Owner's Manual (RAFTXMAN° 20.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270951 • • • • 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, Mon - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... Safety Rules ......................................... Product Specifications .......................... Assembly .............................................. Operation ............................................ Maintenance Schedule ...................... LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY 2 2 5 7 10 17 Maintenance ....................................... Service and Adjustments .................... 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. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. • Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. • Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. • Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. • Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
,_Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!![ BECOMEAWARE!!! YOUR _FETY IS INVOLVED. CAUTION" In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire _re Jt cannot contact spark plug. AUTION: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE 3.
Steering Wheel (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 Steering Wheel Insert @ (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 _ (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Lockwasher Steering Wheel L _ I Steering Boot Adapter 3/8 Steering Extension Shaft 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 "3 6
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 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.
TO ROLLTRACTOR _ ,_'_1 _ Operation section for location function of controls) Af Label ," i f_ ! TO DRIVE SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. • Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. • Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing, Remove the carboard packing and discard. • Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt securely.
• Hook roar latch into hole on back of mower deck. _t, CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from mower. Raise and hold shield when attaching mulcher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in operation. Deflector Shield Mulcher Plate Latch Hooks TO CONVERT DISCHARGING TO BAGGING OR Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of optional grass catcher accessory. NOTE" It is not necessary to change blades.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature Learn and understand their meaning. supplied BATr ERY CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE LOCKED R N ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED FORWARD FAST SLOW OVER TEMP LIGHT H L HIGH LOW KEEP AREA CLEAR with the product.
KNOWYOUR 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 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. HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjustment knob in desired direction. • Turn knob clockwise (F_) to raise cutting height. • Turn knob counterclockwise (b,-_)to lower cutting height. 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.
TOTRANSPORT ADDGASOLINE • 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.). • Fill fuel tank.
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.
MOWING TIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. • Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the fight of the machine. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
REGULAR SERVICE CheCk Brak. Opar_on T Check Operator PreSence and Interlock Systems R CheckforLooseFasteners A Shaq0eWRep_ace Mower Blapa_ _ _ T Lubri_ Chart 0 R Oileck Ba_ee/Level v' Clean BatteryandTerm_naJs t/ Check Transa_e COOling AdJu_B_adQ _,_s) T_me_r, Adjust Motion Ddve Belt(s) Tension Check Engkle Oil Level Chan_E_ v' v' Oil S Clean Air F_ter N Clean Air Screen ,)! .' Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrestor Replace Oil Rlter (If equipped) N r,'.
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.
BATTERY 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.
ENGINE COOLING FINS 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). IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean the cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.
CLEANING • 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 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 LEVELMOWERHOUSING Adjustthe mowerwhile tractoris parked on levelgroundor driveway. Makesure tires are properlyinflated (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.
BELTINSTALLATION - TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT • Install new belt in reverse order of removal. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. • Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. • Install mower in reverse order of removal instructions.
Gearshift Lever Neutral Lock Gate Adjustment Bolt TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT 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 BATFERY TO REPLACE ACAUTION: 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 cartridge 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 Quarter Circle Choke CARBURETOR The carburetor 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, _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 PROBLEM Will not start CHART CAUSE CORRECTION • Out of fuel. • Engine not =CHOKED" properly. • Engine flooded. • • • • attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. • Engine valves out of adjustment. • Check all wiring, • See "To Adjust Carburetor" in Service and Adjustments section, • Contact an authorized service center.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CHART 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 Poor cut- uneven (cont'd) Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CHART CAUSE CORRECTION grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. • Remove obstruction. • Worn/damaged drive belt. mower • Replace mower drive belt. • Frozen idler pulley. • Frozen blade mandrel. • Replace • Replace idler pulley. blade mandrel. • Engine speed too slow. • Place throttle • Travel speed too fast. • Wet grass.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 SCHEMATIC I'I'I' BATrERY O'X..O RED AMMETER O-1110 : .E° FUSE WHITE L-_,, _ (OPT,ONAL) S_ = _---$ - - - : : 1 SOLENOID I ' -. SEAT SWffCH IGNff_ON SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) wHrrEI ........ i BL_CK BLACK _cK (CLUTCH OFF) i '_ BLUE : ..... _ /:UEL] L NE I i I i I pIJ_CK _ IGNITION UNIT SPARK _{2 PLUG GAP TWIN CYL ENGINES) • _:_RGIIN _ Sy_Jl"IE_I C4._rp LeT 28 VOLTS AC Mb'_.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 ELECTRICAL 26 25 I i! I I I I r ....... / I I 11 I l_-J I I I I ....
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 ELECTRICAL KEY PAITf NO. NO. DE.
CHASSIS TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER AND ENCLOSURES 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NU MBER 917.270951 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 GROUND DRIVE 57 5 72 116 ,. 48 27 37 25 26 36 27 .
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 GROUND DRIVE PART NO. NO. 1 ........
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.270951 STEERING KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 139768 SteeringWheel 2 154427 Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL 3 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 4 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER ENGINE 32 31 39 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester I 40 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 162152 17720410 3 ...... 4 149723 5 144069 6 144O68 7 138129 8 150176 10 145552 11 STD551125 12 STD522507 13 165287 14 13280336 15 13200300 16 STD551237 17 17490624 23 169837 25 145996 26 73920600 27 152927 29 137180 31 157103 32 161696 33 123487X 34 106082X 37 8543R 38 39 109227X 45 17060612 81 128861 DESCRIPnON Control, Thmt Paddle 32 22 Screw, Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, B&S, (Sea Breakdown) No.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 SEAT ASSEMBLY I<_=YPART 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 BIk/b|kCraflsman 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 Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 DECALS 7 6 19 7 13 15 K]EY PART NO. NO, 1 156439 2 170933 3 171696 4 171697 5 163207 6 133644 7 166927 8 171808 9 163204 11 156368 K]EY PAFrF NO. NO. 13 146046 15 160396 19 138047 20 166887 22 149516 - - 138311 - - 165800X428 - - 165799X428 - - 172817 - - 172818 DESCRIPTION Decal, Feoder Danger Sears Decal, Engine Decal, Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER917.270951 LIFT ASSEMBLY KL=Y PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 MOWER DECK .
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 MOWER DECK KEY PARr NO. NO.
TRACTOR PEERLESS - MODEL NUMBER TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 206-545C €_..
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 BRIGGS& STRATTONENGINE.MODELNUMBER461707,TYPENUMBER0145-E1 i 1125_ 49 634 o 552A _) 552 404 o 1095 VALVE OVERHAUL GASKET SET 24(_ 146 I_ I fl 451 2581 1132 15 50 _ 11019 KITMANUAL I 11058 LABEL OWNER'S _k REQUIRESSPECIALTOOLS TO INSTALL.SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONMANUAL.
TRACTOR - MODEL NU MBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.270951 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 5A 7 7A 8 9 t0 10A 11 KEY NO.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NU MBER 917.270951 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION I " SIGHTING GUIDE 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 lace. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no mau_r who rnade it, no matter who sold iU 1-800-4-MY-H OME s'_. _or n_ (1-800-469-4663) www.mrLcorll To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics for repair, call for t_e location ofyour nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center 1-800-488-1222 A,v_orr_ FortJlereplacementparts,accessoriesand owner's manuals that you needto do-it-yourself,callSears PartsDirect_! 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278) Sam-11p.m.CST.
