Owner's Manual ICRAFTSMAN'J 20.0 HP ELECTRIC START 42" MOWER AUTOMATIC LAWN TRACTO Model No. 917.270940 · · · · Safety Assembly Operation Maintenance · Repair Parts differently from previously built engines. which operates the enThis product has a low emission engine Before you start gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual, CAUTION: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment, For answers to your questions about this product, Call: 1-800-659-5917 Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mon- Sat Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman Warranty ............................................... 2 Safety Rules ......................................... 3 Product Specifications .......................... 5 Assembly .............................................. 7 Operation ............................................ 11 Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18 Maintenance ....................................... 18 Service and Adjustments .................... 22 Storage ............................................... 29 Troubleshooting ................................. 30 Repair Parts ........................................ 34 Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, 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. Warranty service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States. This Warranty does not cover: · Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts and oil filters. · Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass. · Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the riding equipment, impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over speeding the engine. · Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of flammable debris, or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual. · Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within thirty (30) days of its purchase date. · 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 equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. Warranty service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States. To locate the nearest sears service center or to schedule in-home warranty service, simply contact sears at 1-800-4-my-home 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 2 IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death. GENERAL OPERATION · Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. · 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 absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. · Be aware of the mower discharge direction 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 unattended. Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting. · Turn 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 machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. · Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. · Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. · Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mowerrelated injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury. SLOPEOPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to lossof-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. · 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. · Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability. · 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. · Avoid starting or Stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. DO NOT: · Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. · Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in. · Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding. · Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground. · 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. 3 · Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adult. · Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. · Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. · Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation. · Never allow children to operate the machine. · 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 engine 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. · Never run a machine area. inside a closed · Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition. · Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. · 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 object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting. · Never make adjustments or repairs 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. · 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 absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing. · 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 adult. · Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area. · Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children. · Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across. 4 · 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. · Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope. · If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly. · Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible. A(_Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!H BECOMEAWARE!!! YOUR _FETY IS INVOLVED. CAUTION: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire _ere it cannot contact spark plug. CAUTION; Do not coast down a hill in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor. _CAUTION: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control ,_YwOU tractor. r ARNING: The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. We have competent, wel!-trained technicians 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". REPAIR AGREEMENT A Repair Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES · Read and observe the safety rules. · Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor. · Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" 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 unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered 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 authorized service center/department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). PRODUCT GASOLINE CAPACITY AND TYPE: SPECIFICATIONS 3.5 GALLONS UNLEADED REGULAR SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) 3.0PINTS CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM INTAKE: .004"-.006" EXHAUST: .007"-.009" FORWARD: 5.5 REVERSE: 2.4 FRONT: REAR: 14 PSI 10 PSI OILTYPE API-SF/SG/SH): OIL CAPACITY: SPARK PLUG: GAP: .030") VALVE ADJUSTMENT GROUND SPEED(MPH): TIRE PRESSURE: CHARGING SYSTEM: BATTERY: ...