Craftsman 917.27184 Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Craftsman Manuals
  4. Lawn Mower
  5. 917.27184
  6. Owner's manual

Craftsman 917.27184 Owner's Manual

21.0 hp electric start 42" mower automatic lawn tractor
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Enlarged version
Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRNel
21.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.271840
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
Thls product has a low emlsslon englne which operates
differently from prevlously bullt englnes. Before you start the en-
glne, read and understand thls Owner's Manual.
CAUTION:
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 - Set
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the 917.27184 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Craftsman 917.27184

Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.27184

  • Page 1 Owner's Manual. CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line...
  • Page 2 Sears will replace the battery at no charge. War- ranty service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. tn-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will apply.

  • Page 3: General Operation

    IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. I. GENERAL OPERATION • Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
  • Page 4 III. CHILDREN Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.
  • Page 5 • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
  • Page 6 PRODUCT S PECIFICATIONS GASOLINE 3.5GALLONS CAPACITY UNLEADED ANDTYPE: REGULAR OIL TYPE SAE 30 API-SF-SJ): (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) OILCAPACITY: 3.0PINTS SPARK P LUG: CHAMPION 3AP: .030") RJt9LM OR J19LM VALVE INTAKE: .004"-.006" ADJUSTMENT EXHAUST: .007"-.009" GROUND FORWARD: 5.5 SPEED (MPH): REVERSE: TIRE...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel eervi;g __(1)Locknut "__ '_11_1__(1 ) _rge Flat Washer _(1) For Future Use Video Cassette Keys (2) Keys Steering Steering Wheel Adapter I I _-xtension I°1 Shaft Steering (1) Hex Bolt Wheel Insed 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge...

  • Page 8: Tools Required For Assembly

    Yournew tractorhas been assembledat the factory with exceptionof those parts left unassembledfor shippingpurposes. To ensure safe and properoperationof your tractorall parts and hardwareyou assemblemustbe tightenedsecurely. Use the correcttoolsas necessaryto insurepropertightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socketwrenchsat will make assembly easier. Standard wrenchsizes you need are listedbelow.
  • Page 9 INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing, Remove the cardboard packing and discard.
  • Page 10 CHECKTIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For bestcuttingnesults, m ower housing shouldbe properlyleveled.
  • Page 11 CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOU R NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEWTHE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: All assembly instructions have been completed. J No remaining loose parts in carton. #"...
  • Page 12 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. A ÷ 8ATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE WARNING ENG.NEON ENG,NEOPP O,LPRESSURE FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT _r_'l R N H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL CLUTCH ENGAGED ATTACHMENT...
  • Page 13 KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with yourtractorto familiadzeyourselfwith the locationsof variouscontrolsand adjustments. Save this manualfor future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter Choke Control Throttle Clutch/ BrakePedal Free Wheel Control Our tractorsconformto the safety standardsof the AmedcanNationalStandards AMMETER - Indicatescharging(+) or discharging (-) of battery.
  • Page 14 The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
  • Page 15 • The average l awn should becutto approximately 2-1/2 inches d uring the cool s eason a nd toover3 inches during hotmonths. F orhealthier and better l ooking l awns, mow often and after m oderate growth. • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice.
  • Page 16 • Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is dosed and secured to tractor.

  • Page 17: Cold Weather Starting

    control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. • The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does net accept the load, restartthe engine and allow it to warm up for one minute usingthe choke as described above.

  • Page 18: Mowing Tips

    MOWINGTIPS • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See =TO 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 been cut.

  • Page 19: General Recommendations

    I - Cha_le mcre oilen v/neff operM_g tm<_r Iz heavy k)ad or in h_h ar_Dkrnt lempe,_n"_'es GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain tractor as instructed in this manual.
  • Page 20 Always observe safety rules when performing 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), TIRES •...
  • Page 21 NOTE: The ofig'_nal e quipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free, Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the battery to "leak"...
  • Page 22 CLEAN AIR SCREEN Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. ENGINE COOLING RNS Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine cooling fins to prevent engine damage from overheating.
  • Page 23 CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive type wax. CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: I.
  • Page 24 SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpoint of both sides of mower, measure height from bottom edge of mower to ground. Distance "A" on both sides of mower should be the same or within 1/4" of each other. •...
  • Page 25 TO ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on the side of the transaxle. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear on a level dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be adjusted.
  • Page 26 TRANSMISSION REMOVAUREPLACE- MENT Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, should be purged after reinstallation before operating the tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual. TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- MENT If steering wheel crossbars are not horizontal (left to dght) when wheels are positioned straight forward, remove steering wheel and reassemble per...
  • Page 27 3. Disconnect BLACK battery cable then RED battery cable and carefully remove battery from tractor. 4. Install new battery with terminals in same position as old battery. 5. Reinstall terminal guard. 6. First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown.

  • Page 28: Preliminary Setting

    2. Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cartridge plate to expose carburetor choke (see =AIR FILTER" in the Maintenance section of this manual). 3. Choke should be closed. If it is not, loosen casing clamp screw and move choke cable until choke is completely closed.
  • Page 29 Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. • 1,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

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM Outof fuel. Will not start Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirtyair filter. Dirtyfuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged widng. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10.Engine valvesout of adjustment. Hard to start 1.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART CAUSE PROBLEM 1. Cutting too much grass/too Loss of power fast. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7.

