Craftsman 917254920 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.254920

Caution:

Read and follow

all Safety Rules and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

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

............................................. =l=.................... == ,,= ...... = .......

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT

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

COME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS IN- VOLVED.

CAUTION: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT

IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS.

NOTE: LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IM- PORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPERATION

AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR TRACTOR

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATaON

WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or neat any unimproved forest covered, brush covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark attester meet ng app cab e ocal or area laws (if any), If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator,. (See REPAIR PARTS for part

number dent f cation)

Inthe Slate of California the above is required by taw (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code), Other States may have similar

taws Federal laws apply on federal lands

1,, Know the controls and how to stop quickly° READ THIS

OWNER'S MANUAL and instructions furnished with attach- ments.

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

adults to operate it without proper instfuctiono

3 Do not carry passengers, Do not mow when children and

others are around

4. Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose 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 you,,

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

the driver's seat,.

7. Always get on or off your tractor from tile operator's left hand side

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

be picked up and thrown,,

9 Disengage aftattachment clutches before attempting to start

the engine.

10 Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine before

leaving the operator's position

11 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 not i_,'

use,,

13. Take all possible precautions when leaving the vef_icle

unattended. Disengage the power take-off, lower the attach- mef]ts, 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°), never across the face, Refer to page 47.

15. Reduce speed on slopes and make lures gradually toprevent

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

n 1st gear position to negotiate the slope without stopping,

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

or at a speed wh ch 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 public high- ways,

20, Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects in

order to prevent the blades from striking them, Never delib- erately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign objects.

21,, Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop. 22 Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge

chute, or near any moving parts while tractor or mower Is running,. Always keep clear of discharge chute.

23 Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.

a Use only approved drawbat hitch points,. b Limit loads to those you can safely control,

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

owner's manual

24,. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways 25_q using any attachments, never direct discharge of

materlz_ltoward bystanders nor allow anyone near the ve- hicle while in operation

_6, Handle 9_soiine with care - it is highly flammable.

a. Use_pproved gaso!ine 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 _een allowed to coo! for several minutes after run- ning_ Never fill tank indoors_ Always clean up spitled

gasoline

c. O_en doors if the engine is run in the garage - exhaust

. f_mes are dangerous Do not run the engine indoors.

27 Ke_a the vehicle and attachments in good operating condi-

' tierS,and keep safety devices in place and working.,

28 t_.'eep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip*

"ment is in safe working condition,,

2_ ,Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a

)uilding where fumes may reach an open flame or spark, _Jlowthe engine to coo] before storing in any enclosure,.

30,. "o reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass leaves,

excessive grease. Do not clean product while engine is

nnJng,

31, _ceptfor adjustments, DO NOToperate engine if aircleaner

eL.cover directly over carburetor air intake is removed R_moval of such part could create a fire hazard.

32 Do\not operate without a muffler, or tamper with exhaust

system Damaged mufflers or spark attesters could create a

fire I_azard. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary.

33 The _,ehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-

specti_d for damage after striking a foreign object, and the damag_eshould be repaired before restarting and operating

the equipment,,

34. Do nolchange the engine governor settings or overspeed the engine; severe damage or k_jury may resulL

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

a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial lighL b_ Silut the engine off when unclogging chute,,

c, Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at

frequent intervals

36 Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catcher,

on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.

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

in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then only after

careful observation of the entire area behind the mower°

38, Under normal usage the gr ass catcher bag material issubject

to deterioration and wear. Itshould be checked frequently for bag replacement Replacement bags should be checked to ensure compliance with the o_iginal manufacturer's recom-

mendations or specifications,.

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

SERIAL NUMBER

you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest

Sears Service DepartmenL We have competent, well- trained technicians and the proper tools to service or

DATE OF PURCHASE

repair this unit.

THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON THE

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

MODEL PLATE UNDER THE SEAT.

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this PforOduCt.See the nearest Sears store or service center

r 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.. Follow 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 un# can use many attachments now available at your Sears store. It cannot use attachments that engage the ground

like a plow, harrow, cultivator, or tiller. See page 46 for a list of available attachments

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 delect in

material or workmanship inthis electric start riding equipment This warranty excludes b_ade(s), blade adapter(s), spark p]ug(s), air cteaner and belt(s), which are expendable 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, inckJding the failure to maintain the equip- ment according to instructions 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 w not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 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/731CR-W, Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684

n._l,i iiiii i i i.. iii ill i , qlll.ii iHrlll ii .......................

ii,, ,lllll i,,

_DO NOT OVERLOAD TRACTOR BY TOWING WEIGHTS GREATER THAN 150 POLtNDS (68 KG).

INDEX

Adjustments:

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

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

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

Mower

Front-To-Rear .........................23

Side-To-Side .........................22

Throttle Control Cable ...............17

Air Cleaner ...........................................16

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

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

Attachments ............................................46

Battery:

Charging ....................................7, 17

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

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

Levels ..............................................15

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

Starting with Weak Battery .......17

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

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

Belt:

Motion Drive

RemovalfReplacement ......t9

Mower Drive

Removal/Replacement ......22

Adjustment ..................................22

Blade:

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

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

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

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

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

Cutting Level, Mower ....................12,22

Engine:

Air Screen ..................................... t 6

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

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

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

Preparation ....................................10

Repair Paris ..........................42-45

Starting .................................................11

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

Filter:

Air Cleaner ...................................16

Fuel .....................................................18

Fuel:

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

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

Fuse ............................................................t9

Hood Removal/Installation .............20

Leveling Mower Deck ......................22

Lubrication:

Chart ......................................................24

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

Maintenance ......................................;13

Air Cleaner ......................,.................16

Foam Pre-cteaner ..................6

Air Screen, Engine...._.............. 6

Battery ........................4..................5

Blade Sharpening .......,............. 4

Brake Adjustment ......_..............o_4

Engine Oil .......................,............/1/'_6

Fuel Filter ........................................._/..18

Lubrication Chart ............... ../..24

Spark Plugs ....................................../t18

Tire Care ....................................,./_ 7,14

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Bier/ .....23

Adjustment, Side-to-_ide I......22

Blade Sharpening ./ ........._.......14

Blade Replacem_ht ...............t......14

Cutting Level _./_.......................12,22

Operatio .......................................11

Ben}ova( .....................................,.._21

Mowing Tips ............................................_..12

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 ....................11

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

Tractor Operation on Hills ...... 12

Options:

Attachments ...................................46

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

Parking Brake ...........................................9

Paris Bag .................................................5-6

Parts, Replacement/Repair ......28-45

Repair and Adjustments ..............14-24

Blade .....................................................14

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

Fuse .......................................................19

Hood Remova!/installation .....20

Motion Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement ......19

Mower Drive Belt

RemovallReplacement .....22

Mower Adjustment

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

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

Mower Removal ........................21

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

Repair Parts ...................................28-45

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

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

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

Slope Guide Sheet ..............................51

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

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

Starting the Engine ..............................1t

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

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

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

Throttle ConLrol Cable

Adjustment ......................................17

Tires ............................................7, 14

Trouble Shooting Chart ............25-26

Transaxle:

Repair Parts ..........................40-41

Transporting ..........................................12

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

Wiring Schematic ................................27

ASSEMBLY

To assemble tractor you will need:

(2) 7116"wrenches Tire Pressure Gauge (1) 1t2"wrench Screwdriver

(2) 9!16" wrenches Utility Knife (1) 3/4" wrench 5/16" Wrench Take all of the Items out of the box. The box contains the Items shown below. Open the parts bag and check the

contents (see page 6).

Parts bag contents not shown full size

___ fill!lltlltltl!!iltlltlfilll!!lllllllltlltlll Ill!!l

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

Terminal Guard

ao Seat d Battery Acid

bo Steering wheel e. Owner's Manual

c, Battery f, Parts Bag

g Steering Boot

NOTE: RIGHT HAND(R.H) AND LEFT HAND (L.H.) ARE

DETERMINED FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR°

(2) Keys

t5 ° Slope Instruction

Steering Wheel Adapter

Steering Wheel Insed

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam- age. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before start- ingyour tractor and while moving° We recommend Wide Vi-

sion Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at Sears Retail or Catalog Stores°

ASSEMBLY

LOCATION

BA'I-I'ERY

BATTERY

TERMINALS

SEAT

PARTS BAG CONTENTS SHOWN FULL SaZE

,i,,, _........ __.. i , ,i,, i,,,11 i, ,.........

(2) Wing Nut 1/4-20

_IIIIHIII_

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

(2) Lock Washer 1/4

(2) Washer 9/32 x 5/8 x 16 Ga,.

F-

IIlliI

_LJ

(t) Adjustment Bot (1) Lock Washer t/2

(2) Hex Nut 1/4-20

STEERING

BUSHING

STEERING

WHEEL

,-- _ ]']T[Tm-I1 (1) Washer 17/32 x

_ 1-3/16 x 12 Gao

1_--

(1) Shoulder Bolt 5/16-18

(2) Sheet Metal Screw 10-16 x 1/2 ABTBS

, @ !

(1) Locknut 1/2-20

___(t) Washer 2-1/4

1. Prepare Battery

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD. WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IMMEDI-

ATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY IN CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.

CHARGED BATTERY ACID ARE EX- DO NOT SMOKE. FUMES FROM

PLOSIVE. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED

WITH THE BATTERY VENT CAPS IN THE BAG OF PARTS. ALWAYS WEAR

GLOVES, CLOTHING AND GOGGLES TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS, SKIN AND

EYES.

ASSEMBLY

CUT AWAY VIEW .......

...... ] Ir .,BATTERY

_,Z VENT TUBE

II III 11"I/,,V,L

I::l v'_ _J _ v_ r_ BATTERY H _ _ _._1'I ~._~:-:-:_ CELL

FIGURE 1

Fill and charge battery (before installing) NOTE: SEE DE- TAILED INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WITH BATTERY

VENT CAPS FOUND IN BAG OF PARTS.

a Fill each cell with battery acid. Add the acid until it

reaches the bottom of the vent tubes (Fig. 1)oDo 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

c. Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty

minutes. Ifthe level of acid falls below the point de- scribed in step (a), add more acid until the correct level isreached Install the battery caps, found inthe bag of parts, to cove rthe vent tubes_ Wash thetop of the battery with water to remove any acid, then wipe dry.

d. Check battery case for leakage to make sure thai no

damage has occurred in handling,

e, Neutralize excess battery acid for disposal by add-

ing itto 2 gallons (7Itres) of water in a five gallon (20 litres) plastic container, Stir with a wooden or plastic

paddle while adding baking soda until the addition of more soda causes no more foaming.

fo It is recommended that the battery be charged be-

fore use. Use a 12 volt battery charger, Charge bat- ten/at a rate of 6 amperes for 1 hour. NOTE: OB- SERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, LISTED IN BOX ABOVE, REQUIRED FOR BATTERY CHARGING.

Check the acid level after the battery is charged. If the acid has fallen below the correct level, add dis-

tilled or iron free water.

2. Unpack Tractor a Cut down fourcorners of the carton with utility knife

and fold down sides.

b Disengage parking brake and position front wheels

straight ahead (see page 9)

c, Install steering wheel

1, Slide the steering bushing over the steering

shaft (Fig,, 2)

2. Position steering shaft forward until screw holes in dash lineupwith steering bushing. Installtwo (2) screws (Fig° 2).

3o Position steering boot over steering shaft

4. Place bottom of steering boot over two slots in

dash (Fig,,2).

1/2" NUT

2 - 1/4" DIA. WASHERs...

STEERING BUSHING

STEERING SHAFT (INST. POSITION)

5. Push steering boot down into aligning slots on dash.

6 Place steering wheeladapteron steering shaft

7. With front wheels pointed straight ahead, place steering wheel on steering wheel adapter. Bars of steering wheel should point straight across

tractor.

j_,_-_-STEERING

WHEEL ADAPTER

STEERING BOOT

STEERING SHAFT

(REC'Do POSITION)

FIGURE 2

ASSEMBLY

SEAT PAN

SHOULDER

BOLT

ADJUSTMENT

BOLT LOCK

WASHER

FIGURE3

SEAT

FLAT

WASHER

3, Install Seat

a. Remove cardboard from seat pan,.

b. Place seat on seat pan. Screw adjustment bolt, lock

washer and flat washer into seat (Fig.. 3). Screw

shoulder bolt into seat (Fig 3). Adjustment bolt, shoulder bolt and washers found in bag of parts

(shown full size on page 6).

c. Tighten shoulder bolt using a 1/2" wrench NOTE:

THE SHOULDER BOLT WILL BE LOOSE IN THE SEAT PAN SLOT..

Tighten adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat wash- er securely_

NOTE:

SEAT POSITION SHOULD BE ADJUSTED FOR-

WARD OR BACKWARD SO THAT THE OPERA- TOR CAN COMFORTABLY REACH CLUTCH/

BRAKE PEDAL AND SAFELY OPERATE TRAC-

TOR.

eo Place seat in operating position.. Sit on the seat and

press clutch/brake pedal all the way down, !foperat- ing position is not comfortable, aaiusl sere,.

POSITIVE WASHER

POSITIVE CABLE

(RED)

FIGURE 4

TERMINAL

WING NUT

BATTERY

HEXBOLTS

HEX NUTS

WASHER

NEGATIVE

_AL

NEGATIVE CABLE

(BLACK)

WING NUT

BATTERY BOLT

4. Check Tires

Check the air pressure in the tires, Tires with too much air

_ressure will cause the unit to ride rough. The wrong air

_ressure will also keep the mower from cutting level. The ;orrect air pressure isshown on the side of the tires° tf the air

)ressure is not shown, set to pressures shown in the RE-

'AtR AND ADJUSTMENT section (page 14)o

. Install Battery

BEFORE INSTALLING BATTERY, RE-

MOVE METAL BRACELETS, WRIST WATCH BANDS, RINGS, ETC. FROM

YOUR PERSON. TOUCHING THESE

ITEMS TO BATTERY TERMINALS COULD RESULT IN BURNS.

FIGURE 5

DOORS

"BATTERY _'_'_KEY

DRAIN TUBE HOLE

8. Place 2 1/4"diameterwasheron steering shaft and install a I/2" locknut (washer and Iocknut found in bag of parts)..Tighten securely,.

9o Snap insert into steering wheel

Remove plastic on tractor hood.. Raise attachment lift handle (see page 9)..

Roll Tractor off skid,. Be careful of staples in skid.

WEAR EYE AND FACE SHIELD. WASH HANDS OR CLOTHING IMMEDI-

ATELY IF ACCIDENTALLY IN CONTACT WITH BATrERY ACID.

DO NOT SMOKE. FUMES FROM CHARGED BATTERY ACID ARE EX-

PLOSIVE. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED

WITH THE BATTERY VENT CAPS IN THE BAG OF PARTS. ALWAYS WEAR

GLOVES, CLOTHING AND GOGGLES

TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS, SKIN AND

EYES.

ASSEMBLY

a., Lift seat (Fig, 3), b Lower battery intofender well with battery terminals

toward front of tractor (Fig, 4), Make sure battery

rests in battery tray (Fig. 5)°

NOTE: BE SURE BATTERY DRAIN TUBE IS SECURELY

ATTACHED TO BATTERY TRAY DRAIN (Fig, 5)

NECTED FIRST TO PREVENT SPARKS

POSITIVE TERMINAL MUST BE CON-

FROM ACCIDENTAL GROUNDING.

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

terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and

hex nut (shown full size on pg 6) found in bag of

parts, Tighten securely with two 7/16 wrenches

(Fig. 4).

LIFT LEVER PLUNGER

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH

LIGHT SWITCH

IGNITION

d Connect BLACK ground cable to negative (-) bat-

tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex nut (shown full size on pg 6) found in bag of parts,,Tighten securely (Fig 4).

e To prevent corrosion, apply grease to the battery

terminals after installing cables_

f, Slide two battery bolts through terminal guard and

start the wing nuts onto the threads (Fig 5).

g Position terminal guard over battery as shown (Fig

5) and align bolt heads with key holes next to battery tray (Fig5),

h Lower bolt heads into key holes and slide square

shafts of bolts into slots of key holes (Fig 5)

Tighten wing nuts,

Close terminal access doors,

J,,

CAUTION:

DO NOT START ENGINE UNTIL YOU HAVE

REVIEWED THE OPERATION SECTION OF

THIS MANUAL.

OPERATION

ATTACHMENT

LIFT LEVER

MENT SLOTS

ADJUST-

CONTROL

CLUTCH/BRAKE

PEDAL

PARKING BRAKE

GEARSHIFT LEVER

KNOW YOUR

ATTACHMENTCLUTCH LEVER: Push lever upto engage

attachment There will be an engine hesitation as the clutch engages,,

ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Use the attachment litt lever

to raise and lower the attachment mounted to your tractor.

Pull lever back slightly and push button, then move the lift lever forward to lower attachment.

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL: The pedal has 2 functions; a clutch and a brake. To engage the brake push the pedal completely down°

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Use the height adjustment slots to adjust the mower height. Push the attachment lift lever plunger down and position the attachment lift lever intothe desired sloto Release lift lever plunger,,

MOWER DECK HEIGHT

ISTMENT

POSITIONING

NEUTRAL LOCK OUT POSITION

TRACTOR

GEARSHIFT: Press the clutchJbrakepedal down firmly and

move gearshill lever to desired speed, IGNITION: Place key in ignition and turn to the right to start.

The switch spring returns from the start position LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and off.

PARKING BRAKE: To set the parking brake, push the clutch/brake pedal completely down. Hold the parking brake

lever in Engage position and release pressure from pedal. Clutch'brake pedal will remain in brake position.

THROTTLEIGHOKE CONTROL: Use the throttle control to increase or decrease the speed of the engine, and to choke

the engine for starting, Push lever to the right and forward to

choke°

NEUTRAL LOCKOUT POSITION: Transmission isdisen-

gaged when gearshift lever is in this position,

+ 20 hidden pages