Altering the pushed wheels on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor restores the machine’s skill to self-propel. This entails eradicating the outdated, worn, or broken wheels and putting in new ones. This course of sometimes requires fundamental hand instruments and might typically be accomplished by the proprietor.
Purposeful drive wheels are important for the correct operation of a self-propelled garden tractor. With out them, the tractor can not transfer ahead or backward underneath its personal energy, making mowing a tough and strenuous activity. Restoring this performance by way of wheel substitute contributes considerably to the convenience of garden upkeep and extends the usable lifetime of the machine. Over time, drive wheels put on down, lose traction, or grow to be broken. This part’s design has developed alongside developments in garden tractor expertise to enhance sturdiness and efficiency.
The next sections will element the process for changing the drive wheels on a Craftsman 917.370440, together with mandatory instruments, security precautions, step-by-step directions, and troubleshooting suggestions.
1. Appropriate Wheel Identification
Appropriate wheel identification is paramount for profitable drive wheel substitute on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor. Utilizing incorrect wheels can result in improper perform, untimely put on, and potential injury to different elements. Correct identification ensures compatibility with the tractor’s drive system and total efficiency.
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Figuring out Wheel Dimension and Kind
The Craftsman 917.370440 requires particular wheel dimensions and tread patterns. These specs guarantee correct floor clearance, traction, and compatibility with the transmission. Info concerning the right wheel measurement and kind may be discovered within the proprietor’s guide or by consulting a elements retailer. Utilizing incorrect dimensions can result in decreased efficiency and potential injury.
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Figuring out OEM Half Numbers
Unique Tools Producer (OEM) half numbers present probably the most correct approach to determine the right substitute wheels. These numbers guarantee compatibility and high quality. OEM half numbers may be discovered within the proprietor’s guide, on present elements, or by way of on-line elements catalogs. Utilizing aftermarket wheels with out verifying compatibility can result in fitment points and decreased efficiency.
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Contemplating Tire Tread and Materials
Totally different tire treads and supplies provide various ranges of traction and sturdiness. The suitable tread sample depends upon the standard terrain and working situations. Selecting the best materials ensures satisfactory put on resistance and longevity. Utilizing incorrect tread patterns or supplies can result in decreased traction and untimely put on.
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Verifying Axle Compatibility
The substitute wheels have to be suitable with the axle diameter and keyway of the Craftsman 917.370440. This ensures correct fitment and prevents slippage or injury to the axle. Measurements may be taken from the prevailing wheels and axle to substantiate compatibility. Ignoring axle compatibility can result in set up points and potential security hazards.
Cautious consideration to those components ensures the chosen substitute wheels are right for the Craftsman 917.370440, facilitating a profitable substitute course of and optimum tractor efficiency. Incorrect wheel choice can compromise the drive system, leading to inefficient operation and potential mechanical points.
2. Correct Instruments and Tools
Using acceptable instruments and tools is important for environment friendly and damage-free drive wheel substitute on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor. Using incorrect or insufficient instruments can lengthen the method, enhance the danger of harm, and probably injury elements. Correct instruments guarantee the duty is accomplished appropriately and effectively.
Particular instruments are required to take away and set up the drive wheels successfully. A jack is important to lift the tractor and supply entry to the wheels. Jack stands are essential for security, guaranteeing the tractor stays steady throughout the process. A lug wrench or socket set with the right measurement is required for eradicating and tightening lug nuts. Penetrating oil may be useful for loosening cussed nuts. A rubber mallet can help with seating the wheels appropriately. Utilizing instruments like a breaker bar as a substitute of a typical wrench might strip lug nuts or injury the wheel hub. Improper jack placement can injury the tractor body. Failure to make use of jack stands creates a big security hazard.
Deciding on the right instruments contributes considerably to the general success of the drive wheel substitute. It minimizes the danger of harm to the tractor and ensures the process is carried out safely and effectively. Acceptable instruments permit for correct torque utility to lug nuts, stopping loosening or over-tightening. Additionally they facilitate the removing of cussed elements with out inflicting injury. The proper instruments contribute to a smoother and extra environment friendly course of, minimizing downtime and maximizing the lifespan of the brand new elements. This meticulous strategy underscores the significance of correct tooling in sustaining the integrity and efficiency of the Craftsman 917.370440.
3. Secure Jacking Procedures
Secure jacking procedures are paramount when changing drive wheels on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor. Elevated stability is important to stop accidents throughout part removing and set up. Improper jacking can result in the tractor collapsing, inflicting potential harm and tools injury. Selecting the right jacking factors and using jack stands ensures a safe working surroundings.
The Craftsman 917.370440’s body options designated jacking factors particularly designed to assist the tractor’s weight when lifted. Finding these factors, typically indicated within the proprietor’s guide, is essential for stopping body injury. As soon as the tractor is raised, jack stands present redundant assist, safeguarding towards unintended slippage or jack failure. Positioning jack stands on stable, stage floor additional enhances stability. A failure to make use of jack stands might outcome within the tractor falling onto the person performing the restore, resulting in critical harm. Equally, utilizing incorrect jacking factors can deform the body, compromising the tractor’s structural integrity and probably affecting different elements.
Adhering to secure jacking procedures minimizes dangers related to working beneath a raised garden tractor. This observe prevents accidents and ensures the drive wheel substitute course of can proceed safely and effectively. Past the fast activity, understanding and making use of these procedures contribute to total workshop security and accountable tools upkeep. Neglecting these precautions can have vital penalties, impacting each private security and the longevity of the tools.
4. Correct Set up Strategies
Correct set up methods are essential for the profitable substitute of drive wheels on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor. Correct set up ensures the performance and longevity of the drive system, contributing to the general efficiency and lifespan of the machine. Deviation from these methods can result in fast or eventual mechanical points, affecting the tractor’s operation and probably inflicting security hazards.
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Securing Lug Nuts with Appropriate Torque
Making use of the right torque to lug nuts is important for safe wheel attachment and prevents injury to the wheel studs and hub. Over-tightening can strip threads or warp elements, whereas under-tightening dangers wheel detachment throughout operation. A torque wrench ensures correct tightening based on producer specs. This precision safeguards towards potential wheel detachment, sustaining operational security and stopping untimely put on.
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Correct Key Engagement
Making certain correct engagement of the keyway on the axle with the important thing on the wheel is crucial for transmitting energy successfully. A misaligned or improperly seated key may cause slippage, decreasing drive energy and probably damaging the axle or wheel hub. Cautious alignment and a agency press match are important for a safe connection. This safe connection ensures environment friendly energy transmission and prevents untimely part put on.
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Aligning Wheel with Axle
Correct alignment of the wheel with the axle ensures easy operation and minimizes stress on associated elements. Misalignment may cause wobbling, uneven tire put on, and pressure on bearings and different drive prepare elements. Cautious visible inspection and adjustment are mandatory throughout set up. This cautious strategy maximizes part lifespan and contributes to easy, environment friendly operation of the drive system.
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Verifying Free Rotation
After set up, verifying free wheel rotation is important for confirming correct fitment and performance. Any resistance or binding signifies a possible challenge with alignment, key engagement, or different elements. Addressing these points earlier than operation prevents additional injury and ensures optimum efficiency. This last verify confirms the success of the set up course of and contributes to the general security and longevity of the machine.
Correct execution of those set up methods ensures the newly put in drive wheels perform appropriately and contribute to the secure and environment friendly operation of the Craftsman 917.370440. Neglecting these procedures can result in a variety of points, compromising the tractor’s efficiency and probably creating security hazards. Diligence in these practices maximizes the lifespan of the elements and contributes to the general reliability of the machine.
5. Safe Key and Axle Match
A safe match between the wheel key and the axle is prime to the profitable operation of the Craftsman 917.370440’s drive system after a wheel substitute. This small, typically missed part performs a crucial function in transmitting torque from the axle to the wheel, enabling the tractor’s self-propulsion. And not using a correctly seated key, the connection between the axle and wheel is compromised, resulting in slippage and inefficient energy switch. This slippage manifests as decreased traction, issue shifting uphill, and extreme put on on each the important thing and the keyway within the axle and wheel hub. In excessive instances, a totally sheared key can render the tractor motionless.
Contemplate a situation the place a landscaper replaces the drive wheels on their Craftsman 917.370440 however fails to make sure a safe key match. Throughout a mowing job on a slight incline, the wheels start to slide, stopping the tractor from climbing the slope. This slippage not solely reduces effectivity but in addition will increase the danger of the tractor rolling backward, probably making a hazardous scenario. One other instance entails a house owner who replaces their drive wheels with out correctly seating the important thing. Over time, the continual slippage wears down the important thing and keyway, ultimately requiring extra intensive and expensive repairs to the axle and wheel hub. These examples illustrate the sensible significance of guaranteeing a safe key and axle match throughout drive wheel substitute.
Making certain a safe key and axle match is important for maximizing the effectiveness and longevity of the drive system following wheel substitute on the Craftsman 917.370440. Neglecting this crucial element can result in a variety of points, from decreased efficiency and elevated put on to potential security hazards. A correct match ensures environment friendly energy switch, minimizes part put on, and contributes to the general reliability and security of the machine. This understanding underscores the significance of meticulous consideration to element throughout the substitute course of and highlights the importance of seemingly small elements in sustaining the optimum perform of complicated equipment.
