Owner's Manual rRRFT [MRN° 20.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270962 • Safety • Assembly • Operation ° Maintenance • Repair Parts eng n_,tead and U n_eNtan_i;thi_ CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. For answers Sears, Roebuck Estates, I160179 Visit our Craftsman and Co,, Hoffman to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat website:www.sears.
Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... Product Specifications .......................... Assembly .............................................. Operation ............................................ Maintenance Schedule ...................... LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY 2 5 7 11 18 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage .........................................
• Slowdown beforeturning. • Neverleave a runningmachine unattended.Alwaysturn off blades,set parkingbrake,stop engine,and removekeys beforedismounting. • Turn off bladeswhen not mowing. • Stop enginebeforeremovinggrass catcheror uncloggingchute. • Mow only in daylightor good artificial light. • Do not operatethe machinewhile underthe influenceof alcoholor drugs. • Watchfor traffic when operatingnear or crossingroadways. • Use extra care when loadingor unloadingthe machineinto 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 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS MAINTENANCE A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR OILTYPE API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 3.0PINTS SPARK GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM VALVE ADJUSTMENT INTAKE: EXHAUST: GROUND FORWARD: REVERSE: 5.5 2.
Steering Wheel Steering Sleeve Steering Wheel Adapter I Extension Shaft teering (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 @ (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Seat (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 @ (1) Knob (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge b Keys (2) Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet
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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY • Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely. • Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CHECK BATTERY • Lift hood to raised position. • If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions). Label ., NOTE: You may now roll or drive you tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid.
• Slowly move the motion control lever forward and slowly drive tractor off skid. INSTALL • Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place motion control lever in neutral position. • Turn ignition key to "OFF" position. Continue with the instructions that follow. upright position. • Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. • Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. • Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
V' CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVETHE 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 Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERy CAUTION OR WARNING REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE or in literature supplied FORWARD with the product.
KNOWYOUR 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 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.
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. • Lower mower control. GAUGE ":::_Low Position WHEELS Position Shield Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position.
• Pull freewheel control out and down into the slot and release so it is held in ADDGASOLINE • Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshBess.
• Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START" position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry.
• Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/ brake pedal. • Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse MULCHING position. After the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion control lever to the neutral (N) position.
Ch.SrekeO rationW Check Tire Pressure T R Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose I_ Fasteners I1_ 11_7 Lubrication Chart ' _0 g Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Clean Battery Check Trensexle Adjust Blade Adjust Change N E 1 2 3 4 - I1_ Cooling V' Bell(s) Tension Motion Ddve Check Engine E _.
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.
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. Remove terminal guard. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS tion of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge. Cover Knob To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external sudaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.
CLEANING of all foreign Clean engine, matter. battery, seat, finish, etc. Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. ,A 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 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 • Before making any necessary adjustments, check that both front links are equal in length. Both links should be approximately 10-3/8". • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT With Parking Brake "Engaged" Nut "A" The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL - • Remove mower from tractor (See =TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt in reverse removal.
TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TO ADJUST ALIGNMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten. • Start engine and move motion control lever until tractor does not move forward or backward. • Hold motion control lever in that position and turn engine off. • While holding motion control lever in place, loosen the adjustment bolt.
TO START BATTERY ENGINE WITH A WEAK REPLACING CAUTION: 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 "BA'I-I'ERY" 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 negative grounded system.
TO REMOVE ASSEMBLY • Raise HOOD AND GRILL hood. • Unsnap headlight wire connector. • Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. • To replace, reverse above procedure. • Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cartridge plate to expose carburetor choke (see "AIR FILTER" in the Customer Responsibilities 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.
then turn out (counterclockwise) to 1-1/2 turns. FINAL SETTING 1-1/4 _ • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position. • With throttle control lever in slow --......Idle Mixture Screw Throttle position, hold throttle lever against idle speed screw and adjust idle speed screw to obtain 1200 to 1400 RPM.
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. w_lt CAUTION: Never store the tractor h 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CHART CAUSE • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment Service Adjustments • Engine valves out of adjustment. • Fill fuel tank. • See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. • Wait several minutes before attempting to start, • Replace spark plug. • Clean/replace air filter. • Replace fuel filter. • Drain fuel tank and carbure tot, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. • Check all wiring. • See "To Adjust Carburetor" in section.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power (Continued) • Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. • Didy air filter. • Low oil levelldidy oil, • Faulty spark plug. CORRECTION • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Water in fuel. • Spark plug wire loose. • Dirty engine air screen/fins. • Dirty/clogged muffler. • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment. • Engine valves out of adjustment. Excessive vibration • Worn, bent or loose blade. • Bent blade mandrel.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION • Engine speed too slow. • Travel speed too fast. • Wet grass. • Mower deck not level. • Low/uneven tire air pressure. • Worn, bent or loose blade. • Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. • Mower drive belt worn. • Blades improperly installed. • Improper blades used. • Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 SCHEMATIC i AMM_FER (OPTIONAL) 1 .Eo STARTER ' BLAC K WHITE ;OLENOi; L CLUTCH/BRAKE )G I J (PEDALUP) IGNITION SWITCH ........ WHIT E I (NOT OCCUPIED) SEAT SWITCH I t I i BLACK (CLUTCH OFF) GROUNDING CONNECTOR (OPTIONAL) i ..... I IGNITION UNIT FOE:L_ BLUE NOTE 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 917.270962 ELECTRICAL KEY NO, PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 10 11 12 16 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 55 163465 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 153664 73350400 166182 41523 4799J 146145 166180 73510400 145491 121305X 163968 140403 170217 71110408 131563 145673 121433X 141940 17490508 Battery Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. PART NO.
GROUND DRIVE TRACTOR - . MODEL NUMBER 19 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 ......
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 30 ...
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 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 139768 154427 169840 169839 6266H 121746X 19272016 12000029 :L'..'..'..'..'..'.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 ENGINE ,.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 ENGINE KEY NO. PART 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 144068 138129 150176 145552 STD551125 STD522507 165287 13280336 13200300 STD551237 17490624 169837 145996 73920600 152927 137180 157103 161696 123487X 106082X 8543R 38 ....... 39 45 81 109227X 17060612 128861 NOTE: DESCRIPTION Control Throt Paddle 32 22 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine (See Breakdown) Briggs Model No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 7 8 9 10 11 124181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Seat 3450 BIk/blk Craftsman 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 Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1.5 SMGML Washer 13/32 X 1 X 14 Ga Pan Pnt Seat (btk) Knob Seat PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 DECALS 7 6 2 4 11 2 2O 22 19 14 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 156439 163205 171696 171697 170933 133644 7 9 11 171809 163204 156811 WHEELS 14 13 KEY NO, DESCRIPTION Decal Decal Decal Decal PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 49 50 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 167253 73350800 130171 73680800 139668 163552 110807X 19131016 2876H 169484 126971X 73350600 138057 150233 140302 73540600 155097 123935X 17060516 19112410 155098 145212 110452X Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm. Shaft Aem.
TRACTOR MOWER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR MOWER KEY NO. - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270962 DECK PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR HYDRO KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 917.270962 NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 13=_ 12191 615A_ 634 552A 552 404 o I 220 ,,,_"_ 1 :! _i_ 2_8 _ 1132 15 _I_ 52 I 1019 LABEL KIT I 11050 OWNEWS MANUAL I tk REQUIRESSPECIALTOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONMANUAL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 917.270962 NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 861 PUMP REPAIR KIT 121 CARBURETOR KIT _ 432 ,3,2 104102 1 859 ,_ 433 I" 386 j_ I :_-,.r 4741 258 1138 11311:_6 • 877 I 482 _ 211 78 '_ 73 REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL, ,_' 332 934'_ _-_ 7_ lOO6%_; ':__1.5"._.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL KEY PART NO. NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION SIGHTING GUIDE "_ ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL ol (D & I Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
For in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-HOME sM (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 pi_ces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need: Call 6 am - 11 pm CST, 7 days a week PartsDirectsM 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 an
