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Craftsman 917.273645 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 18.5 hp, 42" mower electric start automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
CRIIFTSMHN °
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273645
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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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273645

  • Page 1 Read and follow all Safety about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Rules and Instructions before Sears Craftsman Help Line operating this equipment. 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A Visit our Craftsman...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    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. • Never direct discharged material _IWARNING: In orderto preventac- toward anyone. Avoid discharging cidentalstarting when setting up, trans- material against a wall or obstruction.
  • Page 4 II. SLOPE OPERATION • Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and Slopes are a major factor related to loss of be seriously injured or interfere with control and tip-over accidents, which safe machine operation.
  • Page 5 • Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, the truck or trailer and refuel it on the other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel ground. If this is not possible,then spillage and remove any fuel-soaked refuelsuch equipmentwith a portable debris.

  • Page 6: Productspecifications

    Plug: Champion RC12YC AGREEMENTS GAP: .030") Congratulations on making a smart pur- Ground Speed Forward: chase. Your new Craftsman® product (MPH): Reverse: designed and manufactured for years of Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI dependable operation. But like all prod- Rear:...
  • Page 7 Bubble Level Mower Leveling Wrench (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys...

  • Page 8: Operation

    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 when you are in the oper- ating position (seated behind the steering wheel).
  • Page 9 4. Sit on seat in operatingposition, Deflector depress clutch/brakepedal andset the Shield parking brake. 5. Placemotion controlleverin neutral (N) position. Plate 6. Press lift lever plungerand raise attachmentlift leverto its highest posi- tion. 7. Start the engine.After engine has started, movethrottle controlto idle Latch Hooks position.
  • Page 10 V'CHECKLIST Before you operate your new tractor, 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. ,/No remaining loose parts in carton. ,/Battery is properly prepared...
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning. 0#-,0 SLOW IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED...
  • 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. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Ignition Switch Position Hourmeter...
  • Page 13 The operation of any tractor 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 I...
  • Page 14 TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Attachment Clutch Switch Attachemnt Gauge wheels are properly adjusted Pull Out To "Engage" Lift Lever High when they are slightly off the ground when ,_ Position mower is at the desired cutting height operating position. Gauge wheels then ,,,,,,[':...
  • Page 15 Transmission Engaged All, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.
  • Page 16 Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and After the engine is running, move above) throttle control to slow position. With 7. When engine starts, move the throttle motion control lever in neutral control to the fast position.
  • Page 17 MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS • Mower should be properly leveled IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep best mowing performance. See "TO mower housing free of built-up grass and LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of this •...
  • Page 18 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence v" Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling...
  • Page 19 TRACTOR IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with Always observe safety rules when per- approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts. forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION Trailing Blade Center If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to Edge Up Hole stop at highest...
  • Page 20 TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting Corrosion and dirt on the battery and termi- cold weather, they will result in increased nals can cause the battery to "leak" power. oil consumption when used above 32°E Remove terminal guard.
  • Page 21 ENGINE OIL FILTER CLEAN AIR SCREEN Replace the engine oil filter every season Air screen must be kept free of dirt and or every other oil change if the tractor chaff to prevent engine damage from used more than 100 hours in one year.
  • Page 22 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 23 • If adjustment is necessary, make adjust- Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure with retainer ment on one side of mower only. • To raise one side of mower, tighten lift springs. link adjustment nut on that side. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis...
  • Page 24 TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE Mandrel 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 "D..D" stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete...
  • Page 25 TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a The motion control lever has been preset belt installation guide decal on bottom side at the factory and adjustment should of left footrest.
  • Page 26 TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES ALIGNMENT Connect one end of the RED cable If steering wheel crossbars are not to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each horizontal (left to right) when wheels battery(A-B), taking care not to short positioned straight forward,...

  • Page 27: Maintenance

    Keps Nut Hex Bolt ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers pense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an Positive authorized engine...
  • Page 28 TO ADJUST CARBURETOR FINAL SETTING NOTE: The carburetor on this engine Start engine and allow to warm for five low emission. It is equipped with an idle minutes. Make final adjustments with fuel adjusting needle with a limiter cap, engine running and shift/motion control...

  • Page 29: Storage

    Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol age at the end of the season or if the trac- or using ethanol or methanol) can attract tor will not be used for 30 days or more. moisture which leads to separation...

  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before Engine flooded.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power Low oil level/dirty oil. Check oil level/change oil. (continued) Faulty spark plug. Clean and regap or change spark plug. Dirty fuel filter. Replace fuel filter.
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM CORRECTION Place throttle control 1. Engine speed too slow. Poor grass discharge "FAST" position. 2. Travel speed too fast. Shift to slower speed. 3. Wet grass. 3.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 SCHEMATIC BLACK BAqq-ERY SOLENOID STARTER BLACK ELECTRIC CLUTCH DIODE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) GROUNDING CONNECTOR _PARK PLUGS (_l_ IGNITION _"_ BLACK _)_,_l UNIT (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL. ENGINES) CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT 28 VOLTS AC @ 3600 RPM FUEL SHUT-OFF /gAMP...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 ELECTRICAL "12...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 ELECTRICAL KEY PART 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 Mount 145769 Nut, Push Nylon Battery Front 1/4 176138 Switch Interlock...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273645 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES _. 209 -145 >209 chassis-stealth,stlt...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273645 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 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 Plate Battery STD541437 Locknut, Hex, with Insert 3/8-16 unc...
  • Page 38 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 GROUND DRIVE 16 _ 36 35 drive-hydro,stlt...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,273645 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 173937 Bolt Hex 7/16-20 x 4 Gr. 5 - - - Transaxle, Peerless LTH2000 STD551143 Washer (See Breakdown) 165866 Rod Shift Fend. 154778 Keeper Belt Engine 142432 Screw Hew Wsh Hi-Lo 1/4-1/2 unc 180505 Clutch Ogura...
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 STEERING ASSEMBLY <- \14395 steering stealth prem 3...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Wheel Steering 184706 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5t8 x 16 Ga. 12000029 Ring Klip #t5304-75 175121 Link Drag STD551137...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273645 ENGINE > OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcy[ KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 176636X505 Control Throttle/Choke 123487X Clamp Hose Black 171875 Screw Hwhd Hi-Lo #13-16 x 3/4 8543R Line Fuel Engine, Briggs Model 31P777- 181654 Plug Drain Oil Easy 0348-E1 (See Breakdown)
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 SEAT ASSEMBLY seat Itknob PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121248X 188714 Seat Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 72050412 140551 Bracket Pivot Seat Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 121249X STD523710 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Spacer Split 28x .88 Zinc...
  • Page 44 Decal Hood RH 164065 Decal, Steering Wheel 186243 Decal Hood LH 156811 Decal, Fender Opr. 186572 Decal Fender Craftsman 149516 Decal, Battery 146046 Decal V-Belt, Drive Schematic 186331 Decal, Hood, Side Panel 164096 Decal Dash 189020 Decal, Engine 179128 Decal...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273645 LIFT ASSEMBLY ,3----Ow lift-rh.lpiece PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 179504 73800800 Nut Lock wlWsh 112-13 unc Plunger Assembly 159476 Shaft Assembly, Lift 139868 Arm Asm. Suspension Mower 188822 Pin, Groove 163552 Retainer Spring 12000002 E-Ring 169865 Bearing Pivot Lift...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273645 MOWER DECK 144 ,:_..140 - 23 24 , 138 <, D,elec.t-path.adjwl.stlt...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 182032 Mower Housing STD541437 Locknut, Hex W/Wsh 3/8-16 STD533107 Bolt 132264 Roller Nose Bracket Roller Nose RH 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 180533 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" 136420 Cover Mulching 42"...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 786196 Spacer .625.765 772151 Cover L.H. 792201 Spring 770135 Case 792154 Oil Fill Plug 776355 Counter Shaft 788088A Oil Seal 3/4" 778263 Spur Gear 11T 792141 Washer .3771D .058W 786197...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 43 7 884?11 _ 584_ 12641_ 128_ 146 _1 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 8680 943 0 617 0 8420 1019 LABEL KIT 1330 REPAIR MANUAL 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL I I 1036 EMISSION LABEL...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697174 Cylinder Assembly 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (MagnetoSide) 108A 692344 Valve-Choke (Choke A Matic) 391086 • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 694352 Jet-Main (Standard) 697188 Sump-Engine...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 1022 868 _;_ 1022 6170 267 _ 334_ 1091 385<%9 6o1_ 1266A <__> 276(d_ 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL 1127_ 04 _ 634A_ 987_ 105 [_137_ 276_ _1 977 CARBURETOR GASKET 1060 _...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273645 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION •+ Seal-Valve 89838 Wrench-Spark Plug 690968 694476 Screw (Fuel Pump) 690960 Screw (Rocker Cover) Line-Vacuum 385A 690297 Screw (Fuel Pump) 697091 697090 Pump-Fuel 690589 •...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. 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.
  • Page 56 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! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii For the replacement parts, accessories owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances...