Craftsman 917.25433 Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual
CRAFTSMAN°
LAW TRACTOR
24.0 HR* 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.25433
|
[_] This product has a low emission engine which operatesdifferently from previously built engines. Before you start the
1
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
446724
Warranty ................................................ 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 3
Product Specifications ........................... 6
Assembty/Pre-Operation ....................... 7
Operation ............................................... 9
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 16
Maintenance ........................................ 16
Service and Adjustments ..................... 21
Storage ................................................ 27
Troubleshooting ................................... 28
Sears Service ........................ Back Cover
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 timited 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 offlammable 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, JL 60179
2
_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 or unloading
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.
4
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom
thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
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 3.0 Gallons/11,35 L
and type: Regular Unleaded
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C
(API: SG-SL) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C
Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 64 Oz./1,96 L
W/out Filter: 60 Oz./1,77 L
Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC
(Gap: .040"/1.02 mm)
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
Min. CCA: 230
Case size: U1R
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".
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.
AI_,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). If a spark arrester is used, it should
be maintained in effective working order by
the operator.
Inthe state of California the above is required
by law (Section 4442 ofthe 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).
6
Slope Sheet
Keys
(2) Keys
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left
unassembted for shipping purposes.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY f
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
steering wheel).
y
LABEL_
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 hood 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 inthis
manual.
ADJUST SEAT
1. 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:Youmaynowrollyourtractoroffthe
skid.Followtheappropriateinstructionbelow
toremovethetractorfromtheskid.
WARNING:Beforestarting,read,un-
derstandandfollowallinstructionsinthe
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
brake pedal.
3. 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.
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 overinflated at
the factory for shipping purposes. Correct
tire pressure is important for best cutting
performance.
Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on
tires.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See "TO LEVEL
MOWER" 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. Verifythat the belts are routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor,
checkto seethat the brake is operating prop-
erly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" inthe 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 com-
pleted.
J" No remaining loose parts in carton.
/Battery is properly prepared and
charged.
J" Seatisadjusted comfortably and tightened
securely.
v" All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-
ping purposes, the tires were overinflated
at the factory).
v" Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
v" Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
v" Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
v" 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:
v" Engine oil is at proper level.
v" Fuel tank isfilled with fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline.
v" Become familiar with all controls, their to-
cation and function. Operate them before
you start the engine.
v" Be sure brake system is in safe operating
condition.
v" Be sure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (See the Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual).
v" Itisimportantto purgethetransmission before
operating your tractor for the first time. Fol-
lowproperstarting and transmission purging
instructions (See "TO START ENGINE" and
"PURGETRANSMISSION"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 Ikl
REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW
ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT
OPERATION
SYSTEM(ROS)
LIGHTS ON
;i; t
FUEL BA'I-FERY REVERSE FORWARD
IGNITION SWITCH
MOWER LIFT
CRUISECONTROL CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL
m
ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED
FREE WHEEL
(Automatic Models only)
DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
®@@@@
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
&
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.
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
and/or property damage.
FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not 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
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/CHOKE CONTROL-
Used for starting and controlling engine
speed.
(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER
- Used to engage the mower blades, or
other attachments 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
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 tractor.
(L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL - Used for
reverse movement of tractor.
(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disen-
gages transmission for pushing or slowly
towing the tractor with the engine off.
(P) SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
- Indicates when service is required for the
engine and mower.
10
/
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into I
the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety I
glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any_
adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or aI
wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles, J
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 brake pedal (B)all the way down
and hold.
2. Putt parking brake lever (C) up and hold,
release pressure from brake pedal (B),
then release parking brake lever. Pedal
should remain in brake position. Make
sure parking brake will hold tractor se-
cure.
STOPPING
MOWER BLADES -
To stop mower blades, move attachment
clutch controlto disengaged position (t_).
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'sposition.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL
Always operate engine at full speed (fast).
• Operating engine at less than full speed
(fast) reduces engine's operating effi-
ciency.
• Full speed (fast) offers the best mower
performance.
(1_'3) Attachment (1_1) Attachment
Clutch Control Clutch Control
"Engaged .... Disengaged"
GROUND DRIVE -
Tostop ground drive, depress brake pedal
all the way down.
IMPORTANT: Forward and reverse drive
pedals return to neutral position when not
depressed.
ENGINE -
Move throttle control (D) between half and
full speed (fast) position.
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD
The direction and speed of movement
is controlled by the forward and reverse
drive pedals.
1. Start tractor and release parking brake.
2. Slowly depress forward (K) or reverse (L)
drive pedal to begin movement. Ground
speed increases the further down the
pedal is depressed.
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