Owner’s Manual 23.0 HP ELECTRIC START 50” MOWER 6 SPEED GARDEN TRACTOR Model No. 917.275031 Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance Repair Parts This product has a low emission engine which operates difFerentty from previousiy buiit engines. Before you start the en gine, read and understand this Owner’s Manual. CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Warranty.................................... ............ 2 Safety Rules............................... ............ 3 Product Specifications................. .............6 Assembly................................... ............. 8 Operation................................... ...........12 Maintenance Schedule................ .......... 18 Maintenance......................... ................ 18 ................ 22 Service and Adjustments... Storage................................ .....
SAFETY RULES 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. I. GENERAL OPERATION II. SLOPE OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all Slopes are a major factor related to lossinstructions in the manual and on the of-control and tipover accidents, which machine before starting. can result in severe injury or death.
SAFETY RULES III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. • Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. • Never carry children.
SAFETY RULES • 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. • Do not turn on slopes unless neces sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu ally downhill, if possible. ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 10W30 (ABOVE 32'F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32T) OIL CAPACITY; W/FILTER: 4.5PINTS W/O FILTER: 4.0PINTS SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION (GAP; .030”) RC12YC GROUND SPEED LO: HI; 0.7 1.7 (MPH): 1.4 3.3 2.3 5.4 REVERSE: 0.9 2.1 FRONT: 14 PSI TIRE PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI CHARGING 1 SAMPS @ 3600RPM SYSTEM: BATTERY: AMP/HR: 35 MIN. CCA: 280 CASESIZE;U1R BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
ASSEMBLY 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 A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat v\rasher securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5.
NOTE: To assist in locating hole in flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with notch on head of pin. If necessary, move mower side-to-side to give space between plate and mower brackets. IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. 9. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket under left footrest and retain with double loop retainer spring. 10. If equipped, turn height adjustment knob clockwise to remove slack from mower suspension. 11. Raise deck to highest position. 12.
CHECK MOWER LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower should be properly leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS See the figures that are shown for replacing motion, mower drive, and mower blade drive belts in the Service 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.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
KNOWYOURTRACTOR [iEAD 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. Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH: Used to engage the mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your tractor. LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and off.
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 or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any I adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HC3WTO USEYOURTRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". The heights are mea sured 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. • 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.
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH MENTS 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 STARTINGTHE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. 1.
Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribu tion of clippings and more uniform cutting. When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that dippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation ✓ ✓ Check Tiro Pressure ✓ ✓ Check Operator Presence end Interlock Systems ✓ Check for Loose Fasteners ✓ ✓ r Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades t/ * Lubrication Chart ✓ ✓ Clean Battery and Terminals ✓ ✓ ✓ Check Transaxle Cooling Check Battery Level Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension ✓ s Adjust Motion Drive BeH(s) Tension Chedc Engine OH Level ✓ ✓ Change Engine Oil Clean Air Filt
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 ad justed. (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.
• 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. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to “leak" power. 1. Remove terminal guard. 2.
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 stubborn dried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKBCOOLING AREAS To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other 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.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS A CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. 4. Turn ignition key “OFF" 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. TRACTOR TO REMOVE MOWER 1.
NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 3/16". • Recheck measurements after adjust ing. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT; Deck must be level side-toside. If the following front-to-back adjustment is necessary, be sure to adjust both front links equally so mower will stay level side-to-side. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower housing should be adjusted so the front is approximately 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest position.
L.H. Screws Mandrel / \ i^ier Cover. { \ p,,||e,i Electric Clutch Pulley Mower Blade _ ^ I H Drive Belt Center ., \ Mandrel Mandrel' R.H. Mandrel Cover Screw Secondary Idler Arm LH, Mandrel Sway Bar Bracket Idler Pulley Mower Drive Belt TO ADJUST ATTACHMENT CLUTCH The electric clutch should provide years of service. The clutch has a built-in brake that stops the pulley within 5 seconds.
