TRACTOR

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

BRAKE OPERATION

If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then

brake must be checked and adjusted.(See "TO ADJUST BRAKE" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual).

TIRES

Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual).

Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may

cause tire damage.

NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts

dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and corrosion.

OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM

Be sure operator presence and interlock systems are working properly. If your trac- tor does not function as described, repair the problem immediately.

The engine should not start unless

the brake pedal is fully depressed and attachement clutch control is in the

disengaged position.

When the engine is running, any at- tempt by the operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake should shut off the engine.

When the engine is running and the attachment clutch is engaged, any at- tempt by the operator to leave the seat should shut off the engine.

The attachment clutch should never op-

erate unless the operator is in the seat.

BLADE CARE

For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

BLADE REMOVAL

1.Raise mower to highest position to al- low access to blades.

2.Remove blade bolt, lock washer and flat washer securing blade.

3.Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown.

IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on mandrel assembly.

4.Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer

and flat washer in exact order as shown.

5.Tighten blade bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.

If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approve bolt shown in the Repair Parts.

Trailing

Blade

Center

Edge Up

 

Hole

Flat Washer

 

Mandrel

 

Assembly

 

 

Lock Washer

 

 

 

Blade

Bolt

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and engine.

The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with balancer.)

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.

Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a hori- zontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

Blade

5/8" Bolt or Pin

Center Hole

BATTERY

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is sufficient for normal use. How-

ever, periodic charging of the battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.

Keep battery and terminals clean.

Keep battery bolts tight.

Keep small vent holes open.

Recharge at 6-10 amperes for 1 hour. 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.

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Craftsman 917.273648 manual Battery, Tractor, Operator Presence System, Blade Care, Blade Removal

917.273648 specifications

The Craftsman 917.273648 is a powerful and versatile riding lawn mower designed for homeowners who seek efficiency in lawn maintenance. This riding mower is equipped with a robust 24-horsepower Kohler engine, ensuring it can tackle even the most challenging terrains with ease. Its reliable performance is matched with an easy-start feature, allowing you to fire up the engine without hassle.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 917.273648 is its cutting deck, which measures 46 inches. This wide cutting deck allows for a more extensive mowing area, reducing the time spent on large lawns. The deck is engineered from high-quality steel, providing durability and resilience against wear and tear. Additionally, the deck height can be adjusted to six different positions ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, giving users the flexibility to achieve their desired grass length.

The mower also incorporates advanced technologies such as a hydrostatic transmission, allowing for smooth and seamless speed adjustments while driving. This feature enhances the mowing experience, making it comfortable to navigate around obstacles without needing to shift gears manually. The tight turning radius of the Craftsman 917.273648 enables efficient maneuvering, making it easier to turn around flower beds or other landscaping features.

In terms of operator comfort, the Craftsman 917.273648 includes an ergonomic seat with ample padding, designed to minimize fatigue during extended mowing sessions. The controls are intuitively laid out, ensuring that users can operate the mower with minimal effort. Furthermore, the mower is equipped with an oversized lap bar, making it simple to control steering and braking.

Safety features are also a priority with this model. It comes with a safety switch that automatically shuts off the mower if the operator leaves the seat, preventing accidents. The rear engine placement enhances visibility while mowing, ensuring that users can safely navigate their landscapes.

Overall, the Craftsman 917.273648 combines power, comfort, and safety in a reliable riding mower. With its robust engine, versatile cutting deck, and user-friendly features, it stands out as a top choice for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently.