Craftsman 917.272241 User manual

Owner's Manual
JCRHFTSMIIH°J
20.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
48" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272241
• 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
5 am -5pm, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www,sears.com/craftsman

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 Ordering ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED'FWO 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 instructionsin 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 returning
your Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home
warranty service is available but a trip charge willapply. This warranty applies only
while this product is in the United States.
ThisWarranty does notcover:
• 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 limitedto, 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,
electdcal 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
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. Aproduct is =used for
commercial purpose" if is used for any purpose other than singlefamily household
dwellingsor in usage where profitis 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 rnatedal 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 ORTO SCHEDULE IN-
HOME WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME
This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other dghts
which may vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand feet and
throwing,objects. Failure to observe the followingsafety instructions could result in
sedous injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand,arid follow all
instructions in the manual and on the
machine beforestarting.
• Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiarwith the instructions,to operate
the machine.
•Clear the area ofobjectssuch as rocks,
toys,wire, etc., whichcould be picked
up and thrownby the blade.
• Be sure the area isclear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
•Do net mow in reverse unlessabsolutely
necessary. Alwaysleek down and
behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do net pointit at anyone.
Do notoperate the mowerwithout either
the entire grosscatcher or the guard in
place,
•Slowdown before tuming.
•Never leave arunning machine
unattended. Always turnoff blades,set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when net mowing.
•Stop engine before removinggrass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do net operate the machine while under
the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
•Watch for trafficwhen operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unload-
ingthe machine intoa bailer ortruck.
•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 protecttbem-
selves and othersfrom seriousinjury.
•Keep machinefl'eeof grass, leavesor
other debris build-upwhichcan touch
bet exhaust/engine parts and bum. Do
net allow the mower deck toplow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oilor fuel
spillagebefore operating or storingthe
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related toloss--of-
control arid tipoveraccidents,whichcan re-
suit in severe injury or death. All slopes
requireextra caution, ffyou cannotback up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
•Mow upand down slopes, net across.
•Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watch for holes,ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overtum the machine. Ta//
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slew speed. Choose a low gear so
that youwill nothave to stopor shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improvestability.
Use extra care with grass catchersor
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual Do notmake sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid startingor stoppingon a dope. ff
tireslose traction, disengagethe blades
and proceed slowly straight downthe
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not rum on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turnslowlyand gradually
downhill, if possible.
•Do notmow near drop-offs,ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenlyturn over if awheel is over the
edge ofa cliffor ditch, or ifan edge
caves in.
•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilizethe machine by
patting your foot onthe ground.
•Do notuse grass catcheron steep
slopes.
3

ttt. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents con occur if the operator
is notalert to the presence ofchildren.
Childrenare 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 core of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enterthe 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 core when approaching blind
comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra core 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 awater heater.
•Never run amachine inside a close_
area.
• Keep nutsand bolts, especially blac
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regula
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves,
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fL
spillage. Allow machine to cool bef¢
stodng.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if y_
strike an object. Repair, if necessar
before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
•Grass catcher components are subj
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts o=
allow objects to be thrown, Frequel
check components and replace wilt
manufacturer's recommended parts
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and con ct
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, _.
use extra caution when servicingth{
• Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
•Be sure the area isclear of other
peopta 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 andwhile 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 tam machine off if chik
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look beP
and down for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max
net across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, b
limbs,etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could over_urnthe
machine. Tall grass can hide obsta
4

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
thatyou willnot have to stopor 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, shiftinto reverse
and back down slowly.
•Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
saw, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_Look for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions.It means
CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!!I YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_CAUTION: Inorder 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.
,_kCAUTION: Do not coast down a hillin
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
,_CAUTION: Towonlythe 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
possiblespeed 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.
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known tothe State of California tocause
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
birthdefects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling,
5

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
ANDTYPE: REGULAR
OIL TYPE SAE 10W30
(ABOVE 32°F)
API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS
W/OFILTER:4.0 PIhITS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
GAP: .030")
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0-5.5
(MPH): REVERSE: 0-2.4
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING
SYSTEM: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1 R
BLADE BOLT 45-55 FT. LBS.
TORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
ofa new tractor. Ithas been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give you
the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you expedence 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 thistractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructionswill enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the =SAFETY RULES".
REPAIRAGREEMENT
A Repair Agreement is available on this
product. Contactyour nearest Sears
store fordetails.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructionsunder "Mainte-
nanco" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual.
_iLWARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-
covered or grass-cevered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with
aspark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). Ifa spark an'ester 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 Resoumes 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
Steering Wheel
SteeringSleeve
Seat
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
_(1) Knob
Mower
Retainer Springs
)
(2) Retainer Springs (single loop)
(2)Flanged _:_
(1)Front Plate _ " _
10/%,
(4) Adjusting Bar Gauge Wheels i-O_
_(4) Retainer Springs (_
_ _ y__(double loop)
) ) Washers (4) Shoulder Bolt
3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Gm
L J Nose Roller_
L J _ _'#_ Nose Roller
Nose Roller_ _(2(2) Hex Bolts
(2) Locknuts _ 5/tR-1R x t ) Washer
5/16-18 ......... 17/32 x 7/8 x 16 GaW
Video Cassette Keys
12) Keys
For Future Use
Slope Sheet
7

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthose parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. Toensure 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.
(2) 9/16" wrench (1) 3/4" Socket w/
(1) 1/2" 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 Iocknutand large fiat washer
from steering shaft.
2. Positionfront wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
3. Slide the steedng sleeve over the
steedng shaft.
4. Positionsteedng wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
onto steedng wheel adapter.
5. Secure steedng wheel to steedng
shaft with Iocknut and large fiat
washer previously removed. Tighten
securely.
6. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steedng 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.
I( )1 - LockNut
__ge FlatWasher
Steering __ _ _)
Wheel_
SteeringWheel
Adapter------'-'-_ _lp
SteeringShaft_ /--_-=_-_-__,-""",_':
Steerln _. .i ,,
Sleeve ,' _ _,÷ 1 '"
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: If thisbattery isput intoservice
after month and year indicated on label
blabellocated between terminals) charge
artery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
"'"'-1::" '{" Label
INSTALl -qEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat
washer securing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for assembly of
seat totractor.
2. Pivotseat 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
8 slotted hole in pan.

4. Pushdownonseattoengage
shoulderbeltinslotandpullseat
towardsrearoftractor.
5. Pivotseat and 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 until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you 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
SeatAdjustmen_tK_FPan __ BSh_ulder
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the apprepdate
instructionbelowto remove the tractor
from the skid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Press liftlever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing positionto disengage transmis-
sion(See =TOTRANSPORT" inthe
Operation section of this manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
TO DRIVETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_I_WARNING: Before starting, read,
understand and follow all instructionsin
the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be
sure the area in front oftractor isclear of
other people and objects.
1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.
2. Check e_gine oil level and fill fuel
tank with gasoline.
3. Place freewheel control in '_ransmis-
sion engaged" position.
4. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle controlto idle
position.
7. Release parking brake.
8. Slowly depress forward ddve pedal
and ddve 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 are designed to keep
the mower deck in proper positionwhen
operating mower. 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 are on top.
Assemble gauge wheels as shown
using shoulder belts, 3/8 washers and
3/8-16 center lecknuts and tighten
securely.
2, For ease of mower to tractorassem-
bly, raise gauge wheels to highest
positionand retain with clevis pins
and spdng retainers.
NOTE: Adjustgauge wheels before
operating mower. See "TO ADJUST
GAUGE WHEELS" in the Operation
section of this manual.
Pin-_
Shoulder _..
Bolt Bar
Ga__
3/8 Washerf v _ Locknut

TOATTACHNOSEROLLER
1. Positionbrackets,17/32x7/8x16
gaugewashers,andnoseroller
betweendeckmountingbracketsas
shown.Besuretopositionbrackets
oncorrectside,asshown.
2. Installhexboltsandlocknutsas
shown.Tightenhardwaresecurely.
NOTE:Besurebrackettabsareposi-
tionedintabholesindeckbrackets.
Tab NoseRoller
Lock"B"Bracket
Hex Bolt
Bracket
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Be suretractorisonlevelsurfaceand mover
suspensionan-nsare raisedwithattachment
liftconlrnl.Engageparld'KJbrake.
1. Cut and remove ties secudng anti-
sway bar and belts. Swing anti-sway
bar to left side of mower deck.
2. Slide mower under tractor with
deflector shield to dght side of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routing in all mower pulley grooves.
3. If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob counterclockwise until it stops.
4. Lower mower linkage with attachment
liftcontrol.
5. Be sure belt tension red is in disen-
gaged position. Lock
Belt Tension Rod
Disengaged Position
Gauge
Wheel_
Double Loop
Retainer Spring
Anti-Swa)
USEPLIERSFOR
RL=TAINERSPRINGSSuspension Arms
/_L_p Double Loop Retainer
Spdng (Outward
Up pointing deck pins)
6. Install belt into electric dutch pulley
groove.
7. Place the suspension arms on
outward pointingdeck pins. Retain
with double loop retainer spdng with
loops up as shown.
8. Install front plate assembly totractor
suspension brackets and retain with
single loop retainer spdngs as shown.
9. Positionfront 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: To assistin locating hole in
flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with
notch on head of pin. If necessary, move
mower side-to-side to give space
between plate and mower brackets.
IMPORTANT: Check belt forproper
routing in all mower pulley grooves.
10.Engage belt tension rod by pushing
red intolocking bracket.
A,CAUTION: Belt tension rod is spring
loaded. Have a tight gdp on rod and
engage slowly.
11.Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left footrestand retain
with double loop retainer spdng.
12.If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob clockwiseto remove slack from
mower suspension.
13. Raise deck to highest position.
14.Adjust gauge wheels before operating
mower as shown in the Operation
sectionof this manual.
Electric Clutch
Pulley Front Suspention Brackets
Front Front Plate Assembly
Mower _Double Loop
Bracket Retainer Springs
Single
Loop
Retainer
Springs
10 Sheild.