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Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN +
15.5 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.271023
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION: Foranswers to your questions
aboutthis product, Call:
Read and follow all
1-800-659-5917
Safety Rules and Instructions
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pro,Mon- Sat
before operating this equip-
ment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
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Maintenance ......................................... 18 --t,_"_""_ ........... I_-""r_'•-•-_ "".......... 2 Service and Adjustments....; ................. 22 r.•.._..._: .......... 2 • ,_...._.. ........... 5 Storage ................................................. 28 Assemb Y.--i ...... _......... 8 Troubleshooting.................................... 29 Operati_ n... I ........ 11 Repair Parts ......................................... 34 Mainter mc_ ....... 18 Parts Ordering .................
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• Tumoffbladeswhennotmowing. • Do not try to stabilize the machine by • Stop engine before removing grass putting your foot on the ground. catcher or unclogging chute. • Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes. • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. CHILDREN • Do not operate the machine while under Tragic accidents can occur if the operator the influence of alcohol or drugs. is not alert to the presence of children. • Watch for traffic when operating near or Children are often attract
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manufacturer's recommended pads, • Never make adjustments or repairs with when necessary. the engine running. • Mower blades are sharp and can cut. • Grass catcher components are subject Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and to wear, damage, and deterioration, use extra caution when servicing them. which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently • Check brake operation frequently. check components and replace with Adjust and service as required. • Be sure the area is cl
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS We have competent, well-trained techni- cians and the proper tools to service or GASOLINE 1.25GALLONS repair this tractor. CAPACITY UNLEADED Please read and retain this manual. The ANDTYPE: REGULAR instructions will enable you to assemble OIL TYPE SAE10W30 and maintain your tractor properly. Always observe the =SAFETY RULES". API-SF/SG/SH): (above 32°F) SAE 10W30 MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT (below 32°F) A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail- _)ILCAPACITY: 4.0 W/PINTS able on th
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PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x I O (1) Lockwasher 3/8 (1) Hex Bolt (1) Locknut 5/16-18x 1-1/4 5/16-18 @ (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 (1) Knob (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge 6
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PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE #10 x 5/8 Washers #10 (2) Screws _ (2) Lock (2) Weld Nuts _ O #10 (2) Washers 3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge Parts packet separately in carton Parts Bag contents not shown full size u (2) Latch Hook Seat Assemblies Steedng Wheel Insert Cassette Steering Wheel -4= Adapter (2) Keys Extension Shaft Parts Bag Steering 1 Slope Sheet Manual ____ (2) Shoulder Bolt (2) Gauge Wheels 3/8 x 7/8 x 14 (2) Washers Gauge Q (2) Centedock Nuts 7
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Yournewtractorhas been assembled at the factory with exception 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 _ Insert ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly _._,_------_33_ 8HLe_c_/t asher easier. Standard wrench sizes you need Large Flat_
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ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR MOWER DECK CHECK BATTERY The gauge wheels are designed to keep • Lift seat pan to raised position and open the mower deck in proper position when battery box door. operating mower. Be sure they are proper- • If this battery is put into service after ly adjusted to ensure optimum mower per- month and year indicated on label (label formance. located between terminals) charge bat- • Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface. tery
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CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ACAUTION: Do not remove discharge ALL BELTS guard from mower. Raise and hold guard See the figures that are shown for replac- when attaching mulcher plate and allow it ing motion and mower blade drive belts in to res: on plate while in operation. the Service and Adjustments sectoin of TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR this manual. Verify that the belts are rout- DISCHARGING ed correctly. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM Simply remove muicher plate and store in a safe place. Your mower is n
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Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororin literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. = REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW BAI-rERY CAUTION OR WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT LOCKED R N H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE CLUTCH ENGAGED KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS AI-rACHMENT (SEE SAFETYRULES SEC_ON) IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED FREEWHEEL DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY (A_omat_ Mode_on_) 11
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KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractorto familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Light Switch Position Attachment Ignition Clutch Lever Switch Ammeter Lift Lever Plunger Throttle/Choke Control Attachment LiftLever ClutcWBrake Control Height Adjustment Indicator Freewheel Control Parking Motion Control Lever Our tractors conform
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The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles, or stan- dard safety ,qlasses. NOTE: Failure to move throttle controlto -lOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR slow positionand allowing engine to idle Your tractor is equipped with an operator before stopping may cause engin
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IMPORTANT: The motion control lever • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during the does not retum to neutral (N) position cool season and to over 3 inches during when the clutch/brake pedal is depressed. hot months. For healthier and better • To restart movement, slowly release looking lawns, mow often and after parking brake and clutch/brake pedal. moderate growth. • Slowly move motion control lever to slowest setting. • For best cutting performance, grass • Make all
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• Move attachment clutch to "DISEN- • Unthread and remove oil fill cap/dip- GAGED" position. stick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the • Move throttle control to choke position. tube. Do not thread the cap onto the NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and tube. Remove and read oil level. If nec- cold starting procedures below. essary, add oil until UFULL" mark on • Insert key into ignition and tum key clockwise to =START" position and dipstick is reach
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• Your tractor is now purged and ready for ,_RGE TRANSMISSION normal operation. CAUTION: Never engage or disen- gage freewheel lever while the engine is MOWING TIPS running. • Tire chains cannot be used when the To ensure proper operation and perfor- mower housing is attached to tractor. mance, it is recommended that the trans- • Mower should be properly leveled for mission be purged before operating tractor best mowing performance. See "TO for the first time. This procedure will LEVEL MOWER HOU
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• Certain types of grass and grass condi- MULCHING MOWING TIPS tions may require that an area be IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance, keep mulched a second time to completely mowerhousingfreeof built-upgrassand hide the clippings. When doing a sec- trash.Cleanaftereach use. ond cut, mow across or perpendicular to • The special mulching blade will recut the first cut path. the grass clippings many times and • Change your cutting pattern from week reduce them in size so that as they fall to week. Mow no
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CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AS YOU COMPLETE Check Brake Operation _ Check Tim Pm_um T Interlock Systems 14r R CheckforLoose Fasteners _ _7 _ SharpeNReplace Mower Blades _4 T Lubrication Chart 0 CheckBatteryLevel I_ W claan Battery and Temlinals _ I_ Check Ttinsaxla Cooling I1_ Adjust Blade BeR(s) Tension I_s AdJust Moron Drive Balt(s) Tension I_s Check Engine Oil Level V t i Change Eng ne Oil I_1.=,: If E Clean Air Filter a Clean Air Screen GI Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester Replace Oil Filter (if
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TRACTOR • Reassemble hex boll, lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenper- • Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. forminganymaintenance. torque). BRAKEOPERATION IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat If tractorrequiresmorethansix (6)feet treated. stoppingdistanceat highspeedinhighest TrailingI _Up MandrelAssembly gear,thenbrakemustbeadjusted.(See Blade "TOADJUSTBRAKE"inthe Serviceand Center Adjustmentssectionof thismanual). TIRES • Maintain proper air pr
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SAE VISCC_TY GRADES Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery and ter- minals can cause the battery to =leak" Check the crankcase oil level before start- power. • Open battery box door. ing the engine and after each eight (8) • Disconnect BLACK battery cable first hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dip- then RED battery cable and remove stick securely each time you check the oil battery from tractor. level. •
