To Clean Battery and Terminals, Belts

Craftsman 917.271142 To Clean Battery and Terminals, Belts, Transaxle Cooling, Engine Lubrication

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 and terminals can cause the battery to "leak"

power.

•Open battery box door.

•Disconnect BLACK battery cable first

then RED battery cable and remove . battery from tractor.

•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.

•Coat terminals with grease or petro- leum jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See "REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND

ADJUSTMENTS section of this

manual).

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper

cooling.

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmis- sion while engine is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pres- sure water or steam to clean transaxle.

•Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.

•Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed air or high pressure

sprayer to clean cooling fins.

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transaxle was sealed at the factory

and fluid maintenance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the

transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your nearest authorized service center/department.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

*c _.	_	.1o	m	10-		to,	_-	:_-
I 'flEMPERATUt°_E RANG_			ANTICIPATED	BEF_	"	NEXT OiL Cp.ANGE
I 'flEMPERATUt°_E RANG_			"""		"

Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one

year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight

(8)hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/ dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SF, SG, or SH.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

•Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.

•Remove drain plug.

•After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual.

•Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Insert dipstick into the tube and rest the oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube

when taking reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

				Cover	Knob
Air Cle_g						Nut
Cover		[	.--_,	,_---_Rubber
Foam-_'_				_	]	Grommet
Pre-	_		\	_"'_Air		Cleaner
Cleaner	I"		\	_ • .1-."_''		•
	•		_		Paper Cartridge
Air	_\Air				Cleaner
Ir_1"_'Base
bcreen		,,__		.) \
		"_	"_q _'_'_/(_il Fil Cap/
	._		'_	Dipstick

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG, or

SH. Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating

temperature.19

(, _jOil Drain Plug

917.271142 specifications

The Craftsman 917.271142 is a versatile and robust lawn mower that caters to homeowners seeking an efficient solution for their yard care needs. This model is designed for residential use and combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.271142 is its powerful 21-inch steel deck, which provides an ideal cutting width for tackling a variety of grass conditions. This deck is designed for durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of lawn maintenance season after season. The mower's adjustable cutting height ranges from 1 to 4 inches, offering flexibility to achieve the desired grass length to suit individual preferences and seasonal variations.

The Craftsman 917.271142 is equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its potent performance and ease of start. This engine provides sufficient power to handle thick grass and tough terrain while ensuring consistent cutting results. Additionally, the mower includes a self-propelled feature, which significantly reduces fatigue during long mowing sessions, allowing users to navigate uneven landscapes effortlessly.

In terms of technology, the Craftsman 917.271142 integrates a mulch kit, allowing for efficient grass clipping recycling. This system breaks down clippings into fine pieces that can be evenly distributed back onto the lawn, promoting healthier soil and reducing waste. For those who prefer traditional bagging, the mower also features a rear bagger option, making cleanup a breeze.

User convenience is further enhanced by ergonomic design elements. The adjustable handle ensures a comfortable grip for different user heights and can be easily folded for compact storage. The mower's large rear wheels provide improved maneuverability on various terrains, giving users better control during operation.

Maintenance is straightforward due to the mower's design, enabling easy access to the air filter and spark plug, which simplifies routine check-ups and repairs. Overall, the Craftsman 917.271142 combines power, efficiency, and user-centric features to make lawn care less of a chore and more of an enjoyable outdoor activity. Whether you are dealing with an expansive yard or a smaller garden, this mower is engineered to deliver reliable performance year after year.