Craftsman 917.273481 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.273481 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.273481 Owner's Manual

20.0 hp, 42" mower electric start automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
20.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic
Transmission
Model No.
917.273481
I
[_
This product has a low emission engine which operates
I
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
I
engine,
read and understand
this Owner's Manual.
IMPORTANT:
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, IL 60179 U.S.A
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273481

  • Page 1 IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman this Owner's Manual. For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman...
  • Page 2 IN HOME warranty service will still be available after the first 30 days of pur- chase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped off at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

  • Page 3: General Operation

    IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. _WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark...
  • Page 4 • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un- even 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.
  • Page 5 • Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- lutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

  • Page 6: Specifications

    REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS Congratulations on making a smart pur- chase. Your new Craftsman@ product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation.
  • Page 7 Flat Washer L__ll_!(1) H_!_18 _'(" ((_'_) __.double (4) Adjusting Bar_ _(4) Wheels (4) Shoulder Belt Video Cassette For Future Use "-t Steering Wheel Extension Steering WheelSteering Shaft Insert Steering _"_._J Wheel_ Adapter ering (1) kecknut 1/4-28 Seat "_1 ) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob (4) RetainerSprings...

  • Page 8: Tools Required For Assembly

    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.
  • Page 9 INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer 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.
  • Page 10 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (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.
  • Page 11 These symbols mayappear on your tractor or in literaturesupplied with the product. Learn and understandtheir meaning. REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only) &...
  • Page 12 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. Attachment Clutch Lever Throttle/Choke Control B_ke Pedal FreeWheel Control Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards AMMETER - Indicates charging (+) or...

  • Page 13: To Move Forward And Backward

    The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. 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.

  • Page 14: To Operate On Hills

    • For best cutting performance, 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively the second to desired height. TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position.

  • Page 15: Towing Carts And Other Attach- Ments

    Transmission Engaged Transmission Disengaged TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- MENTS Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended 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.

  • Page 16: Mowing Tips

    COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below) 6. When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, imme- diately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up may take from several seconds to several minutes (the colder the temperature, the longer the warm-up).
  • Page 17 • If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and pos- sible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height. • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps.

  • Page 18: General Recommendations

    AS YOU COMPLETE R EGU LAR SERVICE Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Lubrication Chart Sharpen/Replace Check Battery Level Mower Blades Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V_Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) Change Engine Oil (without...
  • Page 19 TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- forming 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. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

  • Page 20: Engine Lubrication

    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"...
  • Page 21 ENGINE OIL FILTER 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. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season.
  • Page 22 CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with auto- motive type wax. WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS VICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
  • Page 23 TO INSTALL MOWER Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. Slide mower under tractor tor shield to right side of tractor. Lower lift lever to its lowest Connect front links to mower secure with retainer springs. Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure springs.

  • Page 24: Belt Removal

    TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE BELT The mower blade drive belt may be re- placed without tools. Park the tractor level surface. Engage parking BELT REMOVAL Remove mower from tractor REMOVE MOWER" in this section manual). Work belt off both mandrel idler pulleys.
  • Page 25 BELT INSTALLATION - 1. Carefully work new belt down around transmission cooling fan and onto the input pulley. 2. Slide belt into the center span keeper. 3. Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll around the top groove of engine pulley. 4.

  • Page 26: Interlocks And Relays

    TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER BLACK cable first from chassis then from the fully charged RED cable last from both batteries. Weak or Dead Fully Charged Battery Battery REPLACING BATTERY _WARNING: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench other object to contact both terminals the same time.
  • Page 27 ENGINE Maintenance, repair, oF"replacement the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment individual. Warranty repairs must be per- formed by an authorized engine manufac- turer's service outlet. TO ADJUSTTHROTTLE CONTROL CABLE...

  • Page 28: Final Setting

    2. With engine off turn idle fuel adjust- ing needle in (clockwise) closing it finger tight and then turn out (counter- clockwise) 1 turn. FINAL SETTING - 1. Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments with engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
  • Page 29 Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- age at the end of the season or if the trac- tor will not be used for 30 days or more. /I, WARNING: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE 1. Out of fuel• Will not start 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded• 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter• 6. Dirty fuel filter• 7.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE LOSS of power 6. Faulty spark plug. (continued) 7. Dirty fuel filter. 8. Stale or dirty fuel. 9. Water in fuel. 10.Spark plug wire loose. 11.
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual PROBLEM CAUSE Poor grass 3. Wet grass. discharge Mower deck not level. (continued) Low/uneven tire air pressure. Worn, bent or loose blade. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn. Blades improperly installed.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 SCHEMATIC "llllll AMMETER (OPTIONAL) WIIITE CLUTCH IGNITION SWITCH (IF _ IGNITION SWITCH POS{TION CIRCUI_ "BAKE M-G-A1 NONE RUN/lIGHT B+AI A2-L B+AI NONE START _ - _ + AI NONE BATTERY FUSE SOLENOID / BRAKE...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 74760412 Bolt, He× 1/4-20×3/4 7603J Tray, Battery 145211 Bolt Btr Front 1/4-20 x 7-I/2 150109 Holddown Battery Front Mount...

  • Page 36: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES ehas$is-La_er -It,_tl 31...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S inches PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-I6 x 3/4 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash I6&337XO13 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-I6 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, LH...

  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 GROUND DRIVE 52 9 253 drEv_-hydro.s_t 50...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 GROUNDDRIVE KEY PART DESCRIPTION Traasaxle (See Breakdown) Hydro gear Model 336-0510 17060512 Screw 5/I6-18 ;<3/4 74490544 Bolt He;<FIghd 5/16-18 Gr. 5 STD54143I Nut Look Hex 5/18-I8 STD541437 Nut Look Hex 3/8-18 175898 Rod, Brake 73350800 Nut He;<...

