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Craftsman 917.270961 Owner's Manual

20.5 hp electric start 42" mower automatic lawn tractor
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Owner's Manual
£RAFTZMAN o
20.5 HP
ELECTRIC
START
42" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270961
•
Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety Rules
and Instructions before operat-
ing this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears
Craftsman
Help Line
5 am - 5 pro, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman
website:www.sears.comlcraftsman

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.270961

  • Page 1 • Repair Parts CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operat- ing this equipment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.comlcraftsman For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears...
  • Page 2 Please contact your nearest service warranty service is available by taking your Craftsman Sears Service Center. (In-home but a standard is in the United States. This ESTATES, • Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be...

  • Page 3: Slope Operation

    • Slow down beforeturning. • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always tum off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. • Tum off blades when not mowing. • Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute. •...
  • Page 4 • Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation larly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage.

  • Page 5: Product Specifications

    BATFERY: AMP/HR: MIN. CCA: CASE SIZE:U1R BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Craftsman Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible depend- ability and performance. ShOuld you experience any problem you...
  • Page 6 Steering © Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Large Flat Washer sher Seat 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob (T,-J Video Cassette Keys (2) Keys Wheel Extension Steering Shaft Sleeve teering (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 Wheel Insert (1) Lock washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18...
  • Page 7 Your new tractor has been assembled unassembled for shipping purposes. tractor all parts and hardware you assemble correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes you need are listed below.

  • Page 8: Install Seat

    HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR CHECK BATTERY • Lift hood to raised position. • 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).
  • Page 9 • Slowly move the motion control lever forward and slowly drive tractor off skid. • Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place motion control lever in neutral position. ° Turn ignition key to "OFF" position. Continue with the instructions that follow. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE...
  • Page 10 _CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE BEST PERFORMANCE SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT, PLEASE REVIEWTHE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: •/ All assembly instructions have been completed. / No remaining loose parts in carton. 4"...
  • Page 11 These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Leam and understand their meaning. BATTERY CAUTION OR WARNING ENGINE ON ENGINE OFF OIL PRESSURE FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT R N H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL CLUTCH ENGAGED ATTACHMENT IGNITION...
  • Page 12 KNOWYOURTRACTOR READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. Attachment Clutch Lever Ammeter Choke Throttle Clutch/ Height...
  • Page 13 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 standard safety glasses.
  • Page 14 The cutting height range is approxi- mately 1-1/2" to 4". The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with the engine not running. heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed.

  • Page 15: To Start Engine

    • Pull freewheel control out and down into the slot and release so it is held in the disengaged position. • Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH. • To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure. NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck...
  • Page 16 • Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to =START" position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again.
  • Page 17 • Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/ brake pedal. • Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately live (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse...

  • Page 18: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminels Check Trarmaxle Cooling Adlust Blade Belt(e) Tension Adjust Motion Drive Belt(s)

  • Page 19: Operator Presence System

    TRACTOR Always .observe safety rules when pedormmg any maintenance. BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six (6) feet stopping distance at high speed in highestgear, then brake must be adjusted. (See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

  • Page 20: Clean Air Screen

    NOTE:The odginalequipmentbatteryon yourtractoris maintenance free, Donot attemptto open or removecaps or covers.Addingor checkinglevel of electrolyteis not necessary. TO CLEANBATTERY ANDTERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the batteryand terminalscan causethe batteryto power. Remove terminal guard, Disconnect BLACK battery cable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.

  • Page 21: Spark Plugs

    overheating. Cleanwith a wire brush or compressedair to removedirt and stubborndried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOUNG AREAS To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other extemal surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times. Every 100 hours of operation (mol'e often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other...
  • Page 22 CLEANING i Clean engine, battery, seat finish etc. °f all f° reign mauttr_ r" Keep fin'shed s aces and wee free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive type wax. ,& CAUTION: Before performing • Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
  • Page 23 TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure tires are propedy inflated (See =PROD- UCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual). If tires are over or underinflated, you will not properly adjust your mower.
  • Page 24 TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools, Park the tractor on level sudace. Engage parking brake. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). •...
  • Page 25 TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LEVER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. • Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightly tighten. • Start engine and move motion control lever until tractor does not move forward or backward.
  • Page 26 TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. If your battery is too weak to start the engine, it should be recharged. "BATTERY"...
  • Page 27 TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY • Raise hood. • Unsnap headlight wire connector. • Stand in front of tractor: Grasp hood at sides, tilt toward engine and lift off of tractor. • To replace, reverse above procedure. Headlight Wire Connector ENGINE Maintenance,...
  • Page 28 then tum out (counterclockwise) 1 -1/4 to 1-1/2tums. FINALSE'I-rlNG- • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments engine running and shift/motion control lever in neutral (N) position. • With throttle control lever in slow position, hold throttle lever against idle speed screw and adjust idle speed screw to obtain 1200 to 1400 RPM.

  • Page 29: Engine Oil

    Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. _. CAUTION: Never store the tractor with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.

  • Page 30: Troubleshooting Chart

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start • Out of fuel. • Engine not "CHOKED" properly. • Engine flooded. • Bad spark plug. • Dirty air filter. • Dirty fuel filter. • Water in fuel. • Loose or damaged • Carburetor Service •...

  • Page 31: Troubleshootinq ;Chart

    TROUBLESHOOTINq ;CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Loss of power •Build-upofgr_s, andtmshundermowe_ (Continued) • Dirty air filter. • Low oil level/dirty oil • Faulty spark plug. • Dirty fuel filter. • Stale or dirty fuel. • Water in fuel, • Spark plug wire loose. •...
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Poor grass • Engine speed too slow. discharge • Travel speed too fast. • Wet grass. I, Mower deck not level. I • Low/uneven • Worn, bent or loose blade. • Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under mower.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR -. MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 SCHEMATIC AMMETER (OPTIONAL) WHITE IGNITION SWITCH YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM, THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED BATrERY, OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED.
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 ELECTRICAL...
  • Page 35 145673 121433X 141940 55 17490508 170242 NOTE: Allcomponent dimensions given in U.S. inches 1 inch = 25.4 mm 917.270961 DESCRIFnON Battery Bolt, Hex 1/4-20x3/4 Tray, Battery Bolt, Btr Front 1/4-20 x 7-I/2 HolddownBatteryFmnt Mount Nut, Push Nylon Battery Front 1/4...

  • Page 36: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES...
  • Page 37 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 CHASSISAND ENCLOSURES I<L=Y PART 169830 169061 17060612 155272 168337X013 STD533710 11 155927 12 145660 13 169118 17 144983X558 126938X 156437 124028)( 19131312 26 STD541437 166271X558 155217X599 164919X558 139976 17490508 169834 73800400 52 19091416 53 145201...

  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 GROUND DRIVE "161 !59 158...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 GROUND DRIVE PART DESCRIPTION Transaxle (See Breakdown) Hydro Gr 314-0510 165866 Rod Shift FenderAdjust 10 STD561210 PinCotter I/8xlCAD 10040400 WasherLockHwHetieal 15 74490544 BoltHexFLGHD5/16-18GR.5 16 STD541431 Nut Lock Hex W/Ins. 5/16-18 Unc 19 STD541437 NutLockHexW/Wsh3/8-16Unc 130564...
  • Page 40 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 STEERING ASSEMBLY "" " """-'_ .. 222-'--__22. -. Ct:!

  • Page 41: Steering Assembly

    67 72110618 169827 19132012 74950612 169835 133835 NOTE: Allcomponentdimensionsgiven in U.S. inctles 1 inch = 25.4 mm 917.270961 DESCRIPTION SteeringWheel Front Axle Assembly Spindle Assembly, L.H. Spindle Assembly, R.H. Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Gauge...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 ENGINE I OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 12 I...
  • Page 43 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 ENGINE PART 162152 17720410 149723 144069 144O68 138129 150176 10 145552 11 STD551125 12 ST_o22507 13 165287 14 13280336 15 13200300 16 STD551237 17 17490624 23 169837 25 145996 26 7392(To00 152927 137180 157103...

  • Page 44: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART DESCRIPTION Seat 3450 BIk/blkCraftsman 140123 140551 Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk } Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16uoc X 1 71110616 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga 19131610 145006 Clip Push In Hinged...

  • Page 45: Wheels And Tires

    TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 DECALS PART DESCRIPRON 156439 Decal Fender Danger Sears 163205 Decal Fend Auto Sears Go d 171696 Decal Hood Rh Craftsman 171697 Decal Hood Lh Craftsman 170933 Decal Engine H/P 133644 Decal Maint Customer SearsDom 171809...
  • Page 46 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 LIFTASSEMBLY _j50...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 LIFT ASSEMBLY PARr 159460 159471 105767X 12000002 19211621 120183X 125631X 122365X 11 139865 12 139866 13 STD624008 15 167253 16 73350800 17 130171 18 73680800 19 139868 163552 110807X 19131016 2876H 169484 27 126971X...

  • Page 48: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 MOWERDECK .148...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 MOWER DECK PART DESCRIPTION 165892 MowerHousing STD533107 Bolt 138017 BracketAssembly,Sway Bar,Front 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" STD624008 Retainer Spdng 130832 Arm,Suspension, Rear 850857 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1.25 Gr. 8 STD551137 Washer, Lock 10 140296...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510...
  • Page 51 170405 RetainingRing 170406 Bearing, Center Block 142977 Spring - Helical Compression 142978 Washer 150798 20w-50Oil 170407 Brake Yoke - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 I<LcY PART DESCRIPTION 170408 Rotor, Brake 142883 Brake Puck 142881 Puck Plate 142887 Brake Actuating Pin 170410...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL 1095 VALVE OVERHAUL GASKET SET 61SA_/ 1132 _ 917.270961 NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 1125_ 258A [ 1019 LABEL I 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL "k REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS 15 _ TO INSTALL SEE REPAIR...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 BRIGGS& STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER461707,TYPE NUMBER0145-E1 392,32_ 435 _ 267_e 1036 LABEL KIT-EMISSION...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145. 513_ 1051 _ _)1_ "_d!_ 544 _ 358 GASKET 177 O 51A_ 38 208...
  • Page 55 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 PART DESCRIPTION 496583 Cylinder Assembly 399265 Bushing/SealKit 91086 • /r Seal-Oil 493304 Sump-Eng_e 214517 Head-Cylinder#1 214518 Head-Cylinder#2 271867 Gasket-CylinderHead #1 271868 Gasket-CylinderHead #2 495754 BreatherAssembly(Cylinder#1)
  • Page 56 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0146-1 PART DESCRIPTION 223882 Washer (GovernorCrank) 94674 Screw (Air Cleaner BaseI 94823 Screw (Air CleanerCover) 693492 Q+ Cap-Spring 693489 4)+ Diaphragm-Fuel P ump 693493 Cover-Diaphragm 693494 Screw(DiaphragmCover) 222875 Bracket-OilFill...
  • Page 59 SUGGESTED l& GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradu- I ally to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not caution when changing direction on slopes.
  • Page 60 For in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-HOME Para pedir servicio de reparaci6n a domicilio 1,800-676-5811 In Canada for all your service and parts needs call Au Canada pour tout le service ou les pi_ces 1-800-665-4455 For the repair or replacement Call 6 am - 11 pm CST, 7 days a week...

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