Owner's Manual CRRFTSMflN" 19.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270912 • • • • 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 Craftsmen Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mort - Sat Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Visitour Craftsmanwebsite:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 2 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Assembly .............................................. 7 Operation ............................................ 10 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 17 Maintenance ....................................... 17 Service and Adjustments .................... 21 Storage ............................................... 27 Troubleshooting ..
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always tum off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. • Turn off blades when not mowing. • Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute. • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. • Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. • Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regulady. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before stodng. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you stdke an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
PRODUCT SPEClRCATIONS 3ASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS CAPACITY U NLEAD ED _,NDTYPE: REGULAR OILTYPE API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") VALVE CLEARANCE: 32°F) 3.0 PINTS CHAMPION OR J19LM RJ19LM INTAKE: EXHAUST: .004"-.006" .007"-.009" GROUND SPEED FORWARD: I sT (MPH): 2 N° 3 R° 4 TM 5 TM 6 TM REVERSE: TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
I Steering Wheel O Stasdng Wheel Insert 1 (1} large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 _ I1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Lockwasher 3/8 Steedng Wheel _ , Steering Boot Adapter Extension Steering Shaft ,C l Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) (1} Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Knob Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet (2) Keys 6 C3
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 pads 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 • Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten A socket wrench set Will make assembly securely. easier.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) o, Label • Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. • Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Roll tractor forward off skid. TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID WARNING: Before starting, read, underINSTALL SEAT stand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual.
_CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower. Raise and hold shield ttCHECKLIST Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this quality product. Deflector 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).
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Leam and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S YOUR TRACTOR MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to _amiliarize yoursel_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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles, or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO ADJUST MOWER cuTr|NG HEIGHT TO OPERATE The position of the attachment lift lever determines the cutting height. • Grasp lift lever. • Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired position. The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2 to 4". 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.
TO TRANSPORT • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. • When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH. 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.).
TO START ENGINE When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position. • Move attachment clutch to =DISENGAGED" position. • Move throttle control to fast position • Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt.
MOWINGIIPS MULCHING • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See 'TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutdents for the lawn.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Ch_ckOperJtorPrnsenceand .,,_',_@"J._.,_./_._/_ T tmdo_Sy_m_ V' R c_o_io,;.o+._:,,_,-, IV' V', A T SI_I_o_VRepl_e MOwer Blad_s Lu_DdcationCl'mrl _4 0 C_eckBatter/Level l_e R C.=n _ Battery and Tonnlnals l_ Adjust Blade Belt(s) Teflon !_#s AdjustMoltonDriveBalt(s) Tension Ks Check Engine 0_1Level _ li_ _ Air Fgter _:_ ann Air Screen I_'= N V' ll_ CheckTransaxleCooling E N ._'"_'_,._. ReplaceOilFilter(If _Idl_ Qean EngineCooing Fins ._.
Always observe safety rules when peflorming 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.
BATTERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use, However, pedodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolls 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.
ENGINE COOLING RNS Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating. Air guide covers must be removed. Remove side panels and hood (See "TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). Top Air Guide C°VE_gine COO_" IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean the cartridge. They may cause detedoration of the cartddge. Do not oil cartridge.
CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of ell 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 to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in a shortened engine life.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or ddveway. Make sure tires are propody inflated (See =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tiros are over or undednflated, you will not propedy adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • RaLse 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 I/4" of each other.
BELTINSTALLATION - TO REPLACE • Install new belt in reverse order of removal. • Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. • Install mower in reverse order of removal instructions. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. • Remove mower (See =TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual./ • Remove belt from stationary idler and clutching idler.
Gearshift Lever Neutral Lock Gate / TO ADJUST ALIGNMENT Adjustment STEERING WHEEL If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per instructions in the Assembly section of this manual, FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber are not adjustable on your tractor.
REPLACING BATTERY _CAUTION: 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 from accidental grounding. • Lift hood to raised position. • Remove terminal guard. • Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor.
• Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cadddge plate to expose carburetor choke (see "AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). • Choke should be closed. If it is not, loosen casing clamp screw and move choke cable until choke is completely closed. Tighten casing clamp screw securely. • Reassemble air cleaner. Clamp Screw_ Quarter Circle Swivel FINAL SETTING - • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes.
