Owner's Manual rRI:IFTXMi:IN 17.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE LAWN TRACTOR Model No. 917.270712 • • • • 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 Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
Maintenance......................................... 18 Warranty................................................. 2 SafetyRules........................................... 2 ServiceandAdjustments...................... 22 ProductSpecifications........................... 5 Storage................................................. 29 Assembly................................................ 8 Troubleshooting.................................... 30 Operation..............................................
• 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 SLOPE into a trailer or truck. OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to lossof-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required. • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • 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.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS IASOLINE ',APACITY _NDTYPE: 1.25 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR )ILTYPE _,PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The ,IL CAPACITY: 3.
PartsBag contents shown full size- (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Lockwasher 3/8 O (1) Locknut 5/16-18 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 © (1) Knob (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (2) Screws #10 x5/8 Q (2) Washers (2) LockWashers(2) Weld Nuts#10#10 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge 6
Parts packed separately in carton Mulcher Plate © Seat Steering Wheel Boot I Video Cassette Manual Parts Bag Parts Bag contents not shown full size (2) Washers o tU'°m "-_'_--" _" (2) Latch Hook Assemblies 3/8 x 7/8 x 14 Gauge Steering Extension Shaft (2) Gauge Wheels O Q(2) C? Steering Wheel Insert (2) Keys Slope Sheet 7 Center lock Nuts Steering Wheel Adapter
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 • Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to dght) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.
HOW TO SET CHECK UP YOUR TRACTOR Seat Pan BATI'ERY • Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box door. • If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge bat- Shoulder Bolt | _ tery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" in MAINTENANCE section of this manual for charging instructions). Seat Pan Battery Box Door ,Label Terminal INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
TO CONVERTTO BAGGINGOR DISCHARGING Simplyremovemulcherplateand storein a safeplace.Yourmoweris now readyfor dischargingor installationof optional grasscatcheraccessory. NOTE:It is not necessaryto change blades.The mulcherbladesare designed for dischargingandbaggingalso. ASSEMBLEGAUGEWHEELSTO MOWERDECK The gaugewheelsare designedto keep the mowerdeckin properpositionwhen operatingmower. Be surethey are properlyadjustedto ensureoptimummower performance.
/ CHECKLIST PLEASE REVIEW CHECKLIST: THE FOLLOWING •/ 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.'(For shipping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory). ,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/front-to-rear for best / cutting results.
Thesesymbolsmayappearon yourtractoror in literaturesuppliedwith the product. Learnandunderstandtheir meaning.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiadze yourself With the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter ~--. Throttle/Choke Control Light Ignition Switch "- -.
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. I HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting.
• 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 MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
_,WARNING: Experience indicates that 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.
• When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used. • For best results, adjust the mower cutting height so that the mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly. • Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE __?.._:"_ =_ ,B ooco,P, rE Check Check T R Check A Sharpen/Replace T 0 R Lubrication for Loose _ and II_ Fasteners Mower I_ _7 Blade6 Chart _ ! clean ! I_ and Temlioala Check Transaxla Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Adjust Motion Check Change E N V' Tension q_'s Drive Belt(s) Tension Engine Oil Level Engine Ks _ I1_ Oil 1_1.
TRACTOR Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performingany maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requiresmorethan six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See =1"OADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual). • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubbet.
TO CLEAN BA'I-I"ERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to =leak" power. Open batterybox door. D=sconnectBLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. • Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. • Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. • Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly. • Reinstall battery (See"REPLACING BATTERY" 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. Cover Knob Co Foam _ Cadddge -I'_'i Pre-Cleane_ Paper CaBas_:dg e 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 stubbom dded gum fibers.
,ACAUTION: • • • • • Before performing any service or adjustments: 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 "OFF" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. • Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where in contact with plug. TO REMOVE MOWER Mower will be easier to remove from the right side of tractor.
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" on page 5 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.
• Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. • Install mower in reverse order of removal instructions. BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt in reverse order of removal. Idler Mandrel Pulley Pulleys Mandrel Pulley TO ADJUST 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 six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear, then brake must be adjusted.
TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO REMOVE ADJUSTMENT FOR REPAIRS • Block up axle securely. • Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). • Repair tire and reassemble. • On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. • Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. • Replace axle cover.
• Connect the other end of the BLACK cable to good CHASSIS GROUND, away from fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVE ORDER - CABLES, REVERSE • BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. • RED cable last from both batteries. Positive Terminal Seat Pan Battery Box Door Negative Terminal Positive (Red) Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • Raise hoed. • Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the Charged Battery backside of the grill.
TO ADJUST Headlight Wire Connector ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any nonroad engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUST CABLE THROTTLE CONTROL The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
ACCELERATION TEST • Move throttle control lever from slow to fast position. If engine hesitates or dies, turn idle mixture valve out (counterclockwise) 1/8 turn. Repeat test and continue to adjust, if necessary, until engine accelerates smoothly. High speed stop is factory adjusted. Do not adjust--damage may result.
Immediatelyprepareyour tractorfor storage at the end of the seasonor if the tractor will not be usedfor 30 daysor 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 Hard to start CHART CAUSE CORRECTION • Out of fuel. • Fill fuel tank. • Engine not =CHOKED" properly. • Engine flooded. • • • • • • • • ° Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirtyfuel filter. Water in fuel. • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment. • • • Engine valves out of adjustment, ° • • • • • • • • • • Dirty air filter. Bad spark plug. Weak or dead battery. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. • Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Engineclicksbut will not start (con I'd) Loss of power CORRECTION • Loose or damaged wiring. • Faulty solenoid or starter. • Cutting too much grass/too fast. I • Throttle in =CHOKE _ position. • Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. • Clean underside of mower • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Water in fuel. fresh gasoline. • Drain fuel tank and carbure- • Spark plug wire loose. • Dirty engine air screen/fins. • Dirty/clogged muffler.
TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART CORRECTION _ROBLEM CAUSE Poor cut - uneven (cont'd) • Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. • Clean around Mower blades wil not rotate • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. • Worn/damaged mower drive belt. • Remove obstruction. • Replace mower drive belt. • Frozen idler pulley. • Frozen blade mandrel. • Replace idler pulley. • Replace blade mandrel. • Engine speed too slow.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,270712 SCHEMATIC BA'fTERY i I I RED FUSE 30 AMP. AMMETER (OPTIONAL) _ACK W_TE D _1.= =_S_LE_ L ....... STARTER J CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) t I....... OCCUPIED) (NOT SEAT SWITCH J i • SPARK UNIT ,GNmON BLUE PLUGS ON ]_NIN CYI-. ENGINES) LINE (_ARGING SYSTI_M(_ITFIJT 3 AMP DC • 3600 RPM FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID 2B_I_TSACMIN a 36001_'_1 (CHARGING SysTI_M (_SCONNECTED) R_.O J L_TmSYSTE_r_n s_Ac e_oePa DIODE I i tALTERNATOR = = .........
