Craftsman 917.25355 Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual
LAWN TRAOTO
20.0 HP,* 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.25355
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.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-59t7
Sears Craftsman ttelp Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U,S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *A_ rated by the engine manufacturer
Warranty .................................................... 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 3
Product Specifications ........................... 6
AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ 7
Operation ............................................... 9
Maintenance ....................................... 16
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 16
Service and Adjustments ..................... 20
Storage ................................................ 26
Troubleshooting ................................... 27
Sears Service ........................ Back Cover
LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT
For t_wo (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 will 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, fuel 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 BA'I-rERY
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 batter/
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 wilt 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
2
d_IjDANGER: 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.
d_IbWARNING: 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 iose 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 toad, 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 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.
° Donotoperatemachinewithouttheentire
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 only in 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.
• AIwaysweareye 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 ifyou 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_
• Alwayskeepthemachineingearwhen
goingdownslopes.Donotshifttoneutral
andcoastdownhill
• Avoidstarting,stopping,orturningona
slope,lfthetireslosetraction,disengage
the bladesandproceedslowlystraight
downtheslope,
. Keepall movementontheslopesslow
and gradual, Do not make sudden
changesin speed or direction, which
couldcausethe machineto rollover.
• Useextracarewhileoperatingmachine
withgrasscatchersorotherattachments;
they can affectthe stabilityof the ma-
chine_Donouseonsteepslopes.
• Do nottry to stabilizethe machineby
puttingyourfootontheground.
• Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditches,or
embankments.Themachinecouldsud-
denlyrolloverifawheelisovertheedge
oriftheedgecavesin.
Iil. 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
o Tow only with a machine that has a hitch
designed for towing. Do not attach towed
equipment except at the hitch poinL
• 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, theweightofthetowed equip-
ment may cause toss 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,
• Never store the machine orfuelcontainer
where there is an open flame, spark, or
pilot light such as on a water heater or
other apptiances_
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or
on atruck 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 containe r,
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.
• lffuelisspilled on clothing, change cloth-
ing immediately,
• Never overfi]lfueltank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
4
GENERALSERVlCE
• Neveroperate 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-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, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
- Checkgrasscatchercomponents andthe
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.
• Checkbrake operation frequently.Adjust
and service as required,
- Maintain orreplace safetyand 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 mowin 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 (t5 ° 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 not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible,
5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity 2.5 Gallons
and Type: Unleaded Regular
Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)
(API-SG-SL): SAE 5W30 (below 32°F
Oil Capacity: Wi Filter: 56 oz,
WiO Filter: 48 oz.
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: °030")
Ground Speed Forward: 0-5,5
Reverse: 0-2°4
Charging System: 3 Amps Battery
5 Amps Headlights
Battery: AmpiHr: 28
Min, CCA: 230
Case size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 FL Lbs,
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of
a new tractor, It has been designed, engi-
neered and man ufactured 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-
menL 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.
_i_ WAR NING: 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 opeTator.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest authorized service
center/department (See REPAIR PARTS
manual).
6
iJ_lll .........................................................................
Slope Sheet
Keys
(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use
(2) Keys
"four new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes,
When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means, from your point of view, when
you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Cut along dashed lines on all four panels of carton, Remove end panels and lay side
panels flat.
2, Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grille.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any staples in skid that may puncture tires where
tractor is to roll off skid.
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift seat pan to raised position and open
battery box door.
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.
Seat
Battery box
Label
Terminal
ADJUST SEAT
I, Sit in seat,
2, Lift up adjustment lever (A) and slide seat
until a comfortable position is reached
which allows you to press clutch/brake
pedal all the way down.,
3, Release lever to lock seat in position.
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 wel]-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,
2, Release parking brake by depressing
brake pedal,
3, Place freewheel control in disengaged
position to disengage transmission (See
"TO TRANS PC RT" in the Operatio nsec-
tion of this manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
5, Remove banding holding the deflector
shield up against tractor,
Continue with the instructions that follow,
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
Thetiresonyourtractorwere overinftated atthe
factoryforshipping purposes. Correcttire pres-
sure 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" 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 of this man-
ualo Verify that the belts are routed correctly,
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor,
checkto seethat the brake isoperating prop-
erly, See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual,
_'CHECKLIST
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:
v[ All assembly instructions have been
completed.
v/ No remaining loose parts in carton°
v/Battery is properly prepared and
charged°
Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely,
vf AI]tires are properly inflated, (For shipping
purposes, the tires were overinflated at
the factory),
V" Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-sideifront-to-rear for best cutting
results, (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling),
vf Check mower and drive belts, Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers,
vf Check wiring, See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped,
vf 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 how to use your tractor, pay ex-
tra attention to the following important items:
Engine oil is at proper level,
vz Fuel tan k is filled with fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline°
_/Become familiar with all controls, their
location and function, Operate them
before you start the engine,
Vf Be sure brake system is in safe operating
condition.
Vf Be sure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (See the Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual),
Vf It is important to purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the first
time. Follow proper starting and trans mis-
sion purging instructions (See'qO START
ENGINE"and"PURGETRANSMISSlON"
in the Operation section of this manual),
8
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product,
Learn and understand their meaning,
R N H L I\i ÷
REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW
IGNITION SWITCH
REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT
OPERATION
SYSTEM (ROS)
;l; CL°TCH' RA E
,O.WARO PEDA
ENGINE OFF
-- ® sIXX)o
LIGHTS ON FUEL BATTERY REVERSE CRUISE CONTROL
ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT DANGER, KEEP HANDS
CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED AND FEET AWAY
@@®@@
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
FREE WHEEL
(Automatic Modets only)
DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
wilt result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious 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,
i======m=m
CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury,
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.
9
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TRACTOR
Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference,
Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute.
(A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to
raise and lower the mower or other attach-
ments mounted to your tractor.
(B) BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the
tractor and starting the engine.
(C) PARKING BRAKE - Locks clutch/brake
pedal into the brake position.
(D) THROTTLE CONTROL- Used to control
engine speed,
(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used
to engage the mower blades, or other attach-
ments mounted to your tractor°
(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting
and stopping the engine.
(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
"O N" POSITION - Allows operation of mower
or other powe red attachment while in reverse.
(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights
on and off.
(J) CRUISE CONTROL LEVER - Used to set
forward movement of tractor at desired speed
without holding the forward drive pedal,
(K) FORWARD DRIVE PEDAL - Used for
forward movement of tractor4
(L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL- Used for
reverse movement of tractor,
(M) FREEW HEEL CONTRO L- Disengages
transmission for pushing or slowly towing
the tractor with the engine off.
10
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