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Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN °
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273639
i_
his 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 917.273639
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273639
- Page 1 Read and follow all Safety 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 Service ......Back Cover LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace...
- 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- _,WARNING: In order to prevent •...
- Page 4 • Never carry children. They may fall off • Mow up and down slopes, not across. and be seriously injured or interfere with • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree safe machine operation. limbs, etc. • Never allow children to operate •...
- Page 5 • Be sure the area is clear of other people • Removeobstacles such as rocks,tree before mowing.Stop machineif anyone limbs,etc. enters the area. • Watchfor holes,ruts, or bumps.Uneven terrain could overturnthe machine.Tall • Nevercarry passengersor children evenwith the bladesoff. grass can hide obstacles. •...
- Page 6 RC12YC AGREEMENTS (Gap: .030") Congratulations on making a smart pur- Forward: Ground Speed chase. Your new Craftsman® product is (MPH): designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That's...
- Page 7 Mower Leveling Wrench Bubble Level Keys (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use (2) Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet 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...
- Page 8 10. Turn ignition key to "STOP" position. Continue with the instructions that follow. REPOSITION RIGHT REAR GAUGE WHEEL For shipping purposes, the right rear gauge wheel assembly is mounted upside Adjustment down on the mower. Remove the gauge Knob wheel assembly and reinstall from the bottom as shown.
- Page 9 CHECKTIRE PRESSURE ,/CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overin- Before you operate and enjoy your new flated at the factory for shipping purposes. tractor, we wish to assure that you receive Correct tire pressure is important for best the best performance and satisfaction cutting performance.
- Page 10 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. I'-,I o ,-M SLOW REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE...
- Page 11 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. ht Switch Position Hourmeter Ignition Switch...
- Page 12 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 adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard...
- Page 13 • The average lawn should be cut to approxi- 1. Select desired height of cut. mately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season Start mower blades by engaging tachment clutch control. and to over 3 inches during hot months. TO STOP MOWER BLADES For healthier and better looking lawns, mow...
- Page 14 TOWING CARTS OTHER ATTACH- Acidic gas can damage the fuel system MENTS of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should Tow only the attachments that are recom- be emptied before storage of 30 days mended by and comply with specifications...
- Page 15 COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing below) performance and proper discharge When engine starts, leave throttle material. Regulate ground speed control in choke position until engine selecting a low enough gear to give the...
- Page 16 F,LL ,. DATES AS COMPLETE ..REGULAR SERV,OE / y4 TSERV'OE 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 17 TRACTOR Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as Always observe safety rules when per- shown. forming any maintenance. Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 BRAKE OPERATION Lbs. torque). If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
- Page 18 Check the crankcase oil level before start- NOTE: The original equipment battery your tractor is maintenance free. Do not ing the engine and after each eight (8) attempt to open or remove caps or covers. hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/ Adding or checking level of electrolyte...
- Page 19 Clean out chaff and debris Serviceair cleaner more often under dusty conditions. Air Screen 1. Pull up on air filter cover handleand rotate towardsengine. 2. Removecover. 3. Carefullyremoveair filter cartridge and pre-cleanerfrom base. 4. Clean base carefullyto preventdebris from falling into carburetor. NOTE:If very dirty or damaged,replace cartridge.
- Page 20 WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
- Page 21 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Bottom Edge of Bottom Edge of Mower to_ Mower to ..?rouoO Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual).
- Page 22 Mandrel Idler • To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F" from trunnion on both front links. Tighten nut "E" on both front links an equal num- ber of turns. The two front links must remain equal in length. • When distance "D"...
- Page 23 TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxle is in neutral. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the belt installation guide decal on bottom side right rear wheel.
- Page 24 TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BAT- First connect RED battery cable to TERY positive (+) battery terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten _,WARNING: Lead-acid batteries gen- securely. erate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame Connect BLACK grounding cable to and smoking...
- Page 25 ENGINE IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the if screw is turned in too tight. emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, PRELIMINARY SETTING may be performed...
- Page 26 Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- blended fuels (called gasohol or using age at the end of the season or if the trac- ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture tor will not be used for 30 days or more. which leads to separation and formation acids during...
- Page 27 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE 3ORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. Wait several minutes Engine flooded.
- Page 28 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM 1. Cutting too much grass/too Loss of power Raise cutting height/reduce fast. speed. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Adjust throttle control. Clean underside of mower 3.
- Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Mower blades will 1• 1. Obstruction in clutch Remove obstruction. not rotate mechanism• Worn/damaged mower drive Replace mower drive belt. • belt. Frozen idler pulley• Replace idler pulley.
