Craftsman 917.270530 User manual

Owner's Manual
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270530
• Safety
• Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
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 toyour questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5am -5pro, Mon -Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
visit ourCraftsmanwebsite:www.sears.comlcraftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 8
Operation ............................................ 11
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 17
Maintenance ....................................... 17
Service and Adjustments .................... 21
Storage ............................................... 27
Troubleshooting ................................. 28
Repair Parts ........................................ 32
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
LtMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is
maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the ewner's
manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found tobe defectivein
material or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by taking your
Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty
service is available but a trip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this
product is in the United States.
This Warranty does not cover:
•Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts and oil filters.
• Tire replacement or repair caused by puncturesfrom outside objects, suchas nails,
thorns, stumps,or glass.
,, Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, includingbut not limited to, damage
caused by towingobjects beyond the capability of the riding equipment, impacting
objects that bend the frame or crankshaft,or over speeding the engine.
• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, includingbut not limited to,
electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the
proper grade and amount of engine oil,failure to keep the deck clear of flammable
debris, or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscon.
tained in the owner's manual
• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contami-
nated or o_idized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within thirty(30) days of its
purchase date.
•Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LiMiTED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days fromdate of purchase, if any battery included with thisriding
equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the
battery willnot hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge.Warranty
service is available tree of charge by taking your Craftsman ridingequipmenttoyour
nearest Sears Service Center, In-home warranty service isavailable but a tripcharge
willapply. This warranty applies only while this product isin the United States,
TO LOCATETHE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CEN'_ER OR TO SCHEDULE IN-HOME
WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT'1-800-4*MyoHOME
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
may varyfrom state tostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoflman Estates, IL60179

MPORTANT: This cuttingmachine iscapable of amputatinghands and feet and
throwingobects. Failure to observe the followingsafety instructions could resultin
seriousinjup/or death.
I, GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow art
instructions in the manua_and on the
machine beforestarting.
, Only allow responsibleadults, who are
familiarwiththe instructions,to operate
the machine.
•Clear the area of objects suchas
rocks,toys,wire, etc., which could be
picked upand thrownby the blade,
•Be surethe area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine
if anyone enters the area.
• Never carP/passengers.
•Do notmow in reverse unlese abso-
lutely necessary. A(ways look down
and behind before and while backing.
•Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do notpointit at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without
eitherthe entire grasscatcher or the
guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave arunningmachine
unattended. Alwaysturnoff blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass
catcheror uncioggiogchute.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine white
under the influence of alcoholor drugs.
•Watch fortraff_ when operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when ioadiog or
unloadingthe machine intoatrailer or
truck.
•Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of ridingmower-
related injuries. These operators
shouldevaluate their ability to operate
the ridingmower safely enough to
protectthemselvesand others from
serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factorrelated to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can
resultin severe in ury or death. Allslopes
requireextracautlen. Ifyoucannotback up
the slope or ifyou feel uneasyonit, donot
mow it.
• Mow up and downslopes, not across.
•Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide ob_
staeles.
•Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear
so that you wiltnot have to stopor shift
whiteon the slope.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dationsfor wheel weightsor counter-
weights to improvestability.
•Use extra care with grass catchersor
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual, Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stoppingon a slope. If
fires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turnon slopes unless neces-
saP/, end then, turnslowlyand gradu-
ally downhill,if possible,
•Do notmow near drop-offs, ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turnover if a wheel isover
the edge ofa cliffor ditch, or ifan edge
caves in.
•Oo notmow on wet grass. Reduced
tractioncould cause sliding.
•Do not try tostabilizethe machine by
puttingyour foot onthe ground.
•Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.
3

IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator
isnot alert to the presence of children.
Childrenare oRenattracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing a_ea
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
" Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
•Before and when backing,look behind
and down for small children.
•Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to _erate the
machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive..
-Use only an approved container.
.Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running, Allow
engine to coolbefore refueling. Do
notsmoke.
-Never refuel the machine indoors.
-Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, suchas awater heater.
•Never run a machine inside aclosed
area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especiallyblade
attachm_ bits, tk3ht and keep
equipmentin good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operationregularly.
• Keep machine free of grass,leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an obiact, Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine running,
• Grass catcher componentsare subject
to wear, damage, and detedoration,
which could expose moving partsor
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer'S recommendedparts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently.
Ad)ust and service as required.
@@@@@
• Be sure the area isclear ofother
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers or children
even withthe blades off.
• DO not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. AN_ayslook _wn
and behind before and while backing.
• Never carrychildren.They may fall off
and be sedously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
• Keep childrenout of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machineoff if children
enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes(15° Max),
not across,
•Remove obstacles suchas rocks,tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

.Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you willnot have tostop or shift
while on the slope.
•Avoidstarting or stoppingon aslope, tf
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowlystraight
down theslope,
•If machine stops while going uphi_,
disengage blades, shi_t into reverse
and back down slowly.
•DOnot turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and grado-
ally downhill,ff possible.
,_l, Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! SECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY ISINVOLVED,
_CAUTION: In orderto prevent
accidental startingwhen setting up,
transporting,adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnectspark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
,_ CAUTION: Do not coast downahill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
,_, CAUTION: Towonlythe attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specificationsof the manufacturerof
your tractor. Use common sense when
towing. Operate onlyat the lowest
possible speed when on a slope. 300
heavy of a load, while on aslope, is
dangerous. Tires can lose tractionwith
the ground and cause you to lose control
ofyour tractor.
,_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of Californiatocause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_IbWARNING: Battery pests, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknown to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
3ASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS
3APACITY UNLEADED
t_NDTYPE: REGULAR
:_ILTYPE SAE 30(ABOVE 32°F!
_,PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30
(Below 32°F)
OILCAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR J19LM
VALVE INTAKE: ,003"-.005"
CLEARANCE: EXHAUST:.005"-.007"
GROUND SPEEDFORWARD:
(MPH): 1ST 1.1
2NO 1.4
3RD 2.2
4TH 3.3
5TH 4.4
6TH 4.9
REVERSE: 1.4
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSi
PRESSURE: REAR: 12 PSI
CHARGING 3AMPS BATTERY
SYSTEM: 5AMPSHEADUGHTS
BA33"ERY: AMP/HR: 25
MtN. CCA: 190
CASE SIZE:U1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS
TORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
ol a new Tractor. tt has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possibledependabilityand
performance.
Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact
your nearest authorized servicecenter.
We have competent, well-trained
techniciansand the proper tools to
serviceor repair this tractor.
Please read and retainthismanual. The
instructionswill enable you toassemble
and maintain your tractorproperly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
REPAIR AGREEMENT
ARepair Agreement isavailable on this
product. Contactyour nearest Sears
store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caringfor and usingyour tractor,
•Follow the instructionsunder "Mainte-
nance"and "Storage" sectionsof this
owner's manual.
WARNING= Thistractoris equipped
with an internal combustionengine and
should not be used on or near any
unimprovedforest-covered, brush-
covered or grass-coveredland unless
the engine's exhaust systemis equipped
with a spark arrester meeting applicable
local or statelaws (ifany). If a spark
arrester is used, it shouldbe maintained
in effectiveworkingorder by the opere-
for.
In the stateof Californiathe above is
required by law (Section4442 of the
Cafifomia Public Resources Code),
Other statesmay have similarlaws.
Federal laws apply onfederal lands. A
spark arresterfor the muffler isavailable
through your nearest authorizedservice
center/department (See REPAIR PARTS
sectionof this manual).

SteeringWhee_ _ Steering
_= Steering II Extension
AdapterS'_ee;;g" Sleeve UShaft
(1) Washer
(1) Shoulder
fB
(1) Knob t_ 17132 x 1-3/16 x12 Gauge
Keys
(2) Keys
Video Cassette Slope Sheet
7

Yournew tractor has been assembled at the factorywithexception of those partsleft
unassembled for shippingpurposes,To ensure safe and proper operation ofyour
tractorall parts and hardware you assemble mustbe tightened securely.Use the
correcttools as necessary to insure proper tightness,Review the videocassette before
you begin.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR
ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set willmake assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
ere listed below,
(1) 9Ire"wrench (1) Pliers
(1) 1/2"wrench (1) Utilityknife
(1) Tire pressure
gauge
When dght or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your point of
view, when you are in the operating
position(seated behind the steering
wheel),
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and partscartons from carton.
2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines
on all four comers of_don_ and lay
panels flat, S
3. Check forany additionalloose parts
or cartonsand remove.
/
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID /
ATTACH STEE_NG WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
1. Slide extension shaft onto lower
steeringshaft, Align mountingholes
in extension and lower shafts and
install5/16 hex boltand Iocknut,
Tighten securely.
2. Place tabs of steering boot overtab
slots in dash and push down to
secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3, Position front wheelsof the tractorso
they are pointing straight forward,
4. Remove steering wheel adapter from
steering wheel and slide adapter
onto steering shaft extension.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.
6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 Dock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten
securely,
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steeringwheel.
8. Remove protective materialsfrom
tractor hoodand grill.
IMPORTANT. CHECK FOR AND
REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN SKID THAT
MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE
TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.
SteeringWheel
_ Insert
SteeringWheel {.;_. Tabs
SteeringBoot_
Adapter_ Extension
_// Shalt
Locknut L-_'----- 5/16Hsx
Lower ,. --_.:.!.
Steering_ _ "::_"".
"_L'" <;
HOW TO .SETUP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift seat pan to raised positionand
open battery box door,
NOTE: ifthis batteryisput into sewice
after monthand year indicatedon label
(label located between terminals) charge
batteryfor minimumof one hourat 6-10
ampe. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual forcharging
instructions),
8

INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tighteningadjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustmentknob and fiat
washer securing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for assemblyof
seatto tractor.
2. Pivotseat upward and remove from
the cardboard packing. Remove the
cardboard packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan and assemble
shoulderbolt. Tighten shoulder bolt
securely.
4. Assembleadjustment knob and flat
washer loosely, Do nottighten,
5. Lower seat into operatingposition
and sit on seat.
6. Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached whichallows you to press
clutch/brakepedal all the way down.
7, Get off seat withoutmoving its
adjusted position.
8. Raise seat end tighten adjustment
knob securely.
Shoulder SeatPan
Adjustment
Knob
FlatWasher
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor offthe skid. Followthe appropriate
instructionbelowtoremove thetractorfrom
the skid.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKiD (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1, Press liftlever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N)
position.
4. Roll tractorforward off skid.
5. Remove banding holding discharge
guard up against tractor.
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_WARNING: Before starling read,
understand and folow all insfructons in
the Operation sectionof thismanual. Be
sure tractor is in awell-ventilatedarea. Be
sure the area in front oftractorisclear of
other people and objects,
1. Be sure all the above assemblysteps
have been completed,
2. Check engine o{tlevel and fill fuel tank
with gasoline.
3, Sit on seat in operatingposition,
depress clutch/brakepedal and set
the parking brake.
4. Place gear shiftlever in neutral (N)
position.
5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachmentliftlever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttlecontrolto idle
position.
7, Depress clutch/brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" positionand hold. Move
gearshift lever to 1st gear.
8. Slowly release c)utchYorakepedal and
slowlyddvetractor off skid.
9. Apply brake to stoptractor, set parking
bra_a and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
10.Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow,

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinfiated
at the factory for shippingpurposes.
Correcttire pressureisimportant for best
cuttingperformance.
•Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cuttingresults, mower housing
shouldbe propedy leveled. See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUStNG" in the
Service and Adjustmentssection of this
manual,
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shownfor
replacJngmotion and mower blade drive
belts in the SeP#iceand Adjustments
sectionof this manual Verifythat the
belts are muted correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your
tractor,checkto see that the brake is
propedyadjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adiustments
section of this manual
,/CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATEANB ENJOY
YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO
ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE
BEST PERFORMANCE AND
SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY
PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING
CHECKLIST:
,/All assembly instructionshave been
completed.
#No remaining loose parts in carton.
/' Battery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6
amps).
./Seat is adjusted comfortablyand
tightened securely.
J All tires are propedy inflated. (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory).
,/Be sure mower deck is propedy
leveled side.to-side/front.to.rear for
best cuttingresults. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).
v"Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are muted pmpedy around
pulleysand Inside eli belt keepers,
JCheck wiring, See thatall connections
are stillsecure and wires are propedy
clamped.
WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USE YOUR
TRACTOR, PAY EXTRAATTENTION TO
THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS: /
#Engine oil is at proper level.
,/Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline.
#Become familiar withall controls -their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.
#Be sure brake system is in safe
operating condition.
'l °
10