Craftsman 917.272442 User manual

Owner's Manual
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20.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272442
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers toyourquestions
aboutthisproduct,Call:
1-800-659-5917
Seers Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pro, Mort -Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications.......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 8
Operation ............................................ 11
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18
Maintenance ....................................... 18
Service and Adjustments.................... 23
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 a trip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this
product is in the United States.
ThisWarranty 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, 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 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 con-
tained 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
dwellingsor in usage where profit is made.
LIMITED 90 DAYWARRANTY ON BA]-rERY
For ninety (90) days from date of pumhase, if any batteryincluded with this riding
equipment proves defective in matedal or workmanship and our testing determines the
battery willnot hold acharge, Sears will replace the batteryat no charge. Warranty
service is available free of charge by returning your Craftsman dding equipment to
your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available buta trip
charge willapply. This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
TO LOCATETHE 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., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

IMPORTANT: This cutt ng machine s capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injuryor death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand,and follow all
instructionsinthe manual and on the
machine before starting.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
•Clear the area of objects suchas rocks,
toys, wire, etc., which cauld be picked
up and thrown by the blade.
•Be surethe area isdear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine If anyone
enters the area.
:Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Alwayslook downand
behind beforeand while becking.
• Be aware ofthe mowerdischarge
direction and do not pointit at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without either
the entiregrass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow clownbefore turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades, set
perkingbrake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•Tum off blades when not mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or uncioggiogchute.
• Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine while under
the Influence of alcaholor drugs.
•Watch for trafficwhen operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unload-
ingthe machineintoatrailer ortruck.
•Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involvedin a large
percentage of tidingmower-related
injuries. These operatorsshould
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safelyenough to protectthem-
selvesand othersfrom serioos injury.
•Keep machinefree ofgrass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust / engine partsand bum. Do
not allowthe mower deck to plow leaves
or other debriswhich can cause build-
up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storingthe
machine. Allow machine to coolbefore
storage.
It. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are ama orfactor related toloss-of-
controland t pover accidents,whichcan re-
sult in severe injury or death. All slopes
requireextra caution. Ifyou cannotbeck up
the slope or ifyou 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 overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstac/es.
Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weightsor counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchersor
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do notmake sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not tum on slopes unlesSnecessary,
and then, rum slowly and gradually
downhill, ff possible.
•Do notmow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
sudoenly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
•Do notmow onwet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sil_ng.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do notuse grass catcheron steep
slopes.

Ill. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
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 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 falloff
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
not smoke.
-Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never storethe 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 inspect the 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 cautionwhen servicingthem.
•Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
• Be sure the area is clear of uther
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.
•Mow up and down slopes (15 °Max),
not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rooks,tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch forholes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Useslow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have 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 slowlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_l, Lookfor thissymbolto point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!I BECOMEALERT!I! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_, CAUTION: In orderto 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 hill
in neutral, you may lose controlof the
tractor.
,_L CAUTION: Tow only 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
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 to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_,WARNING: Battery posts,terminals
and related acoessodes 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

)RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
3ASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
_,NDTYPE: REGULAR
_)ILTYPE SAE 30
'=API-SF-SJ): (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
)IL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS
W/O FILTER:3.75PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
SAP: .040") RC12YC
GROUND FORWARD: 5.5
SPEED (MPH): REVERSE: 2.4
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI
PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING 3AMPS BA3qERY
SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHT
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 28
MIN. CCA: 230
CASE SIZE:U1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS
TORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
ofa newtractor. 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 thistractor.
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 a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructionsunder "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sectionsof this
owner's manual.
_JkWARNING: 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.covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (ifany). If a spark arrasteris
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 similarlaws.
Federal laws apply onfederal lands. A
spark arrester for the muffler isavailable
through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).
6

SteeringWheel
©
Steering
Sleeve
©
(1) LargeRat
Washer
Steering
Wheel Adapter
(1) Locknut
5/16-18
Steedng
Wheel Insert
tteering
Extension
Shaft
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x I
washer
3/8
(1) Hex Bok
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x12 Gauge
_(1) Knob
For Future Use
Keys
41
(2) Keys
Video Cassette Slope Sheet

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassambled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your
tractor all parts and hardware you assemble mast be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
Asocket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 9/16" wrench (1) Pliers
(2) 1/2" wrench (1) Utilityknife
(1)Tire pressure gauge
When rightor left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means when you are in the
operating position (seated behind the
steedng wheel).
TO REMOVETRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and parts cartons from carton.
2. Cut, from topto bottom, along lines on
all four comers of carton, and lay
panels flat.
3. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVINGTRACTOR
FROM SKID
AI-rACH STEERINGWHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
1. Slide extension sh_t onto lower
steering shaft. Align mounting holes
in extension and lower shafts and
install 5/16 hex bolt and Iocknut.
Tighten securely.
IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut
securelyto 18-22 ft. Ibstorque.
2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slotsin dash and push down to
secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3. Positionfront wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
4. Remove steering wheel adapter from
steering wheel and slide adapter onto
steering shaft extension.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.
6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten
securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from
tractor hood and gdll.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncturetires
where tractor is to roll off skid.
<_;_ Steedng
WheelInsert
Hex Bolt
_Lock Hasher
LargeFlat
Sv_el_r21ng _Washer
5/16 Locknut_ ._5116 HexBolt
Lower ," "_"'-Q-....
Steering _ _. ",
Shaft_ _ _)' __-_Tab
; "-- " //Slots
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BAI"FERY
1. Lift seat pan to raised positionand
open battery box door.
NOTE: If this battery is put intoservice
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
batteryfor minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BA'I-rERY" in Maintenance
section ofthis manual for charging
instructions).
8

INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and flat
washer secudng 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 boltis positioned over large
slotted hole in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage
shoulder boltin slot and pull seat
towards rear oftractor.
5. Pivot seat and pan forward and
assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do nottighten.
6. Lower seat into operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clatcWbrake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without movingits
adjusted position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely. Seat
Seat Pan_.
Bolt
FlatW__ _
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instruction below to 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 lift lever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/Drake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmis-
sion (See "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual}.
4, Roll tractor forward oft skid,
5. Remove banding holding deflector
shield up against tractor.
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 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 clutch/brake pedal and set
the parking brake,
5. Place motion control lever in neutral
(N) position.
6. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
7. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle controlto idle
position.
8. Release parking brake.
9. Slowly move the motion control lever
forward and slowly drive tractor off
skid.
10.Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking
brake and place motion control lever
in neutral position.
11.Turn ignitionkey to "OFF" position,
Continue with the instructionsthat follow.

CHECKTIREPRESSURE
Thetiresonyourtractorwereoverinflated
atthefactoryfor shipping purposes.
Correcttire pressure is important for best
cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cuttingresults, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustmentssection ofthis
manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for
replacing motion and mower blade drive
belts in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual. Verify that the
belts are routed correctly,
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your
tractor,check to see that the brake is
properlyadjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(If previously removed)
1. Raise and hold deflector shield in
updght position.
2. Place front of mulcher plate over front
of mower deck opening and slide into
place, as shown.
3. Hook front latch into hole on front of
mower deck.
4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of
mower deck.
_CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold shield
when attaching malcher plate and allow it
to rest on plate while in operation.
M_._alCherte
_Latch
Hooks
TO CONVERTTO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher plate and store in
a safe place. Your mower is now ready for
discharging or installation of optional
grass catcher accessory.
NOTE: It is not necessary tochange
blades. The mulcher blades are de.
signed for discharging and bagging also.
I/CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY
YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO
ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST
PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION
FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEWTHE FOLLOWING
CHECKLIST:
/All assembly instructionshave been
completed.
,/No remaining loose parts in carton.
./Battery is propedy prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hourat 6 amps).
,/Seat is adjusted comfortablyand
tightened securely.
/All tires are properly inflated. (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory).
,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/frent-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be propedy inflated
for leveling).
/Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
,/Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
,/' Before driving tractor, be sure free-
wheel control is in drive position.
WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USEYOUR
TRACTOR, PAYEXTRA ATFENTION TO
THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:
,/Engine oil is at proper level.
,/Fuel tank isfilled withfresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline.
•/Become familiarwith all controls-their
locationand function, Operate them
before you start the engine.
/Be sure brake system isin safe
operating condition.
/It is importantto purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the first
time. Follow proper starting and
transmission purging instructions(See
"TO START ENGINE" and =PURGE
TRANSMISSION" in the Operation
10 section of this manual).