  • Page 32: Rroubleshooting

    rROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Poor grass 1. Engine speed too slow. discharge 2. Travel speed too fast. 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/uneven tire sir pressure. 6. Worn, bent or loose blade. 7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE AMMETER , o , _=T_ __(OPTIONAL) CLL 6 TC-H ? g L_,A-K ___ID, _ IGNITION SWITCH (OPTIONAL) FOEL; • .UE LINE nn FUELSHUT'OFF SOLENOID (IF SO EQUIPPED) ORANGE NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WI]H A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM.
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 -:LECTRICAL...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 ELECTRICAL KEY PART 163465 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 153664 166182 4152J 4799J 146148 175158 73510400 145491 1213C5X 175566 140403 17_17 71110406 131563 175141 121433X 141940 17490508 NOTE: All component d imensions given _nU.S. Inches 1 inch= 25,4 mm DESCRIP_ON Battely...

  • Page 36: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART 169830 169061 17060612 155272 168337X013 STD533710 155927 145660 172107X010 144983X558 126938X 156437 124028X 19131312 STD,541437 156725X558 155217X599 164919X558 139976 17490508 169834 73800400 19091416 145201 161464 STD552507 14(;647 721406G6 154796 STD541437 165867 154966 154207...
  • Page 38 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 3ROUND DRIVE 84 50...

  • Page 39: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 GROUND DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) HydroGr 314-0510 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust STD561210 PinCofter 1/8xl 10040400 Washer Lock Hvy Helicol 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 13(To64...

  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 STEERING ASSEMBLY , ÷...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 Steedng Wheel 154427 Front Axle Assembly 16_40 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 166839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6L_66H Beadng, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Gauge 19272016 Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Gauge 1200(X_9 Ring, Klip...

  • Page 42: Optional Equipment

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 ENGINE .--:,;"4.. ++_.-" -" _1<,'_ OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrestor...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 ENGINE KEY PART DESCRIPTION 170547 Control Throt Paddle 17720410 Screw Hex Thd CUt 1/4-20x5/8 Engine (See Breakdown) Bdggs Mobel No. 461707-0145-E3 149723 Muffler Exhaust 144G69 Exhaust Asm. Left 144068 Exhaust Asm. Right 138129 Ctamp Tube Doubta Engine 171877 Bolt 5/16 - 18 UNC X 3/4 W/Sems 145552...

  • Page 44: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR --MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 SEAT ASSEMBLY (EY PART _10. NO. DESCRIPTION 140123 Seat 3450 BIk/i)lk Craftsman 14(_51 Bracket POt Pivot Seat (b_k) 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16onc 19131610 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga 145OO6 CUp Pttsh In H_ngod...

  • Page 45: Wheels And Tires

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 DECALS KEY PART DESCRIPTION 156439 Decal Fender DengefSears 177253 Decal Hood Side 171696 Decal Hood Rh Craftsman 171697 Decal Hood Lh Craftsman 176682 Decal Engine WP 133644 Decal Malnt Customer Sears Dora 171809 Decal Replacement Sro...

  • Page 46: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 LIFT ASSEMBLY 13 -_...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART 159460 159471 105767X 120000_ 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 139865 139866 S_4008 173288 73350800 130171 73800800 139868 163552 169665 73540600 NOTE: Allcomponentdimensions given In U.S. Inches 1 inch: 25.4 mm DESCRIPTION Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm, Shaft Asm.
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 MOWER DECK _" 40_, ',."n142_ '("_Sl p* . \ _._.-% !i 19 x 21 _)" 10 _--_'_ 14505 103""_/_Y" "at21 ,-._.//:._ _ _'i 18; 19 _ _._117...

  • Page 49: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL N UMBER 917.271840 MOWER DECK KEY PART DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Housing ST[To33107 Bolt 138017 Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42 _ S_43O8 RetatnerSpring 13O83_ Arm, Suspension, Rear Bolt, Hex3/8-24x1.25Gr. STD551137 Washer, Lock 14_oo_6 Washer, Hardened 134149 Blade, Mulc_llng...
  • Page 50 120- (n;:0 >> o=i: -rim ,.L "n...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KEY PART DESCRIPTION 170351 Main HOUSing, Assembly 170352 Side Housing, Assembly 170_53 Center Sectldn, Assembly 170354 Swashf_ata, Trunlefl Macldned 169896 Block - Assembly 17(_ Sealant 10.50z 170356 Hex Flange Screw I/4.20 X 1.25 17(_57...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 441_ 10A_ 1093 VALVE OVERHAUL GASKET SET i 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL 1132 "k REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS 15 _ TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 5a4_P75_ tlOm LABEL KIT-EMISSION .J...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 BRIGGS & STRATFON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 5o91 5101 1051 544 i 358 GASKET SET 177_ 51A_-_._ 634 _ 569 _...
  • Page 55 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 KEY PART DESCRIPTION 498583 Cylinder Assembly 399265 Bushing/Seal Kit 391086 • Seal-On 493304 Sump-Engine 691162 Head-Cylinder #1 691163 Head-CyUnder #2 271867 •:1:Gasket-Cylinder Head #1 271868 •:1:Gasket-Cylinder Head #2 495754 Breather Assembly (Cylinder...
  • Page 56 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.271840 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E3 KEY PART DESCRIPTION 94930 Screw(Cylinder Shield) 497596 Motor-Starter 690323 Bolt (Starter Motor) 497608 Brush Set 230674 Nut (F)ywhest) 394891 Armature-Magneto 94731 Screw (Magneto Armature) 802592 Plug-Spark Gasket Set 495868...
  • Page 59 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SIGHTING "_ GUIDE greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradu- ally to prevent tipping or Io_s of control. E.xerclss extreme caution when changing direction perate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL,...
  • Page 60 Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repair of major brand appliances in your own home... no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-800-4694663) www.sears.com To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics for repair, call for the location of your nearest Sears Parts &...

This manual is also suitable for:

917.271840

Table of Contents