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Craftsman 917.273281 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 21.0 hp, 48" mower electric start automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
ICRnFTSMnN !
LAWN TRACTOR
21.0 HP, 48" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273281
[_
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 equip-
ment.
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 917.273281

  • Page 1 Call: Read and follow all 1-800-659-5917 Safety Rules and Instructions Sears Craftsman Help Line before operating this equip- 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat ment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    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 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. • Be aware of the mower discharge direc- A(_WARNING: In order to prevent ac- tion and do not point it at anyone.
  • Page 4 • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with • Mow up and down slopes, not across. safe machine operation. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Never allow children to operate the limbs, etc.

  • Page 5: Safety Rules

    • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other people limbs, etc. before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall •...
  • Page 6 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Here's what's included in the Agreement: • Expert service by our 12,000 profe- • Read and observe the safety rules. sional repair specialists. • Follow a regular schedule in main- • Unlimited service and no charge for taining, caring for and using your tractor. parts and labor on all covered repairs.
  • Page 7 Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory. Review the video cassette before you begin. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means, from your point of view, when you are in the operating posi- tion (seated behind the steering wheel).

  • Page 8: Product Specifications

    6. Start the engine.After engine has JCHECKLIST started,move throttle controlto idle Before you operate your new tractor, we position. wish to assure that you receive the best 7. Releaseparkingbrake. performance and satisfaction from this 8. Slowlydepress forwarddrive pedal and Quality Product. drivetractor off skid.
  • Page 9 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. I'.,I REVERSE NEUTRAL NIGH CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED...
  • Page 10 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. Save this manual for future reference. Hourmeter Switch Position Ignition Attachment Clutch Switch Switch...
  • Page 11 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
  • Page 12 TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT 1. Select desired height of cut. 2• Start mower blades by engaging at- The position of the attachment lift lever tachment clutch control. determines the cutting height. TO STOP MOWER BLADES - • Grasp lift lever. disengage attachment clutch control.
  • Page 13 NOTE: To protect hood from damage To avoid engine problems, the fuel system when transporting your tractor on a truck should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and the engine and let it run until the fuel lines secured to tractor.

  • Page 14: Operation

    • If the enginestarts to run roughly,pull 5. Shut off engine and set parking brake. the chokecontrolout slightly for a few 6. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in "transmission secondsand then continueto pushthe controlin slowly.This may requirean engaged" position (See "TO TRANS- enginewarm-up periodfrom several PORT' in this section of manual).

  • Page 15: Maintenance Schedule

    --.--SE.V. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .I_.,_£`_ ,_£`_,_£`__ o. ¢ ,_¢_ AS YOUCOMPLETE £ _b£'_ ;_ ;£'_ ;£'I ;£4, _O£x C:]: TB:art;TsPera:ion Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Checkfor Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check...

  • Page 16: Maintenance

    TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when per- on mandrel assembly. forming any maintenance. 4. Install and tighten blade bolt securely BRAKE OPERATION (45-55 Ft. Lbs. torque). If tractor requires more than six (6) feet IMPORTANT: Special blade bolt is heat stopping distance at high speed in highest...
  • Page 17 NOTE:The original equipmentbattery on SAE V_SCOSITY GRADES your tractor is maintenancefree. Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checking levelof electrolyteis not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERYANDTERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the battery and NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils terminals can causethe batteryto "leak" (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in power.
  • Page 18 CLEAN AIR SCREEN 7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dip- stick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. Air screen must be kept free of dirt and For approximate capacity see "PROD- chaff to prevent engine damage from UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this overheating.
  • Page 19 CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. tractor unless the engine and transmis- of all foreign matter. sion are covered to keep water out. Water •...
  • Page 20 IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper rout- • Using the lift lever, place mower in ing in all mower pulley grooves. position where no part of the mower, 3. If equipped, turn height adjustment including gauge wheels, is touching the knob counterclockwise until it stops.
  • Page 21 BOTH FRONT PLATE LINKS MUST BE Suspension EQUAL IN LENGTH Lift Link ustment FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side- to-side. If the following front-to-back adjustment is necessary, be sure to adjust Nut "C" both front links equally so mower will stay level side-to-side.
  • Page 22 18.Engagebelt tension rod by pushing rod into locking bracket. a,a, Mandrel Belt Tension Rod Cover (Disengaged Electric Clutch Position) Pulley Idler Pulleys a,a, Mandrel Spring Arm R,a, Suspension Primary Idler Arm 9. Remove any dirt or grass which may TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE have accumulated...
  • Page 23 17. Reinstall mower to tractor (See "TO INSTALL MOWER" in this section manual). Secondary Idler Arm Idler L.H. Pulley !ing Mandrel Secondary Mandrel Mower Blade (Secondary) Drive Belt a.H. Mandrel TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE 4. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in "transmission Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the...
  • Page 24 TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a Should your transmission require removal belt installation guide decal on bottom side for service or replacement, it should be of left footrest.
  • Page 25 If your battery is too weak to start the 6. First connect RED battery cable to engine, it should be recharged. (See "BAT- positive (+) battery terminal with hex TERY" in the Maintenance section of this bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten manual).
  • Page 26 TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your Headlight Wire tractor to a Sears or other qualified service Connector center for repair and/or adjustment. High speed stop is factory adjusted. not adjust - damage may result.

  • Page 27: Storage

    ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- which leads to separation and formation of age at the end of the season or if the trac- acids during storage. Acidic gas can dam- tor will not be used for 30 days or more. _WARNING: Never store the tractor age the fuel system of an engine while in...

  • Page 28: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. i Will not start 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in i 2. Engine not"CHOKED" properly. Operation section. 3.
  • Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE I CORRECTION 6. Faulty spark plug. 6. Clean and regap or change Loss of power spark plug. (continued) 7. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8.
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION iPoor grass 3. Wetg_ss. 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. idischarge Mower deck not level. 4. Level mower deck. i(continued) Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5.
  • Page 31 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 SCHEMATIC 8LACK BATTERY R£D FUSE STARTER AMMETER (OPTIONAL) WaJTE '©IC_ CLUTCH / BRAKJE (PEDAL UP) IGNITION' SEAT SWITCH (NOTOCCUPIED) FUEL I OPERATOR PRESENCE RELAY #1 _GNmON PLUG SPARK UNiT BLUE LINE II (2 PLUGS ON FUEL SHUT-OFF TWIN CYL.
  • Page 32 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 74760412 Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 7603J Tray, Battery 145211 Bolt, Battery, Front 1/4-20 x 7-1/2 150109 Holddewn, Battery, Front 145769 Nut, Push, Nylon, Battery, Front 1/4 176138 Switch, Interlock 175688 Harness, Light 4152J...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 1667 _166 chassis-LTX*stl...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 172542X418 Dash 72140608 Bolt RDHD SQNK 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, LH 179174X010 Panel, Dash, RH 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 172540X615 Hoed Assembly 180679 Plate Battery 124028X...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 GROUND DRIVE • 53 "239 29'_ drive-hydro.stlt..31...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. - - - Transaxle, HydroGear, Model Number 336-0510 (See Break 174901X418 Console, Shift Nut Self-Thd Wsh-hd 1/4 Zinc down) 124346X 17060512 Screw 5/16-18 180825...
  • Page 38 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 STEERING ASSEMBLY steering..pLIt 45...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 STEERINGASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 175139X418 Wheel Steering 184706 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 12O00O29 Ring Klip #t5304-75 175121 Link Drag STD551137...
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs intek-twin...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 175437X428 Control Throttle 171875 Screw Hwhd Hi-Lo #13-16 x 3/4 Engine, Briggs Model 407777-0121-E4 (See Breakdown) 149723 Muffler Asm Twin Lo-Tone 159955 Pipe Exhaust LH Intek 160589 Pipe Exhaust RH lntek 171877 Bolt 5/16-18 unc x 3/4 w/Sems 162797...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 SEAT ASSEMBLY seatjt.knob2 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 175134 Seat 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 ld 140551 Bracket Pivot Seat 8 720 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 STD523710 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 121249X Spacer Split 28x .88 Zinc...
  • Page 43 Decal, Steering Wheel 186329 Decal, Hood RH 177955 Decal, Fender, Cruise 186330 Decal, Hood LH 149516 Decal, Battery 180978 Decal, Seat Craftsman 186331 Decal, Hood, Side Panel 146046 Decal, V-Belt, Drive Schematic 177889 Decal, Grille 180978 Decal, Hood 180438 Decal, Engine...
  • Page 44 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 LIFT ASSEMBLY Ifft-rh.lpiece...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 179504 Plunger Assembly 159476 Shaft Assembly, Lift 178981 Pin, Groove 12000002 E-Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32xl x21 Ga. 120183X Bearing, Nylon 175830 Grip, Handle, Fluted 175370 Link, Lift, L.H. 175371 Link, Lift, R.H. 4939M Retainer Spring 175562...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 MOWER DECK _132 12k:_ 110 I mower deck,48prem...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 MOWER DECK KEY PART PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 180358 Deck Weldment Mower 48 72110612 Bolt, Carr. 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Gr. 5 138017 175820 Bracket Asm., Sway Bar Pulley Idler Flat 4939M 74780616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 uric x 1 Gr. 5 Retainer Spring 178024 72140608...
  • Page 48 ¢) _129 r128 _,-,I _rrl 0,1 ,,,,& ...L_ I ,,,,& LI08 6-Sealant (Joint d' etancheite) 57-20W50 Oil - 78.80Z (OZ de 78.820 d' Huite) 127 - Seal and O-ring Kit (Phoque 0 Sonne Jeu)
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER 336-0510 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Arm, Brake 170351 Main Housing, Assembly 178782 Slotted Hex Nut 5/16-24 170352 Side Housing, Assembly 170415 Cotter Pin 3/32 X 3/4 170353 Center Section, Assembly 170416 Compression Spring Brake Anti- 170354...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 929_ 11019 LABEL KI'I_ 8471 523_ 842_ _163_ 447A_ 51A_ 524© 929A_ 54 _ 220_ 1095 VALVE GASKET SET 868 _/_ 883_/ 865B_ 447A _' 1027D...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 117_ 137@ 51A_ 552 Q 51A_ 1128|['1] 552A_ 552A6 276 O 104_ 1123 1124'_@ 105_ 633@ 987@ 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET 51A_ 137@ 276 O 672_ 150 L_.I 987_ 1123_ 1124_ 633@...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 11058 OWNER'S MANUAq 11o38_ 635_ 1888__ 526_ 501_ 789_ 332 _ 883 _ 75®11191_/ 334_ [8;, _ 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 513_1 8© 2760 51A_ 868_ 943@ 842_ 691_ 8822 5248...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 690231 Cylinder Assembly 499805 Throttle Shaft Kit 499585 Bushing-Cylinder 499806 Float-Carburetor 391086 .Seal-Oil 499803 Fuel Transfer Tube 690069 Sump-Engine 690994 {3 :I: Gasket-Float Bowl 693998 Head-Cylinder No.
  • Page 54 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273281 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407777TYPE NUMBER 0121-E4 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Cover-Air Guide 690999 Plate-Cover 865B 691015 •+ Seal-Valve 499486 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge 690968 Bushing-Guide 691003 Screw (Air Guide Cover) 690969 Alternator Connector/Wire 447A 690960 Screw (Air Guide Cover) 399916 •+ Gasket-Exhaust 691261...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 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.
  • Page 56 Get it fixed, at your home or ours! Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand apphances, lawn and garden equtpment, or heatmg and coohng systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessones owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself.