Craftsman 18.5 HP 917.273823 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 18.5 HP 917.273823 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 18.5 HP 917.273823 Owner's Manual

18.5 hp, 42" mower electric start automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN'I
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HE 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273823
[_
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 pro, 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 18.5 HP 917.273823

  • Page 1 IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman this Owner's Manual. For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line...
  • Page 2 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 ing objects. Failure to observe injury or death. Jl, WARNING: In order to prevent cidental starting when setting porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact plug. _I, WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in...
  • Page 4 • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un- even terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
  • Page 5 • Be sure the area is clear of other before mowing. Stop machine enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- lutely necessary. Always _ook down behind before and while backing.

  • Page 6: Specifications

    3.5 Pints REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS RCt2YC Congratulations chase. Your new Craftsman@ product is designed and manufactured dependable operation. But like all prod- ucts, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and aggravation.
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) kocknut 1/2-20 Boot _(1) Slope Sheet (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Wheel Adapter Steering Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge Knob For Future Use Keys Video Cassette (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Steering Extension...
  • Page 8 Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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 9 INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening knob. Remove adjustment knob and fiat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly seat to tractor. Pivot seat upward and remove the cardboard packing. Remove cardboard packing and discard. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned...
  • Page 10 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) Raise and held deflector shield upright position. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning, REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH ENGAGED CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models...
  • Page 12 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. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter Throttle!Choke Clutch!Brake Pedal Freewheel Control Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards AMMETER...
  • Page 13 The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. 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 14 • For best cutting performance, 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height• TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground mower is at the desired cutting...
  • Page 15 Transmission Engaged Transmission Disengaged NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
  • Page 16 • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. COLD WEATHER STARTING below) When engine starts,...
  • Page 17 MOWING TIPS * Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. * The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. * Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut.
  • Page 18 AS YOU COMPLETE R EGU LARSE RVICE Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Lubrication Chart Check Battery Leve4 Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Clean B_tte_¥ and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Be4ts Check Engine Oil Leve4 Change Engine...

  • Page 19: To Sharpen Blade

    TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear. then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

  • Page 20: Transaxle Cooling/Pump Fluid

    • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes NOTE: The original equipment your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte not necessary.
  • Page 21 3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. 4. To open, pull out on the drain valve. 5. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
  • Page 22 MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- ate a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG(S) Replace spark plug(s) at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever first. Spark plug type and gap setting shown...
  • Page 23 WARNING: TO AVOID SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake 2. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch 4. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6.
  • Page 24 7. Push clutch cable housing guide into bracket, slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring. 8. Place fiat washer and clutch spring on idler pulley bolt and secure with small retainer spring. 9. Install belt onto engine pulley. TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING...
  • Page 25 BELT INSTALLATION Work belt around both mandrel and idler pulleys Make sure belt is in all pulley and inside all belt guides. Install mower (See "To Install in this section of this manual). Mandrel Pulley TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable...
  • Page 26 Engine Pulley ._._- _ Clutching _[_]_ Stationary Center Span Keeper _----"-_ Transmission _i::_ Input Pulley -.yy-__ TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL VER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment be necessary. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten.
  • Page 27 If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, fellow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system. The other vehicle must also be a 12 volt system. your tractor battery to start other vehicles. TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES Connect...

