Craftsman 917254701 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
LAWN TRACTOR
17.5 HP,*42" Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.25470
I_ his product has a low emission engine which operates
IMPORTANT: For answers to your questions about
Read and follow all Safety this product, Call:
Rules and Instructions before 1-800-659-5917
operating this equipment. Sears Craftsman Help Line
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (EIO) is acceptable for use in this machine. The
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *Asratedbytheenginemanufacturer
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat
use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (EIO) will void the product warranty.
441816
Warranty ................................................ 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 3
Product Specifications ........................... 6
AssemblyP re-O peration ........................ 8
Operation ............................................. 11
Maintenance ....................................... 17
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 17
Service and Adjustments ..................... 21
Storage ................................................ 26
Troubleshooting ................................... 27
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT
When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will also
cover defects in material andworkmanship ofthe 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 orwheel 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 of operator negligence, including butnotlimited to, electrical
and mechanical damage caused by improper storage, failure to use the proper grade
and amount of engine oil, failure to keep the deck clear of flammable debris, or failure 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). Ingeneral, 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, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2
A_)ADANGER: 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: Inorder to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting ormaking repairs, always discon-
nect spark plug 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
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.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and inthe 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
beforeoperating. Stop machine ifanyone
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mowin reverse unless absolutely
necessary.Always lookdown and behind
before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged materialtoward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blades when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do notoperate machinewithoutthe entire
grass catcher, discharge guard, or other
safety devices in place and working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unat-
tended. Always turn off blades, set park-
ing brake,stop engine, andremove keys
• Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come toa complete stop before cleaning
the machine, removing the grass catcher,
or unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine onlyin daylight orgood
artificial light.
• Do not operatethe machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Useextracarewhen loadingorunloading
the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear _ye protection whenoperat-
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 recommen-
dation for wheel weights or counter-
weights.
• 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 occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
II, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of
control and tip-over accidents, which can
result in severe injury or death. Operation
on all slopes requires extra caution. If you
cannot back uptheslope 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 low 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.
before dismounting.
• Alwayskeepthemachineingearwhen
goingdownslopes.Donotshifftoneutral
andcoastdownhill.
• Avoidstarting,stopping,orturningona
slope.Ifthetireslosetraction,disengage
thebladesandproceedslowlystraight
downtheslope.
• Keepallmovementontheslopesslow
andgradual.Donotmakesudden
changesinspeedordirection,which
couldcausethemachinetorollover.
• Useextracarewhileoperatingmachine
withgrasscatchersorotherattachments;
theycanaffectthestabilityofthema-
chine.Donouseonsteepslopes.
• Donottrytostabilizethemachineby
puttingyourfootontheground.
• Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditches,or
embankments.Themachinecouldsud-
denlyrolloverifawheelisovertheedge
oriftheedgecavesin.
III,CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperator
isnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachine
andthemowingactivity.Neverassume
thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulast
sawthem.
• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingarea
andinthewatchfulcareofaresponsible
adultotherthantheoperator.
• Bealertandturnmachineoffifachild
entersthearea.
• Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehind
anddownforsmallchildren.
• Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththe
bladesshutoff.Theymayfalloffand
beseriouslyinjuredorinterferewith
safemachineoperation.Childrenwho
havebeengivenridesinthepastmay
suddenlyappearinthemowingareafor
anotherrideandberunoverorbacked
overbythemachine.
• Neverallowchildrentooperatethema-
chine.
• Useextracarewhenapproaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may block your view of a child.
IV. TOWING
• Towonlywitha machine that has a hitch
designed for towing. Donot attachtowed
equipment except at the hitch point.
• Followthe 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, the weight ofthetowed equip-
ment maycause loss oftraction 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 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 fuelthe machine indoors.
• Never storethe machineor fuelcontainer
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 bedwith plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. Ifthis is not possible, then refuel
such equipmentwith aportable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
° Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times untilfueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Iffuel isspilled onclothing, change cloth-
ing immediately.
• Never overfill fueltank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
GENERALSERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep allnuts and boltstightto besurethe
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Nevertamperwith safetydevices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage and remove anyfuel-soaked de-
bris.Allow machineto cool beforestoring.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspectthe machine. Repair,ifnecessary,
before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
• Checkgrasscatchercomponentsandthe
discharge guard frequently and replace
with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrapthe blade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently.Adjust
and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safetyand instruction
labels, as necessary.
• 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 look down and behind
before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the
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.
• 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.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not
across.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you
will not have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope. Ifthetires Iosetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill, dis-
engage blades, shift into reverse and
back down slowly.
• Do notturn on slopes unless necessary,
andthen, turn slowly and gradually down-
hill, if possible.
5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
!Gasoline Capacity 1.5 Unleaded
and Type: Regular
Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)
API-SG-SL): SAE 5W30(below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 56 oz.
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
Ground Speed Forward:
(MPH): 1st 1.1
Charging System: 3 Amps Battery
Battery: Amp/Hr: 28
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs.
W/O Filter: 48 oz.
