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Craftsman 917.274390 Owner's Manual

18.0 hp, 42" mower electric start 6 speed transaxle
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Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN °
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 H P, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.274390
i_
This product has a low emission
engine which operates
differently from previously
built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand
this Owner's Manual,
IMPORTANT:
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 - 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 917.274390

  • Page 1 Read and follow all Safety this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Rules and Instructions before Sears Craftsman Help Line operating this equipment. 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...

  • Page 2: Warranty

    Service ......Back Cover LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace...
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. • Never direct discharged material toward _WARNING: In order to prevent anyone.

  • Page 4: Slope Operation

    II. SLOPE OPERATION • Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and Slopes are a major factor related to loss of be seriously injured or interfere with control and tip-over accidents, which can safe machine operation.
  • Page 5 • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, • Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom the truck or trailer and refuel it on the other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked ground. If this is not possible,then debris. Allow machine to cool before refuelsuch equipmentwith a portable storing.

  • Page 6: Product Specifications

    (Gap: .030") AGREEMENTS Forward: Ground Speed Congratulations on making a smart pur- (MPH): chase. Your new Craftsman® product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That's...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering (1) Large Flat Washer Wheel Insert © (1) 5/16 Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 4 Steering Extension Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Shaft Boot Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Slope Sheet...
  • Page 8 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...
  • Page 9 7. Slide seat until a comfortableposition NOTE: You may now roll or drive your is reachedwhich allowsyou to press tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor clutch/brakepedal all the way down. from the skid. 8.

  • Page 10: Check Tire Pressure

    CHECKTIRE PRESSURE J CHECKL IS T The tires on your tractor were overin- Before you operate and enjoy your new flated at the factory for shipping purposes. tractor, we wish to assure that you receive Correct tire pressure is important for best the best performance and satisfaction cutting performance.
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. I'.,,I SLOW REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST IGNITION SWITCH ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE OPERATION LOCKED...
  • Page 12 KN OW YOU R TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. ROS "ON" Position Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever...
  • Page 13 The operation of any tractor 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 adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard...
  • Page 14 USING THE REVERSE OPERATION • The average lawn should be cut to ap- SYSTEM proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way months. For healthier and better looking down and hold.

  • Page 15: To Start Engine

    TOWING CARTS OTHER ATTACH- CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called MENTS gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) attract moisture which leads to separa- Tow only the attachments that are recom- tion and formation of acids during storage. mended by and comply with specifications Acidic gas can damage the fuel system...
  • Page 16 When engine starts, leave throttle control in choke position until engine warms up and begins to run roughly. Once rough running begins, imme- diately move the throttle control to the fast position. Engine warm-up take from several seconds to several •...

  • Page 17: Before Each Use

    MAI.TE.A.CE SC.EDU'E AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE /_///_'_ E R VICED ATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners I_'s Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades lI_3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts...

  • Page 18: Brake Operation

    TRACTOR ROS "ON" Position Engine "ON" Position (Normal Operating) Alwaysobserve safety ruleswhen per- forming any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requiresmore than five (5) feetto stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level,dry concreteor paved surface,then brakemust be checkedand adjusted.(See "TOADJUST BRAKE"in the Serviceand •...
  • Page 19 ENGINE NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may LUBRICATION appear to be centered, but are not. Only use high quality detergent oil rated • Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion with API service classification SG-SL.

  • Page 20: Engine Oil Filter

    Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. To open, pull out on the drain valve. Handle 5. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
  • Page 21 MUFFLER CLEANING Inspect and replace corroded muffler • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- of all foreign matter. ate a fire hazard and/or damage. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free SPARK PLUG(S) of all gasoline, oil, etc.
  • Page 22 SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: ARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
  • Page 23 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" lower at front than rear, tighten nuts "F" Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure against trunnion on both front links. tires are properly inflated (See "PROD-...
  • Page 24 Mandrel With Parking Brake "Engaged" Idler Pulleys Nut "A" Jam Nut Mandrel Pulley TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable 00238 brake system which is mounted on the TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT right side of the transaxle. Park the tractor on level surface.
  • Page 25 TO REMOVE WHEEL FOR REPAIRS Engine Block up axle securely. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and Center washers to allow wheel removal (rear Clutching wheels have a square key - Do not Keeper lose). Repair tire and reassemble. NOTE: On rear wheels only: align Stationary Idler...
  • Page 26 TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER 1. Raise hood. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the BLACK cable first from chassis then from the fully charged battery. backside of the grill. RED cable last from both batteries. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder...
  • Page 27 ENGINE IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the if screw is turned in too tight. emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, PRELIMINARY SETTING may be performed...
  • Page 28 Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- blended fuels (called gasohol or using age at the end of the season or if the trac- ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture tor will not be used for 30 days or more. which leads to separation and formation acids during...

