Craftsman 917.272243 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRW
20.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
48" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272243
•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, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.comJcraftsman

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 TWOYEAR 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 atrip 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 riding 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, failura 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 single family household
dwellings or in usage where profit is made.
LIMITED 90 DAYWARRANTY ON BA'I-rERY
For ninety (90) days from date of pumhase, if any battery included with this riding
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-
rarity service is available free of charge by returning your Craftsman dding equipment
to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service isavailable but a tdp
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 and Co., [3/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

IMPORTANT: This cuttng machine s capab e of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the foUowing safety instructionscould result in
serious iniury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and loitow all
instructionsin the manual and on the
machine beforestarting.
•Only allow responsibleadults, who are
familiar withthe instructions,to operate
the machine.
•Clear the area ofobjectssuch as rocks,
toys, wire, etc., whichcould be picked
up and thrown by 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 reverseunless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
•Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do notpointit at anyone.
Do not operate the mower withouteither
the entire grass catcheror the guard in
place.
•Slow down before fuming.
• Never leave a runningmachine
unattended. Alwaysturn off blades, set
parkingbrake, stopengine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcoholor drugs.
•Watch fortrafficwhen operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unload-
ingthe machine into a trailer or truck.
•Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safelyenough to protect them-
selves and others from seriousinjury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debds build-up which can touch
hot exhaust/engine pads and bum, Do
notallow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris whichcan 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 a major factor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents,which can re.
suit in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannotback up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
*Mow up and down slopes,not across.
Remove obstacles suchas recks, tree
limbs,etc.
Watch tot holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Taft
grass can hide obstack_s.
Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear so
thatyou will not have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weightsor counter-
weightsto improvestability.
Use extracare withgrass 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 startingor stoppingon aslope, If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight clownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless eacessa_J,
and then, turn slowlyand gradually
downhill, if possible.
•Do notmow near drop-offs,ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turnover if a wheef is over the
edge of a clifforditch, or if an edge
caves in,
•Do notmow on wet grass.Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilizethe machine by
puttingyour foot on the ground.
•Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.
3

III. CHILDREN •
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator area.
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 lastsaw 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 falloff
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
•Use extra care when approaching bl_ed
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 machine in6oors.
-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
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipmentin good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regulady.
• Keep machine tree ol grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
atodng.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, il 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 obiects 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 isclear 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.
• MOWup and down slopes (15° Max),
notacross.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain ccuid overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you willnot 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 nottum on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_Lock forthis symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERTlt! 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 control of the
tractor.
_CAUTION: Tow onlythe attachments
that are recommendedby 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 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 California to cause
cancer and birthdefects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_I, 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 reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
AND TYPE: REGULAR
)ILTYPE SAE 10W30
(ABOVE 32°F)
_.PI-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
DILCAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS
WiOFILTER:4.0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
3AP: .030")
SROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0-5.5
',MPH): REVERSE: 0-2.4
FIREPRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10PSI
CHARGING
SYSTEM: 15AMPS @3600 RPM
3A'I-I'ERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1 R
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 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 aregular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructions under =Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual.
_WARNING: This tractor isequipped
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 taws (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 similarlaws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands. A
spark arrester for the muffler isavailable
through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).
6

Steedng
Wheel Insert
Steering Wheel
Steenng Sleeve
Seat
(t) Washer
t7/32 x1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (_
_(1) Knob
(5) Retainer Spdngs Mower
(2) Retainer Springs (single loop) (1)Front Plate Assembly %
(4) Adjusting Bar IIC'_ _
_ (4)R_inerSp_ogs ©
_('_) eels (4) Washers _,_..../// L--_(4) Shoulder Bolt
3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga?_m,,,, _
I / Nose Roller_
I Nose Roll/e_ L"] _Nose Roller__ _ Brackets ,...,_L \
(2) Losknuts _ _tt_.I. t "_( _ (2) Washers
5/16-18 ..... x. _17/32 x 7/8 x 16 Ga._
Video Cassette Keys
_(2) Keys
For Future Use
Slope Sheet
(2) Ranged
Gauge Wheels

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleft
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
correcttools 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 rightor left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, fromyour 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 partscartons from carton.
2. Cut, from topto bottom, along lines on
all four corners of carton, and lay
panels flat.
3. Remove mower and packing materi-
als.
4. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVINGTRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1, Remove Iocknut and 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 steering wheel adapter.
5. Secure steering wheel to steering
shaft with lecknut and large flat
washer previously removed. Tighten
securely.
6. Snap steering 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 is to roll off skid,
_'_ _.....--_ Steedng
I//_--_\1 l_=d=T WheelInsert
I( _70_ )1 _---Lo_ Nut
_l_ga RatWasher
Steering / _.__J)
SteeringWheel
Adapter_ =P
Steering s
Sleev
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lifthood to raised position.
NOTE: If thisbattery is put 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).
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 to tractor.
2. Pivot seat upward and removefrom
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. Pushdown 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 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
Shoulder
Bolt
NOTE: You may now rollor drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instructionbelow 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 lift lever 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 "TO TRANSPORT" 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)
_, WARNING: Before starting, read,
understand and follow all instructionsin
the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in awell-ventilated area. Be
sure the area in front oftractor isclear of
other people and objects. 9
t. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completad.
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 lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle control to 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 ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
ASSEMBLE GAUGEWHEELSTO
MOWER DECK
The gauge wheels are designed to keep
the mower deck in proper position when
operating mower. Be sure they are
properly 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 bolts, 3/8 washers and
3/8-16 center Iocknuts and tighten
securely.
2. For ease of mower totractor 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.
Retainer
Pin_
Shoulder
Gauge
3/8-16

TO AI-rACH NOSE ROLLER
1. Position brackets, 17/32 x 7/8 x 16
gauge washers, and nose miler
between deck mounting brackets as
shown. Be sure to position brackets
on correct side, as shown.
2. Install hex bolts and lock nuts as
shown. Tighten hardware securely.
NOTE: Be sure bracket tabs are posi-
tioned in tab holes in deck brackets.
Tab Nose Roller
Lock "B" Bracket
Hax Bol
Bracket
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Be suretractorisonleve_surface and mower
suspensionarmsare raisedwithattachn_wt
liftcontrol.Engageparkingbrake.
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 right side of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
3. If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob countemlockwise 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
ChassLs Brackat_
Gauge
Double Loop
Retainer Spnng
Anti-Sway
USEPLIERSFOR
RETAJNERSPRINGSSuspension Arms
Double Loop Retainer
Spring (Outward
Up pointing deck pins)
6. Install belt into electric clutch pulley
groove.
7. Place the suspension arms on
outward pointingdock pins. Retain
with double loop retainer spr_ngwith
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
insertflanged pins. Secure pins with
double loop retainer springs between
the plate assembly and mower
brackets.
NOTE: To assist in locating hole in
flanged pin, the hole in pin is inUne with
notchon head of pin. If necessary, move
mower side-to-side to give space
between plate and mower brackets.
IMPORTANT: Chock belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
10. Engage belt tension rod by pushing
rod into locking bracket.
_kCAUTION: Belt tension rodis spring
loaded. Have a tight grip on rod and
engage slowly.
11.Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left footrest and retain
with double loop retainer spring.
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
section ot this manual.
Electdc Clutch
Pulley Front Suspension Brackets
Front Front Plate Assembly
Mower _Doubla Loop
Bracket Retainer Springs
Single
Loop
Retainer
Springs
10 Shield