Craftsman 917253502, 91725350 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

LAWN TRACTO

17.5 HP,*42" Mower

Electric Start

6 Speed Transaxle

Model No.

917.25350

This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the

engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.

IMPORTANT:

Read and follow a!! Safety Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

Sears, Roebuck and Coo, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears,comicraftsman *As rated by lhe engine manufacturer

For answers to your questions about

this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line

5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat

Warranty .................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................... 3

Product Specifications ............................ 6

AssemblyPre-Operation ......................... 8

Operation .............................................. 11

Maintenance ....................................... 17

Maintenance Scheduie ........................ t 7

Service and Adjustments ...................... 21

Storage .................................................. 26

Troubleshooting ..................................... 27

Sears Service .......................... Back Cover

LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is main- tained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears

will repair or replace free of charge any parts that are found to be defective in material or workmanship according to the guidelines of coverage listed below° Sears will also provide free labor for these applicable warranted parts for the two full years, During the first 30 days of purchase, there wilt be no charges to service the product at your home for issues covered by this warranty. (See exclusions below), For your convenience, IN HOME war- ranty service will still be available after the first 30 days of purchase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped off at an authorized

Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location, please call 1_800-4_MY-HOME®_ This warranty applies only while this product is within the United States_

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, including but not limited to blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters.

• Standard Maintenance Servicing, oil changes, or tune-ups

. Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails,

thorns, stumps, or glass.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the riding equipment, impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.

Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade and amount of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure to

maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

. Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated

or oxidized (stale). In general, fueI should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.

• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement_

• Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

LIMITED WARRANTY ON BATTERY For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equip-

ment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. During the first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charges to replace the battery at your HOME. After the

first 30 days, for your convenience, IN-HOME warranty service will still be available but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is dropped of at an authorized Sears location, For the nearest authorized Sears location, please call

1-800-4-MY-HOME®_ This battery warranty applies only while this product is within the United States,

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Dept.817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

_DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects, Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result

in serious injury or death,

_WARNING: In order to prevent acciden- tal starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always discon-

nect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug,

_WARNING: Do not coast down a hil! in neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

_WARNING: Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with

specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing,

Operate only at the lowest possible speed when on a slope. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose

traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor°

i. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tions on the machine and in the manual

before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating

parts or under the machine. Keep clear

of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate

the machine.

. Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by the blades,

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders befo re operating, Stop machine ifanyone

enters the area.

• Never carp] passengers.

• Do not mowin reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind

before and while backing.

• Never direct discharged materialtoward anyone, Avoid discharging material

against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator, Stop the blades when crossing gravel

surfaces.

• Do notoperate machine withoutthe entire grass catcher, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and working.

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unat- tended, Always turn off blades, set park-

ing brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting.

• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning

the machine, removing the grass catcher,

or unclogging the discharge guard,

• Operate machine onlyin daylight or good artificial light°

• Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways,

• Use extracare when loading or unloading

the machine into a trailer or truck,

° Aiways wear eye protection when operat-

ing machine,

• Data indicates that operators, age 60

years and above, are involved in a large

percentage of riding mower-related inju- ries. These operators should evaluate

their ability to operate the riding mower

safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury,

• Follow the manufacturer's recommen- dation for wheel weights or counter-

weights.

• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris build-up which can

touch hot exhaust / engine parts and

burn. Do not allow the mower to plow leaves or other debris which can cause

build-up to occur,. Clean any oil or fuel

spillage before operating or storing the

machine. Allow machine to cool before

storage.

II, SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss of

control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death, Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you

cannot back up the slope or if you feet uneasy on it, do not mow it.

• Mow up and down slopes, not across°

° Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or

other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass

can hide obstacles.

. Choose a low ground speed so that you

will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose

traction.

. Always keep the machine in gear when

going down slopes, Do not shift to neutral

and coast downhill,

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a sloper Ifthe tires lose traction, disengage

the blades and proceed slowly straight

down the slope,

. Keep all movement on the slopes slow

and gradual, Do not make sudden

changes in speed or direction, which

could cause the machine to roll over,

• Use extra carewhile operating machine with grass catchers or other attacflments; they can affect the stability of the ma-

chine, Do no use on steep slopes,

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by

putting your foot on the ground.

° Do not mow near drop*offs, ditches, or

embankments, The machine could sud- denly roll over if a wheel is over the edge

or if the edge caves in,

I!i. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children, Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume

that children will remain where you last

saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care of a responsible

adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children,

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They may fall off and

be seriously injured or interfere with

safe machine operation. Children who

have been given rides in the past may

suddenly appear in the mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed

over by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may block your view of a child.

IV, TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point,

. Followthemanufacturer'srecommenda-

tion forweight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes,

• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment,

• On slopes, the weightofthe towed equip- ment may cause loss of traction and loss

of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop°

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE To avoid personal injury or property dam-

age, use extreme care in handling gasoline, Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

° Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

and other sources of ignition.

. Use only approved gasoline container,

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running° Allow engine to cool

before refueling.

• Never fuelthe machine indoors.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer where there is an open flame, spark, or

pilot light such as on a water heater or other appliances,

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or

on a truck or trailer bed with plastic linen

Always place containers on the ground

away from your vehicle when filling,

° Remove gas-powered equipment from

the truck or trailer and refuel it on the

ground, If this is not possible, then refuel

such equipmentwith a portable container,

rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim

of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not

use a nozzle lock-open device.

• lffuetis spilled on clothing, change cloth-

ing immediately,

• Never overfilt fuel tank. Replace gas cap

and tighten securely,

GENERALSERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed area,

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition,

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-upo Clean oil or fuel

spillage and remove any fuel-soaked de-

bris. Allow machine to cool before storing,

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and

inspectthe machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine running,

. Check grass catcher components and the

discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp.Wrapthe blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them,

• Check brake operation frequently, Adjust and service as required,

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary_

. Be sure the area is clear of bystanders

before operating_ Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

° Never carry passengers, ° Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely

necessary, Always look down and behind before and while backing.

• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off, They may fall off and

be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation_ Children who

have been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for

another ride and be run over or backed over by the machine,

° Keep children out of the mowing area

and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area,

. Before and while backing, look behind

and down for small children.

• Mow up and down slopes (15 ° Max), not across.

• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If thetires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope,

" If machine stops while going uphill, dis-

engage blades, shift into reverse and back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually down-

hill, if possible,

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Unleaded and "S/pe: Regular

Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)

API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below 32°F

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 56 oz.

W/O Filter: 48 oz,

Spark Plug: Champion RCI2YC

(Gap: ,030")

Ground Speed

(MPH):

Charging System: 3 Amps Battery

Battery: AmpiHr: 28

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft, Lbso

Forward:

1st 1.1 2nd 1,4 3rd 2.2 4th 3,4

5th 4,3 6th 5,5

Reverse: 1,7

5 Amps Headlights

Mino CCA: 230 Case Size: UIR

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor, It has been designed, engi- neered and manufactured to give you the best

possible dependability and performance° Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your

nearest authorized service center/depart- ment. We have competent, well-trained rep-

resentativesand the proper tools to service

or repair this tractor_

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble

and maintain your tractor properly, Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintain- ing, caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections

of this owner's manual_

_1_ WARNING: This tractor isequipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

covered, brush-covered or' grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is

equipped with a spark arrester meeting ap- plicable local or state laws (if any)_ If a spark

arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator°

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service center/department (See REPAIR PARTS

manual),

/ \

I \

\ f

\ t

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel Insert

(t) Hex Bolt

5/t 6-18 x 4

_ Steering Wheel

Adapter

Eli i

<,- ,_

1, ,4

1-..+_-,- 1 I I

I I

Seat

(1) Large Flat Washer

(1) 5116 Lock Washer

Steering

Boot

@ (1) Washer

Steering Extension

Shaft

Keys

(2) Keys

_(1) Knob

(i) Seat

(1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use

Slope Sheet

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as

necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier, Standard wrench sizes you need are listed belowr

(I) 314" wrench (1) Pliers (1) t/2" wrench (1) Utility knife

(1) Tire pressure gauge

When right or left hand is mentioned in

this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steer-

ing wheel),

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM

CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes from carton.

