Owner’s Manual CRnFTSMRII <8» 16.5 HP ELECTRIC START 42” MOWER 6 SPEED TRANSA}^^ LAWN TRACT0R Model No. 917.271130 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 pm, Mon - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Warranty..................... Safety Rules................ Product Specifications. Assembly.................... Operation................... Maintenance Schedule ..... 2 ..... 3....'.5 ...... 7 ....10 .....16 "Service and Adjustments... ...............20 Storage ........................... ...............26 Troubleshooting................ ...............27 Repair Parts..................... ...............32 Pails Ordering................... ..
SAFETY RULES IMPORTANT; This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions couid 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.
SAFETY RULES • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision. SERVICE • Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive. - Use only an approved container.
SAFETY RULES ^Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFETY !S INVOLVED. ^CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden tal starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. ÁCAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those carts left unassernbled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation o?your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely Use the 5ou iegiiT ® necessary to insure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) • Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. • Release parking brake by depressing ciutch^rake pedal. • Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. • Roll tractor forward off skid. • Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor. Seat Pan Battery BoxDoor Terminal INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the Senrice and Adjustments section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See TO ADJUST BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. (If previously removed) • Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOUR-mACTOR YOUR TRAcSon^”^ MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of vanous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Our tractors conforrn to the safety standards of the American _______________National Standards Institute. AMMETER - Indicates charging (+) or discharging (-) of battery.
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. IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "OFF" will cause the battery to be discharged, (dead).
depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and t^es of grass being mowed. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-\f2. 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.
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL • The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50“ F and below) • When engine starts, ediow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature. • The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-up period.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE 1 C-iH? Check Biake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxie Coding Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension Adust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil Gean Air Filter Clean Air Screen ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ i ✓ 1^.
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assem bly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly. • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. • Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is Grade 8 heat treated. 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.
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. • Rechargeât 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.
CLEAN AIR INTAKeCOOLING AREAS To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and o№er external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times. Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the cooling shrouds are reinstalled.
Clamp CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of alt gasoline, oil, etc. TRACTOR TO REMOVE MOWER Mower will be easier to remove from the right side of tractor. • Place attachment clutch in “DiSEN GAGED” position. • Move attachment lift lever forward to lower mower to its lowest position. • Roll belt off engine pulley. • Remove small retainer spring, and lift clutch spring off pulley bolt.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Before making any necessary adjust ments, check that both front links are equal in length. Both links should be aF^roximately 10-3/8". If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. To lower front of mower loosen nut “E" on both front links an equal number of turns. When distance “D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts “P against trunnion on both front links. To raise front of mower, loosen nut “P from trunnion on both front links.
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT 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 and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. BELT INSTALLATION • Install new belt in reverse order of removal. • Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides.
TRANSAXLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The transaxle should be in neutral when the gear shift lever is in neutral (N) (lock gate) position. The adjustment is preset at the factory: however, if adjustment is needed, proceed as follows: • Make sure transaxle is in neutral (N). NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel. • Position the gear shift lever in the neutral (N) position.
Positive Terminal Negative Terminal Positive (Red) Cable Chassi Cables Charged Battery Positive Terminal Negative Terminal REPLACtNG BATTERY A 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 seat pan to raised position and open battery box door.
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establish ment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. ENGINE TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary.
• Idle fuel needle setting • With thmtttA control lever in slow position, turn idle fuel adjustment needle in (clockwise) until engine begins to die and then turn out (counterclockwise) until engine runs rough. Turn needle to a point midway between those two positions. • Recheck idle speed. Readjust if necessary. ACCELERATION TEST• Move throttle control lever from slow to fast position. If engine hesitates or dies, turn idle fuel adjusting needle out (counterclockwise) 1/8 turn.
