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Craftsman 917.270681 Owner's Manual

16.0 hp electric start 42" mower automatic lawn tractor
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Owner's Manual
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917,270681
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently
from previously
built 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.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman
Help Line
5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.270681

  • Page 1 Read and follow all Safety about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman...

  • Page 2: Limited 90-Day Warranty

    Sears will replace the battery at no charge. War- ranty service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty...

  • Page 3: General Operation

    IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is can result in severe injury or death. All capable of amputating hands and feet slopes require extra caution. If you cannot and throwing objects. Failure to observe back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the following safety instructions could...
  • Page 4 Never tamper with safety devices. • Before and when backing, look behind Check their proper operation regularly. and down for small children. Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or • Never carry children. They may fall off other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel and be seriously injured or interfere...

  • Page 5: Customer Responsibilities

    _Look for this symbol to point out _tLCAUTION- Tow only the attachments important safety precautions. It means that are recommended by and comply CAUTION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR with specifications of the manufacturer your tractor. Use common sense when _FETY IS INVOLVED. CAUTION: In order to prevent towing.
  • Page 6 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt (1) Lock washer I_(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Locknut 5/16-18 Extension Shaft Steering __ Steering Boot Steering Wheel Adapter Seat (_Washer (]_1_32 xl-3/16 Gauge (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 1) Knob...
  • Page 7 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.
  • Page 8 TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and function of controls) _"'REMOVE THE FOLLOWING BULLET Terminal FOR MODELS WITH ELECTRIC LIFT. Battery • Press lift lever plunger and raise Door attachment lift lever to its highest position. •...
  • Page 9 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE belts in the Service and Adjustments (If previously removed) section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly. • Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM • Place front of mulcher plate over front After you learn how to operate your of mower deck opening and slide into tractor, check to see that the brake is...
  • Page 10 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING @i L ENG,HEON ENG,NEOFF O,LPRESSURE L,GHTSON OVE,_TMF _[ FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT...

  • Page 11: Knowyour Tractor

    KNOWYOUR 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. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Attachment Ignition Switch Clutch.
  • Page 12 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 adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
  • Page 13 TO OPERATE ON HILLS The cutting height range is approxi- mately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are ACAUTION: Do not drive up or down measured from the ground to the blade hills with slopes greater than 15° and do tip with the engine not running. These not drive across any slope.

  • Page 14: Towing Carts And Other Attachments

    NOTE: To protect hood from damage Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase when transporting your tractor on a truck fuel in quantities that can be used or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and within 30 days to assure fuel fresh- ness.
  • Page 15 IMPORTANT: Should your transmissiol WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) require removal for service or replace- ment, it should be purged after reinstall_ • When engine starts, move the throttle tion before operating the tractor. control to the fast position. •...

  • Page 16: Mowing Tips

    MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for IMPORTANT: For best performance, best mowing performance. See "TO keep mower housing free of built-up LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the grass and trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of •...

  • Page 17: General Recommendations

    FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE O£-/_ REGULAR SERVICE _£-._/¢ ::::::Oe::°° Check Operator Presence Inlerlock Systems Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Ili/ I_ # Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Adjust Blade Belt(s) Tension Adiust Motion Drive Belt(s) Tension Check Engine Oil Level...
  • Page 18 IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assem- TRACTOR bly, center hole in blade must align with Always observe safety rules when star on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. • Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION flat washer in exact order as shown. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet •...
  • Page 19 BATTERY TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID Your tractor has a battery charging The transaxle was sealed at the factory system which is sufficient for normal use. and fluid maintenance is not required fol the life of the transaxle. Should the However, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend...

  • Page 20: Clean Air Screen

    • Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick • If very dirty or damaged, replace pre- cleaner. checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is • Reinstall pre-cleaner over cartridge. tightened securely for accurate • Reinstall cover and secure with reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on knob(s).
  • Page 21 C::I CamP free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive type wax. We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and CLEANING carburetor are covered to keep water oul •...
  • Page 22 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • Before making any necessary adjust- ments, check that both front links are Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure equal in length. Both links should be tires are properly inflated (See "PROD- approximately 10-3/8".
  • Page 23 TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE With Parking Brake "Engaged" DRIVE BELT Nut "A" The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL - - Remove mower from tractor (See "TO. m Nut REMOVE MOWER"...

  • Page 24: Transmission Replacement

    TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The front wheel toe-in and camber are The motion control lever has been preset not adjustable on your tractor. If damage at the factory and adjustment should not has occurred to affect the front wheel be necessary.

  • Page 25: Interlocks And Relays

    TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES • Connect each end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each battery, taking care not to short against chassis. Battery • Connect one end of the BLACK cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of fully charged battery.
  • Page 26 TO ADJUST CARBURETOR ENGINE NOTE: The carburetor on this engine is Maintenance, repair, or replacement low emission. It is equipped with an idl_ the emission control devices and fuel adjusting needle with a limiter cap, systems, which are being done at the which allows some adjustment within customers...

  • Page 27: Preliminary Setting

    PRELIMINARY SETTING Idle Speed Screw • Air cleaner assembly must be as- __.,...Throttle sembled to the carburetor when r_ -.--- Lever making carburetor adjustments. • Be sure the throttle control cable adjusted properly (see above). FINAL SETTING • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes.

  • Page 28: Engine Oil

    Immediately prepare your tractor for ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture storage at the end of the season or if the which leads to separation and formation tractor will not be used for 30 days or of acids during storage. Acidic gas can more.