  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 STEERING ASSEMBLY s_.sering pl,II 20...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 STEERING ASSEMBLY NOTE: All ocmponent dimensions given in US. inches I inch = 25.4 mm PART DESCRIPTION I59944X428 Steering Wheel I84708 Front Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, L,H. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R,H. 8288H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened I21748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 18 Ga.
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 ENGINE KEY PART DESCRIPTION Control Throttle 187065 17720408 SerewThd Cut I/4-20 x I/2 Engine, Kohler Model CV624 (Order parts from engine mfg.) 149723 Muf|ler Asm Twin Lo-Tone 146699 Pipe Exhaust LH 146700 Pipe Exhaust RH...

  • Page 43: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART DESCRIPTION 180597 Seat Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat 180166 71110616 Bolt Fin He× 3/8-I6 Uncx I 19131610 Washer I3/32 × 3/4 x I OGa 145006 Clip Push In Hinged STD541437 Nut He;< Lock w/Ins 3/8-16 Une...

  • Page 44: Wheels And Tires

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 DECALS KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 156439 Decal, Fender Danger Sears 186367 Decal, Hood Side 186366 Decal, Hood 177915 Decal, Engine H/P 133644 Decal, Maint Customer Sears 187026 Decal, Replacement Srs 179126 Decal, Deck...

  • Page 45: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 159466 Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm 15947I Shaft Asm. Lift 105767X Pin Groove 12000002 E Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32 × I ×21 Ga. 1201&3X Bearing Nylong 12563IX Grip Handle Fluted...

  • Page 46: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 MOWER DECK • 40143 f184 ,148 10-- 106_ _ 102 1o3:_/y / ,_1 I _1o4 lob 1011"_ I o2I_ _136 42 D man4-path sUt 4.
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 MOWER DECK KEY PART DESCRIPTION 182032 Mower Housing STD533107 Bolt 138017 BraeketAssembly, SwayBar, Front 185488 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42 STD624008 Retainer Spring 178024 Bar Sway Dock 858857 Bolt, He;< 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr. 8...
  • Page 48 \103 "_ 110 6-Sealant (Joint d' etancheite) 57 2OWSO Oil 78.80Z (OZ de 78.820 dl Hullo} 127 - Seal and Kit (phrJque 0 Sonne Jeu) Oiling ,,< I1'1 _r'- ",4...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273481 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 336-0510 PART DESCRIPTION 170351 Main Housing Assembly 170352 Side Housing Aasembly 170353 Center Section, Assembly 170354 Swashplate, Tru nion Maehiced 169898 Block - Assembly 170355 Sealant I0.50z 170356 He;<...

  • Page 50: Cylinder Head, Valve

    TRACTOR KOHLER ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER CV624,TYPE CYLINDER HEAD, VALVE AND BREATHERJ €_ 28 j CRANKCASE - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 NUMBER 65596 20-- O--t9 t"5/o O-----8 1_--13...
  • Page 51 K_t,breather separator (includes 28,30-33) M-545016-S Screw. he×. flange M5×0.ax16 (2) 24-445-02-S Strap, breather 24-126-44-S Bracket breather separator 24-I12-12-S Spacer 24-326-55-S Hose, Breather - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 NUMBER 65596 CRANKCASE PART 24-032-01-S 24-294-13-S 24-380-13-S 24-067-13-S 24-067-14-S 24-874-17-S 24-874-18-S 24-874-19-S 24-874-14-S 24-108-11-S...

  • Page 52: Air Intake

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 KOHLER ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER 65596 IGNITION/ELECTRICAL] BLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLESJ [.-4 _©, AIR iNTAKE...
  • Page 53 (rect.-reg. 5- I2 gauge 24-518-12-S insulated grip barrel eyelets) 24-II3-18-S Decal, grass screen 25-454-03-S Tie, wire (3) - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 NUMBER 65596 BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES PART 24-027-1 I4-S Housing, blower 24-I 00-0I -S M-545020-S M-545016-S M-551016-S M-645016-S...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 KOHLER ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER 65596 STARTING SYSTEM] ENGIN E CONTROLS OIL PAN }<LUBRICATION ,/, \...
  • Page 55 Spring, throttle limiter 24-090-05-S Lever, choke 4I -468-03-S Washer, spring 1/4' M-403025-S Screw, he;< cap M4x0 7x25 24-079-22-S Linkage, choke - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 NUMBER 65596 OIL PAN/LUBRICATION PART 24-199-07-S M-645025-S M-631005-S 24-393-37-S 24-38I -11 -S 24-153-01-S 24-043-12-S 24-043-12-S...
  • Page 56 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 KOHLER ENGINE - - MODEL NUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER 65596 CRANKS,AFTI EXHAUST FUELSYSTEMJ...
  • Page 57 Gasket, exhaust (2) 25-072-04-S Stud, M8×1.25×33 (4) NOT ILLUSTRATED PA-65596 Replacement Engine PA-65596 24-522-221 Short Block 24-782-34 Miniblock 24-755-107-S Gasket Set - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273481 NUMBER 65596 FUEL SYSTEM PART 24-853-25-S 24-041-52-S 24-053-25 24-04I-I4-S M-629095-S M-641060-S 47-154-01-S 24-353-03-S 25-237-I4-S...
  • Page 59 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES WARNING: To avoid serious injury, down the face of slopes, never across slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns tipping or loss of control. Exercise changing direction on slopes.
  • Page 60 Get: it fixed, at:your home or' ourst For repair - in your home - of all major brand apphances, lawn and garden equipment, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional and _tems hke garage door openers and water heaters.

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