Craftsman 917.273398 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.273398 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.273398 Owner's Manual

18.0 hp, 42" mower electric start 6 speed transaxle lawn tractor
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Owner's
Manual
CRI FTSMIIN°
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.273398
[l_]j]
This 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 =5 pm, Men = 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 917.273398

  • 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 pm, Men = 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: Product Specifications

    AGREEMENTS Forward: Ground Speed Congratulations on making a smart pur- 1 st (MPH): chase. Your new Craftsman@ product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That's...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer <b (1) Locknut 1/2-20 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Steering Extension Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Shaft Boot Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x1-3/16 x12 Gauge ) Knob (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Video Cassette...

  • Page 8: Install Steering Wheel

    Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembbd 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...

  • Page 9: Check Battery

    Pivot seat and pan forward and as- NOTE: You may now roll or drive your semble adjustment knob and fiat tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the tractor washer loosely. Do not tighten. from the skid. Lower seat into operating position...
  • Page 10 mNSTALLMULCHER PLATE CHECK FOR PROPER POSmON (If previously removed) OF ALL BELTS Raise and hold deflector shield See the figures that are shown for replac- upright position. ing motion and mower blade drive belts Place front of mulcher plate over front in the Service and Adjustments section of mower...
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. SLOW IGNITION REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED FUEL...
  • Page 12 KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHINS O WNER'SMANUAL AND SAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATmNG Y OUR TRACTOR Comparethe illustrations'withyour tractorto familiarizeyourselfwith the locationsof various controlsand adjustments. Savethis manualfor future reference. ignition Switch Light Switch Attachment Position Clutch Lever Ammeter Lift Lever Plunger Attachment Th rottle/Choke Lift Lever Control Height...
  • 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 The average lawn should be cut to ap- If slowing is necessary, move throttle proximately 2-1/2 inches during the cool control lever to slower position. season and to over 3 inches during If stopping is absolutely necessary, push months. For healthier and better looking clutch/brake...
  • Page 15 ADD GASOUNE Insert key into ignition and turn key Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular not run starter continuously for more unleaded gasoline...
  • Page 16 MOWING TIPS MULCHING MOWING TIPS Mower should be properly leveled IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep best mowing performance. See "TO mower housing free of built-up grass and LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the trash. Clean after each use. Service and Adjustments section of this The special...

  • Page 17: Lubrication Chart

    AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE /_J/_'_ E R VICED ATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure 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: Blade Care

    TRACTOR mlVlPORTANT: Toensure proper assembly, center hole in blade mustalign with star Alwaysobserve safety rubs when per- on mandrelassembly. forming any maintenance. 4. Reassemblebladebolt, lockwasher BRAKE OPERATmON and flat washer in exact orderas If tractor requiresmore than six (6) feet shown.
  • Page 19 BATT E RY NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting Your tractor has a battery charging system cold weather, the oils will result in in- which is sufficient for normal use. How- creased oil consumption when used above ever, periodic charging of the battery with...
  • Page 20 ENGmNE OIL FmLTER CLEAN AmR SCREEN Replacethe engine oil filter every season Air screen must be kept free of dirt and or every other oil change if the tractor is chaff to preventengine damagefrom used morethan 100 hoursin one year. overheating.
  • 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 2. Slide mowerundertractor with deflec- FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT tor shield to right side of tractor. mMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to 3. Lower lift leverto its lowestposition. side. If the following front-to-back adjust- 4. Connectfront linksto mowerdeck and ment is necessary, be sure to adjust both secure with retainersprings.
  • Page 23 TO REPLACE I_OWER BLADE DRmVE Measure distance between brake oper- BELT ating arm and nut "A" on brake rod. 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 FRONT WHEEL TOE4N/CAMBER Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides and keepers. The front wheel toe-in and camber are not Install mower (See "TO INSTALL adjustable on your tractor. If damage MOWER" in this section of manual).
  • Page 25 2. Connectone end of the BLACKcable Terminal Cover Keps to the NEGATIVE(-) terminal (C) of fully charged battery. 3. Connectthe other end of the BLACK "-_. Bolt cable (D) to good chassisground, awayfrom fuel tank and battery. Positive TO REMOVECABLES, REVERSE (Red) ORDER- CaMe...
  • 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

    TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in rnanuam unmess directed to Sears service center PROBLEi_ CAUSE CORRECTmON Wiii not start Out of fuel. 1. Fill fueltank. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. in Operation section. Wait several minutes Engine flooded.
  • Page 29 TROUBLESHOOTmNG 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. Raise cutting height/reduce fast. speed. Throttle in "CHOKE" position. Adjust throttle control. Clean underside of mower Build-up of grass, [eaves...
  • Page 30 TROUBLESHOOTmNG CHART: See appropriate section in marluam unmess directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CORRECTmON CAUSE Mower blades wiii 1. Remove obstruction. 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 917.273398 SCHEMATmC BATTERY O: REo FUSE STARTER WH,TE ,© , _,, _..r--I BLBCK SOLENOID ___( )G (PEDAL UP) WHITE _-,-I-A SWITCH WHITE WHITE I ..BLACK II BLACK BLACK BLACK fTTM-E _lf _ L-U].CH LACK (CLUTCH OF CONNECTOR SPARK...
  • Page 32 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 ELECTRmCAL :::_...
  • Page 33 Nut, Keps Hex 1/4-20 unc 4207J Cable Ground 6 Ga. 12" black 121305X Switch Plunger Nc Gray 175566 Switch Ign 140403 Key Ign Molded Craftsman 179720 Harness Ign 71110408 Bolt BIk. Fin Hex 1/4-20 unc x 1/2 131563 Cover Terminal Red 178861...
  • Page 34 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES chassis-Laser-It.stlt...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR oo MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 CHASSmS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRmPTmON 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 187846X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, LH. 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H. 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 185682X558 Hood Assembly Laser 184921...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 GROUND DFlmVE drive-fender.stlt 39...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 GROUND DRmVE PART PART DESCRiPTiON DESCRiPTiON Transaxle (See Breakdown) 8883R Cover, Pedal Dana 4360-140 175410 PulIey, Engine 173937 Bolt Hex 7/16-20 x 4 Gr=5-1 =5 146682 Spring Brake Return STD551143 Washer 123666X Pulley Transaxle 12000028 Ring Retainer 154778...
  • Page 38 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 STEEFImNG A SSEMBLY j.f" steering pl.lt 47...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 STEERmNG ASSEMBLY KEY PART DESCRiPTiON 186780 Steering Wheel 184706 Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, LH= 169839 Spindle Assembly, R=H= 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga= 12000029 Ring, Ktip 175121 Draglink STD551137...

  • Page 40: Optional Equipment

    TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs.lcyl KEY PART KEY PART DESCRiPTiON DESCRiPTiON 170545 181654 Control, Throttle/Choke Plug, Drain Oil Easy 17720408 124028X Screw, Hex Head, Thread Cutting Bushing Snap 1/4-20 x 1/2 17670412 Screw, Hex Washer Head, Thd, Roll= 1/4-20 x 3/4 Engine, Briggs Model No.

  • Page 41: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 SEAT ASSEMBLY seat It.knob 9 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 188716 Seat 121248X Bushing, Snap 180166 Bracket, Pivot, Seat 72050412 BoIt, 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 42 184730 Decal Hood Side 138311 Decal, Lift Handle 172331 Decal Deck 184310X428 Pad, Footrest LH STLT 184899 Decal Fender, Craftsman 18431 lX428 Pad, Footrest RH STLT 156439 Decal Fender Danger 193251 Owner's ManuaI, English 179128 Decal Deck "B" 42" 193252...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 LmFT ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 159460 Nut, Hex, Jam 1/2-13 uric Lift Lever HnnerWire Assembly 73350800 159471 Trunnion Shaft Assembly, Lift 175689 105767X Pin, Groove 73800800 Locknut, Hex, with Washer Hnsert 12000002 1/2-13 unc E-Ring 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga,...

  • Page 44: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 MOWER DECK 4__2 105" .146 102 j_ _147 10 _, D man-t-path stlt...
  • Page 45 TRACTOR oo MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 MOWERDECK PART PART DESCRmPTmON DESCRmPTmON 165892 139888 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 unc STD533107 Bolt 184907 Arm Assembly, Pad, Brake 138017 178515 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front Washer, Hardened 165460 155046 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" eck Arm, Idler STD624008 165723...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR ° ° MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 DANA TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER D4360o140...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 DANA TRANSAXLE o o MODEL NUMBER D4360o140 Part Part Description Description Spacer, .633 X .87 X .755 170981 Housing, Upper 120472X 2274J Screw, Tapping, 1/4-20 X .734 105928X Sprocket, 9T 134400 Ball, Detent 170988 Gear, Bevel, 36T 105904X Spring, Detent...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 BRmGGS ENGmNE-MODEL N UMBER31P777,TYPE NUMBER0299°E1 . Jl 691 @ 718 !_ 43,_ 684I' 1 14:;_ 584_ 1330 REPAIR MANUAL 1264'_ 11329 REPLACEMENT ENGINE 358 ENGINE GASKET 146_ 1270 20@ 6170 1O22 7291 6911_ 524 _ 8420 1266 1019 LABEL KIT...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 BRmGGS ENGmNE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0299oE1 1095 VALVE GASKET 617 0 1022 1022 616_ 1022 404 # 614 I_ 54'_ 8o1_ 305A _544_ 803 @ 310_ 802 @ 1070 697 _ 1051& 1005 1044_ 363#...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 BRmGGS ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299=E1 105A l 127A 1091 276A @ 947A [_ NIKKI J 1127 _ 947_ 1266A O 977 CARBURETOR GASKET 527(_ 276_O_/ 1266 0 121A CARBURETOR OVERHAUL 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL 6170 231_...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR ° o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 BRmGGS ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0299=E1 PART PART DESCRIPTmON DESCRiPTiON 697174 Cylinder Assembly 690577 G Seat-Inlet 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 391086 ,, Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 108A 695419 Valve-Choke (Nikko 697188 Sump-Engine 694352 ©...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR o o MODEL NUMBER 917.273398 BRmGGS ENGmNE=MODEL NUMBER31P777,TYPE NUMBER0299=E1 PART PART DESCRmPTmON DESCRiPTiON TerminaFSpark Plug 690323 Bolt (Starter Motor) 692424 497608 Brush Set 690968 SeaFValve Screw (Rocker Cover) 495859 Armature-Magneto 691108 SeaI-O Ring (Oil Pump Cove0 691061 Screw (Magneto Armature) 690589 Solenoid-Fuel 691043...
  • 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 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. For Sears professional installation of home appliances...

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