Craftsman 917.273810 Owner's Manual
Craftsman 917.273810 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.273810 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 18.5 hp, 42" mower electric start 6 speed transaxle

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Owner's Manual
JCRIIFTSMIIN'J
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273810
[_
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, Mort - 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 917.273810

  • 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, Mort - 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 wilt 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: General Operation

    IMPORTANT:This cutting machineis capableof amputatinghands and feet and throw- ing objects.Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death. Be aware of the mower discharge direc- _,WARNING: In order to preventac- tion and do not point it at anyone. cidental starting when setting up, trans- not operate the mower without either porting,adjustingor making repairs, the entire grass catcher or the guard in...
  • 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 the •...
  • 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 •...
  • Page 6: Specifications

    PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS taws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working iGasoline order by the operator. Unleaded Capacity and In the state of California the above is re- Type: Regular quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor- Oil Type nia Public Resources Code).
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel tnsert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Steering Extension Adapter Steering Wheel Shaft Boot Seat (1)Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge i_(1) Knob For Future Use Video Cassette Slope Sheet Keys...
  • Page 8 Yournew tractor has been assembledat the factorywith the exceptionof those parts left unassembledfor shipping purposes.Toensure safe and proper operationof your tractor all parts and hardwareyou assemblemustbe tightenedsecurely.Use the correcttools as necessaryto insure proper tightness.Reviewthe video cassettebefore you begin. TOOLS REQUIRED _.----- Insert ASSEMBLY...
  • Page 9: Install Seat

    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 TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See...
  • Page 10 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION (If previously removed) OF ALL BELTS 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in See the figures that are shown for replac- upright position. ing motion and mower blade drive belts 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front in the Service and Adjustments section of mower deck opening and slide into...
  • 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 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. Attachment Ignition Switch Light Switch Position Clutch...
  • 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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
  • Page 14: To Operate On Hills

    • The average lawn should be cut to approxi- 1. Select desired height of cut. mately 2-1/2 inches during the cool season 2. Start mower blades by engaging at- tachment clutch control. and to over 3 inches during hot months. TO STOP MOWER BLADES - For healthier and better looking lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
  • Page 15 TOWING CARTS OTHER ATTACH- Acidic gas can damage the fuel system MENTS 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 or longer.
  • Page 16: Cold Weather Starting

    COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing below) performance and proper discharge of 6. When engine starts, leave throttle material. Regulate ground speed by control in choke position until engine selecting a low enough gear to give the warms up and begins to run roughly.
  • Page 17: General Recommendations

    MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE I"_ °"_ F,LL,NOATES REGULAR SERVICE DATES cC ;i:: kkB[raek; ,Tper ra:i° n Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level...
  • Page 18 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. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet shown.
  • Page 19 BATTERY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in 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 Check your engine oil level more frequent- an automotive charger will extend its life.
  • Page 20: Engine Oil Filter

    ENGINEOIL FILTER CLEAN AIR SCREEN Replacethe engine oil filter everyseason Air screen must be kept free of dirt and or every other oil change if the tractor is chaff to prevent engine damage from used more than 100 hours in one year. overheating.
  • Page 21 CLEANING 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 •...
  • Page 22 4. Connectfront links to mowerdeck and FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to securewith retainersprings. 5. Connectsuspensionarms to rear side. If the following front-to-back adjust- deck bracketsand secure with retainer ment is necessary, be sure to adjust both springs. front links equally so mower will stay level side-to-side.
  • Page 23: Belt Installation

    TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE 2. Measure distance between brake oper- BELT ating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 3. If distance is other than 1-1/2", loosen The mower blade drive belt may be re- jam nut and turn nut "A" until distance placed without tools.
  • Page 24: To Attach Jumper Cables

    FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER 5. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. The front wheel toe-in and camber are not 6. Install mower (See "TO INSTALL adjustable on your tractor. If damage has MOWER"...
  • Page 25: Interlocks And Relays

    2. Connectone end of the BLACKcable Hex Bolt Keps Nut to the NEGATIVE(-) terminal (C) of fully chargedbattery. 3. Connectthe other end of the BLACK Terminal cable (D) to good chassisground, Door awayfrom fuel tank and battery. TO REMOVECABLES,REVERSE ORDER- Cable 1.
  • Page 26 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 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 of acids during storage.
  • Page 28: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION I Will not start Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes Engine flooded.
  • Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE 3ORRECTION Loss of power 1. Cutting too much grass!too 1. Raise cutting height/reduce fast. speed. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. 12. Adjust throttle control. Clean underside of mower Build-up of grass, leaves i 3.
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Mower blades will 1. Obstruction in clutch 1. Remove obstruction. mechanism. not rotate 2. Worn/damaged mower drive 2. Replace mower drive belt. belt. 3. Frozen idler pulley. 3.
  • Page 31 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 SCHEMATIC "I" BLACK BATTERY FUSE STARTER AMMETER BLACK '©'C_ (OPTIONAL) WHrTE SOLENOID CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) WHITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION SWITCH w.,T_ ' BLACK BLACK I BLACK © BLACK ATT MENT CLUTCH BLACK (CLUTCH GROUNDING (OPTIONAL) SPARK...
  • Page 32 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 ELECTRICAL i 10 i 27...
  • Page 33 Fuse 73510400 Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 unc 145491 Cable Ground 121305X Switch Seat 175566 Switch Ign 140403 Key Molded Craftsman 179720 Harness Ign 71110408 Bolt BIk. Fin Hex 1/4-20 unc x 1/2 131563 Cover Terminal 178861 Solenoid 121433X Ammeter Rectangular 6 Amp...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES \272 ,145 chassis-Laser -lt.stlt...
  • Page 35: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Assembly 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 168337X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, L.H. 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H. 17490608 ScrewThdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 184272X615 Hood Assembly 184921...
  • Page 36: Ground Drive

