Craftsman 917256551 Owner’s Manual

, _EA/,eS

MODEL NUMBER 917.256551

oAssembly oOperation

° Customer Responsibilities ° Service and Adjustments

° Repair Parts

OWNER'S MANUAL

CAUTION: Read and follow all safety rules and instructions before operating this equipment.

FOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE HOT LINE, CALL THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-659-5917

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: 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,

L GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual

and on the machine before starting.

Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine

Clear the area of ob ects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., wh ch could be p cked up and thrown by the bade

Be sure the area is clear ofother people befo re mowing 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 Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point

it at anyone Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place

Slow down before turning Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off

blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting

Turn off blades when not mowing Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging

chute. Mow 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.

IL SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or'

death All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow iL

DO:

Mow up and down slopes, not across Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine Tafl grass can hide obstacles

Use slow speed Choose a low gear so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel

weights or counterweights to improve stability Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments

These can change the stability of the machine, Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not

make sudden changes in speed or direction Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope

DO NOT:

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

Donotmowneardrop-offs, ditches, orembankments The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or' ditch, or if an edge caves in

Do not mow on wet grass Reduced traction could cause sliding

• Donettrytostabilizethamachinebyputtingyourfootonthe gmund_

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes

SAFETY RULES

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur ifthe 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 under the watchful care of another responsible adult

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

children. Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously

injured or interfere with safe machine operation Never allow children to operate the machine.

Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision

IV. SERVICE

Use extra care inhandling gasoline and other fuels_ They are flammable and vapors are explosive.

Use only an approved container. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not smoke

Never refuel the machine indoors Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

Never run a machine inside a closed area. Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight

and keep equipment in good 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 Allow machine to cool before storing

Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object Repair, if necessary, before restarting

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and

deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow ob ects to be thrown. Frequenfly check components and rep ace w th manufacturer's recommended pads, when nec-

essary

Mower blades are sharp and can cuL Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and usa extra caution when servicing them

Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service as required.

The engine exhaust from this product contains

Look for'this symbol to point out important safety precautions° It means

CAUTIONlfl BECOME ALERTIf! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION:" Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact

spark plug in order' to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-

tive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance,,

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/Department Department. We have com _ petent, well-trained technicians 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".

MODEL

NUMBER 917.256551 SERIAL

NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT. YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

MAeNTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-

uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details,

CUSTOMER RESPONSRBBLITIES

Read and observe the safety rules.

Followa regutarschedule in maintaining, caring forand

using your tractor.

, Follow the instructions under"Customer Responsibili-

ties" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal

combustion engine and should net be used on or near any

PRODUCT SPEC FICATgONS

HORSEPOWER: l&0 GASOLINE CAPACITY 5 QUARTS

AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: &0 P_NTS

W/O FILTER: 3.5 PINTS

SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC

GAP: .040")

VALVE CLEARANCE: NOT ADJUSTABLE GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 0 - &5

REVERSE: 0-2.4

TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14 PSI

REAR: 10 PSI

CHARGING SYSTEM: 3 AMPS BATTERY

5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS

BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30

MIN CCA: 240 CASE SIZE: U1R

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 30-35 FT. LBS.

unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov- ered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped

with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained

in effective working order by the operator. In the state of California the above is required by law

(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code)° Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler Jsavailable

through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center/ Department (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

UMaTED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN R DING EQUIPMENT

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in material or workmanship.

This Warranty does not cover:

° Expendable items which become wom during normal use, such as blades, spad( plugs, air cleaners, belts, etc.

Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass,

Repairs necessary because of operator abase, negligence, improper storage or accident or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscontained in the owner's manual.

Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

L|iVlaTED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY

For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge.

IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO-CHARGE FOR 30

DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SERVICE CENTER AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, WARRANTY SERVICE tS AVAILABLE BY TAKING YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT TO

YOUR NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER. (IN-HOME WARRANTY SERVICE WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 30 DAYS

FROM THE DA'_E OF PURCHASE BUT A STANDARD TRIP CHARGE WILL APPLY,) THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY

WHILE THIS PRODUCT iS IN THE TRACTORED STATE&

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND COo, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 15-19

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................. 4

INDEX ............................................................................ 4

TRACTOR ACCESSORIES .......................................... 5

ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 7-9

INDEX

Accessories ........................................................5

Adjustments:

Brake ......................................................22

Carburetor .......................................................25

Mower:

Front-To-Back ......................................21

Side-To-Side ................................21

Throttle Control Cable ..........................25

Air Filter, Engine ................................................18

Air Screen, Engine ............................................18

Assembly ...........................................................7-9

Battery:

Charging .........................................7,8

Cleaning ......................................... 16

Starting with Weak Battery ..:.... 24

Storage ...........................................................26

Terminals .......................................................16

Belts:

Motion Drive

Removal/Replacement .................22

Mower Blade Ddve

Removal/Replacement .............22

Blade:

Sharpening .................................................16

Replacement ...........................................16

Brake Adjustment ....................................22

Carburetor Adjustment .................................25

Controls, Tractor ........................................11

Customer Responsibilities .............3,15-19

Engine:

Air Filter .....................................................18

Air Screen, Engine ............................18

Battery ...............................................16

Cooling Fins, Engine ................. 18

Engine Oil ............................... 17

Fue! Filter ..................................................19

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

Tractor:

Blades ...........................................16

Lubrication Chart ..........................15

Maintenance Schedule ...............15

Tire Care ........... ............... 8,16,23

Cutting Height, Mower ..............................12

Electrical:

Interlocks and Relays ................. 24

Schematic ..................................................29

Wiring Diagram ...................................30

Engine:

Air Filter ..............................................................18

Air Screen .............................................18

Cooling Fins, Engine .........................18

Oil Change ...............................................17

Oil Level ...........................................13,17

Oil Type ....................................................17

Preparation ............................................13

Repair Parts .................................48-53

Starling ....................................................14

Storage ........................................... 26

Filters:

Air ...........................................................18

Fuel ............................................................19

Fuel:

Type ..........................................................13

Storage .....................................................26

Fuse ...........................................................................24

Gauge Wheels ...............................................8

Hood Removal/Installation ............... L 24

Leveling Mower Deck ..................................21

Lubrication Chart ........................................15

Maintenance Schedule ..............................15

Mower:

Adjustment, Front-to-Back ............21

Adjustment, Side-to-Side ..............21

Blade Sharpening ...............................16

Blade Replacement ....................... 16

Cutting Height ...........................................12

Installation ................................................20

Operation ........................................12-13

Removal .................................................20

Mowing Tips ................................................14

Muffler ................................................................18

Spark Arrester .........................................3,40

Mulcher Plate ................................................9

Oil:

Cold Weather Conditions ....... 13,17

Engine ....................................................17

Storage .....................................................26

OPERATION .......................................................... 10-14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 20-25

STORAGE ................................................................... 26

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................... 27-28

REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ................................ 30-47

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE ................................. -, 48-53

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................. BACK PAGE

Operation .............................................10-14

Operating Mower ..........................................

_.12-13

Options:

Accessodes ...........................................5

Spark Attester ........................... 3,40

Parking Brake ..............................................11-12

Parts Bag .........................................................................6

Parts, Replacement/Repair ...............30-47

Product Specifications ..............................................3

Repair Parts ...................................... 30-47

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

Seat .....................................................................8

Service and Adjustments ............... 20-25

Brake ............................................. 22

Carburetor ..................................................25

Fuse ........................................................24

Hood Removal/Installation ......... 24

Motion Drive Belt

Removal/Replacement ............ 22

Mower Blade Drive Belt

Removal/Replacemerrt ............ 22

Mower Adjustment:

Front-to-Back ....................................21

Side-to-Side ...............................................21

Mower Installation .......................... 20

Mower Removal .....................................20

Tire Care .........................................8,16,23

Slope Guide Sheet ................................ 55

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

Specifications ......................................................3

Starting the Engine ..............................13-14

Steering Wheel ............................................7,23

Stopping the Tractor ...................................12

Storage ..................................................................26

Throttle Control Cable Adjustment ..... 25

Tires .............................................................8,16,23

Trouble Shooting Chart .....................27-28

Transaxle Repair Parts ......................46-47

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

Wiring Diagram ....................................................30

Wiring Schematic .............................................29

AOOESSORIF=S AND ATTACHMENTS

These accessories and attachments were available through most Sears retail outlets and service centers when the tractor was purchased

