Craftsman 917254550 Owner’s Manual

___/_/k_

OWNERS MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.254550

Caution:

Read and Foflow

AH Safety Rules And instructions

Before Operating This Equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co. Chicago, IL 60684 U S_A,

LT 6

® Assembly

® Operation

® Maintenance

® Repair and Adjustment

® Repair Parts

12 HP ELECTRIC START

o 38" MOWER

TRACTOR

121030X 12187

Printed in U S A

SAFETY RULES

I Know the controls and how to stop quickly READ THiS

OPERA TOR'S MANUAL end instructions furnished with

attachments_

2 Do not allow children to operate the machine. Do not allow

adults to operate it without proper instruction.

3. Oo not carry passengers, Do not mow when children and others are eround_

4 Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fit-

ting clothing that could get caught in moving parts.

5 _ Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower and the

area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you,

6_ Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when

not in the drivers seat_

7 Always get on or off your tractor from the operator's left

hand side.

8_ Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc,) which

might be picked up and thrown.

9 Disengage all attachment clutches before attempting to

start the engine_

100 Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine

before leaving the operator's position.

I 1 _ Disengage power to mower, stop the engine and discon-

nect spark plug wire{s) from spark plug(s) before clean- ing, making an adjustment or repair_ Be careful to avoid touching hot muffler or engine components,

12_ Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not

in use

13 Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un-

attended. Disengage the power-take*off, lower the at-

tachments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key,

14 Do not stop or start suddenly when going, uphill or

downhill. Mow up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15 o); never across the face, Refer to page 47,

15 Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre*

vent tipping or loss of control, Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes,

16_ While going up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Control

Lever in Ist gear position to negotiate the slope without

stopping,

17 Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is un-

sure or at a speed which could cause a skid_

18. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards, Keep away from drop*offs,

19. Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and pubfic highways,

20_ Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects

in order to prevent the blades from striking them Never deliberately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign objects

2 I Never shift gears until tractor comes to a step 22 Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge

chute or near any moving parts while tractor or mower are running Always keep clear of discharge chute

23 Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment

a Use only approved drawbar hitch points,

b Limit loads to those you can safely control c, Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.

d Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested

in the owner's manual

2 4 _ Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways. 25 When using any attachments, never direct discharge of

material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the vehicle while in operation

26 Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.

a, Use approved gasoline containers b. Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add

gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that has not been allowed to cool for several minutes after

running_ Never fill tank indoors, always clean up spill-

ed gasoline.

c, Open doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust

27_ Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con-

28_ Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip-

2 9_ Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank in-

3 O. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves

31 _Except for adjustments; DO NOT operate Engine if ah

32. Do not operate without a muffler or tamper with exhaust

33 The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-

34. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed

35 When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows;

36_ Do not operate the mower without the deflector shield in

37 Disengage power to mower before backing up, Do not

38 Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is sub-

fumes are dangerous, Do not run the engine indoors,

dition, and keep safety devices in place and working,

ment is in safe working condition.

side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or

spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.,

or excessive grease_ Do not clean product while engine is running.

cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is removed, Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.

system. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create a fire hazard, Inspect periodically and replace ff necessary.

spected for damage after striking a foreign object and the

damage should be repaired before restarting and operating

the equipment,

the engine; severe damage or injury may result.

a, Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. b Shut the engine off when unclogging chute. c Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness

at frequent Jntervais

place_

mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then on- ly after careful observation of the entire area behind the

mower_

ject to deterioration and wear It should be checked fre-

quently for bag replacement Replacement bags should be checked to ensure compliance with the original manufacturer's recommendations or specifications

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IT MEANS--A_iq-ENTION. BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

CAUTION: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS,

THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED

LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEET-

ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST COVERED, BRUSH COVERED, OR GRASS COVERED

ING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE LAWS (IF ANY)_ IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED. IT SHOULD

BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR.

In the State ofCafiforniathe above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code),

Otherstates may have similiar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands, Refer to the Repair Parts Section,

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn

Tractor. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured

to give you the best possible dependability and pedormance.

SERIAL NLIMBER

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem- edy, please contact your nearest Sears Service DepartmenL

DATE OF PURCHASE

We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper

tools to service or repair this unit.

THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on thisproduct..

See the nearest Sears store or service center for details.