  • Page 29: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. Wait several minutes Engine flooded.
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM Loss of power Cutting too much grass/too Raise cutting height/reduce fast. speed. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Adjust throttle control. Clean underside of mower Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under...
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE 3ORRECTION PROBLEM Mower blades will 1. Remove obstruction. 1. Obstruction in clutch not rotate mechanism. Worn/damaged mower drive Replace mower drive belt. belt. Frozen idler pulley. Replace idler pulley.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 SCHEMATIC 02831 193372 SOLENOID STARTER FUSE AMMETER (OPTIONAL) IGNITION UNIT s_s_ )AFtK GAP P LUGS (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL. ENGINES) ..7"1 HOUR ..METER y FLIE[. I (OPTIONAL) LINE C HARGDING@SYSoToFRMp_U T PU T _SHV/AOLTSACsM/_E _ 36000RPMEcTED) FUEL SHUT-OFF SOLENOID...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 ELECTRICAL :::_...
  • Page 35 Nut, Keps Hex 1/4-20 unc 4207J Cable Ground 6 Ga. 12" black 192749 Switch Seat 193350 Switch 140403 Key Ign Molded Craftsman 110712X Switch Light 193372 Harness 71110408 Bolt BIk. Fin Hex 1/4-20 unc x 112 131563 Cover Terminal 178861...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 CHASSIS ENCLOSURES 212__ chassis-Laser -It.stlt_47...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR- - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar t 55272 Bumper Hood/Dash 193510X012 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, LH. 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H. 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 112 185682)(613 Hood Assembly Laser 184921 Bumper Hood Large 1.75...

  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 GROUND DRIVE 3536 drlve-fender, stlt 46...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transaxle Peerless 206-545C 175410 Pulley, Engine 173937 Bolt Hex 7/16-20 x 4 Gr. 5-1.5 (See Breakdown) STD551143 Washer 146682 Spring Brake Return 123666X Pulley Transaxle 154778 Keeper Belt Engine Hydro 142432 Screw...

  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 STEERING ASSEMBLY / ..$ .._ _\ 43 steering pl.lt 58...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 186780 Steering Wheel 175131 Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25t32 x 1-5t8 x 16 Ga. 192720 Washer 27/32 x 1- 1/4 x 16 Ga.

  • Page 42: Optional Equipment

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs, lcyl PART DESCRIPTION 170545 Control, Throttle/Choke 17720408 Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine, Briggs Model No. 31H777-0297-E1 (See Breakdown) 137352 Muffler 165291 Gasket 148456 Tube Drain Oil Easy 169837 Shield Brn/Dbr...

  • Page 43: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 SEAT ASSEMBLY seat_It.knob_9 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 188716 Seat 121248X Bushing, Snap 180166 Bracket, Pivot, Seat 72050412 Bolt, Carriage 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 71110616 Bolt 134300 Spacer, Split .28 x .88 19131610 Washer 13/32xlx10Ga. 121250X Spring 145006 Clip, Push-In...
  • Page 44 138311 Decal, Lift Handle 179768X428 193545 Decal Hood Side Pad, Footrest 172331 Decal Deck 179769X428 Pad, Footrest 193400 186282 Decal Fender Craftsman Owner's Manual, English 156439 Decal 193401 Fender Danger Owner's Manual, Spanish 179128 Decal Deck "B" 42" PART WHEELS &...

  • Page 45: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 LIFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Lift Lever Inner Wire Assembly 159471 Shaft Assembly, Lift 105767X Pin, Groove 12000002 E-Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 120183X Bearing, Nylon 125631X Grip, Handle, Fluted 122365X Button, Plunger, 139865 Link, Lift, L.H.

  • Page 46: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 MOWER DECK 4__2 .146 _147 10 _, D man-t-path stlt...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Bolt Carr. Sh. 3/8-16 x 1-1/2 Gr. 5 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 72110612 STD533107 Bolt 131494 Pulley, Idler, Flat 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 73900600 Nut Lock Fig. 3/8-16 uric 165460 Bracket Sway...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 206-545C _ 35 MODEL and SERIAL NUMBERS HERE...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,274390 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER 206-545C PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772147 Transaxle Cover 790079 Brake Lever Screw 1/4 - 20 x 1-1 /4" 780086A Needle Bearing 5/8" 792073A 770128 Transaxle Case 792085A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 2 1/4" Locknut 5 / 16 - 24 776395...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 684 11 I 1330REPA,R MANUAL 307_ 1264_' 884_ 1329 REPLACEMENT ENGINE I 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 148o_ 868 (_ 1270 9430 741_ 617 0 691_ 12661022[/_ 7591 524 _ 8420 1019 LABEL KIT...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 1022 1022 6170 103z 1022 616_ 1023 305A _ 1267 1070 697 _ lOO5_ 1o441; I040 803_ 310 I 1265 579_46_ _ 503_...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 -108 692 _ 1091 142_ _1o6 127 O 276 @ 4311 1266A O 1266 0 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 987(_) 104 _ 1270 231'_ 276@ 105 _ 137_ 1266@ 1060 142...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697174 O Seat-Inlet Cylinder Assembly 690577 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 391086 Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 108A 695419 Valve-Choke (Nikki) 697188 Sump-Engine 694352 O Jet-Main...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.274390 BRIGGS ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 693551 Motor-Starter 690968 ,+ Seal-Valve 690323 Bolt (Starter Motor) 690960 Screw (Rocker Cover) 497608 Brush Set 690589 • SeaI-O Ring (Oil Pump Cover) 495859 Armature-Magneto 694393...
  • 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 Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessories owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances...

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