Owner's Manual JCRAFTSMAWJ GARDEN TRACTOR 23.0 HP, 48" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.275012 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. CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance ....................................... 16 Service and Adjustments .................... 21 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Sears Service ...................... Back Cover Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications ..........................
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 carry passengers. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • 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 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. 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. Taft 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 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.
=RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS REPAIR AGREEMENT Gasoline Capacity and Type: 3.5 Gallons Unleaded Regular A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. Oil Type: API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F CUSTOMER Oil Capacity: W/Filter'. W/O Filter: Spark Plug: (Gap: .030") Champion 4.5 Pints 4.0 Pints RC12YC Ground Speed Forward: (MPH): Hi: 0.7 1.4 2.3 Reverse: 0.9 Lo: 1.7 3.3 5.4 2.
_Drain_ Video Cassette For Future Use Slope Sheet Keys Video Cassette (2) Keys Slope Sheet 7
Your new tractor has been assembled you begin. at the factory. Review the video cassette before When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means, from your point of view, when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel). TO REMOVE CARTON UNPACK TRACTOR FROM Knob CARTON 1. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners of carton, and lay panels flat. 2. Remove packing materials. 3. Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grille.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full •BRAKE" position and hold. Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. 8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and slowly drive tractor off skid. 9. Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place gearshift lever in neutral position. 10.Turn ignition key to "STOP" position. Continue with the instructions that follow.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FAST FORWARD SLOW OI k ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF FUEL CHOKE OIL PRESSURE MOWER HEIGHT R N A33ACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED LIGHTS ON OV%_M.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S YOUR TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
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 The operationof any tractorcan resultin foreign objectsstandard thrown into safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
• Turn knob counterclockwise (_)to lower cutting height. 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.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of 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.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and f I 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 RE OSERV,OE R Chec, ora.o.,-- L_"/"._/_._. _"_...
TRACTOR 3. Install new or resharpened blade with stamped "THIS SIDE UP" facing deck and mandrel assembly. IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. 4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat treated. Mandrel Assembly Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
BATTERY ENGINE 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. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. 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.
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. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube when taking reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER 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 4. and clamps are properly positioned. immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline. CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc.
A WARNING: TO AVIOD SERIOUS SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY 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.
7. Install front plate assembly to tractor suspension brackets and retain with single loop retainer springs as shown. 8. Position front plate assembly between front mower brackets. Raise deck and plate assembly to align holes and insert flanged pins. Secure pins with double loop retainer springs between the plate and mower brackets. NOTE: To assist in locating hole in flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with notch on head of pin.
BOTH FRONT PLATE LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH R.H. Mandrel t_ Idler Electric Clutch a.H. .Mandrel Nut "C" Arm Nut Arm R.H. Suspension Idler Arm Front Plate Assembly TO REPLACE MOWER TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE ONDARY) DRIVE BELT Trunnion MOWER Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). 2. Remove screws from R.H. and L.H. mandrel covers and remove covers. DRIVE BELT DRIVE BELT REMOVAL 1.
REINSTALLMOWERDRIVEBELT (Referto =TOREMOVEMOWERDRIVE BELT"illustrationin this sectionof manual). 14.Installbelt into upper grooveof R.H. mandrelpulley and around both idlers.Pullbeltto frontof mowerto removeslack. L.H. Secondary Idler Arm 15.Reinstall mandrel covers and securely tighten all screws. 16.Carefully check belt routing making sure belt is in all grooves correctly. 17. Reinstall mower to tractor (See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in this section of manual). Idler Pulley Secondary g Arm .
With parking brake "Engaged" Clutching Rat Idler Engine Belt Keeper Ope_ Belt Transaxle Pulley Twists Belt Keeper As Viewed from Bottom TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT TO ADJUST MENT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For ease of service there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom of left footrest, it is not necessary to remove mower.
TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK ustment The front wheel camber is not adjustable on your tractor. If damage has occurred to affect the front wheel camber, contact contact a Sears or other qualified service center _W'_A ERY RNING: 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.
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.
TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL 2. With engine off turn idle fuel adjusting needle In (clockwise) closing it finger tight and then turn out (counterclockwise) 1 turn. The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary, check adjustment as described below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: 1. With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position. 2.
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor wilt not be used for 30 days or more, _I_CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. AI)ow the engine to coot before storing 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: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2, Engine not "CHOKED" properly, 3. Engine flooded. , Bad spark plug. 5, Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter, 7 Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed PROBLEM LOSS of power CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Cutting too much grass/too 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 11. 12. 13. 14. plug wire loose. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Didy/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 1. Remove obstruction. 2. Worn/damaged drive belt. 2. 3. 4. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. mower 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. 3. Travel speed too fast. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. 8.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 SCHEMATIC BLAC_ BAKERY SOLENOID SOLENOID dlL CI4A_ SYSTEM OUTPUT t5 AMp DC e 3_00 RPM PTO SWITCH POSI_ON IGNITION POSmON : CIRCUIT OFF _N + LK_ ON START OFF ON SWITCH M+G+A1 B+AI B + A1 B÷S+A1 -MAKE- HEADLIGHTS CIRCU_ C+G,B+H C+F,B+E.A÷D RELAy NONE L+A2 NONE NONE WIRING INSULATED CLIPS NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 22 25 25 27 28 29 30 33 40 42 45 50 52 79 81 Battery Bolt Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray, Battery Bolt 1/4-20 x 7,5 Zinc Hold down Battery Dash Mount Nut Push Nylon 1/4" Switch Interlock Push-in Harness Socket LightW/4152J Bulb Light Cable, Battery Fuse Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Unc Cable, Ground Switch, Plunger Switch, Ign Key, Ignition Harness Ign.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUM BER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 GROUNDDRIVE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 STEERINGASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 NOTE: DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Wheel, Steering Axle Asm., Front 178557 6855M Fitting, Grease 161849 SpindleAsm, LH 161848 SpindleAsm., RH 6266H Beadng, Race Thrust Harden Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 ENGINE 25 69 217_20 84 81 84 18 15 17 I t3 37 29 \ 16 26 37 8 39 SPARK ARRESTER KIT ] 10 KEY PART NO. NO. 2 8 9 t0 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 149723 121361X 177748 175287 174605 143996 151346 109227X 106082_X 161493 177328X428 164863 175441X428 STD551237 73920600 3645,.I 139277 7834R 137180 KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 21 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 Seat Bracket, Pivot Seat Strap, Fender Clip, Push In, Hinged Nut, Crownlock 3/8-16 Ucc Spring, Seat Cpran Bolt 5/16-18Uncx3/4 w/Seres Pan, Seat Bracket, Mounting Switch Bushing,Snap Bolt, Carriage 1/4-20 X 1-1/2 180598 180166 140675 145006 STD541437 124181X 171877 180186 121246X 121248X 72050412 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 DECALS 16 16 6 4 5 10 19 17 12 --23 13 14-- 7 KEY NO. PARr NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 LIFT ASSEMBLY 16 19 18 15 12 75 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 29 30 31 PART NO. 121(X)6X 180045 159189 12000022 19292016 71110624 175830 175831 2876H 175375 163552 STD541437 674A247 143363 STD551037 5328J S'T'[To2710 STD624008 73350800 73680800 150233 110807X 19131016 KEY NO. 32 33 34 35 38 39 40 41 42 43 70 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 DESCRIPTION Rod Asm., Lever Shaft Asm., Lift Vgt Lever Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 3 5 6 8 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 39 42 43 45 180359 178915 49_9M 178024 174365 180054 175147 174358 110485X 174493 72110610 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DeckWeldment Mower 48 BracketAsm., Sway Bar RetainerSpring Bar Sway Deck Bolt7/16 Asm. Blade Blade Shaft Asm. w/Lower Bearing HousingMandrel Bearing, Bali, Mandrel StripperMandral Deck Bolt RDHD Sq Neck 3/6-16 x 1.
TRACTOR o- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 TRANSAXLE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4197R 12000034 4199R 4216R 4215R 4217R 174728 7402O652 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 99 7392M 137261 4985R 626614 4212R 137125 6276H 633A63 6118M 6740H1 122238X 4218R 6252H1 7_ _-I &?.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR ° - MODEL N UMBER 917.275012 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO. 1. 24-033-03-S 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. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. DESCRIPTtON Kit, breather cover w/gasket (Includes 2, 3) 24-041-23-S Gasket, breather 24-096-59-S Cover, breather M-645020-S Screw, hex. flange M6xl.0x20 (4) X-75-23-S Plug, allen hd.
TRACTO R - - MODEL N UM BER 917.275012 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL I BLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLESJ _p-.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 IGNITION/CHARGING BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO. 1. 54-755-15-S 2. M-403025-S 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. X-25-92-S 24-112-04-S 25-086-47-S 24-157-03-S 12-086-14-S 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 12-468-03-S X-42-15-S 24-025-04-S 25-403-03-S X-25-92-S 24-086-18-S 14. 15. 236602-S 54-755-09-S 16. 17. 12-132-06-S M-548025-S 18. 19. 20. 21. 48-154-02-S X-25-63-S 24-584-01-S M-545020-S 22.
TRACTOR - - MODEL N UMBER 917.275012 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 STARTING SYSTEM I ENGINE CONTROLS I • _ '_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 KOI-ILERENGINE-MODELNUMBERCV674,TYPENUMBER75544 OIL PAN/LUBRICATION STARTING 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 25-141-05oS 25-221-01-S KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x80 (2) Starter, solenoid shift (Includes 4-7) Nut, hex. flange M8x1.25 Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion drive (Includes 6) Ring Kit, brush 1. 24-199-07-S 2. M°645025-S 3. 4. M-631005-S 24-393-08-S 5. 6. 7.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUM BER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275012 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 CRANKSHAFT KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1. 2. Crankshaft (Includes 2) Plug, cup 24-014-72-S 52-139-09-S EXHAUST KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1. 2. 24-041-02-S 25o072-04-S Gasket, exhaust (2) Stud, M8xl.25x33 (4) ---- PA-75544 Replacement Engine 24 782 14 Miniblock 24 755 108-S Gasket Set FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1. 24-853-61-S 2. 3. 24-041-15-S 24-053-61 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION _L down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: 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. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure.
For repairof major brand appliancesin your own home... no matter who made it,no matter whosold 1-800-4-MY-HOME _ (1-8(X)-469-4663) WWW.SeEirs.corn For repairofcarry-inproducts like vacuums, lawnequipment,and electronics, callfor the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 AnyUme, dayorr_ghqU.SAore) W,seEy_Colln For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirectSM! 1-800-366-PART 6a.m.-11 (1-800-,366-7278) p.m.
