Craftsman 917.271842 User manual

Owner's Manual
JCRAFT$1qAWJ
21.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.271842
•Safety
•Assembly
• Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
Foranswers to yourquestions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Une
5am - 5 pm, Mort - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.comlcraftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 8
Operation ............................................ 12
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 19
Maintenance ....................................... 19
Service and Adjustments .................... 23
Storage ............................................... 29
Troubleshooting ................................. 39
Repair Parts ........................................ 34
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, 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
material or workmanship. 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.
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 dding 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
contained 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 DAYWARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this dding
equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines
the battery witl not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. War-
ranty 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 end Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

IMPORTANT: This curtng roach ne s capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious/njury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand,and follow all
instructionsin the manual and onthe
machine before starting.
• Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiarwith the instructions,to operate
the machine.
•C_earthe area of objectssuch as rocks,
toys,wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrownby 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 absolutely
necessary. Alwayslook down and
behind before and while backing.
•Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do not point itat anyone.
Do notoperate the mower withouteither
the entiregrass catcher or the guard in
place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave arunning machine
unattended. Always turn off blades,set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removinggrass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
•Mow onlyin daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machinewhile under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
•Watch for trafficwhen operating near or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loadingor unload-
ingthe machine into a traileror truck.
•Data indicates that operators,age 60
years and above, are involved_na large
percentage of r;dingrnower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safelyenough to protect them-
selves and others from sedous injury.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust /engine partsand bum. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillagebefore operating or storingthe
machine. Allow machine tocool before
storage.
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related toloss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can
result in severe in ury or death. Aft stopas
require extra caution, fyou 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. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you willnot 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.
• Avoid starting 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-otis, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if awheel is over
the edge of acliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves In.
•Donotmowonwetgrass. 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 ifthe operator
is notalert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume 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.
•Be alert and turn machine off ifchildren
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 intedere
with safe machine operation.
•Never allow children to operate the
machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind
comers, 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 regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you
stdke 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 seriously injured or intedere
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 ifchildren
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
•Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),
notacross.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine, Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4

•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Avoid starting or stoppingon 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 turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
,_.Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTI!! YOUR
SAFETY ISINVOLVED.
CAUTION: In orderto 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. '
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control ofthe
tractor.
CAUTION: Tow onlythe attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications el the manufacturer of
your tractor.Use common sense when
towing. Operate only at the lowest
possiblespeed when on aslope. Too
heavy of a load, while on a slope, is
dangerous. "Srescan lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control
of your tractor.
_WARNING: 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.
,_WARNING: Batteryposts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or ether reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
AND TYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 3O
',API-SF-SJ): (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5Wo30
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 3.0PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
IGAP:.030") RJ19LM OR J19LM
GROUND FORWARD: 5.5
SPEED (MPH): REVERSE: 2.4
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI
PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING 3AMPS BA'I-rERY
SYSTEM: 5 AMPSHEADLIGHTS
BA'i-rERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE:U1 R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS
TORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a new 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-trained techni-
cians and the proper tools to service or
repair this tractor.
Please read and retainthis manual. The
instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
REPAIR AGREEMENT
A Repair Agreement is available on this
product. Contact your nearest Sears
store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow aregular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructionsunder "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sectionsof this
owner's manual.
_,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-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). It aspark arrester is
used, itshould be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is
required by law (Section 4442 ofthe
California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws.
Federal taws 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 j_Steering Steedng
/ _-J / J Wheel Adapter Extension
Stee,.g \_/ _ Sha_
Sleeve __(1)Locknut _
_. _ Steering (t)H_; B_lt
W"e°"n'°"7
_ t t _ washer
_ a/a
(1) Large Fiat
Washer
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
Seat
(1) Washer
17/32 x1-3/16 x12 Gauge
(1) Knob
For Future Use
Keys
41
(2) Keys
Video Cassette Slope Sheet

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassemble5 for sh_pping purposes. To ensure sale 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" wreP_h (1) Utili_ knife
(1) Tire pressure
gauge
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means 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 partscartons from carton.
2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four corners of carton, and lay
panels flat.
3. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATFACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT ANO
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. Ibetorque.
2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to
secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3. Position |rent wheels ofthe tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
4. Remove steering wheel adapter from
steering wheel and slide adapter onto
steering shaft extension.
5. Positionsteering 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 is to roll off skid.
._ _ Steering
_ Wheel Insert
_-_ Hex Bolt
_._____ L_k Washer
fF'_._ ! _"- LargeRat
_=-_---_-___ )Washer
Steedng_-_'_ _JJ
Wheelf _J
_ SteeringBoot
Extension Tabs
Shaft"-_._ _--_ Adapter
Lower , "' " TabSteering-',_, '3_
Shaft _- _ ' Slots
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BA'n'ERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: If this battery isput intoservice
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BA'I-FERY" in Malntenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
_'_"ff'" "" " Label

INSTALLSEAT
Adjustseatbefore tightening adjustment
knob.
1, Remove adjustment knob and flat
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 pen 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 oftractor.
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 a_lowsyou to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat withoutmoving 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
fromthe skid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
2, Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmis-
sion (See "TO TRANSPORT" inthe
Operation section of this manual),
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
5. Remove banding holding deflector
shield up against tractor.
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
•qLWARNING: Before starting, read,
understand and follow all instructionsin
the Operation section ofthis 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.
1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.
2. Check engine oil level and fill fuel
tank with gasoline,
3. Place freewheel control in "transmis-
sion engaged" position,
4. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
the parking brake.
5. Place motion control lever in neutral
(N) position.
6. Press liftlever plunger and raise
attachment lift leverto its highest
position.
7. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttlecontrol to idle
position.
8. Release parking brake.
9. Slowly move the motion control lever
forward and slowly drive tractor off
skid.
10.Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking
brake and place motion control lever
in neutral position.
11.Turn ignitionkey to"OFF" position.
Continue with the instructionsthat follow.

CHECKTIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated
at the factory for shipping purposes.
Correcttire pressure is important for best
cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be propedy 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 that are shown for
replacing motion and mower blade drive
belts in the Service and Adjustments
sectionof this manual. Verify that the
belts are muted 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 intohole on front of
mower deck.
4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of
mower deck.
/I=CAUTION: Do notremove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold shield
when attaching mulcher plate and allow
it to reston plate while in operation.
Mulcher
Latch
Hooks
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher 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 de-
signed for discharging and bagging also.
10