Owner's Manual CRAFTSMAN° LAWN TRACTOR 18.5 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start 6 Speed Transaxle Model No. 917.274751 i_ differently from built engines. Before operates you start the his product haspreviously a low emission engine which engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual, IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions about Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before this product, Call: operating this equipment.
Warranty ................................................. Safety Rules ........................................... Product Specifications ............................ Assembly/Pre-Operation ........................ Operation .............................................. Maintenance Schedule ......................... Maintenance 2 3 6 8 11 17 ......................................... 17 Service and Adjustments ...................... 21 Storage .................................................
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. _IbWARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug. _I, WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a majorfactor relatedto loss of controlandtip-over accidents,which can result in severeinjury or death. Operation on all slopes requiresextra caution. If you cannotback up the slope or if you feel uneasyon it, do not mow it. • Mow up and down slopes,not across. • Watchfor holes,ruts, bumps,rocks,or other hiddenobjects. Uneventerrain could overturnthe machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Choosea lowground speed so that you will not haveto stop or shift while on the slope.
• • • • Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom the truckor trailerand refuelit on the ground.If this is not possible,then refuelsuch equipmentwith a portable container,ratherthan from a gasoline dispensernozzle. Keepthe nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or containeropeningat all times until fueling is complete.Do not use a nozzle lock-opendevice. If fuel is spilledon clothing, change clothingimmediately. Neveroverfill fuel tank.Replacegas cap and tighten securely.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline 2.0 Capacity and Unleaded Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above32°F) 'API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below Oil Capacity: W/Filter: W/O Filter: Spark (Gap: Champion Plug: .030") 32°F 3.5 Pints 3.0 Pints RC12YC Forward: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse: 1.2 1.5 2.4 3.5 4.8 5.3 1.5 Tire Pressure: Front: Rear: 14 PSI 10 PSI Charging 3 Amps 5 Amps Ground (MPH): Speed System: Battery: Blade Battery Headlights Amp/Hr: Min.
Steering Steering Wheel Insert C? Wheel @ Steering Boot (1) Large I Extension Shaft Steering Flat Washer I I I Steering Wheel Adapter (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4 R Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Slope Keys (2) Keys Sheet
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. TOOLS REQUIRED ASSEMBLY FOR :/Insert A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.
7. Slide seat until a comfortableposition is reachedwhich allowsyou to press clutch/brakepedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat without movingits adjusted position. 9. Raise seat and tightenadjustment knob securely. NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. TO ROLL Operation function Seat 1. Seat 2. 3. Bolt 4. 5. section of \ BATTERY 1. Lift seat pan to raised position.
CHECKTIRE PRESSURE J CHECKL IS T The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. Before you operate and enjoy 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.
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. R N H REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH G ENGINE OFF I'.
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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses. HOW TO USE YOUR TO SET PARKING TRACTOR IMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the battery to discharge and go dead.
Lift Lever High Position • 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 ON HILLS • For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual. _,WARNING: 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.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below. 5. Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.
F,LL,N OATES REGULAR SERVICE VICE DATES Check Tire Brake Pressure Operation Check T Check Operator ROS Systems if Presence and a Check A Sharpen/Replace C Lubrication 0 Check Battery Level _4 and Terminals if a for Loose _V p Mower if I_s Blades V'3 Chart clean Battery Check Transaxle Check V-Belts Check Engine Change Fasteners if V' Oil Level V' Engine Oil (with oil filter) Engine Oil (without V' V'1,2 Change N Clean Air Filter V_2 G clean Air _1_1_2
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION 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. (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).
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation.
ENGINE OIL FILTER ENGINE 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 FILTER Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace 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. Pull up on air filter cover handle and rotate towards engine. 2.
_ SERVICE ARNING: ORTOADJUSTMENTS: AVOID SERIOUS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INJURY, to remove right side of tractor. 1. Place attachment clutch 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ANY IMPORTANT: If an attachment other than the mower deck is to be mounted on the tractor, remove the front links and hook the clutch spring Into square hole in frame. TO INSTALL MOWER MOWER Mower will be easier 2. PERFORMING Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • When manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" remain equal in length. • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower • 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 With Parking Brake "Engaged" Idler Pulleys Mandrel Pulley TO CHECK 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. TO CHECK TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake.
TO REMOVE Engine Stationary Idler Transaxle SHIFT The transaxle be in neutral should LEVER REPAIRS Block up axle securely. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheels have a square key - Do not lose). 3. Repair tire and reassemble. NOTE: On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key. 4. Replace washers and snap retaining ring securely in axle groove. 5. Replace axle cover.
TO REMOVE ORDER 1. 2. CABLES, TO REPLACE REVERSE 1. 2. BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. RED cable last from both batteries. REPLACING backside of the grill. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. 4. Close hood. INTERLOCKS AND RELAYS Loose or damaged wiring may your tractor to run poorly, stop prevent it from starting. • Check wiring.
ENGINE IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result if screw is turned in too tight. 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 ADJUST THROTTLE CABLE PRELIMINARY CONTROL adjusted FINAL Holes Clamp Screw Governor - 1.
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. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 3ORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. 5. 6. 7 Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Bad spark plug. 3. Weak or dead battery. 4. Dirty fuel filter. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Loss of power CAUSE 1. Cutting too much grass/too fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. 5. 6. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty oil. Faulty spark plug. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 7. 8. 9. Water in fuel. 9. 10. Spark plug wire loose. 10. Dirty engine air screen/fins. Dirty/clogged muffler.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM Mower blades will not rotate CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Obstruction mechanism• 1• Remove in clutch 2. Worn/damaged belt. mower 3. 4. Frozen idler pulley• Frozen blade mandrel• drive • 3. 4. Replace 1. Engine speed too slow. 2. 3. Travel speed Wet grass. 4. Mower 5. Low/uneven 6. Worn, 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. Blades improperly installed.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 SCHEMATIC 02836 193374 / 390 STARTER AMMETER FUSE (OPTIONAL) I WHITE I 7© i i i i ' , CLUTCH I I i i i i I / BRAK-E BLAOK BLAOK BLACK GRAY REVERSE r SWITCH I K SHORTING NOT IN REVERSE IGNITION UNIT i ...................... 0 SPARK GAP PLUGS 0 (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL. ENGINES) .... cHO, J HOUR_; BLUE I FUEL I II LINE I CONNECTOR ..... (OPTIONAL) CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT 3 AMP DC @ 3600 RPM 28 VOLTS AG MIN.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 ELECTRICAL 26 34 i / ! i / / \ • 48 _/ 52 \ / _-_k "...... 27 / _ 93 _ 28 ___ ................................................... ° ..... _:;r_r_74 _Us ................................................................. 7 .............
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 8 16 21 22 24 25 26 163465 74760412 176689 176138 183759 4152J 4799J 146147 175158 Battery Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 Box Battery Switch, Interlock Harness Asm Light W/4152j Bulb Light #1156 Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red Cable Battery 6 Ga. w/16 wire Fuse 27 28 29 30 33 34 40 41 42 43 73510400 4207J 192749 193350 140403 110712X 193374 71110408 131563 178861 Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 unc Cable Ground 6 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917,274751 259 260 258 212 28 261 39 18 278 5 31 @/5 208 209 208 / 207 209 60 _37 2_ 208 74 206 209 chassis-Laser 34 -It.
TRACTOR - - MODEL CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NUMBER 917.274751 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 174619 176554 Chassis Drawbar 5 9 155272 193510X012 Bumper Dash 10 11 13 14 STD533710 174996 172105X010 17490608 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 3/4 Panel, Dash, L.H. Panel, Dash, R.H.
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 2 3 4 5 6 8 146682 123666X 12000028 121520X 17060512 192502 Transaxle Peerless 206-545C (See Breakdown) Spring, Return, Brake Pulley, Transaxle Ring, Retainer Strap, Torque Screw 5/16-18 x 3/4 Rod Shifter Fender STLT 62 63 64 65 66 69 70 74 8883R 187618 188025 188029 154778 142432 134683 137057 Cover, Pedal Pulley, Engine Bolt, 7/16-20 x 1.
