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Craftsman 917.273381 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 17.5 hp, 42" mower electric start automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
JCRAFTSMAWJ
LAWN TRACTOR
17.5 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
AutomaticTransmission
Model No.
917.273381
I_
This product has a low emission engine which operates
I
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 pro, 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 917.273381

  • 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 pro, 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: General Operation

    IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- !ng 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. 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 • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven enters the area. terrain could overturn the machine. Tall •...

  • Page 6: Repair Protection Agreements

    Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC AGREEMENTS GAP: .030") Congratulations on making a smart pur- Ground Speed Forward: chase. Your new Craftsman® product =s (MPH): Reverse: designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod- Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer 1) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt (1) Locknut 1/2-20 1/4-28 x 1.-1/4 1/4-28 Steering Steering Extension Boot j i/_/ IIIIIIIIII Shaft Steering ' Wheel Adapter (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob...

  • 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 5. Pivot seat and pan forward and as- semble adjustment knob and flat tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor washer loosely. Do not tighten. from the skid. 6.
  • 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 'q'O ADJUST BRAKE" in upright position. the Service and Adjustments section of 2.
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or Lr_ Literature supplied wLththe product. Learn and understand their meaning. I'.,I SLOW IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST ENGINE OFF UGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP...
  • Page 12 KNOW YOU R 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 iht Switch Position...
  • Page 13 The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, whachcan result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments J or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety I mask worn over spectacles.

  • Page 14: To Operate On Hills

    • The average lawn should be cut to ap- • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake posi- season and to over 3 inches during hot tion and engage parking brake. months.

  • Page 15: Towing Carts And Other Attach- Ments

    TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATtACH- CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called MENTS gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- Tow only the attachments that are recom- tion and formation of acids during storage. mended by and comply with specifications Acidic _]as can damage the fuel system of of the manufacturer of your tractor.

  • Page 16: Cold Weather Starting

    PURGE TRANSMISSION COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) To ensure proper operation and per- formance, it is recommended that the 7. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the transmission be purged before operating choke position until the engine runs tractor for the first time.

  • 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 '_'O 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

    AS YOU COMPLETE ,_'_ _,'_'_ ,_'_" REGULAR SERVlCE RVICE DATES cChh:; kkBt::; reOsP::ti° Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Sharpen/Replace Mower Blade, Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level V °...
  • 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

    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. Do not Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade attempt to open or remove caps or covers, according to your expected operating...

  • Page 21: Air Filter

    3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning countemlockwise. 4. To open, pull out on the drain valve. Handle 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: Spark Plugs

    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 ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 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- bracket, slide collar onto guide and ments, check that both front links are secure with large retainer spring. equal in length. 8. Place flat washer and clutch spring on •...
  • Page 25 BELT INSTALLATION - 5. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys if necessary. If stopping distance is and idler pulleys still greater than five (5) feet in highest 2. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves gear, further maintenance is neces- and inside all belt guides.
  • Page 26 TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT Engine Pulley I- Should your transmissionrequire removalfor service or replacement, itshould be purged after ralnstallationand before operatingthe Clutching Idler _ tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation section of this manual. TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- :e_ie_n:p_idle r___ _ MENT If steering wheel crossbars are not Keeper...
  • Page 27 If "jumper cables" are used for emergency Seat 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, o r replacement of the if screw is turned in too tight. emissioncontrol d evices andsystems, w hich arebeingdoneatthecustomers expense, PRELIMINARY SETTING - may be performed by any non-road engine 1.
  • 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

    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 (continued) spark plug. 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. Mower deck not level. 4. Level mower deck. continued) Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5.
  • Page 33 TRAcTOR" "MODEL HUMBER 91 I.,_, ""-" SCHEMATtG...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 ELECTRICAL .._7_0- ..... _ ..
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO, NO. DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 uric x 3/4 176689 Box Battery Fender 176138 Switch, Interlock 183759 Harness Asm LightW/4152J 4152J Bulb Light#1156 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga, 11" red 146147 Cable Battery 6 Ga.
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES chassis-Laser 4t.stlt_27...

  • Page 37: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273381 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar 17060612 Screw 3/8-16 x 3/4 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 187846X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, L.H. 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H. 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 185682X558...

  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 GROUND DRIVE 36 35 drive-hydro.silL72...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION ..Transaxle (See Breakdown) 142432 Screw Hex, Wsh, HI-Lo Peedass LTH2000 1/4 x 1/2 unc Keeper Belt Engine 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust 134683 STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x I CAD...

  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 STEERINGASSEMBLY . ._38...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273381 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 139768 Steadng Wheel 175131 Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, LH. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6266H Beadng, 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.
  • Page 42 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 ENGINE r OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.1 cyU 7...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 ENGINE KEY PART DESCRIPTION ControlThrot/Ch 170545 17720408 Screw HexThd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine (See Breakdown) Brlggs Model 31C707-0230-E1 137352 Muffler Exhaust B&S Lt 165291 Gasket 1 313 Id'rln Plated 148456 Tube Drain oll easy STD551237 Washer Lock Ext Tooth 3/8 169837...

  • Page 44: Seat Assembly

    KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 188716 Seat 3350 BIk/blk Craftsman 121246X Bracket Pnt Mounting Switch 180166 121248X Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk) Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1...

  • Page 45: Wheels And Tires

    149516 Decal ChassDisconnect 133644 Decal, Customer Maintenance 178392 184730 Decal Hood Side LT1000 138311 Decal,LiftHandle PadFootrest LH STLT 184899 Decal, Fender, Craftsman 184310X428 PadFootrest RH STLT 156439 Decal, Fender Danger 184311 )(428 138047 Owner'sManual,English Decal, Battery 190922 146046 Decal, V-Belt Drive Schematic...

  • Page 46: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 LIFT ASSEMBLY I" lift-rh.lplece_3...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 159460 Washer Asm inner Spring W/Plunger 159471 Shaft Asm. lift 105767X Pin Groove 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. 120183X Bearing Nylong 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 122365X...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 MOWER DECK 152_ 401_ ,148 .146 106"._ 102 103 105 lOS/_ '. T,_//_ /_.7:l ,147 lO3r \ f._ 101/_//104 lllll 102_l...

  • Page 49: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 MOWERDECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Screw, Thd. Roll 1/4-20 x 5/5 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 137729 Washer, Hardened STD533107 Bolt 133944 Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 unc 138017 BracketAssembly,Sway Bar, 139888 Arm Assembly, Pad, Brake Front 184907 Washer, Hardened 165460...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER LTH2000...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772151 Cover L.H, 786196 Spacer .625.765 770135 Case 792201 Spdng 776355 Counter Shaft 792154 OU Fill Plug 778263 Spur Gear 11T 788088A OII Seal 3/4" 786197 Neutral Sleeve (.572) 792141...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 BRIGGS& STRATTONENGINE-MODEL NUMBER31C707,TYPENUMBER0230-E1 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 843 O 741 € _) 1270 V 817 0 691 (_ 759 _ 8420 1266 0 1019LABELKIT 1058 OWNER'SMANUAL I 1036 EMISSIONLABEL I...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1 1095 VALVEGASKET SET 617 0 524 0 10_2 61_ b _ 614 ! 1119_ 267"...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 BRIGGS& STRATI'ONENGINE-MODEL NUMBER31C707,TYPENUMBER0230-E1 108A _ 634A_ 142_I g_-1o6 los_ 1_ _' 24o,_ 137_=_,/ 2760 121CARBURETOROVERHAUL 4311 1266AQ 104 _ 127_ 231€ 987_ 276 _ lo5_ 137 _ 634=e 1288 1266Q 977 CARBURETOR GASKET SET...
  • Page 55 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1 _o1_ 697 _ 515_ 579o • 503_ 1o7o V 80_A 1_._ 511A NOTE: ForReplacermmt _atier See Reference309,...
  • Page 56 TRACTOR-- MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697174 697492 Jet-Main (High Altitude) Cylinder Assembly 399265 697241 Kit-Carburetor Overhaul Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 391086 697190 Carburetor • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 697106 695005 Plug-Welch Sump-Engine 698147 691750...
  • Page 57 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273381 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31C707,TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 89838 Wrench-Spark Plug 692424 Terminal-Spark Plug 691691 Washer (Governor Crank) 690968 °+ Seal-Valve 697122 Elbow-Intake 495877 Kit-Pinion Spring 698083 Ffltar-Alr Cleaner Cartddge 393456 Wire-Connector/Alternator 691251...

  • Page 59: Suggested Guide For Sighting Slopes For Safe Operation

    SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to e tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4.
  • Page 60 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 and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters.

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