Most Sears stores can order these items for you when you provide the model number of your tractor.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG GAS CAN

ENGINEOIL FUEL STABILIZER

AIR FILTER

MAINTENANCE

BLADES BELTS

PERFORMANCE

Sears offers aw de var e y of attachments that fit your tractor Many of these are listed below with brief explanations of how they can help you Ths st was current at the time of publication however, it may change in future years - more attachments may be added, changes may be made in these attachments, or some may no longer be available or fit your model. Contact your nearest Sears store for the

accessories and attachments that are available for your tractor. Most of these attachments do not require additional hitches or conversion kits (those that do are indicated) and are designed for easy

attaching and detaching.

AERATOR promotes deep root growth for a healthy lawn Ta- pered 2 5-inch steel spikes mounted on 10-inch diameter discs

puncture holes in soil at close intervals to let moisture soak in Steel weight tray for increased penetration

BAGGER lets you collect grass clippings and leaves for a healthier, heater looking lawn Two Permanex containers hold

30-gallon plastic bags,

BUMPER protects front end of tractor from damage CARTS make hauling easy Variety of sizes available, plus

accessories such as side panel kits, tool caddy, cart cover, protective mat and dolly

CORING AERATOR takes small plugs out of soil to allow mois- ture and nutrients to reach grass root& 36-inch swath 24 hardened steel coring tips. 150 Ib capacity weight tray,

EASY OIL DRAIN VALVE makes oil changes easier, faster FRONT NOSE ROLLER canters in front of mower deck to reduce

chances of "scalping" on uneven terrain GANG HITCH letsyou tow 2or 3 pull-behind attachments atonce,

such as sweepers, dethatchers, aerators (not for use with rollers, carts or other heavy attachments),

GAUGE WHEELS on both sides of the mower deck reduce chances of"scalping" on uneven terrain For mower decks not so equipped MULCH RAKE/DETHATCHER loosens soil and flips thatch and matted leaves to lawn surface for easy pickup Twenty spring tine

teeth. Useful to prepare bare areas for seeding. Available for front

or rear mounting. HIGH PERFORMANCE REEL-ACTION SPRING TINE DETHATCHER covers 364nch wide path and

tosses thatch into large hopper Mounts behind tractor MULCHING CLOSE-OUT PLATE KIT, once installed, lets you

much, dscharge or bag clippings (bagger optional) without changing blades For models not equipped as 3*in-1 Convertible

mowers See "MOWER" in the Repair Parts section of this

manual RAMP TOPS AND FEET let you load and unload tractor from a

pickup truck_ Use with 2 x 8 or 2 x 10 lumber. ROLLER for smoother lawn surface. 36-inch wide, 18-inch

diameterwater4 ghtdrum holds upto 390 Ibs, of weighL Rounded edges prevent harm to turf+ Adjustable scraper automaticaly

cleans drum

SNOW BLADE for snow removal only. 14-inch high, 48-inch wide bade clears 42-inch path when angled left or right Raises, lowers with side lever Ad ustable skids; replaceable, reversible scraper

bar (Use with tire chains and wheel weigh s and/or rear drawbar weight) SNOWTH ROWER has 40-inch swath, Drum-type auger handles powdery and wet/heavy snow_ Mounts easily with simple pin arrangement Discharge chute adjusts from tractor seat 6-inch

diameter spout discharges snow 10 to 50 feet Lift controlled at tractor seat. (Use with chains and wheel weights and/or rear

drawbar weight ) SPRAYERS use 12-volt DC electric motor that connects to the

tractor battery or other 12+volt source. Includes booms for automa c spray ng and hand held wand for spot spraying, Wand has ad ustable spray pattern For applying herbicides, insectF

cides, fungicides and quid fer ilizers SPREADER/SEEDERS make seeding, fertilizing, and weed kill-

ing easy. Broadcast spreaders are also useful for granular de- icers and sand.

