17.5 hp electric start 42" mower automatic lawn tractor (61 pages)
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.272281
Page 1
Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 U.S.A Visit our Craftsmanwebsite:www.sears.corn/craftsman For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat...
Page 2
Maintenance ... LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT 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 that are found to be defective in material or workmanship according to the guidelines of coverage listed below.
Page 3
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!I BECOMEALERTI!! SAFETY IS INVOLVED. CAUTION: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,...
Page 4
• Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overtum 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 people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- lutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
Page 7
Mower _Ora, n','_ Leveling For Future Use Wrench Bubble Level Video Cassette Slope Sheet...
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, from your point of view, when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).
Page 9
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operetion section for location and function of controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest position. 2. Release parking brake by depressing brake pedal. 3. Place freewheel control in disen- gaged position to disengage transmis- sion (See =TO TRANSPORT"...
Page 10
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractorwereoverinflated at the factoryfor shippingpurposes. Correcttire pressureis importantfor best cutting performance. • Reducetire pressureto PSI shownin "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cuffing results, mower housing should be properly leveled. Sea "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING"...
Page 11
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Leam and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE [i l\l FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL CLUTCH ENGAGED o6 o ATTACHMENT IGNmON...
Page 12
KNOWYOUR 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. Save this manual for future reference. Hourmeter Ignition Switch Ammetel Throttle Choke Brake Pedal...
Page 13
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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
Page 14
TO USE CRUISE CONTROL The cruise control feature can be used for forward travel only. 1. With forward ddve pedal depressed desired speed, move cruise control lever forward to =SET" position and hold while lifting your foot off the pedal, then release the cruise control lever.
Page 15
• To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and brake pedal. • Slowly depress appropriate drive pedal to slowest setting. • Make all turns slowly. TO TRANSPORT When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position.
Page 16
NOTE:Beforestarting, readthewarmand coldstartingprocedures b elow. 6. Insertkey into ignition and tum key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again.
Page 17
MOWING TIPS • Mower should be propedy leveled for best mowing performance. See rl'O LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" 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
M.,.'rO.A.C,= SC.,=OU.,= AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems R crux+< _" Loose F asteners SharpeNReplace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Che<_BetmryLewi R Claan Be_w and Termed= Che¢_ Transaxla Cooling Check V-Belts c,_ EnCne O,_,= Change r=m_r_e Oa(w_ o+l at+r) E ;...
Page 19
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
• Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for I hour. NOTE: The original equipment 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.
Page 21
7. Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual. 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. For accurate reading, tighten dipstick cap securely onto the tube before removing dipstick.
Page 22
CLEANING Clean en_line, battery, seat, finish, etc. foreign of all matter. Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive type wax. I& WARNING: TO AVIOD SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1.
Page 23
7. Install front plate assembly to tractor suspension brackets and retain with single loop retainer springs as shown. 8. Position front plate assembly between front mower brackets. Raise deck and plate assembly to align holes and insert flanged pins. Secure pins with double loop retainer springs between the plate and mower brackets.
Page 24
• Before making any necessary ments, check that both front plate links are equal in length. • If links are not equal in length, adjust one link to same length as other link. • To lower front of mower loosen nut =1£' on both front links an equal number of turns.
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 stoppingdistance 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 with...
Page 27
7. ConnectBLACKgroundingcable to negative(-) batteryterminalwith remaininghex bolt and keps nut. Tightensecurely 8. Closeterminalaccessdoors. 9, Close hood. KepsNut Terminal Door ,Negative Guard (Black) Cable TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT LAMP CAUTION: When lit, the halogen lamps get extremely hot. Hold lamp assembly by the holder and do not touch the bulb.
Page 28
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 outJeL TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL...
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. 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 Will not start 1. Out of fuel. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Water in fuel. 8.
Page 31
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. contlnued) 4. Dirty air filter. 5. Low oil level/dirty oil. 6. Faulty spark plug. 7.
Page 32
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service PROBLEM CAUSE Mower blades will 2. Worn/damaged mower not rotate (con't) drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 4. Frozen blade mandrel. Poor grass 1. Engine speed too slow. discharge 2.
Page 33
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 SCHEMATIC SEAT SWITCH (NOT OCCUPIED) FUELSHUT-OFF (IF SO EQUIPPED) L-_--J IGNmON SWITCH REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS WIRING INSULATED CLIPS NOTE: IF WIRING INSULATED GLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED TO PROPERLY SECURE YOUR WIRING.
Page 34
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 ELECTRICAL...
Page 35
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. NOTE: All component dimensionsgiven in U.S. inches 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...
Page 36
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES...
Page 37
TRACTOR-- CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. NOTE: Allcomponent dimensionsgiven in U.S. inches MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 17060612 Screw, 3/8-16 x 3/4 172542)(418 Dash 174996 Panel, Dash, I_H 72140608 Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 179174X010 Panel, Dash, RH...
Page 38
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 GROUNDDRIVE 26 26...
Page 39
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 GROUNDDRIVE KEY PARr NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) Hydrogear Model 323-O510 17060512 Screw 5/16-16 x 3/4 137140 Clutch Elec 74490544 BoltHe)( Flghd 5/16-18 Gr. 5 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins. 5/16-18 Unc 126197X Washer 1-1/20D x 15/32 ID x .250...
Page 40
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 STEERINGASSEMBLY...
Page 42
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 ENGINE I OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester...
Page 43
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 ENGINE KEY PART NO. NO. NOTE: Allcomponent dimensionsgiven in U.S. inches DESCRIPTION 175437X505 ContmI, Throffia 164863 Screw Hwhd H.-Lo #13016 x 3/4 Engine, (See Breakdown) B&S Model Number 446777-0165-E1 149723 Muffler 159955 Pipe Exhaust Lh...
Page 44
TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 SEATASSEMBLY KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. Seat 175134 14O551 Bracket, Pivot, Seat Bolt 71110616 19131610 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Gauge 145OO6 Clip, Push-In Hinged STD541437 124181X Spdng, Seat Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 17000616...
Page 46
TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 LIFT ASSEMBLY...
Page 47
TRACTOR-- LIFT ASSEMBLY NOTE: Allcomponent dimensionsgiven in U.S. inches MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 PART DESCRIPTION 179.504 PlungerAssembly 159476 Shaft Assembly, Lift 178981 Pin, Groove 12000002 E-Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32x 1 x21 Gauge 120183X Bearing, Nylon 175830 Grip, Handle, Ruted 139865 Unk, Lift, LH.
Page 48
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 MOWER DECK 140-...
Page 49
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 MOWERDECK KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 182032 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" STD533107 Boll 138017 Bracket Aosembly,Sway Bar, Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck STD624008 RetalnerSpdng 1780_4 Bar Sway Dack 850857 Boil, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr. 8...
Page 50
6.Sealant 57-20W50 127 - Seal and O-ring Kit (Phoque 0 Sonne Jeu) (Jolt d' etancheb) Oil - 78.80Z (OZ de 78.820 d' Huile) € z...
Page 51
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 3230510 KEY PART DESCRIPTION Main Housing,Assembly 170_52 Side Housing,Assembly Center Section, Assembly 170354 Swashplata,Tmnion Machined 169698 Block - Assembly 170355 Sealant 10.50z 170356 Hex Flange Screw 114-20X 1.25...
Page 52
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 446777 TYPE NUMBER 0165-E1 89g1 ,oi' "_ 213_ 216 1 305_ 87 tL 1019 L.ABEL Kn" 1017_ _340 1095 VALVEGASKET SET...
Page 53
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 446777 TYPE NUMBER 0165-E1 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 51 L(,._,_(_,,J 276 _) 633e 987 • 117 • __ 1124 gG' 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET 51 _ 987 D 276 0...
Page 54
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 358 ENGINE GASKET KiT 275 O 917.272281 NUMBER 446777 TYPE NUMBER 0165-E1...
Page 56
797A 693167 Nut (Brush Retainer) 690967 Screw _RockerArm) 691283 Cap-Dnve 691286 Cap-End Housing-Starter (Service with 691262 Starter Motor) - - MODEL NUMBER 917.272281 NUMBER 448777 TYPE NUMBER 0165-E1 KEY PART DESCRIPTION 691031 • Seal-Dipstick/Tube Dipstick/TubeAssembly 499602 Terminal-Sparkplug 493880 Adapter-Air 691011...
Page 59
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge Is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4.
Page 60
major For repairof no matterwho made it,no matterwhosoldit! 1-800-4-MY-HOME (1-8(X_ For repairof carry-in productslikevacuums,lawnequipment,and electronics, c allforthe nearestSears Parts and Repair Center. 1-800-488-1222 Forthe replacementparts,accessoriesandowner'smanuals thatyou need to do-it-yourself, callSears PartsDirectS=! 1-800-366-PART (1-800-366-7278) To purchaseorinquireabouta Sears ServiceAgreement orSears MaintenanceAgreement 1-800-827-6655 7 am.-5 p.m.,CST, MoR- Sat.