Craftsman 18.5 HP 917.273823 manual

Owner's Manual I CRRFTSMRN'I LAWN TRACTOR 18.5 HE 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273823 [_ 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 R[...]

Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ 8 Operation ............................................. 11 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Maintenance Sche[...]

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. Jl, WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place[...]

DO: • Mow up and down slopes, not across. • Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. • Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Un- even terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles. • Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. • Follow the manufacturer's reco[...]

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. • Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off. • Do not mow in reverse unless abso- lutely necessary. Always _ook down and behind before and while backing. ° Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or in[...]

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline 4.0 Gallons Capacity Unleaded and Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints W/O Filter: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: Champion RCt2YC GAP: .030") Ground Speed Forward: 5.5 (MPH): Reverse: 2.4 Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI Rear: 10 PSI Charging System[...]

Steering Wheel Insert (1) kocknut 1/2-20 g Boot Steering Wheel @ (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 Steering Extension Shaft Seat (1) Washer 17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge _(1) Knob For Future Use Slope Sheet Keys "--t Video Cassette 7[...]

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 before you begin. TO[...]

INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob. 1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat washer securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor. 2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard. 3. Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is positioned[...]

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) 1. Raise and held deflector shield in upright position. 2. Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck opening and slide into place, as shown. 3. Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. 4. Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck. _CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield from[...]

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning, R N H L Ikl REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION ENGINE OFF LIGHTS ON ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING DRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE LOCKED UNLOCKED OVER TEMP FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT [...]

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR 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 X Ignition Switch Ammeter Throttle!Choke Light Switch Position Plung[...]

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 spectacles. J HOW TO USE YOUR TRACT[...]

• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively high; the second to desired height• TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck [...]

Transmission Engaged Transmission Disengaged NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.). TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- MENTS Tow only the attachments that are recom- mended by and comply[...]

• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above. COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 ° F and below) 7. When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughl[...]

MOWING TIPS * Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. * The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. * Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has already been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the t[...]

AS YOU COMPLETE R EGU LARSE RVICE OATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure _ Check Operator Presence and T interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners _ 11_5 I_ A Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades ,_,. T Lubrication Chart q_# 0 Check Battery Leve4 R Clean B_tte_¥ and Terminals I_ Check Transaxle Cooling Check V-Be4ts I# # Check Engine Oil Leve[...]

TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance. 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 section of this manual). TIRES * Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (Se[...]

• Keep battery bolts tight. • Keep small vent holes open. • Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is maintenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or covers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary. TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS Corrosion and dirt on the battery a[...]

3. Unlock drain valve by pushing inward slightly and turning counterclockwise. 4. To open, pull out on the drain valve. 5. After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown. 6. Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto the end of the drain v[...]

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler and spark arrester (if equipped) as it could cre- ate a fire hazard and/or damage. SPARK PLUG(S) Replace spark plug(s) at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" sect[...]

A WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: 1. Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake. 2. Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position. 3. Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position. 4. Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. 5. Make sure the blades and all mo[...]

7. Push clutch cable housing guide into bracket, slide collar onto guide and secure with large retainer spring. 8. Place fiat washer and clutch spring on idler pulley bolt and secure with small retainer spring. 9. Install belt onto engine pulley. TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or driveway. Make sure [...]

BELT INSTALLATION - 1. Work belt around both mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys 2. Make sure belt is in all pulley grooves and inside all belt guides. 3. Install mower (See "To Install Mower" in this section of this manual). Mandrel 5. Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above. Readjust if necessary. If stopping distan[...]

Engine Pulley ._._- _ Clutching _[_]_ Stationary _ I Center Span _1 Keeper _----"-_ ._ Transmission _i::_ Input Pulley -.yy-__ TRANSAXLE MOTION CONTROL LE- VER NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT The motion control lever has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. 1. Loosen adjustment bolt in front of the right rear wheel, and lightl[...]

If "jumper cables" are used for emergency starting, fellow 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 - 1. Connect one end of the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of each b[...]

ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. TO ADJUSTTHROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle[...]

Immediately prepare your tractor for stor- age at the end of the season or if the trac- tor 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 [...]

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Will not start Hard to start Engine will not turn over Engine clicks but will not start Loss of power 1. Out of fuel• 2. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. 3. Engine flooded• 4. Bad spark plug. 5. Dirty air filter• 6.[...]

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM LOSS of power continued) Excessive vibration Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged Poor cut - uneven Mower blades will not rotate Poor grass discharge CAUSE 6. Faulty spark plug• 7. Dirty fuel filter.[...]

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART: See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Poor grass 3. discharge _ontinued) 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) Battery will not charge Loss of drive Engine "backfires" when turning engine "OFF" Wet grass. Mower deck not leve[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 SCHEMATIC BATTERY /7 RED AMMETER (OPTIONAL) w_lrE k))G M( IGNITION SWITCH IGNITION SWITCH POSITION CIRCLI_ "MAKE" OFF M+(.I+A1 NONE RUN/LIGi'Fr B+AI A2+L RUN B+AI NONE START 8 + S + A1 NONE FUSE I I I '0 C> I tF L J CLUTCH / BRAKE (PEDAL UP) 6LACK 6LACK SOLENOID _NH[rE RED STARTER SEAT SWIT[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 ELECTRICAL i / 22 / // /f // / / / / / I I I I i I T / I I I / I I I I , 34[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 163465 Battery 2 74760412 Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4 8 186491 Box, Battery 16 176138 Switch Interlock 21 183759 Harness, Light Socket (w!4152J) 22 4152J Light Bulb 24 4799J Cable, Battery 25 146148 Cable, Battery 26 175158 Fuse 27 73510400 Nut Keps Hex 1/4-20 unc 28 145491 Ca[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 273 259 258 217 9O 208 209 208 _64 209 60 37 208 chassis-L_ser -tt.stlt 41 36[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 174619 Chassis 2 176554 Drawbar 5 155272 Bumper Hood!Dash 9 187846X013 Dash 10 STD533710 Bolt, Carriage 3/8-16 x 1 11 174996 Panel, Dash, LH 13 172105X010 Panel, Dash, RH 14 17490608 ScrewThdrol 3/8-16 x 1/2 17 184272X615 Hood Assembly 18 184291 Bumper Extrusi[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 GROUND DRIVE / 1 96 74 75 70 116 _202 @150 48 151 51 drive-hydro,silt_53 38[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 Transaxle (See Breakdown) 69 142432 Peerless LTH2000 70 134683 8 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust 74 137057 10 STD561210 Pin Cofter 1/8xl CAD 75 121749X 14 10040400 Washer Lock Hvy Helical 76 STD581075 15 74490544 Bolt Hex FLGHD 5/16-18 Gr.5 7[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 STEERING ASSEMBLY [ L . jP"---'-_ 42 88 I 29 17 68 67 13 67 67 i 15 steering_pUt_47 jf 10 43 4O[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 159944X428 2 184706 3 169840 4 169839 5 6266H 6 121748X 8 12000029 10 175121 11 STD551137 12 73940800 13 136518 15 145212 17 180641 26 126847X 28 19131416 29 17000612 30 76020412 32 130465 36 155099 37 152927 38 159946X428 39 19182411 40 73540600 41 159945 42 14505[...]

ENGINE 2 TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 72 31 32 33 ! 81 38 14 13 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester engine-bslcyl_51 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 170545 2 17720408 3 4 137352 13 165291 14 148456 23 169837 29 137180 31 179022 32 179124X428 33 123487X KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. Control Throttle/Choke 37 8543R Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 5/8 38 18165[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 SEAT ASSEMBLY I I I I I I I I 5 21 I I ....--- 16 11 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 188714 2 140551 3 71110616 4 19131610 5 145006 6 STD541437 7 124181X 8 17000616 9 19131614 10 182493 11 166369 12 121246X DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Pnt Pivot Seat Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga, Clip Push tn Hing[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 DECALS 16 7 3 2 2 3 1 11 9 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 156439 2 186367 3 186366 5 189020 6 133644 7 191925 8 179128 9 186572 11 156811 13 146046 14 189088 / 14 22 2O KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. Decal Fender Danger Sears 15 160396 Decal Hood Side RH!LH 16 164065 Decal Hood RH/LH 19 138047 Decal Engine H/P 20 172331 Decal [...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 LIFT ASSEMBLY 7 37 41 19 13 13 3 6 4 2O 2O lift*rh.1 pc.stlL3 KEY PART 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 x21 Ga. 6 120183X Bearing Nylong 7 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 8 122365X Button Plunger Read 11[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 MOWER DECK _184 136_ 119 18 116 46[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 MOWER DECK KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 182032 Mower Housing 68 144959 2 STD533107 Bolt 92 STD541437 3 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, 101 136420 Front 102 71081010 4 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" 103 19061216 5 STD624008 Retainer Spring 104 STD551110 6 178024 Bar Sway Deck[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 PEERLESSTRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 87 115 206 85 150 47 31 9 ¢ -_-"_" 106 56 6 31 i f • 32 49 _, 67 85 k? 114 9 87 87 200 22 23 191 @ 190 hg) @} los 0 28 2O8 183 I@ 186 I 184 _ 182 _ 100 48[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE -- MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 772151 Cover LH. 70 786196 Spacer .625.765 3 770135 Case 79 792201 Spnng 5 776355 Counter Shaft 85 792154 Oil Fill Plug 6 778263 Spur Gear 11T 87 788088A Oil Seal 3/4" 9 786197 Neutral Sleeve (.572) 99 79214[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 251 27 _'_ F Sl 307 3@ 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 12 1022 524_ 8420 I 1019 LABEL KIT I I 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL I I 1036 EMISSION LABEL I I@1 I 48 S.ORT BLOCK I I 1330 REPAIR MANUAL I I 1329 REPLACEMENT ENGINE I 750 & 718 _ 868_ 943 o 434 [...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 J 238 />3 40 _" 35 1022 617 0 1022 914 616{_ 102 4.# 614[ 54_ 654 5s 43_ 1266AO 1266 0 1370 276@ 141 108 142 105 127 137_ 276@ 947[_ 1127_ 51[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 305A 801 803 _ 310I 311 579o • _ 503_ 462 802 @ 729 697 _ 37_ 74 52[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 697174 Cylinder Assembly 108A 692344 Valve-Choke (Choke A Matic) 2 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 117 694352 _Jet-Main (Standard) 3 391086 ,Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 118 697228 Je[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273823 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31P777,TYPE NUMBER 0296-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 387 697090 Pump-Fuel 947 694393 404 691691 Washer (Governor Crank) 965 499613 431 697122 Elbow-Intake 967 697015 445 697153 Filter-Air Cleaner Cartridge 968 699848 462 691261 Washer (Star[...]

SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION u1 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. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope o[...]

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 itt 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 do[...]