Craftsman 917.273663 owner manual Before Starting the Engine, Check Engine OIL Level, ADD Gasoline

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BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.

1.Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

2.Unthread and remove oil fill cap/ dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube. Remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULl" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

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 minimum of

87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti- ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

AI_,CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- tion and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

1.Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position.

2.Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.

3.Place motion control lever in neutral

(N)position.

4.Move attachment clutch to disengaged position.

5.Move throttle control to fast position

6.Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt. For a warm engine start attempt

the choke control may not be needed. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

7.Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to start position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above)

8.When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then

continue to push the control in slowly.

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)

8.When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the en- gine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

Before driving the unit in cold weather,

the transmission should be warmed up as follows:

1.Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

2.Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/brake slowly return to operating position.

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Contents CRRFT.TMRN Limited Warranty on Battery Limited Warranty on Craftsman Riding EquipmentII. Slope Operation General OperationDo not IV. ServiceIII. Children API-SG-SL Customer Responsibilities Sears Installation ServiceRepair Protection Agreements Adjust Seat HOW to SET UP Your Tractor Check BatteryTo Remove Tractor from Carton Unpack Carton Check for Proper Position ALL Belts ChecklistCheck Deck Levelness Check Brake System@@@@ Know Your Tractor To Move Forward Backward To Operate Mower To Adjust Gauge WheelsTo Transport MentsCheck Engine OIL Level Before Starting the EngineADD Gasoline Automatic Transmission Warm UPPurge Transmission Mowing TipsDates General RecommendationsOperator Presence System BatteryBlade Removal Transaxle Cooling To Clean Battery and TerminalsTransaxle Pump Fluid BeltsClean AIR INTAKE/COOLING Areas Clean AIR ScreenMuffler Spark PlugsTo Remove Mower To Install MowerSIDE-TO-SIDE Adjustment with Bubble Level To Level Mower HousingAlternate SIDE-TO-SIDE Adjustment Method Both Front Plate Links Must be Equal in Length Mower Drive Belt InstallationTo Replace Mower Drive Belt Mower Drive Belt RemovalTo Replace Mower Blade To Replace Motion Drive Belt To Check and Adjust BrakeTo Start Engine with a Weak BAT- Tery To Remove Wheel for RepairsTo Replace Headlight Bulb Replacing BatteryTo Remove Hood and Grill AS- Sembly To Adjust Carburetor To Adjust Choke ControlPreliminary Setting Final SettingEngine Fuel System TractorEngine OIL CylindersCause Correction ProblemStart Problem Cause Correction Loss of powerCause ProblemTractor - Model Number SchematicElectrical Part Description Electrical KEYTractor - Model Number 917,273663 Chassis and Enclosures Part Description Tractor - Model Number 917,273663 Ground Drive KEY Part Description Tractor - Model Number Ground DriveTractor - Model Number 917,273663 Steering Assembly KEY Part Description Tractor - Model Number 917.273663 Steering AssemblyEngine Tractor - Model Number 917,273663KEY Tractor - Model Number 917,273663 Seat AssemblyWheels Tires DecalsKEY Part KEY Part Description Lift AssemblyTractor - Model Number 917,273663 Mower Deck Rdhd Mower DeckRll KEY Part Description CYLINDERHEAD, Valveand Breather Crankcasej Crankcase HeadnalveibreatherKEY Partdescription IGNITION/ELECTRICALJ Blower Housing and Baffles Part Blower Housing & Baffles KEY Part NO. NO.DESCRIPTIONNot Illustrated AIR INTAKE/FILTRATION Not IllustratedOIL PAN / Lubrication J Screw, hex. flange Crankshaft KEY Part NO. NO.DESCRIPTION CrankshaftjDegrees MAX Suggested Guide for Sighting Slopes for Safe OperationIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiOur Home

917.273663 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273663 is a powerful riding lawn mower designed to provide efficient and reliable lawn care. This machine embodies the quality and durability for which Craftsman is renowned. With its robust specifications, the 917.273663 is optimized for homeowners seeking a reliable solution for mowing larger properties with ease.

One of the standout features of this mower is its potent 17.5 HP engine, which delivers reliable power to maintain a consistent cut even when tackling thicker grasses or uneven terrains. The engine's design focuses on efficiency, ensuring that users can complete their mowing tasks quickly without worrying about overheating or performance dips.

The Craftsman 917.273663 sports a 42-inch cutting deck, allowing it to cover a larger area in fewer passes. This feature is particularly advantageous for those with expansive lawns, reducing mowing time while maintaining precision. The cutting height can be easily adjusted, offering versatility to adapt to different grass types and conditions. Users can choose among multiple cutting positions to achieve the desired lawn height.

Another technological highlight of this riding mower is its hydrostatic transmission. This system offers smooth and seamless acceleration without the need for manual shifting, making it easy for users to navigate their yards. The mower's zero-turn capability enables excellent maneuverability, allowing users to trim around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles with precision.

Comfort is key in the design of the Craftsman 917.273663. It features a spacious and ergonomically designed seat with armrests, which ensures that users can comfortably operate the machine for extended periods. The controls are intuitively placed for easy access, enhancing the overall user experience during lawn maintenance.

Durability is another hallmark of the Craftsman 917.273663. Its heavy-duty steel frame and deck construction can withstand the rigors of regular use. The mower is also designed with easy maintenance in mind, with accessible components for oil changes and blade replacements.

In conclusion, the Craftsman 917.273663 is a feature-packed riding lawn mower that combines power, efficiency, and comfort. Its powerful engine, adjustable cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, and durable construction make it a reliable choice for homeowners looking to maintain a pristine lawn. With its thoughtful design and user-friendly features, it's an excellent investment for anyone serious about their lawn care.