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. _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 storing in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for winter storage. This will allow you to clean it thoroughly. Remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start • Out of fuel. • Engine not"CHOKED" properly. • Engine flooded. • Fill fuel tank. • See =TO START ENGINE" in • • • • • • • • CORRECTION • Engine valves out of adjustment. attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/raplace air filter. Replace fuel filter. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. • Check all wiring. • See =To Adjust Carburetor" in Service and Adjustments section.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine clicks but will not start (cont'd) • Loose or damaged wiring. • Faulty solenoid or starter. • Check all wiring. • Check/replace solenoid or starter. Loss of power • Cutting too much grass/ too fast. • Throttle in =CHOKE" position. • Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. • Dirty air filter. • Low oil level/dirty oil. • Faulty spark plug. • Set in "Higher Cut" position/ reduce speed. • Adjust throttle control. • Dirty fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CHART CAUSE CORRECTION Poor cut - uneven (cont'd) • Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. • Clean around mandrels to open vent holes. Mower blades will not rotate • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. • Remove obstruction. Worn/damaged drive belt. Poor grass discharge mower • Replace mower drive belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. • Replace • Replace idler pulley. blade mandrel. • Engine speed too slow.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917_70912 SCHEMATIC - llllll BA'FrERY AMMETER (OPTIONAL) :_-, ,=@ : ,C_--- ...... .._ , SOLENOID (PEDAL UP) IGNITION (NOT OCCUPIED) SWITCH WNITE t........ au_ I I GROUNDING CONNECTOR (CLUTCH OFF) CHARGI4G SYSTEMOUTPUT 3AMP DC @ 3_0 RED uc_rr_ _t_ SEAT SWITCH m V_.T8 AC MIIN.@ _ P_M R_ D I_ t L NoTE I YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WiTH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 55 163465 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 153664 Std551125 166182 4152J 4799J 146148 16618O 73510400 145491 121305X 163968 140403 170217 71110408 131563 145673 t21433X 141940 17490508 DESCRFIION Battery 12 VOLT 28 AMP Bolt Hex Hd 1/4.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES I_'Y PAFIT NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917#.70912 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 14 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 61 ........
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 STEERING q.-.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 STEERING I_*Y PART NO. NO. DES_ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 51 54 62 63 65 66 67 68 79 80 82 85 Steedng Wheel Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Beadng, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Gauge Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Gauge Ring, Klip Beadng.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 ENGINE IQEYPART NO. NO. 1 2 162152 17720410 3 ...... 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 23 25 26 27 29 31 32 33 34 37 149723 144069 144O68 138129 150176 145552 $11To51125 STD522507 165287 13280336 1320O3O0 STD551237 17490624 169837 145996 73920600 152927 137180 157103 161696 123487X 106082X 854,3R 38 ....... 39 45 81 109227X 17060612 128861 DESCRIPTION Control, Throt Peddle 32 22 Screw, Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, B&S, (See Breakdown) No. 461707-0145.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO, 1 140123 2 140551 3 71110616 4 19131610 5 145006 6 STD541437 7 124181X 8 17000616 9 19131614 10 155925 11 166369 12 121246X DESCRIPTION Seat 3350 BIkJblkCraftsman Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 Unc Spdng Seat Cpmn 2 250 BIk ZI Screw 3/8-18 x 1.5 SMGML Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan Pnt Seat (blk) Knob Seat Bracket Pnt Mounting Switch _ PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 DECALS 7 7 13 2 15 KEY PART NO. NO. I 156439 2 165392 3 171696 4 171697 5 163207 6 133644 7 163259 6 171808 9 163204 11 156368 OESCRIPTK)N Decal, Fender Danger Seam Decal, Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, LH. Decal, Fender Decal, Maintenance Decal, Panel Dash B&S Decal, Rplcmnt Decal, Fender, Craftsman Gold Decal, Fender STLT Oper Inst E,/S WHEELS AND TIRES 7,° I<_t NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUM BER 917.270912 LIFT ASSEMBLY t 8 ! i' i I' I 5 I' .I j 13 2 6 6 4 13 19 2O 13 15 13 ----_ 32 31 _ 19 32 d.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 LIFT ASSEMBLY I_'Y PART NO. NO. D_CRIPll(_ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 32 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assem_y Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Gauge Beadng, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Unk, Lift, LH. Unk, Lift, R.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270912 MOWER DECK PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE-MODEL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 BRIGGS& STRATTONENGINE-MODELNUMBER461707,TYPENUMBER0145-E3 1125_ IOA _ 9 634 552A 552 4040 383 . GASKET SET 46 I 1019 LABEL 1132 KIT 11058 OWNER'S I MANUAL REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS TO INSTALL SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 BRIGGS & STRA'R'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 30,5_" 885__ 3O4 3o71 865A 197 240 ,_ 789 861 PUMP REPAIR KIT 447 _ _ 306A 3o71 527 '_ 968 121 CARBURETOR KIT 297 I ,32_ 3'_1o,_ lO_I 643' 535 258 | z. ;iI 27s. ,_,,i "1 m_ J "k REQUIRES SPECiALTOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL 971 ¶ 95 • 859 391 ._ I_0_L*EEL KIT_"_.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270912 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 5A 7 7A 8 9 10 10A 11 12 PART NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270912 BRIGGS & STRATTON KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION _r _ SIGHTING ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL I Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tlpplng or loss of control. Exerclse extreme cautlon when changlng dlrectlon on slopes.
For in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-HOME" (1-800-469-4663) Para pedir servicio de reparaci6n a domicilio 1-800-676-5811 In Canada for all your service and parts needs call Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pi6ces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need: Call 6 am - 11 pm CST, 7 days a week PartsDirects" 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278) Para ordenar piezas con entrega a domicilio 1-800-659-7084 For the location of a Sears Parts and R
