Owner's Manual IC..FTSMeWl LAWN TRACTOR 17.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273143 I differently from built engines. Before operates you start the This product haspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual. IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before about this product, Call: operating this equipment.
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18 Service and Adjustments ..................... 22 Storage ................................................ 28 Troubleshooting ................................... 29 Repair Parts ......................................... 34 Sears Service ........................ Back Cover Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ...........................
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. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. • Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place. • Slow down before turning.
DO: • 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. • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. • If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline Capacity and Type: 1.25 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type (API-SF-SJ): SAE 10W30 (Above 32°F) SAE 5W30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter 4.0 Pints W/O Filter 3.5 Pints Spark Plug: (GAP: .040") Champion Ground Speed (MPH): Tire Pressure: Forward: 5.5 Reverse: 2.4 Front: 14 PSI Rear: 10 PSI Charging System: 15 Amps @ 3600RPM Battery: Amp/Hr: Min. CCA: Case Size: Blade Bolt Torque: RC12YC 28 230 UIR 27-35 Ft. Lbs.
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) kocknut 1/2-20 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) kocknut 1/4-28 Steering Wheel Adapter Steering ) _ Boot Extension Shaft teering (_Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette 7
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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 ASSEMBLY FOR _._-- A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolts are positioned over the large slotted holes in pan. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolts in slots and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5. Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten. 6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. 8.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE 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) 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. 4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. R N REVERSE ENGINE OFF H NEUTRAL HIGH LIGHTS OH OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED ENGINE ON OIL PRESSURE ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED ===E FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) & LOW ENGINE BATTERY result in death, serious and/or property damage.
KNOW YOUR 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. Light Switch Attachment Ignition Switch Clutch Lever Ammeter ....
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the I eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses I or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectac es. HOW TO USE YOU R TRACTOR TO SET PARKING IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS TO OPERATE ON HILLS _iLWARNING: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope. Use the slope guide at the back of this manual. • Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. • Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. • If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.
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. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONWARMUP Beforedriving the unit in cold weather, the transmissionshould be warmed up as follows: 1. Be sure the tractor is on level ground. 2. Placethe motioncontrol leverin neutral.Releasethe parking brake and let the clutch/brakeslowly return to operatingposition. 3. Allow one minutefor transmissionto warm up.This can be done during the enginewarm up period. • The attachmentscan also be used duringthe enginewarm-up period after the transmissionhas been warmed up.
MOWING TIPS • 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 already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _,_ ,_,_-_,_,_ _ d_.
TRACTOR 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. 5. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts. Trailing Blade Center Edge Up Hole 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.
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 BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak" power. 1. Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. 2. Rinse the battery with plain water and dry. 3.
AIR FILTER CLEAN Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Remove knob and cover. 2. Remove wing nut and air cleaner from base.
I,_ ARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
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 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.
Mandrel Idler Pulleys S. Mandrel Pulley TO CHECK AND ADJUST Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than five (5) feet in highest gear, further maintenance is necessary. Replace brake pads or contact a Sears or other qualified service center. TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest.
TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. 1. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten. 2. Start engine and move motion control lever until tractor does not move forward or backward. 3. Hold motion control lever in that position and turn engine off. 4. While holding motion control lever in place, loosen the adjustment bolt. 5.
3. Connect the other end of the BLACK cable (D) to good chassisground, awayfrom fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVECABLES, REVERSE ORDER 1. BLACKcable first from chassisand then from the fully chargedbattery. 2. REDcable last from both batteries. TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood.
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 non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUSTTHROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. Check adjustment as described below before loosening cable.
Also, 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. • Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. • Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. • Use fresh fuel next season.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE CORRECTION 1 • Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded• 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Replace spark plug. 5. Clean/replace air filter• 6. Replace fuel filter. 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING See appropriate CHART: section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower, 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 1. Raise cutting height/reduce speed. 2. Adjust throttle control. 3. Clean underside of mower housing. 4. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Check oil level/change oil. 6.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel• 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass• 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade• 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower• 8.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 ELECTRICAL 22 / I I I 42 41 26 \ I 161 I I I I I I I / I x f ! / \f \ \ %.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 ELECTRICAL KEY NO. PART NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 41 42 43 45 52 81 90 163465 74760412 176689 176137 183759 4152J 4799J 146147 175158 73510400 4207J 160784 175566 140403 179722 71110408 131563 178861 122822X 141940 109748X 180449 Battery Bolt, Hex Head 1/4-20 Unc x 3/4 Box Batt.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273143 259 260 258 261 39 18 58 166 208 2O8 209 60 37 74 209 2O9 208 :14 38 36 4 chassis-Laser -It.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.273143 KEY NO, PART NO.
GROUND DRIVE TRACTOR . . MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 dr_e'hydro.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 GROUND DRIVE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 jr"----._.. 42 37-_,_ I 37 _36 88 67 67 13 65 43 / 15 15 29 10 steering..pL1.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 51 54 65 67 68 71 82 87 88 91 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, L.H. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. Ring, Klip Draglink Washer, Lock Nut Hex Jam Toplock 1/2-20 unf Spacer Brg Axle Front Nut, Hexflange Lock Shaft Assembly, Steering Bushing, Link, Drag Washer 13/32 x 7/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 ENGINE 2 80 38 / 14 I _105 33 37 31 /_ _ 33 29, / 4O OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester I 23 _ J_ \ engine-kohleE33 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 13 14 16 23 29 31 32 33 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 170548X505 Control, Throttle 17720408 Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine, (See Breakdown) Kohler Model No. CV490-27508 174667 Muffler Gasket Kohler (Order from engine mfg.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 SEAT ASSEMBLY \ //- 8 /- I I I I I 11 12 seatlt.knob 9 KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Seat Bracket, Pivot, Fender Bolt Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga. Clip, Push-In Hinged Nut Spring, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan, Seat Knob Seat Bracket, Switch Mounting 180597 180166 71110616 19131610 1450O6 STD541437 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 166369 121246X KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 DECALS 18 13 10 16 11 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, Decal, 156811 177367 186280 186281 187049 133644 186283 172331 186282 156439 179128 146046 WHEELS Oper. Instr. HP Engine Hood, R.H. Hood, L.H. Hood Replacement Customer Maintenance Hood Side Deck Fender, Craftsman Fender Danger Deck "B" 42" V-Belt Drive Schematic &TIRES KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 LIFT ASSEMBLY 3 13 6 ? 13 19 20 20 13 19 15 32 / KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Button, Plunger, Red Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H. Retainer Spring 159460 159471 105767X 120OO0O2 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 STD624008 KEY NO, PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 MOWER DECK 67 106"_ 102 f103 _o_J,/_ 105 fl//,_, to4"_:_/// II I t03 f J / / \ /;f t01_ 104 t06 t02 j 34 21 23 _t16 24 25 \ 2 119 16 t18_ 27 _18 I 18 ] .1t2 6 F 19 A17 21 10_ 9_ _t16 42D 46 man-t-path stlt_3.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 MOWERDECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 165892 STD533107 138017 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 --13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 40 44 45 46 48 52 53 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" eck STD624008 Retainer Spring 178024 Bar Sway Deck 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr.
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TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490,TYPE NUMBER 27508 CYLINDER HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490,TYPE NUMBER 27508 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL [ BLOWER HOUSING --2 AND BAFFLES]- ', 2 '{2 m _--_ (C "_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490,TYPE NUMBER 27508 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL BLOWER KEY NO. KEY NO, PART NO, 1 M-545010-S 2 3 4 24-468-10-S 12-146-07-S M-550010-S (2) 5 6 7 8 9 24-096-05-S 12-027-76-S 12-063-18-S 25-154-02-S 12-086-37-S 10 11 12-063-20-S M-645016-S 12 12-063-19-S PART NO. 12-086-14-S DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M10x1.5x46 Washer, plain 3/8" Screen, grass Bolt, shoulder M6x1.0x16 (4) Fan Key Flywheel Connector Screw, hex. cap M5xO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490, TYPE NUMBER 27508 STARTING KEY NO. SYSTEM PART NO. M-839070-S 25-098-07-S 3 4 5 6 7 8 12-755-54-S 12-227-18-S 12-170-05-S 12-221-01-S 12-227-13-S 12-211-01-S ENGINE 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 1/4-20x45/8 (2) OIL PAN/LUBRICATION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.273143 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV490,TYPE NUMBER 27508 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 M-641060-S M-629116-S 12-853-118-S 12-041-02-S 12-053-118 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-041-01-S 12-265-06-S 25-237-14-S 52-353-22-S 25-050-03-S 47-154-01-S NOTILLUSTRATED *M-561010-S *X-22-11-S 12-757-02-S 12-757-03-S 12-041-01-S 12-041-02-S 12-041-05-S 12-041-06-S 12-032-06-S 12-757-33-S 12-041-06-S 12-454-03-S 25-452-20-S 12-518-37-S DESCRIPTION Nut, hex. flange M6xl .
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ¢.o _k down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate tractor and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns your gradually to up prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3.
Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters. 1-800-4-MY-HOME ® (1-800-469-4663) Anytime, day or night (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.com www.sears.