Craftsman 917.273400 Owner's Manual
Craftsman 917.273400 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.273400 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 18.0 hp, with 42" mower, electric start, automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN'I
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273400
[_
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 917.273400

  • Page 1 Call: Read and follow all Safety 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 IN HOME warranty service will still be available after the first 30 days of pur- chase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped off at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
  • 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. • Be aware of the mower discharge direc- ,_WARNING: In order to prevent ac- tion and do not point it at anyone.
  • Page 4 • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree safe machine operation. limbs, etc. • Never allow children to operate the machine.
  • Page 5 • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other people limbs, etc. before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall •...
  • Page 6 PROTECTION W/O Filter: 3.0 Pints AGREEMENTS Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC Congratulations on making a smart pur- GAP: .030") chase. Your new Craftsman® product is Ground Speed Forward: designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod- (MPH):...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer @(1) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 1/2-20 Steering Extension Shaft Steering Wheel Adapter Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys "-t Slope...
  • 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 proper tightness.
  • Page 9 6. Lower seat into operatingposition and TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See sit in seat. Operation section for location 7. Slide seat until a comfortableposition function of controls) is reachedwhich allowsyou to press 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise clutch/brakepedal all the waydown.
  • Page 10 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your trac- (If previously removed) tor, check to see that the brake is properly 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in upright position. the Service and Adjustments section of 2.
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. I',,I REVERSE NEUTRAL HiGH CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF UGHTS ENGINE ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP FUEL...
  • Page 12 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. Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever _t Switch Position Ammeter...
  • 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 safetyl mask worn over spectacles.
  • Page 14 TOTRANSPORT • For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed When pushing or towing your tractor, twice. Make the first cut relatively high; sure to disengage transmission by placing the second to desired height. freewheel control in freewheeling position.
  • Page 15 • For cold weather operation you should NOTE: Before starting, read the warm change oil for easier starting ((See the and cold starting procedures below. oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance 6. Insert key into ignition and turn key section of this manual). clockwise to start position and release •...
  • Page 16 MOWING TIPS PURGE TRANSMISSION = Mower should be properly leveled for _,CAUTION: Never engage or dis- engage freewheel lever while the engine best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the is running. Service and Adjustments section of this To ensure proper operation and per- manual.
  • Page 17 MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed.
  • Page 18 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ._f_ ,_-_ _ o-_ ,_/_, F, LL,. O AT ES AS YOU COMPLETE DATES REGULAR SERVICE _'__"S E RVIC Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners _1_5 Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery...
  • Page 19 TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when per- on mandrel assembly. forming any maintenance. 4. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet shown.
  • Page 20 ENGINE • Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. LUBRICATION • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. Only use high quality detergent oil rated NOTE: The original equipment battery on with API service classification SF-SJ. your tractor is maintenance free.
  • Page 21 3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. 4. To open, pull out on the drain valve. 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 22 MUFFLER CLEANING Inspect and replace corroded muffler and • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- of all foreign matter. • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free ate a fire hazard and/or damage. of all gasoline, oil, etc.
  • Page 23 WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. 5.
  • Page 24 7. Push clutch cable housing guide into • Before making any necessary adjust- ments, check that both front links are bracket, slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring. equal in length. 8. Place flat washer and clutch spring on •...
  • Page 25 BELTINSTALLATION - Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust 1. Work belt aroundboth mandrelpulleys and idler pulleys if necessary. If stopping distance is still greater than five (5) feet in highest 2. Makesure belt is in all pulley grooves and insideall belt guides.
  • Page 26 TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT Engine Pulley Clutching Should your transmission require removal for service or replacement, it should be purged Idler- after reinstallation and before operating the Stationary tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" the Operation section of this manual. Idler _ TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- Center Span ___/___J MENT...
  • Page 27 If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system. The other vehicle must also be a 12 volt system. Do not use your tractor battery to start other vehicles. TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES - 1.
  • Page 28 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 by any non-road engine...
  • Page 29 Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- hose, or tank during storage. Also, alcohol age at the end of the season or if the trac- blended fuels (called gasohol or using tor will not be used for 30 days or more. ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of _CAUTION:...
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" in 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Operation section. 3.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM CORRECTION 6. Faulty spark plug. 6. Clean and regap or change LOSS of power spark plug. (continued) 7. Dirty fuel filter. 7. Replace fuel filter. 8.
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Poor grass 3. Wet grass. 3. Allow grass to dry before discharge mowing. 4. Mower deck not level. 4. Level mower deck. (continued) 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273400 SCHEMATIC ÷ BATTERY FUSE AMMETER STARTER 8LACK WHITE (OPTIONAL) M__ " SOLENOID CLUTCH / BRAKJE (PEDAL UP) WH_E SEAT SWITCH tGNITION OCCUPIED) SWITCH 8LACK _'_Nf CLUTCH 8LACK GROUNDING BLACK (CLUTCH OFF) CONNECTOR SPARK • (OPTIONAL) B_CK IGNITION...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273400 ELECTRICAL I . I...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273400 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 uric x 3/4 176689 Box Battery Fender 176138 Switch, Interlock 183759 Harness Asm Light W/4152j 4152J Bulb Light #1156 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red 146147 Cable Battery 6 Ga.
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES chassis-Laser qt,stlL27...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Pane% Dash, L.H. 172105X010 Pane% Dash, R.H. Screw Thdrol 3/8-I 6 × 1/2 17490608 185682X558 Hood Assembly Laser...
  • Page 38 DRIVE TRACTOR . . MODEL NUMBER 917.273400 GROUND...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 GROUNDDRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transmission (See Breakdown) 169183 Strap, Torque, Lh Hydro Gear Model 322-0510 I69182 Strap, Torque, Rh 165866 Rod, Shift I37057 Spacer, Axle Washer 25/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga. STD561210 Pin, Cotter I/8 x I I21749X...
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 STEERING ASSEMBLY r-,---,.._ 42 "...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 Steering Wheel 184706 Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, LH. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25/32×1-5/8×16Ga. 12000029 Ring, Klip 175121 Draglink STD55I 137 Washer, Lock 73940800 Nut He×...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.1cyL17 KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION C_nt tel Throt/Ch 181654 170545 Plug drain oii easy 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 124028X Bushing Snap Nyl BIk Fuel Line Screw Hexwsh Thdrol 1/4-20 x Engine (See Breakdown) 17670412...
  • Page 43 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121248X 140122 Seat 3350 BIktbik Craftsman Bushing Snap BIk Ny150 Id 140551 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk I/4-20 × 1-1/2 Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) 134300 71110616 Bolt Fin He× 3/8-16 uric x I...
  • Page 44 Deca% Customer Maintenance 166960 Decal, Bypass 184730 Decat Hood Side LT1O00 138311 Decal, Lift Handle 184899 Pad Footrest LH STLT Deca% Fender, Craftsman 1843I 0X428 Pad Footrest RH STLT 156439 Decal, Fender Danger 1843I IX428 138047 Deca% Battery 189831 Owner's Manual, English...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 LIFT ASSEMBLY 13---.-o_ lift-rh,I piece 3 KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 159460 STD624008 Retainer Spring Washer Asm Inner Spring 173288 Link Front W/Plunger Shaft Asm. Lift 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 uric 159471 175689 Trunnion 105767X Pin Groove...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 MOWER DECK _ "'" 40---'-"_ 10_, 103 105 102I_ ,146 10.--,-_ 42 D m_nt+_th stir 3...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Bolt, Shoulder 5/I6-18 unc 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42 _ I39888 STD533107 Bolt 184907 Arm Assembly, Pad, Brake Washer, Hardened 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 178515 Arm, Idler 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42"...
  • Page 48 :::1: ,< -,-I x,_ I 33 3_ •83 20W50 OIL _57 I _,127 SEAL AND O-RING K T...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 HYDRO TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 322-0510 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Brake Puck 170351 Main Housing, Assembly 142883 Puck Plate 170352 Side Housing, Assembly 142882 170353 Center Section, Assembly 142887 Brake Actuating Pin 170354 Swashplate, Trunion Machined 170410 HFHCS 1/4-20X2 W/Patch,...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 584_ 1264_ 358 ENG{NE GASKET SET 943 0 _0 @ 0170 1022 759 1 524 _ 842O 10!9 LABEL KIT 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL I 1036EMISSION LABEL I 750 •...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 1085 VALVE GAtJXET _ET 817 0 ¸1822 1022 1022 818_ 305A 1078 1805 803[_ 310_ 1285...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 105A I27A 109f 127 O 276A@ 947A _ NIKKI I 1127 276@ 950_ 12 f ACARBURETOR OVERHAUL KiT 6170 1266 634A 127A_) 104A 105A 1266A_ 987A_...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697I 74 Cylinder Assembly 690577 O Seat-Inlet 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 391086 - SeaFOit (Magneto Side) 108A 695419 Valve-Choke (Nikko 697188 Sump-Engine...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273400 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 893551 Motor-Starter 690968 ,+ SeaFVatve 890323 Bolt (Starter Motor) 690960 Screw (Rocker Cover) 497608 Brush Set 690589 • Seat-O Ring (Oil Pump Cover) 495859 Armature-Magneto 694393...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION t jl t jl 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.
  • 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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