17.5 hp electric start 42" mower automatic lawn tractor (61 pages)
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.272233
Page 1
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equip- ment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 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...
LIMITEDTWOYEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in matedal or workmanship.
Page 3
IMPORTANT: This curling mach ne s capabe 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
IlL 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 7
Steering Wheel SteedrN _her 17/32 x 1-3/16x 12 (1) Knob_ Gauge (4) Adjusting Bar (4) Shoulder Bolt (4) Wheels (4) Retainer Sodnas (doubl6 Io6"p) (2) Locknuts 5/16-18 I/lllll]lnlbllllLIIIIbllLI1 =r (2) Hex Bolts rD-lU X 1 Video Cassette For Future Use Steeiing Sleeve Mower (5) Retainer Springs...
Page 8
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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.
3. Place s eat o nseat p ansohead shoulder bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pen. 4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of tractor. 5. Pivot seat end pan forward and assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely.
Page 10
TOATTACH N OSE ROLLER 1. Position brackets, 17/32 x 7/8x16 gauge w ashers, andnose roller between deck mounting brackets as shown. Besure toposition brackets oncorrect side, a s shown. 2. Install hex bolts and look nuts as shown. Tighten hardware securely. NOTE: Be sure bracket tabs are posi- tioned in tab holes in deck brackets.
Page 11
NOTE: To assist in locating hole in flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with notch on head of pin. If necessary, move mower side-to-side to give space between plate and mower brackets. IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves. 10.
Page 12
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT _r_'l R N H L AT[ACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL CLUTCH ENGAGED...
Page 13
KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Ammeter Choke Control Throttle Control Clutch/Brake Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
Page 14
The operation of any tractor can 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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles, or standard safety glasses.
Page 15
The cutting height range is approxi- mately 1-1/2 to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. •...
Page 16
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.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AI-FACH- MENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with...
Page 17
• 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 (50° F and below) 7.
TRACTOR 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 ad- justed. (See TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
Page 20
BATrERY Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficientfor normal use. How- ever, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life. • Keep battery and terminals clean, • Keep battery belts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. •...
Page 21
CLEAN AIRSCREEN Airscreen m ust be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with e wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times.
Page 22
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in =DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. 6.
Page 23
NOTE: Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower height about 1/8". • Recheck measurements after adjust- ing. BottomEdgeof BottomEdgeof Mowerto Ground Mowerto Ground Suspensi°n Lift Unk _Adjustment _""--- FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to- side.If the following front-to-back adjust- ment is necessary, be sure to adjust both front linksequally so mower will stay level side-to-side.
Page 24
MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION 12. Install belt in both idlers. 13.Install new belt onto electric clutch pulley. 14.Carefully roll belt into upper groove of R.H. mandrel pulley. 15.Carefully check belt routing making sure belt is in the grooves correctly. 16.Reconnoct R.H. suspension arm to rear deck bracket with retainer spdng.
Page 25
TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. 1. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in thissection of this manual.) 2.
Page 26
TO START ENGINEWITI'I AWEAK BA'rTERY _,CAUTION: Leed-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. (See "BA'I3"ERY"...
Page 27
TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY 1. Raise hood. 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. 3. Stand in front of tractor. Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. reverse above procedure. 4. To replace, Hood < ®...
Page 28
TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been present at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. However, minor adjustment may be required to compensate for differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the carburetor does need adjustment, proceed as follows: In general, turning the adjusting needles In (clockwise) decreases the supply of fuel to the engine giving a leaner fuel/air...
Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or il the tractor 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 PROBLEM CAUSE WIll not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded. 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter. 6. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 8. Loose or damaged wiring. 9. Carburetor out of adjustment. 10.
Page 31
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss_power 1. Cuffingtoo muchgras_oo 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. Dirtyfuel filter. 8. Stale or dirtyfuel. 9.
Page 32
"ROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Mowerbladeawlll 1+ Obstruction in clutch not rotate mechanism. 2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley• 4. Frozen I_ade mandrel. Poor grass 1. Engine speed too slow. discharge 2. Travel speed too fast, 3. Wet grass. .
Page 33
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE AMMETER FUEL • SOLENOID (IF SO EQUIPPED) HEAD-LIGHTS IGNmON SWITCH CONNECTIONS WIRING INSULATED REMOVABLE NOTE: IF WIRING SERVICING PROPERLY OPERATOR PRESENCE RELAY #1 SPARK PLUG IGNITION UNIT PLUGS ON "i_llN CYL ENGINES)
Page 34
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 ELECTRICAL...
Page 35
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 ELECTRICAL PART 163465 74760412 7603J 145211 150109 145769 153664 175449 178909 175158 73510400 145491 160784 175442 175447 178452 154336 177500 177501 178461 17490506 17750_ 177503 175448 109748X NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm...
Page 36
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
Page 48
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER206-545C...
Page 49
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C PART DESCR_ 772147 Transaxio Cover 780(_6A Nee(lid Bearing 5/6, 770128 T_leCase 776395 Countershaft 776409 Output Shaft 778364 Spu/Gear (38 teeth) 778369 Spur Gear (15 teeth) 778330 Spur Gear (11 teeth)
Page 50
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER65578 _111...
Page 51
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER 65578 HEAD/VALVE/DREATHER KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 24-033-01-S Kit, breather cover w/gasket (Includes 2-4) 24-041-23-S Gasket, breather 24-096-59-S Cover, breather 25-139-60-S Plug, allen hd. 1/8" M-645020 Screw, hex. flange M6xl.0x20 (4)
Page 52
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624, TYPE NUMBER 65578 IGNITIONIELECTRICA L )'allumaoe ou Electrlaue "--3 AIR INTAKE BLOWER HOUSING BAFFLES Habitationde souffleuret D_,calentl...
Page 54
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624, TYPE NUMBER 65578 ENGINE CONTROLS STARTING SYSTEM I Ddmarrant Svstbmel Moteur Contr01e • :)IL PAN I LUBRICATION [ :)e L'Hulle Pan Lubrlficatlon...
Page 55
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624,TYPE NUMBER 65578 STARING SYSTEM KEYPART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION M-839080-S Screw, hex. flange MEx1.25xE0 (2) 25-09B-08-S Starter, solenoid sh_ assembly (Includes 4-7) M-841080-S Nut hex. flange 25-435-04-S Kit. selene d 25-755-33-S Kit, pinion drive (Includes 6)
Page 56
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272233 KOHLER ENGINE-MODELNUMBER CV624, TYPE NUMBER 65578 EXHAUST Vilebrequin CRANKSHAFT I_chaDDement 2--_ FUEL SYSTEM Fuel Svst_mel...
Page 57
TRACTOR -- MODEL N UMBER 9 17.272233 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV624, TYPE NUMBER 65578 CRANKSHAFT KEY PART DESCRIPTION 24-014-42-S Crankshaft (Includes 2) 52-139-09-S P_ug, cup EXHAUST KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 24-041-02-S Gasket exhaust (2) 25-072-04-S Stud, M8x1.25x33 (4 NOT ILLUSTRATED PA-65578 Replacement Engine 24-522-221...
Page 59
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING greater than 15 ), never across the face. Make turns gredu- ally to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL,...
Page 60
For repair of Carry-_ productslike vacuums,lawnequipment, a nd electronics, callfor thenearest Seam Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Www.,11GarlkCom Forthe replacement p arts, accessories andowner'smanuals youneed todo-it-yourself,calfSears PartsDIrectSM! 1-800-366-PART (1-8_0-366-7278) *ww_ To purchaseor inquire abouta SearsServiceAgreement or SearsMaintenance Agreement: 1-600-627-6655 (u.sA) 7 a.m.-5 p.m.,CST, Mon.- Sat.