Craftsman 917.272244 User manual

Owner's Manual
20.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
48" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272244
•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 prn, Man - 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 Pads ........................................ 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 wLIIrepair 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 tdp charge will apply. 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 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, 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 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. A product 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 DAY WARRANTY ON BATrERY
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. War-
rarity 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.
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 givesyou specificlegal dghts, and you may also have other rights
which may vary from state tostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, FL 60179
2

MPORTANT: This cuttng machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observethe followingsafety instructionscould result in
serious inju_ or death.
L GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand,and to[low all
instructionsinthe manual and on the
machine beforestarting.
•Only allow responsibleadults,who are
familiar withthe instructions,to operate
the machine.
•Clear the areaof objectssuchas rocks,
toys,wire, etc., whichcouldbe picked
up end thrown by the blade.
•Be surethe area isdear ofother people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
•Never carrypassengers.
• Do nuf mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
• Be aware Ofthe mowerdischarge
directionand do not point it at anyone.
Do notoperatethe mowerwithouteither
the entiregrass catcher or the guard in
place.
•Slowdown before turning.
•Never leave a running machine
unattended. Alwaysturnoff blades,set
parkingbrake,stop engine, and remove
keys beforedismounting.
•Turn off bladeswhen not mowing.
•Stop engine before removinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute.
•Mow onlyin daylightor goodartificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine while under
the inf_ance of alcohelor drugs.
• Watch fortrafficwhen operating near or
crossingroadways.
• Use extra care when Ioadlm:Jor unload-
ingthe machine intoatrailer ortruck.
•Data indicatesthat operators,age 60
years and above, are involved in a large
percentage of riding mower-ralated
injuries. These operatorsshould
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safely enoughto protectthem-
selves and others from serious injury.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debds 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 or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow m._chieeto coolbefore
storage.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related toleas-of-
controland tipover accidents, whichcan re-
sult in severe injury or death. All slopes
requireextra caution, Ifyou cannotback up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and downslopes,not across.
•Remove obstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, orbumps. Uneven
terraincould overturnthe machine. Tat/
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
Fo_lowthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass 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 starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopesunless necessary,
and then, turnslowly and gradually
downhill,|f possible.
•Do notmow neardrop-effs,ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenlyturnever if awheel is overthe
edgeof a cliffor ditch,or if an edge
caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
tractioncould cause sliding.
•DOnot try to stabilizethe machine by
puttingyour foot on the ground.
•Donotuse grass catcher onsteep
slopes.
3

IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
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 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 oft
and be sedously injuredor intedere
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 COOlbefore refueling. 0o
not smoke.
-Never refuel the machine indoors.
-Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, suchas a water heater.
• Never run a machine inside aclosed
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 debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
•Never mare ad_Jstments 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 recommendedparts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when sew c ng them.
• Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
• Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machineif
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. 3"hey may lall 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 ifchildren
enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
•Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),
not across.
• Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
•Watch forholes, ruts,or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4

•Use slowspend. Choose a low gear so
that you will nothave to stop or shift
while on the slope.
•Avoid starting or stopping on 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.
_)&Lock for this symbolto point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!J! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY ISINVOLVED.
,_kCAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental startingwhen 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 controlofthe
tractor.
_CAUTION; Tow onlythe attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specificationsof 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 tractionwith
the groundand cause you to lose control
of yourtractor.
_WARNING: Engineexhaust some of
its consttuants, and certain vehicle
components containor emit chemicals
known to the State of Californiato cause
cancer and birthdefects or other repro-
ductive harm.
4_WARNING: Batter,!posts, terminals
and related accessones contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of Californiato cause cancer and
birthdefects or other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
AND TYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 10W30
(ABOVE 32°F)
(API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°1=)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5 PINTS
WiOFILTER:4.0PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
GAP: .030")
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0-5,5
(MPH): REVERSE: 0-2.4
TIREPRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING
SYSTEM: 15AMPS @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 qualifiedservice center.
We have competent, well-trainedtechni-
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 observethe "SAFETY RULES",
REPAIR AGREEMENT
ARepair Agreement is available on this
product, Contactyour nearest Sears
storefor details,
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observethe safety rules.
•Fellow aregular schedule in maintain-
ing, cadngfor and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructionsunder "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sectionsof this
owner's manual.
_WARNING: This tractor isequipped
with an internal combustionengine and
should not be usedon 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
orstate laws (ifany). If a spark arraster is
used, it should be maintained in effective
working orderby the operator.
In the state ofCaliforniathe above is
requiredby law (Section 4442 of the
California Public Resoumes 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

Steering Wheel
Steering
Wheel insert Steedng Sleeve
(1) W_
17/32 x 1-,3/16x 12 Gauge
i_(1) Knob
(5) Retainer Springs
(2) Retainer Springs (single loop)
Mower (2)Flanged
(1)FrontPlate _"
Assemb,y _
_r" (4) Adjusting Bar Gauge Wheels
_ _--_ (4) RetainerSpdngs
| (doub,e,oop)
3/8-16
_,_4> Wheels <4,Washers L_..._J [_"
3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga?_=.f
(4,L_clevisPins_j
(4) Shoulder Bolt
Nose Rolle_
(2) Locknuts
5/16-18
Nose Roller_
-- Nose Roller
_/r (2) Hex Bolts
S . _"_/(2) Washers_=._._'
5/1_-1_x 1 _ 17/32 x 7/8 x 16 Ga.--
Video Cassette Keys
(2) Keys
Slope Sheet
ForFutureUse
7

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory withexception 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 ASSEMBLY
Asocket 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) "nre 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 REMOVE TRACTOR 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 corners 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 REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1. Remove Iocknut and large flat washer
from steering shaft.
2. Position front wheels of the tractor so
they ere pointing straight forward.
3. Slide the steedng sleeve over the
steering shaft.
4. Position steedng wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
onto steering wheel adapter.
5. Secure steering wheel te steedng
shaft with Iocknut 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.
I( )1 Look Nut
I_I_ge Flat Washer
SteeringWheel ___
Adapter_
Steering Shaft t, _._, _,_
Steering ]_ , u ,,
¥._iii
-.-I ,?, ,,,
)
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift hoodto raised position.
NOTE: ifthis batteryis put into service
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimumof one hourat 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions). .....
/ Label
INSTALL SEAT
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 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 bolt is positioned over large
8slotted hole in pan.

4. Push down on seat to engage
shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat
towards rear oftractor.
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.
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instruction bek_w to remove the tractor
from the skid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
t. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment liftleverto itshighest
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
Operationsection of this manual),
4. Rolltractor forward off skid,
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_1_WARNING: Before starting,read,
understandand follow all instructionsIn
the Operation sectionof this manual. Be
suretractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be
surethe 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 Brig(he 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 ddve pedal
and ddve tractor off skid.
9. Apply brake to stop tractor and set
parking brake.
"t0.Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO
MOWER DECK
The gauge wheels are designed to keep
the mower deck in proper positionwhen
operating mower. Be sure they are
properly adjusted to ensure optimum
mower peliornqance.
1. Slide gauge wheel bar down into
bracket channel, Be sure that gauge
wheel bar aligningholes 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 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 "TO ADJUST
GAUGE WHEELS" in the Operation
section of this manual.
Pin
Shoulder Adjusting
Boil Bar
Gauge
Wheel 3/8-16 Center
_Locknut

TO ATrACH NOSE ROLLER
1. Position brackets, 17/32 x 7/8 x 16
gauge washers, and nose roller
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 RollerLock •B" Bracket
Hex Bolt
Bracket
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Be suretractoris onlevelsurfaceand mower
suspensionarmsare raisedwi_ attachment
liftcontrol.Engageparking brake.
1. Cut and remove ties securing anti-
sway bar and belts. Swing anti-sway
barto left side of mower deck.
2. Slide mower under tractor with
deflectorshield to dghtside of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routing in aUmower 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 TensionRod
Disengaged Position .-_,'J
Chassis
Gauge
Wheel
Double Loop
Retainer Spring
Anti-Sway
USEPUERSFOR I
RETAINERSPRINGSI Suspension Arms
/_Loop Double Loop Retainer
Spring (Outward
Up pointing deck pins)
6. Install belt into electdcclutch pulley
groove.
7. Place the suspension arms on
outward pointingdeck pins. Retain
with double loop retainer springwith
loops up as shown.
8. Installfront plate assembly 1otractor
suspension brackets and retain with
single loop retainer springsas shown.
9. Positionfront plate assemb]y between
front mower brackets. Raise deck and
plate assembly to align holes and
insert flanged pins. Secure pins with
double loop retainer springs between
the plate assembly and mower
brackets.
NOTE: To assist in locatinghole in
flanged pin, the hole in pin is inlinewith
notch on head ofpin. If necessary, move
mower side-to-sideto 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.
•qLCAUTION: Belt tension rodis spring
loaded. Have a tightgrip on red and
engage slowly.
11.Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under leftfootrest and retain
with double loop retainer spring.
12.1f 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 of this manual.
Electric Clutch
Pulley Front Suspension Brackets
Front Front Plate Assembly
Mower _Double Loop
Bracket Retainer Springs
Single
Loop
Retainer
Springs
10 Shield