YOU SHOULD RECORD THESE NUMBERS AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Read and retain this manual Study and observe the safety rules. Always use care when using your tractor Always keep your tractor and mower clean. Folio w a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for, and using your tractor. A well cared for tractor will run better and last longer

A TTA CHMENTS

This unit can use many attachments now available at your Sears store, It cannot use attachments that engage the ground like

a plow, harrow, cultivator, ortiller.

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY

ON ELECTRIC START RIDING EQUIPMENT

For two years from date of purchase, when this riding equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instruction in the owner's manual. Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship in this electric start ridino eouiom_nt

This warranty excludes blade(s), blade adapter(s), spark p/uglsl air cleanerlsl and belt(s) which are expert.

dable and become worn during normal use

This warranty does not cover:

Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects (such as nails, thorns, stumps or glass); and repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence tncluding the failure to ma_ntazn the

equipment according to tnatructions contained in the owner s manual: and riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes

FULL 90-DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For 90 days from the date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charoe

WARRANTY SERVICE IS A VAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART..

MENT IN THE UNITED STATES This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state

to state

SEARS, ROEBUCK and CO,, D/698-731A, Sears Tower, Chicago, II 60684

INDEX

Adjustments:

Brake ............................................ 14

Carburetor ................................. 18

Mower Drive Belt ...................... 22

Mower

Front-to-Rear .................... 23

Side-to-Side ....................... 22

Throttle Control Cable .............. 18

A# Filter

Cleaning ..................................... 16

Element ....................................... 16

A# Intake Screen, Engine ............... 16

Assembly ............................................5-8

Battery:

Charging ............................................7

Cleaning .................................... 15

Installation ................................... 8

Levels ................................................7

Preparation ................................ 7

Starting with Weak Battery ...... 17

Storage ...........................................23

Terminals ..........................................15

Belt:

Motion Drive Replacement ...... 19

Mower Drive Adjustment ......... 22

Mower Drive,

Remove Replace ............... 22

Blade:

Sharpening ...................................14

Replacement ................................14

Brake Adjustment ........................... 14

Carburetor Adjustment ......................18

Controls, Tractor .............................. 9

Cutting Level, Mower ...................... 22

Engine:

Air Screen ............................... 17

Oil Change .............................. 16

Oil Level .................................. 16

Oil Type ....................... :_.......... 16

,C'tarting.................................... 10

Storage .................................... 23

Filter .....................................................16

Fue#

Type ......................................... 10

Storage ..................................... 23

Fuse .....................................................20

Hood Removal ................................ 20

Levelling Mower Deck .................... 22

Lubrication:

Chart ....................................... 17

Tractor Pivot Points .................. 17

Maintenance ..........................................13

Air Filter, .................................. 16

Air Filter Element ...................... 16

Air Screen .................................. 16

Battery ..................................... 15

Blade Sharpening ..................... 14

Brake Adjustment .......................14

Engine Oil ........................................16

Lubrication Chart ..................... 17

Spark Plugs ............................. 18

Tire Care ................................... 14

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Rear ....... 23

Adjustment, Side-to-Side .........22

Blade Sharpening .................... 14

Blade Replacement ....................14

Cutting Level ........................... 22

Installation ................................ 21

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

Removal .................................. 20

Muffler, ............................................ 17

Spark Arrester ........................... 2

Oil

Cold Weather Conditions ........ 16

Engine ....................................... 16

Storage .................................... 23

Operation .................................... 9-12

Operating Your Mower ............ 11

Operating Your Tractor ........... 11

Starting the Engine .................. I0

Stopping Your Tractor ............. 10

Tractor Operation on Hills ....... 12

Parking Brake ..................................i., 10

Parts Bag ..................................................5-6

Repair and Adjustments ............ 14-23

Blade ........................................... 15

Carburetor ....................................18

Fuse ................................................20

Hood Removal .......................... 20

Motion Drive Belt

Replacement .........................19

Mower Drive Belt

Replacement ..........................22

Mower Adjustment

Side-to-Side ............................22

Mower Removal ...........................20

Safety Rules ..........................................2

Seat .........................................................7

Service Record ................._...................13

Slope Guide Sheet ...............................47

Spark Plugs ............................................18

Speed Control Chart ..............................12

Staffing the Engine ...............................10

Steering Wheel .........................................5

Stopping the Tractor .........................10

Storage ....................................................23

Throttle Control Cable

Adjustment ................................18

Tires .................................................. 14

Trouble Shooting Chart ................24-25

Warranty ............................................ 3

Wiring (Schematic) ......................... 2 7

1. Unpack Tractor

a, Take items out of box The box contains the items

shown below.

