Craftsman 917.270824 User manual

Owner's Manual
®
19,5 HP
ELECTRAC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATRC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No
917.27082 #
o Safety
o Assembly
o Operation
oMaintenance
o Repair Parts
L ¸ ! ;_ bF ? _ _ - )_., , : •
_This product has a low emisSiOn engine which operates diffei;_tly
I11ILL_JIltfrom previously built engines_ Before yOU start:the engine_ read
and understand this Owner's Manual , : ==
CAUTION:
Read and followall
SafetyRules and Instructions
beforeoperatingthisequip-
menL
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-591 7
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5am-5pm, Mon-Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www sears corn/craftsman

Warranty............................................................2
SafetyRules...............................................2
ProductSpecifications.............................5
Assembly........................................................8
Operation..................................................1!
MaintenanceSchedule............................18
Maintenance................................................118
ServiceandAdjustments................. 22
Storage.......................................... 27
Troubleshooting......................................28
RepairParts............................................32
PartsOrdering .....................BackCover
LIMITEDTWOYEARWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANRIDINGEQUIPMENT
Fortwo (2)yearsfromthedateof purchase,ifthisCraftsmanRidingEquipmentis
maintained,lubricatedandtuned upaccordingto theinstructionsin the owner's
manual,Searswillrepairor replace,freeof charge,anypartsfoundto bedefectivein
materialor workmanship_
ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:
• Expendableitemswhichbecomewornduring normaluse suchas blades,spark
plugs,air cleaners,belts,etc.
o Tirereplacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps, or glass
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or ac-
cident or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the inctructions con-
tained in the owner's manual
Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding
equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the
battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. In-home war-
ranty service on your Craftsman riding equipment is available at no charge for 30 days
from the date of purchase Please contact your nearest service center After 30 days
from the date of purchase, warranty service is available by taking your Craftsman
riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. (In-home warranty service will
still be available after 30 days from the date of purchase but a standard trip charge will
apply). This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States. This War-
ranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may
vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Heffman Estates, IL 60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is ca-
pable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result
in serious injury or death
GENERAL OPERATION
o Read, understand, and follow all in-
structions in the manual and on the ma-
chine before starting
. Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine
o Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, etc, which could be picked
up and thrown by the blade
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area
° Never carry passengers
o Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing
o Be aware of the mower discharge di-
rection and do not point it at anyone
Do not operate the mower without ei-
ther the entire grass catcher or the
guard in place
o Slow down before turning
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set

parkingbrake,stopengine,andre-
movekeysbeforedismounting,
• Turnoff bladeswhennot mowing.
• Stopenginebeforeremovinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute
• Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificial
light,
o Do notoperatethe machinewhile un-
dertheinfluenceof alcoholordrugs
o Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor
crossingroadways
• Useextracare whenloadingor un-
loadingthe machineintoatraileror
truck
o Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60
yearsand above,are involvedin a
largepercentageof ridingmower-
relatedinjuries.Theseoperators
shouldevaluatetheirabilityto operate
theridingmowersafelyenoughto
protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury
SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedto loss-
of-controlandtipoveraccidents,which
sanresultinsevereinjuryor death.All
slopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannot
backuptheslopeor if youfeel uneasyon
it,donotmowit
DO:
, Mowup anddownslopes,not across
Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watchforholes,ruts orbumps.Un-
eventerraincouldoverturnthema-
chine Tallgrasscanhideobstacles
Useslowspeed Choosealowgearso
thatyouwillnothaveto stoporshift
whileon theslope.
Followthe manufacturer'srecommen-
dationsfor wheelweightsorcounter-
weightsto improvestability
Useextracarewith grasscatchersor
otherattachmentsThesecanchange
thestabilityofthemachine
Keepall movementontheslopesslow
andgradual Donotmakesudden
changesinspeedor direction
Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope If
tireslosetraction,disengagethe
bladesand proceedslowlystraight
downthe slope
:)ONOT:
Do notturn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradual- 3
ly downhill, if possible.
°Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could sud-
denly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in
°Do not mow on wet grass Reduced
traction could cause sliding
.Do nottry to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground
oDo not use grass catcher on steep
slopes,
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children,
Children are often attracted to the ma-
chine and the mowing activity Never as-
sume that children will remain where you
last saw them
° Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult,
oBe alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
° Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children
oNever carry children They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
. Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine
. Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision
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 en-
gine to cool before refueling Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors
Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater
.Never run a machine inside a closed
area
° Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment belts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition_
° Never tamper with safety devices
Check their proper operation regularly

