Craftsman 917.25432 Operator's Manual

Operator's Manual

I

I r s.. i

LAWN TRACTOR

24 HP,* 42" Mower
Electric Start

6-Speed Transaxle

Model No.

917.25432

This product has a low emission engine which operates I

[_ ifferently from previously built engines. Before you start the

engine, read and understand this manual.

IMPORTANT:

Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

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

Visit our Craftsman webslte: www.craftsman.com

The power r:_ng as declared Dy the engine manufacturer fs the
average gross power output at the spec_hed RRM of a typical
produ&lfon erlqH3e for the et_glr_ model measured us_hg SAE

S[aRd_,rds for engine gross power F_Jease yefer tO t_B eP, gT4he
m_nu|acturel- lor detad£

586506726 Rev. 2

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

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

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

AssemblyiPre-Operatlon ......................... 7

OperatEon ................................................. 9

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

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT

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

Service and Adjustments ....................... 2I

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

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

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

When operated and maintained according to eli supplied instructlons, Warranty wtll also
cover defects in matenat 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 dunng normal use, including but not hm_ted to
blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and o_1filters.

Standard maintenance servicing, o_1changes, or tune-ups.

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as na_ls.
thorns, stumps, or glass.

Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or fmproper
operation or matntenance.

Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to damage
caused by towing obiects beyond the capabJhty 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 ttmited to, electrical

and mechantcal damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade
and amount of engine oil, fadure to keep the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure to
malntarn the riding equipment according to the instructions contatned tnthe operator's

manual.

• Engine (fuel system) cleantng 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 ftnishes, or product label replacement.

All rEd,rig equipment and battery warranty coverage _svoid _fth_s product is ever used for
commercial or rental purposes.

This warranty apphes only wh_le thts product _swlthtn the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other nghts which

vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, 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 ptug 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.

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

spec_hcatlons of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only at the lowest possible speed
when on aslope. Too heavy of a load, wh_le
on a slope, _s dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor.

_WARNING: Engine exhausL some of

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

the S_ate of California to cause cancer and

b_rth defects or other reproduchve harm.

_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain tead and lead
compounds, chemicals known tothe State of

Cahforma to cause cancer and b_rth 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.
De 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 Dcked

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 d_scharged 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 In place 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 walt for all parts to

come to a complete stop before cleamng
the machine, removing the grass catcher,
or unclogging the discharge chute.
Operate machine onty _ndaylig ht or good
artificial light.
Do not operate the machine wMe under

the _nfluence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operahng near or
crossing roadways,

Use extra care when loading or unloading

the machine into a trailer or truck.
Always wear eye protection when operat-

ing machine,
Use ear protectors to avoid damage to
hearing,
Data indicates that operators, age 60

years and above, are involved in a large

percentage of nding mower-related iniu-
nes. These operators should evaiuate

their ability to operate the nd_ng mower

safely enough to protect themselves and
others from serious injury.

Followthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tion for wheel weights or counterweights,

Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up which can to uch 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 sDllage before

operating or stenng the machine. Allow

machine to cool before storage.

11,SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to toss of
control and t_p-over accidents, which can

result in severe _njury or death. Operation
on a!l slopes requtres extra caution. If you

cannot back up the slope or _fyou feel uneasy
on _t,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 sh_ft white on the
slope,

* Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may !ose

traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when

going down slopes, Do not sh_ftto neutral
and coast downhill.

Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope, lfthetireslosetractlon, dtsengage
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 orother attachments,

they can affect the stability of the ma-
chine. Do no use on steep s{opes.
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
suddeniy roll over if a wheel _s over the

edge or if the edge caves in.

i11.CHILDREN

_WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED

BY THIS EQUIPMENT The Amencan Acade-
my of Pediatrics recommends that children

be a m_ntmum of 12 year of age before op-
erating a pedestrian con[roiled Fawn mower
and a minimum of 16 years of age before
operatIng a ndmg fawn mower,

Tragic acctden[s can occur if [he operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Ch_fdren are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activtty, Never assume

that children will remain where you last

saw them.

Keep chddren out of the mow_ng area
and m the watchful care era responsEble
adult other than the operator.

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

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

Never carry children, even with th e 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 chdd.

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-
uonfor weight hm_tsfor towed equipment

and towing on slopes.
Never allow children or others in or on

towed equipment.

Onslopes, the weight ofthe towed equip-
ment may cause loss of tractron 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 gasohne.

Gasohne _s extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.

Extinguish alt cigarettes, cigars, p_pes,
and other sources of ignit_on.

• Use only approved gasoline container.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel w_th
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.

Never fue! the machine _ndoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container

where there _san open flame, sped<, or
pl{ot light such as on a water heater or
other appliances.

• Never flit containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed with piashc liner.

Always place containers on the ground

away from your vehicle when fiJltng.

Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom

thetruckortrailerandrefueiitonthe

ground,ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequlpmentw_thaportablecontainer,
ratherthanfromagasolinedispenser

nozzle.

