Table of Contents
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Owner's Manual
CRIIFTSMHN °
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273641
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 917.273641
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273641
- 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 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 _IIWARNING: 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 can 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 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 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 operating position, Deflector depress clutch/brake pedal and set the Shield parking brake. 5. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. Plate 6. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest posi- tion.
- 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 Attachment Clutch Switch TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Attachemnt Pull Out To "Engage" Gauge wheels are properly adjusted Lift Lever High when they are slightly off the ground when Position mower is at the desired cutting height operating position. Gauge wheels then "/"4 keep the deck in proper...
- 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 WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and Place tractor safely on level surface above) with engine off and parking brake set. Disengage transmission by placing 7. When engine starts, move the throttle freewheel control in "transmission dis- control to the fast position. engaged"...
- Page 17 MULCHING MOWING TIPS MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep • Mower should be properly leveled for mower housing free of built-up grass and best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut Service and Adjustments section...
- Page 18 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES 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...
- 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...
- 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 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 FINAL SETTING TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Start engine and allow to warm for five NOTE: The carburetor on this engine minutes. Make final adjustments with low emission. It is equipped with an idle engine running and shift/motion control fuel adjusting needle with a limiter cap, lever in neutral (N) position.
- Page 29 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 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 917.273641 SCHEMATIC ..................................BATTERY STARTER BLACK SOLENOID ,©, OPERATOR PRESENCE RELAY #1 ....... SISARK ....IGNITION •--'_ UNIT PLUG (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL. ENGINES) (IF SO EQUIPPED} METER CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT /2 VOLTS AC O) 3600 RPM 9 AMP DC @ 3600 RPM (REGULATOR...
- Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273641 ELECTRICAL "12...
- Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273641 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 917,273641 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES _. 209 -145 >209 chassis-stealth,stlt...
- Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273641 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 deive.hTdeo, st/t_9...
- Page 39 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273641 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transaxle, HydroGear, Model 123533X Cover, Pedal Number 314-0510 (See Break 175414 Pulley, Engine Washer down) 10040700 165866 Rod Shift Fend. 154778 Keeper Belt Engine 160889 Clutch Electric 142432 Screw Hew Wsh Hi-Lo 1/4-1/2 unc 76020416 Pin Cotter...
- Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273641 STEERING ASSEMBLY <- \14395 steering stealth prem 3...
- Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273641 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 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 12000029 Ring Klip #t5304-75 175121 Link Drag STD551137...
- Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273641 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs lcyl PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 176636X505 Control Throttle 181654 Plug Drain Oil Easy 171875 Screw Hwhd Hi-Lo #13-16 x 3/4 139277 Stem Tank Fuel Engine, Briggs Model 31P777- 17000612 Screw Hexwsh...
- Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273641 SEAT ASSEMBLY seat It,knob PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121248X 180598 Seat Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 72050412 180166 Bracket Pivot Seat Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 114-20 x 1-1/2 121249X STD523710 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Spacer Split 28x .88 Zinc...
- Page 44 186242 Decal, Hood RH 156811 Decal, Fender Opr. 186243 Decal, Hood LH 149516 Decal, Battery 186572 Decal, Fender Craftsman 186331 Decal, Hood, Side Panel 146046 Decal, V-Belt, Drive Schematic 189020 Decal, Engine 164096 Decal, Dash 181470 Decal, Deck level 179128...
- Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273641 LIFT ASSEMBLY lift-rh.lpiece PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 179504 73800800 Nut Lock wiWsh 1/2-13 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 19211621...
- Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273641 MOWER DECK 144 ,:_..140 - 23 24 , 138 <, D,elec.t-path.adjwl.stlt...
- Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273641 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 "7" ..< 122- 119. 120- _128 _',-I 56-. _127 ",4 27 \...
- Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273641 HYDRO GEARTRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Rotor, Brake 170351 Main Housing, Assembly 170408 Brake Puck 170352 Side Housing, Assembly 142883 Puck Plate 170353 Center Section, Assembly 142881 170354 Swashplate, Trunion Machined 142887 Brake Actuating...
- Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273641 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 917.273641 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 917.273641 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 917.273641 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 Au Canada pour service en frangais: 1-800-LE-FOYER (1-800-533-6937) www.sears.ca 02410 © Sears, Roebuckand Co. ® Registered Trademark / TMTrademark / SMService Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co. ® Marca Registrada / TMMarca de Fabrica / - Marca de Servicio de Sears, Roebuck and Co. MCMarque de commerce / Marque depos6e de Sears, Roebuck and Co.