Want info about used Craftsman GT5000

16 years ago

I found a dead Craftsman GT5000 model 917.276020 with Kohler 25 hp motor locally on Craigslist. The owner said it did not run but the engine would turn over if it is jumped. He said it was his friend's who is an electrical engineer and when the tractor stopped running when his son was mowing they went out and bought a diesel mower. The GT5000 sat out in the weather/rain since it broke down last summer. The previous owner had the tractor worked on and it only ran for a few hours before it broke down again and he decided to get the diesel. He did not want to sink any more money in it so it sat. Just to make sure I had the police run the serial number to make sure it wasn't reported stolen. Anyway I can't wait to start working on it. The battery is completely toast. Any recommendations for a new battery? Of course it has a Die Hard in it now. I found the shop and owner's manual for the motor on the Kohler site. Cool. I also cut and pasted the troubleshooting tree from Kohler. But Sears does not seam to post the manuals on line anymore. Does anybody have a pdf manual for this tractor? The guy said it was bought from Sears in 2003. The guy advertised it as a 6 speed but I got to looking at the shift lever and it says automatic on the plastic housing and it does not have any numbers on it. Just gradually larger hash marks. Hydro?!?!?! There is no hour meter but the tires look good with about 1/4 inch of tread. I don't know how much tread are on these when new. This is going to replace a 70s 7-32 Toro that someone gave to me as a basket case and I resurrected. I also have a Kioti CK30hst tlb. My wife thinks I'm a tractor nut case and just shakes her head. There's worse things in the world to be.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:357474}}

Featured Answer

larryf

16 years ago

I can offer some comments on the battery.

1) Small tractor batteries have the same dimensions, but are available in 4 power levels: (ratings are approximate)
180 cold cranking amps
230 cold cranking amps
295 cold cranking amps
340 cold cranking amps

My opinion is the two lower cranking amp batteries are intended for the single cylinder engines. The large twin cylinder engines may need the more powerful batteries.

2) The same cold cranking amp battery is usually available with the positive terminal on the left or the right side. Examine the battery compartment and the location of the battery cables to determine which battery your tractor requires.

3) Some tractor batteries are sealed while others are not. The sealed batteries have the same power as the vented batteries, but the vented batteries are more likely to have corrosion problems on the cables and battery box. Vented batteries usually have the removable battery caps so that you can add watter. Seal batteries are - sealed - with out removal caps. Usually, the sealed batteries are about $5.00 more than the vented batteries. Most of the batteries delivered with new tractors are the sealed type. Places like Auto Zone, Checker, NAPA and most of the department stores sell the vented batteries - probably because they are cheaper to buy from the manufacturers.

Die Hard batteries on new tractors are usually sealed. The Die Hard batteries in the Sears stores are usually the vented style. DieHard is a sticker that is placed on batteries purchased from the different battery manufacturers.

4) A Battery maintainer is an excellent tool that maintains the battery at a peak state of charge. You can leave a battery maintainer connected to a battery for the entire off season without harming a battery. The battery maintainer must be turned on all the time.

A battery charger - even a trickle charger - should only be used to boost a battery - perhaps monthly - for a few hours at a time. A battery charger will cook a battery if it is left on all the time.

5) The battery electric shops usually carry a full assortment of batteries, cables, and all the charging equipment. The selection available in the department stores is usually limited.

Sorry, I don't have a recommendation for a particular brand of battery. I like sealed batteries as they are less likely to develop corrosion problems.

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Comments (12)

twigpig
Original Author
16 years ago
Here's a picture of the shift lever.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:357477}}
twigpig
Original Author
16 years ago
Here's a photo of the tread on a rear tire. Looking at the photo it looks like they used this tractor to tow something. I hope the rear drive is not the problem.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:357480}}
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sadixon49
16 years ago
Well, it's clearly a Hydro, the photo of the rear tire also shows the hydro release lever. Great find, the Craftsman GTs are the best of the Craftsman tractors, and at the price you paid, you could even afford a reengine if needed.
tjeffers
16 years ago
Great find! I have the same mower 27608 except with the Briggs instead of the Kohler It is also a hydro. If you want the manual (pdf), click on my name above and send me an e-mail. I'll send it to you.

Terry
machiem
16 years ago
It's definitely a hydro.

You might get lucky and find out it's only a defective safety switch!!
bill_kapaun
16 years ago
Go to-
http://www3.sears.com/
And plug the 917 number in. You can get some details, part #'s etc. For example, it has a HYDRO GEAR 331-3000 transaxle.

You can find GOOD schematics etc. at-
http://www.m-and-d.com/parts.html
Click Illustrated parts diagrams online, then click Here for Parts Lookup.
On the menu on the upper left, select Electrolux Homme products, tractors, 2002,
PRGT25H48A
twigpig
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you all for the information. I haven't had a chance to do anything with the tractor yet. Terry I emailed you with my email info. So far I haven't got anything. It's the Hollidays so you probably don't have the time either. If you get a chance....
What is the knob that you can turn under the front of the seat? I'm going to have to get a new battery charger. My old Harbor Freight el cheapo crapped out. It only charges on the start position and then cooks the battery. Any sugestions on a good reasonably priced battery charger? My neighbor got a Husky 2/6/10 charger from Home Depot and is very happy with it. Any better ones out there?
tjeffers
16 years ago
Hi Brad,

Your server at verizon.net keeps kicking the files back to me (originally sent to you 12-27-07). I'll try again now to resend it manually.

The knob under the seat is the adjustment lock for the seat. Mine kept getting loose, so I installed a bolt and lock washer to keep it in place.

Sounds like your charger doesn't shut off whan the batt is fully charged. I use a HF 2-10-55 charger. Had it for about a year. Use it all the time for cars, tractors, camper. So far, so good.

Also in the manual it shows you how to purge air from the transmission (Page 14). Once you get the engine started, do this as your next task. Hope you get it going.

Terry
twigpig
Original Author
16 years ago
Terry
Got the manual. Thank you. It looks the same as my tractor.
tjeffers
16 years ago
Brad,

Like bill_kapaun said, if you goto the sears parts site that he listed and enter your model #, you can also get exploded views of all major components, too. Like electrical, steering, deck lift ... etc.

Keep us informed on your progress.
Terry
damion_ragsdale_kcpd_org
12 years ago
i have agt5000 model 917276081 the engine will start and run and idles fine but when let off the brake to take off it dies out the only way it will go is if i go up and down on the brake and stay in just the right spot and when i pull the pto switch it dies and the batt is dead so i have to jump it for it to start i pulled the pto switch out and jumpered the wires and blades will run but when take off it wants to die out unless iam in the right spot on the brake i replaced interlock switch and pto switch still wont run can anybody help

Want info about used Craftsman GT5000

larryf

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