Craftsman 917254661 Owner’s Manual

OWNERS

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.254661

Caution:

Read and Follow

All Safety Rules And instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

LT 12 HP ELECTRIC START 6 SPEED o 38" MOWER LA WN TRA CTOR

® Assembly ® Operation

o Maintenance

• Repair and Adjustment

® Repair Parts

......... i i, i i i ii i ,i ii,ll,,i i,, ,ll i i i i,i i,l,,,

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U S.A.

inlll illll

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT

TIONS. IT MEANS - ATTENTION! BE- OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAU-

COME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS IN-

VOLVED.

CAUTION: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT

IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS,,

RULES FOR

1_ Know the controls and how to stop quickly. READ THIS

OPERATOR'S MANUAL and instructions furnished with attachments,

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

adults to operate it without proper instruction, ./"

3._ Do not carry passengers_ Do not mow when childreqiand others are around. ,/

4. Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear Ioos_ fitting 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 YibUo .

6. Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower wi_en not in the drivers seat.,

7o 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 allattachment clutches before attempting t_start the engine.

I 0.. Disengage powerto attachments and stop the engine befo'_

leaving the operator's position.. "

1t Disengage power to mower, stopthe engine, and disconnect

spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before cleaning, making an adjustment, or repair, Be careful to avoid touching hot! muffler or' engine components.. /

12. Disengage power to attachments when transporting or no/t4n

use, t

t3.. Take all possible precautions when leaving the v_(hicle

unattended, Disengage the power-take-off, lower the,zittaci!- ments, return drive control lever to neutral,(shift into4eutral),

set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remov/_ the key..

t4,. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill_fr downhill.

Mow up and down the face of slopes (not great/ar than 15°); never across the face. ,/

15_ Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to prevent

tipping or loss of control. Exercise extrgfne caution when

changing direction on slopes, ./

16. While going up or down slopes, choos_ a speed low enough to negotiate the slope without stop,4alng,.

17. Never mow in wet or slippery gra,s_, when traction is unsure, or at a speed which could caus_ a Skid, Stay alert for holes in the terrain'and other hidden hazards°

Keep away from drolmoffs..

not drive too close to creeks, ditches, and public high-

;e special care when mowing around fixed objects in

orevent the blades from striking them. Never delib-

! tractor or mower into or over any foreign objects..

"_ears untiltractor comes to a stop..

ands or feet under the mower, in discharge

any moving parts while tractor or mower are

keep clear of discharge chute.

'lling loads or using heavy equipment..

ved drawbar hitch points

_se you can safely control

SAFE OPERATION

c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing. d. Use counterweight or wheelweights when suggested in

owner's manuals.

__4,Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways. _.5_"_Whenusing any attachments, never direct discharge of

_0aterial toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the ve- hicle while in operation..

26. Hiandle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.

Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add gasoline to arun'ningor hot engine or an engine that has

i se approved gasoline containers.

not been allowed to cool for several minutes after run- ning., Never fill tank indoors, always clean up spilled

gasoline

c. Open doors ifthe engine is run in the garage - exhaust

_7,. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating condi-

2& Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip-

29.. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a

30. To reduce fire hazard keepthe engine free of arass, leaves, ",Nor excessive grease,. Do not clean product wT_ileengine is

31_ 'Except for adjustments, DO NOT operate Engine if air

32_Do fkotoperate without a muffler, or tamper with exhaust

33. The vel_cle and attachments should be stopped and in-

34. Do not change'the engine governor settings or overspeed the

35.. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows:

36. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass

37,, Disengage power to mower before backing up_ Do not mow

3& Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material issubject

fumes are dangerou& Do not run the engine indoors.

tion, and keep safety devices in place and working_

ment is in safe working condition. building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark

Mow the engine to cool before storing in any enctosur&

\running.

cl'e.aner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is re-

mo'_ed, Removal of such part cou[d create a fire hazard.. syste_ Damaged mufflers or spark attesters could create a

fii'e hair& inspect periodically and replace if necessary.

spected f&,rdamage after striking a foreign object, and the damage sh'_,uldbe repaired before restarting and operating

the equipme_. 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 intervals1,

catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in

place,.

in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after

careful observation of the entire area behind the mower.

to deterioration and wear. Itshould be checked frequently for

bag replacement Replacement bags should be checked to ensure compliance with the original manufacturer's recom- mendations or specifications_

the above is requited by law (Section 4442 of the Cafifomia Public Resources Code),

miliar laws, Federal laws apply on federal lands.. Refer to the Repair Parts Section,,

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn Tractor it has been designed, engineered and manufactured

to give you the best possible dependability and performance Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem-

edy, please contact your nearest Sears Service Department,

We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper

tools to service or repair this unit. MAIN TENA NCE AGREEMEN T

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product° See the nearest Sears store or service center for details

SERIAL

NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON

THE MODEL PLATE UNDER THE SEAT._

YOU SHOULD RECORD THESE NUMBERS AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Read and retatn thls manual Study and observe the safet_rofes. Always use"care when using your tractor Always keep you

tractor and mower clean.. Foflow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for, )qd using your iractor. A well cared for tractor

will run better and last longer.

A TTA CHMENTS

This unit can use many attac/_ments now available at your Seat's store It cat, not use attachments that engage the ground like a plow, l_arrow culhvator_ or" tilter/ See page 26 for a hst of a/aila_le attachments

• , .4 • ["

,/ 1

dable and become worn during normal use

Thrs warranty does not cover

Tire replacement or repair caused by punc VOres from outssde (,blects _such as nails thorns stumps

or glass), and / repairs necessary because of operator/abuse or neghgence _ncludmg the failure ro matnta_n the

equipment according to instructions c/ontatned Jn the own s manual and

ndlng equipment used for commercial or rental purposes

FULL 90-DAY WARRANTY ON B _,TTERY

For 90 days from the date of purchase, if any battery _ncfuded w_th 'his nd_ng equtpment proves defectwe m material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery writ not hold a charge Sears will replace

the battery at no charcle

WARRANTY SERVICE fS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPART.

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

This warranty g_ves you specihc legal rights and you may aJso have other rights which may vary from state to state

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, ILL. 60684

iNDEX

Adjustments..

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

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

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

Mower

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

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

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

Air Filter

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

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

Air Intake Screen, Engine ..................16

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

Attachments 26

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 Ddve 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.:

A# Screen .......................................17

Oil Change .........................................!6

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

Oil Type ...................................................16

Starting ..........................................................10

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

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

Fuel."

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 .........................!4

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

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

Operation ......................................................,11

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

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

Spark Arrestor ........................................2

Oil

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starting the Engine ...................................10

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

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

Options

Attachments 26

Spark Arre.ster 2

Parking Brake .........................................10

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

Repa# and Adjustments ............ 14-23

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

Carburetor .....................................t8

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 ........................................!3

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

Spark Plugs ..................................................t8

Speed Control Chart ...................... I2

Starting the Engine ............................t0

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

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

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

Throttle Control Cable

Adjustment .......................... I8

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

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

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

1o 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

Install Steering Wheel NOTE: POSITION FRONT WHEELS FORWARD

1. Remove 1/2" focknut and 2-1/4" die washer (shown futlsize belo w) from steering shaft (Fig

1).

2. Position steering column into dashboard (Fig

1).

3. Install steering wheel adapter on steering shaft 4 Position steering wheel on steering wheel

adapter with spokes pointed horizontal left to right

5oSecure steenng wheel to steering shaft using 2-1/4"

die. 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 beforestarting your tractorand while moving, 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

STEERING SHAFT_

..-._1/2" HEX LOCKNUT

,._.,.-_2-ti4"" DtA WASHER

EER1NG WHEEL

._._, ._._..._--- STEERING WHEEL ADAPTER

j___ STEERING COLUMN

a seat

b sreef_ng wheel c batt_'ry

d battery acid

e owner s manual ! parts bag

A SSEMBL Y LOCATION

BA TTER Y

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SIZE

_ut\_ I/4 _ 20

BA TTERY

TERMINALS

SEA T

(2) Hex Bolt. 1/4 . 20 x13/4

(_2)'_a;het 9/32x 5,_ x t6 Ga (2)Hex

,,,,,,,,,,, ,_ _w

'/ \ / _

11) Shoulder bolt'_//6 . 18

(2) Lockwasher 1/4

(1)

Washer 17/32 x t-3/I6

t/2

x 12 Ga

Nut. t/4 - 20

Parts Bag Content.______sNot Shown Full S iz F

Terminal Guard

15 o Slope Instruction Sheet

(2) Keys

Steering Column

Steering Wheel Insert

(6) Batter}, Caps And

Instructions

ASSEMBLY

To assemble tractor you will need:'

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

NOTE:

RIGHT HAND (R,H) AND LEFT HAND Hi_"ARE

DETERMINED FROM OPERATORS P(_SITION I!t :[-7! i_ b ',_,-'_ WHILE SEATED O 1_ t!! !_R _ iJ _-;J_-'_'!

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHtELI_

WASH HANDS

MEDIATELY ACClDENTALLY_IN CONTACT ACID_

IF OR CLOTHING\IM- a_ding baking soda until the addition of more soda

WITH BATTERY c_uses no more foaming

DO NOT SMOKE; FUMES _mmendedthat the batterybe charged

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,

Tire Pressure Gauge

Screwdriver

Knife

Utility

FROM",, f,

CAP

.,,,,

I"" i' 'i......... " __"F_IGURE

c_ntainer Stir with a wooden or plastic paddle while

,,,,. flare use. Use .a 12 voft batfery char ge_

.,, t_attery a_ a ra_e of 6 amperes tar 7

h . after, the battery is charge,d. If the acid

as fallen t_etow the correct le vet, add dis tilled

OBSER VE SA FETY PRECA U-

;TED tN BI _, REQUIRED

Check the acid

or iron free water.

stall Seat°

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

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WITH BATTERY

VENT CAPS FOUND IN BAG OF PARTS

a Fill each ceil 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 filled, tilt battery from side to side to

release air bubbles

Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty minutes. If the level of acid falls below the point

described in step (a), add more acid untif the correct leve! is reached Install the battery caps, found in the

bag of parts, to co ver the vent tubes. Wash the top of the battery with water to remove any acid, then wipe

dry

d Ct_eck battery case for leakage to make sure that no

damage has occured in handling,

e Neutralize e_cess batteryacidfordisposafbyadding

it to four inches of water in a five gallon plastic

be adjusted forward or backward .so

operator can comfortably reach Clutch 'Brake

safely operate tractor (Fig 3)

seat on seat pan Screw he_ head machme

tockwasher and flat washer ln_o .seat (Fig

3) S ew shoulder bolt into seat (F!g ,3)

MachH\e screw, shoulder bolt and washers found h\ bag of parts s_zean

(shown futf page 6)

b Tighten shoulder bolt using a I/2" wrench. NOTE:

THE SHOU_DER BOL T WILL BE LOOSE IN THE

SEAT SLOT_

c Tighten ma_Jme screw, tockwasher and flat

washer using\a3 ,"4" wrench

d Place seat in o_erattngposltfon Sit on the seat

and press ctutct\/ brake pedal all the way do wn If operating positio_ ls__not comfortable, adjust seat

e To adjust Raise seat Loosen machme screw

Shde seat to desired posltmn hghten machtne screw securely

WASHER MUST BE TIGHTENED SECURE-

MACHINE SCREW-LOCKWASHER-FLAT LY 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 wifl also keep the mower from cutting level The

correct air pressure is shown on the side of the tires ff the air

pressure is not shown, set to pressures shown in the REPAIR

AND ADJUSTMENT section. (page 14).

5. Install Battery

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 weft with battery terminals toward front of tractor (Fig. 3),. Make sure battery

rests in battery tray (Fig 4)

NOTE: BE SURE BATTERY DRAIN TUBE IS SECURELY

ATTACHED TO BATTERY TRAY DRAIN

POStTIVETERMINALMUSTBECON- NECTED FIRST TO PREVENT

SPARKS FROM ACCIDENTAL GROUNDING

c Connect RED battery cable to positive (+) battery

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

parts. Tighten securely with two 7/t6" wrenches.

(Fig. 4)

d Connect BLACKgroundcable to negativ e(-) battery

terminal with remaning hex bolt, flat washer, lock- washer and hex nut (shown ful! size on pg. 6) found in bag of pails.. 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/externa! iockwasher; wing nut,

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

g. Assemble the remaining battery bolt to other side of

battery support and fasten terminal guard to it with remaining internal/externa! Iockwasher and wing nut, (Shown full size oft 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

WASHER TERMINAL

NEGATIVE

FIGURE3

NEGATIVE

CABLE(BLACK)

NUT

WASHER

POStTIVE

POSITIVE

CABLE (RED)

POSITIVE / I \ NEGATIV_

B,_T T_: Ry -- j BATTERY

HEX BOLTS

HE,x Nut _ _ ,

FIGURE 4

WING

LOCKWASHER

TERMINAL

GUARD

WING NUT _ .,_

INTERNAL/ EXTERNAL LOCKWASHE R

BATTERY BOLT

SUPPORT FIGURE 5

NUTINTERNALIEXTERNAL

6. Maintenance After First 2 Hours (Two Mowings) Changing oil after the first two hours (or two mowings) wi!f

help eliminate break-in residue which might be damaging to

your engine.

+ 18 hidden pages

Craftsman 917254661 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual