Table of Contents
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Owner's Manual
CRIIFTSMHN °
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273642
This product has a low emission
engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
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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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Craftsman 917.273642
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273642
- Page 1 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman engine which operates this Owner's Manual, For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 before Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat...
- Page 2 For your convenience, IN HOMEwarrantyservice will still be availableafterthe first 30 days of purchase,but a trip charge will apply.This charge will be waived if the Craftsman productis droppedoff at an authorizedSears location.Forthe nearestauthorizedSears location, pleasecall 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.This warranty appliesonly while this product...
- Page 3 IMPORTANT:This cutting machine is capableof amputatinghands and feet and throw- ing objects.Failureto observe the followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious injury or death. _i WARNING: In orderto preventac- cidentalstarting when setting up, trans- porting, adjustingor making repairs,al- ways disconnectspark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contactspark plug.
- Page 4 II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related control and tip-over accidents, result in severe injury or death. tion on all slopes requires extra caution. you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. •...
- Page 5 • Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,then refuelsuch equipmentwith a portable container,rather than from a gasoline dispensernozzle. • Keepthe nozzle in contactwith the rim of the fuel tank or containeropening at all times untilfueling is complete.Do not use a nozzle lock-opendevice.
- Page 6 32°F Sears service 3.5 Pints section of this manual). REPAIR PROTECTION RC12YC AGREEMENTS Congratulations chase. Your new Craftsman® designed and manufactured dependable operation. ucts, it may require time. That's when tion Agreement aggravation. Purchase a Repair now and protect hassle and expense.
- Page 7 Bubble Level Mower Leveling Wrench (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys...
- Page 8 Your new tractor has been assembled you begin. When right or left hand is mentioned ating position (seated behind TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON UNPACK CARTON 1. Cut along dotted lines on all four pan- els of carton. Remove end panels lay side panels flat.
- Page 9 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 posi- tion. 7. Start the engine.After engine has started, movethrottle controlto idle position.
- Page 10 _CHECKLIST Before you operate your new tractor, wish to assure that you receive performance and satisfaction quality product. Please review the following checklist: ,/ All assembly instructions have been completed. ,/No remaining loose parts in carton. ,/Battery is properly prepared charged.
- Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor Learn and understand their 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) Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death.
- Page 12 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. Hourmeter Ammeter Throttle/Choke Control Clutch/Brake Pedal Freewheel Control Our tractors American AMMETER...
- Page 13 The operation of any tractor eyes, which can result in severe or eye shields while operating or repairs. We recommend mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
- Page 14 TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground mower is at the desired cutting operating position. Gauge wheels keep the deck in proper position prevent scalping in most terrain NOTE: Be sure tractor is on a flat level surface.
- Page 15 Transmission Engaged Transmission Disengaged NOTE: To protect hood from damage transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER MENTS Tow only the attachments...
- Page 16 WARM WEATHER STARTING above) 7. When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position. • The attachments and ground now be used. If the engine accept the load, restart the engine allow it to warm up for one minute the choke as described above.
- Page 17 MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" Service and Adjustments section manual. • The left hand side of mower should used for trimming. • Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already Have the cut area to the right of the trac- tor.
- Page 18 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check...
- Page 19 TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest level, dry concrete or paved surface, brake must be checked and adjusted. "TO ADJUST BRAKE"...
- Page 20 TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi- nals can cause the battery to "leak" power. Remove terminal guard. Disconnect BLACK battery then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor. Rinse the battery with plain water dry.
- Page 21 ENGINE OIL FILTER Replace the engine oil filter every season or every other oil change if the tractor used more than 100 hours in one year. AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly dirty air filter. Replace pre-cleaner 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 automotive type wax. i& ARNING: TO AVOID VICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake Place motion...
- Page 23 Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure springs. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis bracket and secure with retainer Install belt into electric clutch groove. TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated...
- Page 24 "D ... D" BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH Front Links 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"...
- Page 25 TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE Park the tractor on level surface. parking brake. For assistance, belt installation guide decal on bottom of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion and position of all belt guides Disconnect...
- Page 26 TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to right) when positioned straight forward, remove ing wheel and reassemble with crossbars horizontal. Tighten securely. FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER The front wheel toe-in and camber adjustable on your tractor. If damage occurred to affect the front wheel...
- Page 27 Keps Nut Terminal Guard Negative '_: ' (Black) Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT Raise hood. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill.
- Page 28 TO ADJUST CARBURETOR NOTE: The carburetor on this engine low emission. It is equipped with an idle fuel adjusting needle with a limiter cap, which allows some adjustment limits allowed by the cap. Do not attempt to remove the limiter cap. The limiter cannot be removed without...
- Page 29 Immediately prepare your tractor age at the end of the season tor 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.
- Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start 1. Out of fuel. Engine properly. Engine Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water Loose or damaged Carburetor 10. Engine valves out of adjustment.
- Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power Low oil level/dirty oil. (continued) Faulty spark Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. Water in fuel. 10. Spark 11. Dirty engine 12.
- Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM 1. Engine speed too slow. Poor grass discharge 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. Mower deck not level. Low/uneven Worn, Buildup trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn.
- Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 SCHEMATIC AMMETER (OPTIONAL) BLACK REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS NON-REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS IGNITION SWITCH POSITION CIRCUIT "MAKE" M+G+A1 NONE ON + LIGHT_ B+A1 L+A2 B+A1 NONE START B+S+A1 NONE 02781 BATTERY FUSE CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL PTO (DISENGAGED) BLACK BLUE...
- Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 ELECTRICAL "12...
- Page 35 TRACTOR ELECTRICAL KEY PART NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 7603J Tray, Battery 145211 Bolt, Btr Front 1/4-20 x 7-1/2 150109 Holddown Battery Front...
- Page 36 TRACTOR CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES chassis-stealth,stlt - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273642 >209 _. 209 -145...
- Page 37 TRACTOR CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273642 PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 161566X428 Dash 72140608 Bolt RDHD SQNK 3/8-16 167203 Panel, Dash, 188702X010 Panel, Dash, 17490608 ScrewThdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 175260X615 Hood Assembly 162026...
- Page 38 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 GROUND DRIVE...
- Page 39 Clutch 17060620 Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/4 140294 V-Belt, Ground Drive 169691 Keeper, Center Span 17120614 Screw 3/8-16 x .875 -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 PART Model 123533X (See Break 174607 10040700 154778 142432 169183 169182 Gr. 5 137057 121749X 12000001 123583X...
- Page 40 TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 <- \14395 steering stealth prem 3...
- Page 41 TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 PART DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Wheel Steering 184706 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust...
- Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273642 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester PART DESCRIPTION 176636X505 Control Throttle 171875 Screw Hwhd Hi-Lo #13-16 Engine, Briggs Model 31P777- 0348-E1 (See Breakdown) 137352 Muffler Asm Twin Lo-Tone 165291 Muffler Gasket 148456 Tube Drain oil 169837 Shield Heat...
- Page 43 1-1/2 19131614 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga. 180186 Pan Seat 166369 Knob Seat Adj. Wingnut 121246X Bracket Mounting - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 PART 121248X 72050412 121249X unc x 1 123740X 123976X 124238X 171852 STD541431 19171912 127018X NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S.
- Page 44 DECALS PART DESCRIPTION 187407 Reflector, 138047 Decal Battery, Diehard, 186242 Decal Hood RH 186243 Decal Hood LH 186572 Decal Fender Craftsman 146046 Decal V-Belt, Drive Schematic 164096 Decal Dash 179128 Decal Deck, Caution 192830 Decal Replacement 156439 Decal Fender, Danger...
- Page 45 TRACTOR LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 179504 Plunger Assembly 159476 Shaft Assembly, Lift 188822 Pin, Groove 12000002 E-Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. 120183X Bearing, Nylon 175830 Grip, Handle, Fluted 139865 Link, Lift, L.H. 139866 Link, Lift, R.H. 4939M Retainer Spring...
- Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273642 MOWER DECK 144 ,:_... 140 - 23 24 , 138 <, D,elec.t-path.adjwl.stlt...
- Page 47 Spacer, Retainer 172442 Guard, Tuv Idler 174882 Spring Ext Elect Clutch 174883 V-Belt 180532 Bracket Roller Nose - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 PART STD541437 132264 Sway Bar, Front 180533 136420 71081010 19061216 STD551110 160793 2029J are available) 17060512 4898H only)
- Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510...
- Page 49 170406 Bearing, Center Block 142977 Spring - Helical Compression 142978 Washer 20w-50 170407 Brake Yoke - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 -- MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 PART 170408 142883 142881 Machined 142887 170410 1/4-20 X 1.25 142892 170411 189386 170413 170414 170415...
- Page 50 1330 REPAIR MANUAL 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL [ 1329 REPLACEMENT 305A _ 697 _ 1040 3o8 _ 828_ - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 8680 943 0 617 0 8420 I I 1036 EMISSION LABEL ENGINE 7506 803_ 310 1 802 @...
- Page 51 498030 Kit-Idle Mixture 691636 Screw (Throttle 495800 Kit-Idle Speed 690525 Pin-Float Hinge 231855 Valve-Float Needle 691780 Seat-Inlet - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 PART 690464 (MagnetoSide) 108A 692344 Side) 694352 697228 697241 Head 698445 695005 691750 494379 Head) 494381 281165 495097...
- Page 52 NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 1022 1091 276(d_ 1127_ 977 CARBURETOR GASKET 137 <>_/_._ 276 _ - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 6170 267 _ 6o1_ 04 _ 105 [_137_ 276_ _1 1060 _ 93_.) 95 _ 117_ 1095 VALVE GASKET 1022 868 _;_...
- Page 53 691286 Cap-End 693757 Housing-Starter 691095 Stud (Rocker Arm) 691031 • SeaI-O Ring (Dipstick 697087 Dipstick/Tube Assembly 692424 Terminal-Spark - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273642 PART Plug 690968 690960 697091 690589 Crank) 694393 499613 Cartridge 697015 Cable) 699848 495933 690192 691326 Control...
- Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control.
- Page 56 © Sears, Roebuckand Co. ® Registered Trademark / TMTrademark / SMService Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co. ® Marca Registrada / TMMarca de Fabrica / - MCMarque de commerce / 192370 Rev. 4 09.10.04 Your Home Au Canada pour service en frangais: 1-800-LE-FOYER (1-800-533-6937) www.sears.ca...