Craftsman 917271021 Owner’s Manual

Owner's ManuaB

®

15o5 HP
ELECTRIC START

42" MOWER

HYDROSTATIC (AUTOMATn¢)

LAWN TRACTOR

Model No.
917,271021

Safety

o Assernbny

Operation

o Maintenance
o Repair Parts

CAU=RON:

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 Craftsm,an Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, M0n - Sat

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty ..................................................... 2 Product Specifications ............................ 19

Safety Rules ................................................ 2 Service and Adjustments ........................ 22

Assembly ............................ _+,,,i++.+.ii_.o+o........6 storage..:_,i!:.+.L+_+:,+o:._++.......................... 29

operation ............................................... 11 Troubleshooting ........................................ 30

Maintenance Schedule ............................. 18 Repair Parts ......................................... 36

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 rnaterial 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+

o 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 from
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: (In-home 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+

• 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,
° 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.
o 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

o Turnoffbladeswhennotmowing
o Stopenginebeforeremovinggrass

catcheroruncloggingchute.

o Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial

lighL

o Donotoperatethe machinewhileunder

theinfluenceofalcoholordrugs

o Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor

crossingroadways.

° Use extra care when loading or unload-

ing the machine into a trailer or truck.

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:
° Mow up and down slopes, not across.

o Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

o 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.

o 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:

• Do notturn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.

o Do not mow near drop-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 in.

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.

o Do not use 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.

o Before and when backing, took 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

o 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

o Stop and inspect the equipment if you

strike an object Repair, if necessary,

beforerestarting.

- Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairs with

the engine i'unningo

o 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.

o Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.

o 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.

o 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.

,, Keep children out of the mowing area

and under the watchful care of another
responsible adulL

° Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

o Before and when backing, look behind

and down for small children.

,g_Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions_ It means CAU-
TION!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFE-

TY IS INVOLVED.

Z_kCAUTION; 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
Jt cannot contact spark plugo

o Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not

across.

o Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

o Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven

terrain could overturn the machine. Taft

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 Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If

tires lose traction, disengage the blades

and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.

o Do notturn on slopes unless necessary,

and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhitl, if possible.

,_WARNJNG: 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 S PECIFICATI.ONS

GASOLINE 125 GALLONS

:APACITY
ND TYPE: UNLEADED

REGULAR

OIL TYPE SAE 10W30

_,PI-SF/SG/SH): (above 32°F)

SAE 5W30
(below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 4r0 W/PINTS

3 5 W/O PINTS

SPARK PLUG: Champion RC12YC

GAP: .040")

GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0- 55
(MPH): REVERSE: 0-24

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 10 PSI

CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY
SYSTEM: 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30

MIN. CCA:240
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 problem you

cannot easily remedy, please contact your
nearest Sears Authorized Service Center.

We have competent, well-trained techni ....

clans 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'L
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-
able on this product,, Contact your nearest

Sears store for detail&

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

o Read and observe the safety rules.
o 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

_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
tn 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).

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZ_=

.. ..... ;,...... '. .

(1) Large Flat Washer

©

(1) Hex Bolt

(1) Hex Bolt

3/8-16 x 1

3/8

(1) Lockwasher

5/16-18x 1-1/4 _ (1) Lecknut

(1) Shoulder Bolt

5/16-18

(1) Washer

17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge

©

(2) Hex Bolts 1/4-20 x 3/4 (2) Hex Nuts 1/4-20

5/16-18

(1) Knob

/32 x 5/8 x 16 Gauge

(2) Lock Washers 1/4

6

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SRZE

(2) Screws _ (2) Lock

#10 x 5/8 _ Washers #10

(2) Weld#!0 Nuts

Parts packet separately in carton Parts Bag contents not shown full size

(2) Washers I_

3/16 x 3/4 x 16 Gauge "_

g&

Seat

_ y

Steermg Wheel

Manual

Mulcher ;<_ 1_7i

Plate :,' I

Steering

Boot

C3

Video

Cassette

,f' 1

Parts Bag

i

i

i

i

i
I

(2) Latch Hook

Assemblies

Wheel Insert

Steering Wheel

Adapter

(2) Keys _.

Steering

Extension

Slope Sheet

Steering

Shaft

c

@

©

Shoulder Bolt

(2)Washers
3/8 x 7/8 x 14

Gauge

(2) Gauge Wheels

Q (2) Centedock Nuts

7

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 c0rre_t 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 (1) 3/4" Socket w/
(2) 7/16' wrenches drive rachet

(2) 1/2" wrench (1) Phillips Screw-
(1) 3/4" wrench driver
(1) Utility knife (1) Tire pressure
(1)Pliers gauge

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

° 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 Check for any additional loose parts or

boxes and remove.

BEFORE ROLLING TRACTOR OFF

SKiD

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFTAND

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 Iocknut. ]]ghten securely,
IMPORTANT" Tighten bolt and nut secure-
ly to 18-22 ft. Ibs. torque.
o Place tabs of steedng boot over tab

slots in dash arid push down to secure=

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

o Position front wheels of the tractor so

they are pointing straight forward.
Slide steering wheel adapter onto steer-
ing shaft extension.

o Position steering wheel so cross bars

are horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.

o Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock

washer, 3/8 hex bolt and tighten securely.

o Snap steering wheel insert into center

of steering wheel.
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.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKiD (See

_._._-Insert

_---3/8 Hex BoR

LargeFla_'_--__ 8 Coekwasher

Washer _9

_ Steering

Steering Wheel _ Boot

Extension_t.Shaft t_.---- Adapter

5/16 Lo Bolt

Lower / ;_ -.'-- - -
Steering ------"'7"-'_, _ °

Shaft "_.. ."

Operation section for location and
function of controls)

o Press lift lever plunger and raise attach-

ment lift lever to its highest position.

Release parking brake by depressing

clutch/brake pedal.

= Place freewheel control in freewheeling

position to disengage transmission (See
"TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation

section of this manual).
Roll tractor forward off skid.

o Remove banding holding discharge

guard up against tractor.

e _'_ "_knut "_*'_'_ 5/16 Hex

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CONNECTBATTERY

_CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-

nals by allowing a wrench or any other
object to contact both terminals at the
same time. Before connecting battery, re-
move metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,

rings, etc. Positive terminal must be con-
nected first to prevent sparking from acci-
dental grounding.

8 ° Remove cardboard packing from seat

o Removecardboardpackingfromseat

panandliftseatpanto raisedposition.

o Openbatteryboxdoorandremovepro-

tectiveplastic.

o Removeterminalprotectivecapsand

discard..

,, Ifthisbatteryisputintoserviceafter

monthandyearindicatedonlabel(label
locatedbetweenterminals)chargebat-

teryforminimumofonehourat 6-10

amps

o FirstconnectREDbatterycabletoposi-

tive(+)terminalwithhexbolt,flatwash-

er,lockwasherandhexnutasshown.

Tightensecurely.

o ConnectBLACKgroundingcableto

negative(-)terminalwithremaininghex
bolt,fiatwasher,lockwasherandhex

nut.Tightensecurely

o Closebatteryboxdoor Openbattery

boxdoorfor:

• Inspection for secure connections
(to tighten hardware)

o Inspection for corrosion.
o Testing battery.

• Jumping (if required).

o Periodic charging.

Discard Terminal

_ Proctective Caps

Lock w

Positive t_'P,SJ Flat asher
(Red) _ i Negative

Cable / (I Cable

Rex

Bolt

Seat Pan _/___.-_'_f _

Shoulder \ 'k\-_"_\, ' \\
Bolt o - _'_'_\,_

Knob FlatWasher

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 proper-
ly adjusted to ensure optimum mower per-

formance_
o Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on

a flat level surface,

o Adjust mower to desired cutting height

(See "TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING
HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this

manual)

o With mower in desired height of cut po-

sition, gauge wheels should be assem-
bled so they are slightly off the ground.

Install gauge wheel in appropriate 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

Seat Pan

Battery Box
Door

INSTALL SEAT

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob.

° Remove cardboard packing on seat pan
o 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.

3/8-16
Locknut _' ._

3/8 Washer ,_i) - Shoulder

Gauge Wheel/'_':''_ Bolt

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated

at the factory for shipping purposes.

Correct tire pressure is important for best
cutting performance.
o Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page

5 of this manual

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing

should be properly leveled. See "TO

LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service

and Adjustments section of this manual.

9

CHECKFORPROPERPOSITIONOF
ALL BELTS

Seethefiguresthatareshownforreplac-
ingmotionandmowerbladedrivebeltsin
theServiceandAdjustmentssec!oinof

thismanualVerifythatthebeltsarerout-
edcorrectly_

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your trac-

tor, check to see that the brake is properly
adjusted° See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in
the Service and Adjustments section of

this manual.

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE

= 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_
o 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.

° Hook front latch into hole on front of

mower deck.

o Hook rear latch into hole on back of

mower deck.

Weld Nut From Hook Points
The Top \ Down

Lock

Weld Washer

Nut

Latch Latch

Washer

Mulcher
Plate

Deflector
Shield

Screw

Nut

Lock Washer

Washer

Screw

Latch
Hooks

,_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.

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 of optional

grass catcher accessory.

NOTE: It is not necessary to change
blades= The muloher blades are designed

for discharging and bagging also..

V'CHECKLiST

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING

CHECKLIST:
e" All assembly instructions have been

completed.

e/ No remaining loose parts in carton.
v' Battery is properly prepared and

charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps)_

e,' Seat is adjusted comfortably and

tightened securely.
All tires are properly inflated. (For

shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory)_

Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best

cutting result& (Tires must be properly
inflated for leveling).

e,' Check mower and drive belts. Be sure

they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.

e/ Check wiring. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly
clamped_

e,' Before driving tractor, be sure free-

wheel control is in drive position°

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR
TRACTOR, PAY EXTRAATTENTION TO

THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:
,/ Engine oil is at proper level.

J Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,

regular unleaded gasoline.

,/ Become familiar with all controls - their

location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.

# Be sure brake system is in safe operat-

ing condition.

,/ It is important to purge the transmis-

sion before operating your tractor for
the first time. Follow proper starting

and transmission purging instructions
(See "TO START ENGINE" and
"PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Op-
eration section of this manual).

10