ASSEMBLY

6_ Snap steering wheel insert into place on steering

wheel Steering column, adapter and insert found in bag of parts.

b Cut down four corners of the carton with a utility

knife and fold down sides.

c Disengage Parking Brake.

d Install Steering Wheel

NOTE: POSITION FRONT WHEELS FORWARD

I. Remove 1/2" Iocknut and 2-1/4" dia wasl_er

(shown full size below) from steering shaft (Fig.

1)_

2. Position steering column into dashboard (Fig

3 Installsteering wheeladapteron steeringshaft 4 Position steering wheel on steering wheel

adapter with spokes pointed horizontal left to right

5. Secure steering wheel to steering shaft using 2-1/4" dia., washer and hex Iocknut

e Remove plastic on tractor hood_

f Raise attachment lift handle.

g Carefully guide the tractor off the skid

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 before

startingyourtractorandwhllemoving. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for

over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Cata-

__ log Stores.

TEERING WHEEL INSERT

(_fl/2" HEX LOCKNUT

2-114" DIA WASHER

STEERING WHEEL

STEERING WHEEL ADAPTER

STEERING SHAF_-_J_ STEERING COLUMN

a Seat

b sreering wheel c battery

d battery acid

e owner $ manual f parrs bag

ASSEMBLY

A SSEMBL Y LOCA TION

BA TTER Y

BA TTERY

TERMINALS

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

(21 Lockwasher, I/4 Int/Ext Tooth

(2) Hex Bolt, 1/4 - 20 x 3/4

(2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga_

(2) Wing Nut- I/4- 20

12) Lockwasher 1/4

121 Hex Nut, 1/4 - 20

SEA T

Parts Bag Contents Not Shown Full Size: !

(]]I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII[l.ll

(2) Battery Carriage Bolts - 1/4 - 20 x 7 - 112

TermiRal Guard

(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16 - 18

(I) Hex Bolt U2-13x 1

(1) Washer 15/32x 1x 16 Ga,

(1) Lockwasher 1/2

Steering Wheel Adapter

(1) Washer 17/32x 1-3/16

x 12 Ga.

Steering Wheel Insert

__.____

15 ° Slope Instruction Sheet

12) Keys

Steering Column

16) Battery Caps And Instructions

ASSEMBLY

_oassemble tractor you will need:

(2) 7/16" Wrenches (1) 1/2" Wrench (1) 3/4" Wrench

Tire Pressure Gauge

Screwdriver

Utility Knife

4OTE: RIGHT HAND (R H,) AND LEFT HAND (L,H_) ARE

DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION

WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD_

WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IM-

MEDIATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY IN CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID,

DO NOT SMOKE; FUMES FROM CHARGED BATTERY ACID ARE EXPLOSIVE,

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUD- ED WITH THE BATTERY VENT

CAPS IN THE BAG OF PARTS AL- WAYS WEAR GLOVES, CLOTHING

AND GOGGLES TO PROTECT YOUR

HANDS, SKIN AND EYES.

CUT AWAY VIEW

container. Stir with a wooden or plastic paddle while adding baking soda until the addition of more soda causes no more foaming.

Use a 12 volt battery charger Charge battery at a rate of 6 amperes for 1 hour NOTE OBSERVE

SAFETY PRECA UTIONS, LISTED IN BOX ABO VE. REQUIRED FOR BATTERY CHARGING Check

the acid level after the battery is charged If the acid has fallen below the correct level, add distilled or iron

free water

3. Install Seat.

VENTCAP

BATTERY

VENT

TUBE

BATTERY CELL

FIGURE 2

2. Prepare Battery Fill and charge battery (before installing). NOTE;' SEE

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WITH BATTERY

VENT CAPS FOUND IN BAG OF PARTS

Fill each cell with battery acid. Add the acid until it reaches the bottom of the vent tubes (Fig 2). Do not add the acid beyond this level or the additional acid can come out when the battery is charged,

b After cells are rifled, tilt battery from side to side to

release air bubble&

C Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty

minute& If the level of acid falls below the point

described in step (a),add more acid until the correct

level is reached. Install the battery caps, found in the

bag of parts, to cover the vent tube& Wash the top of

the battery with water to remove any acid, then wipe

dry

d Check battery case forleakage to make sure that no

damage has occured in handling_

e Neutralize excess battery acid for disposal by adding

it to four inches of water in a five gallon plastic

Seat position should be adjusted forward or backward so that the operator can comfortably reach Clutch/Brake

