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Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMIIN°
18.5 HE 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273638
i_]
his product
has a mowemission
engine which
operates
differently
from previously
built engines.
Before you start the
engine,
read and understand
this Owner's
Manual.
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 o 5 pm, Men o 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 917.273638
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273638
- Page 1 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 built engines. Before you start the engine which operates this Owner's Manual.
- Page 2 Warranty... 2 SafetyRules ... 3 ProductSpecifications... 6 Assembly/Pre-Operation ... 7 Operation... 10 MaintenanceSchedule... 1 6 LIMITEDWARRANTYON CRAFTSMANRIDINGEQUIPMENT Fortwo (2) years from the date of purchase,if this CraftsmanRiding Equipmentis maintained,lubricatedand tuned up accordingto the instructionsin the owner'smanual, Searswill repair or replacefree of charge any parts that are foundto be defectivein materialor workmanshipaccordingto the guidelinesof coveragelisted below.Searswill also providefree labor for these applicablewarrantedparts for the two full years.
- Page 3 mMPORTANT: This cutting machine ing objects. Failure to observe injury or death. _IWARNmNG: 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. dHLWARNING: Do not coast neutral, you may lose control...
- Page 4 Mow up and down slopes, Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. even terrain could overturn Taft 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 lutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Never carry children.
- Page 6 3.5 Pints 3.0 Pints REPAmR PROTECTmON RC12YC AGREEMENTS Congratulations chase. Your new Craftsman® designed and manufactured dependable operation. it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protection can save you money and aggravation.
- Page 7 Mower Leveling Keys (2) Keys Slope Your, new tractor has been assembled you begin. When right or left hand is mentioned ating position (seated behind REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON UNPACK CARTON Cut along dotted lines on all four pan- els of carton. Remove end panels lay' side panels...
- Page 8 Knob NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. ROLLTRACTOR (See Operation section controms) function Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest sition.
- Page 9 CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractorwere overin- fiated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correcttire pressure is importantfor best cutting performance. Reducetire pressureto PSI shown in "PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS" s ection of this manual. CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mowerhous- ing should be properlyleveled.
- Page 10 These symbols may appearon your tractor or in literaturesupplied with the product. Learn and understandtheir 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 only) &...
- Page 11 KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THINSOWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATmNG YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Hourmeter Th rottle/Choke Control Our tractors conform to the safety standards American National Standards anstitute.
- Page 12 The operation of any tractor the eyes, which can result in severe glasses or eye shields adjustments or repairs. spectacles or standard HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKmNG BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
- Page 13 For best cutting performance, 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively 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 operating position.
- Page 14 TOWING CARTS AND OTHER rvIENTS Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. common sense when towing. of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground cause you to lose control...
- Page 15 COLD WEATHER STARTING below) 6. When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, diately move the throttle control fast position. Engine warm-up take from several seconds minutes (the colder the temperature,...
- Page 16 F,LL ,, DATES AS COMPLETE REGULAR SERV,OE 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 V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change...
- Page 17 TRACTOR Always observe safety rubs when forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATmON If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed gear, then brake must be adjusted. "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service Adjustments section of this manual). TmRES Maintain proper air pressure...
- Page 18 NOTE:The original equipmentbattery on your tractor is maintenancefree.Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERYANDTERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the battery and terminals can causethe battery to "leak" power. 1.
- Page 19 Serviceair cleaner more often under dusty conditions. 1. Pull up on air filter cover handleand rotate towardsengine. 2. Removecover. 3. Carefullyremoveair filter cartridge and pre-cleanerfrom base. 4. Clean basecarefully to preventdebris fromfalling into carburetor. NOTE:If very dirty or damaged,replace cartridge. 5.
- Page 20 WARNmNG: T O AVOmD SERmOUS mNJURY, BEFORE PERFORMmNG ANY SERVmCE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depressclutch/brakepedalfully and set parking brake. 2. Placegearshift leverin neutral (N) position. 3. Placeattachmentclutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key to "STOP"and removekey. 5. Makesure the bladesand all moving parts havecompletelystopped. 6.
