Craftsman CRAFTSMAN 917.273401 manual

Owner's Manual I CRRFTSMRN'I LAWN TRACTOR 18.0 HP, 42" Mower Electric Start Automatic Transmission Model No. 917.273401 [_ 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 Ru[...]

Warranty ................................................ 2 Safety Rules .......................................... 3 Product Specifications ........................... 6 AssemblyP re-Operation ........................ 8 Operation ............................................. 11 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Maintenance Sch[...]

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

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 look down and behind before and while backing. • Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or i[...]

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Gasoline 1.25 Gallons Capacity Unleaded and Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F) _,PI-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F) Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints W/O Filter: 3.0 Pints Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC GAP: .030") Ground Speed Forward: 5.2 (MPH): Reverse: 2.7 Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI Rear: 12 PSI Charging Syst[...]

Steering Wheel Insert @(1) Locknut 1/2-20 Steering Wheel @ (1) Locknut 1/4-28 Steering Wheel Adapter (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x 1-1/4 M V 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[...]

6. Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat. 7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. 8. Get off seat without moving its ad- justed position. 9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely. Seat Seat Shoulder Bolts CHECK BATTERY 1. Lift seat pan to raised posi[...]

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (If previously removed) 1. Raise and hold 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. Deflector Shield Mulcher Plate Latch Hooks f [...]

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

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 Ignition Switch _t Switch Position Ammeter ..... . Lever Plunger Thr[...]

| 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 I or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safetyl mask worn over spectacles. J HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTO[...]

• 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 OPERATE MOWER Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut[...]

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting ((See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Mainte- nance section in this manual. ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a [...]

PURGE TRANSMISSION To ensure proper operation and per- formance, it is recommended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the trans- mission which may have developed during shipping of your tractor. IMPORTANT: Should your transmission require removal for service[...]

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 biodeg[...]

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ._f_ ,_-_ _ _ o-_ ,_/_, F, LL,. OAT ES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE _'__"S E RVIC E DATES Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure _ Check Operator Presence and T Interlock Systems R Check for Loose Fasteners _ _1_5 _ Sharpen/Replace Mower Blades _3 T Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level _4 a Clean Battery and [...]

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 ([...]

• 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 to the end of the drai[...]

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 flat 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 [...]

BELTINSTALLATION - 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 Pulley TO CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an adjustable brake system which is mounted on[...]

Engine Pulley Clutching Idler Stationary Idler /" Center Span Keeper Transmission Input Pulley/6 0 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 lightly tighten. 2. Start engine a[...]

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 - 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 for [...]

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. Dirty[...]