Keepthenozzle_ncontactw_ththerim
ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat
alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete,Donot

useanozzlelock-opendevice.

Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changecloth-

ing_mmediately.

Neveroverfillfueltank.Replacegascap

andughtensecurely.

GENERALSERVICE

* Neveroperate machine in a closed area.

Keep al! nuts and bolts t_ght to be sure the
equipment is _nsafe working condthon.

Never tamper with 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 stonng,
If you stnke a foreign oblect, stop and
inspect the machine. Repair, ifnecessary,
before restarting.
Never make any adiustments or repairs

with the engine running.
Check grass catcher components and the

discharge chute frequently and replace
with manufacturer's recommended parts r

when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the 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 instruchon
labels, as necessary.
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
before operating. Stop machine #anyone

enters the area.
Never carry passengers.

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary Always look down and behind

betore and while backing.
Never carry children, even with the

blades shut off. They may fall off and
be senously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation, Chddren who have
been g_ven r_desin the past may suddenly
appear _n the mowing area for another
ride and be run over or backed over by

the machine.
Keep children out of the mowing area

and _nthe watchful care of a responsible
adutt other than the operator.

Be alert and turn machine off _fa child

enters the area.
Before and while backing, took behind

and down for small cMdren.
Mow up and down slopes (15" Max), not

across,

Choose a low ground speed so that you
w_ll not have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope, lfthetlres Iosetraction, d_sengage
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.

When loading or unloading this machine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-

mended operation angle of 15°.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasohne Capacrty 3 GaIi_ns/t 1,35 L
and type Regular Unleadedl-

Power Rating" t 7 5 K-"W@ 3400 RF'M

eLIType SAE 30 _abeve32_Ft0_C)
(API SG-SLI S_E 5W30 Ibelow 32"F/0"C)

Q_tCapactty W.,Rlter 64 Oz '1.96 L

W/out FEIter 60 Qz/t,77 L

Spark Plug Champion696798

tGap 030" / 0 76 ram)

ChargEng 3 Amps Battery
System 5 Amps HeadlEghts

Battery Amp/Hr 28

Mtn CCA 230

Case s_ze U1R

Blade Bolt Torque 45-55 Ft. Lbs _62-75Nm

The power ratEng as declared by the engine manufac-

turer isthe averagegrosspoweroutputatthespectfJed

RPMofatyptcal production eng¢_eforthe enginemode{
measuredusingSAEStandardsforenginegrosspower.
Pleasereferto the engLnemanufacturerfordeta(_s

"l'_lkGasehne contalmng up to 10%ethanoltel0) _s

acceptable for use in this machine Tr_e use of
any gasohne exceedtng 10% ethanol (EI01 w_ll

vo_d the product warranty.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of
a new tractor. It has been deslgnedr engi-

nee red and manufactured to give you the best
possible dependabih:y and performance.

Should you experience any problem you can-

not easily remedy, please contact a Sears or

other qualified servicecenter, We have com-

petent, well-trained representati,!es and the
proper tools to service or repair th_s tractor.

PIease read and retain this manual. The
instructions w_ll 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 _nmamta_nlng,
caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow anstructtons under "Maintenance"
and "S_orage" sections of th_s manual.

• Wear proper Personal Protectwe Equip-
ment (PPE) while operahng [hEsmachine,

Including (at a minEmum) sturdy footwear

eye protection, and heartng protechen.
Do not mow in shorts and/or open toed

footwear.

• Always let someone _<nowyou are outside

mow_ng.

_,WARNING: Th_s tractor _sequipped with

at_ internal combustion engine and should
not be usect on or near any unimproved

forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-

covered land unless the engine's exhaust

system is equipped with a spark arrestor

meeting apphcable local or state laws (If

any). [f a spark arrester is used, It should

be maintained tn effective working order by

the operator.

Inthe state of Cahfornia the above is req ulred
by law (Section 4442 of the Caltfornla Pubhc

Resources Code). Other states may have

stmilar taws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. A spark arrester for the muffler ts
ava ilablethrough your nearest Sears service

center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).

6

Keys Slope Sheet

(2) Keys

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

unassembled for shipping purposes.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly
eas_er. Standard wrench sizes are l_sted.

(1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge
(2) 7116" wrenches Utility knife

Pliers
When righ_ or left hand is mentioned in this

manual, itmeans whenyou arelntheoperating
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 fiat.

Check for any additional loose parts or

cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY
1, Lift hood to raised position.

NOTE: If th_s battery _sput into service after
month and year _nd_cated on taoel (labe{ is
located between _erminals) charge battery
for m_nimum of one hour at 6-10 arabs. (See

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

* For battery, and battery cable installahon

see "REPLACING BATTERY" _n the

"Service and Adjustments" section in this
manual.

Label

ADJUST SEAT

l. Satin 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 posit_on.

l [- <-.