- Page 21 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSmNG Adjust the mower while tractor on level ground or driveway. tires are properly inflated (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section manual). If tires are over or undednflated, you will not properly adjust your mower. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT BUBBLE LEVEL NOTE: If necessary,...
- Page 22 To raise front of mower, loosen from trunnion on both front links. Tighten nut "E" on both front links an equal ber of turns. The two front links must remain equal in length. When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nut "F"...
- Page 23 TO REPLACE MOTmON DRmVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. parking brake. For assistance, belt installation guide decal on bottom of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). NOTE: Observe entire motion and position of all belt guides...
- Page 24 TO STARTENGINEWiTH A WEAK BAT- TERY ,_kWARNmNG:Lead-acidbatteriesgen- erate explosivegases. Keepsparks, flame andsmoking materialsawayfrom bat- teries. Alwayswear eye protectionwhen around batteries. If your battery is too weakto start the engine, it should be recharged.(See "BAT- TERY" in the MAINTENANCEsectionof this manual). If "jumpercables"are usedfor emergency starting, followthis procedure: IMPORTANT:Yourtractor is equipped...
- Page 25 Maintenance, repair, or replacement emission control devices and systems, are being done at the customers may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL The throttle control...
- Page 26 Immediately prepare your tractor age at the end of the season tor will not be used for 30 days or more. _I, CAUTmON: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
- Page 27 TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in marluamunmess directed to Sears service center CAUSE 1. Out of fuel. Engine properly. Engine Bad spark Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water Loose Carburetor 10. Engine valves out of adjustment. Hard to start Dirty air filter.
- Page 28 TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section CAUSE PROBLEM Loss of power Cutting fast. Throttle Build=up and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty Faulty spark Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. Water in fuel. 10.Spark 11. Dirty engine 12.
- Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section PROBLEM CAUSE Mower blades wiii 1. Obstruction not rotate mechanism. Worn/damaged belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. Poor grass Engine discharge Travel speed Wet grass. Mower deck not level. Low/uneven Worn, Buildup trash under mower. Mower drive belt worn.
- Page 31 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 SCHEMATIC AMMETER (OPTIONAL) NON-REMOVABLE CONNECTIONS IGNITION SWITCH POSITION CIRCUIT "MAKE" M+G+A1 NONE DN + LIGHTS B+A1 L+A2 B + A1 NONE START B + S + A1 NONE 2810 FUSE FUEL I (OPTIONAL) _ I -...
- Page 32 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 ELECTRICAL I- ...
- Page 33 TRACTOR ELECTRmCAL KEY PART NOTE: All component dimensions given in U. S. o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 DESCRiPTiON 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 7603J Trap',Battery 145211 Bolt, Battery, Front 1/4-20 x 7-1/2 150109 HoIddown, Battery, Front 145769...
- Page 34 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES _278 ._ 209 _,158 .--" 20 154_209 _278 >209 chassis-stealth,stlt...
- Page 35 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NOTE: Atl component dimensions given in U=S= inches DESCRiPTiON 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 161566X428 Dash 72140608 Bolt RDHD SQNK 3/8-16 x 1 167203 Panel, Dash, LH 188702X010 Panel, Dash, RH...
- Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 GROUND DRIVE drive-fender.stlt...
- Page 37 Bellcrank Clutch Grnd Drv Stl 123205X Retainer, Belt 72110612 Bolt STD541437 Nut Crown Lock 3/8-16 uric STD541431 Nut Crown Lock 5/16-18 unc 105710X Link, Clutch o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 PART 105709X 17060620 160855 169691 17120614 123533X 175414 STD551143 154778 142432 109502X...
- Page 38 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 STEERmNG steering steaffh prem...
- Page 39 TRACTOR STEERmNG NOTE: All component dimensions given in U=S= inches o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 PART DESCRiPTiON 159944X428 Wheel Steering 184706 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga=...
