Owner's Manual CRIIFTSMHN° LAWN TRACTOR 18.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273646 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.
Warranty................................................ 2 Safety Rules..........................................3 ProductSpecifications...........................6 AssemblyPre-Operation........................8 Operation............................................. 11 Maintenance .......................................18 MaintenanceSchedule........................18 Serviceand Adjustments.....................22 Storage................................................ 29 Troubleshooting.....................
IMPORTANT:This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghands andfeet and throwing objects.Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould result in serious injury or death. _WARNING: In order to preventaccidentalstarting when setting up, transporting, adjustingor making repairs, always disconnectspark plug wire and place wire where it cannotcontact spark _iug" WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral,you may lose controlof the tractor.
DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rooks, 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. • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. • Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.Stop machineif anyone enters the area. • Nevercarry passengersor children evenwith the bladesoff. • Do not mow in reverseunless absolutely necessary.Alwayslook down and behind beforeandwhile backing. • Nevercarry children.They may fall off and be seriously injuredor interferewith safe machineoperation. • Keepchildrenout of the mowingarea and under the watchfulcare of another responsibleadult. • Be alert and turn machineoff if children enter the area.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS In the state of California Gasoline Capacity and Type: 4.0 Gallons Unleaded Regular Oil Type API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30(Below 32°F Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints W/O Filter: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: GAP: .030") Champion Ground (MPH): Speed RC12YC Forward: Reverse: 5.5 2.4 Front: Rear: Charging System: 9 Amps Battery: Amp/Hr: Min. CCA: Case Size: 27-35 14 PSI 10 PSI @ 3600RPM 28 230 U1R Ft. Lbs. CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.
) Mower Leveling Level (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use ) Keys Bubble Wrench Slope Sheet (2) Keys 7 Video Cassette
Your new tractor you begin. has been assembled at the factory. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, ating position (seated behind the steering wheel). TO REMOVE TRACTOR CARTON UNPACK UP YOUR TRACTOR BATTERY 1. Lift hood to raised position. NOTE: 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.
4. Sit on seat in operatingposition, depress clutch/brakepedal andset the parking brake. 5. Placemotion controlleverin neutral (N) position. 6. Press lift lever plungerand raise attachmentlift leverto its highest position. 7. Start the engine.After engine has started, movethrottle controlto idle position. 8. Releaseparking brake. 9. Slowly movethe motioncontrol lever forwardand slowly drive tractoroff skid. 10.Apply braketo stop tractor,set parking brake and place motioncontrollever in neutralposition. 11.
V'CHECKLIST Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the 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. (For shipping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory).
These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their meaning.
KN OW YOU R TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Attachment Clutch Switch Pull Out To "Engage" Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Be sure tractor is on a flat level surface. 1. Lower mower and adjust mower to desired cutting height(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in this section of manual). 2.
Transmission Transmission Engaged All, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
WARM above) WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and 1. 7. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. 2. 3. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) 7. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the 4.
MOWING MULCHING TIPS TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE Check Brake Check Tire Pressure R Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level and Terminals T R Mower Clean Battery Transaxle Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil (with oil filter) Engine Oil (without Clean Air Filter G Clean Air Screen Muffler/Spark Replace i/,,2 oil filter) ,/ Arrester Oil Filter (If equipped) Engin
TRACTOR 5. Always observe safety rules when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION 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. per- If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and 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 NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°E Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.
ENGINE OIL FILTER CLEAN Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor is used more than 100 hours in one year. 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 stubborn dried gum fibers. AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.
CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and transmission are covered to keep water out. Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your tractor. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove grass, leaves and trash from tractor and mower. • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
5. 6. 7. • If adjustment is necessary, make adjustment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift link adjustment nut on that side. • To lower one side of mower, loosen lift link adjustment nut on that side. NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 1/8". • Recheck measurements after adjusting. Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure with retainer springs. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket and secure with retainer spring.
TO CHECK Mandrel "D .... AND 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 five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. D" BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH TO CHECK 1. 2.
TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL 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.
TO ADJUST ALIGNMENT STEERING WHEEL TO ATTACH JUMPER 1. Connect one end of the RED cable If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble with crossbars horizontal. Tighten securely. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER 2. to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery(A-B), taking care not to short against tractor chassis. Connect one end of the BLACK cable The front wheel 3.
Keps Nut Hex Bolt 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. Positive (Red) Cable Terminal Guard Negative (Black) Cable '_:' TO ADJUST TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB 1. Raise hood. 2. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. 3.
