Craftsman 917253540 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

CRFII:r$1vlRH°

LAWN

24.0 HP,*

TRACTO

46" Mower

Electric Start

Automatic Transmission

Model No.

917.25354

03070

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 all Safety Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A. Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *As rated by the engine manufacturer

For answers to your questions about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am- 5 pro, Mon - Sat

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

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

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

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

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

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 18

Service and Adjustments ..................... 22

Storage ................................................ 28

Troubleshooting ................................... 29

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

Maintenance ....................................... 18

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

TWO YEARS ON RiDiNG EQUIPMENT

When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, if this riding equipment fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date or purchase,

call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free repair. Also, when operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will

also cover defects in material and workmanship of the Frame and Front Axle for five years from the date of purchase

This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Sears will NOT

pay for:

• Expendable items that 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.

• Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or improper operation or maintenance.

• 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 riding equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual.

• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.

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

All riding equipment and battery warranty coverage is void if this product is ever used for commercial or rental purposes.

This 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., 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.

_IWARNING: 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 hill in

neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.

_IWARNING: 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 followall 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

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 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 extra care 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 feel 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 slope. 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 care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; 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.

Ii1. 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 for weight limits for towed equipment

and towing on slopes.

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

• On slopes, the weight ofthetowed 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 fuel the machine indoors.

• Never storethe machine or fuel container 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 liner.

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. Ifthis is not possible, then refuel such equipment with 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.

• Iffuel is spilled on clothing, change cloth-

ing immediately.

• Never overfill fueltank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in aclosed area.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tightto be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Nevertamperwith safety devices. Check

their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. 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, ifnecessary,

before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs

with the engine running.

• Checkgrass catchercomponentsandthe 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 the tires lose traction, disengage

the blades and proceed slowly straight

down the slope.

• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift into reverse and

back down slowly.

• Do notturn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually

downhill, if possible.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 3.0 Gallons and Type: Unleaded Regular

Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)

(API-SG-SL): SAE 5W30 (below 32°F '

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 64 oz.

W/O Filter: 60 oz.

Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC

(Gap: .040")

Ground Speed Forward: 0 - 5.5

Reverse: 0 - 2.4

Charging System: 3 Amps Battery

5 Amps Headlights

Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Min. CCA: 230 Case size: U1R

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs.

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.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped 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 arrester 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).

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel Insert

_r_ Steering Wheel

m !

I I

Adapter

(1) Flat Washer

(1) Locknut

Steering

Boot

Seat

(1) Washer

Keys

(2) Kegs

(1) Seat

(1) Hex Bolt

Slope Sheet

(1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembledfor shippingpurposes. Toensuresafeand properoperationof yourtractor

all parts and hardwareyou assemble mustbe tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessaryto insure propertightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 5/16" wrench Utility knife (2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge (2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers (1) 9/16" wrench

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it meanswhen you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from carton.

• Cut along dotted lines on all four pan-

els of carton. Remove end panels and

lay side panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or

cartons and remove.

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL

1. Remove Iocknut and large flat washer from steering shaft.

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

3. Slide the steering sleeve overthe steering

shaft.

4. Align tabs and press steering sleeve ex- tension into bottom of steering wheel.

5. Position steering wheel so cross bars

are horizontal (left to right) and slide onto steering wheel adapter.

6. Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with Iocknut and large flat washer previ-

ously removed. Tighten securely.

7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of

steering wheel.

8. Remove protective materialsfromtractor

hood and grill.

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

tractor is to roll off skid.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR

FROM SKID

CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift hood 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.

Label

LOWER

STEERING

WHEEL

_STEERING

t BOOT

_ADAPTER

LARGEFLAT

WASHER

INSTALL SEAT

1. Remove bolt and flat washer secur- ing seat to cardboard packing and set

aside for assembly of seat to tractor.

Remove the cardboard packing and

discard,

2. Connect switch to seat.

3. Place seat on seat pan so all three (3) bottom pads are positioned over large

slotted holes in pan.

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the

skid. Followthe instructions belowto 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)

1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

Release parking brake by depressing brake pedal.

Place freewheel control in disengaged position to disengage transmission (See

"TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation sec-

tion of this manual).

4. Roll tractor forward off skid.

4. Push down on seat to engage pads in slots and pull seat towards rear of trac-

tor.

5. Raise seat and tighten bolt securely.

6. Remove tape and discard.

7. Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat. Press clutch/brake pedal all

the way down. If operating position is

not comfortable, adjust seat. To adjust seat: Grasp adjustment handle and pull up, slide seat to desired position and release adjustment handle.

Slot Tape

Flat washer

Bolt

pan

Tab

Adjustment

handle

5. Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against tractor.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires onyourtractorwereoverinflated atthe

factoryfor shipping purposes. Correcttire pres- sure isimportantfor 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" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual. CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF

ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the

Service and Adjustments section ofthis man- ual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to seethatthe brake is operating prop- erly. See "TO CH ECK BRAKE" inthe Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

JCHECKLIST

Before you operate 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

completed.

•/ No remaining loose parts in carton.

Vf Battery is properly prepared and charged. Vf Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-

ened securely.

Vf All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping

purposes, the tires were overinflated at

the factory).

Vf Be sure mower deck is properly leveled

side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be properly inflated

for leveling).

#" Check mower and drive belts. Be sure

they are routed properly around pulleys

and inside all belt keepers.

_/Check wiring. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly clamped.

_/ Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel

control is in "transmission engaged" posi-

tion (see "To Transport" in the Operation

section of this manual).

While learning howto use your tractor, pay ex- tra attention to the following important items:

#" Engine oil is at proper level. #" 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).

#" It is important to purge the transmission

before operating your tractor for the first

time. Follow proper starting and transmis-

sion purging instructions (See "TO START ENGINE"and"PURGETRANSMISSION"

in the Operation section of this manual).

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

R N H L

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START

LIGHTS ON

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

(Automatic Models only)

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

FUEL BATTERY

FREE WHEEL

ATTACH MENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

REVERSE

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

& &

FORWARD

I',,I "_ .ab

CHOKE FAST SLOW

PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT

CRUISE CONTROL CLUTCH/BRAKE

IGNITION SWITCH

MOWER LIFT

PEDAL

@@®@@

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, might result in minor or moderate injury.

Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or

death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety inform-

ation about hazards which can result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage.

.hlll!ltlJll}_.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage. FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

could result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

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