  • Page 28: To Adjust Throttle Control Cable/Carburetor

    ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUSTTHROTTLE CONTROL CABLE...
  • Page 29 Immediately prepare your tractor age at the end of the season tor will not be used for 30 days or more. &CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE 1. Out of fuel• Will not start 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded• 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter• 6. Dirty fuel filter• 7.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE LOSS of power Faulty spark continued) Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel• Water in fuel• 10.Spark plug wire loose• 11. Dirty engine air screen!fins• 12.
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Poor grass Wet grass. discharge Mower deck not level. _ontinued) Low!uneven tire air pressure. Worn, bent or loose blade. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR SCHEMATIC AMMETER (OPTIONAL) w_lrE CLUTCH k))G IGNITION SWITCH (OPTIONAL) BLUE FUEL SHUT-OFF (IF SO EQUIPPED) YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED.
  • Page 34 TRACTOR ELECTRICAL - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR ELECTRICAL NOTE: All component dimensions given in US, inches - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 PART DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 186491 Box, Battery 176138 Switch Interlock 183759 Harness, Light Socket (w!4152J) 4152J Light Bulb 4799J Cable, Battery 146148 Cable, Battery...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES chassis-L_ser -tt.stlt 41...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood!Dash 187846X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, LH 172105X010 Panel, Dash, RH 17490608 ScrewThdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2...
  • Page 38 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 GROUND DRIVE _202 @150 drive-hydro,silt_53...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR GROUND DRIVE KEY PART DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) Peerless LTH2000 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust STD561210 Pin Cofter 1/8xl 10040400 Washer Lock Hvy Helical 74490544 Bolt Hex FLGHD 5/16-18 Gr.5 STD541431 Nut Lock Hex W!Ins. 5/16-18 unc STD541437 Nut Lock Hex W!Wsh 3/8-16 unc 130564 Knob 1/2-13 178141...
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 STEERING ASSEMBLY . jP"---'-_ 42 steering_pUt_47...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR STEERING ASSEMBLY NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 PART DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Steering Wheel 184706 Front Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 169839 Spindle Assembly, RH. 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 170545 Control Throttle/Choke 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 Engine (See Breakdown) Briggs Model NO.31P777-0296-E1 137352 Muffler Exhaust Gasket Muffler 165291 148456 Tube, Drain Oil Easy 169837 Shield Browning/Debris Guard...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 SEAT ASSEMBLY ...---16 KEY PART DESCRIPTION 188714 Seat 140551 Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 19131610 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga, 145006 Clip Push tn Hinged STD541437 Nut Hex Lock w!Ins 3/8-16 unc 124181X...
  • Page 44 189020 Decal Engine H/P Decal Maint Customer Sears Dom 133644 191925 Decal Replacement Decal Deck 179128 186572 Decal Fender Craftsman 156811 Decal Fender STLTH Oper Inst Decal V-belt Dr Sch Tractor E 146046 189088 Decal Dash Panel WHEELS & TIRES...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm, 159471 Shaft Asm. Lift 105767X Pin Groove 12000002 E Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. 120183X Bearing Nylong 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 122365X Button Plunger Read 139865...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 MOWER DECK _184 136_...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR MOWER DECK PART DESCRIPTION 182032 Mower Housing STD533107 Bolt 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" STD624008 Retainer Spring 178024 Bar Sway Deck 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr. 8 STD551137 Washer, Lock 140296 Washer, Hardened (The following blades are available)
  • Page 48 TRACTOR PEERLESSTRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 • - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 ¢ -_-"_"...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR PEERLESS TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 PART DESCRIPTION 772151 Cover LH. 770135 Case 776355 Counter Shaft 778263 Spur Gear 11T 786197 Neutral Sleeve (.572) 778368 Bevel Gear (IncL 14) (13Teeth) 778368 Bevel Gear (Incl. 13) (13Teeth) 778373 Ring Gear (54 Teeth) 786139 Drive Pin 792194...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 27 _'_ 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 524_ 8420 1019 LABEL KIT 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL I 1036 EMISSION LABEL 48S.ORT BLOCK I 1330 REPAIR MANUAL I 1329 REPLACEMENT ENGINE 750 & - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 NUMBER 31P777,TYPE 718 _ 24 @...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 />3 40 _" 1022 617 0 1022 616{_ 614[ 137_ 1266AO 276@ 947[_ 1127_ 1370 276@ 1266 0...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 305A 697 _ 803 _ 310I 579o • _ 503_ 802 @...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL PART DESCRIPTION 697174 Cylinder Assembly 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal 391086 ,Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 697188 Sump-Engine 698147 Head-Cylinder 699168 *+Gasket-Cylinder 697109 ,Gasket-Breather 697113 Tube-Breather 697110 ,Gasket-Crankcase 690360 Screw (Cylinder Head) 690946 Plug-Oil Drain 697127 Crankshaft 690947 ,Seal-Oil (PTO Side) 692125 Screw (Crankcase CovedSump) 693557...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL PART DESCRIPTION 697090 Pump-Fuel 691691 Washer (Governor Crank) 697122 Elbow-Intake 697153 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge 691261 Washer (Starter Cable) 696459 Alternator 691532 Strap-Starter 691251 Nut (Governor Control Lever) 693699 Drive-Starter 692024 Clutch-Drive 697086 Dipstick 691032 ,Seal-Dipstick Tube 697085 Tube-Dipstick 692034...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4.
  • Page 56 For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, no matter who made it, no matter who sold itt For the replacement owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional and items like garage door openers and water heaters. 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-469-4663) www.sears.com...

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917.273823

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