Table of Contents
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Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMIIN°
18.5 HE 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273634
i_]
his product
has a mowemission
engine which
operates
differently
from previously
built engines.
Before you start the
engine,
read and understand
this Owner's
Manual.
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 o 5 pm, Men o Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman
website:www.sears.com/craftsman
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Craftsman 917.273634
Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273634
- 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 o 5 pm, Men o Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman...
- Page 2 Maintenance......... 17 Warranty..........2 SafetyRules ........... 3 Service andAdjustments...... 2 1 ProductSpecifications......6 Storage..........27 Assembly/Pre-Operation ......8 Troubleshooting ........28 Operation..........11 Repair Parts.......... 32 MaintenanceSchedule......1 7 Sears Service......B ack Cover LIMITEDWARRANTYON CRAFTSMANRIDINGEQUIPMENT Fortwo (2) years from the date of purchase,if this CraftsmanRiding Equipmentis maintained,lubricatedand tuned up accordingto the instructionsin the owner'smanual, Searswill repair or replacefree of charge any parts that are foundto be defectivein materialor workmanshipaccordingto the guidelinesof coveragelisted below.Searswill...
- Page 3 mMPORTANT: 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- _IWARNmNG: In order to prevent tion and do not point it at anyone.
- Page 4 * Never carry children. They may fall off Mow up and down slopes, not across. and be seriously injured or interfere with Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree safe machine operation. limbs, etc. Never allow children to operate Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. machine.
- Page 5 Be sure the area is clear of other people Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree before mowing. Stop machine if anyone limbs, etc. enters the area. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off.
- Page 6 Champion RC12YC AGREEMENTS (Gap: .030") Congratulations on making a smart pur- Forward: Ground Speed chase. Your new Craftsman® product is 1 st (MPH): designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That's...
- Page 7 Bubble Level Mower Leveling Wrench (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys (2) Keys "'t...
- Page 8 Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory. Review the video cassette before you begin. When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the oper- ating position (seated behind the steering wheel).
- Page 9 mNSTALL MULCHER PLATE Start the engine. After engine started, move throttle control to idle (If previously removed) position. Raise and hold deflector shield Depress clutch/brake pedal into full upright position. "BRAKE" position and hold. Move Place front of mulcher plate over front gearshift lever to 1st gear.
- Page 10 CHECK TIRE PRESSURE V"CHECKMST The tires on your tractorwere overin- Before you operate and enjoy your new fiated at the factoryfor shipping purposes. tractor, we wish to assure that you receive Correcttire pressure is importantfor 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 IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED...
- Page 12 KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHINS O WNER'SMANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATmNG Y OUR TRACTOR Comparethe illustrationswith your tractorto familiarizeyourselfwith the locationsof various controls and adjustments. Savethis manualfor future reference. iht Switch Position Hourmeter ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever Lift Lever Plunger Attachment Th rottle/Choke Lift 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...
- Page 14 TO STOP MOWER BLADES For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed disengage attachment clutch control. twice. Make the first cut relatively high; _ICAUTION: Do not operate the mower the second to desired height. without either the entire grass catcher,...
- Page 15 TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- Acidic gas can damage the fuel system rvIENTS of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should Tow only the attachments that are recom- be emptied before storage of 30 days mended by and comply with specifications...
- Page 16 COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing below) performance and proper discharge 6. When engine starts, leave throttle material. Regulate ground speed control in choke position until engine selecting a low enough gear to give the...
- Page 17 F,LL ,, DATES AS COMPLETE ..REGULAR SERV,OE f y4 yA TS ERV'C EDATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades li#13 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals i,,' Check...
- Page 18 TRACTOR mMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rutes when per- on mandrel assembly. forming any maintenance. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATmON and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet...
- Page 19 BATT E RY NOTE: Although muki-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°R ever, periodic charging of the battery with...
- Page 20 ENGmNE OraL FmLTER CLEAN AmR SCREEN Replacethe engine oil filter every season Air screen mustbe kept free of dirt and or every other oil change if the tractor is chaffto preventenginedamagefrom used morethan 100 hours in oneyear. overheating. Cleanwith a wire brushor compressedair to removedirt and stub- AIR FmLTER born dried gum fibers.
- Page 21 We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. tractor unless the engine and transmis- of all foreign matter. sion are covered to keep water out. Water Keep finished surfaces and wheels free...
- Page 22 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSmNG Bottom Edge of Bottom Edge of Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are properly inflated (See "PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tires are over or undednflated, you will not properly adjust your mower.
- Page 23 Mandrel Idler To raise front of mower, loosen nut "F" from trunnion on both front links. Tighten nut "E" on both front links an equal num- ber of turns. The two front links must remain equal in length. When distance "D"...
- Page 24 TO REPLACE MOTmON DRmVE BELT NOTE: When the tractor rear wheels move freely, the transaxb is in neutral. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the belt installation guide decal on bottom side...
- Page 25 TO START ENGINE WiTH A WEAK BAT- First connect RED battery cable to TERY positive (+) battery terminal with hex bolt and keps nut as shown. Tighten ,_kWARNmNG: Lead-acid batteries gen- securely. erate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame Connect BLACK grounding cable to and smoking...
- Page 26 mMPORTANT: 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 27 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 28 TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in marluam unmess directed to Sears service center CAUSE GORRECTmON 1. Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. Wait several minutes Engine flooded. before attempting to start.
- Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manuam unmess directed to Sears service center CAUSE CORRECTmON 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 mower.
- Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in manuam unmess directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTmON Mower blades wiii 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 31 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 SCHEMATmC SOLENOID AMMETER FUSE STARTER (OPTIONAL) BLACK WHITE 1....1 ©---'---_, BLACK ..ELECTRIC CLUTCH • A2r-/ VLUI_,nzon_B.[_ (PEDAL ... !: ......Rm_ ............i E 1 1 ....I<_q ......"_'--_'_ DIODE SNITION _WITCH SEAT SWITCH...