2. Cut along dashed lines on all four panels of carton. Remove end panels and lay

side panels flat.

3o Check for any additional loose parts or

cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR

FROM SKID

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

3. Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward.

4. Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel and slide adapter onto

steering shaft extension.

5. Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.

6. Assemble large flat washer, 5/I6 lock washer, 5/16 hex bolt and tighten

securely.

7, Snap steering wheel insert into center

of steering wheel.

8. Remove protective materials from trac- tor hood and grill,

LARGE FLAT

WASHER

WHEEL

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND

BOOT !. Slide extension shaft onto lower steer-

ing shaft.

2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure.

STEERING SHAFT

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture tires where

tractor is to roll off skid,

INSTALL SEAT Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob.

I. Remove adjustment knob and flatwasher

securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tracton

2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard packing, Remove the card- board packing and discard.

3, Place seat on seat pan so head of shoul-

der bolt is positioned over large slotted hole in pan_

4,, Push down on seat to engage shoulder

bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of

tractor,

5. Pivotseatand panforward and assemble adjustment knob and flat washer Iooselyr Do not tighten,

6, Lower seat into operating position and

sit in seat,

7, Slide seat until a comfortable position is

reached which allows you to press clutch/ brake pedal all the way down,

8, Get off seat without moving its adjusted

position,

9, Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob

securely,

Seat

Seat Pan-_

Shoulder

Bolt

CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift seat pan to raised position. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after

month and year indicated on label (label located between terminals) charge battery

for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps, (See

"BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions).

Label

Seat pan I

Terminal

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid, Follow the appropriate instruction

below to remove the tractor from the skid,

WARNING: Before starting, read, un-

derstand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual° Be sure

tractor is in a well-ventilated area_ Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other

people and objects,

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation section for location and

function of controls)

I, Press lift lever plunger and raise attach-

ment lift lever to its highest position,

2_ Release parking brake by depressing

clutch/brake pedal,

3. Placegearshiftleverin neutral(N) position,

4. Roll tractor forward off skid, 5, Remove banding holding the deflector

shield up against tractor.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at

the factory for shipping purposes, Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting

performance.

° Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on

tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing

should be properly leveled, See "TO LEVEL

MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replac- ing motion and mower blade drive belts in

the Service and Adjustments section of this

manual Verify that the belts are routed

correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After' you learn how to operate your tractor,

check to see that the brake is operating properly. See 'q'O CHECK BRAKE" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

v/CHECKLIST

Before you operate and enjoy your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive

the best performance and satisfaction from this Quality Product,

Please review the following checklist: ,/'All assembly instructions have been com-

pletedo

•/'No remaining loose parts in carton, v/Battery is properly prepared and

charged.

v/Seat is adjusted comfortably and

tightened securely.

v/All tires are properly inflated, (For ship-

ping purposes, the tires were overinflated at the factory).

"/'Be sure mower deck is properly leveled

side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting

results, (Tires must be properly inflated

for leveling)_

,i/Check mower and drive belts, Be sure

they are routed properly around pulleys

and inside all belt keepers.

v/Check wiring See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly clamped,

While learning how to use your tractor, pay extra attention to the following important

items: v/Engine oil is at proper level,. v/Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline.

,/Become familiar with all controls - their

location and function. Operate them before you start the engine.

•,/Be sure brake system is in safe operating

condition,

•/'Be sure Operator Presence System and

Reverse Operation System (ROS) are working properly (See the Operation and

Maintenance sections in this manual).

'I0

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