Owner's Manual GARDEN TRACTOR 23.0 HP, 50" Mower ElectricStart 6 Speed Model No. 917.275033 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. For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation ...................... 8 Operation ............................................ 12 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY Maintenance ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ...............................................
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. 4UkLook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!i! BECOMEALERTt!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. • 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: • Never carry children. They may fall off and be sedously 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 overtum the machine. Tall 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the =SAFETY RULES". Gasoline Capacity and Type: 3.5 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) 'API-SF-SJ): REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product, Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 4.5 Pints W/O Filter:. 4.0 Pints Spark Plug: CGap: .
Steering Wheel Steedng Sleeve Extension Steering Wheel Insert Steedng Sleeve Seat <:_ _(1) (1)Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gsuge Knob Mower (2) Flanged (5) Retainer Springs ins loop) (2) Retainer Springs (1)Front Plate Assembly i (single loop) © (2) Shoulder Bolts (2) Centerlock Nuts (2) Wheels (2) Washers 3/8 x 314 x 14 Ga.
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 FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
INSTALL SEAT TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See 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 bolts are positioned over the large slotted holes in pan. 4.
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT NOTE: To assist in locating hole in flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with notch on head of pin. If necessary, move mower side-to-side to give space between plate and mower brackets. IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. 9. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket under left footrest and retain with double loop retainer spring. 10. If equipped, turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove slack from mower suspension. 11 .
CHECK MOWER LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower should be propedy leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing motion, mower drive, and mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are muted correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is propedy adjusted.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATrERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW ENG,NEON ENGINEOFF O,LPRESSORE L.GRTSON OVI,_T_M.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locationsof various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Ignition Switch Position Ammeter hment h Switch Throttle Control Lift Lever Plunger Attachment Lift Lever Brake ControlCh°ke Adjustment KnobHeight ".
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 perform ng any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE • 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.
TOWING MENTS CARTS AND OTHER ATrACH- 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. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1.
• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _._. _.
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION 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 section of this manual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery belts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for I 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. TO CLEAN BATTERYAND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to =leak" power, 1. Remove terminal guard.
ENGINE OIL FILTER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. 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 cartddge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Loosen knob and remove cover. TO 2. 3. 4.
WARNING: TO AVIOD SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in =DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. TRACTOR TO INSTALL MOWER TO REMOVE MOWER 1.
• To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side. NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 3/16". • Recheck measurements after adjusting. Bottom Edge of Mower to Ground (_ Bottom Edge of Mower to Ground Mandrel BOTH FRONT UNKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH Suspension - Nut "G" I I ,_'--_ _Adjustment _ Lift Link Nut _Nut FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-toside.
Idler Pulleys L.H. Spring Mandrel Cover Electric Clutch Pulley Pdmary Idler Arm L.H. Mandrel Bolt in Mower Housing Mower Drive Belt Belt Keepers TO REPLACE BELT MOWER BLADE DRIVE 12. Reinstall mower to tractor (See =INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT" in the Assembly section of this manual). 13. Reassemble mower drive belt (See "TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT" in this section of this manual). Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. 1.
2. Adjust the three nylon Iocknuts until space between clutch plate and rotor measures .012" at all three slot locations cut in the side of brake plate. NOTE: After installing a new electric clutch, run tractor at full throttle and engage and disengage electric clutch 10 cycles to wear in clutch plate. _Rotor l _._ 2. Remove mower drive belt from electric clutch pulley only (See "TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT" in this section of this manual). 3. Roll motion ddve belt off transaxle pulley. 4.
TO CHECK TOE-IN 1. Position front wheels straight ahead. 2. Measure distance between wheels at front and rear of tires (dimensions "A" and "B"). • Front dimension =A" should be 1/8" to 1/4" less than rear dimension "B". Retaining Washers Ring Axle Cover 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.
Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. 1. Lift hood to raised position. 2. Remove terminal guard. 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.
2. Check that speed control lever is against stop screw. If it is not, loosen casing clamp screw and pull throttle cable until lever is against screw. Tighten clamp screw securely. Idle Adjusting Needle Adjusting Screw Throttle Control Cable Choke Control Cable Stop (countemlockwise) increases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a richer fuel/ air mixture. IMPORTANT: Damage to the needles and the seats in carburetor may result if screw is tumed in too tight. PRELIMINARY SETTING 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. _I_kCAUTION: 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. 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 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not =CHOKED" properly, 3. Engine flooded. 4. 5. 6. 7 8. 9. 10. Hard to start CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Bad spark plug. 4. Replace spark plug. Dirty air filter. 5. Clean/replace air filter. Dirty fuel filter. 6. Replace fuel filter. Water in fuel. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM LOSSof 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 plug wire loose. 11.Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Wom/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. Mower drive belt worn. 9.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 SCHEMATIC BATTERY SOLENOID RE D _i FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) I i i i STARTER t I i ELECTRIC I CLUTCH t (PEDAL UP) 185 86 I il OPERATOR PRESENCE RELAY #1 SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) (OPTIONAL) LINE I I I IGNITION UNIT SPARK PLUGS GAP .)PLUGS .
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 42 45 50 52 79 81 Battery Boll Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray, Battery BOIl 114-20x 7.5 Zinc HolddownBatteryDash Mount Nut Push Nylon 1/4" Switch InterlockPush-In Hamess SocketLightW/Bulb Cable, Battery Fuse Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 Unc Cable,Ground Switch,Plunger Switch,Ign Key, Ignition Hamese Ign. Cover,Terminal Ammeter Switch,PTO ProtectionWire Loop BulbholderAsm. Incandescent RelayAsm.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 42 43 44 45 47 50 56 175465 Rail, Frame RH 175282 Drawbar, Gt 73680700 Nut, Crownlock Hex 7/16-14UNC 163976)(428 Dash YTGT 2 Cyl 157882 Dash, Lower Vgt One Piece 17720408 Screw, Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 145166 Support, Battery 175259X558 Hood Asm 121794X Cover, Access 17060612 Screw 3/6-16 X .75 174515X558 Gnlle 19131312 Washer 13/32x13/16x12 Ga.
TRACTOR GROUND DRIVE 28 \ 9 7 - - MODE L NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 ENGINE 41 18 15 17 29 16 26 \ • 37 IsPA.K A..ES_.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 35 DESCRIPTION Engine(See Breakdown)Kohler ModelNo.CV674-75544 Muffler 149723 121361X PulleyV-Idler 177748 Keeper Asm.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 SEAT ASSEMBLY 18 Io I ..-.---16 18 5 19 i2 KEY NO. 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 15 PART NO. 1805.98 180166 140675 145OO6 STD541437 124181X 171877 180186 121246X 121248X 72050412 121249X KEY NO. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket, Pivot Seat Strap, Fender Clip, Push In, Hinged Nut, Crownlock 3/8-16 Uoc Spring,Seat Cprsn Bolt5/I 6-18Uncx 3/4 w/Seres Pan, Seat Bracket,MountingSwitch Bushing,Snap Bolt, Cardage 1/4-20X 1-1/2 Spacer, Split PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 DECALS 18 2 15 6 IO 9 19 17 12 --24 KI_' PARr NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 177375 164085 171702 171703 177415 133644 177416 163204 156439 181249 146047 13 164884 K]EY PAFR NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBE R 917.275033 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 121006X 180045 159189 12000022 19292016 71110624 175830 175831 2876H 146704 163552 139868 169865 73680600 674A247 73350600 143363 19131316 5328J 74760616 STD624008 73350800 73800800 DESCRIPTION RodAsm., Lever Shaft Asm., Lift Vgt Lever Asm., lift Rh E-RingTruarc#5133-87 Washer 29/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.275033 MOWER DECK 55 45 44 116 53.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 181606 STD541413 72110506 7631J 138457 STD624006 178024 850857 DESCRIPTION MowerDeckWeldment50 Nut,Crownlock5/16-18 Bolt,Cardage 5/16-18 x 3/4 Runner,MowerLH BracketAsm., Sway Bar Retainer,Spring Bar, Sway Deck Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 TRANSAXLE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4197R 12000034 4199R 42.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 KO_II.ER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674,TYPE NUMBER 75544 CYLINDEI_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 HEADNALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO. PART NO. 1 24-033-03-S 1 2 24-032-01-S 3 4 5 24-294-13-S 24-380-13-S 24-067-13-S 24-067-14-S 24-874-09-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 DESCRIP_ON 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.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.275033 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES IGNITION/CHARGING KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.275033 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER PART NO. 1 M-83g080-S 2 25-098-08-S 3 4 5 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755-33-S 6 7 DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x80 (2) Starter, solenoid shift NlnCludes4-7) ut, hex. flange M8x1.25 Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion ddve (Includes 6) Ring Kit, brush 25-141-05-S 25-221-01 -S ENGINE CONTROLS KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.275033 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 FUEL SYSTEM CRANKSHAFT KEY NO. , 2. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 24-014-72-S 52-139-09-S Crankshaft (Includes 2) Plug, cup EXHAUST KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIP_ON 1. 2. 24-041-02-S 25-072-04-S Gasket, exhaust (2) Stud, M8xl.25x33 (4) ---- PA-75544 Replacement Engine 24 782 14 Miniblock 24 755 108-SGasket Set KEY NO. PART NO. 1. 24-853-61-S 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14, 15.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 1_ lopss greater than 1S degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent changing direction on slopes. 1. FOld ;;_l.,,-_r--;-,-,_,;--;-.-,:7--:..-2-.-;-.-; -_.--2. Hold page before you so that Its left edge Is vcrtlcally 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.
Get it fixed, at your home or ours! Forrepairofmajorbrandappliances In yourownhome... nomatterwhomadeit,nomatterwhosold_ 1-800-4-MY-HOME_ /_j_n_dayornight (1-e00-_S_S3) (u.sA andCanada) wm WE Forrepairofcany-inproductslikevacuums,lawnequipment,and electronics,callforthe nearestSears Partsand RepeJrCenter. 1-800-488-1222 AnyUn_ dayorrtJt (U.SAody) wJ Forthere_ parts,accessod_andowner'smanuals thatyou needto(:k:Pit-yourself, callSeers PallSDh'f_b_'SMI 1-800-366-PART (1-eoo-3se-7278) 6 a.m,- 11 p.m.