Craftsman 917.275043 Owner's Manual

Garden tractor 23.0 hp, 50"mower electric start automatictransmission

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Owner's Manual
ICRIIFTSMIIN°J
GARDEN TRACTOR
23.0 HP, 50"Mower
Electric Start
AutomaticTransmission
Model No.
917.275043
Document
J _
This product has a low em.lssion engine which operates differently
I
I
from previously
bu,lt engines.
Before you start the engine, read
I
and understand
this Owner's Manual.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equip-
ment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman
Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.275043

  • Page 1 Call: Read and follow all 1-800-659-5917 Safety Rules and Instructions Sears Craftsman Help Line before operating this equip- 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat ment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman...
  • Page 2 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 material or workmanship.
  • 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 mlury or death. • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely Look for this symbol to point out necessary.
  • Page 4 • Never carry children. They may fall off • Mow up slopes, and down not across. and be seriously injured or interfere • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree with safe machine operation. limbs, etc. • Never allow children to operate the •...
  • Page 5 • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other limbs, etc. people before mowing. Stop machine if • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. anyone enters the area. Uneven terrain could overturn the •...
  • Page 6: Product Specifications

    PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill enable you to assemble Gasoline 3.5 Gallons and maintain your tractor properly. Always Unleaded Capacity observe the "SAFETY RULES'. and Type: Regular REPAIR AGREEMENT SAE 10W30 Oil Type A Repair Agreement is available on this (above 32°F) product.
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Sleeve Steering Wheel Insert Steering Sleeve Extension (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob b Mower (5) Retainer Springs (2)Flanged Pins oop) 2) Retainer Springs (1)Front Plate single loop) Assembly Gauge Wheels (2) Washers x 7/8 x 14 Gauge (2) Shoulder Q(2)
  • Page 8 Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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.
  • Page 9 6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. _-,'_ Wheel Insert 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press _[_-----H:x Bolt Washer clutcl'dbrake pedal all the way down. €_------Lock 8. Get off seat without moving its Steering Large Flat adjusted position.
  • Page 10 Be sure all the above assembly steps NOTE: To assist in locating hole in flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with have been completed. notch on head of pin. If necessary, move 2. Check engine oil level and fill fuel mower side-to-side to give space tank with gasoline.
  • Page 11 Front Electric Chassis Bracket Suspenl_n Clutch Front Double Loop Brackets Pulley Suspension Mower Retainer Arms Bracket Front Plate idler Sh0uUer Bolt Wheel Single Loop Retainer Washer Springs 3/8-16 Double Center Loop Locknut Retainer Spring Deflector Shield Double Loop Retainer Spring (Inward pointing deck pins) Down...
  • 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 FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON OVER TEMP LIGHT FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED...
  • Page 13: Know Your Tractor

    KNOW YOUR 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. Light Switch Ammeter Ignition Position Switch...
  • Page 14: To Move Forward And Backward

    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 I or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety I mask worn over spectacles.
  • Page 15 TO STOP MOWER BLADES - These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, disengage attachment clutch control. height of grass and types of grass being _CAUTION: Do not operate the mower mowed. without either the entire grass catcher, on •...
  • Page 16: Before Starting The Engine

    _CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or Transmission Engaged fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in tem- peratures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. ACAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or...
  • Page 17 WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and • The attachments can be used during above) the engine warm-up pedod after the transm,ssion has been warmed up and 7. When engine starts, slowly push may require the choke control be choke control in until the engine pulled out slightly.
  • Page 18: Mowing Tips

    8. Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet retum the motion control lever to the neutral (N) _-_.
  • Page 19: General Recommendations

    MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE /_-_- ___'_°_ _,_. FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE ___. j___ REGULAR SERVICE Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level c_een Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts v' i,,...
  • Page 20: Blade Removal

    TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. 4. Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet shown.
  • Page 21 ENGINE • Keep battery and terminals clean. • Keep battery bolts tight. LUBRICATION • Keep small vent holes open. Only use high quality detergent oil rated • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. with API service classification SF-SJ. NOTE: The original equipment battery on Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade your tractor is maintenance free.
  • Page 22 CLEAN AIR SCREEN 8. Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Insert dipstick into the Air screen must be kept free of dirt and tube and rest the oil fill cap on the chaff to prevent engine damage from tube.
  • Page 23 CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. hose to clean your tractor unless the of all foreign matter. electrical system, muffler, air filter and • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in a shortened of all gasoline, oil, etc.
  • Page 24 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Check adjustment on right side of tractor. Measure distance "F" directly in front of Adjust the mower while tractor is parked and behind the mandrel at bottom edge on level ground or driveway. Make sure of mower housing as shown. tires are propedy inflated (See "PROD- •...
  • Page 25 TO REPLACE MOWER DRIVE BELT MOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION 9. Install belt in both idlers. Make sure MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL belt is in both belt keepers at the idlers 1. Park tractor on a level surface. as shown. Engage parking brake. 10.
  • Page 26: Blade Drive

    TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE 7. Check secondary idler arm and idler BELT to see that they rotate freely. 8. Be sure spdng is hooked in secondary Park the tractor on level surface. Engage idler arm and sway-bar bracket. parking brake. 9.
  • Page 27 TO ADJUST ATTACHMENT CLUTCH BELT INSTALLATION - The electdc clutch should provide years 1. Install new belt around engine pulley of service. The clutch has a built-in brake first, then around transaxle pulley and that stops the pulley within 5 seconds. lastly into all the idler pulleys.
  • Page 28 • Front dimension =A" should be 1/8" to TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK 1/4" less than rear dimension =B'. _W'_'AERY TO ADJUST TOE-IN - RNING: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, 1. Loosen jam nuts at adjustment flame and smoking materials away from sleeves on tie rod.
  • Page 29 4. Install new battery with terminals in Adjustment bolt 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. Tighten securely. AttachmentLift Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) battery terminal with...
  • Page 30 of fuel to the engine giving a richer fuel/ air mixture. Adjusting IMPORTANT: Damage to the needles Needle and the seats in carburetor may result if screw is turned in too tight. PRELIMINARY SETTING - Throttle Control 1. Be sure you have a clean air filter, and Cable the throttle control cable is adjusted properly (see "TO ADJUST...
  • Page 31 Immediately prepare your tractor for alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or storage at the end of the season or if the using ethanol or methanol) can attract tractor will not be used for 30 days or moisture which leads to separation and more.
  • Page 32: Troubleshooting Chart

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Fill fuel tank. Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" 2. Engine not "CHOKED" in Operation section. properly. Wait several minutes before Engine flooded.
  • Page 33 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power 1. Cutting too much grass/too 1. Set in =Higher Cut" position/ fast. reduce speed. 2. Throttle in =CHOKE" Adjust throttle control. position.
  • Page 34 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM !1. Obstruction in clutch 1. Remove obstruction. Mower blades will mechanism. not rotate 2. Worn/damaged mower Replace mower drive belt. drive belt. 3. Replace idler pulley. 3.
  • Page 35 TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 SCHEMATIC BATTERY SOLENOID 15/d_lP [X_0 _00 RPM REGULATOR _R_NG Sy_RE_I CO'PUT 21 VOLTS _C 0 3_0 RPM (R{,GK_ATOR D_CONN_11_O) PTO SWWCH HEADUGHTS POS_N CIRCU_ C+G,B+H IGNmON SWITCH C+FrB+E,A+D POSmONSmON I CIRCUIT "MAKE" RELAY O_F IM+G + A1 NONE B + A1 NONE...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 ELECTRICAL • I___...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Head 1/4-20 x 3/4 7603J Tray, Battery 145211 Bolt 1/4-20 x 7.5 Zinc 150109 Hold down Battery Dash Mount 145769 Nut Push Nylon 1/4" 176138 Switch Intedock 175688 Hameas Socket Light W/4152J 4152J...
  • Page 38: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 175465 Rail, Frame RH 175282 Dmwbar, Gt 73800700 Nut, Lock Hex 7/16 Uric 163976X428 Dash YTGT2 Cyl 157882 Dash, Lower Vgt One Piece 17720408 Screw, Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 145166 Support, Battery 175259X558 Hood Asm...
  • Page 40: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 GROUND DRIVE 38 37...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION FastenerChristmas Tree ..Traneaxla HydroGear 133835 Bracket Shift 331-3000 (Sea Breakdown) 141004 180642 Key Sq. 1/4 x 1/4 x 2.375 142918 O-Ring AsmHydroGear 7563R WasherThrustAxle Harden 154739 LineFuelHydro15"VGT STD561210 Pin, Cotter 142917...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 STEERING 1313'...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 STEERING KEY PART DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Wheel, Steering 178557 Axle Asm., Front 6855M Fitting, Grease 161849 Spindle Asm, LH 161848 Spindle Asm., RH 62661"! Beadng, RaceThrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 12(X)0029 Ring, Kiip #T5304-75 121232X Cap, Spindle...
  • Page 44 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 ENGINE ISpA.K A.R S .KIT I KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 10010500 Washer Split ..Engine (Bee Breakdown) Kohler Model No. CV674-75544 123487X Clamp Hose 149723 Muffler 17490636 Screw TT 3/8-16 x 2-1/4 UNC 17490664 Screw TT 3/8-16 x 4 UNC 121361X Pu|ley V-|d|er...
  • Page 45: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Seat 18O598 121249X Spacer, Spilt 180166 Bracket, Pivot Seat ! 23740X Spring, Cprsn 140675 Strap,Fender 123976X Nut, Lock 1/4 Lge Fig Gr. 5 145006 Clip, Push In, Hinged 19171912 Washer 17/32x1-3/16x12 STD541437 Nut, Crownlock 3/8-16 Unc...
  • Page 46 164094 DecaIV-Belt Schem DecalBatteryDNGP,/PSN 160397 149516 DecalHood Side Pnl ENGAsm 177415 DecalDash Panel DecaIHood RH Craftsman 177375 171702 Decal InsertStrg Decal Hood LH Craftsman 164065 171703 Decal Battery Decal Brake ParkingSaddle 138047 140837 Refiectro,TaillightLH DecalMaintenance 174969 133644 Reflector,TailightRH 177416 DecalEngine...
  • Page 47: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 LIFT ASSEMBLY 36 73 42 43 • 20 19 16 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121006X Rod Asm., Lever 150233 Trunnion, Infin Height 180045 Shaft Asm., Lift Vgt 110807X Nut, Special 159189 Lever Asm., Lift Rh s"rD551037 Washer 13/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga.
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 MOWER DECK...
  • Page 49: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 MOWERDECK KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Mower DeckWeldment50 131494 181606 Pulley, Idler Flat STD541431 Nut,Crownlock 5/16-18 174375 Pulley,Driven 72110506 Bolt, Carriage 5/16-18x3/4 STD533107 Bolt, Cart.5/16-18Uncx3/4 7631J Runner,MowerLH 136460 Arm, Idler Secondary 138457 Bracket Asm., Sway Bar 165723 Spacer, Retainer STD624008...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 331-3000...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 331-3000 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 161122 Main Housing Assembly 169535 BollBrg6206-1 Seal l"ld X 2.0472" X 0.375" 178317 R.H. Housing Assembly 161157 169522 Center Section Assembly 161153 Shaft, Axle Washer 161125 Spacer 142884 Gasket Matedal...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 :YLINDER HEAD, VALVE AND BREATHER I _m13 CRANKCASEJ _1-7 o----B...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 CRANKCASE HEAD/VALVE/BREATHER PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 24-032-01-S Seal, oil front Kit, breather cover w/ 24-033-03-S Crankcase _asket (includes 2, 3) (USE: Miniblock 24 asker, breather 24-041-23-S 782 14) Cover, breather 24-096-59-S Fitting...
  • Page 54: Blower Housing

    TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 IGNITIONIELECTRICAL BLOWER HOUSING AND BAFFLES I #_ljz IF-"| --10 AIR INTAKE...
  • Page 55 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 BLOWER HOUSING & BAFFLES IGNITION/CHARGING PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Housing, blower 24-027-20-S Kit, grass screen 54-755-15-S (Includes 2-4) (includes 2-4,and 24 24-100-01-S Nut, plastic (3) 113 18-S) Plug, button 9/16 25-139-16-S Screw, hex.
  • Page 56 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 S:AWrnNG i-_S-T E M J ENGINE CONTROLS I OIL PAN I LUBRICATION J...
  • Page 57 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 STARTING SYSTEM OIL PAN/LUBRICATION PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION M-839080-S Screw, hex. flange 24-199-07-S Pan, oil assembly MSx1.25x80 (2) ,_.cludes 2-10) 25-098-08-S Starter, solenoid shift M-645025-S rew, hex. flange (Includes 4-7) M6xl.0x25 M-841080-S...
  • Page 58 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.275043 KOHLER ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER CV674, TYPE NUMBER 75544 EXHAUSTJ CRANKSHAFT FUEL SYSTEM • . FUEL SYSTEM CRANKSHAFT PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 24-014-72-S 24-853-61-S Kit, carburetor w/ Crankshaft (includes 2) 52-139-09-S Plug, cup _askets ncludes 2-4) EXHAUST 24-041-15-S Gasket, narburetor 24-053-61...
  • 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 elope you want to measure. 4.
  • Page 60 Get it fixed, at your home or ours! For repairof majorbrandappliances In your own home... no matterwhomade it,no matterwhosoldrd 1-800-4-MY-HOME Any,r_ dayor n_t (1-8004694663) (U.S_. and Canada) _Jmlllll_=l For repair of carry-inproductslikevacuums, lawn equipment, and electronics,callfor the nearest Seam Paris and Re_ Center.

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