- Page 31 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 SCHEMATIC SOLENOID FUSE AMMETER STARTER (OPTIONAL) BLACK ELECTRIC CLUTCH DIODE SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) GROUNDING CONNECTOR FUEL I (OPTIONAL) SPARK PLUGS • BLACK _ I - UN,T J ONK(2PLUGS -- " IL_,L L--- I IGNITION ON TWIN CYL.
- Page 32 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 ELECTRICAL I- ..\ ..
- Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 163465 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 Holddown, Battery, Front 145769 Nut, Push, Nylon, Battery, Front 1/4 176138 Switch, interlock 175688 Harness,...
- Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES _j209 .142 chassis-stealth,stlt...
- Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 161566X428 Dash 72140608 Bolt RDHD SQNK 3/8-16 x 1 167203 Panel, Dash, LH 188702X010 Panel, Dash, RH 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 175260X615 Hood Assembly 162026 Plate Battery STD541437...
- Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 GROUND DRIVE drive-fender.stlt...
- Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transaxle Peerless 206-545C 169691 Keeper, Belt, Center Span Screw 3/8-16 x .875 (See Breakdown) 17120614 Cover, Pedal 146682 Spring, Return, Brake 123533X 123666X Pulley, Transaxle 175414 Pulley, Engine Bolt Hex 7/16-20 x 4 Gr.
- Page 38 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 STEERING steering stealth prem...
- Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 STEERING PART DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Wheel Steering 184706 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25132 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 12000029 Ring Klip #t5304-75 175121 Link Drag STD551137...
- Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyF...
- Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 ENGINE PART DESCRIPTION 176636X505 Control Throttle/Choke 171875 Screw Hwhd Hi-Lo #13-16 x 3/4 Engine, Briggs Model 31P777-0348-E1 (See Breakdown) 137352 Muffler 165291 Muffler Gasket 148456 Tube Drain oil 169837 Shield Heat 137180 Kit Spark Arrestor (Flat Scrn) 179022...
- Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 SEAT ASSEMBLY F_.-- 15 seat It.knob KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 188714 Seat 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 140551 Bracket Pivot Seat 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 STD523710 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 121249X Spacer...
- Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 DECALS PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 187407 164065 Reflector, Decal, Steering Wheel 138047 Decal Battery, Diehard, Sears 156368 Decal, Fender, Operator inst. 186242 Decal Hood RH 186572 Decal, Fender 186243 Decal Hood LH 149516 Decal, Battery 160396 Decal Deck Sch.
- Page 44 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 LIFT ASSEMBLY •...
- Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 179504 Plunger Assembly 159476 Shaft Assembly, Lift 188822 Pin, Groove 12000002 E-Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 120183X Bearing, Nylon 175830 Grip, Handle, Fluted 139865 Link, Lift, L.H. 139866 Link, Lift, R.H.
- Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 MOWER DECK _ "'" 159 _i 132 91 _184 \ \_132 140 - , 138 \" 92__ D,elec.t-path.adjwl.stlt...
- Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Roller Nose 182032 Mower Housing 132264 STD533107 Bolt 180533 Bracket Roller Nose RH 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Ft. 136420 Cover Mulching 42" Black Screw Truss Hd Phil 10-24 x 5/8 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42"...
- Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE--MODEL NUMBER 206-545C MODEL and SERIAL NUMBERS HERE...
- Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273639 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE--MODEL NUMBER 206-545C PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772147 Transaxle Cover 790079 Brake Lever 780086A Needle Bearing 5/8" 792073A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 1-1 /4" 770128 Transaxle Case 792085A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 2 1/4" 776395 Countershaft 792075...
- Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 884_ 11 _ 584_ 12641_ 146 '_ 126_ 718 '_ 741_ 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 8680 943 O 1270 lr _7591 617 0 8420 1027 / 1019 LABEL 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL...
- Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 868 _-'_ 1022 _1 1022 6170 1034 --10_ 1119_ •_ _-1o6 lo91 127 (_ 947_ 276@ 1127_ 104%-CA 4A_KIT-087 R B URE TO R6_ 137_ 276@ _06_ _-_ 6_ 1266_.j I...
- Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697174 Cylinder Assembly 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal 108A 692344 Valve-Choke (Choke A Matic) (MagnetoSide) 694352 Jet-Main (Standard) 391086 • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side)
- Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273639 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 89838 Wrench-Spark Plug 690968 Seal-Valve 694476 Screw (Fuel Pump) 690960 Screw (Rocker Cover) 385A 690297 Screw (Fuel Pump) 697091 Line-Vacuum 697090 Pump-Fuel 690589 •...
- Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION //VE ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. 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.
- Page 56 Your Home iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii_ For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii For the replacement parts, accessories iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii...