Craftsman 917.271733 User manual

Owner's Manual
I[RAFTSMAW I
17.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.271733
• Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers to yourquestions
about thisproduct,Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 prn, 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
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED "I3NOYEAR 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 owner's
manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in
material or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning 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 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 but 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 instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual.
• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contami-
nated 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. A product is "used for
commercial purpose" if is used for any purpose other than single family household
dwellings or in usage where profit is made.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATFrERY
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. Warranty
service is available free of charge by returning 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 1-800-4-MY-HOME
This Warranty 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, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingob ects. Failure to observe the fonowingsafety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all
instructions in the manual and on the
machine before starting.
•Only allow 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 of the mower discharge
directionand 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 unat-
tended. Always turn 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 unload-
ingthe machine into a trailer or truck.
•Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involvedin a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safely enoughto protect them-
selvesand others from sedous injury.
•Keep machinefree ofgrass, leaves or
other debds build-upwhich can touch
hotexhaust / engine partsand bum. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debds which can cause build-up
to occur.Clean any oil or fuel
spillagebefore operating or stodng the
machine. Allow machineto cool before
storage. 3
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-
of-control and tipaver accidents, which
can result in severe injuryor 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 recks, 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 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 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
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 s]owly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
•Donotmow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliffor ditch, or ifan edge
caves in.
•Donotmowonwetgress. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your feet on the ground.
•Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.

IILCHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperator
isnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenare often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you lastsaw 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, suchasawater heater.
•Never run a machine inside aclosed
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 and inspect the equipment if you
strike 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
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.
•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 sedously 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 oft ifchildren
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
•Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),
not across.
• Remove obstactes such as 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 will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
•Avoid starting or stopping on aslope. 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 turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_ILook for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!I BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A0i, 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.
_l CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
_i 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 onlyat 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
of your tractor.
_ILWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_IWARNING: 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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
ANDTYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F
API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-3Q
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 3.5 PINTS
W/OFILTER: 3.0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
GAP: .030")
GROUND SPEEDFORWARD:
(MPH): 1sT 1.2
2N° 1.5
3_2,4
4TM 3.5
5TM 4.8
6TM 5.3
REVERSE: 1.5
IRE PRESSURE: FRONT; 14 PSI
REAR: 10PSI
_,HARGING 3AMPS BATI'E RY
3YSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
3A'N-ERY: AMP/HR: 25
MIN. CCA: 190
CASE SIZE: Ut R
]LADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS.
FORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of anew tractor, It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact a
Sears or other qualified service center.
We have competent, well-trainod techni-
clans 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 propedy.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
REPAIR AGREEMENT
A Repair Agreement is available on this
product. Contact your nearest Sears
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.
_WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should notbe used on or near any
unimproved 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
required by law (Section 4442 of the
California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similarlaws.
Federat 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
WheelInsert Steering Wheel
I_(1) Hex Bolt _ (1) Lock
3/8-16 x 1 _ washer 3/8
(1) Locknut
5/16-18
Steering J]_ Steering
Boot Wheel Adapter
(1) Large Flat Washer
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Seat
(_Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x12
Gauge
_(1) Knob
For Future Use
Slope Sheet
Keys
Video Cassette

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
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 socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 9/16" wrench (1) Pliers
(2) 1/2"wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) "lire pressure gauge
When right 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
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and parts canons from canon.
2. Cut, from topto bottom, along lines on
all four corners of canon, and lay
panels flat.
3. Check for any additional loose parts
or canons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
A'I-rACH 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.
IMPORTANT; Tighten bolt and nut
securely to 18-22 ft. Ibs torque.
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
steedng wheel and slide adapter onto
steering shaft extension.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (leftto right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.
6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 bex bolt and tighten
securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steedng wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from
tractor hood and gdll.
IMPORTANT; Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor is to roll off skid.
3/8 HexBolt
3/8 LockWasher
at
A_d_ei_S_rln gBoot
5116 Lock,nut i Hex Bolt
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BA'rrERY
1. Lift seat pan to raised position and
open battery box door.
NOTE: Ifthis battery is put intoservice
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimumof one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BA3-rERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
Label
Batter
Door

INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
I. Remove adjustment knob and fiat
washer securing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for assembly of
seat totractor.
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
assere_le 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.
Seat
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instructionbelow to remove the tractor
from the skid.
TO ROLL TRACTOR 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 denector
shield up against tractor.
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
,_ILWARNING: Before starting read,
understand and follow all nstructons n
the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in a wen-ventilated area.
Be sure the area in front of tractor isclear
of other people and obects.
1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.
2. Check engine oil level and fill fuel
tank with gasoline.
3. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
the parking brake.
4. Place gear shiftlever in neutral (N)
position.
5. Press tilt lever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
6. S_artthe engine. After engine has
started, move throttlecontrolto idle
position.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into fu_l
"BRAKE" positionand hold. Move
gearshift lever to 1stgear.
8. Slowly release clutctVbrake 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.
CHECK TIRE 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.

CHECKDECKLEVELNESS
Forbestcuttingresults,mowerhousing
shouldbeproperly leveled, See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustmentssection ofthis
manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for
replacing motion and mower b]ade drive
belts in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual. Verify that the
belts are routed COrrectly,
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your
tractor,check to see that the brake is
properlyadjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
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.
_IkCAUTION: 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
,Y 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.
,/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 mower deck is properly Leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
/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.
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
operating condition.
Latch
Hooks
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher plate and store in
asafe 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 de-
signed for discharging and bagging also. 10