(Gap: .030")
2nd 1.4
3rd 2.2
4th 3.4
5th 4.3
6th 5.5
Reverse: 1.7
5 Amps Headlights
Min. CCA: 230
Case Size: U1R
CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of
a new tractor. It has been designed, engi-
neered and manufactured to giveyou the best
possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problemyou 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 the instructions under "Mainte-
nance" and "Storage" sections of this
owner's manual.
_ILWAR NING: 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.
In the state of California the above is required
by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is
available through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).
REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS
Congratulations on making a smart pur-
chase. Your new Craftsman® product is
designed and manufactured for years of
dependable operation. But like all products,
it may require repair from time to time. That's
when having a Repair Protection Agreement
can save you money and aggravation.
Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement
now and protect yourself from unexpected
hassle and expense.
Here's what's included in the Agreement:
• Expertservicebyour12,000professional
repair specialists.
• Unlimited service and nochargefor parts
and labor on all covered repairs.
• Product replacement if your covered
product can't be fixed.
• Discount of 10% from regular price of
service and service-related parts not
covered by the agreement; also, 10%off
regular price of preventive maintenance
check.
• Fast help by phone - phone support
from a Sears representative on products
requiring in-home repair,plus convenient
repair scheduling.
Once you purchase the Agreement, a
simple phone call is all that it takes for you
to schedule service. You can call anytime
day or night, or schedule a service appoint-
ment online.
Sears has over 12,000 professional repair
specialists, who have access to over 4.5
million quality parts and accessories. That's
the kind of professionalism youcan count on
tohelp prolong the life ofyour new purchase
for years to come. Purchase your Repair
Protection Agreement today!
Some limitations and exclusions apply.
Forprices and additional information call
1-800-827-6655.
SEARS INSTALLATION SERVICE
For Sears professiona/ insta//ation ofhome
appliances, garage door openers, water
heaters,andother major homeitems,inthe
U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®
6
ff "_'\
I \
Wheel Insert
_ Steering Wheel
\ j/
Steering
/
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 4
Adapter
(1) Seat
Steering Wheel
I '" - s t
I I
i I
I t Steering
| ) Boot
Seat
(1) Large FlatWasher
©
(1) 5/16 LockWasher
Steering
Extension
Shaft
@ (1) Washer
(1) Knob
Keys
(2) Keys
Slope Sheet
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor
all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listedbelow.
(1) 3/4" wrench (1) Pliers
(1) 1/2" wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means when you are in the
operating position (seated behind the steer-
ing wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts boxes from carton.
2. Cutalong dashed lines on allfour panels
of carton. Remove end panels and lay
side panels flat.
3. Check for any additional loose parts or
cartons and remove.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3. Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
4. Remove steering wheel adapter from
steering wheel and slide adapter onto
steering shaft extension.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.
6. Assemble large flat washer, 5/16 lock
washer, 5/16 hex bolt and tighten
securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from trac-
tor hood and grill.
._..r..../..__ ,_"INSERT
(==_ 5/16 HEX BOLT
, w 2s.O
FLAT
WASHER
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
WHEEL
A'n'ACHSTEERINGWHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
1. Slide extension shaft onto lower steer-
ing shaft.
2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to secure.
STEERING
SHAFT
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples inskid that may puncture tires where
tractor is to roll off skid.
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Removeadjustment knob and flat washer
securing seat to cardboard packing and
set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.
2. Pivot seat upward and remove from the
cardboard packing. Remove the card-
board packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan so head ofshoul-
der bolt is positioned over large slotted
hole in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder
bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of
tractor.
5. Pivot seatand panforward and assemble
adjustment knoband flatwas herloosely.
Do not tighten.
6. Lower seat into operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat until a comfortable position is
reached which allows you topress clutch/
brake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without moving its adjusted
position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob
securely.
SeatPan__k '
"_ _ /__..,€_ Shoulder
Bolt
CHECK BA'n'ERY
1. Liftseat pan to raisedposition.
NOTE: Ifthis batteryisput intoserviceafter
month and year indicated on label (label
located between terminals) charge battery
forminimumofone hourat 6-10 amps. (See
"BATTERY" in Maintenance section ofthis
manualfor charginginstructions).
Seat
Label
NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off
the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction
belowto remove the tractor from the skid.
WARNING: Before starting, read, un-
derstand and follow all instructionsin the
Operation section of this manual. Be sure
tractor isin a well-ventilated area. Be sure
the area in front oftractor is clear of other
peopleand objects.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Press lift lever plunger and raise attach-
ment lift lever to its highest position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place gearshift lever in neutral position.
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 HOUSING" 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 andAdjustments section ofthis man-
ual. 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.
V_CHECKLIST
Before you operate and enjoy 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.
_/No remaining loose parts in carton.
V'Battery is properly prepared and
charged.
,/'Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely.
*/'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).
,/'Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
_/Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
While learning how to use your tractor, pay
extra attention to the following important
items:
,/'Engine oil is at proper level.
_/Fuel tank isfilled with fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline.
V'Become familiar with all controls - their
location andfunction. Operatethem before
you start the engine.
_/'Be sure brake system is in safe operating
condition.
_/'Be sure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (See the Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual).
10
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