Pedal and safely operate tractor_ (Fig_ 3)

a Place Seat on Seat Pan Screw Hex Head Machine Screw, Lockwasher and Flat Washer Assembly into Seat

(F# 3) _ Screw Shoulder Bolt and Flat Washer Assemb(y

into Seat (F_I,3)_ Machine Screw, Shoulder Bolt and

Washers found in Bag of Parts (shown full size on pg 6)

b Tighten Shoulder Bolt and Flat Washer Assembly using a 1/2" wrench

c. Tighten Machine Screw, Leckwasher and Flat Washer Assembly using a 3/4" Wrench

d, Place Seat in operating position. Sit on the Seat and press Clutch/Brake Pedal all the way down. If operating position is not comfortable adjust Seat.

e. To adjust: Raise Seal Loosen Machine Screw Assem-

bly_ Slide Seat to desired position, Tighten Machine

Screw Assembly securely.

A THE MACHINE SCREW-LOCKWASHER-FLAT

,_ WASHER ASSEMBLY MUST BE TIGHTENED

1_ SECURELY TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF SEAT,

ASSEMBLY

4. Check Tires Check the air pressure in the tires. Tires with too much air

pressure will cause the unit to ride rough,. The wrong air pressure will also keep the mower from cutting leveL, The correct airpressure is shown on the side of the tires_ Ifthe air pressure is not shown, set to pressures shown in the REPAIR AND ADJUSTMENT section. (page 14),

5. Instafl Battery

SEAT PAN_

SHOULDE BOLT

SEAT

.ADJUSTMENT

BOLT

ENDER

BEFORE INSTALLING BATTERY, REMOVE METAL BRACELETS,

WRISTWATCH BANDS, RINGS, ETC. FROM YOUR PERSON. TOUCHING

THESE ITEMS TO BATTERY TERMI- NALS COULD RESULT IN BURNS.

Lift seat (Fig. 3).

Lower battery into fender well with battery terminals toward front of tractor (Fig. 3)= Make sure battery rests #_battery tray _(Fig. 4)

NOTE: BE SURE BATTERY DRAIN TUBE IS SECURELY

ATTACHED TO BATTERY TRAY DRAIN,

SPARKS FROM ACCIDENTAL

NECTED FIRST TO PREVENT POSITIVETERMINALMUSTBECON- I

GROUNDING

c. Connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery

terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, Iockwasher and hex nut (shown full size on pgo 6) found in bag of

parts., Tighten securely with two 7/16" wrenches,.

(Fig° 4)

d. Connect BLACK ground cable to negative (-) battery

terminal with remanitlg hex bolt, flat washer, lock- washer and hex nut (shown full size on pgo 6) found

in bag of parts. Tighten securely, (Fig° 4)

e, To prevent corrosion, apply grease to the battery

terminals after installing cables,

f. Using the key hole on one side of the battery support

(Fig, 6) slide battery bolt into frame key hole (head of bolt down)° Fasten the battery bolt to the terminal guard using internal/external Iockwasher, wing nut,

(shown full size on pg. 6) as shown in Fig, 5.

g Assemble the remftlning battery bolt to otherside of

battery support and fasten terminal guard to it with remaining internal/external Iockwasher and wing nut, (Shown full size on pg. 6)° Tighten wing nuts securely by hand (Fig. 5)°

NOTE:

KEEP TERMINAL ACCESS DOORS CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE,

CAUTION: DO NOT START ENGINE UNTIL YOU HAVE

REVIEWED THE OPERATION SECTION OF THIS MANUAL° 8

POSITIVE

BATTERY

WASHER

POSITIVE

BATTERY

BOLT

SUPPORT

CABLE (RED)

BATTERY TRAY

WING NUT INT ERNAL/_

LOCKWASHBR

TERMINAL

HEX

LOCKWASHER

BATTERY

WASHER TERMI

TERMINAL GUARD

6. Maintenance After First 2 Hours (Two Mowings) Changing oil after the first two hours (or two mowings) help eliminate break-in residue which might be damaging

your engine,

NEGATIVE

BATTERY TEAMJNAL

NEGATIVE

BATTERY

WING

NUTINTERNAL/EXTERNAL

FIGURE3

NEGATIVE CABLE (BLACK)

L NOT

"LOCKWASHER

FIGURE 4

TUBE

FIGURE 5

HEX

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