Craftsman 917.271110 User manual

Brand: Craftsman

Model: 917.271110

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

917271110

Owner's Manual

cnnFTSn#+

16.5 HP

ELECTRIC START

42" MOWER

6 SPEED TRANSAXLE

LAWN TRACTOR

Model No.

917.271110

•Safety

•Assembly

•Operation

•Maintenance

•Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equip-

ment.

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line

5am -5 pm, Mon-Sat

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty ................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................... 2

Assembly ................................................ 8

Operation.............................................. 12

Maintenance Schedule ......................... 19

Maintenance ......................................... 19

Product Specifications ........................... 5

Service and Adjustments ...................... 23

Storage ................................................. 29

Troubleshooting .................................... 30

Repair Parts ......................................... 34

Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cover

LIMITEDTWO YEAR WARRANTYONCRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT

Fortwo(2) yearsfromthedateofpurchase,ifthisCraftsmanRidingEquipmentismain-

tained,lubricatedandtunedupaccordingtotheinstructionsin theowner'smanual,

Searswillrepairor replace,free ofcharge,anypartsfound tobe defectiveinmatedalor

workmanship.

ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:.

•Expendableitemswhichbecomewomduringnormaluse, suchas blades,spark

plugs,air cleaners,belts,etc.

•Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfrom outsideobjects,suchas nails,

thorns,stumps,orglass.

•Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,negligence,improperstorageor acci-

dentor thefailureto maintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedin

theowner'smanual.

•Ridingequipmentusedfor commercialorrentalpurposes.

LIMITED90 DAYWARRANTYON BATTERY

Forninety(90) daysfrom dateofpurchase,ifanybatteryincludedwiththisridingequip-

mentprovesdefectivein materialorworkmanshipand ourtestingdeterminesthe bat-

terywillnotholda charge,Searswillreplacethe batteryat nocharge. In-homewarranty

serviceonyourCraftsmanridingequipmentisavailableat no chargefor 30 daysfrom

thedateofpurchase.Pleasecontactyournearestservicecenter.After30 daysfromthe

dateofpurchase,warrantyserviceisavailablebytakingyourCraftsmanridingequip-

menttoyournearestSearsServiceCenter.(In-homewarrantyservicewillstillbe avail-

able after30 daysfrom thedateofpurchasebuta standardtripchargewillapply).This

warrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductisintheUnitedStates.ThisWarrantygivesyou

specificlegalrights, andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichmayvaryfrom stateto

state.

Sears, Roebuckand Co., D/817 WA,HoffmanEstates,IL 60179

GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow all instruc-

tions in the 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 such as recks,

toys, wire, etc., which could be picked

up and thrown by the blade.

•Be sure the area is clear of other people

befO_ mowing. Stop machine if anyone

enters the area.

•Nevercarrypassengers.

•Do notmowin reverseunlessabsolute-

lynecessary.Alwayslookdownand

behindbeforeand whilebacking.

•Beawareofthe mowerdischargedirec-

tionanddo notpointitat anyone.Do

notoperatethemowerwithouteither

theentiregrasscatcherortheguardin

place.

•Slowdownbeforetuming.

•Never leavea running machineunat-

tended.Alwaystumoffblades,set park-

ingbrake,stopengine,and remove

keysbeforedismounting.

•Tum offbladeswhennotmowing.

•Stopenginebeforeremovinggrass

catcheror uncloggingchute.

•Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificial

light.

•Do notoperatethemachinewhileunder

theinfluenceof alcoholor drugs.

•Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnear or

crossingroadways.

•Useextracarewhenloadingorunload-

ingthe machineintoa trailerortruck.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedtoloss-

of-controland tipoveraccidents,which

canresultinsevereinjuryor death.All

slopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannot

backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyon

it, donot mowit.

DO:

•Mow upand downslopes,notacross.

• Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree

limbs,etc.

•Watchforholes,ruts,orbumps.Uneven

terraincouldovertumthemachine.Tall

grasscanhideobstacles.

•Useslowspeed.Choosea lowgearso

thatyouwillnothavetostopor shift

whileon theslope.

•Followthemanufacturer'srecommen-

dationsfor wheelweightsorcounter-

weightstoimprovestability.

•Useextracare withgrasscatchersor

otherattachments.These canchange

the stabilityofthemachine.

•Keepall movementon theslopesslow

andgradual.Donot makesudden

changesinspeedordirection.

•Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.If

tireslosetraction,disengagetheblades

andproceedslowlystraightdownthe

slope.

DO NOT:

•Do notturnonslopesunlessnecessary,

andthen,turnslowlyandgradually

downhill,ifpossible.

• Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditches,or

embankments.The mowercouldsud-

denlytumoverifa wheel isoverthe

edge ofaclifforditch,or ifanedge

cavesin.

•Doz_ow,Qn wet grass.Reduced

tractioncouldcausesliding.

•Do nottrytostabilizethemachineby

puttingyourfootontheground.

• Donotusegrasscatcheron steep

slopes.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscan occuriftheoperator

is notalerttothepresenceofchildren.

Childrenare oftenattractedtothe

machineandthemowingactivity.Never

assumethatchildrenwillremainwhere

you lastsawthem.

• Keepchildrenout ofthe mowingarea

andunderthewatchfulcare ofanother

responsibleadult.

•Bealsrtandrummachineoffifchildren

enterthe area.

•Beforeand whenbacking,lookbehind

anddownforsmallchildren.

•Nevercarrychildren.They mayfall off

andbe seriouslyinjuredorinterferewith

safe machineoperation.

•Neverallowchildrentooperatethe

machine.

•Useextracarewhenapproachingblind

corners,shrubs,trees,or otherobjects

thatmayobscurevision.

SERVICE

•Useextracareinhandlinggasolineand

otherfuels.They areflammable and

vaporsare explosive.

Use onlyanapprovedcontainer.

- Never removegascapor addfuel

withtheenginerunning.Allowen-

ginetocoolbeforerefueling.Donot

smoke.

- Never refuelthemachineindoors.

- Neverstorethe machineorfuel

containerInsidewhere thereisan

openflame, suchas a waterheater.

• Neverrun a machineinsideaclosed

area.

•Keepnutsandbolts,especiallyblade

attachmentbolts,tightand keepequip-

mentingoodcondition.

•Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.

Checktheirproperoperation regularly.

•Keepmachinefree ofgrass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Clean oilorfuel

spillage.Allowmachinetocoolbefore

stodng.

•Stopand inspecttheequipmentifyou

strikean object.Repair,ifnecessary,

beforerestarting.

•Nevermake adjustmentsorrepairswith

theenginerunning.

•Grasscatchercomponentsare subject

towear, damage,and deterioration,

whichcouldexposemovingpartsor

allowobjectstobethrown.Frequently

checkcomponentsand replacewith

manufacturer'srecommendedparis,

when necessary.

Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.

Wraptheblade(s)orweargloves,and

useextracautionwhenservicing them.

Checkbrakeoperationfrequently.

Adjustand serviceas required.

•Besurethearea isclearofotherpeople

beforemowing.Stopmachineifanyone

entersthearea.

•Nevercarrypassengers.

•Donot mowin reverseunlessabsolute-

lynecessary.Alwayslookdownand

behindbeforeand whilebacking.

•Nevercarrychildren.They mayfall off

and be seriouslyinjuredor interferewith

safe machineoperation.

•Keepchildrenoutofthemowingarea

and underthewatchfulcareofanother

responsibleadult.

•Bealertandturnmachineoffifchildren

enterthearea.

•Beforeandwhenbacking,lookbehind

and downfor smallchildren.

•Mow upanddownslopes(15" Max), not

across.

•Removeobstaclessuchas rooks,tree

limbs,etc.

• Watchfor holes,ruts,orbumps.Uneven

terraincouldovertumthemachine.Tall

grasscanhideobstacles.

•Useslowspeed.Choosea lowgearso

thatyou willnothavetostopor shift

whileontheslope.

•Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope.If

tireslosetraction,disengagetheblades

and proceedslowlystraightdownthe

slope.

•Do notturnonslopesunlessnecessary,

andthen,turnslowlyand gradually

downhill,ifpossible.

,_Look for thissymbolto pointoutimpor-

tantsafetyprecautions.ItmeansCAU-

TION!!!BECOMEAWARE!!!YOUR SAFE-

TY IS INVOLVED. _.,÷

,_CAUTION: In ordertopreventacciden-

talstartingwhensettingup,transporting,

adjustingormakingrepairsalwaysdiscon-

nectsparkplugwireandplacewirewhere

itcannot contactsparkplug.

_WARNING: The engineexhaustfrom

thisproductcontainschemicalsknownto

theStateofCalifomiatocausecancer,

birthdefects,or.otherreproductiveharm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS

CAPACITY

AND TYPE: UNLEADED

REGULAR

OIL TYPE SAE 30

(API-SF/SG/SH): (above 32°F)

SAE 10W-30

(below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: W/RLTER: 4.0PINTS

WK_FILTER:3.5PINTS

SPARK PLUG: Champion J19LM

GAP: .030") STD361458-

GROUND SPEED FORWARD:

(MPH): 1sr 1.1

2ND 1.4

3RD 2.3

4TM 3.5

5TM 4.5

6TM 6.0

REVERSE: 1.7

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 10 PSI

CHARGING 3AMPS BATTERY

SYSTEM: 5AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 20

MIN. CCA:240

CASE SIZE: UIR

BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS.

TORQUE:

CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchase

ofa Craftsman Tractor. Ithasbeen

designed,engineeredandmanufactured

to giveyouthebestpossibledependability

and performance.

Shouldyouexperienceanyproblemyou

cannoteasilyremedy,pleasecontactyour

nearestSearsAuthorizedServiceCenter.

We havecompetent,well-trainedtechni-

ciansand thepropertoolstoserviceor

repairthistractor.

Pleasereadand retainthismanual.The

instructionswillenableyoutoassemble

and maintainyourtractorproperly.Always

observethe "SAFETY RULES".

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

ASearsMaintenanceAgreementisavail-

able onthisproduct.Contactyournearest

Searsstorefor 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 manual.

,AWARNING: This tractor is equipped

with an internal combustion engine and

should not be used on or near any unim-

proved forest-covered, brush-covered or

grass-covered land unless the engine's

exhaust system is equipped with aspark

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 Authorized Service

Center (See REPAIR PARTS section of

this manual).

