Owner's Manual CRRFTSMRN° LAWN TRACTOR 18.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.275390 i_ differently from built engines. Before operates you start the This product haspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions about Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before this product, Call: operating this equipment.
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 material 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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before • Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom the truck or trailerand refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,then refuel such equipmentwith a portable container,ratherthan from a gasoline dispensernozzle. • Keepthe nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container openingat all times until fueling is complete.Do not use a nozzle lock-opendevice.
PRODUCT In the state of California SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Unleaded Regular Oil Type 'API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter 3.5 Pints W/O Filter 3.0 Pints Spark (Gap: Champion Plug: .030") Ground (MPH): Speed RC12YC 1.1 1.4 2.2 3.3 4.4 4.9 1.4 Tire Pressure: Front: Rear: 14 PSI 12 PSI Charging 3 Amps 5 Amps Battery: Blade Battery Headlights Amp/Hr: Min. CCA: Case Size: Bolt Torque: 27-35 28 230 U1R Ft. Lbs.
Steering Wheel @ Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer © (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4 _ i Steering Wheel Adapter I I Steering Extension Shaft Steering Boot i Seat @ _(1 (1) Washer 17/32 x1-3/16 x12 Gauge ) Knob (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Slope Keys (2) Keys 7 Sheet
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. TOOLS REQUIRED ASSEMBLY A socket wrench easier. Standard are listed below.
7. Slide seat until a comfortableposition is reachedwhich allowsyou to press clutch/brakepedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat withoutmoving 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 #" CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. ° Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 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: v" All assembly instructions have been completed.
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning. R N H L REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW or in literature supplied with the product. I'.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S TRACTOR MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for 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 TO SET PARKING IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
USING THE SYSTEM - • 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. • 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 OPERATE 3. Look down and behind before backing up.
TOWING MENTS CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- CAUTION: Alcohol 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. 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.
6. When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, immediately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several ( minutes (the colder the temperature, the longer the warm-up). • The attachments can also be used dur- J 00272 ing the engine warm-up period.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _____ FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE /_/@_/_-_,_" /_'_ BE OLAR SERV,CE Presence _'_ T Check Operator ROS Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level _4 a Clean and Terminals I_ Mower Battery I1_ II_s Blades II/ I_ I1_ v' Cooling Oil Level I_ Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) E Change Engine Oil (without N Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen Inspect Replace _1,2 1_2 Arrester Oil Filter (If equi
ROS "ON" Position 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 concreteor paved surface,then brakemust be checked and adjusted.(See "TOADJUST BRAKE"in the Serviceand Adjustmentssection of this manual).
The bladecan be sharpenedwith a file or on a grindingwheel. Do not attempt to sharpenwhile on the mower. Tocheck blade balance,you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (Whenusing a conebalancer, follow the instructionssuppliedwith balancer.) 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 parallel with the ground.
3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. 4. To open, pull out on the drain valve. 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.
MUFFLER CLEANING 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.
& WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INJURY, TO REMOVE MOWER Mower will be easier to remove right side of tractor. 1. Place attachment GAGED" position. 2. Move attachment 5. 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.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • When manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT remain equal in length. • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground. Distance "A" on both sides of mower should be the same or within 1/4" of each other. at front than rear, tighten nut "F" against trunnion on both front links.
Mandrel With Parking Brake "Engaged" Idler Pulleys Nut "A" Jam Nut Mandrel Pulley TO CHECK AND ADJUST Operating Arm 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 00238 TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
TO REMOVE Engine Pulle 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. NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, purchase and use tire sealant from Sears.
TO REMOVE ORDER 1. 2. CABLES, TO REPLACE REVERSE 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. RED cable last from both batteries. Weak or Dead Battery REPLACING BATTERY TO REMOVE SEMBLY 1. Raise 2. 3. 4. or wiring section. HOOD AND GRILL AS- hood. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor.
ENGINE IMPORTANT: 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. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE 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. 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.
