Owner's Manual CRAFTSMIIN° 18.5 HE 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917,274752 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......................22 Storage................................................. 28 Troubleshooting....................................29 Repair Parts.......................................... 34 Sears Service.........................Back Cover Warranty................................................. 2 SafetyRules ........................................... 3 ProductSpecifications............................
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. Never direct discharged materiat toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces. Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.
H.SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a majorfactor related to loss of control and tip-overaccidents,which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requiresextra caution. If you cannotback up the slope or if you feel uneasyon it, do not mow it. Mow up and down slopes,not across. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps,rocks,or other hiddenobjects. Uneventerrain couid overturnthe machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Choosea low groundspeed so that you will not haveto stop or shift while on the slope.
Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
PRODUCT Gasoline Capacity Type: SPECmFICATmONS 2.0 Unleaded Regular and Oil Type IAPFSG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter: W/O Filter: Spark (Gap: Champion Plug: .030") 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 laws (if any).
Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel C? (1) Large Steering Boot I Extension Shaft Steering Flat Washer I I I Steering Wheel Adapter (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4 Seat @ i:_ (1) Washer 17/32 x1-3/16 x12 Gauge (1) Knob (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys
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 REQUmRED ASSEMBLY A socket wrench easier. Standard are listed below.
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. NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. TO ROLL TRACTOR Operation function Seat 1.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractorwere overinfiated at the factoryfor shipping purposes. Correcttire pressure is importantfor best cutting performance. v" CHECKMST Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product. Please review the following checklist: ,/All assembly instructions have been completed. * Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. R N H REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH 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 TO SET PARKmNG BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• 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 ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.
TO OPERATE ON HmLLS 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. _I, WARNmNG: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15 ° and do not drive across any slope. Use the slope guide at the back of this manual. ,_ Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. ,_ Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below. 5. 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.
MA,NTENANOE SO.
TRACTOR Alwaysobserve safety ruleswhen performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requiresmore than five (5) feetto stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES * Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual).
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appearto be centered,but are not. Slide bladeon to an unthreadedportion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallelwith the ground. If blade is balanced,it should remain in a horizontalposition. If either end of the blade movesdownward,sharpenthe heavyend untilthe blade is balanced.
5. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown. 6. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain valve. 7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.
MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG(S) 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. 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.
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 REMOVE ORDER 1. 2. CABLES, TO REPLACE REVERSE 1. 2. BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. RED cable last from both batteries. 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 HOOD 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 manuamunmess directed to Sears service center CAUSE GORRECTmON 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. 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. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5. Stale or dirty fuel. 6.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manuam unmess directed CAUSE Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build=up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 1. 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. 7. 8. 9. Water in fuel. 9. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 10. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section PROBLEM Mower blades wiii not rotate in marluam 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 1. Engine 2. 3. Travel speed Wet grass. 4. Mower 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. Blades improperly installed. 8. 9. speed too slow.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 SCHEMATIC 02831 _193372 BATTERY I o1,1,1,o _. SOLENOID STARTER EUSE iOPT_ r ...... 1 &6f_;ffr_,_E '---'---_ v SEAT I _PlA¥ SWITCH i i i i i i i i_ i i I i i J G_y L TM R _E=V_I_T_ : ..... SHORTING !.oT,.._E_sE = i ......... J A ..... (_ CONNECTOR SPARK PLUGS IGNITIONuNIT"_ (2P%Ps ON _NIN CYL, ENGINES) NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 ELECTRmCAL 22 26 I \ F \ \ 34 / 16 / ' / / / / \ • 48 / '/ 52 93 _ j,_> 29 \ / _.-_'k"...... 27 _ 28 -L ................................................... " ......... ;l:;r_r_:_2 _cTs ......................................................................................... [ ...............
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 ELECTRmCAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRmPTmON 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 40 41 42 43 48 52 90 92 93 94 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 Box Battery Switch, Hnterlock 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 Seat Switch Hgn Key Hgn Switch Light Harness Hgn BoJt BIk.
TRACTOR o o MODEL CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.274752 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 36 -It.
TRACTOR o o MODEL CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.274752 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 917.274752 GFIOUNDDRIVE 25 i 27 drive-fender.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 GROUND DRmVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY _,'_ - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR STEERmNG ASSEMBLY o o MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRiPTiON 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 65 67 68 71 82 87 88 91 95 97 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. Ring, Klip Draglink Washer, Lock Spacer Bearing Axle Front Nut, Hex Flange Lock Shaft Steering Bushing, Link, Drag Washer 13/32 x 7/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 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 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 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 o o MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 SEAT ASSEMBLY 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 174648 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Pivot Seat Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga. CNp Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 unc 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 917.274752 DECALS 10 3 11 11 2O 15 \ 13 12 13 14 KEY PART NO, NO, DESCRPTmON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 DecaI Decal Decal Decal DecaI Decal Decal DecaI Decal Decal Decal DecaI 193308 193595 186280 186281 138047 133644 191777 172331 186282 156439 186283 146046 Oper. Instr. Replacement Hood, R.H. Hood, LH.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 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 48 52 DESCRiPTiON Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck Retainer Spring Bar Sway Deck Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR o ° MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE ° ° MODEL NUMBER206=545C REF NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 BRIGGS ENGINE=MODEL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR ° o MODEL NUMBER 917.274752 BRmGGS ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299°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.
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