- Page 32 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 ELECTRICAL I- ..
- Page 33 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 ELECTRmCAL KEY PART DESCRiPTiON 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 7603J Trap',Battery 145211 Bolt, Battery, Front 1/4-20 x 7-1/2 150109 HoIddown, Battery, Front 145769 Nut, Push, Nylon, Battery, Front 1/4 176138 Switch, htedock 175688 Harness, Light 4152J...
- Page 34 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES _j209 .142 chassis-stealth,stlt...
- Page 35 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRiPTiON 174619 Chassis 176554 Drawbar 161566X428 Dash 72140608 Bolt RDHD SQNK 3/8-16 x 1 167203 Panel, Dash, LH 188702X010 Panel, Dash, RH 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 175260X615 Hood Assembly 162026 Plate Battery STD541437...
- Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 GROUND DRIVE drive-fender.stlt...
- Page 37 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 GROUND DRmVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION TransaxIe Peerless 206-545C 169691 Keeper, Belt, Center Span 17120614 Screw 3/8-16 x =875 (See Breakdown) 123533X Cover, Pedal 146682 Spring, Return, Brake 123666X Pulley, Transaxle 175414 PulIey, Engine 173937 Bolt Hex 7/16-20 x 4 Gr=5-1Thr= 12000028...
- Page 38 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 STEERmNG steering steaffh prem...
- Page 39 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 STEERmNG PART DESCRiPTiON 159944X428 Wheel Steering 184706 Axle Asm 169840 Spindle Asm LH 169839 Spindle Asm RH 6266H Bearing Race Thrust Harden 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga= 12000029 Ring Klip #t5304-75 175121 Link Drag STD551137...
- Page 40 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyl...
- Page 41 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 ENGINE PART DESCRiPTiON 176636X505 Control ThrottIe 171875 Screw Hwhd Hi-Lo #13-16 x 3/4 Engine, Briggs Mode! 31P777-0348-E1 (See Breakdown) 137352 Muffler 165291 Muffler Gasket 148456 Tube Drain oiI 169837 Shie!d Heat 137180 Kit Spark Arrestor (Flat Scrn) 179022 Tank Fuel 4.0 Rear 179124X428 Cap Asm Fuel...
- Page 42 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 SEAT ASSEMBLY F_._--.-15 seat It.knob KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 188714 Seat 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 140551 Bracket Pivot Seat 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sqnk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 STD523710 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 121249X Spacer Split 28x .88 Zinc 19131610...
- Page 43 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 DECALS PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 187407 164065 Reflector, LH Decal, Steering Wheel 138047 Decal Battery, Diehard, Sears 156368 Decal, Fender, Operator 186242 DecaI Hood RH Instructions 186243 Decal Hood LH 186572 Decal, Fender 160396 Decal Deck Sch.
- Page 44 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 UFT ASSEMBLY •...
- Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 UFT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 179504 PIunger Assembiy 159476 Shaft Assembly, Lift 188822 Pin, Groove 12000002 E-Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga+ 120183X Bearing, NyIon 175830 Grip, Handle, Fluted 139865 Link, Lift, L.H+ 139866 Link, Lift, R.H+ STD624008...
- Page 46 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 MOWER DECK _ ""_ 40 159 _i 132 91 _184 140 - 102 F 21 _5 _134 , 138 \" 92__ D,elec.t-path.adjwl.stlt...
- Page 47 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRiPTiON Roller Nose 182032 Mower Housing 132264 STD533107 Bolt 180533 Bracket Roller Nose RH 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Fr. 136420 Cover Mulching 42" Black Screw Truss Hd Phil10-24 x 5/8 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42"...
- Page 48 "TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 206-545C 180J_ MODEL and SERIAL NUMBERS HERE...
- Page 49 TRACTOR o ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE--MODEL NUMBER 206°545C PART PART DESCRmPTmON DESCRIPTION 772147 Transaxle Cover 790079 Brake Lever 780086A Needle Bearing 5/8" 792073A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 1-1 /4" 770128 Transaxle Case 792085A Screw 1/4 - 20 x 2 1/4" 776395 Countershaft 792075...
- Page 50 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 BRmGGS & STRATTON ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0348=E1 884_ 11 _ 584_ 12641_ 8_1_ 146 '_ 126_ 741_ 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 8680 943 O 1270 _7591 617 0 842<:3 1027 / 1019 LABEL 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL I I 1036 EMISSION...
- Page 51 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE=MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0348=E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 868 _'_ 1022 _] 1022 6170 1034 --10_ 1119_ •_ _-1o6 lo91 127 (_ 276@ 1127L4 _ 104%-CA 4A_KIT-087 R B URE TO R6_ 137_ 276@ 634_...
- Page 52 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 BRmGGS & STRATTON ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0348=E1 PART PART DESCRiPTiON DESCRmPTmON 697174 Cylinder Assembly 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 399265 Kit-Bushing/Sea! 108A 692344 Valve-Choke (Choke A Matic) (MagnetoSide) 694352 © Jet-Main (Standard) 391086 ,, SeaFOiI (Magneto Side) 697228 Jet-Main (High Altitude)
- Page 53 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273634 BRmGGS & STRATTON ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0348=E1 PART PART DESCRiPTiON DESCRmPTmON "+ SeaFVaIve 89838 Wrench-Spark Plug 690968 694476 Screw (Fuel Pump) 690960 Screw (Rocker Cover) Line-Vacuum 385A 690297 Screw (Fuel Pump) 697091 697090 Pump-Fuel 690589...
- 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 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii_ For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii For the replacement parts, accessories iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii...