Craftsman 917.271920 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRAF¥$MAWJ
LAWN TRACTOR
20.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.271920
I I_ 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 to yourquestions
aboutthis product,Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am -5 pm, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 U.S.A
Visitour Craftsmanwebsite:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly/Pre-Operation ...................... 8
Operation ............................................ 11
Maintenance ....................................... 18
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18
Service and Adjustments.................... 23
Storage ............................................... 29
Troubleshooting ................................. 30
Repair Parts ........................................ 34
Sears Service ...................... Back Cover
LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT
Fortwo (2) years from the date of purchase, ifthis Craftsman Riding Equipment is
maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructionsin the owner's
manual Sears will repair or replace free of charge any pads that are found to be
defective in material or workmanship according to the guidelines of coverage listed
below. Sears will also provide free labor for these applicable warranted pads for the
two fullyears. During the first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charges to service
the product at your home for issues covered by this warranty. (See exclusions below).
For your convenience, IN HOME warranty service will stillbe available after the first 30
days of purchase but a tripcharge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Crafts-
man product is dropped off at an authorizadSears Iocat on. For the nearest authorized
Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. This warranty applies only while this
product is within the United States.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become wom during normal use, including but not limited
•to blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters.
Standard Maintenance Servicing, oil changes, or tune-ups
•Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails,
thoms, stumps, or glass.
iRepairs necessary because of operator abuse, includin_ 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-speedin_ the engine.
Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, includmg but not limitedto,
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 failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscontained 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 30 days of its
purchase date.
•Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement.
• Riding equipment used for commemial or rental purposes.
LIMITED WARRANTY ON BA'n'ERY
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. During the
first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charges to replace the battery at your HOME.
After the first 30 days, for your convenience, IN-HOME warranty service will still be
available but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman
product is dropped of at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized
Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
This battery warranty applies only while this product is within the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which
vary, from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Dept.817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing, objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
&Look for this symbol to point out •Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
important safety precautions. It means necessary. Always look down and
CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!!I YOUR behind before and while backing.
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
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.
_, CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral,you may lose control of the
tractor.
& CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specificationsof 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 aslope, is
dangerous. "13rescan 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 Californiato cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessodes contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of Califomia to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand,and follow all
instructionsin 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 objectssuch as rocks,
toys, wire, etc., which couldbe picked
up and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area is clear ofother people
before mowing. Stop machine ifanyone
enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
O
D
Be aware of the mower discharge
direction and do not point itat 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 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 only in daylightor good artificial
light.
Do not operate the machine while under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
Watch for trafficwhen operatingnear 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 enough to protectthem-
selves and othersfrom serious injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust /engine parts and 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 storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are amajor factor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can re-
sult 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.
3

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 overtum the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you willnot have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tionsfor wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Usa 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 necessary,
and then, tum slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs,ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly tum over if awheel is over the
edge of a cliffor ditch,or if an edge
caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
tractioncould cause sliding.
•Do not tryto stabilizethe machine by
puttingyour foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
III. 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 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 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
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
storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou
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.
4

• 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 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 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.
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline 3.5 Gallons
Capacity Unleaded
and Type: Regular
OilType SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(Below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: 3.75 Pints
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
GAP: .030")
Ground Speed Forward: 5.5
(MPH): Reverse: 2.4
Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI
Rear: 10 PSI
Charging 3 Amps Battery
System: 5 Amps Headlights
Battery: Amp/Hr. 28
Min. CCA: 230
Case Size: UIR
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 retain this manual. The
instructionswill 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 a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructions under _Mainte-
nanca" and "Storage* sections of this
owner's manual.
_IWARNING: 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 arrestar 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 taws.
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

QSteering Wheel
Steering
Wheel
Adapter Steering
Sleeve
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Steedng
Wheel
insert @
(1) Locknut 1/2-20
(1) Large Flat
Washer
(1) Locknut 1/4-28
(1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4
Seat
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Knob
Video Cassette Keys
<__ (2) Keys
_) Oil Drain Tube
or Future Use
Slope Sheet
7

(1) 3/4"wrench (1) Pliers
(2) 7/16"wrench (1) Utilityknife
(1) Tire pressuregauge
Whenrightor lefthandismentionedin
thismanual,it means,from your point of
view, when you are in the operating
position (seated behind the steering
wheel).
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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. Review the video cassette before
you begin.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR Insert
ASSEMBLY __/_/2 Hex Nut
Asocket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need _ _._..... LargeFlat
are listed below. _asher
Sf_.\', _\
Steering _...._'_ / /
Wh.f Steedng
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and parts boxes 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 REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
Tabs
Adapter Extension
/Shaft
114 Locknut _ _" 114Hex
I
Lower ,
Steedng _'-. _ \" ]
Shaft _.. ---_'2_-"
.1,,_'_Tab
"':,:_ _' Slots
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 1/4 hex bolt and Iocknut.
Tighten securely.
IMPORTANT: Tighten boltand nut
securely to 10-12 ft. Ibstorque.
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 fiat washer, 112 hex
nut and tighten securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steedng 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 roll off skid.
CHECK BATTERY
I. Liftseat pan to raised position.
NOTE: If this battery is put intoservice
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hourat 6-10
amps. (See 'BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
8

..- ,- •- Label
.• --?;:
INSTALL SEAT
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 bolls are positioned over the
large slotted holes in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage
shoulder bolts in slots 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.
Seat
Seat Pan
Adjustment Knol
Shoulder Bolts
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Followthe 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 freewheel control in =transmis-
sion disengaged" position (See "TO
TRANSPORT" in the 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)
WARNING: Before starting, read,
understand 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.
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. (See "TO
TRANSPORT" in the Operation
section of this manual)•
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 lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
7. Start the engine• After engine has
started, move throttle control 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 ignition key to "STOP" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(If prevlously 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.
Deflector
Shield
Mulcher
Plate
Latch
CAUTION: 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.
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 mulching blades are
designed for discharging and bagging
also.
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.
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 that are shown for
replacing motion and mower blade 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
propody adjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
_CHECKMST
Before you operate 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 propedy 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 propedy leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
,/Check mower and ddve belts. Be sure
they are routed propedy around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
/Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
•/ Before drivingtractor, be sure free-
wheel control is in =transmission
engaged* position (see "TO TRANS-
PORT" in the Operation section of this
manual).
While learning how to use your tractor,
pay extra attention to the following
important items:
•/ Engine oil is at proper level.
,/Fuel tank Isfilled 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.
•/ It is importantto 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).
10