Craftsman 917.273402 Owner's Manual
Craftsman 917.273402 Owner's Manual

Craftsman 917.273402 Owner's Manual

Lawn tractor 18.0 hp, 42" mower electric start automatic transmissio

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Owner's Manual
Ma. J
LAWN TRACTOR
18.0 HP, 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.273402
[_
This product
has a low emission
engine which
operates
differently
from previously
built engines.
Before you start the
engine,
read and understand
this Owner's
Manual.
IMPORTANT:
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 pm, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A
Visit our Craftsman website:www_sears.com/craftsman

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Summary of Contents for Craftsman 917.273402

  • Page 1 Read and follow all Safety about this product, Call: Rules and Instructions before 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line operating this equipment. 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A Visit our Craftsman website:www_sears.com/craftsman...
  • Page 2 N-HOME warranty servtce will still be avail- able but a trip charge will app y Th s charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped off at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears ocat on, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
  • Page 3: Slope Operation

    IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects_ Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. o Be aware of the mower discharge direc- ,_WARNING" In order to prevent ac- tion and do not point it at anyone.
  • Page 4 o Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with • Mow up and down slopes, not across. safe machine operation. o Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree ° Never allow children to operate limbs, etc. machine_ o Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
  • Page 5 • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree • Be sure the area is clear of other people limbs, etc_ before mowing, Stop machine if anyone enters the area. o Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall o Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off.
  • Page 6: Specifications

    3_5 Pints REPAIR PROTECTION W/O Filter: 3_0 Pints AGREEMENTS Spark Plug: Champion RCt2YC Congratulations on making a smart pur- GAP: _030") chase. Your new Craftsman® product is Ground Speed Forward: designed and manufactured for years of (MPH): Reverse: dependable operation.
  • Page 7 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Locknut (1) Hex Bolt 1/2-20 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Extension Shaft Boot Steering Steerin_ Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Washer 17/32 x1-3/16 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Keys Slope Sheet Video Cassette...
  • Page 8: Tools Required For Assembly

    Your' new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the 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...
  • Page 9: Check Battery

    Push down on seat to engage shoulder NOTE: You may now roll or drive your bolts in slots and pull seat towards rear tractor off the skid, Follow the appropriate of tractor, instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid. Pivot seat and pan forward and as- semble adjustment knob and flat...
  • Page 10 INSTALL MULCHER PLATE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM After you learn how to operate your trac- (If previously removed) tor, check to see that the brake is properly 1. Raise and hold deflector shield in adjusted. See '`TO ADJUST BRAKE" in upright position. tlre Service and Adjustments section of 2.
  • Page 11 Thesesymbolsmayappearon your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning, REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ® G_'---% ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE...
  • Page 12 KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustrnents, Save this manual for future reference. Ignition Switch Attachment Clutch Lever' Light Switch Position Ammeter ..
  • 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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacle&...
  • Page 14: Towing Carts And Other Attach- Ments

    TO TRANSPORT o For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed When pushing or towing your tractor, be twice. Make the first cut relatively high; sure to disengage transmission by placing the second to desired height.
  • Page 15 o For cold weather operation you should NOTE: Before starting, read the warm change oil for easier starting ((See the and cold starting procedures below. oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance Insert key into ignition and turn key section of this manual). clockwise to start position and release •...
  • Page 16: Mowing Tips

    MOWING TIPS PURGE TRANSMISSION • Mower should be properly leveled for To ensure proper operation and per- formance, it is recommended that the best mowing performance. See '3"0 LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time_ This procedure will Service and Adjustments...
  • Page 17 MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean after each use. o The special mulching blade will recur 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.
  • Page 18: Before Each Use

    MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE j_._ .EOU R 0E.VICE m ERV'C" O,TES AsYou COMPL_B _÷_ _,_ Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and Interlock Systems Check for Loose Fasteners f=## SharperdReplace Mower Blades _##'a Lubrication Chad t# # Check Saltery Level Clean Bailer/and Terminals Check Transaxle...
  • Page 19 TRACTOR IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, cent_er hole in blade must align with star Always observe safety rules when per- on mandrel assembly. forming any maintenance. Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer BRAKE OPERATION and flat washer in exact order as If tractor requires more than six (6) feet shown.
  • Page 20 ENGINE ,, KeepbatteryboltstighL o Keepsmallvent holesopen. LUBRICATION ° Rechargeat 6-10amperesfor 1 hour, Only use high quality detergent oil rated NOTE:The originalequipmentbatteryon with API service classification SF-SJ, yourtractoris maintenance free.Do not Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade attemptto openor removecapsor covers. according to your expected operating Addingor checkinglevelof electrolyteis temperature,...
  • Page 21 Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. 4, To open, pul! out on the drain valve. 5. After oil has drained completely, close __,._Z_ Handle and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.
  • Page 22: Spark Plugs

    MUFFLER CLEANING • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. Inspect and replace corroded muffler of all foreign matter. spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- ,, Keep finished surfaces and wheels free ate a fire hazard and/or damage. of all gasoline, oil, etc. SPARK PLUG(S) °...
  • Page 23 ARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1, Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2_ Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position° Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4o Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key, Make sure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped.
  • Page 24 7_ Push clutch cable housing guide into o Before making any necessary adjust- bracket, slide collar onto guide and ments, check that both front links are secure with large retainer spring. equal in length. Place flat washer and clutch spring on ,, If links are not equal in length, adjust idler pulley bolt and secure with small one link to same length as other link.
  • Page 25 BELT INSTALLATION Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys if necessary, If stopping distance and idler pulleys still greater than five (5) feet in highest Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves gear, further maintenance is neces- and inside all belt guides.
  • Page 26 TRANSMISSION REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT Should your transmission require removal for Engine Pulley ----- service or replacement, it should be purged after reinstallation and before operating the Ciutohin0 ,dlor tractor. See "PURGE TRANSMISSION" the Operation section of this manual° Stationary Idler .i "7I TO ADJUST STEERING...
  • Page 27 If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, follow this procedure: IMPORTANT: Your tractor is equipped with a 12 volt system, The other vehicle must also be a 12 volt system Do not use your tractor battery to start other vehicles, TO ATTACH JUMPER CABLES Connect...
  • Page 28 ENGINE IMPORTANT: Damage to the needle valve and the seat in carburetor may result Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the if screw is turned in too tight. emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, PRELIMINARY SETTING may be performed by any non-road engine...
  • Page 29 Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- hose, or tank during storage Also, alcohol age at the end of the season or if the trac- blended fuels (called gasohol or using tor will not be used for 30 days or more. ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture...
  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service cente! PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION ,,,i ,,,,,,,,, ,,, ..Will not start 1• Out of fuel. Fill fuel tank. See 'q'O START ENGINE" Engine not "CHOKED" PEropedy. _aeration section. it several minutes before ngine flooded.
  • Page 31 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center cAUSE PROBLEM CORRECTION 6. Clean and regap or change Loss of power & Faulty spark plug spark plug. i(continued) 7. Replace fuel filter, Dirty fuel filterr 8, Empty fuel tank and refill tank 8o Stale or dirty fuel.
  • Page 32 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center CAUSE PROBLEM CORRECTION Poor grass 3. Wet grass° 3. Allow grass to dry before mowing. discharge 4. Mower deck not level. 4. Level mower deck. continued) 5. Low/uneven tire air pressure. 5.
  • Page 33 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 SCHEMATIC SAT?ERY AMMETER FUSE STARTER BLACK SOLENOID t ..CLUTCH/ BRAKE .-_( (PEDAL UP) WHITE IGNITION ..i..(NOT SEAT OCCUPIED) SWITCH SWITCH BIJ_CK _ I J31J, CK _ITC GROUNDING (OPTIONAL) UNIT {2PLUGS ON BLUE LINE I TWI_ICYL.
  • Page 34 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 ELECTRICAL •...
  • Page 35 TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. _NO_ DESCRIPTION 163465 Battery 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 unc x 3/4 176689 Box Battery Fender 176138 Switch, Interlock 183759 Harness Asm Light W/4152J 4152J Bulb Light #1156 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga, 11" red 146147 Cable Battery 6 Ga, w/16 wire red 175158...
  • Page 36 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES chassis-Laser -ILstlt_27...
  • Page 37: Chassis And Enclosures

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART DESCRIPTION 174619 Chassis Stamping 176554 Drawbar 185272 Bumper Hood/Dash 167846)(013 Dash STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 174996 Panel, Dash, LH 1721057.010 Panet, Dash, R,H 17490608 ScrewThdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 186682X558 Hood Assembly Laser 184921...
  • Page 38: Ground Drive

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 GROUND DRIVE 78 76 drive-hydro silt_72...
  • Page 39 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 9'17.273402 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Screw Hex Wsh HI-Lo ..Transaxle (See Breakdown) 142432 Peerlese LTH2000 1/4 x 1/2 uric 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust 134683 Keeper Belt Engine STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x 1 CAD 137057...
  • Page 40: Steering Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 STEERING ASSEMBLY 37_37 steedng_olIt47...
  • Page 41 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO, DESCRIPTION 139768 Steering Wheel 184706 Axle Assembly 169840 Spindle Assembly, LH. 169839 Spindle Assembly, RH 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 12_t748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga 12000029 Ring, KIIp 175121...
  • Page 42 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 ENGINE ..;,,. € ÷ OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester englne-bs I cyl_l 7 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 170545 Control Throt/Ch 191654 Plug drain oll easy 17720408 Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 124028X Bushing Snap Nyl BIk Fuel Line Screw Hexwsh Thdrol 1/4-20 x Engine (See Breakdown) 17670412...
  • Page 43: Seat Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 SEAT ASSEMBLY seat_l_knob9 KEY PART KEY PART NO, NO, DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 121248X 166716 Seat Bushing Snap BIk Ny150 _d 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 180166 Bracket Fender Pivot 134300 71110616 Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Spacer Split 28 x 96 Zinc 121250X 19131610...
  • Page 44 133644 Deca{, D{sconnect Decal, Customer Maintenance 178392 184730 Decal Hood Side LT1060 138311 Decal, LiftHandle 184899 Pad Footrest LH STLT Decal, Fender; Craftsman 184310)(428 156439 Pad Footrest RH STLT Decal, Fender Danger 184311X428 138047 Decal, Battery 191736 Owner's Manual, English...
  • Page 45: Lift Assembly

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 LIFT ASSEMBLY 11__ 6 13 lift-rh 1piece KEY PART KEY PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 159460 Washer Asm Inner Spring STD624008 Retainer Sprtng W/Plunger 173288 Link Front 159471 Shaft Asm Lift 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1/2-13 unc 105767X Pin Groove 175689...
  • Page 46: Mower Deck

    TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 MOWER DECK 152_ 42_D man+path_stir_3...
  • Page 47 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 MOWER DECK KEY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 139888 Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18 unc STD533107 Bolt 184907 Arm Assembly, Pad, Brake 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, 178515 Washer, Hardened Front 155046 Arm, Idler 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42"...
  • Page 48 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000...
  • Page 49 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 772151 Cover L H 786196 Spacer 625 765 770135 Case 792201 Spring 776355 Counter Shaft 792154 Oil Fill Plug 778263 Spur Gear 11T 788088A Otl Seal 3/4"...
  • Page 50 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 718 _ 43,_ 584_ 1330 REPAIR MANUAL 307_ 12641_ _32g REPLACEMENT ENGINE! 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 24 Q 943 €3 1270 2o@ o,70 759_ 1;_660 524 i_ 8420 10!g LABEL KIT 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL...
  • Page 51 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 238 O 1020 1022i ¢P 102E 404 @ 614 1 305A _ 1070 801 (_ 70s __ 1044 697 _ 1040 1005 oo3 31°1 ,o0_ 2>...
  • Page 52 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 106A 692 ! 127A log1 127_ 276A_ 947A_ NIKKI 1127 _, °,7 0 276 _ 950_ I 1266AQ 1266 0 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 104 _ 127_ 231"...
  • Page 53 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 697174 Cyllnder Assembly 690577 (3 Seat-}nlet 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 391086 • Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 108A 695419 Valve-Choke (Nikki) 697188 Sump-Engine ! 17...
  • Page 54 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273402 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777, TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION Seal-Valve 693551 Motor-Starter 690968 .÷ Screw (Rocker Cover) 690323 Bolt (Starter Motor) 690960 497608 Brush Set 690589 • SeaI-O Ring (Oil Pump Cover) Solenoid-Fuel 495859 Armature-Magneto...
  • Page 55 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2, Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure, 4.
  • Page 56 Your Home For repair - in your home - of all major brand appliances, lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems, no matter who made it, no matter who sold it! For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals that you need to do-it-yourself. For Sears professional installation of home appliances and items like garage door openers and water heaters.

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