Parts Bag contentsshownfullsize

(1) Large Rat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

(1) Hex Bolt

3/8-16 x I

(1) Lockwasher 3/8

(1) Locknut 5/16-18

(1) Knol_

(1) Washer

17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12Gauge

(1) Shoulder

Bolt 5/16-18

_. (2) Weld _.

Nuts #10

(2) Washers

3/16 x3/4 x 16 Gauge

liltlliillllliillllillll

(2) Screws #10 x 5/8

(2) Lock

Washers #10

(2) Hex Bolts 114-20x3/4

@(2) Hex

(2) Lock Nuts

Washers 1/4 1/4-20

Parts packedseparately in.carton

Manual

(2) Shoulder

Seat

Plate

Video

Cassette

Steering

Boot

Parts Bag Steering

Wheel

Bolts

_(2) Center-

lockNuts

(2) Washers 3/8

x 7/8 x 14 Gauge

Parts Bag contentsnotshownfull size

(2) Front LinkAssemblies

Steering Wheel

Adapter

/_ _St_ri_g Insert

_).._ I 1 (2) Keys

(2) LatchHook

Assemblys

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledat thefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleft

unassembledforshippingpurposes.Toensuresafeand properoperationofyourtractor

allpartsandhardwareyouassemblemustbe tightenedsecurely.Usethe correcttools

as necessarytoinsurepropertightness.Reviewthevideocassettebeforeyoubegin.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR

ASSEMBLY

Asocketwrenchsetwillmakeassembly

easier.Standardwrenchsizesyouneed

arelistedbelow.

(1) 9/16"wrench (1) 3/4"Socketw/

(2) 7/16"wrenches driverachet

(2) 1/2"wrench (1) PhillipsScrew-

(1) 3/4"wrench driver

(1) Utilityknife (1) Tirepressure

(1)Pliers gauge

Whenrightorlefthandismentionedin

thismanual,itmeans,from yourpointo!

view,whenyouare intheoperatingposi-

tion(seatedbehindthesteeringwheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM

CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and

parts boxes from shipping carton (See

page 6).

• Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on

all four comers ofshipping carton, and

lay panels flat.

•Remove mower and package materials.

•Check for any additional loose parts or

boxes and remove.

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF

SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

ASSEMBLEEXTENSION SHAFTAND

BOOT - --

•Slideextensionshaftontolowersteer-

ingshaft.Alignmountingholesinexten-

sionand lowershaftsand install5/16

hexboltandIocknut."13ghtensecurely.

IMPORTANT:Tightenboltand nutsecure-

lyto 18-22 ft. Ibs.torque.

•Placetabsofsteeringbootovertab

slotsindashandpushdowntosecure.

INSTALLSTEERING WHEEL

•Positionfrontwheelsofthetractorso

theyare pointingstraightforward.

•Slide_eedng wheeladapterontosteer-

ing'sh_aftextension.

•Positionsteeringwheel socrossbars

are horizontal(leftto dght)and slide

insidebootand ontoadapter.

•Assemblelargeflat washer,3/8 lock

washer,3/8hexboltand tightensecurely.

•Snapsteeringwheelinsertintocenter

ofsteeringwheel.

•Removeprotectivematerialsfromtrac-

tor hoodandgrill.

IMPORTANT:Checkforand removeany

staplesinskidthatmaypuncturetires

wheretractoristo rolloffskid.

Insert

Wheel

Extension Adapter

ha.

5/16Locknut.___

LowerSteering...._ _" :_"---,

Sh . ,"--'-5" "","

\,_/ ,, t

"--._ .,-.

".._..:. ,,"

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See

Operation sectionfor location and

function of controls)

• Pressliftleverplungerand raiseattach-

mentliftleverto itshighestposition.

•Releaseparkingbrakebydepressing

clutch/brakepedal.

•Placefreewheelcontrolin freewheeling

position todisengagetransmission(See

"TOTRANSPORT"intheOperation

sectionofthismanual).

•Rolltractorbackwardsoffskid.

• Removebandingholdingdischarge

guardupagainsttractor.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CONNECT BATTERY

ACAUTION: Do not short battery termi-

nals by allowing a wrench or any other

object to contact both terminals at the

same time. Before connecting battery, re-

move metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,

rings, etc. Positive terminal must be con-

nected first to prevent sparking from acci-

clental grounding.

•Remove cardboard packing from seat

pan and lift seat pan to raised position.

•Open battery box door and remove pro-

tective plastic.

• Remove terminal protective caps and

discard.

•If this battery is put into service after

month and year indicated on label (label

located between terminals) charge bat-

tery for minimum of one hour at 6-10

amps.

•First connect RED battery cable to posi-

tive (+) terminal with hex bolt, flat wash-

er, lock washer and hex nut as shown.

Tighten securely.

•Connect BLACK grounding cable to

negative (-) terminal with remaining hex

bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex

nut. Tighten securely.

Discard Terminal

.i_ Proctec_ve Caps

Lock Washer Flat

Washer

. Hex Hex

Positive =Negative

(Red) Cable (Black)Cable

•Close batteryboxdoor.Open battery

box doorfor:.

• inspection forsecureconnections

(totightenhardware).

•Inspectionfor corrosion.

•Testingbattery.

•Jumping(ifrequired).

•Periodiccharging.

Seat Pan

Battery

Box Door

INSTALL SEAT

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob.

•Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.

•Place seat on seat pan and assemble

shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt

securely.

•Assemble adjustment knob and flat

washer loosely. Do nottighten.

•Lower seat intooperating 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 seat without moving its adjusted

position.

•Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob

securely.

Seat

Seat Pan

Shoulder

Bolt _._..

Adjustment Knob

Flat Washer

CHECKTIREPRESSURE

Thetiresonyourtractorwereovednflated

atthefactoryforshippingpurposes.

Correcttirepressureisimportantforbest

cuttingperformance.

• ReducetirepressuretoPSIshownin

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on

page 5 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 thefiguresthatareshownfor replac-

ingmotionandmowerbladedrivebeltsin

theServiceandAdjustmentssectoinof

thismanual.Verifythatthebeltsare mut-

edcorrectly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

Afteryou learnhowto operateyourtrac-

tor,checktoseethatthebrakeisproperly

adjusted.See "TOADJUST BRAKE"in

theServiceandAdjustmentssectionof

thismanual.

INSTALLMULCHER PLATE

•Installtwolatchhookstomulcherplate

usingscrew,washer,lockwasher,and

weldnutas shown.

NOTE: Pre-assembleweldnutto latch

hookbyinsertingweldnutfromthetop

withhookpointingdown.

• Tightenhardwaresecurely.

•Raiseandholddeflectorshieldin up-

rightposition.

•Placefront ofmulcherplateoverfrontof

mowerdeckopeningandslideinto

place,asshown.

•Hookfront latchinto-holeonfront of

mowerdeck.

•Hookrearlatchintoholeon backof

mowerdeck.

Weld NutFrom

The Top

Lock

Weld Washer

Nut

Latch

HookPoints

Down

Latch

Hook

Washer

Mulcher

Plate

Deflector

Shield

Lock Washer

Washer

Screw

Latch

Hooks

_CAUTION: Donotremovedischarge

guardfrom mower.Raiseand holdguard

whenattachingmulcherplate andallowit

to restonplatewhileinoperation.

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

Simplyremovemulcherplate andstorein

a safeplace.Yourmowerisnowreadyfor

dischargingor installationofoptional

grasscatcheraccessory.

NOTE: It isnotnecessarytochange

blades.The mulcherbladesare designed

for dischargingandbaggingalso.

ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO

MOWER DECK

The gauge wheels are designed to keep

the mower deck in proper position when

operating mower. Be sure they are proper-

ly adjusted to ensure optimum mower per-

formance.

• Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on

a flat level surface.

•-Adjust mower to desired cutting height

(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING

HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this

manual).

• With mower in desired height of cut po-

sition, gauge wheels should be assem-

bled so they are slightly off the ground.

Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole

with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-

16 Iocknut and tighten securely.

•Repeat for opposite side installing

gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

Gauge Wheel

Mounting_ racke_ _

3/8-16 Washer Ga_-_ge_Wheel t

V' CHECKLIST

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING•

CHECKLIST:

V' All assembly instructionshave been

completed.

v' No remaining loose parts in carton.

v' Battery is properly prepared and

charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).

v' Seat isadjusted comfortably and

tightened securely.

v' All tires are properly inflated. (For

shipping purposes, the tires were

overinflated at the factory).

v' Be sure mower deck is propedy leveled

side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting

results. (Tires must be properly inflated

for leveling).

v' Check mower and ddve belts. Be sure

they are routed properly around pulleys

and inside all belt keepers.

v' Check widng. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are propedy

clamped.

v' Before driving tractor, be sure free-

wheel control is in ddve position.

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR

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

cation and function. Operate them

before you start the engine.

/Be sure brake system is in safe operat-

ing condition.

/It is important to 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

section of this manual).

These symbolsmayappearon yourtractororin literaturesuppliedwiththeproduct.

Learnandunderstandtheirmeaning.

BATTERY CAUTION OR REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW

WARNING

ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE UGHTS ON OVER TEMP

LIGHT

FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED

LOCKED

MOWER LIFT

_'l R N H L (®)_1

ATrACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW PARKING BRAKE

CLUTCH ENGAGED

_(_) ATTACHMENT KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

IGNITION CLUTCH DISENGAGED (SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY HYDROSTATIC FREE WHEEL

(Hydro Mode_ onDy)

KNOWYOURTRACTOR

READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

TRACTOR

Comparetheillustrationswithyourtractortofamiliarizeyourselfwiththelocationsof

variouscontrolsandadjustments.Savethismanualforfuturereference.

Attachment Ignition

Clutch Lever Switch

LightSwitch

Position

Throttle/Choke

Control _LiftLever

Plunger

Clutch/Brake

Control

Height

Adjustment

Indicator

Attachment

Lift Lever

ParkingBrake

Gearshift

Lever

Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American

National Standards Institute.

ATTACHMENTCLUTCH.LEVER:Usedto

engagethe mowerblades,or otherattach-

mentsmountedtoyourtractor.

LIGHT SWITCH:Tums theheadlightson

andoff.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Usedto

controlenginespeed.

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: Usedfor

declutchingandbrakingthetractorand

startingthe engine.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB: Usedto

adjustthemowercuttingheight.

GEARSHIFT LEVER:Selectsthespeed

anddirectionofthetractor.

ATTACHMENTLIFT LEVER: Usedto

raiseandlowerthe mowerdeckor other

attachmentsmountedtoyourtractor.