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR FINAL NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is low emission. It is equipped with an idle fuel adjusting needle with a limiter cap, which allows some adjustment within the limits allowed by the cap. Do not attempt to remove the limiter cap. The limiter cap cannot be removed without breaking the adjusting needle. 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. 41:_WARNING: 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. Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. 3. Hard to start CORRECTION Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. ENGINE" Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes 4. 5. 6. 7. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. in before attempting to start. Replace spark plug.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power (continued) CAUSE CORRECTION 5. 6. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 5. 6. 7. 8. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. 7. 8. 9. Water in fuel. 9. 10. Spark 11. 12. 13. 14. plug wire loose. 10. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Dirty/clogged muffler. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Engine valves adjustment.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Poor grass discharge CAUSE CORRECTION 1. 1. Engine speed too slow. Mower 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7. 8. Buildup of grass, leaves trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades deck not level. tire air pressure. bent or loose blade. improperly 10. Improper blades control in "FAST" position. 2. Shift to slower speed. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. 4. Level mower deck. 2.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 SCHEMATIC BATTERY SOLENOID I RED I RED FUSE AMMETER STARTER (OPTIONAL) BLACK I J RED BLACK ELECTRIC CLUTCH I I i CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL UP) I RED DIODE SEAT D (NOT PTO (DISENGAGED) SWITCH OCCUPIED) BLACK I I F I • GROUNDING CONNECTOR BLUE BLACK 9 A • IIW SPARK _F_ PLUGS GAP • J oN_ (_PLuGsON TWIN i CHARGING FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID SYSTEM 3600 OUTPUT CYL.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917,273646 217 278 54 / 54 158 _.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917,273646 KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 GROUND DRIVE 32 /34 30 36 52 32 3O 55 16 \@ 84 16 200 77 263 73 1 .
TRACTOR GROUND KEY NO. 1 -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 DRIVE PART NO. --- DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO. 62 63 65 66 69 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 81 82 83 123533X 174607 10040700 154778 142432 169183 169182 137057 121749X 12000001 123583X 121748X 165596 165711 19171216 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 165866 180505 76020416 10040400 74490544 73800500 126197X 19 20 73800600 173937 21 130564 Transaxle, HydroGear, Model Number 314-0510 (See Break down) Rod Shift Fend.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
STEERING TRACTOR ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 15 17 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 186094X428 184706 169840 169839 6266H 121748X 12000029 175121 STD551137 73940800 136518 145212 177883 17000612 171888 19111216 10040500 73540500 155105 152927 186095X428 19183812 73540600 Wheel Steering Axle Asm Spindle Asm LH Spindle Asm RH Bearing Race Thrust Harden Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273646 ENGINE 3 2 72 1 81 13 4 38 14 33 112 33 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 23 I engine-bs lcyl KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273646 SEAT ASSEMBLY 18 I i 22 I i I i I 21 i I i I \ \ \\\ 17 seat It,knob 12 14 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 180598 180166 STD523710 19131610 Seat Bracket Pivot Seat Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Washer 13t32 x 1 x 10 Ga 5 6 145006 STD541437 Clip Push-In Nut Hex w/Ins. 3/8-16 7 8 9 10 124181X 17000616 19131614 180186 Spring Seat Cprsn Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. Pan Seat KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273646 DECALS 11 16 7 9 3 13 21 21 4 11 10 2O 6 15 14 26 KEY NO. PART NO. KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273646 LIFT ASSEMBLY / ! 38 40 3 \ 6 5 4 12 13 19 13 19 lift-rh.lpiece KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 15 16 17 179504 159476 188822 12000002 19211621 120183X 175830 139865 139866 4939M 173288 73350800 175689 DESCRIPTION Plunger Assembly Shaft Assembly, Lift Pin, Groove E-Ring Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing, Nylon Grip, Handle, Fluted Link, Lift, L.H. Link, Lift, R.H. Retainer Spring Link Front Sus. Nut Hex Jam 1/2-13 unc Trunnion 24 KEY NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273646 MOWER DECK 144 ,:_..... 4s 55 140 - 117 21 34 2 _ 23 24 , 138 <, 6 27 29 18 149 5 6 19F 21 42 46 D,elec.t-path.adjwl.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. KEY NO. PART NO.
"7" ..< 122- } 426 119. 0 Q rll 120_128 _g --I _85 \ _',-I z_ xr- 12 56-.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 HYDRO GEARTRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 170351 170352 170353 170354 169898 170355 Main Housing, Assembly Side Housing, Assembly Center Section, Assembly Swashplate, Trunion Machined Block - Assembly Sealant 10.50z 59 60 61 62 63 170408 142883 142881 142887 170410 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 170356 170357 170358 170359 170360 169870 170361 169869 Hex Flange Screw 1/4-20 X 1.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET SET 1022 868 _;_ @ 35 1022 6170 830 914 267 _ 334_ 1091 385<%9 6o1_ I 276(d_ 121 CARBURETOR 1127_ 918 977 CARBURETOR GASKET 04 _ OVERHAUL 634A_ KIT 987_ 105 [_137_ 276_ _1 SET 93_.) 1 137 <>_/_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273646 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow WARNING: 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. I,Fold thispage along dotted lineindicatedabove.
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