Craftsman 917270710 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
®
17,0 HP
ELECTRIC START
42" MOWER
6 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.270710
o Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
o MainteRance
• Repair Parts
CAUTUON:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equip-
ment.
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
Warranty .................................................. 2 Product Specifications ........................... 5
Safety Rules ........................................... 2 Service and Adjustments ................... __.22
Assembly ................................................. 8 Storage ................................................. 28
Operation .............................................. 12 Troubleshooting .................................... 29
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 18 Repair Parts ......................................... 32
Maintenance ......................................... 18 Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is main-
tained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual,
Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or
workmanship.
This Warranty does not cover:
= Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc.
o Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps, or glass°
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, negligence, improper storage or acci-
dent or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in
the owner's manual.
° Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equip-
ment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the bat-
tery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. In-home warranty
service on your Craftsman riding equipment is available at no charge for 30 days frorn
the date of purchase. Please contact your nearest service center: After 30 days from the
date of purchase, warranty service is available by taking your Craftsman riding equip-
ment to your nearest Sears Service Center. (Imhome warranty service will still be avail-
able after 30 days from the date of purchase but a standard trip charge will apply). This
warranty applies only while this product is in the United States. This Warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to
state°
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
GENERAL OPERATION
o Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions in the manual and on the machine
before starting.
o Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
o Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, etc., which could be picked
up and thrown by the blade.
° Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
= Never carry passengers.
o Do not mow in reverse unless absolute-
ly necessary. Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
o Be aware of the mower discharge direc-
tion and do not point it at anyone. Do
not operate the mower without either
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow down before turning.
= Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set park-
ing brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
2
• Turnoffbladeswhennotmowing.
o Stopenginebeforeremovinggrass
catcheroruncloggingchute.
o Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificial
light.
• Donot operatethe machinewhileunder
theinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
o Watchfor trafficwhenoperatingnearor
crossingroadways.
• Useextracarewhenloadingorunload-
ingthemachineintoa trailerortruck.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-
of-control and tipover accidents, which
can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on
it, do not mow it.
DO:
o Mow up and down slopes, not across.
o Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
o Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
o Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
o Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
= Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
o Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
DO NOT:
o Do notturn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
° Do not mow near drep-offs, ditches, or
embankments_ The mower could sud-
denly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves ino
o Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding°
o Do nottry to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground°
• Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
o Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
o Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
o Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
o Never allow children to operate the
machine.
o Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are flammable and
vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow en-
gine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
o Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
o Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
o Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
o 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 if you
strike an objecL Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
o Nevermakeadjustmentsorrepairs with
the engine running.
• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cUt.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
o Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
o Do not mow in reverse unless absolute-
ly necessary: Always look down and
behind before and while backing.
o Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
o Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
o Be alert and tum machine off if children
enter the area.
o Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
._Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFE-
TY IS INVOLVED.
,_CAUTION; In order to prevent acciden-,
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs always discon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug,
o Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not
across.
° Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
° Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
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.
o Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
• Donotturn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
,_WARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 125 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
AND TYPE: REGULAR
OIL TYPE SAE 30 (above 32°F)
(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30
(below 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 3.0 PINTS
SPARK PLUG: Champion J19LM
(GAP: .030") STD361458
VALVE INTAKE: .005"-.007"
3LEARANCE: EXHAUST: .009"_.011"
SROUND SPEED
MPH):
FORWARD:
1sT 1_0
2ND 1.3
3RD 2.1
4TM 3,!
5TM 4°0
6TM 5_1
REVERSE: 1_6
"IRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10PSI
CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY
YSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 25
MIN. CCA: 190
CASE SIZE: U1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT_LBS.
TORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a Craftsman Tractor, It has been
designed, engineered and manufactured
to give you the best possible dependability
and performance_
Should you experience any p¢oblem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact your
nearest Sears Authorized Service Center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians and the proper tools to service or
repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly. Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
o Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
o Follow the instructions under "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual
A_,WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unim-
proved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's
exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state
laws (if any), If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working
order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is
required by law (Section 4442 of the
California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal
laws apply on federal lands° A spark
arrester for the muffler is available through
your nearest Sears Authorized Service
Center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).
5
PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SgZE
(1) Large Flat Washer
©
,, rr ......... ,
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
(1) Lockwasher
®
3/8
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18x 1-1/4
(1) Shoulder Bolt
5/16-18
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
©
n, ........ ,,
(1) Locknut
5/16-18
(1) Knob
(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4 (2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20
, ,,,r, ,,r ,,, , ,,,
6
@
(2) Lock Washers 1/4
PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE
(2) Screws _ (2) Lock
#10 x 5/8 _,_ Washers #10
(2) Weld#10 Nuts
..................... ,r, ......
Parts packet separately in carton Parts Bag contents not shown full size
Manual
Seat
Steering ,
Boot
Video
Cassette
Mulcher f J--/
PlateJ//'
Parts Bag
i
I I
i I
(2) Shoulder 3/8 x 7/8 x 14
Bolts
@(_ (2) Washers
(2) Centerlock Nuts I
(2) Gauge Wheels
Steering Wheel
Adapter _ok
Assemblies
O 1 Steering
Extension
Shaft
Steering
t
Wheel Insert (2) Keys
Slope Sheet
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_ Review the video cassette before you begin,
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR
ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier, Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 9/16" wrench (2) 7/16" wrenches
(2) 1/2" wrench (1) Phillips Screw-
(1) Pliers driver
(1) Utility knife (1) Tire pressure
(1) 3/4" wrench socket gauge
drive rachet
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your point of
view, when you are in the operating posi-
tion (seated behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
o Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts boxes from shipping carton (See
page 6).
° Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all four corners of shipping carton, and
lay panels flat,
o Remove mower and package materials,
o Check for any additional loose parts or
boxes and remove,
° Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.
• Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely.
= Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.
o Remove protective materials from trac-
tor hood and grill,
IMPORTANT." Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor is to roll off skid.
Insert
/_ 3/8 Hex Bolt
_._..318 Lockwasher
Large Flat
__Washer
Steerin'_g__ Steer, rig
Wheel _//Boot
Extension / Adapter
5/16 Hex
Shaft _
5/16 Locknut _
Bolt
/
BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF
SKiD
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
o Slide extension shaft onto lower steer-
ing shaft. Align mounting holes in exten-
sion and lower shafts and install 5/16
hex bolt and IocknuL Tighten securely,
iMPORTANT; Tighten bolt and nut secure-
ly to 18_22 ft. Ibs. torque.
. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
o Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
Q Slide steering wheel adapter onto steer-
ing shaft extension.
Lower Steering _ _" =_---- -
Shaft ' "';,
I
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKiD (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
• Press lift lever plunger and raise attach-
ment lift lever to its highest position.
° Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
o Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) posi-
tion,
° Roll tractor backwards off skid.
= Remove banding holding discharge
guard up against tractor:
8
•lOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
_ONNECTBATTERY
I_CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-
nals by allowing a wrench or any other
_bject to contact both terminals at the
;ame time. Before connecting battery, re-
,eve metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,
ings, etc. Positive terminal must be con-
_ected first to prevent sparking from acci-
;iental grounding_
, Remove cardboard packing from seat
pan and lift seat pan to raised position.
, Open battery box door and remove pro-
tective plastic..
• Remove terminal protective caps and
discard.
o If this battery is put into service after
month and year indicated on label (label
located between terminals) charge bat-
tery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps.
= First connect RED battery cable to posi-
tive (+) terminal with hex bolt, flat wash-
er, lock washer and hex nut as shown.
Tighten securely.
° Connect BLACK grounding cable to
negative (-) terminal with remaining hex
bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut. Tighten securely.
o Close battery box door. Open battery
box door for:
• Inspection for secure connections
(to tighten hardware).
o Inspection for corrosion.
o Testing battery.
• Jumping (if required).
= Periodic charging.
Positive Discard Terminal
(Red) Cable Proctective Caps
Lock Washer
Flat Washer
Hex Hex Bolt
Negative
(Black)
" Cable
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
o Remove cardboard packing on seat pan°
= Place seat on seat pan and assemble
shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt
securely..
o Assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten.
• Lower seat into operating position and
sit on seat.
= Slide seat until a comfortable position is
reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
o Get off seat without moving its adjusted
position.
o Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob
securely.
Seat
Seat Pan
Shoulder
Bolt
_" Flat Washer
Adjustment Knob
INSTALL IVIULCHER PLATE
o Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate
using screw, washer, lock washer, and
weld nut as shown.
NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch
hook by inserting weld nut from the top
with hook pointing down.
• Tighten hardware securely.
o Raise and hold deflector shield in up-
right position_
° Place front of mulcher plate over front of
mower deck opening and slide into ,
place, as shown.
o Hook front latch into hole on front of
mower deck.
= Hook rear latch into hole on back of
mower deck.
,_CAUTION: Do not remove discharge
guard from mower. Raise and hold guard
when attaching mulcher plate and allow it
to rest on plate while in operation.
Battery Box-"
Door
9
Weld Nut From
The Top
Lock
Weld Washer
Latch
Washer
Mulcher _.._Screw
Plate
Deflector
Shield
Hook Points
Down
Lock Washer
Washer
Latch
Hook
Latch
Hooks
Nut
ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO
MOWER DECK
The gauge wheels are designed to keep
the mower deck in proper position when
operating mower. Be sure they are prop-
erly adjusted to ensure optimum mower
performance.
o Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on
a flat level surface.
,, Adjust mower to desired cutting height
(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING
HEIGHT" in the Operation section of
this manual)_
• With mower in desired height of cut
position, gauge wheels should be
assembled so they are slightly off the
ground_ Install gauge wheel in appropri-
ate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer;
and 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten securely.
o Repeat for opposite side installing
gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.
Gauge Wheel Mounting
Bracket
TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR
DISCHARGING
Simply remove mulcher plate and store in
a safe place. Your mower is now ready for
discharging or installation ofoptional
grass catcher accessory.
NOTE: It is not necessary to change
blades, The mulcher blades are designed
for discharging and bagging also.
3/8-16
Locknut
_Shoulder Bolt
3/8 Wa_
.=Wheel
10
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