Craftsman 917.25574 Operator's Manual

Operator's Manual

I

ICRnFT. .nN°

LAWN TRACTOR

21.5 HR* 42" Mower
Electric Start

Automatic Transmission

Model No.

917.25574

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 (EIO) is acceptable for use in this machine,

The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) wi!l void the product warranty.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A,
Visit our Craftsman website:www, sears.comicraftsman *As rated bytheenginemanufacturer

581469827

Warranty ................................................ 2

Safety Rules .......................................... 3

Product Specifications ........................... 6

Assem bly/Pre-Operation ....................... 7

Operation ............................................. 10

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 17

Maintenance ........................................ 17

Service and Adjustments ..................... 22

Storage ................................................ 28

Troubleshooting ................................... 29

Craftsman Riding Equipment Warranty
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY

FOR TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, all non-expendable partsof this riding equipment are
warranted against any defects in material or workmanship. A defective non-expendable part will
receive free in-home repair or replacement if repair is impossible.

FOR FIVE YEARS from the date of purchase, the frame and front axle of this riding equipment are
warranted against anydefects in material orworkmanship.A defective frame or front axle will receive
free in-home repair or replacement if repair is impossible.

FOR 90 DAYS from the date of purchase, the battery (an expendable part) of this riding equipmen'_
is warranted against anydefects in material or workmanship (ourtesting proves that it will not hold a
charge). A defective battery will receive free in-home replacement.

ADDITIONAL LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY on CAST IRON FRONT AXLE (if equipped)
FOR AS LONG AS IT IS USED by the original owner after the fifth year from the date of purchase,the

cast ironfront axle (ifequipped) of this riding equipment iswarranted against any defects in material or

workmanship. With proof of purchase, a defective cast front axle will receive free in-home replacement.

WARRANTY SERVICE
For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, call 1-800-659-5917 or visitthe

web site: www,craftsman.com

In all cases above, if part repair or replacement is impossible, the riding equipment will be replaced
free of charge with the same or an equivalent model.

All of the above warranty coverage is void if this riding equipment is ever used while providing
commercial services or if rented to another person.

This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage does NOT

include:

• Expendable parts (except battery) that can wear outfrom normal use within the warranty period,
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, axle assembly or crankshaft, or over-speeding the engine.

• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited 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 dding
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.

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

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.

_WARNING: 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,
_WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in

neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
_ILWARNING: 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.

_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.

Ld_IbWARNING: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, andfoliowallinstruc-
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 bepicked

up and thrown bythe blades.

- Be sure the area is clear of bystanders

before operating. Stop machine ffanyone

enters the area,

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely

necessary. Always lookdown andbehind
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 not operate machine without the en-
tire grass catcher, discharge chute, or
other safety devices in placeand working.

• Slow 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 toa complete stop before cleaning

the machine, removing the grasscatcher,

or unclogging the discharge chute,

• Operate machine onlyindaylight or good
artificial light,

• Do not operatethe machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.

• Useextracare whenloading orunloading
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.

• Followthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tion for wheel weights or counterweights.

. Keep machine free of grass, leaves or

other debris build-up which cantouch hot
exhaust/engine parts and burn. Do not
allow the mower to plow leaves orother
debris which can cause build-up to oc-
cur.Clean any oil or fuel spillage before
operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to coo] before storage.

3

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. Ifyou
cannot backup the slope or ifyoufeel 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 wetgrass. Tires maylose

traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when

going down slopes. Do not shiftto neutral
and coast downhill.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a

slope. Ifthetires Iosetraction, 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 orother 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 onthe 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.

!11.CHILDREN

_WARNING: CHILDRENCANBEINJURED

BYTHIS EQUIPMENT.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 in the watchful care ofa 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.

• Nevercarrychildren, evenwiththeblades
shutoff. They mayfall offand beseriously

injured or interfere with safe machine
operation. Children whohave beengiven
ridesin the past may suddenly appear in

the mowing area for another ride and be

runover 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 notattach towed
equipment except at the hitch point.

• Followthe manufacturer's recommenda-
tion for weight timitsfor towed equipment

and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on
towed equipment.

• Qnslopes, the weight ofthetowed equip-
ment may cause lossof traction and loss

of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to
stop.

V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal iniury 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 tocool
before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Neverstorethe machine orfuel container
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.

. Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom

thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
ground,Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel

suchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,

ratherthanfroma gasolinedispenser

nozzle,

• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim
ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat

alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot

useanozzlelock-opendevice.

• fffuelisspilledonclothing,changecloth-

ingimmediately.

• Neveroverfillfueltank.Replacegascap
andtightensecurely,

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine ina closed area.

• Keep all nuts and boltstightto besurethe
equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper withsafety 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 machineto cool beforestoring.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspectthe machine. Repair,if necessary,
before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.

• Check grass catcher components andthe

discharge chute frequently and replace

with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.

• Mowerbtadesaresharp. Wrapthebiade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution

when servicing them,

• Checkbrakeoperationfrequently, 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 ifanyone
enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary.Always lookdown andbehind

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 givenrides inthe pastmaysuddenly
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 ofa 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 ona
slope, lfthetires Iosetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the s]ope.

• If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift intoreverse and
back down slowly.

• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.

• Whenloadingorunloadingthismachine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-

mended operation angle of 15°.

5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 3,0 Gallons/l 1,35 L
and type: Regular Unleaded

Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32_F/0°C
(API: SG-SL) SAtE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 64 Oz./1.96 L

W/out Filter,' 52 Oz./1,5 L

Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC

(Gap: .040"/1.02 mm)

Charging 3 Amps Battery
System: 5 Amps Headlights

Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Min, CCA: 230

Case size: U1R

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs,/62-75 Nm

CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of

a new tractor, tt has been designed, engi-
neeredand manufactured togiveyouthe best
possible dependability and performance.

Shouldyou experience any problemyoucan-
not easily remedy, please contact a Sears or

otherqualifiedservicecenter. We havecom-
petent, well-trained representatives andthe

proper tools to service orrepair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The

instructions wilj enable you to assembJe
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 instructionsunder "Maintenance"
and "Storage" sections of this manual,

• Wear proper Personal Protective Equip-
ment (PPE) while operating this machine,

including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eyeprotection, andhearing protection, Do

notmowinshortsand!oropentoedfootwear.

• Always letsomeone knowyou are outside

mowing.

_WAR 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 ineffective working order by

the operator.
Inthe state ofCaliforniathe above isrequired

by law (Section 4442 ofthe California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have

similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is

availablethrough your nearest Searsservice
center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).

Keys

Key(s)

(t) Oil Drain Tube

Slope Sheet Battery

(2) Hex Bolts

(2) Nut Keps

Your new 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 ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(I) 5/16" wrench Utility knife

(2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge

(2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers
(1) 9/16" wrench

When right or left hand is mentioned in this
manual,itmeanswhen youareintheoperating

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.

. Check for any additional loose parts or

cartons and remove.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID

TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND

BOOT

• ' Slide extension shaft onto lower steering
shaft.

• Placetabs ofsteering bootovertabs[ots
in dash and push down to secure.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

Position front wheels of the tractor so

they are pointing straight forward,

• Position steering wheel so cross bars
arehorizontal (leftto right) and slide onto
steering wheel adapter.

• Secure steering wheel to steering shaft

with locknut and large flat washer previ-

ously removed. Tighten securely,

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of
steering wheel.

• Remove protective materials fromtractor
hood and griE

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires where

tractor is to roll off skid.

Nut_ "_"-insert

('F--._-_,_.__ _ Large FiatWasher

_--'-'_ Adapter

L_eweirg _'------ Extension

INSTALL SEAT

1. Remove bolt and flat washer securing
seat to cardboard packing and set aside

for assembly ofseat to tractor. Remove

the cardboard packingand discard.

2. Connect switch to seat.

3. Place seat on seat pan so all three (3)
bottom pads are positioned over large

slotted holes in pan.

Seat / _-' _' _'"
switch /

Pad.
Slot

J

I /

I

Tape

Wiring harness

4. Push down on seat to engage pads in
slotsand pullseat towards rearoftractor.

5. Raise seat and tighten bolt securely.

6. Remove tape and discard.

7. Lower seat into operating position and
sit on seat, Press clutch/brake pedal atl
the way down. Ifoperating positionisnot
comfortable, adjust seat,

R_

washer

\

Adjustment

Bolt handle

TO ADJUST SEAT

Grasp adjustment handle and pullup, slide

seat to desired positionand release adjust-

ment handle.

NOTE: You may now rollyour tractor offthe

skid. Followthe appropriate instructionbelow
to remove the tractor from the skid.

WARNING: Before starting, read, un-

derstand and follow all instructions in the

"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
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.

5. Remove banding holding the deflector
shield upagainst tractor.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinfiated at
the factory for shipping purposes. Correct

tire pressure is important for best cutting

performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSt shown on
tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properlyleveled. 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

ServiceandAdjustments section ofthisman-
ual. Verifythatthe 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" intheService

and Adjustments section of this manual.

8

,/'CHECKLIST

Before you operate your new tractor, we
wish to assure that you receive the best

performance and satisfaction from this
Qualib] Product.

Please review the following checklist:
`/All assembly instructions have been com-

pleted.

`/No remaining loose parts in carton.
,/Battery is properly prepared and

charged.

,/Seatis adjusted comfortablyandtightened

securely.

J All tires are properly inflated. (For ship-

ping purposes, the tires were overinflated
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).

J 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.

`/Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel

control is in "transmission engaged"
position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).

While learninghowto useyourtractor, payex-
traattention tothe following important items:

`/Engine oil is at proper level.
,/Fuel tank isfilled with fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline.

,/Become familiar with all controls, their lo-

cation and function. Operatethem before
you start the engine.

,/Be sure brake system is in safe operating

condition.

v" Be sure Operator Presence System and

Reverse Operation System (ROS) are

working properly (Seethe Operation and

Maintenance sections inthis manual).

v"Itisimportantto purgethetransmissionbefore

operatingyour tractorfor the first time. Fol-
low properstartingandtransmission purging

instructions(See"TOSTART ENGINE"and
"PURGETRANSMISSION" intheOperation

section ofthis manual).

ThesesymbolsmayappearonyourtractororinJiteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.

Learn and understand their meaning,

R N H L

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START

OPERA'_ON

SYSTEM(ROe)

÷

UGHTS ON FUEL BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD

ATTACHMENT A'rrACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(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.

DANGER_ KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

!\!

CHOKE FAST SLOW

PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT

IGNmON SWITCH

MOWER LIFT

CRUISE CONTROL CLUTCWBRAKE

.... PEDAL

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

wilt 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 ater[ symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage
to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicales a hazard which,

,,,_it_!,_..if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.

10

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractorto familiarize yourself with the locationsof
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) BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the

tractor and starting the engine.

(C) PARKING BRAKE - Locks clutch!
brake pedal into the brake position.

(D) THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to

control engine speed.

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting

and stopping the engine.

(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM
(ROS) "ON" POSITION - Allows operation

of mower or other powered attachment
while in reverse.

(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights
on and off.

(J) CRUISE CONTROL LEVER - Used to
set forward movement of tractor at desired

speed without holding the forward drive
pedal.

(K) FORWARD DRIVE PEDAL- Used for

forward movement of tractor.

(L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL- Used for
reverse movement of tractor.

(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disen-
gages transmission for pushing or slowly

towing the tractor with the engine off,

(N) CHOKE CONTROL - Used when

starting a cold engine.

(P) SERVICE REMINDER!HOUR METER

- Indicates when service isrequired for the
engine and mower.

11