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 previously engines. built this Owner's Manual. For answers to your questions...
Page 2
Warranty... 2 Safety Rules ... 3 ProductSpecifications... 5 Assembly/Pre-Operation... 7 Operation... 9 MaintenanceSchedule...16 LIMITEDWARRANTYON CRAFTSMANRIDINGEQUIPMENT Fortwo (2) years from the date of purchase,if this CraftsmanRidingEquipmentis maintained,lubricatedand tuned up accordingto the instructionsin the owner'smanual, Sears will repair or replacefree of charge any parts that are foundto be defectivein materialor workmanshipaccordingto the guidelinesof coveragelisted below.Sears will also providefree labor for these applicablewarrantedparts for the two full years.During the first 30 daysof purchase,there will be no charges to service the productat your...
Page 3
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine ing objects. Failure to observe injury or death. _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 A_I, lug" WARNING: Do not coast hill in neutral,...
Page 4
I1. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents, result in severe injury or death. tion on all slopes requires extra caution. you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Page 5
Remove gas-powered equipment the truck or trailer and refuel ground. If this is not possible, refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle. Keep the nozzle in contact of the fuel tank or container all times until fueling is complete.
Page 6
Sears service section of this manual). REPAIR PROTECTION 4.0 Pints 3.75 Pints AGREEMENTS QC12YC Congratulations chase. Your new Craftsman® designed and manufactured dependable operation. 0 - 5.8 ucts, it may require 0 - 2.1 time. That's when 14 PSI tion Agreement 10PSI aggravation.
Page 7
Keys (2) Keys Your new tractor has been assembled When right or left hand is mentioned this manual, it means, from your point of view, when you are in the operating tion (seated behind the steering TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON UNPACK CARTON...
Page 8
TO DRIVE TRACTOR Operation section for location _knction of controls) WARNING: Before starting, read, un- derstand and follow all instructions Operation section of this manual. Be sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.
Page 9
These symbolsmay appear on your tractor or in literaturesuppliedwith the product. Learn and understandtheir meaning. REVERSE NEUTRAL ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON OPERATION SYSTEM(ROS) FUEL OIL PRESSURE OVER TEMP LIGHT ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED LIGHTS ON FREE WHEEL (Automatic Models only)
Page 10
KNOW YOU R TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize various controls and adjustments. Brake Pedal Motion Drive Belt Tension Handle Our tractors American AMMETER - Indicates charging discharging (-) of battery. ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH to engage...
Page 11
The operation the eyes, which can result in severe glasses or eye shields adjustments wide vision safety HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting parking brake will shut off the engine.
Page 12
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2". The heights are mea- sured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. These heights are approximate vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.
Page 13
USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. With engine running, turn ignition counterclockwise to ROS "ON" posi- tion. Look down and behind before Slowly move motion control reverse (R) position to start movement. 5. When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition...
Page 14
_CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating atures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, winter grade gasoline to help insure cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) attract moisture...
Page 15
PURGE TRANSMISSION A_'_CAUTION: Never engage engage freewheel lever while the engine is running. To ensure proper operation and per- formance, it is recommended transmission be purged before tractor for the first time. This procedure remove any trapped air inside mission which may have developed shipping...
Page 16
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE As COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE C hh :: kkTB_aek; [eOsPe:_:ion Check Operator Presence ROSSystems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V_Befts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oit (with oil filter)
Page 17
TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest level, dry concrete or paved surface, brake must be checked and adjusted. "TO ADJUST BRAKE"...
Page 18
• To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone follow the instructions supplied balancer.) NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center appear to be centered, but are not.
Page 19
• Be sure tractor is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when • Catch oil in a suitable container. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil. Install the drain tube onto the valve. Oil Drain Valve To Open To Close...
Page 20
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 21
WARNING: TO AVOID VICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place attachment clutch 3. Turn ignition key to "STOP" Make sure the blades Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
Page 22
Position front plate assembly front mower brackets. Raise deck and plate assembly to align holes and insert flanged pins. Secure double loop retainer springs the plate assembly and mower ets. NOTE: To assist in locating hole in flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with notch on head of pin.
Page 23
BOTH FRONT PLATE LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH Front Plate Assembly TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL Park tractor on a level surface. parking brake. Lower mower to its lowest Disengage belt tension rod from lock bCracket. AUTION: Rod is spring Have a firm grip on rod and release...
Page 24
TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE ONDARY) DRIVE BELT Park the tractor on level surface. parking brake. Remove mower (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of manual). Remove screws from R.H. and L.H. mandrel covers and remove REMOVE MOWER DRIVE BELT (Refer to "TO REMOVE MOWER...
Page 25
TO ADJUST ATTACHMENT CLUTCH The electric clutch should provide years of service. The clutch has a built-in brake that stops the pulley within 5 seconds. Eventually, the internal brake will wear which may cause the mower blades to not engage, or, to not stop as required.
Page 26
TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL VER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment be necessary. Park Tractor on level surface. Stop tractor by turning ignition key to "OFF" position and engage parking brake. Loosen the adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel.
Page 27
Connect the other end of the BLACK cable (D) to good chassis away from fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER BLACK cable first from chassis then from the fully charged RED cable last from both batteries. Weak or Dead Fully Charged Battery Battery...
Page 28
ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers pense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed authorized engine manufacturer's outlet. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE...
Page 29
Immediately prepare your tractor age at the end of the season or if the trac- tor will not be used for 30 days or more. _ULWARNING: 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 properly. Engine Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water Loose or damaged Carburetor adjustment. 10.
Page 31
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section CAUSE PROBLEM Loss of power Cutting fast. Throttle position. Build-up and trash under mower. Dirty air filter. Low oil level/dirty Faulty spark plug. Dirty fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. Water 10.Spark 11. Dirty engine 12.
Page 32
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE Mower blades will 1. Obstruction notrotate mechanism. Worn/damaged drive belt. Frozen idler pulley. Frozen blade mandrel. Poor grass Engine discharge Travel speed Wet grass. Mower Low/uneven Worn, Buildup...
Page 33
TRACTOR SCHEMATIC LIGHT YOUR EQUIPPED ALTERNATOR THE LIGHTS CONNECTED BATTERY, IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE POSITION CIRCUIT "MAKE" BRIGHTNESS M+G+A1 WILL CHANGE SPEED. RUN/OVERRED B+A1 WILL B+A1 L+A2 SPEEDED START 3 + S + A1 02833 WILL -- MODEL NUMBER 917.276320 BATTERY SOLENO,O tGNITIONuNiT _ SPARK...
Page 34
TRACTOR ELECTRICAL -- MODEL NUMBER 917.276320 t93391ROS...
Page 35
TRACTOR ELECTRICAL NOTE: All component dimensions given in U. S. -- MODEL NUMBER 917.276320 PART DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 7603J Tray, Battery 145211 Bolt I/4-20 x 7.5 Zinc 150109 Hold down Battery Dash Mount 145769 Nut Push Nylon 1/4"...
Page 36
TRACTOR CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 162_ -- MODEL NUMBER 917.276320 139_. _172 32__139 _157 _156 chassis*stealth.=4 3wgt...
Page 37
TRACTOR CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 180375 Rail, Frame RH 175282 Drawbar, Gt 73680700 Nut 7/16-14 193636X428 Dash 157882 Dash, Lower Vgt One Piece 17720408 Screw, Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 184668 Support, Battery 175260X615 Hood Asm 121794X Cover, Access 17000612 Screw 3/8-16 x .75 174515X615 Grille...
Page 38
TRACTOR GROUND DRIVE 117\ 153_ 142_ 122, 114" • _t08 dnve6-vgt -- MODEL NUMBER 917.276320 -117 F131 _145...
Page 39
TRACTOR GROUND DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION Transaxle Hydro Gear 331-3000 (See Breakdown) 7070E Key I/4x 2.5 7563R WasherThrust STD561210 Pin, Cotter 140507 Wheel, Hub Assembly 140080 Bolt, Hub 73940800 180235 Lever Asm Shift Lower 130564 Knob 176600 Brake, Rod 12000053 Ring E 71673 Cap, Parking Brake 137648...
Page 40
TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.276320 STEERING 18._ st_ing. 21_vg t...
Page 41
TRACTOR STEERING NOTE: AIIcomponentdimensions inches 1 inch = 25.4mm -- MODEL NUMBER 917.276320 PART DESCRIPTION 186093X428 Wheel, Steering 178557 Axle Asm., Front 183226 Fitting, Grease 161849 Spindle Asm, LH 161848 Spindle Asm., 6266H Bearing, Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga.
Page 42
TRACTOR ENGINE engine ELS 2-vgt PART DESCRIPTION Engine (See Breakdown) Model No. 446677-0470-E1 149723 Muffler 121361X Pulley V-Idler 177748 Keeper Asm. Belt Engine 175288 Bushing 179335 Clutch Electric 143996 Pulley Engine VGT Elect Clutch 179115 Tank Fuel Rear 5.0 Yt/Gt 96 179124X428 Cap Asm Fuel W/Gauge 175437X428...
Page 55
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 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, Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control.
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 it! 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 (1-800469-4663_ www.sears.com...