Craftsman 917.272242 User manual

Owner's Manual
OCRfiFTSMRN°I
20.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
48" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272242
• 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 - 5 pro, Mo_ - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.conVcraftsman

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 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 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 wom during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts and oil filters.
• Tire replacement or repair caused by puncturesfrom outside objects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps, or glass.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, includingbut 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 net 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
debris, or the failure to maintain the equipment accordingto 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 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 material 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 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.
TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE IN-
HOME WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-600-4-MY-HOME
This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other dghts
whichmay vary from state tostate.
Seam, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffi_an Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfontand
throwingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructionscouldresultin
sedousinjuryordeath.
I.GENERALOPERATION
• Read,understand,andfollowall
instructionsinthe manual and on the
machine beforestarting.
•Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiarwith the instructions,to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objectssuch as racks,
toys,wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is dear of other people
beforemowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always lookdown and
behind before and while backing.
•Be aware of the mowerdischarge
directionand do notpoint itat anyone.
Do notoperate the mower without either
the entire grass catcheror the guard in
place.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine
unattended. Alwaystum off blades, set
parking brake, stopengine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•"rumoff blades whennot mowing.
•Stop engine before removinggrass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
lighL
•Do not operate the machinewhile under
the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
•Watch for trafficwhen operating near or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine intoa trailer or truck.
•Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of dding mower.-rolated
injuries. These operatorsshould
evaluate their abilitytooperate the ridleg
mower safely enoughto protectthem-
salves and othersfrom sedous injury.
•Keepmachine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hotexhaust /engine partsand bum. Do
net allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debdswhich can cause build-
upto occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operatingor storingthe
machine. Allow machineto cool hefere
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related to loss-of-
control and tipoveraccidents,which can re-
sult in severe injury or death. All slopes
require exb'acaution. Ifyou cannot beck up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, de not
maw it.
DO;
•Mow up and down slopes, net across.
•Remove obstacles suchas rocks, tree
limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
ten'ain could overturn the machine. Taft
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you willnot have tostop orshif_
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions forwheel 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 slew
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengagethe blades
and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turnon slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowlyand gradually
downhill, if possible.
•Do netmow near drep-offs,ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenlyturn over ifa wheel isover the
edge ofa cliffor ditch,or ifan edge
caves in.
•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced
tractioncould cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilizethe machine by
potting your foot on the ground.
•Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.

II1.CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperator
isnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothe
machineandthemowingactivity.Never
assume that children will ramaln where
you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and tum 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
notsmoke.
-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 inspectthe 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 servicingthem.
•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 carrychildren. 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),
notacross.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks,free
limbs,etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overtura the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Useslowspeed. Choose a low gear so
thatyou will nothave 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 notturn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_lkLook for this symbolto pointout
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONlll BECOME ALERTIt! 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 notcoast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose controlof the
tractor.
_.CAUTION: Towonly the 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
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.
,_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 birthdefects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_WARNING: 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 reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.

_RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
-_ASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
_ND TYPE: REGULAR
:31LTYPE SAE 10W30
(ABOVE 32°F)
'API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS
W/OFILTER:4.0PINTS
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: 15AM PS @ 3600 RPM
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT 45-55 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
ARepair 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, cadng for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructionsunder "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage"sections of this
owner's manual.
_LWARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brash-
covered or grass-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with
a spark an'ester 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 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).

Steering Wheel
Steering
Wheel Insert Steering Sleeve
(l)W_
17132 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
_(1) Knob
Mower
Retainer Springs
)
(2} Retainer Springs (single loop)
(2)Flanged
(1)FrontPlate _"
As,er._ _k_'%
i (4) Adjusting Bar Gauge Wheels
_(4) Retainer Springs
_,L.7 y __(double loop) (4)clevisPins
_a:.t_. €._S.ou,do,Bolt
Nose Roller _j_
-- _'_)! Nose Roller
o o o,,75/, l l Hbl l H l l ui' I
(2) Locknuts _r (2) Hex Bolts _'_(2" Washers1• _ /
5/16-18 _ 5/16-18 X 1 _17/3_tJx7/8 x 16
Video Cassette Keys Slope Sheet
For Future Use
7

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception ofthose partsleft
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 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 (I) Pliers
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When dght 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 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 flat.
3. Remove mower and packing mated-
als.
4. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVINGTRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1. Remove Iocknutand large flat washer
from steering shaft.
2, Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
3, Slide the steering sleeve over the
steering shaft.
4. Positionsteering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
onto ateedng wheel adapter,
5. Secure steering wheel to steedng
shaft with leoknutand 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 is to roll off skid,
_/Steering
I//"_'\\1 _=_T Whe_lInsert
Nut
__ge Flat Washer
Steering _/ _E_ _) )
SteeringWheel
Adapter--'------_ _
Sleeve ..._ _I.i
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. L_ 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 "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section ofthis manual for charging
instructions).
-_.._ ,...---:.
.."-'--,,_'_ Label
Y
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and flat
washer seoudng 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
8 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
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/broke pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without moving its
adjusted position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely. Seat
Shoulder
Bo_t
Flat
NOTE: You may now rollor drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropdate
instruction below to remove the tractor
from the 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
brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing positionto disengage transmis-
sion (See "TO TRANSPORT" 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)
A, WARNING: Beforestarting, 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 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 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 ignition key 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
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 boles are on top.
Assemble gauge wheels as shown
using shoulder bolts, 3/8 washers and
3/8-16 center Iocknutsand tighten
securely.
2. For ease ofmower to tractor assem-
bly, raise gauge wheels to highest
position and retain with clevis pins
and spdng retainers.
NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels before
operating mower. See "TO ADJUST
GAUGE WHEELS" in the Operation
section of this manual.
RetainerSpring_ ///__
Pin__._
Shoulder Adiusting_ Ix _.__.
Wheel_,_ I/3/8-16 Center
3/8 Washer/- vL_ Locknut

TOATTACHNOSEROLLER
1.Positionbrackets,17/32x7/8x16
gaugewashers,andnoseroller
betweendeckmountingbracketsas
shown.Besuretopositionbrackets
oncorrectside,asshown.
2. Installhexboltsandlocknutsas
shown. Tighten hardware securely.
NOTE: Be sure bracket tabs are posi-
tioned in tab holes in deck brackets.
Tab NoseRoller
Hole"_--:':'_'_ \Lock
/_ _.__\\ .Nut "B'_ Bracket
_sher
Bracket
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Be suretractorisonlevelsurfaceand mower
suspension armsare raisedwithattachment
I_ o0ntrol.Engageparkingbrake.
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 right 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
lift control.
5. Be sure belt tension rod is in disen-
gaged position. Lock
Belt Tension Rod
Disengaged
Chassis
Gauge
6. Install belt into electric clutch 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 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 pinswith
double loop retainer spdngs between
the plate assembly and mower
brackets.
NOTE: To assist in locatinghole 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 for proper
routing in all mower pulley grooves.
10.Engage belt tension rod by pushing
rod into locking bracket.
_iLCAUTION: Belt tension rod isspring
loaded. Have a tight gdp on rod and
engage slowly.
11. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under leftfootrest and retain
with double loop retainer spring.
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.
Etsctde Clutch
Pulley Front Suspention Brackets
Front Front Plate AssembFy
Mower .Double Loop
Bracket
Double Loop
Retainer Spring
Anti-Sway
USEPLIERSFOR
RETAINERSPRINGS Suspension Arms
I/_L_p Double Loop Retainer
Spring (Outward
Up pointing deck pins) 10
Single
Loop
Retainer
Springs
Sheild