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 -2J_39 L i!2--37 68 67 67 46 67 13 65 26 43 15 '°9 10 steering pl,lt 57 38 / / 30
TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 15 17 26 28 29 30 32 34 36 37 38 39 40 186780 184706 169840 169839 6266H 121748X 12000029 175121 STD551137 136518 145212 190753 126847X 19131416 17000612 STD561210 130465 10040500 155099 152927 186781 19113812 STD541537 Steering Wheel Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, LH. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 ENGINE 72 62 81 13 4 38 14 33 37 31 \ 29 23 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcy! KEY PART NO. NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 3 13 2 13 20 20 19 .../ 32 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 159460 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 15 lift-rh.lpiece DESCRIPTION Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift Pin Groove E Ring #5133-62 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. Bearing Nylong Grip Handle Fluted Button Plunger Read Link Asm Lift L.H. Link Asm Lift R.H. KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 SEAT ASSEMBLY J 25 17 seat ILknob 12 13 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 188939 140551 71110616 19131610 Seat Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) Bolt Fin Hex 318-16 unc x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga. 5 6 145006 STD541437 Clip Push In Hinged Nut Hex Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 7 8 9 10 11 12 124181X 17000616 19131614 182493 166369 174648 Spring Seat Cprsn 2 250 BIk Zi Screw 3/8-16 x 1 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 DECALS lO 3 11 11 2o 15 \ 13 12 13 14 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 193308 193595 186280 186281 138047 133644 191777 172331 186282 156439 186283 146046 WHEELS 2 _ Oper. Instr. Replacement Hood, R.H. Hood, L.H. Battery Customer Maintenance HP Engine Mower Srs Fender KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 MOWER DECK : 142 il 47 21 113 23 11 24 i i _116 117 25 26 16 119 118/_.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 MOWER DECK KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 165892 STD533107 138017 165460 STD624008 178024 850857 STD551137 140296 11 138971 -- 134149 -- 139775 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 40 44 45 46 48 52 137645 128774 110485X 174493 72140505 132827 159770 STD541431 177563 105304X 123713X 110452X 130968X428 19111016 131491 173984 187690 153535 178342 72110612 131494 73900600 140088 STD624003 137729 133944 139888 KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C 51 ,52 47 2g 42A 79 MODEL and SERIAL NUMBERS HERE Model et S_riel Ch ffre c 42 46
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274751 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C REF NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 43,_ 684I'11_ 16, 584_ _' 9_ 1330 REPAIR MANUAL I 307_ 1264'_ 11329REPLACEMENT ENGINE I 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 3@ 24 8680 @ 146,_ 9430 741 20@ 6170 1022 2_ _% °°1_ 524 _ I I 8420 1019 LABEL KIT 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL 1266 0 ] I 12 I 1036EMISSION LABELI 15_ 750 & 22_ 200 89 1027(_ 48
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 617 238 0 SET 1022 868 ,¢ 35 1022 6170 525 103_ 1524F_ 1022 404 # 614 _ 914 1119_ 789 8091 801 @ 58 643 803_ 579_46_ _ 508_ 802 1070 729 697 _ 1005 I044_ 1040 363# 305% 49 310_
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 B 84A _8 1091 127A J 127 G o_ 276A@ 947A [_ 1127_ NIKKI J %:___ 947_ e,, 118 1266A <_> 977 CARBURETOR 527(_ 51_ GASKETSET t 276@ / 1370 1266 0 121A CARBURETOR 121 CARBURETOR 104 _ 105 _ 1270 231 "_ 276 63419@ 106 8 117,_ 142_ 6170 KIT KIT 51% 987 ('o) 137 0 93_ 95 OVERHAUL OVERHAUL 1266 _=} _ 96A _ 104A _ 127A O 10_A_ 1266A <--> 50 6170 634A9 o 137A[ 1266% 997A 1266A <_
TRACTOR BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL KEY NO. PART NO. 1 2 697174 399265 3 391086 4 5 7 9 11 12 697188 698147 699168 697109 697113 697110 13 15 16 690360 690946 697127 20 22 23 24 25 -- 690947 692125 693557 222698 699052 699054 26 -27 28 • o+ • • 31P777, TYPE 917.274751 NUMBER 0299-E1 DESCRIPTION KEY NO. PART NO.
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274751 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-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 (O1 O'1 15 DEGREES MAX, _ down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. t. Fold this page along dotted _ine indicated above. 2.
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) www.sears.com ® Anytime, day or night (U.S.A. and Canada) www.sears.