Craftsman 917.273404 Owner's Manual
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Craftsman 917.273404 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.273404 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 18.0 hp, 42" mower electric start automatic transmission
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Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMIIH°I
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273404
[_
his 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, 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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  • 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, Mon - Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A Visit our Craftsman...
  • Page 2 ......Back Cover Maintenance ........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 IMPORTANT: 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. _IbWARNING: In order to prevent • Never direct discharged material cidental starting when setting...

  • Page 4: Slope Operation

    II. SLOPE OPERATION blades shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with Slopes are a major factor related to loss of safe machine operation. Children control and tip-over accidents, which have been given rides in the past may result in severe injury or death.
  • Page 5 • Remove gas-powered equipment from • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, the truck or trailer and refuel it on the other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel ground. If this is not possible, then spillage and remove any fuel-soaked refuel such equipment with a portable debris.
  • Page 6 PROTECTION W/O Filter: 3.0 Pints AGREEMENTS Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC Congratulations on making a smart pur- (GAP: .030") chase. Your new Craftsman® product Ground Speed Forward: designed and manufactured for years of (MPH): Reverse: dependable operation. But like all prod-...
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/2-20 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1 ) Locknut 1/4-28 Extension Steering Shaft Steering Steering Boot Wheel Adapter Seat (1 Washer 1Lf)/32x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet...
  • Page 8 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 Push down on seat to engage shoulder tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate bolts in slots and pull seat towards rear instruction below to remove the tractor of tractor. from the skid. Pivot seat and pan forward and as- semble...
  • Page 10 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM (If previously removed) After you learn how to operate your trac- tor, check to see that the brake is properly Raise and hold deflector shield adjusted. See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" upright position. the Service and Adjustments section Place front of mulcher...
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. o, o REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED...
  • Page 12 KN OW YOU R TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR 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 Light Switch Position...

  • Page 13: Ground Drive

    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 any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety I...
  • Page 14 TO TRANSPORT • For best cuttingperformance,grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed When pushing or towing your tractor, be twice. Makethe first cut relativelyhigh; sure to disengage transmission by placing the second to desired height. freewheel control in freewheeling position.

  • Page 15: To Start Engine

    • For cold weather operation you should NOTE: Before starting, read the warm change oil for easier starting ((See the and cold starting procedures below. oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance Insert key into ignition and turn key section of this manual). clockwise to start position and release...
  • Page 16 PURGE TRANSMISSION MOWING TIPS To ensure proper operation and per- • Mower should be properly leveled formance, it is recommended that the best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will Service and Adjustments...
  • Page 17 MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. • The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed.

  • Page 18: Before Each Use

    FILL IN DATES /_/_X'x_'_/_ " AS YOU COMPLETE /__/_ _/_/O.Oq. _" REGULAR SERVICE /_r/_'_r_VSERVICE DATES C hh :; kkBirakp r?sPe_;i° Check Operator Presence Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners ll_s Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades 11_3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Check Transaxle Cooling...
  • 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. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than five (5) feet...
  • Page 20 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 with API service classification SG-SL. your tractor is maintenance free.
  • Page 21 Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. To open, pull out on the drain valve. 5. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing __Handle inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
  • Page 22 MUFFLER CLEANING Inspect and replace corroded muffler • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- • Keep finished surfaces and wheels free ate a fire hazard and/or damage. of all gasoline, oil, etc.
  • Page 23 WARNING: SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely...
  • Page 24 • Before making any necessary adjust- Push clutch cable housing guide into ments, check that both front links are bracket, slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring. equal in length. • If links are not equal in length, adjust Place flat washer and clutch spring...
  • Page 25 BELT INSTALLATION Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys if necessary. If stopping distance and idler pulleys still greater than five (5) feet in highest Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves gear, further maintenance...
  • Page 26 TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT Should your transmission require removal Engine Pulley ----- TF]_ service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" Clutching Idler/ the Operation section of this manual. TO ADJUST STEERING WHEEL ALIGN- MENT If steering...
  • 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...
  • Page 28 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...
  • 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...

  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    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. See "TO START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Operation section. 3. Wait several minutes before Engine flooded.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center =ROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Loss of power Faulty spark plug. Clean and regap or change (continued) spark plug. Dirty fuel filter. Replace fuel filter. Stale or dirty fuel. Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline.
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Poor grass Wet grass. Allow grass to dry before discharge mowing. Mower deck not level. Level mower deck. (continued) Low/uneven tire air pressure. Check tires for proper pressure.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 SCHEMATIC "1 REDoIIl& °LACK BATTERY RE° _! STARTER BLACK • ____( )G WHITE SEAT SWITCH IGNITION (NOT OCCUPIED) SWITCH I..WHITE BLACK BLACK GROUNDING CONNECTOR SPARK • • (OPTIONAL) PLUG • IGNITION UNIT BLACK (2 PLUGS ON JELl LINE TWIN CYL ENGINES)
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 ELECTRICAL 52 ¸...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 ELECTRICAL KEY PART DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 176689 Box Battery Fender 176138 Switch, Interlock 183759 Harness Asm Light W/4152j 4152J Bulb Light #1156 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red 146147 Cable Battery...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES .209 _209 /209 38_14 chassis-Laser-It.stlt...

  • Page 37: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar 155272 Bumper Hood/Dash 187846X013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, 172105X010 Panel, Dash, R.H. 17490608 Screw Thdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 185682X558 Hood Assembly Laser...

  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 GROUND DRIVE 36 35 28 _ 252 25 78 76 drive.hydro,stlt...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 GROUND DRIVE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Transaxle Peerless LTH2000 142432 Screw Hex Wsh Hi-Lo 1/4 x 1/2 (See Breakdown) 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust 134683 Keeper Belt Engine STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x 1 CAD 137057 Spacer Washer...

  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 STEERING ASSEMBLY...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 STEERING ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION 186780 Steering Wheel 184706 Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, L.H. 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 121748X Washer 25t32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 12000029 Ring, Klip 175121 Draglink STD551137...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 ENGINE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bs=lcyl PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 170545 Control Throttle/Choke 181654 Plug drain oil easy 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 124028X Bushing Snap Nyl BIk Fuel Line Engine Briggs Model 31P777-...

  • Page 43: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 SEAT ASSEMBLY seat_It.knob_9 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121248X 188716 Seat Bushing Snap BIk Nyl 50 Id 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 180166 Bracket Fender Pivot 134300 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Spacer Split 28 x 96 Zinc...

  • Page 44: Wheels And Tires

    Decal, Customer Maintenance 178392 Decal, Disconnect 184730 Decal Hood Side LT1000 138311 Decal, Lift Handle 184899 Pad Footrest LH STLT Decal, Fender, Craftsman 184310X428 156439 Pad Footrest RH STLT Decal, Fender Danger 184311X428 138047 Decal, Battery 193237 Owner's Manual, English...

  • Page 45: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 LIFT ASSEMBLY 18 20 _p// lift-rh=lpiece3 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 159460 Washer Asm Inner Spring STD624008 Retainer Spring Link Front W/Plunger 173288 Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 unc 159471 Shaft Asm. Lift 73350800 Trunnion 105767X Pin Groove 175689 Nut Lock w/Wsh...

  • Page 46: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 MOWER DECK ÷--,o°.L 1051 102/_ D man-t-path stlt...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 MOWER DECK PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 139888 STD533107 Bolt 184907 Arm Assembly, Pad, Brake Washer, Hardened 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 178515 Arm, Idler 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42"...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917,273404 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 ,o ..._o_7 ,, _,p:o _127 ' _®_ lo5 3_,832°_ _o, 'L,_2o4_ 185- 184--@ 182--_...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772151 Cover L.H. 786196 Spacer .625.765 770135 Case 792201 Spring 776355 Counter Shaft 792154 Oil Fill Plug 778263 Spur Gear 788088A Oil Seal 3/4" 786197 Neutral Sleeve...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 691 @ 43,_ 684,_ 1 1_ 584_ 1330 REPAIR MANUAL 307_ 1264_ 11329 R EPLACEMENT ENGINe I 358 ENGINE GASKET 868 _) 943 O 20@ 6170 1O22 7_9N 691@...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 1095 VALVE GASKET 617 0 1022 238 O 1022 1022 1119¢_ 216f 2651_ 267 '_ 8o1_ 305A _544_ 803 @ 310_ 579_462 503_ 1070 697 _ 1051_ lO44 t_...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 105A 127A 1091 276A@ 947A_ NIKKI I 1127 ,_ 947_ 977 CARBURETOR GASKETSET 627t_ 1370 276@ 1266 0 121ACARBURETOR OVERHAUL 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL 6170 987(_ 104 _ 127Q 231'_...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697174 Cylinder Assembly 690577 Seat-inlet 399265 Kit-BushinglSeal (Magneto Side) 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 391086 • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 108A 695419 Valve-Choke (Nikki) 697188 Sump-Engine...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273404 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777, TYPE NUMBER 0299-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 690323 Bolt (Starter Motor) 692424 Terminal-Spark Plug 497608 Brush Set 690968 Seal-Valve 495859 Armature-Magneto 691108 Screw (Rocker Cover) 691061 Screw (Magneto Armature) 690589 •...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES MAX. & t. Fold this page atong dotted line indicated above. 2_ Hotd page before you go that its [eft edge is vertically para[_e_ to a tree trunk or other upright structure,...
  • Page 56 Your Home "_ii!ii!ii!ii!ii!ii!i For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii[ lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii For the replacement parts, accessories iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself.

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