Craftsman 917.25573 Operator's Manual
GARDEN TRACTOR
24.0 HP,* 54" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transmission
Model No.
917.25573
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Operator's Manual.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (El 0) is acceptable for use in this machine,
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) will void the product warranty.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsmanwebsite:www.sears.com/craftsman *AsratedbytheenginemanufaCturer
581432626
Warranty .................................................. 2
Safety Rules ............................................ 3
Product Specifications ............................. 6
Assembly/P re-Operation ......................... 8
Operation ............................................... 13
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
THREE YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 21
Maintenance .......................................... 21
Service and Adjustments ....................... 26
Sto rage .................................................. 3t
Troubleshooting ..................................... 32
When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will arso
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 ofoperatornegligence, including but notlimited 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, orfailure to
maintain the riding equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's
manual.
• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused byfuel determined to be contaminated
or oxidized (stale). in general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.
• Normal deterioration andwear 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 Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
_JI_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.
_I_WARNING: ]norder 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.
_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 aslope. Tooheavy 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.
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known tothe State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
L 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 adutts, 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 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 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 en-
tire grass catcher, discharge chute, or
other safetydevices inplace andworking.
• Slowdown 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
cometo a complete stop before cleaning
the machine, removing thegrass catcher,
or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Operate machine only in daylight orgood
artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating nearer
crossing roadways.
• Use extracare whenloadingor unloading
the machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eyeprotectionwhen operat-
ing machine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years andabove, are involved inalarge
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.
, Foltowthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tion forwheel weights orcounterweights. ......
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touchhot
exhaust/engine parts and burn. Do not
allow the mower to plow leaves or other
debris which can cause build-up to oc-
cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before
operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.
il, 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 upthe slope 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 mowon wet grass. Tires may lose
traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when
going down slopes. Donotshiftto neutral
and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, orturning on a
slope. Ifthetires losetraction, 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 otherattachments;
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
suddenly roll over if a wheel is over the
edge or if the edge caves in,
II1,CHILDREN
......................_II_WARNING: CHILDRENCANBEINJURED
BYTHISEQUIPMENT,The American Acade-
my of Pediatrics recommends that children
be a minimum of 12 year of age before op-
erating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower
and a minimum of 16 years of age before
operating a riding lawn mower,
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 inthe 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,
• Nevercarry children, even withthe blades
shutoff. They mayfall off andbeseriously
injured or interfere with safe machine
operation. Children who have beengiven
rides inthe pastmaysuddenly 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
• Towonly with a machine that has ahitch
designedfor towing. Do notattach towed
equipment except at the hitch point.
• Followthemanufacturer'srecommenda-
tion for weight limitsbr towed equipment
and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on
towed equipment,
• Onslopes,the weight ofthe towed equip-
ment may cause lossoftraction and loss
of control.
. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to
stop.
V, SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injuryor property dam-
age, use extreme care inhandling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
Vaporsare explosive,
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition,
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or addfuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling,
• Never fuelthe machine indoors.
• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
where there is an open flame, spark, or
pilot light such as on a water heater or
other appliances,
• Never fill containers insidea vehicle or
on atruck or trailer bed with plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle when filling,
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom
thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,
ratherthanfromagasolinedispenser
nozzle.
• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim
ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat
alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot
useanozzlelock-opendevice,
° Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changecloth-
ingimmediately.
• Neveroverfillfueltank,Replacegascap
andtightensecurely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
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 machine to coolbefore 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.
• Checkgrasscatcher components andthe
discharge chute frequently and replace
with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary,
• Mowerbladesaresharp. Wraptheblade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
• Check brakeoperationfrequently. 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 if anyone
enters the area.
- Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary, Always took 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 inthe 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 (!5° Max), not
across.
• Choose a tow ground speed so that you
will not have to stop or shift while on the
slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
........... lfthe tires losetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight ....
down the slope.
• If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse and
back down slowly,
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible,
- When Ioadingorunloadingthis machine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-
mended operation angle of 15°.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity 4.0 Gallons/15,14 L
and type Regular Unleaded
OiiType: SAE30 (above 32°F/0°C
,(API: SG-SL) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C
Oil Capacity: 64 OzJ1,96 L
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030'V0,76 mm)
Ground Speed Forward: 0 - 7.8/} 2,5
(Mph/Kph): Reverse: 0 - 2,9/4,7
Charging 15 amps @ 3600 rpm
System:
Batteq/: Amp!Hr: 28
Min. CCA: 230
Case size: UI R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. LbsJ62-76 Nm ..... i
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of
a new tractor. It has been designed, engi-
neeredand manufactured to giveyouthe best
possible dependability and performance,
Should you experience any problemyou can-
not easily remedy, please contact a Sears or
otherqualffied 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 instructions under "Maintenance"
and "Storage" sections of this manual.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equip-
ment (PPE) while operating this machine,
including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eye protection, and hearing protection.
Do not mow in shorts and/or open toed
footwear,
• Always let someone know you are outside
mowing.
_WARNING: This tractor is equipped with
an internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or r_ear 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.
Inthe state of Californiathe 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 attester for the muffler is
available through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).
6
Mower
(2) Rear _
Lift Link _
(5) 1-3/16 Assemblies _-_
O,D. Washers
(1) Small
Retainer Springs
(5) Large
Retainer Springs
(1) Front _
Lift Link \_\
Assembly
If Equipped
(t) Anti-Sway Bar (1) 3/40.D.
Washers
(1) Small Retainer
Springs
Battery
(2) Hex Bolts
(2) Nut Keps
Mower Front Wheel
(1) Shoulder Bolt
(1) 1-1/40.D.
(1) Wheel
Washer
@
(11 3/8-16
Locknut
Slope Sheet
, ,,,,,,,,,,,,
Keys
(2) Keys
(1) Oil Drain Tube
*Installed by Dealer
*Brush GuardKit
.
"Yournew tractor has been assembled at the factory with 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 ASSEMBD[
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
(2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife
(1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge
(1) 3/4" wrench Pliers
(1) 3/4" socket w/drive ratchet
(1) 9/16" wrench Flashlight
When right or left hand is mentioned in this
manual,itmeanswhenyou areinthe 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 panels
of carton. Remove end panels and lay
side panels flat.
• Remove mower and packing materials.
• Check for any additional loose parts or
cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
TO CHECK BATTERY
1. Lifthood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis battery is put intoservice after
month and year indicated on label (label is
located between terminals) charge battery
for minimum ofone hour at 6-t 0 amps. (See
ADJUST SEAT
1. Sit in seat.
2. 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,
3. Release lever to lock seat in position,
NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the
skid. FoUowthe appropriate instruction below
to remove the tractor from the skid.
AO_WARNING: Before starting, read, un-
derstand and follow all instructions in the
Operation section of this manual. Be sure
tractor is in a welt-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, Raiseattachmentliftleverto itshighest
......................."BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this ....
manual for charging instructions),
° Forbatteryand batterycableinstallationsee
"REPLACING BATTERY" inthe "Service
and Adjustments" section in this manual,
bel
position ......
2. Release parking brake by depressing
brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in disengaged
position to disengage transmission (See
"TO TRANSPORT" inthe Operation sec-
tion of this manual),
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
8
TO INSTALL MOWER
1, Set parking brake lever and lower
attachment lift lever
• Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way
down and hold.
- Pull parking brake lever up and hold,
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal,
then release parking brake lever. Pedal
should remain in brake position. Ensure
parking brake will hold tractor secure.
_IbCAUTION: Lift lever is spring loaded,
Have a tight grip on lift lever, lower it slowly
and engage in lowest position. Lift lever is
located on left side offender.
Lieftver '_k_
2. Assemble front gauge wheel (W) to
front of mower.
H, Front Mower Bracket X, Shoulder Bolt
W. Front Gauge Wheel Y. 1¼ O,D. Washer
Z, 3/8-16 Locknut
3, Turn steering wheel left and position
mower.
• Turn steering wheel to the left as far as it
will go and position moweron rightside of
tractorwith deflectorshield (Q) tothe right.
Front
Q_ Deflector
Shield
A. Mower Side Suspension Arms
B. Retainer Spring
C. Rear Lift Link(s)
D. Right Side Rear Mower Bracket
E, Front Lift Link Assembly
E Front Suspension Bracket
H. Front Mower Bracket
I. Left Side Rear Mower Bracket
K, Belt Tension Rod
L. Locking Bracket
M. Engine Clutch Pulley
Q. Deflector Shield
S, Anti-Sway Bar
W. Front Gauge Wheel
4. Slide mower under tractor.
• Bring belt forward and check belt for
properrouting inalfmower pulteygrooves,
NOTE: Be sure mower side suspension
arms (A) are pointing forward before sliding
mower under tractor,
• Slide mower under tractor until it is
centered under tractor,
• Pivot the integrated washer end of anti-
sway bar (S)towards mowerdeckbracket
on right side of mower,insert integrated
washer end of barinto hole inrear mower
bracket (D). Move mower as needed to
insert integratedwasher end of bar into
rear mower bracket (D).
• Secure with small washer and small
retainer spring as shown.
5. InstaUanti-sway bar (S) (if equipped)
Anti-Sway Bar (S)
Towards "lb,_
Mower Deck-"-
90 ° End Integrated Washer End
From right side of mower, first insert
90° end of anti-sway bar (S) into hole in
transaxle bracket (T), located near left
rear tire in front of transaxle.
NOTE: Flashlight may be helpful.
Bar _, _
Transaxle Bracket
Located Between Real Tires
NOTE: Depending onmodel, bracket _) may
bedifferentthanshown butholeforanti-sway
bar will be in same position/location.
-->
D. Right SideRear
MowerBracket
S. Anti-SwayBar
T, TransaxteBracket
6. Attach mower side suspension arms
(A) to chassis.
• Position front holeinsidesuspension arm
(A)over pinon outside oftractor chassis
and secure with large washer and large
retainer spring (B).
• Repeat on opposite side of tractor.
A. Mower Side Suspension Arms
B.Retainer Spring
D.Right Side Rear Mower Bracket
7. Attach rear lift links (C)
• Insert rod end of rear lift link (C) into hole
(U) in tractor lift shaft suspension arm
and pivot link down to mower.
• Lift rear corner of mower and position slot
in link assembly over pin on rear mower
bracket (D) and secure with large washer
and large retainer spring.
• Repeat on opposite side of tractor.
10
C. Rear Lift Link(S)
D, Right Side Rear Mower Bracket
U. Hole
8 Attach front link (E)
Turn steering wheel to position wheels
straight forward.
• From front of tractor, insert rod end of
front link (E)through front hole intractor
front suspension bracket (F),
• Move toleft side ofmower andand insert
large retainer spring (G) through hole in
front link (E) behind front suspension
bracket (F).
° Insert other end of link (E) intohole in
front mower bracket (H) and secure with
washer and small retainer spring (J).
NOTE: Requires deck lifting.
9 InstallBeltOn EngineClutch Pulley(M)
• Disengage belt tension rod (K) from
locking bracket (L).
, Install beltonto engine clutch pulley (M).
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper rout-
ing in all mower pulley grooves and under
mandrel covers.
M.Engine
Clutch Pulley
Engage belt tension rod (K) on locking
bracket (L).
_CAUTION: Belt tension rod is spring
loaded, Have a tight grip on rod and
engage slowly.
• Raise attachment lift lever to highest
position.
• Ifnecessary, adjust gauge wheels before
operatingmoweras shown inthe owner's/
operator's manual. Checkgaugewheels,
deck level and rake settings.
E. Front Lift Link Assembly
E Front Suspension 8racket
G. Large Retainer Spring
H. Front Mower Bracket
J. Small Retainer Spring
M. Engine Clutch Pulley
11
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were over-inflated
atthe factory for shipping purposes. Correct
tire pressure is important for best cutting
performance,
• Reducetire pressure toPSIshown ontires.
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 areshown for replacing
motion and mower blade drive belts in the
Service and Adjustments section ofthis man-
ual. Verify thatthe belts are routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor,
checkto see that the brake isoperating prop-
erly, See "TO CHECK BRAKE" inthe Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.
t_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:
Vt All assembly instructions have been
completed.
No remaining looseparts in carton.
V_ Battery is properly prepared and
charged.
Vf Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely.
_" AIftires are properly inflated. (Forship-
ping purposes, the tires were overinflated
at the factory).
J" 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.
i/" Before driving tractor, besure freewheel
control is in "transmission engaged"
position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual),
While learninghowto useyourtractor, payex-
tra attention tothe following importantitems:
t/( Engine oil is at proper level.
J" Fueltankis filledwithfresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline.
tif Become familiar with all controls, their
location and function, Operate them
before you start the engine,
t/" Besure brake system isin safeoperating
..........................................................................................................condition.
Be sure Operator Presence System and
Reverse Operation System (ROS) are
working properly (Seethe Operation and
Maintenance sections in this manual).
J" It is importantto purge the transmission
before operating your tractor for thefirst
time. Follow properstartingand transmis-
sion purginginstructions(See'70 START
ENGINE"and "PURGETRANSMISSION"
inthe Operation section of thismanual).
12
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