  • Page 29: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start • Out of fuel. • Fill fuel tank. • See"TO START ENGINE" • Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. • Wait several minutes before • Engine flooded. attempting to start. • Bad spark plug.
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power • Cutting too much grass/too • Set in "Higher Cut" position/ fast. reduce speed. Throttle in "CHOKE" • Adjust throttle control. position. Build-up of grass, leaves • Clean underside of mower and trash under mower. housing.
  • Page 31 tROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM CORRECTION Mower blades will • Obstruction in clutch • Remove obstruction. mechanism. not rotate • Worn/damaged mower • Replace mower drive belt. drive belt. • Frozen idler pulley. • Replace idler pulley. • Frozen blade mandrel. •...

  • Page 32: Service Notes

    SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 33 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE STARTER AMMETER (OPTtONAL) BLACK wH,,E , © : ,<_f______ SOLENOID CLLU TCH / BF_A-K _ " (PEDAL WHITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION .., _ _ _ (NOT OCCUPIED) SWITCH WI'_TE i_i_l ..BLACK BLACK BLACK...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 ELECTRICAL KEY PART DESCRIPTION\ 144925 Battery 12 VOLT 25 AMP 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20unc x 3/4 156417 Case Battery 153664 Switch, Interlock Push-In 166182 Harness Asm Light W/4152j 4152J Bulb Light #1156 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga 1t"...

  • Page 36: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRIPTION 169830 Chassis 169061 Drawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 3/4 155927 Panel, Dash, L.H. 145660 Clip Tinnerman Grille P/L 169117X010 Panel, Dash, R.H.

  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 GROUND DRIVE ,£,_-202 /150 51 t _26 2519...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transmission (See Breakdown) 134683 Guide, Belt, Mower Drive RH Hydro Gear Model 322-0510 169183 Strap, Torque, Lh 165866 Rod, Shift 19132012 Washer 13/32 x 1-1/4 x 12 Ga. STD561210 Pin, Cotter 1/8 x 1 169182 Strap, Torque, Rh...

  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 STEERING ASSEMBLY ..
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 Steering Wheel 154427 Axle Assembly STMP Dropped STL 156483 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 157473 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6266H Beadng, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Gauge 19272016 Washer 27/32 x 1-!/4 x 16 Gauge...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 ENGINE .._ _ r OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 162157 Control Throt/Ch Lh 17720410 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20x5/8 T Engine (See Breakdown) Bdggs Model 311707-0132-E1 137352 Muffler Exhaust B&S Lt 165291 Gasket 1 313 Id Tin Plated 13280324 Nipple Pipe 3/8 Npt X 3" 13200300 Elbow Std 90 Degree 3/8-18 Npt STD551237...

  • Page 44: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 140122 Seat 3350 BIk/blk Craftsman 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 140551 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20x1-1/2 Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) 72050412 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1...
  • Page 45 133644 Decal, Customer Maintenance 138311 Decal, Lift Handle 166887 Decal, Deck Mower EZ 165800X428 Pad Footrest LH STLT 163204 Decal, Fender, Craftsman 165799X428 Pad Footrest RH STLT 156439 Decal, Fender Danger 174790 Owner's Manual, English 146046 Decal, V-Belt Drive Schematic...

  • Page 46: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 LIFT ASSEMBLY _ ,o1_ 2_ ",s...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger 159471 Shaft Asm. Lift 105767X Pin Groove 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. 120183X Bearing Nylong 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 122365X Button Plunger Read 139865...

  • Page 48: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 MOWER DECK _47 142 o_21...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 131845 Arm Assembly, Pad, Brake STD533107 Bolt 133943 Washer, Hardened 138017 Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, 155046 Arm, Idler Front 165723 Spacer, Retainer 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck 141043 Guard, TUV Idler STD624008...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 HYDRO TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 322-0510 _'123 "83 20W50 OIL j57 124 SEAL AND O-RING KIT _'127...

  • Page 51: Hydro Transaxle

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 HYDRO TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 322-0510 PART PART _10. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Brake Puck 170351 Main Housing, Assembly 142883 Puck Plate 170352 Side Housing, Assembly 142882 170353 Center Section, Assembly 170409 Brake Actuating Pin 170354 Swashplate, Trunion Machined 170410...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 ,_!_1 40868 1034 ',, 830d _ 238' 1029 27 '!:" 46 i '_-:: !lJll!)!tp! _rIOI)J] ,'iii 43_. :,L_.; 1033 VALVE OVERHAUL 22 )_!, REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL.
  • Page 53 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 1251 1141[ ( _,_, 231 _' _1 "_ 9s'r _ 692I 188_ i,_ _. LMTICARBURETOR PART NUMBER LOCATIONS THIS CARBURETOR SERVICES BOTH CHOKE-A-MATIC AND MANUAL CHOKE SYSTEMS 358 GASKET SET 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 • 462 1005 696A < 668 ill: 287 '_ 1044 _ '_ 729A _' " 524 _""_ ] 1036 LABEL KIT-EMISSION...

  • Page 55: Briggs & Stratton

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 690156 CylinderAssembly 495097 Choke Shaft Kit (Man. Choke) 399265 Bushing/Seal 141A 495931 Choke Shaft Kit (Choke-A- 391086 Seal-Oil Matic) 494238 Sump-Engine 232117 •...
  • Page 56 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,270681 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 311707, TYPE NUMBER 0132-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 92613 Bolt (Governor Lever) 499236 Seal -Valve 92278 Nut (Starter Cable) 281104 Cover-Air Cleaner 93053 Clamp-Hose 693686 Base-Air Cleaner Pin-Cotter 393537 Wire-Alternator 93306 Crank-Governor...
  • Page 59 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING _CuT GUIDE TH_s 15 ° MAX. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not _rLJ_ greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradu- ally to prevent tipping or loss of control.
  • Page 60 Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOM E s. Anytime, o r night (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics for repair, call for...

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