Craftsman 917.272953 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRAFTSMAN'I
20 HP
ELECTRIC START
46" MOWER
6 SPEED
GARDEN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272953
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en-
glne, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment,
For answers toyoUrquestions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sear• Craftsman Help Line
5 am -5 pro,Man-Sat
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
VisitourCraftsmanwebsita:www.sears.condcraftsman

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 Ordedng ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For two (2) years from the date of pumhase, 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 taking 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.
ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:
• Expendableitemswhichbecomewornduringnormaluse,such as blades, spark
plugs,air cleaners,beltsand oilfilters.
•Tire replacementor repaircausedby puncturesfrom outsideobjects,suchas nails,
thorns,stumps,or glass.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse, includingbut not limitedto, damage
caused bytowingobjectsbeyondthe capabilityof the ddingequipment,impacting
objectsthatbendthe frame or crankshaft,or overspeedingthe engine.
•Repairs necessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbut notlimitedto,
electricaland mechanicaldamage causedby improperstorage,failure to use the
propergradeand amountofengineoil,failure to keepthedeckclear offlammable
debris,or the failure to maintaintheequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscon-
tainedin the owner'smanual.
• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedby fuel determinedto be contami-
nated or oxidized(stale). In general,fuel shouldbe usedwithinthirty(30) daysof its
pumhasedate.
•Ridingequipmentusedfor commercialor rentalpurposes.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of pumhase, 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. Warranty
service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman dding 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.
TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE IN-HOME
WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT t-800-4-MY-HOME
This Warrantygivesyou specificlegaldghts,and you may alsohaveotherrightswhich
mayvaryfrom statetostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeet and
throwinq objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
senous injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand,and followall
instructionsin themanualand on the
machinebeforestarting.
,Only allowresponsibleadults,who are
familiar withthe instructions,tooperate
the machine.
•Clear thearea of objectssuchas
rocks,toys,wire,etc., whichcouldbe
pickedup and thrownbytheblade.
• Besurethe area isclear ofother
peoplebeforemowing. Stopmachine
ifanyoneentersthe area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mowin reverseunlessabso-
lutelynecessary. Alwayslookdown
and behind beforeand whilebacking.
• Be aware ofthe mowerdischarge
directionand do notpointitat anyone.
Do not operatethe mowerwithout
eitherthe entiregrasscatcheror the
guard in place.
•Slow downbeforeturning.
• Never leave a runningmachine
unattended. Alwaysturnoffblades,set
parkingbrake,stop engine,and
remove keysbefore dismounting.
•Turn offbladeswhen not mowing.
• Stopengine beforeremovinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute.
•Mow onlyin daylightor goodartificial
light.
•Do not operatethe machinewhile
undertheinfluenceof alcoholor drugs.
• Watch for trafficwhenoperatingnearor
crossingroadways.
•Use extracare when loadingor
unloadingthe machineintoa traileror
truck.
•Data indicatesthatoperators,age 60
yearsand above,are involvedina
largepercentageOfddingmower-
relatedinjuries. These operators
shouldevaluatetheirabilityto operate
the ridingmowersafelyenoughto
protectthemselvesand othersfrom
seriousinjury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesam a majorfactor relatedtoloss-of-
controland tipover accidents,which can
resultin severeinjuryor death. Allslopes
requireextracaution.Ifyoucannotbackup
thestopeor ifyoufeel uneasyon it,do not
mowit.
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain,could overturn the
machine. Ta/I grass can hide ob-
stacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Use extra cam with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes s/ow
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
downithe slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless neceS-
sary, and then, tum slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near. drep-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
3

III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert 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 Ofthe mowing area
and under the watchful care of'.another
responsible adutt.
• Be alert and rum machine off if children
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
•Never carry children. They maY fair 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 gasotine
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 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 operatlori reguiar_J.
•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 coutd 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 servicing them.
•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 chitdren
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 tall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
•Keep children out of the mowing area
end 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.
•Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),
not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4

•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tiros 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.
,_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! 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 not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
_. CAUTION: Towonlytheattachments
thatare recommendedby and comply
withspecificationsof the manufacturerof
yourtractor.Use commonsensewhen
towing. Operateonlyatthe towest
possiblespeed whenon a slope. Too
heavyofa load, whileon a slope,is
dangerous.Tirescan losetractionwith
the groundand causeyouto !ose control
ofyourtractor.
_WARNING: Engineexhaust,someof
itsconstituents,and certainvehicle
componentscontainor emitchemicals
knowntothe State OfCaliforniatocause
cancer and birthdefectsor otherrepro*
ductive harm.
_WARNING: Batteryposts,terminals
and relatedaccessoriescontainlead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknowntothe
State ofCaliforniato causecancerand
birthdefectsor otherreproductive harm.
Wash handsafter handling.
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
ANDTYPE: REGULAR
OtLTYPE SAE 10W30
_,PI-SF-SJ): (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.2PINTS
W/O FILTER: 3.7PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RC12YC
GROUND SPEED LO: HI:
(MPH): 0.7 1.7
1.4 3.3
2.3 5.4
REVERSE: 0.9 2.1
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI
PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING 15AMPS @3600RPM
SYSTEM:
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 35
MIN. CCA: 280
CASE SIZE:U1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 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
instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",
REPAIR AGREEMENT
A RepairAgreementis availableon this
product. ContactyournearestSeam
storefor details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observethe safetyrules.
•Followa regularschedulein maintain-
ing,cadngforand usingyourtractor.
•Followthe instructionsunder"Mainte-
nance"and "Storage" sectionsofthis
owner's manual.
,_WARNING: Thistractoris equipped
with an internalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe used on or near any
unimprovedforest-covered, brush-
coveredor grass-ooveradlandunlessthe
engine'sexhaustsystem isequippedwith
a spark arrestermeetingapplicable local
orstatelaws(ifany). Ifa sparkarresteris
used,itshouldbe maintainedin effective
workingorderbythe operator.
In thestate ofCalitomiatheabove is
requiredby law(Section4442 ofthe
CalifomiaPublicResourcesCode).
Otherstatesmay havesimilarlaws,
Federallawsapplyon federal lands. A
sparkarresterfor the muffleris available
throughyournearestSearsservice
center(See REPAIRPARTSsectionof
this manual).
6

Steering
Wheel Insed
Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel
Adapter
Seat
SteeringSleeve
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
_(1) Knob
(!) Shou!der
Bolt 5/16-18
Mower
(4) Retainer Springs (single loop) (3) Retainer Springs (double loop)
Gauge Wheels
(2) Shoulder Bolts
Q(2) Centarlock Nuts
Wheels
(2) Washers 3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga.

Video Cassette
D
Keys
Slope Sheet
(2) Keys
Yournewtractorhasbeen assembledat the factory withexceptionofthosepartsleft
unassembledfor shippingpuqooses.Toensuresafe and properoperationof your
tractorall partsand hardwareyouassemblemustbetightenedsecurely. Usethe
correcttoolsas necessaryto insurepropertightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(I) 9/16" wrench (I) Pliers
(1) 1/2"wrench (!) Utility knife
(1) 3/4" socket with
drive ratchet
(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
I. Remove all accessibleloosepartsand
partscartons fromcarton.
2. Cut,fromtoptobottom,alonglineson
allfourcomersofcarton,and lay
panelsflat.
3. Remove mowerand packingmated-
als.
4. Checkfor any additionalloosepartsor
cartonsand remove.
,

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1. Remove hexbolt,lockwasherand
largeflatwasherfrom steedngshaft.
2, Positionfront wheelsofthetractorso
they are pointingstraightforward,
3. Slidethe steedngsleeveoverthe
steedngshaft.
4. Positionsteedngwheel so crossbars
are horizontal(leftto dght)and slide
ontosteedngwheel adapter.
5. Securesteedngwheel to steedng
shaftwithhexbolt, lockwasherand
largefiat washerpreviouslyremoved.
Tightensecurely.
6, Snapsteedngwheel insertintocenter
of steedngwheel.
7. Removeprotectivematerialsfrom
tractorhoodand gdll.
IMPORTANT:Checkfor and removeany
staplesin skidthatmay puncturetires
wheretractoristo rolloffskid.
_/Steering
_Wheel Insert
_-Hex Bolt
&,------Lock Washer
Large Flat
_SSteering Wheel
/,_,dapt er
Steerin
Sleeve
\ \
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis battery isput into service
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 of this manual for charging
instructions).
Label
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat
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 and assemble
shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt
securely.
4. Assembl e adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten.
5. Lower seat into operating position
and sit on seat.
6. Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached whrch allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
7. Get off seat without moving its
adjusted position.
8. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely.
'i Seat F_
,Flat Washer _//
r_.SeatPan d_(-"'--"-_'-_l ((I
Shou,derBolt ___
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instruction below to remove the tractor
from the skid.
9

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFFSKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1, Pressliftlever plungerand raise
attachmentliftleverto itshighest
position.
2. Release parkingbrake by depressing
clutch/brakepedal.
3. Placegearshiftlever in neutral(N)
position.
4. Rolltractorforwardoffskid.
TO DRIVETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_.WARNING: Before starting read
undemtand and follow all instruct ons in
the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be
sure the area in front oftractor 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. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
the parking brake.
4. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N)
position.
5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After angine has
started, move throttle control to idle
position.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" position and hold. Move
gearshift lever to 1st gear.
8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and
slowly drive tractor off skid.
9. Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking
brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
10.Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Be sure tractor is on level surface and
mower suspension arms are raised with
attachment liftcontrol. Engage parking
brake.
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 sheild to right side of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves. Install
belt into elactric clutch pulley groove.
3. Install one front link in top hole of the
R.H. front mower bracket and R.H.
front suspension bracket. Retain with
two single loop retainer springs as
shown.
4. Install second front link in L.H. front
suspension bracket only and retain
with single loop retainer spring as
shown.
5. Turn height adjustment knob counter-
clockwise until it stops.
6. Lower mower linkage with attachment
lift control.
7. Place the L.H. suspension arm on
inward pointing deck pin. If neces-
sary, rock and raise front of mower to
align deck pin with the hole in
suspension arm. Retain with double
loop retainer spring with loops down
as shown.
8. Slide left side of mower back and
install the unattached front link in top
hole ofthe L.H. front mower bracket.
Retain with single loop retainer
spring as shown.
9. Place the R.H. suspension arm on
inward pointing deck pin. If neces-
sary, rock and raise front of mower to
align deck pin with the hole in
suspension arm. Retain with double
loop retainer spring with loops down
as shown.
10.Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left footrest and retain
with double loop retainer spring.
11.Turn height adjustment knob clock-
wise to remove slack from mower
suspension.
12. Raise mower to highest position.
13.Assemble gauge wheels (See "TO
ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS" in the
Operation section of this manual).
10;