Craftsman 917.273521 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.273521 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.273521 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 21.0 hp, with 42" mower, electric start, automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
J CRIIFTSMIIN°J
LAWN TRACTOR
21.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273521
I
[_]]]
This product has a low emission engine which operates
I
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
I
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 917.273521

  • 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 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: Slope Operation

    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 acciden- 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. safe machine operation. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Never allow children to operate the limbs, etc.
  • 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: Specifications

    W/Filter 4.0 Pints AGREEMENTS W/O Filter 3.75 Pints Congratulations on making a smart pur- Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC chase. Your new Craftsman@ product is GAP: .040") designed and manufactured for years of Ground Speed Forward: dependable operation. But like all prod- (MPH):...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Steering Extension Adapter Sleeve Shaft Steering Steering Wheel Insert (1) Locknut 1/2-20 ® (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Seat _Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet...

  • Page 8: Tools Required For Assembly

    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 INSTALL SEAT NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate Adjust seat before tightening adjustment instruction below to remove the tractor knob. from the skid. 1. Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See...
  • 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 LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED...

  • Page 12: Motion Control

    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 Position Attachment Ignition Clutch Lever...
  • 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 I or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectac es.

  • Page 14: To Operate On Hills

    • The average lawn should be cut to ap- _CAUTION: Do not operate the mower proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool without either the entire grass catcher, season and to over 3 inches during hot on mowers so equipped, or the deflector months.

  • Page 15: Add Gasoline

    Transmission Engaged _CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can...
  • Page 16 PURGE TRANSMISSION WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above) To ensure proper operation and per- 8. When engine starts, slowly push choke formance, it is recommended that the control in until the engine begins to transmission be purged before operating run smoothly.

  • Page 17: Mowing Tips

    MULCHING MOWING TIPS MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep • Mower should be properly leveled for mower housing free of built-up grass and best mowing performance. See "TO trash. Clean after each use. LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the • The special mulching blade will recut Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

  • Page 18: General Recommendations

    FiLL,. O ATES ASYOU COMPLETE /__A_O_ _._ _ _._ _ _O" REGULARSE RVICE ___i_ SER VICE DATES Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners 11##5 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level...
  • 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 Lubrication

    V-BELTS BATTERY Check V-belts for deterioration and wear Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- after 100 hours of operation and replace ever, periodic charging of the battery with if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. an automotive charger will extend its life.
  • Page 21 IMPORTANT: Petroleum solvents, such Oil Drain Valve as kerosene, are not to be used to clean the cartridge. They may cause deterio- Closed and ration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Locked --------- Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry Position Drain cartridge.

  • Page 22: Spark Plugs

    MUFFLER CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. Inspect and replace corroded muffler and of all foreign matter. spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- • 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 ANY SER- VICE 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 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING • To lower front of mower loosen nut "E" on both front links an equal number of Adjust the mower while tractor is parked turns. on level ground or driveway. Make sure • When distance "D" is 1/8" to 1/2" tires are properly inflated (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS"...
  • Page 25 TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE TO ADJUST BRAKE BELT 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and engage parking brake. The mower blade drive belt may be re- placed without tools. Park the tractor on 2. Measure distance between brake oper- level surface.
  • Page 26 3. Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll 1. Loosen the adjustment bolt. 2. Move the motion control lever 1/4 to around the top groove of engine pulley. 4. Install belt through stationary idler and 1/2 inch in the direction it is trying to clutching idler.
  • Page 27 REPLACING BATTERY Washers _ILWARNING: Do not short battery Retaining terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at Axle the same time. Before connecting battery, Cover remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected Square Key first to prevent sparking from accidental (Rear Wheel Only)
  • Page 28 TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL 3. Choke should be closed. If it is not, SEMBLY loosen casing clamp screw and move 1. Raise hood. choke cable until choke is completely closed. Tighten casing clamp screw 2. Unsnap headlight wire connector. securely.
  • Page 29 Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- Also, alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol age at the end of the season or if the trac- or using ethanol or methanol) can attract tor will not be used for 30 days or more. moisture which leads to separation and •...

  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    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" 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. 3.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION 3. Clean underside of mower Loss of power 3. Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower. (continued) housing. 4. Dirty air filter. 4. Clean/replace air filter.
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Mower blades will 2. Worn/damaged mower 2. Replace mower drive belt. not rotate (con't) drive belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 3. Replace idler pulley. 4.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 SCHEMATIC BATTERY FUSE STARTER AMMETER BLACK '©'C> WHETE (OPTIONAL) SOLENOID CLUTCH/BRAKE (PEDAL WHETE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION NOT OCCUPIED) SWITCH BLACK BLACK _ATT'MENT CLUTCH BL_CK (CLUTCH OFF) GROUNDING CONNECTOR • (OPTIONAL) SPARK • BLACK IGNITION PLUG UNIT (2 PLUGS...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 ELECTRICAL \\\///...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 ELECTRICAL PART DESCRIPTION 144927 Battery 74760412 Belt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 7603J Tray, Battery 145211 Bolt, Btr Front 1/4-20 x 7-1/2 150109 Holddown Battery Front Mount 145769 Nut, Push Nylon Battery Front 1/4 176138 Switch Interlock 183759 Harness, Light Socket (w/4152J)

  • Page 36: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES _145 chassis-Laser -It.stlt...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X013 Dash STD533710 Belt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, LH 172105X010 Panel, Dash, RH 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 185682X558 Hood Assembly 184921...

  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 GROUND DRIVE (_150 30 / -_" 78 76 drive*hydro,silt...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) 154778 Keeper Belt Engine Hydro Peerless LTH2000 134683 Keeper Belt Engine 165866 Red Shift Fender Adjust 137057 Spacer STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x 1 CAD 121749X Washer 25/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.

  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 STEERING ASSEMBLY 28 / steering..pLIL42...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 STEERINGASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 Steering Wheel 175131 Front Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 19272016 Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga. 12000029 Ring, Klip 3366R...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 ENGINE • OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine*bs intek*twin PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Control Throttle Paddle 137180 170546 Arrestor Spark 17720408 Screw HexThd Out 1/4-20 x 5/8T 157103 Tank Fuel 3 50 Bear Engine (See Breakdown) Briggs 161696 Cap Fuel Model No.

  • Page 43: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 SEAT ASSEMBLY seat It.knob 9 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 188716 Seat 121246X Bracket Pnt Mounting Switch 180166 Bracket Fender 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Ny150 td 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 uncx 1 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 19131610 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga.
  • Page 44 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 DECALS KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 156439 Decal Fender Danger Sears 189647 Decal Dash Panel 184730 Decal Hood Side 160396 Decal Mower Drive Schematic 184728 Decal Hood Rh 138047 Decal Battery Diehard Sears 184729 Decal Hood Lh 172331 Decal Deck Mower EZ3...

  • Page 45: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 LIFT ASSEMBLY 32 j lift-rh.1piece 3 KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 159460 Lift Lever Inner Wire Asm. STD624008 Retainer Spring 159471 Shaft Asm. Lift 173288 Link Front 105767X Pin Groove 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 unc 12000002 175689 Trunnion...

  • Page 46: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 MOWER DECK .146 _112 _117 10,,---< 119J 113j 42 =D man*t-path =stlt 3...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Housing 165723 Spacer, Retainer STD533107 Bolt 141043 Guard, Tuv Idler (94) Knob Custom Oval 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, 149846 Front 144959 V-Belt Locknut, Hex W/Wsh 3/8-16 unc 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42"...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 ii :...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772151 Cover LH. 786196 Spacer .625.765 770135 Case 792201 Spring 776355 Counter Shaft 792154 Oil Fill Plug 778263 Spur Gear 11T 788088A Oil Seal 3/4" 786197 Neutral Sleeve (.572) 792141...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407577,TYPE NUMBER 0283-E1 1010LABEL_T 525_ 1017_ 5_4© 54 '_ 220 @ 1058 OWr'_EI_ S MANUAL 447A 1036 EMISSION LAI_EL...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407577, TYPE NUMBER 0283-E1 +¸,5° 121 CARBUR#TOR OVERHAUL KIT 105 % 51B (_ 1127_ 276 @...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 BRIGGS & STRATTONENGINE-MODELNUMBER407577,TYPE NUMBER 0283-E1 3,_8 ENGINE GASKET SET 783 843_ 843 _ 52# @ 80,3' 1022842 _ e97'_...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407577, TYPE NUMBER 0283-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Valve-Throttle 699751 Cylinder Assembly 699809 Kit-Throttle Shaft 499585 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 699812 Float-Carburetor 391086 ,Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 694914 OGasket-FIoat Bowl 699747 Sump-Engine 698781 Kit-Choke Shaft...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273521 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 407577,TYPE NUMBER 0283-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 891008 Knob-Air Cleaner 393456 Wire/Connector-Alternator 896459 Alternator 891127 Screw (Rocker Cover) 891029 Nut (Governor Control Lever) 894000 Hose-Vacuum 497806 Drive-Starter 891003 Screw (Choke Control Bracket) 892024 Clutch-Drive 890589...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face, Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees, Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control, Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
  • 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 doqt-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances...

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