Craftsman 917.271551 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 15.5 hp, 42" mower electric start 6 speed transaxle

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Owner's Manual
J CRIIFTSMI N°J
LAWN TRACTOR
15.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.271551
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.
CAUTION:
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, II 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.271551

  • Page 1 Read and follow all Safety about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman...
  • Page 2 Sears 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: Operation

    IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. Look for this symbol to point out • Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely important safety precautions.
  • Page 4 • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere • Mow up and down slopes, not across. with safe machine operation. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Never allow children to operate limbs, etc. machine.
  • Page 5 • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other limbs, etc. people before mowing. Stop machine if • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. anyone enters the area. Uneven terrain could overturn • Never carry passengers or children machine.
  • Page 6: Specifications

    REPAIR AGREEMENT PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS A Repair Agreement is available on this Gasoline 1.25 Gallons product. Contact your nearest Sears Capacity Unleaded store for details. and Type: Regular CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F) • Read and observe the safety rules. _,PI-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Steering Extension Sleeve Shaft (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 (1) Lock washer Flat L_rge (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 Locknut 5/16-18 Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob For Future Use Slope Sheet Video...
  • 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 NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. (See TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID Operation section for location ,rminal function of controls) 1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to its highest...
  • Page 10: Check Tire Pressure

    CHECK TIRE PRESSURE / CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated Before you operate your new tractor, we at the factory for shipping purposes. wish to assure that you receive the best Correct tire pressure is important for best performance and satisfaction from this cutting performance.
  • Page 11 Thesesymbolsmayappearon your tractoror in literaturesuppliedwith the product. Learnand understandtheir meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW WARNING OI k ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON o%_MP FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED R N H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL...
  • Page 12 KNOWYOUR 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 Ammeter Clutch Ignition Switch Switch Position Lever Throttle/Choke...
  • 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 adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
  • Page 14: Before Starting

    These heights are approximate and may • If slowing is necessary, move throttle vary depending upon soil conditions, control lever to slower position. height of grass and types of grass being • If stopping is absolutely necessary, mowed. push clutch/brake pedal quickly •...
  • Page 15 ADD GASOLINE Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler key as soon as engine starts. Do not neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, run starter continuously for more than regular unleaded gasoline with a fifteen seconds per minute.
  • Page 16: Mowing Tips

    MOWING TIPS • If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See _TO possible fire hazard from dried clip- LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the pings.
  • Page 17: Lubrication Chart

    RMNA/ANTEsNANCE SCHEDULE _._o_y ,BY o u c c,,L E RE O R BER ,CE DATES l_l[ll Check Brake Cperation Check Tire Pressure CheCk Operator Presence and Jntedock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners V°s Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check BatteryLevel Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Betts...
  • Page 18 TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when on mandrel assembly. performing any maintenance. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as shown. If tractor requires more than six (6) feet Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft.
  • Page 19 BATTERY when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How- possible engine damage from running low on oil. ever, periodic charging of the battery with Change the oil after every 25 hours of an automotive charger will extend its life.
  • Page 20: Clean Air Screen

    ENGINE COOLING FINS AIR FILTER Remove any dust, dirt or oil from engine Your engine will not run properly using a cooling fins to prevent engine damage dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cteaner from overheating. after every 25 hours of operation or every 1.
  • Page 21 CLEANING We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and of all foreign matter. i Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. carburetor are covered to keep water out. Keep finished surfaces and wheels free...
  • Page 22 FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT 5. Connect suspension arms to rear deck brackets and secure with IMPORTANT" Deck must be level side-to retainer springs. side. If the following front-to-back adjust- 6. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis ment is necessary, be sure to adjust both bracket and secure with retainer front links equally so mower will stay level side-to-side.
  • Page 23 TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE Road test tractor for proper stopping BELT distance as stated above. Readjust necessary. If stopping distance is still The mower blade drive belt may be greater than six (6) feet in highest replaced without tools. Park the tractor on gear, further maintenance is neces-...
  • Page 24 TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BELT INSTALLATION 1. Carefully work new belt down RNING: Lead-acid batteries tween transaxle belt keepers and onto the input pulley. generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, Slide belt into the center span keeper. flame and smoking materials away from Pull belt toward front of tractor and roll batteries.
  • Page 25: Replacing Battery

    REPLACING BATTERY TO REPLACE FUSE Replace with 20 amp automotive-type 411WARNING: Do not short battery plug-in fuse. The fuse holder is located terminals by allowing a wrench or any behind the dash. other object to contact both terminals at TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL AS- the same time.
  • Page 26 FINAL SE'I-FING - 2. Check that holes "A" in governor control lever and hole in govemor plate line-up. 1. Start engine and allow to warm for five If hctes "A" are not aligned, loosen clamp minutes. Make final adjustments with screw and move throttle cable until holes engine running and shift/motion control are aligned.
  • Page 27: Engine Oil

    Immediately prepare your tractor for Also, alcohol blended fuels (called storage at the end of the season or if the gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to tractor will not be used for 30 days or more.
  • Page 28: Troubleshooting Chart

    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. 2. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. Wait several minutes Engine flooded.
  • Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power 1. Cutting too much grass/too 1. Set in "Higher Cut" position/ fast. reduce speed. 2. Throttle in "CHOKE" 2. Adjust throttle control. position.
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE CORRECTION PROBLEM 1. Remove obstruction. Mower blades will 1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism. not rotate Worn/damaged mower Replace mower drive belt. drive belt. Frozen idler pulley. Replace idler pulley.
  • Page 31 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 SCHEMATIC BI.,ACK BATrERY FUSE AMMETER STARTER (OPTIONAL) SOLENOID CLUTCH / BRAKE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION ..L - - (NOT OCCUPIED) SWITCH wH.e _ ..ATT'MENT CLUTCH ..e_cK (CLUTCH GROUNDING s_cK IGNITION • PLUG UNIT (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL.
  • Page 32 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 33 Nut Keps Hex t/4-20 Unc 4207J Cable Ground 6ga 12" black 121305X Switch Plunger Nc Gray 175566 Switch Ign Delta Push-In 1404O3 Key Ign Molded Craftsman, Delta 179720 Harness Ign 71110408 Bolt BIk Hex 1/4-20unc x 1/2 131563 CoverTerminal Red 178861...
  • Page 34: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 11_.
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - MODEL NUM BER 917.271551 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRIPTION 174620 Chassis Lt Stamping 176554 Dmwbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 BumperHood/Dash 174643X010 Saddle SLKSCRE FLTSDL 126471X Clip Insulator .406 Mtg Hole 168348X010 Dash Slkscr PIm Mech Sym 72140608 Bolt RdHd Sqnk.
  • Page 36: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 GROUND DRIVE ":_ "'" ===_ 11"_ 62 _...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - MODEL NUM BER 917.271551 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) 123205X Retainer Belt Style Spring Dana D4360-140 S'rD523715 Bolt Hex Hd 3/8-16unc x 1-1/2 146682 s'rD541437 NutCrownlock 3/8-16UNC Spdng Return Brake T/a Zinc STD541431 Nut Crown Lock5/16-18 123666X...
  • Page 38 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 STEERING • ", i----.-._ ---._-" .___j ,1..i--_+. •...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 STEERING KEY PART DESCRIPTION 139768 Wheel Steering Opp Sears BIk 175131 Axle Asm Front 169840 Spindle Asm Lh 169839 Spindle Asm Rh 6266H Washer Thrust .75 x 1.230 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 19272016 Washer 27/32 x 1-1/4 x 16 Ga.
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester KEY PART KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION NO. NO. LineFuel 20" 137040 Control Th/ch 170545 148315 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 Plug. Drain Oil Easy 17720408 124028X Bushing Snap Nyl Blk Fuel Line Engine (See Breakdown) ..
  • Page 41: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 SEAT ASSEMBLY KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 140122 Seat 121248X Bushing Snap BIk Ny150 Id 140551 Bracket Pvt St 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20x1-1/2 7111O616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16unc X 1 134300 Spacer Split 28x 96 Yel Zinc 19131610...
  • Page 42 Decal V-Belt Sch Domestic 179768X428 Pad Footrest LH 181412 Decal Rep]cmnt 179769X428 Pad Footrest RH 163204 Decal Fender Craftsman White 138311 Decal Handle Lft Height Adjust 149516 Decal Battery Dngr/Psn Eng 182083 Manual Owners English 182084 Manual Owners Spanish WHEELS...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 LIFTASSEMBLY ,, 8 ; I" PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 159460 Wire Asm InnedSprg W/plunger LT STD624008 Retainer Spring 159471 Shaft Asm Lift 173288 LinkFront 105767X Pin Groove 1 500 Zinc 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 Uric 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 175689...
  • Page 44: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 MOWERDECK (_67 159"- ,148 .146 "\...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 MOWERDECK KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 174284 RollerAssembly, Cam STD533107 Bolt Follower 138017 Bracket Assembly,Sway Bar, 131340 Bolt, Shoulder #10-24 Grade 5 Front STD541410 Locknut 16546O Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck 139888 Bolt, Shoulder 5116-18UNC STD624008...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 DANA TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER D4360-140...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMB ER 917.271551 DANA TRANSAXLE-MODEL NUMBER D4360-140 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 170981 Housing, Upper 120472X Spacer, .633 X .87 X .755 2274J Screw, Tapping, 114-20 X 105928X Sprocket, 9T .734 170988 Gear, Bevel, 36T 134400 Bali, Detent 134394 * Assy, Kit, Shim, .750 Shaft 105904X...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR- MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 BRIGGS & STRATI'ON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28U707, TYPE NUMBER 1112-E1 1022 914_ 1023 1026 1034 1095 VALVE GASKET SET 868_ "k REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS I022_ TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. 11019 LABEL KIT 20 t 11058 OWNER'S MANUAL I...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28U707, TYPE NUMBER 1112-E1 "k REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS TO INSTALL. SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. _2--_-1_3___1 _ 11411 _1 "-- 130_ 1108_'_ _'-1_ 95 _ I 231 _ 98T ® _ 11___ ____1.06_ 2;:7_...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 BRIGGS& STRA'I'rONENGINE-MODEL N UMBER28U707, T YPENUMBER1112-E1 801A (_ 896 4 _4_ I__,o_ 783A_ 697A 803A ,_311A VOTE: For Replacement Starter MotoJ See Reference 309. 1119_ 7s _ 1005_ 287 _1_ 7_666 733_ 1®_ 523 1 524 _) 1036 EMISSIONS LABEL...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 BRIGGS& STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL N UMBER28U707,TYPENUMBER1112-E1 NIKKI _'l1108B_l I 113°A©'_ 231A _' U/ 121A CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 95A_ 276A 98 A 1133A1 104A,_ 104A,_ 127A 105A _ 987A 137A Q 231A_ 077"C'R ORETORO'SKETS 1 1 '37"O 2 0, _ _OOA__0A o...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 BRIGGS & STRATrON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28U707, TYPE NUMBER 1112-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 496412 Cylinder Assembly 692419 Rod-Connecting (Standard) 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal 692420 Rod-Connecting (.020 391086 • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) Undersize) 494238 SumpoEngine 692852 Screw (Connecting Rod) 691165 Head-Cylinder 495856...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - MODEL NUMBER 917.271551 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 28U707, TYPE NUMBER 1112-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 691693 Screw (Control Bracket) 729A 691224 Clip-Wire 691986 Adjuster-Rocker Arm 691002 Screw (Starter Drive Cover) 691841 Link-Mechanical Governor 691658 Screw (Flywheel) 692208 Spring-Governor 691284 Gear-Timmg...
  • Page 54 NOTES...
  • 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.
  • Page 56 1-800-488-1222 For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDireetsM! 1-800-366-PART 6a.m.-11 p.m., 7days aweek (1-800-3_7278) (U.S.A. only) www.sears, cordpartsdirect To purchase or inquireabouta Sears Service Agreement or Sears MaintenanceAgreement 1-800-827-6655 (u.s_) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada) 7 a.m.

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