 STD551137 140296 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 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" eck Retainer Spring Bar Sway Deck Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER DANA TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 20 / 917.273397 21 22 2_ 24 I 11,= .... 71 ......
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER DANA TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 Key No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Part No. Description Key No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0112-E1 305A 643 3o_ 1267 1265 #68 697 _ 729 3_0[ 728A_ 80_ 1070 4005 383_ ,?_ 823_ ,0.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0112-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273397 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0112-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so thai its left edge is verlically 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.
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 itt For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself, For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters, 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com _ Anytime, day or night (U.S.A.