STORAGE 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. 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 CHART PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION * Out of fuel. • Engine not “CHOKED” properly. • Engine flooded. • Bad spark plug. • Dirty air filter. • Dirty fuel filter. • Water in fuel. * Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out of adjustment. • Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start • Dirty air filter. • Bad spark plug. • Weak or dead battery. • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Loose or damaged wiring.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Engine clicks but will not start Loss of power CAUSE CORRECTION Weak or dead battery. Corroded battery terminals. Loose or damaged wiring. Faulty solenoid or starter. • 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. • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Water in fuel. Spark plug wire loose. Dirty engine air screen/fins.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Poor cut - uneven CAUSE • Worn, bent or loose blade, • Mower deck not level. • Buildup of grass, leaves, and trash under mower. • Bent blade mandrel. • Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge • Obstruction in clutch mechanism. • Wom/damaged mower drive belt. • Frozen idler pulley. • Frozen blade mandrel. CORRECTION • Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. • Level mower deck.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917^71130 SCHEMATIC (GNmON SWITCH posmoN CIRCUIT OFF M+Q+A1 RUWLIGHT B+A1 RUN B+A1 START B t S « A1 REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS ■iiAKe' none A2«L NONE NONE WIRING INSULATED CUPS RELAY NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
REPAIR PARTS ELECTRICAL TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
ELECTRICAL TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
CHASSIS AND KEY NO. 1 2 3 5 9 10 11 12 13 17 18 25 26 29 30 31 37 38 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 60 64 74 114 115 142 143 144 145 206 207 208 211 212 -- PART NO.
GROUND DRtVE TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 .
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917^71130 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917^71130 ENGINE 40
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 ENGINE KEY NO. PART NO. 1 162152 17720410 2 3 4 13 14 15 16 23 29 31 32 33 37 38 40 44 45 46 62 77 79 80 81 101 DESCRIPTION Control Throt 1 Ch Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine (Sob Breakdown) Kohler Model No.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917^71130 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 140123 140551 71110616 19131610 145006 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 155925 166369 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Seat 3450 BIk/bIk Craftsman Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (btk ) 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/lns 3/8-16 Line Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 X 1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 DECALS KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 156439 163207 171698 171699 168920 133644 7 9 11 171764 163204 156368 WHEELS & TIRES DESCRIPTION Decal Fender Danger Sears Decat Fend Auto Sears Gold Decal Hood Rh Craftsman Decal Hood Lh Craftsman Decat Engine H/P Decal Maint Customer Sears Dorn Decat Replacement Srs Decal Fender Craftsman Gold Decal Fender STLTHOper Inst E/S KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 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 49 50 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 1201B3X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 130171 73800800 139868 163552 110807X 19131016 2876H 169484 126971X 73350600 138057 150233 140302 73540600 145212 110452X Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm. Shaft Asm, Lift Pin Grcxjve ERIng Washer 21/32 X 1 x21 Qa.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 59 67 68 90 91 DESCRIPTION Mower Housing Bolt Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42” Retainer Spring STD624008 130832 Arm, Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 X 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917^71130 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C C5ir vSI ,30 .
TRACTOR ■ - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C REF NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917^71130 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 50
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. KEY PART NO. NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 IGNITION / ELECTRICAL BW^RHWa^ANDBAffiFJ' CS-; D“» V 11 \ 52 10.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 12-086-14 12-468-03 24-162-03 M-0639016 12-157-03 41-403-09 X-22-11 236602 X-42-15 12-025-35 41-155-02 M-0548025 12-085-01 12-132-02 X-728-1 M-0545010 12-584-08 12-452-02 12-086-35 M-0461013 12-584-12 25-086-47 BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange MIOxI .
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS^43520 STARTING SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 M-0839070 25-098-05 3 4 5 6 7 8 12-755-54 12-227-06 12-170-05 12-221-01 12-227-13 12-211-01 ENGINE CONTROLS KEY NO. DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x70 (2) Starter assembly (Includes 3-8) Kit, drive end Cap, drive end Armature Kit, brush & spring Cap, commutator end Bolt, hex. flange 1/4-20x4-5/8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION kTION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271130 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV16S, TYPE NUMBER PS-43520 FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 3 4 5 M-0641060 X-22-11 M-0629116 12-853-95 6 7 12-041-02 12-053-95 8 9 12-041-01 12-265-04 47-154-01 X-426-09 25-353-10 25-050-02 10 11 12 13 CRANKSHAFT DESCRIPTION Nut, hex. flange M6x1.0 (2) Washer, star 1/4 Stud M6x1.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL fVtYvm>m»»yyvvtvvyvvvtnrvymvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvHfVvvwvYyvvvtvv>tvvyvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvyvvyvvvvtvtvvvmtvvyvv>vw-vtvHrvvvvmvv>vvvvvv A Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15”), never across the face. Make turns gradu ally to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
- at your ho --------_ For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOME®^ Anytime, day or night (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com ipí «