    GROUND DRIVE TRACTOR . . MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 drdve*fender.sl...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) 8883R Cover, Pedal Peerless 206-545C 175410 Pulley, Engine 146682 Spring, Return, Brake 173937 Bolt, Hex 7/16-20 x 4 Gr. 5 123666X Pulley, Transaxle STD551143 Washer...
  • Page 38 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 STEERING _r'-'-'- steering pl.lt 47...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 STEERING KEY PART DESCRIPTION 159944X428 Steering Wheel 184706 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, 12000029 Ring, Klip 175121 Draglink STD551137...
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyl...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 ENGINE KEY PART DESCRIPTION 170545 Control, Throttle Paddle 17720408 Screw, Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine, B&S, (See Breakdown) No. 31P777-0296-E1 137352 Muffler Exhaust 165291 Gasket, Muffler 148456 Tube Drain Oil Easy STD551237 Washer Lock Ext Tooth 3/8 169837 Shield, Brn/Dbr Guard...
  • Page 42: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 SEAT ASSEMBLY \\\..- 1 6 seat l.knob KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 188719 Seat 121248X Bushing, Snap 140551 Bracket, Pivot, Seat 72050412 Bolt, Carriage 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 71110616 Bolt 134300 Spacer, Split .28 x .88 19131610 Washer 13/32 x 1 x 10 Ga.
  • Page 43 Decal, Battery 189080 138311 Decal, Rplcmnt Decal, Lift Handle 186572 184310X428 Pad Footrest LH STLT Decal, Fender, Craftsman White 164065 18431 lX428 Pad Footrest RH STLT Decal, Strng Whl Domed 156368 Decal, Fender STLT Oper Inst 189038 Owner's Manual, English...
  • Page 44: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 LIFT ASSEMBLY lift-rh. 1pc.stlt...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART DESCRIPTION 159460 Wire Asm Inner/Sprg W/plunger LT 159471 Shaft Asm Lift RH w/Inf 105767X Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga, 120183X Bearing Nylon BIk 629 Id 125631X...
  • Page 46: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 MOWER DECK 106"_ 103 175 los_/F/11 ,148 103_ \/F 101/_ 104 106 toz_ _ ;147 136_ >21 _134 J136 10-- 42 D man*t-path stlt 4.
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 MOWER DECK KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 182032 149846 Knob Custom Oval Mower Deck Assembly, 42" STD533107 Bolt 144959 V-Belt 138017 STD541437 Bracket Assy., Sway Bar, Front 165460 136420 Mulcher Cover Bracket Sway Bar 38/42"...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER 206-545C 7O 6A 77_._ 0 26 _...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE--MODEL NUMBER 206-545C KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772147 Transaxle Cover 786026 Dowel Pin 780086A Needle Bearing 5/8" 792076A Flat Washer ,312 ID x ,059W 770128 Transaxle Case 790079 Brake Lever 776395 Countershaft 792073A...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 43 7 584_ 12641_ 358 ENGINE GASKET 943 O 617 0 1270 1022 _ 691 (_ 1266 842 O 1019 LABEL KIT 1058OWNER'S MANUAL I 1036 EMISSION LABEL 48 SHORT BLOCK 1330 R EPAtR...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET SET 868 _ 1022 238_ _4_d_ 1026 1022 1022 21of 1091 _106 127 ° 276@ 1127_...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 305A 1267 1040 806'% 1070 74 _ 697 _ lOO2 ,044_ 803 _ 310 1 1051_ 663___783@ 802 _...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697174 Cylinder Assembly 108A 692344 Valve-Choke (Choke A Matic) 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 694352 O Jet-Main(Standard) 391086 • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 697228 Jet-Main (High Altitude) 697188 Sump-Engine...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273810 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Solenoid-Fuel 697090 Pump-Fuel 694393 691691 Washer (Governor Crank) 499613 Cover-Oil Pump Filter-Pre Cleaner 697122 Elbow-Intake 697015 Cover-Air Cleaner 697153 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge 699848 Bowl-Float 691261...
  • 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, 1.
  • Page 56 Get it fixed, at your home or ours! 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.

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