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR o - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 25 26 23 29 30 31 37 38 39 51 52 53 54 55 57 60 64 74 114 115 116 140 142 143 144 145 - - 166819 140356 17490612 19131216 155272 161917X013 STD533710 155927 145660 1691,18 17490608 144983X558 126938X 19131312 STD541437 145198X558 155217X599 151287X558 139976 17490508 139886 139887 738OO4OO 19091416 14.r_?.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 14 19 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 2B 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 PART NO. DESCRIPTION ........ Transaxle (See Breakdown) Peedass 206-545C 146682 Spring, Return, Brake 123666X Pulley, Transaxle 12000028 Ring, Retainer 121520X Strap, Torque 17490512 Screw, Thd., ROll.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 STEERING ASSEMBLY / • i • + _'_41 i _.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 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 PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 13 14 15 16 23 29 31 32 33 35 37 162157 17720410 38 ....... 40 44 46 62 72 78 81 124028X 17490412 19091416 STD551131 71070512 17490620 128861 137352 165291 13280324 13200300 STD551237 159880 137180 109202X 15899O 123487X 17490512 137040 DESCRIPTION Control,Throttle/Choke Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, B&S, (See Breakdown) No. 311707, Type No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 41 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PART NO. 140123 140551 STD523710 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17490616 19131614 155925 • 166369 121246X KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 DECALS 13 13 6 3 4 10 5 2O 9 8 21 \ 12 KEY NO. PART NO. 1 156368 2 3 4 5 165406 163200 163202 167178 6 8 9 133644 166887 163204 10 12 156439 146046 WHEELS KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Decal, Oper. Instr. Decal, Hp Engine Deus$,Hood, R.H. Decal, Hood, L.H. Decal, Replacement Srs Decal, Customer Maintenance Decal, Deck EZ3 Oeca$,Fender, Craftsman Decal, Fender Danger Decal, V-Belt Drive Schematic & TIRES 13 14 20 21 ---- -- KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
I FI/'lli,,o I _JI1 - - IVIVUI[._6 i_llUiVli_Fmrl _1 I l .L.I UI LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C REF PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL BRIGGS & STRA'I-rON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 914_ 1023 13J 27 32 3O6 15 1033 VALVEOVERHAUL lOT •k REGimES SPECU_LTOOLS TO INSTALL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 BRIGGS& STRAI"FONENGINE-MODELNUMBER 311707,TYPENUMBER0132-E1 467 i 535 976 , 176 . _'_4rREOUIRESSPECIALTOOLSTOINSTALL. _" SEE REPAIRINSTTWCllONIdANUAI.. 137 9 121 CARBURETOR KIT 104_ .4A_ 127# 267 _ .4_ _--_ I 358 GASKET SET 987_ .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270712 BRIGGS& STRATTONENGINE-MODELNUMBER 311707,TYPENUMBER0132-E1 921 2r/_ 524 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 I 1036 LABEL KIT-EMISSION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER NUMBER 917.270712 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIP1RON KEY PART NO. NO. 23 693557 23A 492326 24 222696 25 692271 892272 692273 692274 26 690162 690164 690166 6901e8 27 263129 28 498319 4983_) 29 6g_419 499940 Ftywheel(Steel P.ingGear) Flywheel(_RlngGear) Key-F_ PistonAssembly (Std.) pleton Assemloly(.O10 "O.S.) PistonAssembly (.0LoO" O.S.) PletonAssemtW (.030" O.S.) Ring Set, Pteton (Std.) Ring Set, Pist0n (.010 "O.S.
TRACTOR - - MODEL BRIGGS & STRA'n'ON ENGINE-MODEL KEY PART NO. NO. 562 579 601 614 616 617 634 635 654 668 695 697 718 726 NUMBER NUMBER DESCRIPTION 92613 92278 Bolt(GovernorLever) Nut (StarterCable) 93o53 OampHoea 93306 495157 692138 _rix 494455 e 6919O9 94010 28O848 693109 690372 2301_ 399676 Pin-Cotter Crenk-Governor Seal-O-Ring Sprig & S_J_sy Boot-SparkRug Nut(Carburetor) Spacer Screw (Ring Gear) Screw(D_veCap) Prn-Loca_ng Gear-Ring [Aiumlnum-,Se_ea Rea_ RingGearOrgy.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION SIGHTING GUIDE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL O1 cD I Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not I greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gredually 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-HOM E= (i-800-469-4663) Para pedir servicio de reparaci6n a domicilio 1-880-676-5811 In Canada for all your service and parts needs call Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pibces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement parts you need: Call 6 am-11pm CST, 7 days a week PartsDirect= 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278) Para ordenar piezas con entrega a domicilio 1-800-659-7084 For the.