Craftsman 917254310 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

(RRFTSMRN°

LAW TRACTOR

21.0 HR* 42" Mower Electric Start

Automatic Transmission

Model No.

917.25431

[_ This product has a low emission engine which operatesdifferently from previously built engines. Before you start the

engine, read and understand this Operator's Manual.

iMPORTANT:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (El0) is acceptable for use in this machine.

The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) will void the product warranty.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *Asratedbytheenginemanufacturer

446828

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

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

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

Assembly/Pre-Operation ......................... 7

Operation ................................................. 9

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT 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 ofoperator 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, orfailure 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 Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Maintenance Schedule .......................... 16

Maintenance .......................................... 16

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

Storage .................................................. 27

Troubleshooting ..................................... 28

_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 orderto preventacciden-

tat starting when setting up, transporting,

adjusting or making repairs, always discon-

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

_IWARNING: 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.

_IWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

_IWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands

after handling.

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 before operating. Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers.

. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely

necessary. Always took down and behind before and while backing.

Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material

may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel

surfaces.

Do not operate machine without the en-

tire grass catcher, discharge chute, or

other safety devices inplace and working.

• Slow down before turning. Never leave a running machine unat-

tended. Always turn off blades, set

parking 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 chute.

• 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 extra care when loading orunloading

the machine into a trailer or truck. Always 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 recommenda-

tion for wheel weights or counterweights.

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 oc- cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before

operating or storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

II.SLOPEOPERATION Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossof

controlandtip-overaccidents,whichcan resultinsevereinjuryordeath.Operation onallslopesrequiresextra 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 tow 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 shiftto neutral and coast downhill.

* Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a

slope. Ifthetires tosetraction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight

down the slope.

* Keep all movement on the slopes stow

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 suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the

edge or if the edge caves in.

Ill. CHILDREN _f_,WARNING: CHILDREN CANBE INJURED

BYTHIS EQUIPMENT The American Acade- my of Pediatrics recommends that children

be a minimum of 12 year of age before op- erating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower

and a minimum of 16 years of age before

operating a riding lawn mower.

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

shutoff. They may fall offand beseriously 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 bythe 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.

Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-

tion for weight limits for towed equipment

and towing on slopes.

. Never allow children or others in or on

towed equipment.

On slopes, theweight ofthe towed equip- ment may cause loss of traction and toss 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. * Neverstorethe machine orfuelcontainer

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.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom thetruckortrailerandrefuelit onthe

ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel suchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,

ratherthanfroma gasolinedispenser nozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat

alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot useanozzlelock-opendevice.

Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changecloth- ingimmediately.

Neveroverfillfueltank.Replacegascap andtightensecurely.

GENERALSERVICE

• Neveroperatemachineinaclosedarea. Keepallnutsandboltstighttobesurethe

equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.

Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Check

theirproperoperationregularly.

Keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanoilorfuel

spillageandremoveanyfuel-soakedde-

bris.Allowmachinetocootbeforestoring. Ifyoustrikeaforeignobject,stopand

inspectthemachine.Repair,ifnecessary, beforerestarting.

Nevermakeanyadjustmentsorrepairs

withtheenginerunning.

Checkgrasscatchercomponentsandthe dischargechutefrequentlyandreplace

withmanufacturer'srecommendedparts, whennecessary.

Mowerbladesaresharp.Wraptheblade orweargloves,anduseextracaution

whenservicingthem.

• Checkbrakeoperationfrequentty.Adjust andserviceasrequired.

Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstruction labels,asnecessary.

Besuretheareaisclearofbystanders beforeoperating.Stopmachineifanyone entersthearea.

• Nevercarrypassengers. Donotmowinreverseunlessabsolutely

necessary.Alwaystookdownandbehind beforeandwhilebacking.

Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththe bladesshutoff.Theymayfalloffand

beseriouslyinjuredorinterferewithsafe machineoperation.Childrenwhohave

beengivenridesinthepastmaysuddenly appearinthemowingareaforanother

rideandberunoverorbackedoverby themachine.

Keepchildrenoutofthemowingarea andinthewatchfulcareofaresponsible

adultotherthantheoperator.

• Bealertandturnmachineoffifachild entersthearea.

• Beforeandwhilebacking,tookbehind

anddownforsmallchildren.

Mowupanddownslopes(15°Max),not

across.

Choosealowgroundspeedsothatyou

willnothavetostoporshiftwhileonthe slope.

Avoidstarting,stopping,orturningona slope.Ifthetirestosetraction,disengage

thebladesandproceedslowlystraight

downtheslope.

• If machinestopswhilegoinguphill, disengageblades,shiftintoreverseand

backdownslowly. Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary,

andthen,turnslowlyandgradually

downhill,ifpossible.

• WhenIoadingorunloadingthismachine, donotexceedthemaximumrecom-

mendedoperationangleof15°.

PRODUCTSPECIFiCATiONS

Gasoline Capacity 2.5 Gallons/9,46 L and type: Regular Unleaded

Oil Type: SAE30(above 32°F/0°C

(API: SG-SL) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 56 Oz./1,65 L

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

Ground Speed Forward: 0 - 5.2/8,4

(Mph/Kph): Reverse: 0 - 2.9/4,7

Charging 3 Amps Battery System: 5 Amps Headlights

Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of

a new tractor. It has been designed, engi-

neered and manufactured togive you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you can- not easily remedy, please contact a Sears or other qualified service center. We have com- petent, well-trained representatives and 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".

W/out Filter: 48 Oz./1,4 L

(Gap: .030"/0.78 mm)

Min. CCA: 230 Case size: U1R

CUSTOMER RESPONSiBiLiTiES

Read and observe the safety rules. Follow a regular schedule in maintaining,

caring for and using your tractor.

Follow instructions under "Maintenance"

and "Storage" sections of this manual. Wear proper Personal Protective Equip-

ment (PPE) while operating this machine,

including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,

eye protection, and hearing protection.

Do not mow in shorts and/or open toed

footwear. Always let someone know you are outside

mowtng.

,_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 applicable local or state laws (if any). [f a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

Inthe state of California theabove is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears service

center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).

Keys Slope Sheet

(1) Oil Drain Tube

For Future Use

(2) Keys

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

unassembted for shipping purposes.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge

(2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife Pliers

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

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

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

side panels flat. Check for any additional loose parts or

cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift seat to raised position.

NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label is

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).

For battery and battery cable installation see "REPLACING BATTERY" in the

"Service and Adjustments" section in this manual.

TO ADJUST SEAT

• Sit in seat.

• 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.

• Release lever to lock seat in position.

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off

the skid. Follow the instructions below to

remove the tractor from the skid.

_i, 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.

2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal.

3. Place freewheel control in "transmission disengaged position" (See "TO TRANS-

PORT" in the Operation section 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

The tires on your tractor were overinftated 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" 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- ual. Verifythat 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 "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:

All assembly instructions have been

completed. No remaining loose parts in carton. Battery is properly prepared and charged. Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-

ened securely.

All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-

ping purposes, thetires were overinftated 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).

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" position (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. _" Fuel tank isfilled 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 isin 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 transmission purging instructions (See

"TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Operation sec-

tion 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 I'.,I

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT

LIGHTS ON FUEL BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD PEDAL

ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED

(Automatic Models only)

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.

FREE WHEEL

OPERATION

SYSTEM(ROS)

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

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.

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

,Jl_llIll/l_lll,,

and/or property damage.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury and/or property damage.

CRUISE CONTROL

®@@@@

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

IGNITION SWITCH

MOWER LIFT

CLUTCH/BRAKE

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THiS 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.

03078

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) CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for

dectutching and braking the tractor and

starting the engine.

(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL- Used

for starting and controlling engine speed.

(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER -Used

to engage the mower btades, or other attach-

ments mounted to your tractor.

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting

and stopping the engine.

(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON" POSITION - Allows operation

ofmower or other powered attachment while in reverse.

(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.

(J) MOTION CONTROL LEVER - Selects

the speed and direction of tractor.

(M) FREEWHEELCONTROL- Disengages

transmission for pushing or slowtytowing the tractor with the engine off.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR TO SET PARKING BRAKE Your tractor is equipped with an operator

presence sensing switch. When engine is

running, any attempt bythe operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake

will shut off the engine.

1. Depress clutch/brake pedal (B) all the way down and hold.

2. Putt parking brake lever (C) up and hold, release pressure from clutch/brake pedal

(B), then release parking brake lever. Ped- al should remain in brake position. Ensure

parking brake will hold tractor secure.

STOPPING MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades, move attachment clutch controlto disengaged position (r_).

NOTE: Failure to move throttle control be-

tween half and full speed (fast) position, be- fore stopping, may cause engine to "backfire".

• Turn ignition key (F) to "STOP" position and remove key. Always remove key when

leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

IMPORTANT." Leaving the ignition switch in any position other than "STOP" will cause the

battery to discharge and go dead.

NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle with the engine running, hot

engine exhaust gases may cause "brown-

ing" of grass. To eliminate this possibility, always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.

CAUTION: Always stop tractor com- pletely, as described above, before leaving the operator's position.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D) Always operate engine at full speed (fast).

• Operating engine at less than full speed

(fast) reduces engine's operating efficiency.

• Full speed (fast) offers the best mower

performance.

(1'_1) Attachment (1"_1) Attachment

Clutch Control Clutch Control

"Engaged .... Disengaged"

GROUND DRIVE -

• Tostop ground drive, depress brake pedal all the way down.

• Move motion control lever to neutral posi- tion.

ENGINE -

• Move throttle control (D) between half and full speed (fast) position.

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