Owner's Manual IC..FTSMeWl LAWN TRACTOR 16.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273500 I This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment.
Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 Assembly/P re-Operation ....................... 8 Operation ............................................. 11 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Service and Adjustments ..................... 23 Storage ................................................ 28 Troubleshooting ..
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.
DO: • 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. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• 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. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS i Gasoline i Capacity and Type: 4.0 Gallons Unleaded Regular i Oil Type i (API-SF-SJ): Oil Capacity: SAE 10W30 (Above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32 F) W/Filter 1.11 Quarts W/O Filter .95 Quarts Spark Plug: (GAP: .030") i Ground Speed (MPH): Tire Pressure: NGK BPRhES Charging System: Battery: Blade Bolt Torque: 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.
Steering Wheel Steering Sleeve © Steering Wheel Adapter @ (1) Locknut Steering Extension Shaft (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 1/4-28 (1) Large Flat Washer Steering Wheel (1) Locknut 1/2-20 Insert f o o o o o Seat \ (4) Adjusting (_ (1) Washer _'_ 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 @ Gauge Keys Bar @ (4) Locknut 3/8-16 (4) Wheels (1) Knob Video Cassette (4) Clevis (4) Washers 3/8 x 3/4 x 14 (2) Keys Ga.
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.
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 bolts are positioned over the large slotted holes in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolts in slots and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
CHECK FOR PROPER OF ALL BELTS POSITION See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. 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.
These symbols mayappear on your tractor or in literaturesupplied with the product. Learn and understandtheir 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. 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.
Retainer To disengage the cruise control, pull the lever backward to "OFF" position, or fully depress the brake pedal. TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height. • Grasp lift lever. • Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position. The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running.
TO TRANSPORT • For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual. ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank 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.
. PURGE Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry. TRANSMISSION _CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is running.
MOWING TIPS MULCHING • 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _,_,_ ,_-_ ,_-_ _ ,.
TRACTOR 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. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
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. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 3. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 4.
ENGINE OIL FILTER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. Foam AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Loosen knobs and remove cover. Air Cleaner Base TO 2. 3. 4.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER CLEANING The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. 1. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. 2. Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. 3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. 4. Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline. • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
_WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 3. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. 4. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 5. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. TRACTOR 6. Disconnect anti-sway bar from chassis bracket by removing retainer spring. 7.
FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to side. If the following front-to-back adjustment is necessary, be sure to adjust both front links equally so mower will stay level side-to-side. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position. Check adjustment on right side of tractor.
TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE TO ADJUST BRAKE 1. Depress brake pedal all the way down and engage parking brake. 2. Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3. If distance is other than 1-3/4", loosen jam nut and turn nut "A" until distance becomes 1-3/4". Retighten jam nut against nut "A". 4. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in '"transmission engaged" position. 5. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary.
BELT INSTALLATION 1. Carefully work new belt down around transmission cooling fan and onto the input pulley. 2. Slide belt into the center span keeper. 3. Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll around the top groove of engine pulley. 4. Install belt through stationary idler and clutching idler. 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. 6. Install mower 'See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in thi section of manual). 3. Repair tire and reassemble.
INTERLOCKS Weak or Dead Battery REPLACING Fully Charged Battery BATTERY TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY 1. Raise hood. 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. 3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. 4. When replacing hood, be sure to reconnect the headlight wire connector.