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. 4. 5. 6. 7 Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start Engine will not turn over Engine clicks will not start but 1. 2. Fill fuel tank.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE 1. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction mechanism. 1. Remove obstruction. in clutch 2. Worn/damaged belt. 3. 4. Frozen Frozen mower drive idler pulley. blade mandrel. 2. Replace 3. 4. Replace idler pulley. Contact a Sears or other qualified Poor grass discharge 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. 3. Travel speed Wet grass. 4. Mower 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 SCHEMATIC 02831 193372 SOLENOID A STARTER _" FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) IGNITION UNIT s%s_ >ARK GAP PLUGS (2 PLUGS _1_ ON TWIN CYL. ENGINES) HOUR METER BUICK (OPTIONAL) BLUE CHARGING SYSTEM 3 AMP DC @ 3600 RED FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID , LIGHTING_UT ' _+ I ................................ ©i I S -_ P" LIGHT SWITCH 5 AMP AC @ 3600 O_A.aE OUTPUT _ e +I D ODE SYSTEM RPM DISCONNECTED) I N._J_j_J'k._j i ALTERNATOR _ _j'k._.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 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 163465 74760412 176689 176138 183759 4152J 4799J 146147 175158 73510400 4207J 192749 193350 140403 110712X 193372 71110408 131563 178861 140844 141940 180499 193465 192540 191834 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 Box Battery Fender Switch, Interlock Harness Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 917.275390 NUMBER 212__ 28 3O 39 278 26 25 26 31 @/5 208 209 208 207 26 13 209 33 10 209 208 37 145 14 34 206 26 209 chassis-Laser 38 36 -It.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 18 24 25 26 28 174619 176554 155272 193501X012 STD533710 174996 172105X010 17490608 185682X613 184921 STD523710 19131312 STD541437 193258 29 30 31 33 34 35 37 38 39 64 142 145 159 206 207 208 209 212 278 --- 174332X599 192528X613 136619 179716X613 179717X613 STD533707 17490508 175710 174714 154798 175702 156524 169473X428 170165 17670508 17670608 17000612 175143 191611 5479J 187801 NOTE: NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 GROUND DRIVE drive-fender.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 1-\ J 97 39 ......
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 ENGINE 2 72 62 1 81 13 4 78 i 38 78 \ 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs, lcyl KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 13 14 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 62 72 78 81 170545 17720408 137352 165291 148456 169837 137180 185115 140527 123487X 137040 181654 124028X 17670412 17000612 19091416 10010500 71070512 17060620 73510400 DESCRIPTION Control, Throttle/Choke Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine, Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 SEAT ASSEMBLY 5 11 12 seat It.knob 9 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 188716 180166 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 174648 Seat Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga. Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 DECALS 10 16 20 11 13 12 13 5,6 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 193308 189100 186280 186281 193559 133644 193545 172331 186282 156439 179128 Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal Decal WHEELS Oper. Instr. HP Engine Hood, R.H. Hood, L.H. Hood Replacement Customer Maintenance Hood Side Deck Fender Craftsman Fender Danger Deck "B" 42" & TIRES 1 ..............._ 5,8 4,10 11 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 LIFT ASSEMBLY 3 13 2 6 11 5 13 19 13 20 20 15 31 \. 32 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 175689 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 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 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" eck Retainer Spring Bar Sway Deck Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 d .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 6170 238 SET 1022_ 868 @ 35 6170 616_ 914 54_ 654 53_ 1023 334 404 # 614_ 265_ 267 % 559 305A _ 643 1267 965 1070 801 729_ _ 697., _> 1040 803 _ 579_46_ _ 310, __ _o_,_-. 503_ 802 @ 51 363 1005 1044 I_ _=_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ...... ..,,... ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL O7 O7 15 DEGREES MAX. _[i down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to up prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. FoBd this page among dotted line indicated above. 2.
Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters. 1-800-4-MY-HOME ® (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com Anytime, day or night (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.