SWEEPERS let you collect grass clippings and leaves

TILLER has 5 hp engine and 36-inch swath to prepare seed beds,

cultivate and compost garden residue Tiller has its owe built+in liftand depth control system and does NOT require asleeve hitch

F s any awn yard or garden tractor+ Simply hook up tothe tractor drawbar and clo_ Optional accessories convert unit for dethatching, aeraiing, hilling +_without tools.

TIRE CHAINS are heavy duty; closely spaced extraqarge cross

links give smooth ride, outstanding traction_ TRACTOR CAB has heavy duty vinyl fabric over tubular steel

frame, ABS plastic top; clear plastic windshield offers 360 degree visibility+ Hinged metal doors with catch. Keeps operator warm and dry Remove vinyl sides and windshields for use as sun protector in summer, Optional accessories include: tinted/

tempered solid safety glass windshield with hand operated wiper;

12-volt amber caution light for mounting on cab top+ VACS for powerful collection ofheavy grass clippings and leaves

Optional wand attachment to pick up debris in hard-to-reach places, VAC/CHIPPER includes a chipper-shredder+ WEIGHT BRACKET for drawbar for snow removal applications

Uses (1) 55 Ib weight, WHEEL WEIGHTS for rear wheels provide needed traction for

snow removal or dozing heavy materials.

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Parts Bag contents shown full size

(1) Large _ Flat _ _ ] _ '_

_f \(1 ) Locknut

q ! 3/8-24

, ©

Parts packed separately in carton

EC3

Seat

Video

Cassette

Steering

Wheel

Mulcher

Plate

• i

_1(1) Shoulder _" Bolt 5/16-18

r _ \ 17/32 x

(2) Lock

#10

Gauge !

#10 x 5/8 #

(2) Screws _]

(2) Hex Nuts 1/4_20

t ( _ 11-3/16_x 12

_(1) Washer _=_/ (1) Lock Washer' 1/2

Washers

t (_ )(2) Washers

k / 3/16 x 3/4

x 16 Gauge

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

(1) Hex Bolt 1/2_13 x 1

(2) Weld

Nuts #10

q ®

',2)Washers 9/32 x 518x 16 Gauge

, , (2) Loc,kWashers 1/4

Steering

Manual

Parts bag contents not shown full size

(2) Shoulder

Bolts

Boot

Parts Bag

(2) Washers 3/8

x 7/8 x 14 Gauge

(2) Center-

Steering Wheel

Adapter

_ok

Assemblys

Stope Sheet

lock Nuts

(2) Keys

,_Steering

heel

Insert

Extension Shaft

I Steering

(2) Gauge

Wheels

A$$E IBLY

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 insure proper tightness°

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

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

(1) 5/16" wrench (1) 3/4" Socket w/drive rachet

(2) 7/16" wrenches Phillips Screwdriver

(1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge

(2) 9/16" wrench Utility knife

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it

means when you are in 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 (See page 6).

o Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners

of carton, and lay panels flaL Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and

remove.

BEFORE ROLLING TRACT()R OFF SKmD

A3-rACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align mounting holes in extention and lower shafts and install 5/16 hex bolt and IocknuL Tighten securely.

IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO

18-22 FT_ LBS TORQUE

o Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and

push down to secure,

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward,

= Slide steering wheel adapter onto steering shaft exten-

sion

o Position steering wheel and sleeve assembly so cross

bars are horizontal (left to right) and slide onto adapter.

° Assemble iarge flat washer and 3/8-24 Iocknut and

tighten securely.

• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering wheel

° Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill. IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES

IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO ROLL OFF SKID

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKiD (See Fig. 8) o Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position,

Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal.

Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to disengage transmission (See '_TO TRANSPORT" in

the Operation section of this manual),,

• Roll tractor backwards off skid.

Remove banding holding discharge guard up against tractor.

