Owner's Manual ]CRRFTSMRN" I LAWN TRACTOR 18.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.275643 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. IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 16 Service and Adjustments ..................... 21 Storage ................................................ 27 Troubleshooting ................................... 28 Repair Parts ......................................... 32 Sears Service ........................ Back Cover Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications.... .......................
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwin.gobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. • _bWARNING; In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. _WARNING, Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
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.
• • • • 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 SPECIFICATIONS In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). Gasoline Capacity 4.0 Gallons and Type: Unleaded Regular Oil Type 'API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(Below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.
_ Drain Tub_ For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet (2) Keys Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory• When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel)• TO REMOVE TRACTOR CARTON FROM 3. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. 4. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position. 5. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
CHECK 5. Removebanding holdingdeflector shield up againsttractor. JCHECKLIST Before you operate 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. ,/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. R N H L REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW I'.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
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. 1. Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See 'q-O ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in this section of manual). 2.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS ,_,LWARNING: 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 clown hills. • Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. • If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.
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. See Storage Instructions for additional information.
3. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal. 4. Move motion control lever to full forward position and hold for five (5) seconds. Move lever to full reverse position and hold for five (5) seconds. Repeat this procedure three (3) times. NOTE: During this step there will be no movement of drive wheels.
FILL IN DATES REoo SERVICE ,R T R ;2 E"VIOE Check Tire BrakePressure Operation Check _ Check Operator Presence and ROS Systems I/ Check for Loose Fasteners li_ I_ Ik_s i T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Clean Battery and Terminals _ Check Transaxle I/ Check V-Belts R I_ CoolLng if it/ If Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) II/'1,; E Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) I_1,_ N G Clean Air Air Screen Filter Clean _I_: E Inspect Muffl
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION 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. (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).
• To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with balancer.) NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not. • Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL. • Be sure tractor is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in a suitable container. 1. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil. 2. Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting. Oil Drain Valve Closed _ and _*_-----/l_I_q_, L_;cked _ _ .
CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM Debris may clog the engine's air cooling system. Remove blower housing and clean area shown to prevent overheating and engine damage.
_ WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key to "STOP" 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.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING 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). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • 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.
2. Work belt off both mandrelpulleysand idler pulleys. 3. Pull belt away from mower. 5. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than five (5) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary. Replace brake pads or contact a Sears or other qualified service center. BELT INSTALLATION 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys 2. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 3.
Electric Clutch _ss Neutral Lock Gate Motion Control Lever 7. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. 8. install mower (See 'q'O iNSTALL MOWER" in this section of manual). Clutch Clutching-Idler Stationary--Idler Center Span _I" Keeper Transmission-"_ Input Pulley TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. 1.
TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY _WARNING: 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. (See "BATTERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual). If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system.
Hood Headlight Wire Connector ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being clone 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 CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
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. _IIWARNING: 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. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless dira_cted to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start Hard to start CAUSE CORRECTION 1, Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See 'q-O 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power (continued) 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6. Clean and regap or change spark plug. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8. Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline. 9. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 10.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Mower blades will not rotate (continued) 3, Frozen idler pulley, 4. Frozen blade mandrel. 3. Replace idler pulley, 4. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center, Poor grass discharge 1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4. Level mower deck. 5.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 SCHEMATIC BATTERY SOLENOID RED AMMETER (OPTIONAL) wHn_ I-- FUSE i [DISENGAGED) _-T--I _ k : I f I I I ..... I _ A - _ __ I L .... ; CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) J __ _. I .L REVERSE SWITCH --I--- _ r,' .... I f __ SPAT SWfTCH .(NOT QCCUPIEDJ _cK ----_--T--_--........ ............ SHORTING NOTIN REWRSE I I IL a.*_= _ IGNITION UNIT J CLUTCH ............. SPARK _ .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 40 41 42 43 45 50 52 55 79 92 93 94 Battery Bolt Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray Battery Bolt Btr Front 1/4.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 217 54 _209 74 2O6 chassis-stealt_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
GROUNDDRIVE TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 • o.! "_" ....._. 23 _254 I I 156 166 35 _-_39 32 30 62 36 52 ,_32 16 16 200 263 71 73 1 "26 drive-hydro.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 GROUNDDRIVE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 STEERING ASSEMBLY 67 445 67 6_ 13 65 g7 " S 7 43 30 I0 steedng_pl.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,275643 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 ENGINE 81 4 78, 32 78 s_ _ _ s_. _ i _ _ i I I I_ _ iI 29 \ OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 p8 ! / ! ! ! 5 /' / / 3 2 6 5 4 13 19 18 20 15 19 15 liff-_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 197980 198070 188822 12000002 19211621 120183)( 175830 139865 139866 4939M 173288 73350800 175689 73800860 139868 194209 169865 73540600 Plunger Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x I x21 Ga. Bearing Nylon Grip Handle Fluted Unk Lift L.H. Link Lift R.H.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 SEAT ASSEMBLY 22 \ J 21 12 seat_It.knob 21 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 188719 140551 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 195530 166369 174648 121248X 72050412 Seat Bracket Pivot Seat Clip Push-In Nut Hex w/Ins 3/8-16 unc Spring Seat Cprsn Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan Seat Knob Seat Adj Wingnut Bracket Mounting Switch Bushing Snap Blk Nyl 50 Id Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 DECALS 11 7 16 3 13 21 4 11 10 21 6 _15 --1 8 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 187407 138047 186242 186243 186572 146046 193654 179128 193872 156439 189088 Decal Reflector LH Decal Battery Diehard Sears Decal Hood RH Decal Hood LH Decal Fender Craftsman Decal V-Belt Drive Schematic Decal Dash Decal Deck Caution Decal Replacement Hood Decal Fender Danger Decal Panel Dash KEY PART NO, NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 MOWER DECK :21 34 116 113 111 21 \ \ _- 21 J 118-_ 23 24 2 16 28 29 18 46 '.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 165892 STD533107 138017 165460 STD624008 178024 850857 STD551137 140296 Mower Housing Bolt Bracket Asm Sway Bar Front Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Retainer Spring Bar Sway Deck Bolt Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
o= o 128 L 5 i oo m , r- , z_ C 88 _0 mo mm -nr'_Z 4:= Q0 Ol O_ co 125 6 57 127- SEALANT 20W50 OIL - 78.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 HYDRO TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY NO. PART NO, 1 170351 2 170352 3 170353 4 5 170354 169898 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 178322 170356 170357 170358 170359 170360 169870 170361 173158 170362 17 18 19 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 32 170363 170364 173159 170365 170366 170367 170368 170369 170370 170371 170389 33 34 35 36 37 142991 170390 170391 170392 150792 38 150793 0750) Gear, Miter Di ff .
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 1095 VAI_VE.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.275643 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
SUGGESTED O1 ol GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up end down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow 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.
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! iiiii[iJi For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. @!!!iiiiii i!iiii! _ For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters. ii_!l{S@il b_em;_e 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-4694663) www.sears.
