Craftsman 917.271730 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN'I
17.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.271730
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
=Maintenance
• Repair Parts
Thls product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en-
gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual,
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment,
Foranswers to your questions
aboutthisproduct,Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am -5 pm, Mon -Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

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
PartsOrdering.....................BackCover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For two (2) years from the date of pumhase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is
maintained, lubdcated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's
manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in
matedal or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by taking your
Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. Imhome 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 punctures from outside objects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps, or glass.
•Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage
caused by towing objects 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, including b_ 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
debds, or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual.
•Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaml-
natad or oxidized (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 from date of pumhase, if any battery included with this riding
equipment proves defactlve in matadal or workmanship end our testing determines the
battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. Warranty
service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman dding 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.
TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE IN-HOME
WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-80O-4-MY-HOME
ThisWarranty givesyou specificlegal rights,andyou may also have otherrightswhich
may varyfrom statetostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoftman Estates, IL 60179
2

IMPORTANT: This cuttng machine is capa.,bleof amputating hands and feet and.
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following sarety instructions coulo result in
serioUS injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow a!l
instructions in the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• Only aifow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
•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.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
•Be aware ol the mower discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the
guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always tum off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or unclogging chute.
•Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-
related injudes. These operators
should evaluate their ability to operate
the dding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from
serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to icss-
of-control and tipover accidents, which
can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution, if you
cannot back up the slope or if you feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Taftgrass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction,
•Avoidstarting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of acliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
••Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
3

IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will rerr_in where
you last saw them.
•Keep children out of the mowing area
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 operate 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 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 bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regulady.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
•Stop end inspect the equipment ifyou
stnke an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine running,
•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
manufacturers 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.
•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 or children
even with the blades off.
•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 injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
•Keep children out of the mowing area
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.
•Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),
not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could ovedum the
machine. 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.
•If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse
and back down slowly.
•Do not tum on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_Look for this symbol to point out
impodant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!H BECOMEALERT!!t YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_b CAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
_b CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
_b CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer of
your tractor. Use common sense when
towing. Operate only at the lowest
possible speed when on a slope. Too
heavy of a load, while on a slope, is
dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
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 Califomia to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
5

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
ANDTYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE30 (ABOVE32°F
API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(BELOW32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER:3,5 PINTS
W/OFILTER:3,0PINTS
SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION RCt2YC
GAP:.030")
VALVE INTAKE: ,003"-.005"
CLEARANCE: EXHAUST:.005"-,007"
GROUND SPEED FORWARD:
MPH): 1sT 1.2
2"0 1.5
3RD 2.4
4TM 3.5
5TM 4.8
6TM 5.3
REVERSE: 1.5
FIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
.3HANGING 3 AMPS BATTERY
_YSTEM: 5AMPS HEADLIGHTS
3ATTE RY: AMP/HR: 25
MIN. CCA: 190
CASE SIZE: U1 R
3LADE BOLT 27-3-5 FT. LBS.
FORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
ofa newtractor. Ithas been designed,
engineeredand manufacturedto give
you the best possibledependabilityand
performance.
Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact a
Sears or other qualified service center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians and the proper tools to service 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".
REPAIR AGREEMENT
A Repair Agreementisavailableon this
product. ContactyournearestSears
storefor details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
• Follow the instructions under =Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual.
_I, WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an intemal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-
covered or grass-coverad 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
required by law (Section 4442 of the
California 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 service
center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).
6

Steering
Wheel Insert
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
Steering
Boot _/
Steering Wheel
(1) Lockwasher 3/8
(1) L_x_knut
5/16-18
_Steering
Wheel Adapter
Seat
(1) Large Flat Washer
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
Iteedng
Extension
Shaft
(_Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12
Gauge
_(1) Knob
For Future Use
Slope Sheet
Keys
Video Cassette
7

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unaseembled 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.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socketwrenchset willmakeassembly
easier. Standardwrenchsizes youneed
are listedbelow.
(1) 9/16"wrench (1) Pliers
(2) 1/2"wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When rightor lefthandis mentionedin
thismanual,itmeans, from yourpointof
view,when you are in the operating
position(seated behindthesteering
wheel).
TO REMOVETRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove art accessibte looseparts
and parts cartons from carton.
2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four comers of carton,and lay
panels flat.
3. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVINGTRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
1. Slide extension shaft onto lower
steering shaft. Align mounting holes
in extension and lower shafts and
install 5/16 hex bolt and Iocknut.
Tighten securely.
2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to
secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3. Position front wheels of the tractor so
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 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten
securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from
tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor isto rolloff skid.
_._ _ JSteefin 9 Boot
SteedngWheel____,_,_
/_"_ _Tabs
Adapter.._----_
_._,_ E_snsion Shaft
Lower _' "_ ",
Steering ,, ,,.._.._.____._
Shaft , "_ -_ Tab
"_," - , '• Slots
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift seat pan to raised position and
open battery box door.
NOTE: Ifthis battery isput into service
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
Battely
Door

INSTALLSEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and flat
washer securing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for assembly of
seat to tractor.
2. Pivot seat upward and remove from
the cardboard packing. Remove the
cardboard packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan so head of
shoulder bolt is positioned over large
slotted hole in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage
shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat
towards rear of tractor.
5. Pivot seat and pan forward and
assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten.
6. Lower seat into operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without moving its
adjusted position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely.
:Seal
Seat Pan_"
Bolt
Adj
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instruction below to remove the tractor
from the skid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N)
position.
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
5. Remove banding holding discharge
guard up against tractor.
TO DRIVETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_kWARNING: Before starting read
understand and follow all ins[ructions in
the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area.
Be sure the area In front of tractor isclear
of other people and objects.
1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.
2. Check engine oil levst and fill rue!
tank with gasoline.
3. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
the parking brake.
4. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N)
position.
5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle control to idle
position.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" position and hold. Move
gearshift lever to 1st gear.
8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and
slowly drive tractor off skid.
9. Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking
brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
10.Turn ignition key to 'OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
CHECKTIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated
at the factory for shipping purposes.
Correct tire pressure is important for best
cutting performance.
•Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
=PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual.
9

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures thatareshownfor
replacingmotion and mower bladedrive
belts in the Serviceand Adjustments
sectionofthismanual. Verifythatthe
beltsare routedcorrectly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
Afteryou learnhow tooperateyour
tractor,checktosee that thebrakeis
propedyadjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE"in theServiceand Adjustments
sectionofthismanual.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(If previously removed)
1. Raise and hold deflector shield in
upright position.
2. Place front of mulcher plate over front
of mower deck opening and slide into
place, as shown.
3. Hook front latch into hole on front of
mower deck.
4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of
mower deck.
_IpCAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold shield
when attaching mulcher plate and allow it
to rest on plate while in operation.
Mulcher
Plate
Shield
•4" CHECKLIST
Before you operate and 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 instructions have been
completed.
v"No remaining loose parts in carton.
v'Battery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).
v'Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely.
./'All tires are propedy inflated. (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
ovednflated at the factory).
v'Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be propedy inflated
for leveling).
,(Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed propedy around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
v'Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
While learning how to use your tractor,
pay extra attention to the following
important items:
v" Engine oil is at proper level.
V"Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline.
v" Become familiar with all controls - their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.
v'Be sure brake system is in safe
operating condition.
Latch
Hooks
TO CONVERTTO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simplyremovemulcherplate and store in
a safe place.Yourmowerisnow readyfor
dischargingor installationof optional
grasscatcher accessory.
NOTE: It isnotnecessarytochange
blades. The mulcherbladesare de-
signedfor dischargingand baggingalso. 10