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 attach ment 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 discharge (continued) Headlight(s) not working (if so equipped) Battery will not charge Loss of drive Engine "backfires" when turning engine "OFF" 3. Wet grass. 4. Mower deck not level. 5. Low/unev[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 SCHEMATIC ÷ 115 BATTERY AMMETER __S M_ " (OPTIONAL) tGNITION SWITCH RED WHITE FUSE CLUTCH / BRAKJE (PEDAL UP) 8LACK 8LACK (OPTIONAL) LINE REO STARTER SOLENOID WH_E SEAT SWITCH NOT OCCUPIED) 8LACK I l _'_Nf CLUTCH GROUNDING F BLACK (CLUTCH OFF) / CONNECTOR v__ SPARK • B_CK IGNITION _7 PLUG H UNIT _ GA[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 ELECTRICAL 22 42 41 I I I I . I I { 26 25 _45 I t 27 16 52 29 28 I I I I l I i i i ! /1 84[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 ELECTRICAL KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 163465 Battery 2 74760412 Bolt Hex Hd 1/4-20 uric x 3/4 8 176689 Box Battery Fender 16 176138 Switch, Interlock 21 183759 Harness Asm Light W/4152j 22 4152J Bulb Light #1156 24 4799J Cable Battery 6 Ga. 11" red 25 146147 Cable Battery 6 Ga. w/16 wire red 26 175158 Fu[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES 28 39 166 31 208 208 6O 74 209 208 chassis-Laser -It,stlL27 36[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 CHASSIS AND ENCLOSURES KEY PART NO. NO. 1 174619 2 176554 5 155272 9 168337X013 10 STD533710 11 174996 13 172105X010 14 17490608 17 185682X558 18 184921 26 STD541437 28 190380 29 174332X599 30 174738X558 31 139976 37 17490508 38 175710 39 174714 60 72140606 64 154798 74 73680600 142 175702 143 186689 144 175582 1[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 GROUND DRIVE 32 52 95 16 163 156 62 35 _39 36 2/_ 32 28 30 29 252 22 25 19 55 78 76 7O 116 151 51 96 74 75 drive-hydro,stlt 52 38[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 GROUND DRIVE KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 Transaxle (See Breakdown) 70 134683 Peerless LTH2000 74 137057 8 165866 Rod Shift Fender Adjust 75 121749X 10 STD561210 Pin Cotter 1/8 x 1 CAD 76 STD581075 14 10040400 Washer Lock Hvy Helical 77 123583X 15 74490544 Bolt Hex FLGHD 5/16-18 Gr.[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 STEERING ASSEMBLY - v 41 r-,--.,.._ 42 88 I 29 t3 65 68 67 67 67 15 steering_pMt47 15 29 15_ to 3O 43 4O[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 STEERING ASSEMBLY KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 139768 Steering Wheel 2 184706 Axle Assembly 3 169840 Spindle Assembly, LH. 4 169839 Spindle Assembly, R.H. 5 6266H Bearing, Race, Thrust, Hardened 6 121748X Washer 25/32 x 1-5/8 x 16 Ga. 8 12000029 Ring, Klip 10 175121 Draglink 11 STD551137 Washer, Lock 12 7394080[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 ENGINE 72 81 13 4 31 I '33 t7 33 38 14 29 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Spark Arrester 23 J f engine-bs.lcyl 17 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 170545 2 17720408 3 4 137352 13 165291 14 148456 23 169837 29 137180 31 184900 32 140527 33 123487X 37 137040 DESCRIPTION Control Thret/Ch Screw Hex Thd Cut 1/4-20 x 1/2 Engine (See Breakdow[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 SEAT ASSEMBLY I t I 17 seatJt,knob 9 12 11 t / 4 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 188716 2 180166 3 71110616 4 19131610 5 145006 6 STD541437 7 124181X 8 17000616 9 19131614 10 180186 11 166369 12 121246X DESCRIPTION Seat Bracket Fender Pivot Bolt Fin Hex 3/8-16 unc x 1 Washer 13/32 x 3/4 x 10 Ga. Clip Push In Hinged Nut H[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 DECALS 13 6 3 7 7 X 2 13 10 4 20 11 15-- 14 12 16 KEY PART NO. NO. 1 156811 2 190937 3 184728 4 184729 5 179128 6 133644 7 184730 9 184899 10 156439 11 138047 12 146046 KEY PART DESCRIPTION NO. NO. Decal, Oper. Instr. 13 183827 Decal, Replacement 14 160396 Decal, Hood, R.H. 15 189100 Decal, Hood, LH. 16 172331 Dec[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 LIFT ASSEMBLY 5 13 19 13 19 13 3 2 6 5 2O 15 2O lift- rh, 1 piece 3 KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 159460 Washer Asm Inner Spring W/Plunger 2 159471 Shaft Asm. Lift 3 105767X Pin Groove 4 12000002 E Ring #5133-62 5 19211621 Washer 21/32 x 1 x21 Ga. 6 120183X Bearing Nylong 7 125631X Grip Handle Fluted 8 122365X Bu[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 MOWER DECK 67 _ "'" 40 68 4o_ .146 106_, 102 103 105 102 _ 34 16 21 23 24 25 28 29 _18 27 5 6 19 F 21 42=D=man*t-path stlt 3 10..--._ 9 _ 18 46[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 MOWER DECK KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. 1 165892 Mower Deck Assembly, 42" 52 139888 2 STD533107 Bolt 53 184907 3 138017 Bracket Assembly, Sway Bar, Front 54 178515 4 165460 Bracket Sway Bar 38/42" Deck 55 155046 5 STD624008 Retainer Spring 56 165723 6 178024 Bar Sway Deck 59 141043 8 85[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 11 44B 43 1 4_ 65 13 15 14 14 150 47 115 32' 49_ _ 106_ 65 _L_' (i 1_14_,i 9 _ 127 • 87 " 3 @ 190 @- 105 208 183 _[_ t85 i 182--_ IO0 48[...]

TRACTOR -- MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 PEERLESS TRANSAXLE - - MODEL NUMBER LTH2000 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 772151 Cover L.H. 70 786196 Spacer .625.765 3 770135 Case 79 792201 Spring 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 79[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 251 27 F I 1330 REPAIR MANUAL I 307_ 329 REPLACEMENT ENGINE_ 3_ 358 ENGINE GASKET SET 868 12 943 O 2o @ 6170 1022 51 524 @ 8420 24 434 584_ 9_ 12641_ 741_ 127o T __ 759 1 I 1019 LABEL KIT I I 1058 OWNER'S MANUAL I 1036EMISSION LABEL I I 750[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 1022 1022 914 102 404 614_ 216f 559 238 35 6170 54_ 654@ 53 _ 616_ 1095 VALVE GASKET SET 617 _ 1022 868 13J 1026 847 334 643 803 [_ 310_ 579m46_ _ 503_ 802 729 697 _ z_ 305A 1265 74 73_ 1070 1005 363_ 1044_ 51[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 12_._.J 231 _7_ 1127 e,, 118 105A o_ 127A 276A@ 947A_ NIKKI 276@ 950_ 127 O o47_ 1266A@ 1266_ 121 CARBURETOR OVERHAUL KIT 104 _2 1270 231_ 987_ 105 _ 137@ 276@ 634_._ 96_93_ _06117_0 142 6170 1260A OZZCARBURETOROASKETSET 0,_137 0 276® 51 95A 10[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 1 697174 Cylinder Assembly 106 690577 O Seat-Inlet 2 399265 Kit-Bushing/Seal (Magneto Side) 108 690464 Valve-Choke (Manual Choke) 3 391086 ° Seal-Oil (Magneto Side) 108A 695419 Valve-Cho[...]

TRACTOR - - MODEL NUMBER 917.273401 BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE-MODEL NUMBER 31H777,TYPE NUMBER 0297-E1 KEY PART KEY PART NO. NO. DESCRIPTION NO. NO. DESCRIPTION 309 693551 Motor-Starter 868 690968 .+ Seal-Valve 310 690323 Bolt (Starter Motor) 914 690960 Screw (Rocker Cover) 311 497608 Brush Set 943 690589 • SeaI-O Ring (Oil Pump Cover) 333 4958[...]

SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION u_ u_ _IL ARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this [...]

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 do[...]