4. Road test tractor for proper stopping . distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distance is stiil greater than six {6) feet in highest gear, fjrther maintenance is necessary. Contact a Sears or other qualified service center. IMPORTANT: Check Brake Adjustment. Clutching Flat idler C'utching^g^j Engine Above Beli\_ Iley . . . . .
TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS FRONT WHEEL1. Block up axle securely. 2. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal. 3. Repair tire and reassemble. 4. Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. 5. Replace axle cover. REAR WHEEL 1. Block rear axle securely. 2. Remove five {5) hub bolts to allow wheel removal. 3. Repair tire and reassemble. Replace and tighten hub bolts securely. Washers Retaining Ring Axle Cover TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES 1.
TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL AS SEMBLY 1. Raise hood. 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. 3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. 4. To replace, reverse above procedure. Keps Nut Terminal Access Door Terminal Guard Negative (Black) Cable 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.
TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary, check adjustment as de scribed below before loosening cable. If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows: 1. With engine not running, move choke control (located on dash panel) to full choke position. 2. Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cartridge plate to expose carburetor choke (See “AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). 3. Choke should be closed.
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. ACAUTION: 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. 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not “CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. 4. Bad spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. Replace fuel filter. Drain fuel tank and 7 Water in fuel. carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM Loss of power CORRECTION CAUSE Cutting too much grass/too fast. Throttle in “CHOKE" position. Buiid-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuei. 9. Water in fuel. 10. Spark plug wire loose. 11. Dirty engine air screen/fins. 12. Dirty/clogged muffler. 13. Loose or damaged wiring. 14. Carburetor out of adjustment. 15. Engine valves out of adjustment.
TROUBLESHCXiTING CHART Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge 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. Mower drive belt worn. 9. Blades improperly installed. 10. Improper blades used. 11.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER917.275031 SCHEMATIC POSITION OFF ON posmoN CIRCUIT OFF M*G*A1 ON+UGHTS B +A1 ON START “MAKE” CIRCUIT C+Q.B + H C + F.B^'E.A + D RELAY NONE L+A2 B + A1 NONE B*S + A1 NONE WIRING INSULATED CUPS NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED CUPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT. THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER917.
TRACTOR-• MODEL NUMBER917.275031 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. 1 144927 2 74760412 8 7603J 10 145211 150109 11 12 145769 16 153664 21 166184 22 4152J 25 150775 26 108824X 27 73510400 170697 28 160784 29 30 175566 33 140403 170238 40 42 154336 45 122822X 174652 50 52 141940 79 163996 81 109748X DESCRIPTION Battery Bolt Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 Tray, Battery Bolt 1/4-20 X 7.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER917.
. TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER917.275031 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY NO. 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 42 43 44 45 47 50 56 PART DESCRIPTION NO. Rail, Frame RH 175465 175282 Drawbar, Gt 73680700 Nut, CrownlockHex 7/16-14UNC 163976X428 DashYTGT2Cyt 157882 Dash, Lower Vgt One Piece 17720408 Screw, Thd Cut 1/4-20x1/2 145166 Support, Battery 175259X558HoiodAsm 121794X Cover, Access 17000612 Screw 174515X558Grille 19131312 Washer 13/32x13/16x12 Ga.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER917.275031 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 34 35 36 DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 121749X Washer 25/32 x1-1/4 x 16 Ga. 37 9858M1 Key, Wcradruff 38 150035 Nyliner Washer, Thrust, Axle 7S63R 39 74321016 Screw, Fin.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275031 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 PART DESCRIPTION NO. 159944X428Wheel, Steering 178557 Axle Asm., Front Fitting, Grease 6855M Spindle Asm, LH 161849 Spindle Asm., RH 161848 6266H Bearing, Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR--MODEL NUMBER917.275031 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 35 DESCRIPTION Engine {See Breakdown) Kohler Model No. CV674-75544 149723 Muffler 121361X Pulley V-ldler 177748 Keeper Asm. Bell Engine 175287 Bushing 170056 Clutch Electric 143996 Pulley Engine VGT Elect Clutch 151346 Tank Fuel Rear 3.