- Page 40 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 ENGmNE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs=lcyF...
- Page 41 TRACTOR ENGINE NOTE: All component dimensions given in U=S= inches o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 PART DESCRIPTION 176636X505 Control Throttle 191611 Screw 10 x 3/4 Single Lead Hex Engine, Briggs Mode! 31P777-0348-E1 (See Breakdown) 137352 Muffler 165291 Muffler Gasket 148456...
- Page 42 Screw 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 19131614 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 14 Ga= 182493 Pan Seat 166369 Knob Seat Adj=Wingnut 121246X Bracket Mounting Switch ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 KEY PART 121248X 72050412 121249X 123740X 123976X 124238X 171852 STD541431 19171912 127018X...
- Page 43 Decal, Replacement Hood 156439 Decal, Fender, Danger 189088 Decal, PaneS,Dash 172331 Decal, Mower, Heavy-Duty 133644 Decal, Replacement Parts 187408 Decal, Reflector, RH 4,10 ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 PART 164065 156368 186572 149516 186331 189020 189087 181470 184310X428 184311X428 193004 193005 KEY PART NO.
- Page 44 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 LmFT ASSEMBLY 1718 13----_ Fift-rh.1 pc.stlt...
- Page 45 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 LmFT ASSEMBLY PART 179504 159476 188822 12000002 19211621 120183X 175830 139865 139866 STD624008 173288 73350800 175689 73800800 139868 163552 169865 73540600 155097 123935X 17060516 19112410 155098 NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm...
- Page 46 TRACTOR MOWER DECK 159 _i 92__ o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 _ ""_ 40 _184 140 - , 138 132 91 102 F 21 _5 _134 \" D,elec.t-path.adjwl.stlt...
- Page 47 141043 Guard, Tuv IdIer (94) 174882 Spring Ext Elect Clutch 174883 V-Belt 180532 Bracket Roller Nose LH STD541437 Locknut, Hex W/Wsh 3/8-16 uric o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 PART 132264 180533 136420 71081010 19061216 STD551110 160793 2029J 17060512 4898H 165746...
- Page 48 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 DANATRANSAXLE==MODEL N UMBERD4360=180 6768...
- Page 49 Washer, Plain, _632 X 1 _00 X _010 190985 Assy, Gear, Comb, 12T & 124639X Shaft, Idler 120472X Spacer, _633 X _87 X _755 o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 NUMBER D4360ol 80 PART 105928× 190986 134394" 120473X 142678 143697 124641X...
- Page 50 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL [ 1329 REPLACEMENT 1330 REPAIR MANUAL 305A _ 697 _ 729A_ 3o8 _ 1040 ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 8_1_ 8680 943 O 1270 _7591 617 0 842<:3 1027 / I I 1036 EMISSION LABEL ENGINE 750&...
- Page 51 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE=MODEL 1022 1034 --10_ •_ _-1o6 lo91 127 (_ 276@ 1127L4 _ 977 CARBURETOR1370GASKET276 ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 NUMBER 31P777,TYPE 6170 104%-CA _._SET 160/1 95 _ 117_ NUMBER 0348=E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 868 _'_ 1022 _]...
- Page 52 498030 Kit-Hie Mixture 691636 Screw (Throttle VaIve) 495800 Kit-Idle Speed 690525 {3 Pin-FIoat Hinge 231855 {3 Valve-FIoat Needle 691780 {3 Seat-Inlet o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 PART 690464 108A 692344 694352 © 697228 697241 698445 Head 695005 691750 494379 494381...
- Page 53 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273638 BRmGGS & STRATTON ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348=E1 PART DESCRiPTiON 89838 Wrench-Spark 694476 Screw (Fuel Pump) 385A 690297 Screw (Fuel Pump) 697090 Pump-Fuel 691691 Washer (Governor Crank) 697122 Elbowqntake 697153 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge...
- Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 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 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii_ For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii lawn and garden equipment, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii For the replacement iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii...