Craftsman 917254801 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
CRAFTSMAN°
LAW TRACTOR
21.0 HR* 42" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.25480
This product has a low emission engine which operates I
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *As rated by the engine manufacturer
433231
I
I
Warranty .................................................. 2
Safety Rules ............................................ 3
Product Specifications ............................. 6
Assembly/Pre-Operation ......................... 7
Operation ................................................. 9
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT
Also, when operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty wilt
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 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). 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.
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 16
Maintenance .......................................... 16
Service and Adjustments ....................... 21
Storage .................................................. 27
Troubleshooting ..................................... 28
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 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: Inorder to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always discon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug.
_IbWARNING: 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 components
contain oremit chemicals known to the State
ofCaliforniato cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
_,WARNING: 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 look 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 entire
grass catcher, discharge guard, or other
safety devices in place and working.
Stow 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 guard.
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 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.SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtotossof
controlandtip-overaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjuryordeath.Operation
onallslopesrequiresextra caution. If you
cannot back upthe slope orifyou feetuneasy
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 maylose
traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when
going down slopes. Do notshift to neutral
and coast downhill.
* Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope. Ifthetireslosetraction, disengage
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 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 sud-
denly roll over ira wheel is over the edge
or if the edge caves in.
Ill. CHILDREN
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 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 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.
* Followthemanufacturer'srecommenda-
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 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.
* Neverstorethemachineorfuetcontainer
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 ortrailer bed with plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle when filling.
4
Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom
thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,
ratherthanfromagasolinedispenser
nozzle.
Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim
ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat
alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot
useanozzlelock-opendevice.
Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changecloth-
ingimmediately.
* Neveroverfillfueltank.Replacegascap
andtightensecurely.
GENERALSERVICE
. Never operate machine in a closed area.
Keep all nuts and bolts tightto be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
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 storing.
If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspectthe machine. Repair, ifnecessary,
before restarting.
Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
Check grass catcher components and the
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 safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
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 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 not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually down-
hill, if possible.
PRODUCTSPECIFiCATiONS
Gasoline Capacity 2.50 Gallons
and Type: Unleaded Regular
Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)
API-SG-SL): SAE 5W30 (below32°F
Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 56 oz.
W/O Filter: 48 oz.
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed Forward: 0- 5.2
Reverse: 0- 2.9
Charging System: 3 Amps Battery
5 Amps Headlights
Battery: Amp/Hr: 28
Min. CCA: 230
Case size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a new 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 remedy, please contact a Sears
or other qualified service center. We have
competent, 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.
_IbWARN[NG: This tractor is equipped 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 ap-
plicable local or state taws (if any). [f 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 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).
6
Keys Slope Sheet
(2) Keys
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
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, itmeanswhen youarein the operating
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 flat.
Check for any additional loose parts or
cartons and remove.
ADJUST SEAT
* Sit in seat.
* 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.
* Release lever to lock seat in position.
Label
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
TO CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift seat 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 batteryand battery cable installation
see "REPLACING BATTERY" in the
"Service and Adjustments" section in this
manual.
NOTE:Youmaynowrollyourtractoroff
theskid.Followtheappropriateinstruction
belowtoremovethetractorfromtheskid.
_WARNING:Beforestarting,read,
understandandfollowallinstructionsinthe
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
clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in "transmission
disengaged position" (See "TO TRANS-
PORT" inOperation section ofthis 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 overinftated 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 of this man-
ual. Verifythat 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 assure that you receive the best
performance and satisfaction from this
Quality Product.
Please review the following checklist:
_" All assembly instructions have been
completed.
_" No remaining loose parts in carton.
_'Battery is properly prepared and
charged.
_" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely.
J" All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-
ping purposes, thetires were overinftated
at the factory).
_" 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.
J" Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
J" 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:
J" Engine oil is at proper level.
J" Fuel tank isfilled with fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline.
J" Become familiar with all controls, their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.
J" Be sure brake system isin safe operating
condition.
J" Be sure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (See the Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual).
J" It is important to purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for the
first time. Follow proper starting and
transmission purging instructions (See
"TO START ENGINE" and "PURGE
TRANSMISSION" in the Operation sec-
tion 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 I'.,I
REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW
ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT
LIGHTS ON FUEL BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD PEDAL
ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED
(Automatic Models only)
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.
m
FREE WHEEL
OPERATION
SYSTEM(ROS)
DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
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
,Jl_llIll/l_lll,,
and/or property damage.
FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.
CRUISE CONTROL
®@@@@
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
G
IGNITION SWITCH
MOWER LIFT
CLUTCH/BRAKE
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THiS OWNER'S 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) CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL- Used for
dectutching and braking the tractor and
starting the engine.
(C) PARKIN G BRAKE - Locks clutch/brake
pedal into the brake position.
(B) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL- Used
for starting and controlling engine speed.
(E)ATTACH MENT CLUTC H LEVER - Used
to engage the mower btades, or other attach-
ments mounted to your tractor.
03078
(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting
and stopping the engine.
(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM
(ROS) "ON" POSITION - Allows operation
ofmower or other powered attachment while
in reverse.
(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights
on and off.
(J) MOTION CONTROL LEVER - Selects
the speed and direction of tractor.
(M) FREEWHEELCONTROL- Disengages
transmission for pushing or slowly towing
the tractor with the engine off.
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