Craftsman 917.270961 manual

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[...]

Warranty ................ : ............. _ .................. 2 Safety Rules ......... i ...... ...... _ .................. 2 Product Specifications ......._...._ ............. 5 Assembly ....... :......_ ...... _ 'o ...... 7 Operatio n ....... .i ...... . ...... _ ...... _............... 11 Maintenance Schedule _......:. ............... 18 M[...]

• Slow down before turning. • 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. • Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. • Do not operate the machin[...]

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. • Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regu- larly. • Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing. • Stop and inspect the equipment[...]

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: OILTYPE API-SF/BG/SH): OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG: (GAP: .030") VALVE ADJUSTMENT GROUND SPEED (MPH): TIRE PRESSURE: CHARGING SYSTEM: 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°FI 3.0PINTS CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM INTAKE: ,004"-.006" EXHAUST'..007"-[...]

© Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Sleeve Wheel Insert t teering Extension Shaft (1) Hex Bolt 3/8-16 x 1 0 (1) Lock washer 3/8 (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4 @ (1) Locknut 5/16-18 sher Seat 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge (1) Knob j_ (T,-J (1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18 Keys (2) Keys Video Cassette Slope Sheet 6[...]

Your new tractor has 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. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set wi[...]

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). "'" &qu[...]

• 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 The tires on your tractor were overin- flated at [...]

_CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT, PLEASE REVIEWTHE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: • / All assembly instructions have been completed. / No remaining loose parts in carton. 4" Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum 1 ho[...]

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 REVERSE FORWARD FAST SLOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON 6 FUEL CHOKE MOWER HEIGHT PARKING BRAKE UNLOCKED MOWER LIFT LOCKED R N H L ATTACHMENT REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CLUTCH ENGAGED PARKING[...]

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 Ignition Switch Ammeter .... .. ••• Lever Choke Plunger Throttle[...]

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. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PAR[...]

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. These heights are approximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass and types of grass being mowed. • The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2 inches during [...]

• 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 or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tr[...]

• 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. If engine still does not start, pull the choke [...]

• 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[...]

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES Check Brake Operation _ _ Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems I_ Check for Loose Fasteners I_ 1_7 Id _ T Lubrication Chart _ V _ 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Battery and Terminels I_ Check Trarmaxle Cooling I_ Adlust Blade Belt(e) Tensi[...]

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). TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (Se[...]

NOTE: The odginalequipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free, Do not attemptto open or removecaps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEANBATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosionand dirt on the battery and terminals can cause the batteryto "leak" power. Remove terminal guard, i Disconnect BLACK batter[...]

overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to removedirt and stubborn dried 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 condit[...]

CLEANING i Clean engine, battery, seat finish etc. °f all f° reign mauttr_ r" h is Keep fin'shed s aces and wee free of all gasoline, oil, etc. • Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive type wax. We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your tractor unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covere[...]

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. SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT • Raise mower to its highest position. • At the midpo[...]

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 (See "TO REMOVE MOWER" in this section of this manual). • Work belt off both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. • Pull belt away from mower. BE[...]

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. • Hold motion control le[...]

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. (See "BATTERY" in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual). If &q[...]

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. • Remove air cleaner cover, filter and cartddge plate to expose carburetor choke (see "AIR FILTER" in the Customer[...]

then tum out (counterclockwise) 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 tums. FINAL SE'I-rlNG - • Start engine and allow to warm for five minutes. Make final adjustments with 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[...]

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. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. TRACTOR Remove mower from tractor for wi[...]

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CAUSE Will not start • Out of fuel. Hard to start Engine will not turn over Engine clicks but will not start Loss of power • Engine not "CHOKED" properly. • Engine flooded. • Bad spark plug. • Dirty air filter. • Dirty fuel filter. • Water in fuel. • Loose or damaged wiring. • Carburetor out[...]

TROUBLESHOOTINq PROBLEM Loss of power (Continued) Excessive vibration ;CHART CAUSE •Build-upofgr_s, leaves andtmshundermowe_ Enginecontinues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged Poor cut - uneven Mower blades will not rotate • Dirty air filter. • Low oil level/dirty oil • Faulty spark plug. • Dirty fuel filter. [...]

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM CORRECTION Poor grass discharge Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) Battery will not charge Loss of drive Engine "backfires" whenturning engine "OFF" CAUSE • Engine speed too slow. • Travel speed too fast. • Wet grass. I, Mower deck not level. I • Low/uneven tire air pressure. • Worn[...]

SCHEMATIC TRACTOR -. MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 AMMETER FUSE (OPTIONAL) WHITE IGNITION SWITCH IGNmON SWITCH STARTER BLACK SEAT SWITCH I {CLUTCH OFF) GROUNDING CONNECTOR SPARK PLUG IGNITION _ - GAP UNIT J (2 PLUGS ON TWIN CYL ENGINES) • t 4 rOt.T8 AC MIN_ • _ f_M _J(3_r's OFF_ NOTE YOUR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM, THE[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 ELECTRICAL I 25 I I I I i I 34[...]

ELECTRICAL TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 KEY PARr NO. NO. DESCRIFnON 1 163465 Battery 2 74760412 Bolt, Hex 1/4-20x3/4 8 7603J Tray, Battery 10 145211 Bolt, Btr Front 1/4-20 x 7-I/2 11 150109 HolddownBatteryFmnt Mount 12 145769 Nut, Push Nylon Battery Front 1/4 16 153664 Switch Interlock Push-In 20 73350400 Nut, Hex, Jam 1/4-20 21 166182 Harne[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 58 12 31 207 2O7 6O 74 36[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES I<L=Y PART NO, NO. DESCI_IPTION 1 169830 2 169061 3 17060612 5 155272 9 168337X013 t0 STD533710 11 155927 12 145660 13 169118 17 144983X558 18 126938X 20 156437 23 124028)( 25 19131312 26 STD541437 28 166271X558 29 155217X599 30 164919X558 31 139976 37 17490508 38 169834 51 73800400 52 1[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 GROUND DRIVE / J / _ "161 ! 59 158 169 32 52 16 3S 36 38[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART _ PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. 1 ...... Transaxle (See Breakdown) 73 169182 Hydro Gr 314-0510 74 169496 8 165866 Rod Shift FenderAdjust 75 121749X 10 STD561210 PinCotter I/8xlCAD 76 STD58t075 14 10040400 WasherLockHwHetieal 77 123583X 15 74490544 BoltHexFLGHD5/16-18GR.5 78 121748X 16 STD5[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 STEERING ASSEMBLY "" " """-'_ 1 .. 222-'--__22. -. Ct:! I 62 44 4O[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. 1 139768 2 154427 3 169840 4 169839 5 6266H 6 121748X 7 19272016 8 12000029 9 3366R 10 169832 11 ST0551137 13 136518 15 145212 17 156546 18 57079 19 160395 22 165857 23 165851 25 154406 26 126847X 27 136874 28 19131416 29 17060612 3O STD561210 32 130465 36 155099 37 152927 38 139[...]

ENGINE TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 32 31 33 39 33 29 I OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 0 i i i 12 I 42[...]

ENGINE TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 _'Y PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 162152 2 17720410 3 ....... 4 149723 5 144069 6 144O68 7 138129 8 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 27 152927 29 137180 31 157103 32 161696 33 123487X 34 106082X 37 8543R[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 SEAT ASSEMBLY PART NO. NO. 1 140123 2 140551 3 71110616 4 19131610 5 145006 6 STD541437 7 124181X 8 17000616 9 19131614 10 155926 11 166369 12 121246X KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIP/1ON Seat 3450 BIk/blk Craftsman Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat (blk } Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16uoc X 1 Washer 13/32 X 3/4 X 10 Ga Clip Push [...]

DECALS TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 14 6 7 1 3 4 11 2 22 19 20 14 13 PART NO. NO. 1 156439 2 163205 3 171696 4 171697 5 170933 6 133644 7 171809 9 163204 11 156811 PART DESCRIPRON NO. NO. DESCRIPTION Decal Fender Danger Sears 13 146046 Decal Fend Auto Sears Go d 14 166927 Decal Hood Rh Craftsman 15 160396 Decal Hood Lh Craftsman 19 138047 Dec[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 LIFT ASSEMBLY 29_ 27 23 7 30 _j50 3 6 5 4 2O 46[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 LIFT ASSEMBLY KEY PARr NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 159460 Lift Lever inner Wire Asm. 2 159471 Shaft Asm. Lift 3 105767X Pin Groove 4 12000002 E Ring 5 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x 21 Ga. 6 120183X Beadng Nylong 7 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 8 122365X Button Plunger Read 11 139865 Link Asm Lift L.H. 12 139866 Link Asm Lif[...]

MOWER DECK TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 [ .148 22 24 26 27 48[...]

MOWER DECK TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 PART NO. NO. 1 165892 2 STD533107 3 138017 4 165460 5 STD624008 6 130832 8 850857 9 STD551137 10 140296 11 134149 12 129895 13 137645 14 128774 15 110485X 16 140329 18 72140505 19 132827 20 159770 21 STD541431 22 134753 23 131267 24 105304X 25 123713X 26 110452X 27 130968X428 28 19111016 29 131491 30 15[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 co 04 5O[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 HYDRO GEAR TRANSAXLE . - MODEL NUMBER 314-0510 KL=Y PAR)" I<LcY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 170351 2 170352 3 170353 4 170354 5 169898 6 170355 7 170356 8 170357 9 170358 10 170359 11 170360 12 169870 13 170361 14 169869 16 170362 17 170363 18 170364 19 150771 23 170365 24 170366 27 1703[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 5 572 1095 VALVE OVERHAUL GASKET SET 61SA_/ 1132 _ 1125_ t9 _' 26 258A [ 1019 LABEL KIT I I 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL 'l "k REQUIRES SPECIALTOOLS 15 _ TO INSTALL SEE REPAIR INSTRUCTION MANUAl 52[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 85g 392,32_ 391 _ 435 _ 971 267_e 1036 LABEL KIT-EMISSION I 53[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145. 697 309 101 513_ 1051 _ _)1_ "_d!_ y 803 544 _ 801 797 358 GASKET SET 177 O 51A_ 38 208 54[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270961 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0145-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 496583 2 399265 3 91086 4 493304 5 214517 5A 214518 7 271867 7A 271868 8 495754 9 27803 10 94382 10A 94380 11 280225 273390 13 15 16 19 2O 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 33 34 35 36 4O 41 42 [...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.270861 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 461707, TYPE NUMBER 0146-1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 404 223882 Washer (Governor Crank) 822 693497 Washer-Seal (Throttle Shaft) 423 94674 Screw (Air Cleaner Base I 847 495715 Dipstick/Tube Assembly 425 94823 Screw (Air Cleaner Cover) 851 49[...]

57[...]

58[...]

SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL ol (.0 l& Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not I I greater than 15°), never across the face. Make turns gradu- I ally to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme J caution when changing direction on slopes. I[...]

For in-home major brand repair service: Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-800-4-MY-HOME s" (1-800-469-4663) 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 parts you need: Call 6 am - 11 [...]