Owner's Manual ICRRFTSMRH°J 21.0 HP ELECTRIC START 46" MOWER AUTOMATIC GARDEN TRACTOR Model No. 917.274961 • • • • • Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon. Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www, sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly .............................................. 8 Operation ............................................ 12 Maintenance ....................................... 19 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 19 Service and Adjustments .................... 23 Storage ............................................... 31 Troubleshooting ..
IMPORTANT: This cutting mach ne is capable,of amputating han.ds and tae_t_d. throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety mstrusnons coU,u resu m serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to loss-ofinstructionsin the manual and on the control and tipover accidents, which can remachine before starting. suit in severe injury or death.
IU. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence ot childmn. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume 1hat children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off it children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starling 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. • Do not tum on slopes unless necessaw, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. _l, Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS IASOLINE ;APACITY NDTYPE: OILTYPE API-SF-SJ): 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 10W30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5PINTS w/o FILTER: 4.0PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION 3AP: .030") RC12YC GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 5.8 (MPH): TIRE PRESSURE: REVERSE: 2.1 FRONT: 14 PSI REAR: 10 PSI CHARGING ;YSTEM: 15AMPS @ 3600RPM BATTERY: AMP/HR: 35 MIN. CCA: 280 CASE SIZE:U1R 27-35 FT. LBS BLADE BOLT TORQUE: CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
Steering Wheel Steedng Wheel Insert Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob Mower (2)Flanged ,_ (1)Front Plat e_ .
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer secudng 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 bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder boll in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT Be sure tractor is on level surface and mower suspension arms are raised with attachment lift control. Engage parking brake. 1. Cut and remove ties securing antisway bar and belts. Swing anti-sway bar to left side of mower deck. 2. Slide mower under tractor with deflector shield to right side of tractor. IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routingin all mower pulley grooves. 3. If equipped, tum height adjustment knob counterclockwise until it stops. 4.
V'CHECKLIST 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 instructionshave been completed. ,/No remaining loose parts in carton. ,/"Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps). ./"Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely. ,/All tires are properly inflated.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to famitiarize yourself with the locations of various controlsand adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Theoperation ofanytractor canresult inforeign objects thrown into I the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any I adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectac es or standard safety g asses. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR • Never use choke to stop engine.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". 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.
Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATrACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specificationsof the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
• The attachmentsand grounddrive can now be used. if the engins doe6 notaccept the load, restartthe engk_eand allowit to warm up for one minuteusingthe choke as described above. 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.
MOWINGTIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor, • 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. • Ddve so that clippings are discharged ontothe area that has 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.
sc.ooo.o c_k_ Prim.r, CheCk Operator P_mce L®r_. V' I/ and c,,. R cle= sa_,y=_aro_ Check Tmr_axle Cooling Adju=B_* _(s) AdlL_ N V' I/ J b,/ I_ T_n¢o. I/s D_VeBeltls) T_'_ k_ fl_s Cle_'_Air Screen _; i _0e_ AirFita_ Oe_n Muffk_r/Sp_rk A_t_ _ce C_lN._r (l_equipped) I_#= N Clean Engine CoOling Fins _ Replace Air RR_ pape_ Cartridge 1_2 3.
TRACTOR Always observe safety mias when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requiresmore then six (6) feet stoppingdistance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (Contact a Sears or other qualified service center). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, og, or insect control chemicals which can harm robber.
NOTE: The originalequipment battery on yourtractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERYAND TERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to leak" Select the oil's SAE viscositygrade according to your expected operating temperature. power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 3.
CLEAN AIRSCREEN Airscreen mustbekeptfreeofdirtand chafftoprevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dded gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times. Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds.
_ 1. Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place attachment clutch in DISENGAGED position. 3. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. 4. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. BEFORE PERFORMING ANYplug SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 5.AUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. TRACTOR TO REMOVE MOWER 1. Place attachment clutch in =DISENGAGED" position. 2.
BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so the front is approximately 1/8 =to 1/2" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position. BottomEdge of BottomEdgeot Nut "G" Nut Check adjustment on right side of tractor. Measure distance "F" directly in front of and behind the mandrel at bottom edge of mower housing as shown. • Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length.
MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION 9. Install belt in both idlers. Make sure belt is in both bolt keepers at the idlers as shown. 10.Install new belt onto electric clutch pulley. 11. Roll belt into upper groove of L.H. mandrel pulley. 12.Carefully check belt routing making sure belt is in the grooves correctly and inside belt keepers. 13.Reassemble L.H, mandrel cover. lO.Roll belt over R.H. mandrel pulley. Make sure belt is in all grooves properly. 11 .Reconnect spring to bolt in mower housing and reinstall R.
TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For ease of service there is a belt installation guide decal on bctlom of left footrest. 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual.) BELT REMOVAL 2. Create slack in belt by removing retainer spring from drive belt tension handle. 3. Remove bell from all idler pulleys, transaxle pulley and then from engine pulley. BELT INSTALLATION 1.
TO ADJUST TOE-IN 1. Loosen jam nuts at adjustment sleeves on tie rod. 2. Adjust tie rod until dimension "A" is 1/8" to 1/4" less than dimension "B". 3. Tighten jam nuts securely. FRONT WHEEL CAMBER The front wheel camber is not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurredto affect the front wheel camber, contact Sears or other qualified service center. Jam Nuts TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS FRONT WHEEL1. Block up axle securely. 2. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal.
REPLACING BA'n'ERY _ILCAUTION: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking trom accidental grounding. 1. Lift hood to raised position. 2. Remove terminal guard. 3. Disconnect BLACK battew cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 4.
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 THRO'R'LE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been present at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary, However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the carburetor does need adjustment, proceed as follows: In general, turning the adjusting needles in (clockwise) decreases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a leaner fueVair mixture.
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. A 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 stodng in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. When mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See =TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 5. Clean/replace air filter. 6, Dirty fuel filter. 6. Replace fuel filter, 7. Water in fuel. 7. Drain fuel tank and carbure tor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel rifler. 18.
TROUBLESHOO_NG CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORREC_ON Loss_power 1. Cufingtoomuchgms_oo fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. 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.Loose or damaged wiring. 14.Carburetor out of adjustment. 15.Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate CHART CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower ddve belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Replace mower drive belt, 3. Replace idler pulley, 4. Replace blade mandrel. Poor grass discharge 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Wet gross. 3. Allow gross to dry before mowing. 4. Mower deck not level. 4.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917,274961 sCHEMATIC 35
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 144927 Baltery 2 74760412 Bo;t Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 8 7603J Tray, Batter/ 10 145211 Bctt 114-20 x 7.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 CHASSIS ANDENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION t 2 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 28 30 31 33 33 34 35 36 37 39 42 43 44 45 47 50 56 58 68 84 86 90 91 175465 Rail, Frame RH 175282 Drawhar, Gt 73800700 Nut, Lock Hex 7/16 Unc 163976X428 Dash 157882 Dash. Lower Vgt One Piece 17720408 Screw, Thd Cut 114-20 x 1/2 145166 Support, Battery 175259X558 Hood Asm., Pnt 161841 Lens LH 121794X Cover, Access 17(;60612 Screw 3/8-19 x .
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 2 6 7 9 20 22 23 29 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 46 48 50 52 53 55 56 58 61 64 65 _8 6g 70 71 73 74 77 89 94 98 105 9396E $1_561210 14C507 140080 _00 178391 130564 176600 12000053 71673 137648 149412 121749X 150055 74,321016 178575 739G1000 8883R 145170 72110614 131494 127783 207J 105705X 161597 74760724 1_5 176601 67609 std571912 123800X 164892X428 151179 74490548 142432 74760716 73680700 133805 141004 142917 Key Sq.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917,274961 STEERING 23 31 / / 16 / \ \ \ \ '\ \ \ { 42
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 STEERING KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 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 3t 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 46 47 48 49 50 Wheel, Steerlng Axle Asm., Front Fitting, Grease Spindle AXm, LH Spinole Asm., RH Bearing, Race "llvust Harden Washer 28/3_ x %5/8 x 16 G& Ring, Klip #T5304-75 Cap, Spindle Bait, FLnHex 3/8-11 x 2-3/4 Spacer Beadng Axle Front Nut, Lock Flange 5/8-11 Uric Washer 25/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 ENGINE 69 52 8O 18 15 17 37 29 \ 16 I SPARK 44 ARRESTER KIT J
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO, 1 DESCRIPTION ...... Engine (See Breakdown) Kshler Model No. CV624-65577 2 149723 Muffler 8 121361X Puliey V÷ldhir 9 177748 Keeper Asm.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 pART NO. 140123 140651 14_675 127018X 145006 $3D541437 124151X 171877 174894 121246X t21248X DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket, pivot Seat Strap, Fender Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 x .62 Clip, PUSh In, Hinged Nut, Crownlock 3_-16 Unc Spdng, Seat Cpr_tt Bolt 5/16-18 Unc x _4 w Serns Pan, Seat Bracket, Mounting Switch Bushing, Snap KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 DECALS 17 17 7 12 11 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 164_4 149516 3 4 5 8 7 5 9 10 11 12 1717(_ 171703 14_837 133644 177415 177628 163204 156439 177781 177554 DESCRIPTION DecalDash Decal Battery DNGR/PSN ENGAsm Decal Hood RH CraJtsman Decal Hood LH Craftsman Decal Broke Par king Saddle Decal MaJntenance Decal Side Panel Decal Engine DecaJFender Craftsman Decal Fender Danger Decal Brake Decal V-Belt Dr Sch PART NO. 13 14 15 17 19 23 -- 177540 1603.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 LIFTASSEMBLY 4O 42 35 73 43 38 7 32 31 98 10 0 39 • ] I'_ "_.. 1 3\ 16 15 20 48 19 18
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 LIFTASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 24 26 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 39 40 41 42 43 70 72 73 75 76 78 Rod Asm., Lever Shatt Asm., Lift Vgt Lever Asm., Ult Rh E*Ring Truarc #5133-87 Washer 29/32 x t-1/4 x 16 Ga. BoR, Fin Hex 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Gdp, Handle Fluted Button, Plunger plunger, Lever Lilt Spring 2-1/8" Link Lift Retainer, Spdng Arm, Suspension Vgt Bearing Nut, Crowstock 3/B-16 Uric Spring Asm., Assist Ll(t Bmcket.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTORMODEL NUMBER 917.274961 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 3 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 156948 1384,57 4939M 130832 DESCRIPTION DeckWeldrnentMower 46 Bracket Asm., Sway Bar Retainer Spdng Arm, Suspension, Rear (Sway Bar) 850857 Bett, Patch 3/6-24 x 1-1/4 Gr. 8 $1_551137 washer, Lock H W, Unplated 3/8 140296 Washer, Hard Blade, Mower Vented 176084 Blade, 46" 137553 Shelf Asm.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917,274961 TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 331-3000 KEY NO. PARr NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 161122 178317 169522 161125 1429_.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624S, TYPENUMBER 65577 HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO. 1 24-033-01-S 2 3 4 24-041-23-S 24-096-59-S M-645020 5 6 7 5 90 11 12 13 DESCRIPTION 1 2 24-032-01-S 3 4 5 X-75-23-S Kit, breather cover w/ _asket (Includes 2, 3, 5) L_asket, breather Cover, breather Screw, hex. flange M6xl.0x20 (4) Ph_J, allen hd.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624S, TYPENUMBER 65577 BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES IGNITION/CHARGING KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624S, TYPENUMBER 65577 _TARTING SYSTEM I ENGINE CONTROLS J II \ / 2S OIL PAN I LUBRICATION I 1S
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624S,TYPE NUMBER65577 STARTING OIL PAN/1.UBRICATIO N SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 M-839080-S 2 25-098-08-S 3 4 5 6 7 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 25-141-05-S 25 221 Ot-S DESCRIPTION Screw. hex. flange MSx1.25x80 2) Starter, soenold shift (Includes 4-7) Nut. hex. f_nge MSxl.25 Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion drive (Includes 6) Rin q Kit.brush ENGINE CONTROLS KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.274961 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624S, TYPENUMBER 65577 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 Crankshaft (Includes 2) Plug, cup 24-014-72-S 52-139-09-S 1 24-853-25-S 2 3 24-041-15-S 24-053-25 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 24-041-14-S M-629095-S M-64t060-S 47-154-01-S 24-383-03-S 25-237-14-S 24-086-12-S EXHAUST XEY PART NO. NO.
G2
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL ____..o.,_ Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15 '), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control.
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