Owner's Manual CRAFTSMIIN° 18.0 HE 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.273758 i_] differently built engines. Before operates you start the his 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: W/Filter: W/O Filter: Spark (Gap: Champion Plug: .030") 32°F 3.5 Pints 3.0 Pints RC12YC Forward: 1 st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse: 1.2 1.6 2.4 3.6 4.6 5.9 1.8 Tire Pressure: Front: Rear: 14 PSI 10 PSI Charging 3 Amps 5 Amps Ground (MPH): Speed System: Battery: Blade 27-35 Congratulations on making a smart purchase.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassemNed 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 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 Seat NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.
mNSTALLMULCHER PLATE CHECK (If previousmy removed) 1. 2. 3. 4. Deflector Shield SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. 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.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. R N REVERSE NEUTRAL H L HIGH LOW G or in literature 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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR 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.
BEFORE CHECK STARTING ENGINE THE ENGINE TO START OIL LEVEL When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. 2. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Move attachment clutch to disengaged position. 4. Move throttle control to choke position.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) 6. When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, immediately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several minutes (the colder the temperature, the longer the warm-up).
F,LL ,, DATES AS COMPLETE REGULAR SERV,OE Check Check Brake Operation Tire Pressure _1_ t_ T Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems R Check for Loose A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level 1_4 and Terminals _ a Clean Battery Transaxle Check V-Belts Check Engine Air Filter G Clean Air Screen Replace Clean _ I_$1,2 11_'1,2 11_2 1_112 Muffler/Spark i/ Arrester Oil Filter (If equipped) Engine Cooling 1_,2 Fins If Spark Replace Air Filter Paper
TRACTOR 4. Always observe safety rutes when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATmON per5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). mMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments TmRES section Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown.
NOTE:The original equipmentbattery on your tractoris maintenancefree.Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checking levelof 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. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 3. Cleanterminals and battery cable ends with wire brushuntil bright. 4.
1. 2. Pull up on air filter cover handle rotate towards engine. Remove cover. and Carefully remove air filter cartridge and pre-cleaner from base. 4. Clean base carefully to prevent debris from falling into carburetor. NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge. 5. Place new pre-cleaner and cartridge firmly in base. 6. Align tabs on cover with slots in blower housing and replace cover. 7. Hook handle on cover and push down on handle to close.
SERVICE ORTOADJUSTMENTS: WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS ,_ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INJURY, to remove right side of tractor. 1. Place attachment clutch 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ANY IMPORTANT: 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. TO INSTALL MOWER MOWER Mower will be easier 2. PERFORMING Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSmNG • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" against trunnion on both front links. • To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F" from trunnion on both front links. Tighten nut "E" on both front links an equal number of turns. The two front links must Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual).
MandreU With Parking Brake"Engaged" Nut "A" Jam Nut MandreU Pulley TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE Arm Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the right side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. TO CHECK 00238 TO REPLACE Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
TO REMOVE Engine Stationary Idler Transaxle Pulley SHmFT LEVER The transaxb be in neutral should REPAmRS Block up axle securely. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheels have a square key - Do not lose). 3. Repair tire and reassemble. NOTE: On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. 4. Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. 5. Replace axle cover.
TO REMOVECABLES, REVERSE ORDER1. BLACKcable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. 2. RED cable last from both batteries. TO REPLACE 1. 2. REPLACmNG Loose or damaged wiring may your tractor to run poorly, stop prevent it from starting. Check wiring. See electrical diagram in the Repair Parts TO REPLACE FUSE FuHy Charged Battery TO REMOVE SEMBLY wiring section. AND GRmLL AS- Raise hood. 2. 3. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor.
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 CONTROL adjusted FINAL Hobs Clamp Screw Governor - 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 marluam unmess directed CAUSE 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. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5. Stale or dirty fuel. 6. Loose or damaged wiring. 7. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. Engine valves out of adjustment. Engine turn wiii not 1.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manuam unmess directed CAUSE PROBLEM Loss of power too much grass/too 2. 3. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Build=up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 2. 3. 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. 9. Water in fuel. plug wire loose. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment 15.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section PROBLEM Mower blades wiii not rotate in manuam unmess directed CAUSE to Sears service CORRECTmON 1. Obstruction mechanism. in clutch 2. Worn/damaged belt. mower drive 3. 4. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Remove obstruction. 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. Mower 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 SCHEMATmC "° llllll;; BATTERY RED _> © AMMETER (OPTIONAL) STARTER BLACK WR,TE I © i 0---- L • < RED FUSE IG SOLENOID J CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) All WHITE cL_ IGNITION SWITCH (NOT SEATOCCUPIED) SWITCH I I i i I I I I I BLACK BLACK L_.......................... 'FC_UT_ If I I" BLACK BLACK CLUTCH OFF) I I I BLACK ...... GROUNDING CONNECTOR (OPTIONAL) SPARK q) I r BLACK _.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 ELECTRmCAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRmPTmON 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 90 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 Box Battery Switch, hterlock Harness Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga. w/16 wire red Fuse Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 unc Cable Ground 6 Ga. 12" black Switch Hunger Normal Op Gray Switch Hgn Key Hgn Harness Hgn BoIt BIk.
TRACTOR o o MODEL CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273758 259 260 258 212 28 261 39 18 278 5 31 @/5 208 209 208 / 2O7 209 6O _37 2_ 208 74 206 209 chassis-Laser 34 -It.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRiPTiON 1 2 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 26 28 30 31 37 38 39 60 64 74 114 115 142 143 144 145 159 206 207 208 209 211 212 258 259 260 261 278 --- Chassis Drawbar Bumper Hood/Dash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 3/4 Panel, Dash, L=H= Panel, Dash, R.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 GROUND DRmVE 57 _ 120 70 116 _66 53 22 26 27 drive-fender.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY __ ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 39 1 "- --:_7)/J_ -" i 37__._ t I _36 44.__ _ 51__ 54 88 '31.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 ENGmNE 72 62 / 81 13 4 78 I 38 78 33 31 29 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester ÷ngine-bs=lcyF KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 13 14 23 29 31 32 33 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 UFT ASSEMBLY 7 3 13 2 13 2O 20 19 .../ 32 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 15 Fift-rh.lpiece 3 DESCRIPTION Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. Link Asm Lift R.H. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR oo MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 SEATASSEMBLY 10 I I 22 21 11 17 seat It knob 12 13 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 188939 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 121246X DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 uric x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga. Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 uric 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 917.273758 DECALS 13 18 \ 13 6 3 11 10 11 2O 15 \ 12 14 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 DecaI Decal Decal Decal DecaI Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal DecaI 156368 188958 186280 186281 138047 133644 189100 172331 186282 156439 186283 146046 Oper. Instr. Replacement Hood, R.H. Hood, LH. Battery Customer Maintenance HP Engine Mower Srs Fender Fender Danger Hood Side V-Belt Drive Schematic 4,10 11 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE ° ° MODEL NUMBER 206°545C KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR BRIGGS ENGINE=MODEL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR ° o MODEL NUMBER 917.273758 BRmGGSENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER31P777,TYPE NUMBER0299°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 WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above, 2.
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! 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. and Canada) www.sears.