TRACTOR--MODELNUMBER917.275031 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION NO. NO. NO. Spacer, Split 121249X 15 140124 Seat Spring, Cprsn 123740X 16 Bracket, Pivot Seat 140551 Nut, Lock 1/4 Lge Fig Gr. 5 123976X Strap, Fender 17 140675 19171912 Washer 17/32x1-3/16x12 Ga. 18 127018X Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18x.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.275031 DECALS KEY PART NO. NO. 1 10 11 12 177375 164085 171702 171703 177415 133644 177416 163204 156439 4900J 146047 13 164884 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Decal, Dash Panel Decal, Dash Decal, Hood, RH Decal, Hood, LH Decal, Hood Side Panel Decal, Maintenance Decal, Engine Decal, Fender, Craftsman Decal.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275031 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 121006X Rod Asm., Lever 2 177535 Shaft Asm., Lift Vgt 3 159189 Lever Asm., Lift Rh 4 12000022 E-Ring Truarc #5133-87 5 19292016 Washer 29/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER917.275031 MOWER DECK KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 DESCRIPTION Mower Deck Weldment 50 156990 STD541413 Nut, Crownlock 5/16-18 72110506 Bolt, Carriage 5/16-18 x 3/4 Runner, Mower LH 7631J Bracket Asm., Sway Bar 138457 STD624008 Retainer, Spring 130832 Arm Suspension. Rear Bolt 3/8-24 X 1.25 Gr.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275031 TRANSAXLE KEY PART NO. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 45 46 49 50 51 DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER917.275031 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 HEADA/ALVE/BREATHER CRANKCASE KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR-MODELNUMBER917.275031 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674.TYPE NUMBER 75544 IGNITION/CHARGING BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES KEY PART NO. NO. KEY PART NO. NO. 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 DESCRIPTION 54-755-15-S Kit, grass screen (Includes 2-4,and 24 113 18-S) M-403025-S Screw, hex. cap M4x0.7x25 (4) X-25-92-S asher, plain 5/16" (41 Spacer, grass screen (4) 24-112-04 25-086-47 Bolt, shoulder (4) 24-157-03 Fan 12-086-14Screw, hex. flange Ml 0x1.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER917.
TRACTOR-MODEL NUMBER917.275031 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 OIL PAN/LUBRICATION STARTING SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. 1 M-839080-S 2 25-098-08-S 3 4 5 M-841080-S 25-435-04-S 25-755'33-S 6 7 25-141-05-S 25-221-01-S DESCRIPTION Screw, hex. flange M8x1.25x80 (2) Starter, solenoid shift (Includes 4-7) Nut, hex. flange M8x1.25 Kit, solenoid Kit, pinion drive (Includes 6) Ring Kit, brush ENGINE CONTROLS KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER917.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER917.275031 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674.TYPE NUMBER 75544 CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION KEY PART NO. NO. 1. 2. 24-014-72-S Crankshaft (Includes 2) 52-139-09-S Plug, cup EXHAUST 1, 2. 3. KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1. 2. 24-041-02-S Gasket, exhaust (2) 25-072-04-S Stud, M8x1.25x33 (4) -- - PA-75544 Replacement Engine 24 782 14 Miniblock 24 755 108-S Gasket Set -- 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11 . 12. 13. 14. 15.
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL '-».ypf' vtnvi,vnvi,nvvvvvvvtn.vvtvvtvvvv>rtvvvvv>rtV«>v lfV>t>VV>VVVVtVVVVWV>V>yynH-V>VVWtVVVVVVVVW’VVWVVVVWVVVVVWVVVWV»VVVVVVV»ytVWV>VWV>>WVmVVWVVmYymym>Y»t>rtV>W>WH'tVVWtvm 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.
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