Craftsman EZ3 917.272960 User manual

Owner's Manual
JCRRFTSMRN'J
20.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
46" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
GARDEN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272960
EZ3
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
This product has € low emission engine which Operates
differently from prey ous y built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am -5 pro, Mon- Set
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visitour Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty............................................... 2
Safety Rules .........................................3
Product Specifications.......................... 5
Assembly .............................................. 7
Operation ............................................ 12
Maintenance Schedule...................... 19
Maintenance .......................................19
Serviceand Adjustments....................23
Storage ...............................................31
Troubleshooting .................................92
Repair Parts ........................................36
Parts Ordering .....................Back Cover
LIMITEDTWO YEAR WARRANTYON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENTPARTS
For two(2) years from the date of purchase, ifthis Craftsman Riding Equipment is
maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's
manual, Sears willrepair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in
material or workmanship. Warranty serviceis available free of charge by taking your
Craftsman ddingequipmentto 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 whichbecome worn during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts and oilfilters,
•Tire replacementor repair causedby punctures from outside objects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps,or glass.
• Repairs necessarybecause of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage
caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the dding equipment,impacting
objects that bend the frame or crankshaft,or over speedingthe engine.
•Repairs necessarybecause of operator negligence, including but not limited to,
electricaland mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the
proper grade and amount of engineoil,failure to keep the deck clear of flammable
debris, or the failure to maintainthe equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual.
•Engine (fuel system)cleaningor repairs caused by fuel determined to be contami-
nated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel shouldbe used within thirty (30) days of its
purchase date.
• Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LIMITED 90 DAYWARRANTY ON BATTERY
Forninety (90) daysfromdate ofpurchase,ifany batteryincludedwiththisriding
equipmentprovesdefectivein materialor workmanshipand ourtestingdeterminesthe
batterywillnot holda charge,Sears willreplacethe batteryat nocharge.Warranty
serviceis availablefree ofchargeby takingyourCraftsmanddingequipmenttoyour
nearestSears ServiceCenter. In-homewarrantyserviceisavailablebut atripcharge
willapply.Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethis productis inthe UnitedStates.
To locatethe nearestsears servicecenteror to schedulein-homewarrantyservice,
simplycontactsears at 1-800-4-my-home
ThisWarrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and youmay alsohave otherrightswhich
mayvaryfrom statetostate.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineis
capableof amputatinghands and feet
andthrowingobjects.Failureto observe
the following safetyinstructionscould
resultinseriousinjuryor death.
GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand,and follow all
instructionsin the manualand on the
machinebeforestarting.
•Only allowresponsibleadults,who are
familiar withthe instructions,tooperate
the machine.
•Clearthearea ofobjectssuchas recks,
toys,wire,etc., whichcouldbe picked
up and thrownby theblade.
•Besurethe areaisclear ofother
peoplebeforemowing.Stop machineif
anyoneentersthe area.
•Never carrypassengers.
•Do not mowin reverseunlessabsolute-
lynecessary.Alwayslookdownand
behindbeforeand while backing.
• "Be awareofthe mowerdischarge
directionand de notpointit at anyone.
Do not operatethemowerwithout
eithertheentiregrasscatcherorthe
guardin place.
•Slowdownbeforeturning.
•Never leave a runningmachine
unattended.Alwaysturnoffblades,set
parkingbrake,stop engine,and remove
keys beforedismounting.
•Turnoffbladeswhen not mowing.
•Stop enginebefore removinggrass
catcheror uncloggingchute.
•Mow onlyindaylightor goodartificial
light.
•Do not operate the machinewhile
underthe influenceof alcoholor drugs.
•Watchfor trafficwhenoperatingnearor
crossingroadways.
•Use extracarewhen loadingor
unloadingthe machineintoa traileror
truck.
•Data indicatesthatoperators,age 60
yearsand above,are involvedin a
largepercentage of ridingmower-
relatedinjuries.These operatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilityto operatethe
ridingmowersafelyenoughto protect
themselvesand othersfrom serious
injury.
SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto loss-
of-controland tipoveraccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjuryor death.All
slopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannot
backupthe slopeor ifyoufeel uneasyon
it,do notmowit.
DO:
•Mow upand downslopes,notacross.
•Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
•Watchfor holes,ruts,or bumps.Uneven
terraincouldoverturnthemachine.Tall
grasscan hideobstacles.
•Useslowspeed.Choosea lowgear so
thatyouwillnothavetostopor shift
whileon the slope.
•Followthe manufacturer'srecommen-
dationsfor wheelweightsor counter-
weightsto improvestability.
•Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor
otherattachments.These canchange
the stabilityofthemachine.
•Keepall movementon the slopesslow
and gradual.Do not makesudden
changesin speed or direction.
•Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope.If
tireslose traction,disengagethe blades
and proceedslowlystraightdownthe
slope.
DONOT:
• Do notturn on slopesunlessneces-
sary, and then,turnslowlyand gradual-
lydownhill,ifpossible.
•Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditches,or
embankments.The mowercould
suddenlyturnoverifa wheelis overthe
edgeofa cliffor ditch,or ifan edge
caves in.
•Do not mowon wet grass.Reduced
tractioncouldcause sliding.
•Donottrytostabilizethemachineby
puttingyourfoot on the ground.
•Do notusegrasscatcheron steep
slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscan occuriftheoperator
isnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoften attractedtothe
machineand the mowingactivity.Never
assumethat childrenwillremainwhere
youlastsaw them.
•Keepchildrenout ofthe mowingarea
and underthe watchfulcare ofanother
responsibleadult.
•Be alertandtum machineoffifchildren
enterthe area.
3