Keepmachinefree-ofgrass,leave_ er .
otherdebdsbuild-up Cleanoilorfuel
spillage Allowmachineto coolbefore
storing.
o Stopandinspectthe equipmentif you
strikean object Repair,if necessary,
beforerestarting
oNever makeadjustmentsor repairs
with the engine running
o Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
° Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
° Never carry passengers.
. Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
Never carry children They may fall off
and be seriously irrjured or interfere
with safe machine operation
Keep children out of the mewing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adutL
- Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area
o Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children
°
o
o
Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them
Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max),
not across
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un-
even terrain could overturn the ma-
chine Tall grass can hide obstacles
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope If
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope
Do notturn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradual-
ly downhill, if possible.
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!H BECOMEAWARE!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs always dis-
connect spark plug wire and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug
WARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPEC!FJ_C._[J_)NS_...
CAPACITY , UNLEADED/
ANDTYPE: /REGUL_. /
OILTYPE /_"if"S-AE3_" "_""-'i
(API-SF/SG/SH): '(above 32°F) /
/SAE 5W-30
/(below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: _'-'_.:5-PINT9 "--'_
SPARK PLUG: /_C_ampion RC12YC
(GAP: 030") i, .....
VALVE CLEARANCE: iNTAKE: 004- 006
EXHAUST: .004-.006
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0 - 5 5
(MPH): REVERSE: 0- 2.4
r FRONT: 14P'Si ')
TIRE PRESSURE: /REAR: 10PSI /
CHARGING 16 AMPS@3600
SYSTEM: RPMS
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT LBS
TORQUE:
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product, Contact your nearest
Sears store for details
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIUTIES
• Read and observe the safety rules
. Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor
o Follow the instructions under "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual
_}_WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unim-
proved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's
exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state
laws (if any)_ If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working
order by the operator
In the state of California the above is re-
quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor-
nia Public Resources Code) Other states
may have similar laws Federal laws apply
on federal lands A spark arrester for the
muffler is available through your nearest
Sears Authorized Service Center (See
REPAIR PARTS section of this manual)
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a Craftsman Tractor It has been de-
signed, engineered and manufactured to
give you the best possible dependability
and performance
Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact
your nearest Sears Authorized Service
Center We have competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper tools to ser-
vice or repair this tractor
Please read and retain this manual The
instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES"
5

PartsBagcontentsshownfullsize
(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x !-1/4
©
(1) Large Flat Washer
©
(!) Lockwasher 3/8
@
(1) Locknut 5/16q8
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
(1) Knob
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Shoulder
Bolt 5/16-18
(2) Washers
3/16 x 3/4 x 16Gauge
(2)Weld
Nuts #10
(2) Lock
Washers #10
_#10 x 5/8

Parts 3acked separately in carton
Seat
Mulcher
Plate
g&
Video
Cassette Steering
Boot
Manual Steering
Parts Bag Wheel
Parts Bag contents not shown full size
Steering Wheel Adapter 3
Steering
_[I I Wheellnsert _--. Steering
II Extension
(2) Keys Shaft
Slope Sheet
_((2 !-_
) Latch Hook
Assemblies
O
7

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes To ensure safe and proper operation of your trac-
tor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely Use the correct
tools as necessary to insure proper tightness Review the video cassette before you
begin
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below
(1) 9/16" wrench
(1) Utility knife
(2) !/2" wrench
(1) Tire pressure
gauge
(1) 3/4" Socket w/
drive ratchet
(1) Phillips Screw-
driver
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your point of
view, when you are in the operating posi-
tion (seated behind the steering wheel)
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
• Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts boxes from shipping carton
• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four corners of shipping carton, and
lay panels flat
o Check for any additional loose parts or
boxes and remove
BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF
SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
Slide extension shaft onto lower steer-
ing shaft Align mounting holes in exten-
sion and lower shafts and install 5/16
hex bolt and Iocknut Tighten securely
IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut se-
curely to 18-22 ft Ibs torque
. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to secure
INSTAL.L STEERING WHEEL
• Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing Straight forward
. Slide steering wheel adapter onto
steering shaft extension
- Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide in-
side boot and onto adapter
° Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely
o Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel
, Remove protective materials from trac-
tor hood and grill
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor is to roll off skid
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BA'I-r ERY
° Lift hood to raised position
. If this battery is put into service after
month and year indicated on label (la-
bel located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in MAINTE-
NANCE section of this manual for
charging instructions).
_!_" :::: 'Label

INSTALLSEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob,
o Remove cardboard packing on seat
pan
o Place seat on seat pan and assemble
shoulder bolt, Tighten shoulder bolt se-
curely_
o Assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten
o Lower seat into operating position and
sit on seat,
= Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down
o Get off seat without moving its adjusted
position.
o Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely, Seat
Seat Pan F_
S_tulder ----\, l
_'_'_ _ _"_" Flat Washer
Adjustment Knob
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op-
eration section for location and func-
tion of controls)
. Press lift lever plunger and raise at-
tachment lift lever to its highest posi-
tion
• Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal
o Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmission
(See "TO TRANSPORT" in the Opera-
tion section of thJs manual)
o Roll tractor forward off skid
o Remove banding holding discharge
guard up against tractor
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID
_, WARNING: Before starting, read, un-
derstand and follow all instructions in the
Operation section of this manual, Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area,
Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear
of other people and objects
.Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed
............ "............ _ 'Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank
with gasoline,
o Place freewheel control in "transmis-
sion engaged" position
oSit on seat in operating position, de-
press clutch/brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
oPlace motion control lever in neutral
(N) position
° Press lift lever plunger and raise at-
tachment lift lever to its highest positon
oStart the engine After engine has
started, move throttle control to idle po-
sition
oRelease parking brake
oSlowly move the motion control lever
forward and slowly drive tractor off skid
o Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking
brake and place motion control lever in
neutral position.
•Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow
INS]ALL IMIUI.CHER PLATE
o Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate
using screw, washer, lock washer, and
weld nut as shown
NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch
hook by inserting weld nut from the top
with hook pointing down
o Tighten hardware securely.
o Raise and hold deflector shield in up-
right position
° Place front of mulcher plate over front
of mower deck opening and slide into
place, as shown.
o Hook front latch into hole on front of
mower deck.
. Hook rear latch into hole on back of
mower deck.
& CAUTION: Do not remove discharge
guard from mower. Raise and hold guard
when attaching mulcher plate and allow it
to rest on plate while in operation
Deflector
Shield
Latch Hooks
9

Weld Nut From
The Top \
Lock
Weld Washer
Screw
Latch
Hook Points
Down
Latch
Hook
:1Nut
Lock Washer
Washer
Mutcher _ Screw
Plate
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove muicher plate and store in
a safe place Your mower is now ready for
discharging or installation of optional
grass catcher accessory.
NOTE: It is not necessary to change
blades. The mulcher blades are designed
for discharging and bagging also.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated
at the factory for shipping purposes. Cor-
rect tire pressure is important for best cut-
ting performance_
o Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See 'q-O
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Ser-
vice and Adjustments section of this
manual
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replac-
ing motion and mower blade drive belts
in the Service and Adjustments sectoin of
this manual. Verify that the belts are
routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your trac-
tor, check to see that the brake is properly
adjusted. See 'qO ADJUST BRAKE" in
the Service and Adjustments section of
this manua!
_CHECKLiST
Before you operate and enjoy your new
tractor, we wish to assure that you leceive
the best performance and satisfaction
from this quality producL
Please review the following checklist:
,/ All assembly instructions have been
completed.
¢" No remaining loose parts in carton.
#" Battery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps)
,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely.
,/All tires are properly inflated (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory).
,/Be sure mowe_ deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results_ (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
J" Check mower and drive belts Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers
,/Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped
,/Before driving tractor', be sure free-
wheel control is in drive position.
While learning how to use your tractor',
pay extra attention to the following
important items:
,/Engine oil is at proper level
,/Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline.
,/Become familiar with all controls - their
location and function_ Operate them
before you start the engine.
¢" Be sure brake system is in safe operat-
ing condition
,/It is important to purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the first
time_ Follow proper starting and
transmission purging instructions (See
"TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE
TRANSMISSION" in the Operation
section of this manual)