Craftsman 917.27224 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN°I
20.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
48" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272240
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equip-
ment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5am -5pro, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.condcraftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 8
Operation ............................................ 12
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18
Maintenance ....................................... 18
Service and Adjustments.................... 22
Storage ............................................... 29
Troubleshooting ................................. 30
Repair Parts........................................ 34
Parts Ordedng ..................... 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, 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 se_ice is available free of charge by returning
your Craftsman riding equipment to yoLa"nearest Sears Service Center. In-home
warranty service is available but atdp charge will apply. This warranty applies only
while this product is in the United States.
This Warranty does notcover:
• Expendable items which become worn dudng 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 notlimited 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 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 offlammable
debds, or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.
•Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairscaused by fuel determined to be contami-
nated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within thirty(30) days of its
pumhase date.
•Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes. Aproduct is =usedfor
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 BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this dding
equipment proves defective in matedal or workmanship and our testing determines
the battery will 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 dghts
which may vary from state to state.
Seam, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand feet and
throwingobjects, Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine beforestarting.
• Only allow responsibleadults, who are
familiar with the instructions,to operate
the machine.
•Clear the area of objects suchas rocks,
toys, Wire,etc., which couldbe picked
up and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area is cleer of other people
before mowing. Stop machine ifanyone
enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverseunless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
•Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do not pointitat anyone.
Do notoperate the mower withouteither
the entiregrass catcher or the guard in
place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turnoff blades, set
perking brake, stopengine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute.
•Mow onlyin daylightor good artificial
light.
• 0o not operate the machine while under
the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Watch for trafilcwhen operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unload-
ingthe machine intoa trailer or truck.
•Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in alarge
percentage of riding mower#elated
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protect them-
salves and othersfrom serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which 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 orfuel
spillage before operatingor storingthe
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
SIopee are a ma_orfactor related to toss--of-
controland tipover accidents,which can re-
suil in severe Injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou cannotback up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down dopes, notacross.
•Remove obstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, orbumps. Uneven
terraincould overturn the machine. Ta//
grass can hide obstac/es.
Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear so
that you willnothave tostopor shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tionsfor wheel weightsor counter-
weights to improvestability.
Use extra care withgrass catchersor
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
Keep all movement on the dopes stow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid sta_ng or stoppingon a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turnslewiy and gradually
downhill,if possible.
•Do notmow near drepoffs, ditches,or
embankments. The mower coule
suddenly turnover If a wheal is over the
edge ofa cliffor ditch,or ifan edge
caves _.
•DO notmow on wet grass.Reduced
tractioncould cause sliding.
•Oo net try to stabilizethe machiee by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.

III.CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperator
isnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothe
reachine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw there.
•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
notsmoke.
-Never refuel the reachioe |ndenrs.
- 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 clo=
area.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially bl
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation reg_
•Keep machine tree of grass, leave
other debds build-up. Clean oil or
spillage. Allow machine to cool b*
stodag.
•Stop and Inspect the equipment if
strike an object. Repair, if eecess=
before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repair
with the engine running.
•Grass catcher components are sul
to wear, damage, and detedoratio_
which could expose moving parts
allow objects to be thrown. Frequ
check components and replace wi
manufacturer's recorereended par
when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves,
use extra caution when servicing
•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 lookdown
and behind before and while backing.
•Never cam/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 ch
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look b*
and dawn for sreall children.
•Mow up and down slopes (15°Ms
notacross.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks,
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overtum the
reachine. Tall grass can hide obsl

• Useslowspeed.Choosealowgearso
thatyouwillnothavetostoporshift
whileontheslope.
• Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope.If
tireslosetraction,disengagethe
bladesandproceedslowlystraight
downtheslope.
• Ifmachinestopswhilegoinguphill,
disengageblades,shiftintoreverse
and back down slowly.
•Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, tum slowlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_l_Look forthis symbolto pointout
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIII BECOMEALERTIII YOUR
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 hillin
neutral, you may lose controlof the
tractor.
_:_CAUTION: Tow onlythe attachments
that are recommandedby and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer of
your tractor. Use common sense when
towing. Operate onlyat the lowest
possiblespeed when on a slope. Too
heavy of a load, while on aslope, is
dangerous. Tires can 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 birthdefects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_:_WARNING: Battery pests, terminals
and related accessodes contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
3ASOLINE
CAPACITY
_,NDTYPE:
31LTYPE
API-SF-SJ):
91LCAPACITY:
3.5 GALLONS
UNLEADED
REGULAR
SAE 10W30
(ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS
W/OFILTER:4.0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
3AP: .030")
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0-5.5
[MPH): REVERSE: 0-2.4
rlRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING
SYSTEM: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM
3A'R'ERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT 45-55 FT. LBS.
FORQUE:
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 end retain this manual. The
instructionswill enable you to assemble
end 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 roles.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, cadngfor and using your tractor.
• Follow the instructionsunder "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sectionsof this
owner's manual.
_QI,WARNING: This tractoris equipped
with an internal 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). If a spark arresteris
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.
Federal laws apply on federal lands. A
spark an'ester for the muffleris available
through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS sectionof
this manual).

Steenng
Wheel Insert
Steering Wheel
Steering Sleeve
Seat
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _B)
_(1) Knob
(5) Retainer Spdngs
(2) Retainer Springs (single loop)
Mower (2)Flanged
(1)Front Plate _"
(4) Adjusting Bar Gauge Wheels i(_ _
_--_ (4) Retainer Springs (_
LJ Y (doub,e,oop)
_,. _/(4) Wheels 14)Washers _%J_ L-] (4) Shoulder Bolt
3/5 x 3/4 x 14 Ga_""
I j Nose Roller__//0_ Nose Roller
_llt Brackets
Nose Rolle_ __ (_)
(2) Locknuts .s_(2) Washers __.//
5116-18 5/16 18xl _17/32 x7/5 x 16 GaY
Video Cassette Keys
€(2) Keys
Slope Sheet

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleft
unassembledfor 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 ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 9/16" wrench (1) 314"Socket w/
(1) 112"wrench drive ratchet
(1) Utility knife (1) Pliers
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When dght or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your pointof
view, when you are in the operating
position (seated behind the steering
wheel).
TO REMOVETRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and parts cartons from carton.
2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four comers of carton, and lay
panels fiat.
3. Remove mower and packing materi-
als.
4. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1. Remove hex nut and large fiat washer
from steering shaft,
2, Positionfront wheels of the tractor so
they are pointingstraight forward.
3. Slide the steering sleeve over the
steering shaft.
4, Positionsteering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to dght) and slide
onto steering wheel adapter.
5. Secure steering wheel to ateerieg
shaft with hex nut and large fiat
washer previously removed, Tighten
securely.
6. Snap steedng wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.
7. 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,
_ ___--_-Steering
Wh linsert
I_ I_ge FiatWasher
Steering __ _/ _/
Wheel_
SteenngWheel ___
Adapter_j:
SteeringShaft
Steering .s _ i,a
);',---'I ',:
"" i I_ II_,f
-;' /I
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis battery isput intoservice
after monthand year indicated on label
blabellocated between terminals) charge
attery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY' in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
'_., " ...----:,
Label
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tighteningadjustment
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 pan so head of
shoulder bolt is positionedover large
6 slotted hole in pan.

4. Push down on seat to engage
shoulder belt in slot and pull seat
towardsrear of tractor.
5. Pivot seat end pan forward and
assemble adjustment knob and fiat
washer loosely. Do not tighten.
6. Lower seat into operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat untila 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.
8. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely. Seat
Shoulder
Bo_t
NOTE: You may now rollor 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 end raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmis-
sion(See _TOTRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).
4. Roll tractorforward off skid.
TO DRIVETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_WARNING: Before starting, read,
understand and follow all instructionsin
the Operation sectionof this manual. Be
sure tractor is in awell-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 brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
5. Press liftlever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttlecontrolto idle
position.
7. Release parking brake.
8. Slowly depress forward drive pedal
and drive tractor off skid.
9. Apply brake to stop tractor and set
parking brake.
10.Turn ignitionkey to"OFF" position.
Continue with the instructionsthat follow.
ASSEMBLE GAUGEWHEELSTO
MOWER DECK
The gauge wheels era designed to keep
the mower deck in proper position when
operatingmower. Be sure they are
propedy adjusted to ensure optimum
mower performance.
1. Slide gauge wheel bar down into
bracket channel, Be sure that gauge
wheel bar aligning holes ere on top.
Assemble gauge wheels as shown
using shoulder bolts, 3/8 washers and
3/8-16 center Iocknutsand tighten
securely.
2. For ease of mower to tractor assem-
bly, raise gauge wheels to highest
positionand retain with clevis pins
and spring retainers.
NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels before
operating mower. See =TOADJUST
GAUGE WHEELS" in the Operation
section of this manual.
RetainerSpring.. //_/r.
Shoulder A(_justing_K_" "_'_
Gauge _'/,'<_3 IL'!
Wheel 3/8-16 Center

TOA'rrACHNOSEROLLER
1. Positionbrackets,17/32x7/8x16
gaugewashers,andnoseroller
betweendeckmounting brackets as
shown. Be sure to position brackets
on correct side, as shown.
2. Install hex boltsand lock nuts as
shown. Tighten hardware securely.
NOTE'. Be sure bracket tabs are posi-
tioned in tab holes in deck brackets.
Nose RollerLock
ut "B" Bracket
_sher
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Be suretractorisoo levelsurfaceand mover
suspensionarms are raisedwithattachment
liftconlrel. Engage parking brake.
1. Cut and remove ties securing anti-
sway bar and belts. Swing anti-sway
bar to left side of mower deck.
2. Slide mower under tractor with
deflector shield to rightside of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
3. If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob counterclockwise until it stops.
4. Lower mower linkage with attachment
liftcontrol•
Lock Bracket
Belt Tension Rod
Chassis Bracket,
Gauge
Wheel
Double Loop
Retainer Spring
Anti-Sway
USEPLIERSFOR
RETAINERSPRINGS Suspension Arms
Double Loop Retainer
Spring (Outward
Up pointing deck pins)
5. Be sure belt tension rodis in disen-
gaged position.
6. Install belt into electric clutch pulley
groove.
7. Place the suspension arms on
outward pointing deck pins. Retain
with double loop retainer spdng with
loops up as shown.
8. Install front plate assembly to tractor
suspension brackets and retain with
single loop retainer springs as shown.
9. Position front plate assembly between
front mower brackets, Raise deck and
plate assembly to align holes and
insert flanged pins. Secure pins with
double loop retainer spdngs between
the plate assembly and mower
brackets.
NOTE: Toassist in locating hole in
flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with
notch on head of pin.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routing in all mower pulley grooves.
10.Engage belt tension rod by pushing
rod into locking bracket.
ACAUTION: Belt tension rod is spring
loaded. Have atight grip on rod and
engage slowly.
11,Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left footrest and retain
with double loop retainer spdng.
12.If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob clockwise to remove slack from
mower suspension.
13. Raise deck to highest position.
14.Adjust gauge wheels before operating
mower as shown in the Operation
section of this manual•
Electric Clutch
Pulley\ Front Suspention Brackets
Front \Front Plate Assembly
Mower _ _DoubleLoop
Bracket Retainer Springs
Single
Loop
Retainer
Springs
10