• Beforeandwhenbacking,lookbehind
anddownforsmall children.
• Nevercarrychildren.They may fall off
and be seriouslyinjuredor interfere
withsafe machine operation.
•Never allowchildrentooperatethe
machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind
corners,shrubs,trees, or otherobjects
thatmay obsGurevision.
SERVICE
•Use extracare in handlinggasoline
and otherfuels. They are flammable
and vaporsare explosive.
Use onlyan approvedcontainer.
- Never removegascap or add fuel
with theengine running.Allow
enginetocoolbeforerefueling.Do
notsmoke.
- Never refuelthe machineindoors.
- Never storethe machineor fuel
container inside where there is an
openflame, suchas awaterheater.
•Never runa machineinsidea closed
area,
•Keep nutsand bolts,especiallyblade
attachmentbolts,tightand keep
equipmentin good condition.
•Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.
Checktheirproperoperationregulady.
•Keep machinefree of grass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanoil or fue_
spillage.Allowmachineto coolbefore
storing.
•Stopand inspect the equipment if you
strikean object.Repair,ifnecessary,
beforerestarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs
withthe engine running.
•Grasscatchercomponentsare subject
to wear, damage,and deterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectsto bethrown.Frequently
checkcomponentsand replace with
manufacturer's recommendedparts,
when necessary.
•Mowerblades are sharpand cancut.
Wraptheblade(s) or wear gloves,and
use extra cautionwhenservicing
them.
• Check brake operationfrequently.
Adjustandserviceas 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 chiktren. 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,
• Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
•Watchforholes,ruts,or bumps.
Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe
machine.TailgrasScan hideobsta-
cles.
•Use slowspeed.Choosea lowgear
sothatyouwillnothaveto stopor shift
whileonthe slope.
•Avoidstartingor stoppingonaslope.If
tireslosetraction,disengagethe
bladesand proceedslowlystraight
downthe slope.
•It machinestopswhilegoinguphill,
disengageblades,shiftintoreverse
and backdownslowly.
•Do notturn on slopesunlessneces-
saw, and then,turnslowlyand
graduallydownhill,if possible.
4

_lLLook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!H BECOMEAWARE!!! YOUR
,_FETY 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
g.
P_CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
A_I,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
possible speed 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
Y_Uwrtractor.
ARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
AND TYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 10W30
_PI-SF/SG/SH): (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OILCAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5PINTS
WiO FILTER: 4.0PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
.3AP: .030") RC12YC
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 5.8
(MPH): REVERSE: 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 anew Tractor. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and
performance.
5
Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact
your nearest authorized service center/
department, We have competent, well-
trained technicians 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 propedy, Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
REPAIR AGREEMENT
ARepair 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 instructions under =Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's rrtanual.
_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 arraster 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 authorized service
center/department (See REPAIR PARTS
section of this manual).

Steedng
Wheel Insert
Steering Wheel
Seat
(1) Washer
(_) 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Shoulder
Bolt 5/16-18
i_(1) Knob
Mower
(4) Retainer Springs (single loop) (3) Retainer Springs (double loop)
Gauge Wheels
(2) Shoulder x 7/8 x 14 Gauge
Bolts
Q (2) Center-
lockNuts

VideoCeeee_e
_m
Keys
(2) Keys
Slope Sheet
Yournewtractorhas beenassembledat thefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleft
unassembledfor shippingpurposes.To ensuresafe and properoperationof your
tractorallpartsand hardwareyouassemblemustbe tightenedsecurely.Use the
correcttoolsas necessaryto insurepropertightness.Reviewthe videocassettebefore
you begin.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socketwrenchsetwillmake assembly
easier. Standardwrenchsizesyou need
are listedbelow.
(1) 9/16"wrench (1) Pliers
(1) 1/2"wrench (1) Utilityknife
(1) 3/4"socketwith
driveratchet
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When rightor lefthandismentionedin
thismanual,itmeans,fromyourpointof
view,when youare inthe operating
position(seatedbehindthe steering
wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
• Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts boxes from shipping carton,
• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four corners of shipping carton, and
lay panels flat.
•Remove mower and packing materi-
als.
•Check for any additional loose parts or
boxes and remove,
7

BEFOREREMOVINGTRACTOR
OFFSKID
ATTACHSTEERINGWHEEL
• Removehexbolt,lockwasherand
largeflatwasherfromsteeringshaft.
• Positionfrontwheelsofthetractorso
they are pointingstraightforward.
•Slidethesteedngsleeveover the
steeringshaft,
•Positionsteeringwheelso crossbars
are horizontal(leftto dght)and slide
ontosteeringwheel adapter,
•Secure steeringwheelto steering
shaftwithhexbolt,lockwasherand
largeflat washerpreviouslyremoved.
Tightensecurely.
•Snap steeringwheel insertintocenter
of steeringwheel.
• Removeprotectivematedalsfrom
tractorhoodand gdlL
IMPORTANT:Checkfor and removeany
staplesin skidthatmay puncturetires
wheretractoristo rolloffskid.
_Steering
_Wheel Insert
_F_-- Hex I_:_t
Lock Washer
_arge Flat
Washer
Steering
Wheel f _// Steering
_Wheel
, Adapter
Steering I
Shaft
Steering-
Sleeve
\ \
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
•Lifthoodto raisedposition.
•Ifthis battery isputinto serviceafter
monthand year indicatedon label
(label locatedbetween terminals)
chargebatteryfor minimumofone
hourat 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" in
Maintenance sectionof thismanual
for charginginstructions).
i
INSTALL SEAT
Adjustseat beforetighteningadjustment
knob.
•Removeadjustmentknoband flat
washersecuringseatto cardboard
packingand set aside for assemblyof
seatto tractor.
• Pivot seat upwardand remove from
the cardboardpacking.Remove the
cardboard packing and discard.
• Place seaton seat pan and assemble
shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt
SeCUrely.
• Assemble adjustment knob andflat
washer loosely. Do not tighten,
• Lower seat into operating position and
sit on seat.
• Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
• Get off seatwithoutmoving its adjusted
position.
• Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely.
SeatPan
Shoulder
Bctt
Adjustment Knob
8

NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor offthe skid. Follow the appropriate
instructionbelow toremove the tractor from
the skid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
• Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
•Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
•Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmission
(See TO TRANSPORT" in the Opera-
tion section of this manual).
•Roll tractor forward off skid.
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID
(See Operation section for location
and function of controls)
WARNING: Before starting read,
understand 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 of tractor is clear
of other people and objects.
•Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.
• Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank
with gasoline.
•Place freewheel control in "transmis-
sion engaged" position.
•Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
•Place motion control lever in neutral
(N) position.
•Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
•Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle control to idle
position.
•Release parking brake.
•Slowly move the motion control lever
forward and slowly drive tractor off
skid.
•Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking
brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
•Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE
BELT
Be sure tractoris on level surface and
mower suspensionarmsare raisedwith
attachment lift control. Engage parking
brake.
•Cut and remove ties securing anti-
sway bar and belts. Swing anti-sway
bar to left side of mower deck.
•Slide mower under tractor with dis-
charge guard to right side of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routing in all mower pulley grooves.
Install belt into electric clutch pulley
groove.

•Installone front linkin top holeofthe
R.H. front mowerbracketand R.H.
front suspensionbracket. Retainwith
twosingleloop retainerspringsas
shown.
•Installsecondfront linkin L.H. front
suspensionbracketonlyand retain
withsingleloop retainerspringas
shown,
•Tum heightadjustmentknobcounter-
clockwiseuntilitstops.
•Lowermowerlinkagewithattachment
liftcontrol.
•Placethe L.H. suspensionarm on
inwardpointingdeckpin. If necessary,
rockand raise front ofmowertoalign
deckpinwiththe holein suspension
arm. Retainwithdoubleloopretainer
springwith loopsdownas shown.
•Slideleftsideof mowerbackand
installthe unattachedfront linkin top
holeoftheL.H. front mowerbracket.
Retainwith singleloop retainerspring
as shown.
•Placethe R.H. suspensionarm on
inwardpointingdeck pin. If necessary,
rockand raisefrontof mowertoalign
deckpinwiththe holein suspension
arm. Retainwith doubleloopretainer
springwithloopsdownas shown.
•Connectanti-swaybar to chassis
bracketunderleftfootrest and retain
with doubleloop retainerspring.
•Tum height adjustment knob clock-
wise to remove slack from mower
suspension.
•Raise mower to highest position.
•Assemble gauge wheels (See "TO
ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS" in the
Operation section of this manual).
CHECK TIRE 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 MOWER LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower should be
propedy leveled. See _1"OLEVEL
MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for
replacing motion, mower drive, and
mower blade ddve 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
propedy adjusted. See '_1"OADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
ShoulderBolt
Chassis
Bracket
Double Loop Retaier
Spring (Inward
pointing deck pins)
Suspension
Arms t
Front Mower
Bracket
3/8
3/8-16 Center Locknut
Use Pliersfor
RetainerSprings
y)/ Loop
_/// Down
Bar Idler
Pulley
10
Single Loop
Retaier Spring
Discharge Guard