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off
the skid. Follow the appropnate instruchor_

below to remove the tractor from the skid.
_kWARNING: Before start{ng, read, under-

stand and follow al! instructions inthe Opera-
tlon sec[ion of this manual. Ensure trac_or _sIn

awell-ventilated area, Ens ure the area infront
of tractor is clear of other people and objects,

NOTE:Youmaynowrollyourtractoroffthe

skid.Continueustngtheinstructionsthat
followtoremovethetractorfromtheskid.

WARNING:Beforestarting,read,un-

derstandandfollowallinstructionsinthe
Operationsectionofth_smanual.Besure

tractorIS_nawefl-ventdatedarea.Besure
theareainfrontoftractor_sc{earofother

peopleandobjects.
TOROLLTRACTOROFFSKID(See

Operationsectionfor locationand
functionofcontrols)

1, Raiseattachmentliftlevertoitshighest

position.

2. Releaseparkingbrakebydepressing
clutch!brakepedal.

3. PlacegearshiftleverInneutralposition.

4. Rolltractorforwardoffskid.

5, Removebandingholdingthedeflector

shieldupagainsttractor.

Continuewiththeinstructionsthatfollow.
CHECKTIREPRESSURE

Theflresonyourtractorwereevennflatedat
thefactoryfor.shippingpurposes.Correct

tirepressureis _mportant for best cutting

performance,

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on

[ires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing

should be properly leveled. See 'TO LEVEL

MOWER" tn the Servtce and Adjustments

section of th_s manual

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF

ALL BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replac-
ing motion and mower blade dnve belts _n

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 "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this

manual,

,!CHECKLIST

Before you operate your new tractor, we
wish to ensure that you receive the best
performance and satisfaction from th_s
Quality Product.
Please rewew the following checkiist:
,/Alt assembly instructions have been com-

pleted,
v" No remaining loose parts _ncarton.
,/Battery is properly prepared and charged.
,/Seat _sadjusted comfortably and tfg hte ned

securely,

¢" All tires are properly inflated. (For shEp-

ping purposes, the tires were overinflated

at the factory).
¢" Ensure mower deck is properly leveled

side-to-sideifront-te-rear for best cueing

results. (Tires must be properly inftated

for levehng).

,/Check mower and dnve belts. Ensure

they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.

v" Check w_rEng. See that all connections

are stitl secure and w_res are properly

clamped.
Whtle learning how to use your tractor, pay
extra atXent_on to the following important

_tems'

•/ Engine otl is at proper level.
,/Fuel tank _sfilled w_thfresh, clean, reguIar

unleaded gasoline.
,/Become familEar wtth all comrois, [herr Io-

cahon and function. Operate them before

you start the engine.
v' Ensure brake system is tn safe operatHlg

condition.
v" Ensure Operator Presence System and

Reverse Operal:lon System (ROSI are

working properly (See the Operation and

Maintenance secttons in [h_s manual).

Thesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.
Learnandunderstandtheirmeaning.

R N H L Ikl

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW IGNITION

SWITCH

@

ENGINE ENGINE ENGINE DIFFERENT[AL

OFF START ON LOCK

CLUTCH/ MOWER

BRAKE PEDAL LIFT

@} @

PARKING MOWER

BRAKE HEIGHT

IklH

REVERSE REVERSE FORWARD

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

®,u o

CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS ON

ATTACHMENT A'N'ACHMENT DANGER, KEEP

CLUTCH CLUTCH HANDS AND

DISENGAGED ENGAGED FEET AWAY

FREEWHEEL

)Automatic Models only)

Faliure to follow instructions
could result tn senous injury or

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

ation about hazards which can
result _ndeath, serious injury
and:or property damage.

FUEL BATTERY EAR

PROTECTION

REOU1RED

®@@@@

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

{SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

&
&

&

,lll_tlll,lllu,I

DANGER indicates a hazard wnlcr=, if not avoided

will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING _ndlcates a hazard wr_leh, if not avmoed,
could result In death or serious injury.

CAUTION _ndlcates a hazard which tf Dot avoided
might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION when used without me alert symbol,
JndLcates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES tnd=cates a hazard wh{cn,
=1ROt avoided, could result In death, serious
inluqi and/or property damage.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, _frxot avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.

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
vanous controls and adjustments Save this manual for future reference.

i ,i

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

declutch_ng and braking the tractor and
starting the engine.

(C) PARKING BRAKE _Locks clutch/brake
pedal into the brake posItion.

(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL- Used
for starting and controlling engine speed,

(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used
to eng age the mower blades, or other attach-

merits mounted to your tractor.

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting

and stopping the engine.

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

of mower or other powered attachment white

IR reverse.

(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headhghts

on and off.

(J) GEARSHIFT LEVER- Selects the speed

and direction of tractor.

(P) SERVICE MINDERiHOUR METER -

Indicates when service _s required for the
engine and mower.

10