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 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM I CORRECTION 6. Faulty spark plug. Loss of power (continued) 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. Loose or damaged wiring. 14. Carburetor out of adjustment 15. Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 2. Bent blade mandrel. 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Poor grass discharge (continued) CAUSE CORRECTION 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. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades improperly installed. 10. Improper blades used. 11. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 SCHEMATIC BATTERY RED FUSE (OPTIONAL) STARTER I BLACK I • ,© AMMETER I SOLENOID L CLUTCH/DRAKE (PEDAL UP) J WHITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION SWITCH WHETE I i 1 I I i I F B_CK I B_CK G OU G I A (OPTIONAL) BLACK I I I I FUEL IGNITION UNIT J SPARK PLUG GAP F 12 PLUGS ON TWI_ CYL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 ELECTRICAL 22 I I I I 42 i I I I I I i I L I 40 26 25 / \ \ \ \ \ / // / / / \ \\// \ I I I I 52 29 i .\.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 ELECTRICAL KEY NO, PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 42 45 52 55 144927 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 176138 183759 4152J 186846 175158 73510400 145491 121305X 175566 140403 187576 154336 122822X 141940 17490508 Battery Bolt, Hex Head 1/4-20 Unc x 3/4 Tray Battery Bolt Battery 1/4-20 x 7.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273500 259 / 260 258 273 _1_66 275 39 17 58 166 31 208 209 2O8 20 219 ,145 3 74 14 208 3_ 3 chassis-Laser 36 -It.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 GROUND DRIVE 57 116 218 223 62 36 • 53 55 22 77 26 K 26 1 241 drive*hydro.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 ENGINE KEY NO, PART NO. 1 2 3 170546 17720408 4 5 6 8 10 13 14 16 17 23 25 26 29 31 32 33 37 38 45 105 115 149723 175484 175485 171877 146629 148456 STD551237 17120616 169837 145996 73920600 137180 179022 179124X428 123487X 8543R 181654 17000612 17120616 DESCRIPTION Control, Throttle Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, (See Breakdown) Honda Model No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 SEAT ASSEMBLY 18 // I I 5 I I I I - I ÷ 116 ' I 11 12 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket, Pivot, Fender 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 14Ga. Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting 180597 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246X KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 DECALS 18 13 7 9 10 16 20 11 8 KEY NO, PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 177955 186741 186366 186452 133644 186367 172331 186572 156439 179128 146046 186478 Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, WHEELS Oper. Instr. HP Engine Hood Hood Replacement Customer Maintenance Hood Side Deck Fender, Craftsman Fender Danger Deck "B" 42* V-Belt Drive Schematic Lower Dash & TIRES 4,t0 11 45 KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO, PART NO, 1 159460 2 159471 3 105767X 4 12000002 5 19211621 6 120183X 7 125631X 8 122365X 11 139865 12 139866 13 STD624008 15 173288 16 73350800 17 175689 18 73800800 19 139868 20 163552 31 169865 32 73540600 36 155097 37 123935X 38 17060516 40 19112410 41 155098 NOTE: All component 1 inch = 25.4 mm DESCRIPTION Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32xl x21 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 MOWER DECK 68 \ 0 158 157 _../....67 36 156 144 t43 15 J37 /145 J t84 t48 106 _ t02 103 t05 33 136_ t19 119 117 t16 18 28 29 _ 5 27 t8 6 13_ t9 t0_ 9-- 42 Dman-t-path 48 stlt 4.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
Z .< _0 0 G3 _129 128 ;0 -4 _0 _>-4 _0 ,;0 ! o_ _0 m 88 123 o'1 0 | z m CI-- NZ mc 19 mN _m r124 'M _108 6-Sealant (Joint d' etancheite) 57-20W50 Oil - 78.80Z (OZ de 78.
TRACTOR . - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 HYDRO GEARTRANSAXLE -. MODEL NUMBER 336-0510 KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 HONDA ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER GXV530, TYPE NUMBER EXA1 CONTROL CARBURETOR KEY NO. PART NO DESCRIPTION 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 6605034 6605042 6605067 6605125 6605133 6605141 6605158 6605166 6605174 6605182 0800466 0636431 15 16 17 18 19 0928051 6607147 4755427 0145557 2410876 ROD, JOINT SPRING, CHOKE RETURN CONTROL ASSY. (2-LEVER) SPRING, STARTER FORK, GOVERNOR ARM, GOVERNOR ROD, GOVERNOR SPRING, GOVERNOR LINK, GOVERNOR ROD, GOVERNOR LINK HOLDER, CABLE.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 HONDA ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER GXV530, TYPE NUMBER EXA1 PISTON CYLINDER HEAD KEY NO. PART NO DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 -- 6684989 0688887 6604524 6605232 6605240 6605489 0636845 2488187 0866103 6607170 2401222 1521756 1521764 --- 1672443 1672450 CYLINDER SEAL, VALVE STEM COVER, HEAD MANIFOLD, IN GASKET, IN.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273500 HONDA ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER GXV530,TYPE NUMBER EXA1 EXHAUST PIPE KEY NO. PART NO DESCRIPTION 2 3 6605398 0471623 GASKET, EX. PIPE NUT, FLANGE (6MM) FUEL PUMP KEY NO. PART NO DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 5611298 6605216 4432233 1226299 2449593 6 2449593 7 0250985 PUMP ASSY., FUEL TUBE, DIAPHRAGM FILTER, FUEL SCREW-WASHER (5X16) BULK HOSE, FUEL (5.5X8000) (5.5X100) BULK HOSE, FUEL (5.5X8000) (5.5X350) CLIP, TUBE (BIO) CRANKCASE KEY NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES ONLY RIDE UP AND NOT ACROSS HILL u_ 15 DEGREES _ DOWN FOR SAFE HILL, MAX, down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious tractorto up and slopes greater than 15 degrees.injury, Makeoperate turns your gradually prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
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