Craftsman EZ3 917.272050 User manual

Owner's Manual
16 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No
917.272050 EZ
• 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 Instructionsbefore
operating this equipment.
For answers toyour questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
SearsCraftsmanHelpLine
5 am- 5pm,Men- Sat
Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit ourCraftsmanwebsite:www.sears.conVcraftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 8
Operation ............................................ 11
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 17
Maintenance.......................................17
Serviceand Adjustments....................21
Storable...............................................27
Troubleshooting.......................... 28
Repair Parts........................................32
PartsOrdering.....................BackCover
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, lubdceted 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 atrip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this
product is in the United States.
ThisWarrantydoes notcover:
• Expendableitemswhichbecomewornduringnormaluse, such as blades,spark
plugs,aircleaners,beltsand oilfilters.
•Tirereplacementor repaircausedby puncturesfrom outsideobjects,suchas nails,
thorns,stumps,orglass.
•Repairsnecessarybecause ofoperatorabuse, includingbut notlimitedto, damage
causedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapability of the ddingequipment,impacting
objectsthatbendtheframe or crankshaft,or over speedingthe engine.
• Repairs necessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbut not limitedto,
electricaland mechanicaldamagecaused by improperstorage,failure to use the
propergradeand amountof engineoil,failure to keepthe deckclearofflammable
debris,or thefailure to maintainthe equipmentaccordingtothe instructions
containedin the owner'smanual.
•Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscaused byfuel determinedto be contami-
nated or oxidized(stale). In general,fuel shouldbe usedwithinthirty(30) daysofits
purchasedate.
•Ridingequipmentused for commercialor rentalpurposes.
LIMITED 90 DAYWARRANTY ON BATTERY
Forninety(90) daysfrom date ofpurchase,ifany batteryincludedwiththisriding
equipmentprovesdefectivein materialor workmanshipand ourtestingdetermines
the batterywillnotholda charge,Sears willreplacethe batteryat no charge.War-
rantyserviceis availablefree ofchargeby takingyourCraftsmanridingequipmentto
yournearestSears ServiceCenter. In-homewarrantyserviceisavailablebuta trip
chargewill apply.Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductisin the UnitedStates.
TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE IN-
HOME WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME
ThisWarrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and you mayalso haveotherrights
whichmay varyfrom statetostate.
Seam, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsand feet and
throwingobjects.Failureto observethefollowing safetyinstructionscouldresultin
seriousinjuryor death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand,and follow all
instructionsinthe manualand on the
machinebeforestarting.
•Only allowresponsibleadults,who are
familiar withthe instructions,tooperate
the machine.
•Clearthe area ofobjectssuchas
rocks,toys,wire,etc., whichcouldbe
pickedupand thrownbythe blade.
•Besurethe area isclearof other
peoplebeforemowing. Stop machine
ifanyoneentersthe area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverseunlessabso-
lutelynecessary. Alwayslookdown
and behind beforeand whilebacking.
•Be aware ofthe mowerdischarge
directionand do not pointitat anyone.
Do notoperatethe mowerwithout
eithertheentiregrasscatcheror the
guardin place.
•Slowdown beforeturning.
•Never leavea runningmachine
unattended. Alwaysturnoffblades,set
parkingbrake,stop engine,and
removekeys before dismounting.
•Turn offbladeswhen notmowing.
•Stop engine beforeremovinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute.
•Mow onlyin daylightor goodartificial
light.
•Do notoperatethe machinewhile
underthe influenceof alcoholor drugs,
•Watchfor trafficwhen operatingnearor
crossingroadways.
• Use extracare when loadingor
unloadingthe machineintoa traileror
truck.
•Data indicatesthatoperators,age 60
yearsand above,are invoked in a
largepercentageof ridingmower-
relatedinjuries. These operators
shouldevaluatetheirabilityto operate
the ridingmowersafelyenoughto
protectthemselvesand othersfrom
seriousinjury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactor relatedtoloss-of-
controland tipoveraccidents,which can
resultinsevere inuryor death. Allslopes
requireextracaution.Ifyoucannotbackup
theslopeor ifyoufeel uneasyonit, do not
mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and downslopes,notacross.
•Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
•Watchfor holes,ruts, orbumps.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe
machine.Tallgrass can hideobstacles.
•Use slowspeed. Choosealowgear
sothatyou willnothavetostopor shift
whileon theslope.
•Followthe manufacturer's recommen-
dationsfor wheelweightsor counter-
weightsto improvestability.
•Useextracare withgrasscatchersor
otherattachments.These canchange
the stabilityof themachine.
•Keep all movementon theslopesslow
and gradual. Do notmake sudden
changesin speed or direction.
•Avoidstartingorstoppingon a slope. If
tireslosetraction, disengagethe
bladesand proceedslowlystraight
downtheslope.
DONOT:
•Do not turnon slopesunlessneCes-
sary,and then,tumslowlyandgradu-
ally downhill,if possible.
•Do notmownear drop-offs,ditches,or
embankments. The mowercould
suddenlyturnover ifa wheel isover
the edg.eofa clifforditch,or ifan edge
caves In.
•Do notmowonwet grass.Reduced
tractioncouldcause sliding.
•Do not trytostabilizethe machineby
puttingyourfoot on theground.
•Do notuse grasscatcheron steep
slopes.