LIFT LEVER PLUNGER:Usedtorelease

attachmentliftleverwhenchangingits

position.

IGNITION SWITCH:Usedfor starting and

stoppingtheengine.

AMMETER: Indicatesbatterycharging(+)

ordischarging(-).

PARKINGBRAKE: Locksclutch/brake

intothe brakeposition.

The operationofanytractorcanresultinforeignobjectsthrownintothe I

eyes,whichcanresultin severeeye damage.Alwayswearsafetyglasses I

oreye shieldswhileoperatingyourtractoror performinganyadjustmentsor

repairs.We recommenda widevisionsafetymaskoverthespectacles,or

standardsafetyglasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

Yourtractorisequippedwithan operator

presencesensingswitch.Whenengineis

running,anyattemptbytheoperatorto

leavethe seatwithoutfirstsettingthe

parkingbrakewillshutofftheengine.

TO SET PARKINGBRAKE

•Depressclutch/brakepedal intofull

=BRAKE"positionand hold.

•Placeparkingbrakeleverin =EN-

GAGED"positionand releasepressure

from clutch/brakepedal.Pedalshould

remainin=BRAKE"position.Makesure

parkingbrakewillholdtractorsecure.

Attachment Clutch

Throttle/Choke Lever=Engaged"

Control Position

\=Disengaged"

=Brake" ParkingBrake

Position

,,\ Position

Motion

Pedal =Drive" Control

PosilJon Position Lever

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES.....

•Moveattachmentclutchleverto=DIS-

ENGAGED"position.

GROUND DRIVE -

•Depressclutch/brakepedalintofull

=BRAKE"position.

•Movegearshiftleverto neutral(N)posi-

tion.

ENGINE-

•Movethrottle controltoslowposition.

NOTE: Failuretomovethrottle controlto

slowpositionand allowingengineto idle

befotL_oppir_j-maycause engineto

=backfire".

•Turnignition keyto =OFF"positionand

removekey. Alwaysremovekeywhen

leavingtractortopreventunauthorized

USe.

•Neverusechoketostop engine.

NOTE: Undercertainconditionswhen

tractorisstandingidlewiththeenginerun-

ning,hotengineexhaustgasesmay

cause"browning" ofgrass. To eliminate

thispossibility,alwaysstopenginewhen

ppingtractoron grassareas.

CAUTION: Alwaysstoptractorcom-

pletely,as describedabove,beforeleaving

theoperator'sposition;toemptygrass

catcher,etc.

THROTTLE CONTROL

Alwaysoperateengineat full throttle.

•Operatingengineat lessthanfull throt-

tlereducesthe batterychargingrate.

•Fullthrottle offersthebestbaggingand

mowerperformance.

TO MOVE FORWARDAND BACKWARD

The directionandspeedofmovement is

controlledbythe gearshift lever.

•Starttractorwithclutch/brakepedal

depressedandgearshiftleverin neutral

(N) position.

•Move gearshiftlevertodesired posi-

tion.

•Slowlyreleaseclutch/brakepedalto

start movement.

IMPORTANT: Bringtractorto a complete

stopbeforeshiftingorchanginggears.

Failuretodosowillshortentheusefullife

ofyourtransaxle.

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

The cuttingheightiscontrolledbyturning

theheightadjustmentknobindesired

direction.

•Tum knobclockwise( ) toraisecut-

tingheight.

•Turn knob counterclockwise( ) to

lowercuttingheight.

The cuttingheightrangeisapproximately

1-1/2"to4". The heightsare measured

fromthegroundtothe bladetipwiththe

enginenotrunning.These heightsare ap-

proximateand mayvarydependingupon

soilconditions,heightofgrassand types

ofgrassbeing mowed.

•The averagelawnshouldbecutto

approximately2-1/2 inchesduringthe

coolseasonandto over3 inchesduring

hotmonths. Forhealthierandbetter

lookinglawns,mowoftenandafter

moderategrowth.

•Forbestcuttingperformance,grass

over6 inchesinheightshouldbe

mowedtwice. Make thefirstcutrela-

tivelyhigh;thesecondtodesiredheight.

TO OPERATEMOWER

Yourtractorisequippedwithanoperator

presencesensingswitch.Anyattemptby

theoperatortoleavethe seat withthe

enginerunningand the attachmentclutch

engagedwillshutoffthe engine.

•Selectdesiredheightofcut.

•Lowermowerwithattachmentliftcon-

trol.

•Startmowerbladesbyengagingattach-

mentclutchcontrol.

•to Stopmowerblades- disengage

attachmentclutchcontrol.

,_CAUTION: Do notoperatethemower

withouteithertheentiregrasscatcher,on

mowerssoequipped,or thedischarge

guardin place.

Attachment Clutch

Lever "Engaged"

Position

Attachment Lift

Lever High Position

=Disengaged" Low

Pos_on

Suard

_OPERATE ON HILLS

CAUTION: Do not drive up or down

hillswith slopes greater than 15° and do

not drive across any slope.

•Choose the slowest speed before start-

ing up or down hills.

•Avoid stopping or changing speed on

hills.

•If slowingis necessary, move throttle

control lever to slower position.

•If stopping is absolutely necessary, push

clutcc,h_=l'Vbrakej3_.dalquickly to brake posio

tiona-a-R_reng_e parking bm'ke.

•Move gearshift lever to 1stgear. Be

sureyouhaveallowedroomfor tractor

torollslightlyas you restartmovement.

•Torestartmovement,slowlyrelease

parkingbrakeandclutch/brakepedal.

•Make alltumsslowly.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raiseattachmentlifttohighestposition

withattachmentliftcontrol.

•Whenpushingor towingyourtractor,be

suregearshiftleverisin neutral(N)

position.

•Do notpushor towtractorat morethan

five (5) MPH.

NOTE: Toprotecthoodfromdamage

whentransportingyourtractoron a truck

or a trailer,besurehoodisclosedand

securedtotractor. Useanappropriate

meansoftyinghoedtotractor(rope,cord,

etc.).

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER

A'I-rACHMENTS

Towonlytheattachmentsthatare recom-

mendedby andcomplywithspecifications

ofthe manufacturerofyourtractor.Use

commonsensewhentowing.Tooheavyot

a load,whileon a slope,isdangerous.

l]res canlosetractionwiththegroundand

causeyouto losecontrolofyourtractor.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

•The engineinyourtractor hasbeen

shipped,from thefactory,alreadyfilled

withsummerweightoil.

•Checkengineoilwithtractoron level

ground.

•Unthreadand removeoilfillcap/dip-

stick;wipeoiloff.Reinsertthedipstick

intothetubeand restoilfill capon the

tube. Do notthreadthecapontothe

tube. Remove-andreadoillevel. If nec-

essary,add oiluntil =FULL_markon

dipstickisreached. Do notoverfill.

•Forcoldweatheroperationyoushould

changeoilforeasierstarting(See "OIL

VISCOSITY CHART"intheCustomer

Responsibilitiessection ofthismanua;).

•Tochangeengineoil,see the Customar

Responsibilitiessectioninthismanual.

ADD GASOLINE

•Fillfuel tank. Usefresh,clean,regular

unleadedgasolinewitha minimumof8"_

octane.(Useofleadedgasolinewill

increasecarbonandlead oxide

depositsandreducevalvelife).Do not

mixoilwithgasoline.Purchasefuelin

quantitiesthatcanbeusedwithin30

daystoassurefuelfreshness.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingintempera-

turesbelow 32°F(0°C), usefresh, clean

wintergradegasolinetohelpinsuregood

,_dAweatherstarting.

RNING: Experienceindicatesthat

alcoholblendedfuels (calledgasoholor

-usingethanolor methanol)canattract

moisturewhichleadstoseparationand

formationofacidsduringstorage.Acidic

gascandamagethefuel systemofan

enginewhileinstorage.Toavoidengine

problems,thefuel systemshouldbe emp-

tied beforestorageof30 daysorlonger.

Drainthegastank, starttheengineand

letitrununtilthefuel linesandcarburetor

areempty.Usefresh fuel nextseason.

See StorageInstructionsfor additional

information.Never useengineorcarbure-

torcleanerproductsinthefuel tankor per-

nentdamagemay occur.

CAUTION: Fillto bottomofgastank

fillerneck.Do notoverfill.Wipeoffany

spilledoilorfuel. Do notstore,spilloruse

gasolinenearan openflame.

TO START ENGINE

Whenstartingthe enginefor thefirst time

or iftheenginehasrunoutoffuel,itwill

take extracrankingtimeto movefuel from

thetanktotheengine.

•Siton seat inoperatingposition,

depressclutch/brakepedaland set

parkingbrake.

•Placegear shiftleverin neutral(N)posi-

tion.

• Moveattachmentclutchto=DISEN-

GAGED"position.

• Movethrottlecontroltochokeposition.

Note: Beforestarting readthewarmand

coldstartingproceduresbelow.

•Insertkey intoignitionandtumkey

clockwiseto=START"positionand

releasekey as soonas enginestarts.

Do notrunstartercontinuouslyfor more

thanfifteen secondsper minute.Ifthe

enginedoesnotstartafterseveral

attempts,movethrottle controltofast

position,waita few minutesandtry

again.If enginestilldoesnotstart,

movethe throttlecontrol beck tothe

chokepositionand retry.

WARM WEATHERSTARTING(50° F

ANDABOVE)

• Whenenginestarts,movethe throttle

controltothefast position.

•The attachmentsand grounddrivecan

nowbe used.If theenginedoesnot

accepttheload, restarttheengineand

allowittowarmupfor one minuteusing

thechokeas describedabove.

COLD WEATHERSTARTING(50°F

AND BELOW)

• When enginestarts,allowengineto run

withthethrottlecontrolinthechoke

positionuntiltheenginerunsroughly,

then movethrottlecontroltofast posi-

tion.Thismay requireanenginewarm-

upperiodfrom severalsecondstosev-

eralminutes,dependingonthetemper-

ature.

•The attachmentscanalsobeuseddur-

ingtheenginewarm-upperiod.

NOTE: Ifat a highaltitude(above3000

feet) or incoldtemperatures(below32 F)

the carburetorfuel mixturemayneed tobe

adjustedfor bestengineperformance.

See =TOADJUST CARBURETOR"inthe

ServiceandAdjustmentssectionofthis

manual.

MOWING TIPS

• "13rechainscannotbeusedwhenthe

mowerhousingisattachedtotractor.

•Mowershouldbeproperlyleveledfor

bestmowingperformance.See =TO

LEVELMOWER HOUSING"inthe

ServiceandAdjustmentssectionofthis

manual.

•The lefthandsideof mowershouldbe

usedfor trimming.

•Drivesothatclippingsaredischarged

ontothe areathathasbeen cut.Have

thecutareato-therightofthetractor.

Thiswillresultina moreevendistribu-

tionofclippingsandmoreuniformcut-

ting.

•When mowing large areas, start by turn-

ing to the right so that clippings will dis-

charge away from shrubs, fences, drive-

ways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow

in the opposite direction making left

hand tums until finished.

•Ifgrass is extremely tall, it should be

mowed twice to reduce load and possi-

ble fire hazard trom dried clippings.

Make first cut relatively high;the second

to the desired height.

•Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet

grass will plug mower and leave unde-

sirable clumps. Allow grass to dry

before mowing.

•Always operate engine at full throttle

when mowing to assure better mowing

performance and proper discharge of

material. Regulate ground speed by se-

lecting a low enough gear to give the

mower the best cutting performance as

well as the quality of cut desired.

•When operating attachments, select a

ground speed that willsuit the terrain

and give best performance of the at-

tachment being used.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. Clean after each use.

•The special mulching blade will recut

the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall

onto the lawn they will disperse into the

grass and not be noticed. Also, the

mulched grass will biodegrade quickly

to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always

mulchwithyourhighestengine(blade)

speedas thiswill providethebestrecut-

tingactionoftheblades.

Avoidcuttingyourlawnwhenit iswet.

Wetgrasstendstoform clumpsand

interfereswiththemulchingaction.The

besttimetomowyourlawnisthe early

! ,' I I,

aftemoon.Atthis timethegrasshas

driedandthe newlycutareawillnotbe

exposedtothedirectsun.

•Forbestresults,adjustthemowercut-

tingheightsothatthemowercutsoff

onlythetopone-thirdofthe grass

blades.Forextremelyheavymulching,

reduceyourwidthofcutoneachpass

andmowslowly.

•Certaintypesofgrassand grasscondi-

tionsmayrequirethatanarea be

mulcheda secondtimetocompletely

hidetheclippings.Whendoinga sec-

ondcut,mowacrossorperpendicularto

thefirst cutpath.

•Changeyourcuttingpatternfrom week

toweek. Mownorthtosouthoneweek

thenchangeto easttowestthenext

week.Thiswillhelppreventmattingand

grainingofthelawn.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _./_ __..,,,__.,,_€.J

AS YOU COMPLETE DATES

lie

Check Brake Operation t_ Vp

Check Tire Pressure I_

i Check Operator Presence and

T: Intedock Systems V°

R CheckforLooseFa_enera V* I,/, l/

SharperdIReplace Mower Blades V_4

T LuStre.onChart V' I/

Check Battery Level

Clean Battery and Terminals/Recharge VrV_

Check Transaxla Cooling

Ad}ust Blade Belt(s) Tension Ks

Adjust Motion Drive Ball(s) Tension I_s

Check Engine Oil Level V°V°

Change Engine Oil IV_1_.3 V*

EClean Air Filter iV'2

N Clean Air Screen !V_2

G Inspect Muffler/Spark Arraster I_

Replace Oil Filter (If equipped) V_1.2

N Clean Engine Co_ing Fins VP2

Replace Spark Plug If ll_

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge V_2

Replace Fuel Filter V'

1 - Change more often when operstlng undM a heavy load or in high ambient tempeqat_r_. 5 * If equipped with adjustable systern.

2 - Service more o/len when opeflmting ;n dirty cx dusty €ondltlons.

3 - If equipped v*l_ o;I rdtwo Ohange oil evely 50 hourL

4 - Replace blmdN moreoqtenwhon_insandy soil.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warrantyonthistractordoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeen subjectedtooperator

abuseor negligence.To receivefullvalue

from thewarranty,operatormustmaintain

tractoras instructedin thismanual.Some

adjustmentswillneedtobe madeperiodi-

callyto properlymaintainyourtractor.

All adjustmentsin theServiceand

Adjustmentssectionofthis manualshould

be checkedat leastonceeachseason.

•Oncea yearyoushouldreplacethe

sparkplug,cleanor replaceairfilter,and

checkbladesandbeltsfor wear.A new

sparkplugandcleanair filter assure

properair-fuelmixtureand helpyour

enginerunbetterand lastlonger.

BEFORE EACH USE

•Checkengineoillevel.

•Checkbrakeoperation.

•Checktirepressure.

•Ch_k operatorpresenceand interlock

sys_'d_ fo_lSroperoperation.

•Checkfor loosefasteners.

6 - Not required if equipped with rnalntenance-_ee better,/.

7 - Tighten front rode plvol bon to 35 ft.-Ibs, _.

Do no__.

LUBRICATION CHART

OSpindle

Zerk

OFrontWheel Wheel

BearingZerk Bearing

Zerk

0 Enc

0 Attachment_ :

Clutch •Gear

Pivot(s) _"-_" T-_ _Shift

...... Pivots

OSAE30 or 10w30MotorOIL

e GeneralPurposeGrease

@RefertoMaintenance"Engine"Section

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease the pivot

points which have special nylon bear-ings.

Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt

that will shorten the life of the self-lubricating

bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated,

use only a dry,powdered graphite type lubri-

cant sparingly.

TRACTOR

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenper-

forminganymaintenance.

BRAKE OPERATION

If tractor requires more than six (6) feet

stopping distance at high speed in highest

gear, then brake must be adjusted. (See

"TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and

Adjustments sectionof this manual).

TIRES

•Maintain proper air pressure in all tires

(See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"

on page 5 of this manual).

•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rub-

ber.

•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

"objects and other hazards that may

cause tire damage.

NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent

flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant

may be purchased from your local parts

dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry

rot and corrosion.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades.

BLADE REMOVAL

•Raise mower to highest position to allow

access to blades.

•Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat

washer securing blade.

• Install new or resharpened blade with

trailing edge up towards deck as shown.

• Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and

fiat washer in exact order as shown.

• "13ghtenbolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs.

torque).

IMPORTANT: Blade b01t'is--Grade 8 heat

treated.

Bladher___ Mandrel

Assembly

FlatWas Trailing

EdgeUp

•oc.

Hex Bolt(Grade8)_.._

*A Grade 8 heat treated bolt can be

ide!;l_, by,_x lines on the bolt head.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

blade, butif you do, be sure the blade is

balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

excessive vibration and eventual damage

to mower and engine.

•The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while it ison the mower.

• To check blade balance, you will need a

5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone

balancer. (When using acone balancer,

follow the instructions supplied with bal-

ancer).

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing

blade. The lobes ofthe center hole may

appear to be centered, but are not.

•Slide blade onto an unthreaded portion

of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt

or pin parallel with the ground. If blade

is balanced, it should remain in a hori-

zontal position. If either end of the blade

moves downward, sharpen the heavy

end until the blade is balanced.

CenterHole

5/8"Bolt

orPin

Blade

BATTERY

Yourtractorhasa batterychargingsystem

whichissufficientfornormaluse.

However,periodicchargingofthebattery

withan automotivechargerwillextendits

life.

•Keepbatteryandterminalsclean.

•Keepbatteryboltstight.

•Keepsmallventholesopen.

•Rechargeat 6-10 amperesfor 1 hour.

TO CLEAN BATTERYANDTERMINALS

Corrosionand dirtonthebatteryandter-

minalscancausethebatteryto"leak"

power.

•Openbatteryboxdoor.

•DisconnectBLACKbatterycablefirst

thenRED batterycableand remove

batteryfrom tractor.

•Rinsethebatterywithplainwaterand

dry.

•Cleanterminalsandbatterycableends

withwirebrushuntilbright.

•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum

jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See =CONNECT BAT-

TERY" in the Assembly section of this

manual).

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear

after 100 hours of operation and replace if

necessary. The belt3 are not adjustable.

Replace belts if they begin to slip from

wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt

and chaff which can restrict cooling.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SG, or

SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating tem-

perature.

Change the oil alter every 50 hours of

operation or at least once a year ifthe

tractor is not used for 50 hours in one

year.

Check the crankcase oil level before start-

ing the engine and after each eight (8)

hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/dip-

stick securely each time you check the oil

level.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

T()_HANGE _N_'E O_

Determinetemperaturerangeexpected

beforeoilchange. AlloilmustmeetAPI

serviceclassificationSF,SG, orSH.

•Besuretractorisonlevelsurface.

•Oilwilldrainmorefreely whenwarm.

•Catchoilin a suitablecontainer.

•Removeoilfillcap/dipstick.Becareful

nottoallowdirttoentertheengine

when changingoil

•Removedrainplug.

•Afteroilhasdrainedcompletely,replace

oildrainplugandtightensecurely.

•Refillenginewitho=3throughoilfill dip-

sticktube. Pourslowly. Donotoverfill.

Forapproximatecapacitysee=PROD-

UCT SPECIFICATIONS"onpage3 of

this.ro,_, al..;... _

•Use gauge on oil till cap/dipstick for

checking level. Insert dipstick intothe

tube and restthe oUfill cap on the tube.

Do not thread the cap onto the tube

when taking reading. Keep oil at

=FULL=line on dipstick. Tighten cap

onto the tube securely when finished.

AirCleaner CoverKnob

Cover

Foam

Pre-Cleaner

Wing Nut

Air

Cleaner

Base

Oil Fill

Air Cleaner Cap/

Paper Dipstick

Cartridge

OilDrain Plug

CLEAN AIR SCREEN

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and

chaff to prevent engine damage from over-

heating. Clean with a wire brush or com-

pressed air to remove dirt and stubborn

dried gum fibers.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a

dirty air filter. Clean the foam pre-cleaner

after every 25 hours of operation or every

season. Service paper cartridge every

100 hours of operation or every season,

whichever occurs-flrst.

Service air cleaner more often under dusty

conditions.

•Remove knob and cover.

•Remove wing nut and air cleaner from

base.

TO SERVICEPRE-CLEANER

•Slidefoampre_leaner offcartridge.

•Wash it inliquiddetergentand water.

•Squeezeitdryina cleancloth. Allowit

todry.

•Saturateitinengineoil. Wrap itin

clean,absorbentclothand squeezeto

removeexcessoil.

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Craftsman 917.271110 User manual

Brand: Craftsman

Model: 917.271110

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: User manual

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917271110

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