Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRN°I LAWN TRACTOR 16.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.273790 IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. For answers to your questions about this product, Oall: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 prn, Mort - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Warranty................................................. 2 SafetyRules ........................................... 3 ProductSpecifications............................6 AssemblyiPre-Operation........................8 Operation..............................................11 MaintenanceSchedule.........................17 Maintenance.........................................17 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 Storage ................................................. 27 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 net 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: • 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.
• 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 net 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 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 and Type: 3.5 Unleaded Regular Oil Type &PI-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 1.11 Quarts W/O Filter: .
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert @ (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Large Fiat Washer @ (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Extension Steering Boot Steering Wheel Adapter 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 ASSEMBLY FOR A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
INSTALL SEAT NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. 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. 3. 4. 5. 6. TO ROLLTRACTOR 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. Deflector Shield CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION 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. R N H REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED ENGINE ON OIL PRESSURE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED Models only} & Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death.
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. Attachment Ammeter Light Switch Position Ignition Switch Clutch Lever / Lever Plunger Choke Control -..
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 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. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • 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.
TOWING MENTS CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- 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. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and below) 7. When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ___ ,_,_ _o_Y DATES ii Check Tir_ BrakePre_ur_ Operation Check _ T Check Operator Presence Interlock Syaterns R Check for Loose arid Faateners Sharpen;Rcpla_ I_ 1_5 Mower Blades _ T Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level 1_4 R Clear_ Battery and Terminals I_ Check Transaxle I_ Chart I_ Cooling I_ Check V-B_lt8 Check Engine Change I_ Oil Level I1_ Engine Oil (with oil filter} E Char_ge Engine Oil (without N G C,oan Air A,r Screen Filter clean MufflerlSpa
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 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 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. 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.
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. Grid Cartridge TO SERVICE PRE-CLEANER 2. Remove foam pre-cleaner from cover. 3. Wash it in liquid detergent and water. 4. Squeeze it dry in a clean cloth. Allow it to dry. 5.
MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG(S) Replace spark plug(s) at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. IN-LINE FUEL CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter.
WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING VICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ANY SER- Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
SIDE-TO-SIDEADJUSTMENT • Raise mowerto its highest position. • At the midpointof bothsides of mower, measureheight from bottom edge of mowerto ground. Distance"A"on both sides of mowershould be the same or within 1/4"of each other. • If adjustmentis necessary,make adjustment on one side of moweronly. • To raiseone side of mower,tighten lift link adjustmentnut on that side. • To lowerone side of mower,loosen lift link adjustmentnut on that side.
TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE 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 BRAKE BELT REMOVAL 1. Remove mower (See '%0 REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. 2.
4. Tightenadjustmentbolt securely. NOTE: If additionalclearanceis needed TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY to get to adjustment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position. A(_WARNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BATTERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual).
3. Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 4. Install new battery with terminals in same position as old battery. 5. Reinstall terminal guard. 6. First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten securely. 7. Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) battery terminal with remaining hex bolt and keps nut. Tighten securely 8. Close terminal access doors. 9. Close hood.
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. _,CAUTION: 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 See appropriate CHART: section PROBLEM Will not start in manual unless directed CAUSE 10. Engine valves out of adjustment, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. _ 2. 3. 4. 5. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug. Weak or dead battery. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 6. Loose or damaged wiring. 7. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. Engine valves out of adjustment, Engine clicks but will not start center . Fill fuel tank. 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM LOSS of power CAUSE _ORRECTION 1. 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. 8. Dirty fuel filter. 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 CORRECTION CAUSE 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 917.273790 SCHEMATIC "1 BATTERY _o _o FUSE AMMETER STARTER I i ONAL) I L CLUTCH G SOLENOID J i BRAKE (PEDAL UP) IGNiTiON SWITCH I I /7 E J 1 I I(NOT SEATOGGUP/ED) SWITCH _ i CLUTCNg: CONNEOTOR ATWMENT CLUTCH (OPTIONAL) GROUNDING i _La'_'_ FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID (IF SO EQUIPPED) I fGNfTIONuNIT SPARK _1 ] REGULATOR I_A _ PLUG GAP H (2 PLUGS ON TWIN GYL, ENGINES) LJT E_RJN_T_R_JJ _ROWF.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION I 2 3 5 9 I0 11 I3 I4 I7 I8 20 23 26 28 30 31 37 38 39 58 80 84 74 114 I42 I43 I44 I45 I48 I59 I66 206 207 208 209 211 212 219 258 259 260 261 -- Chassis Drawbar Screw 3/8-18;<3/4 Bumper HoodlDash Dash Bolt, Carriage 3/8-18 × 1 Panel, Dash, LH. Panel, Dash, R.H. Screw Thdrol 3/8- I6 x 1/2 Hood Assembly Bumper Hood Plate Mtg.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 GROUNDDRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 STEERING KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION I 2 3 4 5 8 8 I0 11 I2 I3 I5 17 28 28 29 30 32 38 37 38 39 40 4I 42 43 44 48 5I 54 85 87 88 7I 82 87 88 9I 95 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly_ LH. Spindle Assembly_ R.H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 × 1-5/8 × 16 Ga Ring Klip Draglink Washer, Lock Nut He;< Jam Toploek 1/2-20 unt Spacer Bearing Axle Front Nut, Hex Flange Lock Shaft Assembly, Steering Bushing, Link, Drag Washer I3t32 × 7/8 × I6 Ga.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 ENGINE 3 14 38 13 __810 _26 _17 32 31 34 33 33 \ 39 J OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 170546 17720408 3 4 5 6 8 10 13 149723 175484 175485 171877 146629 14 17 23 25 148456 17120616 169837 145996X505 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 5 3 13 g 6 5 13 19 20 13 32 19 13 32' KEY NO. PART NO. 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1I 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 12563IX 122365X 139865 139866 f /ift-rh. 1piece_3 DESCRIPTION Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x I × 21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L,H. Link Asm Lift R.H KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 SEAT ASSEMBLY \ \ \ \ 11 12 seat It, knob 9 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1I Seat Bracket Phi Pivot Seat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-18 uncx I Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x I 0 Ga. Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-I6 uric Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-I6 x I Washer 13/32 x I × 14 Ga. Pan Pnt Seat (blk) Knob Seat Adj Wingnut 180597 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 12418IX 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 DECALS 2 18 7 11 16 14 7 20 2O 13 15 8 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE--MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 HONDA ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER GXV530,TYPE NUMBER EXA2 CONTROL CARBURETOR KEY NO, PART NO DESCRIPTION KEY NO, PART NO DESCRIPTION 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1I 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.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273790 HONDA ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER GXV530,TYPE NUMBER EXA2 EXHAUST PIPE KEY NO, PART NO DESCRIPTION 2 3 6805398 0471623 GASKET, EX. PIPE NUT, FLANGE (SMM) FUELPUMP KEY NO, PART NO DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 58I 1298 6805216 4432233 1226299 2449593 6 2449593 7 0250985 PUMP ASSY. FUEL TUBE, DIAPHRAGM FILTERI FUEL SCREW-WASHER (5XI6) BULK HOSE, FUEL (5 5X8000) (5.5X100) BULK HOSE, FUEL (5.5X8000) (5.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically 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.
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