III.CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperator
isnotalert tothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenare oftenattractedto the
machineand themowingactivity. Never
assumethat childrenwillremainwhere
youlastsawthem.
• Keep childrenoutof themowing area
and underthewatchfulcare of another
responsibleadult.
•Be alertand turnmachineoffifchildren
enterthearea.
• Beforeand when backing,lookbehind
and downfor smallchildren.
•Never carrychildren. They mayfall off
and be seriouslyinjuredor interfere
withsafe machineoperation.
•Never allowchildrento operatethe
machine.
•Use extracare when approachingblind
comers,shrubs,trees, orotherobjects
thatmay obscurevision.
IV. SERVICE
•Use extracare in handlinggasoline
and otherfuels. They areflammable
and vaporsare explosive.
-Use onlyan approvedcontainer.
- Never removegas capor add fuel
withthe engine running.Allow
engineto coolbefore refueling.Do
notsmoke.
-Never refuelthe machineindoors.
-Never storethe machineor fuel
containerinsidewhere there is an
openflame,suchas a waterheater.
•Never runamachineinsidea close,
area.
• Keep nutsand bolts,especiallyblac
attachmentbolts,tightand keep
equipmentin goodcondition.
•Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.
Check theirproperoperationregulm
•Keep machinefree ofgrass,leaves,
other debdsbuild-up.Cleanoil or fu
spillage.Allowmachineto coolbefo
storing.
•Stopand Inspecttheequipmentifyc
stdkean object. Repair,ifnecessar_
beforerestarting.
•Never make adjustmentsor repairs
withthe engine running.
•Grasscatchercomponentsare subj_
towear, damage,and deterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobe thrown. Frequev
checkcomponentsand replacewith
manufacturersrecommendedpads,
when necessary.
•Mowerbladesare sharpand cancu
Wrap the blade(s)or weargloves,a
useextracautionwhen servicingthq
•Check brake operationfrequently.
Adjustand serviceas 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 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 tum machine off if child
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behi
and down for small children.
•Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max]
not across.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tr,
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could oveflum the
machine, Tall grass can hide obsta(
4

• Usestowspeed.Choosealow gear so
thatyou willnothavetostopor shift
while onthe slope.
•Avoidstartingor stoppingona slope,tf
tireslose traction,disengagethe
bladesand proceedstowlystraight
downthe slope.
•If machinestopswhilegoinguphill,
disengageblades, shiftintoreverse
and back downslowly.
•Do notrum on slopesunlessneces-
sary, and then,turnslowlyand gradu-
ally downhill,if possible.
_Look for thissymboltopointout
importantsafetyprecautions.Itmeans
CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERT!rrYOUR
SAFETY ISINVOLVED.
_CAUTION: In orderto prevent
accidentalstartingwhensettingup,
transporting,adjustingor makingrepairs,
alwaysdisconnectspark plugwire and
place wirewhere itcannotcontactspark
plug.
_)& CAUTION: Do notcoastdowna hill
inneutral,youmay losecontrolof the
tractor.
_CAUTION.' Towonlytheattachments
thatare recommendedbyand comply
withspecificationsofthe manufacturerof
yourtractor.Usecommonsensewhen
towing.Operateonlyat thelowest
possiblespeedwhen on a slope. Too
heavyof a load,whileon a slope,is
dangerous.Tirescanlosetractionwith
the groundand causeyou to losecontrol
ofyourtractor.
_WARNING: Engineexhaust,someof
itsconstituents,and certainvehicle
componentscontainor emit chemicals
knownto theState ofCaliforniatocause
cancerand birthdefectsor otherrepro÷
ductiveharm.
_,WARNING: Batteryposts,terminals
and relatedaccessoriescontainlead and
lead compounds,chemicalsknowntothe
Stateof Californiato causecancerand
birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
Waah handsafter handling.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
3ASOLINE
CAPAC_Y
ANDTYPE:
,ILTYPE
1.25 GALLONS
UNLEADED
REGULAR
SAE 10W30 (ABOVE
32°F)
_,PI-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS
W/OFILTER: 3.5 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
GAP: .040")
IALVE
:LEARANCE: NOT ADJUSTABLE
IROUND SPEED FORWARD:
VIPH): 1sT 1.2
2N° 1.5
3R° 2.4
4TM 3.5
5TM 4.8
6TM 5.3
REVERSE: 1.5
TIRE PRESSURE:FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING 3 NAPS BATTERY
SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: U1R
3LADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS.
FORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on yourpurchase
ofa newtractor. It hasbeendesigned,
engineeredand manufacturedto give
you the best possibledependabilityand
performance.
Shouldyou experienceany pmblereyou
cannoteasilyremedy,pleasecontacta
Sears or otherqualifiedservicecenter,
We have competent,well-trainedtechni-
cians and thepropertoolsto serviceor
repairthistractor.
Please readand retainthismanual. The
instructionswillenableyouto assemble
and maintainyourtractorproperly.
Alwaysobservethe"SAFETY RULES".
REPAIR AGREEMENT
A RepairAgreementisavailableon this
product.ContactyournearestSears
storefor details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, cadng for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructions under "Mainte-
nance" and =Storage" sections of this
owner's manual.
,_WARNING: 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 (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).
6

Steering
WheelInsert
_i_(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
Steering
Boot _
Steering Wheel
(1) Lockwasher 3/8
(1) Locknut
5/16-18
_Steedng
Wheel Adapter
(1) Large Flat Washer
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
tS_tx_eern;gn
Shaft
Seat
(11Washer
(_ 17/32 x 1-3/16
Gauge
_(1) Knob
x12
Slope Sheet
For Future Use
Keys
(2) Keys Video Cassette

Yournewtractorhasbeen assembledat thefactory withexceptionofthosepartsleft
unassembledfor shippingpurposes.To ensuresafe and properoperationofyour
tractorall parts and hardwareyou assemblemustbetightenedsecurely.Usethe
correcttoolsas necessary toinsurepropertightness.Reviewthevideocassettebefore
you begin.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR
ASSEMBLY
A socketwrenchset willmake assembly
easier. Standardwrenchsizesyou need
are listedbelow.
(1) 9/16"wrench (1) Pliers
(2) 1/2"wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When dght or lefthandis mentionedin
thismanual,itmeans,fromyourpointof
view,when youare in the operating
position(seated behindthe steering
wheel).
TO REMOVETRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Removeall accessibleloosepads
and partscartons fromcarton.
2. Cut,fromtopto bottom,alonglineson
all fourcomersofcarton,and lay
panelsflat.
3. Checkfor anyadditionallooseparts
orcartonsand remove.
BEFORE REMOVINGTRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLEEXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
1. Slideextensionshaftonto lower
steeringshaft. Alignmountingholes
in extension,andlowershaftsand
install5/16 hex boltand Iocknut.
Tightensecurely.
2. Placetabsofsteeringbootovertab
slotsindash and pushdownto
secure.
iNSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3. Position front 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 hodzontal (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 steedng wheel.
8. Remove protective matedals from
tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor isto roll off skid.
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift seat pan to raised position and
open battery box door.
NOTE: If this battery is put 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).
8

Label
Batte_
Door
INSTALL SEAT
Adjustseat beforetighteningadjustment
knob.
1. Removeadjustmentknoband flat
washer securingseat to cardboard
packingandset asidefor assemblyof
seattotractor.
2. Pivotseat upwardand removefrom
the cardboardpacking.Remove the
cardboardpackingand discard.
3. Placeseat on seatpan so headof
shoulderboltis positionedoverlarge
slottedholein pan.
"4. Pushdownon seat toengage
shoulderboltin slotand pullseat
towardsrearoftractor.
5, Pivotseat and pan forward and
assembleadjustmentknoband flat
washerloosely.Do nottighten.
6. Lower seat intooperatingpositionand
sitin seat.
7. Slideseat untila comfortableposition
isreachedwhichallowsyou to press
clutch/brakepedalall the way down.
8. Get offseatwithoutmovingits
adjusted position.
8. Raise seat and tightenadjustment
knobsecurely.
Seat
SeatPan_
NOTE: Youmay nowrollor driveyour
tractorofftheskid.Followtheappropriate
instructionbelowtoremovethe tractor
from theskid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Pressliftleverplungerand raise
attachmentliftleverto itshighest
position.
2, Release parkingbrake by depressing
clutch/t>rakepedal.
3. Placegearshiftlever in neutral(N)
position.
4. Rolltractorforward offskid.
5. Remove banding holdingdeflector
shieldup againsttractor.
TO DRIVETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation sectlon for location and
function of controls)
_WARNING: Beforestarting read,
understandand follow all nstructionsin
theOperationsectionofthismanual.Be
suretractorisin a well-ventilatedarea.
Besurethearea in frontoftractorisclear
ofotherpeople and objects.
1. Be sureall theaboveassembly steps
have been completed.
2. Check engineoillevel and fill fuel
tankwith gasoline.
3, Siton seat inoperatingposition,
depressclutch/brakepedaland set
the parkingbrake.
4. Placegear shiftleverin neutral(N)
position.
5. Pressliftlever plungerand raise
attachmentlift levertoitshighest
position,
6. Starttheengine.Afterenginehas
started,movethrottlecontroltoidle
position.
7. Depressclutch/brakepedalintofull
"BRAKE'positionand hold.Move
gearshiftleverto 1stgear.
8. Slowlyrelease clutch/brakepedaland
slowlydrivetractoroffskid.
9. Applybraketostoptractor,set parking
brakeand place gearshiftlever in
neutral position.
10.Turnignitionkeyto =OFF"position.
Continuewiththe instructionsthatfollow.
9

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE
(if previously removed)
t. Raise and hold deflector shield in
upright position.
2. Place front of mulchar 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 roar latch into hole on back of
mower deck.
,_CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold shield
when attaching mulcher plate and allow it
to rest on plate while in operation.
Mulcher
Htg .
TO CONVERTTO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simplyremovemulcherplateand store in
a safe place.Yourmoweris nowreadyfor
dischargingor installationof optional
grasscatcheraccessory.
NOTE: It isnotnecessarytochange
blades. The mulcherbladesare de-
signedfor dischargingand baggingalso.
CHECKTIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were ovedn-
flated at the factory for shipping pur-
poses. Correct tire 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 cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION
OF ALL BELTS
See the figuresthatere shownfor
replacingmotionand mowerbladedrive
belts inthe Serviceand Adjustments
sectionofthismanual. Verifythatthe
beltsare routedcorrectly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
Afteryou learnhowtooperateyour
tractor,checktosee thatthebrakeis
properlyadjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE"inthe Serviceand Adjustments
sectionofthismanual,
,/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 instructions have been
completed.
,/No remaining loose pads in carton.
/Battery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6
amps).
#Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely.
/All tires are properly inflated. (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
ovednflated at the factory).
,/Be sure mower depk is properly
leveled side-to-side/front-to-rear for
best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling),
4' Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they ere routed properly around
pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
4" Check widng. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are propedy
clamped.
WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USEYOUR
TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO
THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:
/" Engine oil is at proper level.
,/Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline.
,/Become familiar with all controls -their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.
,/Be sure brake system is in safe
operating condition.
10