6. Put up-Alternative Testing
Put up-replacement testing is a vital last step within the strategy of changing drive wheels on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor. This process verifies the effectiveness of the substitute and ensures the tractor’s drive system capabilities appropriately. Testing identifies any missed points throughout set up, stopping potential injury and guaranteeing secure operation. With out post-replacement testing, underlying issues might go unnoticed, resulting in untimely put on, decreased efficiency, or security hazards.
Contemplate a situation the place a person replaces the drive wheels however neglects post-replacement testing. A free lug nut, missed throughout set up, might work itself free throughout operation, probably inflicting wheel detachment and lack of management. Alternatively, an improperly seated wheel key may not be instantly obvious however might result in slippage and eventual injury to the axle or wheel hub. Put up-replacement testing serves as a crucial verify, mitigating these dangers. A easy take a look at drive, partaking the drive system in each ahead and reverse on a stage floor, can reveal such points earlier than they escalate into extra vital issues. Observing the tractor’s motion for any uncommon vibrations, noises, or slippage offers helpful insights into the set up’s success. Additional checks, corresponding to verifying correct lug nut torque and visually inspecting the important thing engagement, add an additional layer of assurance.
Put up-replacement testing, subsequently, represents a crucial high quality management measure within the drive wheel substitute course of. It offers a possibility to determine and rectify any set up oversights, guaranteeing the long-term performance and security of the Craftsman 917.370440. This observe minimizes the danger of future mechanical points, extends the lifespan of elements, and contributes to the general reliability of the machine. Correct post-replacement testing demonstrates a dedication to thorough upkeep practices, maximizing the return on funding in new elements and guaranteeing the secure and environment friendly operation of the tools.
7. Common Upkeep Practices
Common upkeep practices play a significant function in maximizing the lifespan of drive wheels and associated elements on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor, typically delaying and even stopping the necessity for untimely substitute. Constant repairs minimizes put on and tear, contributing to optimum efficiency and long-term value financial savings. Neglecting these practices can speed up part degradation, necessitating extra frequent replacements and probably resulting in extra intensive repairs.
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Routine Cleansing
Gathered particles, corresponding to grass clippings, mud, and grime, can speed up put on on drive wheels and axles. Common cleansing removes these abrasive supplies, preserving the integrity of the elements. For instance, neglecting to wash the drive wheels after mowing in moist situations can result in corrosion and untimely tire put on. This seemingly easy observe considerably contributes to the longevity of the drive wheels.
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Lubrication
Correct lubrication of shifting elements throughout the drive system, corresponding to axle bearings and bushings, is important for minimizing friction and put on. Common lubrication, utilizing the suitable grease, ensures easy operation and extends the lifespan of those elements. Failure to lubricate these elements can result in elevated friction, warmth buildup, and untimely put on, finally necessitating earlier drive wheel substitute. As an example, dry axle bearings can seize, inflicting injury to the axle and requiring pricey repairs.
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Tire Stress Monitoring
Sustaining right tire stress is essential for optimum traction and even put on. Underneath-inflated tires enhance rolling resistance, pressure the drive system, and result in uneven put on patterns. Over-inflated tires scale back traction and enhance the danger of punctures. Repeatedly checking and adjusting tire stress ensures correct efficiency and extends tire life. Constant monitoring prevents untimely put on and maintains optimum efficiency of the drive system.
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Inspection for Put on and Harm
Common inspections of the drive wheels and associated elements can determine early indicators of wear and tear, injury, or misalignment. Addressing these points promptly prevents additional injury and extends the lifespan of the elements. For instance, a worn or cracked drive belt, if left unaddressed, can result in slippage and ultimately full failure, impacting the performance of the drive wheels. Common inspection permits for proactive upkeep, stopping extra intensive repairs and maximizing the lifespan of the elements.
These common upkeep practices contribute considerably to the longevity and efficiency of the drive system on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor. By minimizing put on and tear and addressing potential points proactively, these practices can prolong the intervals between drive wheel replacements, saving money and time whereas guaranteeing optimum tools operation. Neglecting these practices accelerates put on, growing the frequency and price of repairs, finally decreasing the lifespan of the machine. A proactive strategy to upkeep ensures the continued dependable efficiency of the tractor and maximizes its usable life.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning drive wheel substitute on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor. Understanding these elements contributes to a profitable substitute course of and ensures optimum tractor efficiency.
Query 1: How can one decide the right measurement and kind of substitute drive wheels for a Craftsman 917.370440?
Consulting the proprietor’s guide or contacting a Sears PartsDirect consultant offers definitive data concerning acceptable wheel specs. Measurements from the prevailing wheels can be used to find out the right dimensions. Utilizing incorrect wheel sizes can adversely have an effect on efficiency and injury the drive system.
Query 2: What instruments are mandatory for changing drive wheels on this mannequin?
Crucial instruments sometimes embody a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench or socket set (with acceptable measurement sockets), penetrating oil, and a rubber mallet. A torque wrench is advisable for guaranteeing correct lug nut tightness. Using incorrect instruments can injury elements or trigger harm.
Query 3: How can one guarantee secure jacking procedures are adopted throughout the substitute course of?
Consulting the proprietor’s guide identifies designated jacking factors. Utilizing jack stands on a stage floor offers important security and stability. By no means work underneath a tractor supported solely by a jack. Ignoring security precautions can result in critical harm.
Query 4: What’s the significance of the important thing within the drive wheel meeting?
The important thing transmits torque from the axle to the wheel, enabling correct drive perform. Making certain its correct engagement is essential for efficient energy transmission. A free or broken key may cause slippage and eventual part failure.
Query 5: What post-replacement checks must be carried out?
Put up-replacement procedures ought to embody verifying correct lug nut torque, confirming safe key engagement, and testing the drive system in each ahead and reverse on a stage floor. Hear for uncommon noises and observe for any vibrations or slippage. Neglecting these checks can result in additional injury or security hazards.
Query 6: How can one prolong the lifespan of newly put in drive wheels?
Common cleansing, lubrication of axle elements, sustaining right tire stress, and periodic inspections for put on or injury contribute considerably to the longevity of drive wheels. These practices decrease put on and tear, maximizing the lifespan of the elements and decreasing the necessity for frequent replacements.
Cautious consideration to those regularly requested questions ensures a profitable drive wheel substitute, contributing to the secure and environment friendly operation of the Craftsman 917.370440.
The subsequent part will present an in depth, step-by-step information for changing the drive wheels on this particular mannequin.
Ideas for Craftsman 917.370440 Drive Wheel Alternative
This part affords sensible steerage to make sure a easy and profitable drive wheel substitute course of. Cautious consideration to those suggestions minimizes potential problems and maximizes the lifespan of the brand new elements.
Tip 1: Safe the Space: Earlier than initiating the process, make sure the garden tractor is parked on a stage floor, the engine is off, the parking brake is engaged, and the secret’s eliminated. This establishes a secure working surroundings and prevents unintended beginning.
Tip 2: Seek the advice of the Handbook: Confer with the proprietor’s guide for model-specific directions and security pointers. The guide offers crucial data concerning jacking factors, torque specs, and part diagrams.
Tip 3: Penetrating Oil Utility: Making use of penetrating oil to the lug nuts a number of hours earlier than removing can considerably ease the method, notably if they’re rusted or seized. This prevents extreme pressure that might injury the studs.
Tip 4: Spend money on High quality Replacements: Choosing high-quality substitute wheels ensures sturdiness and optimum efficiency. Whereas inexpensive alternate options is likely to be tempting, they typically compromise longevity and reliability.
Tip 5: Double-Test Key Engagement: Prior to totally tightening the lug nuts, visually affirm correct engagement of the wheel key with the axle keyway. This crucial step ensures correct energy transmission and prevents slippage.
Tip 6: Torque Wrench Utilization: Make use of a torque wrench when tightening lug nuts. This ensures correct torque utility, stopping over-tightening (which may injury studs) or under-tightening (which dangers wheel detachment).
Tip 7: Put up-Set up Inspection: After set up, conduct an intensive visible inspection of the wheels, axles, and associated elements. Search for any indicators of harm or misalignment. A take a look at drive confirms correct perform and divulges any missed points.
Tip 8: Doc the Course of: Taking pictures or movies throughout the substitute course of can function a helpful reference for future upkeep or troubleshooting. This documentation aids in recalling particular steps and part orientations.
Adhering to those suggestions contributes to a profitable drive wheel substitute and ensures the long-term efficiency and security of the Craftsman 917.370440.
The next part offers a concise conclusion summarizing the important thing factors mentioned all through this information.
Conclusion
Profitable drive wheel substitute on a Craftsman 917.370440 garden tractor requires cautious consideration to element, from correct part identification and secure jacking procedures to express set up methods and thorough post-replacement testing. Correct device choice and adherence to producer specs are important for guaranteeing the longevity of the brand new elements and the general efficiency of the machine. Understanding the perform of key elements, such because the wheel key and axle keyway, and their significance in energy transmission is essential for attaining a safe and useful drive system. Common upkeep practices, together with cleansing, lubrication, and tire stress monitoring, contribute considerably to maximizing the lifespan of the drive wheels and associated elements.
Correct drive wheel substitute restores important performance to the Craftsman 917.370440, enabling environment friendly and secure garden upkeep. Diligence in following advisable procedures and proactive upkeep practices ensures optimum efficiency and extends the usable lifetime of the machine. This meticulous strategy to upkeep contributes not solely to the longevity of the tools but in addition to the protection and satisfaction of its operation. Investing effort and time in correct drive wheel substitute and ongoing upkeep represents a dedication to preserving the worth and performance of this helpful piece of apparatus.