STEERING

_ WHEELINSERT

f_,........_ 318-24 LOCI(NUT

STEERING

/ STEERING

BOOT

ff-,_; EXTENSION

J_ SHAFT

ADAPTER 5/16 REX BOLT

FIG. 1

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR

CONNECT BATTERY (See Figs. 2 and 3)

CAUTION: Do not short battery termi-

move metal bracelets, wristwatch

nals. Before connecting battery, re-

bands, rings, etc.

Positive terminal must be connected

first to prevent sparking from acciden- tal grounding.

Remove cardboard packing from seat pan and lift seat pan to raised position,,

° Open battery box door.

• Remove terminal protective caps and discard. o If this battery is put into service after month and year

fndicated on label (label located between terminate) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.

° First connect RED battery cable to positive (+) terminal

with hex bolt, fiat washer, lock washer and hex nut as shown° Tighten securely.

° Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) termi-

nal with remaining hex bolt, fiat washer, lock washer and hex nut. Tighten securely.

= Close battery box door.

, m.i

ASSEMBLY

Open battery box door for: o Inspection for' secure connections (to tighten hard-

ware),

o Inspection for corrosion. o Testing battery°

° Jumping (if required).

Periodic charging.

POSITIVE DISCARD (RED) CABLE TERMINAL

i HEX

PROTECTIV E LOCK

CAPS WASHER

T FLAT

H X

WASHER

BOLT

Lower seat into operating position and sit on seal

Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which

allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way down,

Get off seat without moving its adjusted position,, Raise seat arrd tighten adjustment bolt securely,

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for

shipping purpose& Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance

o Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in "PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly

leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual

NEGATIVE (BLACK) CABLE

FIG. 2

SEAT

PAN

BATTERY BOX DOOR

FIG. 3

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 4)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.

• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.

• Place seat on seat pan and assemble shoulder boll Assemble adjustment bolt, lockwasher and flat washer

Ioosely_ Do not tighten.

o Tighten shoulder bolt securely.

SEAT

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 rnanual. Verify that the belts are routed

correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that the brake is properly adjusted. See ''TO ADJUST

BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual

ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO MOWER DECK (See Fig. 5)

Assemble gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface_ o Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See ''TO AD-

JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual)_

° With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge

wheels should be assembled so they are slightly offthe

ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8" washer and 3/8-16 Iocknut and

tighten securely_

o Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in

same adjustment hole.

GAUGE WHEEL

MOUNTING BRACKET

BOLT

31B"

sHOULDER

GAUGE' BOLT

FIG. 5

ASSEMBLY

iNSTALL iVlULCHER PLATE

(See Figs. 6 & 7)

Install two latch hooks to mulcher plate using screw,

washer, lock washer, and weld nut as shown_

NOTE: Pre-assemble weld nut to latch hook by inserting weld nut from the top with hook pointing down

o Tighten hardware securely.

• Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position. . Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck

opening and slide into place, as shown.

• Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck. o Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck

DEFLECTOR

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge guard from mower. Raise and hold

guard when attaching mulcher plate and allow it to rest on plate while in

operation.

HOOK POINTS DOWN

WELD NUT FROM THE TOP

LOCK

WELD WASHER

NUT%.., SCREW

LATCH

HOOK

WELD

LOCK

WASHER WASHER

WASHER

MULCHER _,_..-_SCREW

PLATE

FIG. 6

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

Simply remove mulcher plate and store in a safe place. Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation of

optional grass catcher accessory.

NOTE: It is not necessary to change blades. The mulcher blades are designed for discharging and bagging also.

NUT

LATCH HOOKS

FIG. 7

/CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW TRA CTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE

THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

J All assembly instructions have been completed.

,/ No remaining loose parts in carton. J Batteryis properly prepared and charged. (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps)_

,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.

,/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping 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)_

,/ 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 clampe&

,/ Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in

drive position,

WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY EXTRA A TTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

J Engine oil is at proper level

,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

,/ Become familiar with all controls - their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine_ ,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition. ,/ It s mportanttopurgethetransmissionbeforeoperat-

ingyour tractor for the first time.. Follow proper starting

and transmission purging instructions (See "TO START

ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in the Op- eration section of this manua0..

+ 19 hidden pages

Craftsman 917256551 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual