Craftsman 917.27581 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
LAWN TRACTOR
18.5 HP, 42” Mower
Electric Start
6 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.27581
02494
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this Owner’s Manual.
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
op er at ing this equipment.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/crafts man
For answers to your questions about
this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................... 3
Product Specifi cations............................ 6
Assembly/Pre-Operation ........................8
Operation.............................................. 11
Maintenance Schedule......................... 17
Maintenance......................................... 17
Service and Adjustments...................... 21
Storage................................................. 27
Troubleshooting .................................... 28
Repair Parts.......................................... 32
Sears Service .........................Back Cover
WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING 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 that are found to be defective in
material or workmanship according to the guidelines of coverage listed below. Sears will
also provide free labor for these applicable warranted parts for the two full years. During
the fi rst 30 days of purchase, there will be no charges to service the product at your
home for issues covered by this warranty. (See exclusions below). For your convenience, IN HOME warranty service will still be available after the fi rst 30 days of purchase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Crafts man product is
dropped off at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location,
please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. This warranty applies only while this product is within
the United States.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, including but not limited to
blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil fi lters.
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.
• 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 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 fl ammable debris,
or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the
owner’s manual.
• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be con tam i nat ed or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.
• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior fi nishes, or product label replacement.
• Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LIMITED 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. During the fi rst 30
days of purchase, there will be no charges to replace the battery at your HOME. After
the fi rst 30 days, for your convenience, IN-HOME warranty service will still be available but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman product is
dropped off at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized Sears location,
please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
This battery warranty applies only while this product is within the United States.
This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which
vary, from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Dept.817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is ca pa ble of amputating hands and feet and throw-
ing objects. Failure to observe the fol low ing safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs,
always dis con nect spark plug wire and
place wire where it can not contact spark
plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the at tach ments
that are rec om mend ed by and comply with
spec i fi ca tions of the man u fac tur er 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 dan ger ous. Tires can
lose trac tion with the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals known
to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer
and birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive
harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as
rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be
picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystand-
ers before operating. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
• Never direct discharged material
toward anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the
operator. Stop the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate machine without the
entire grass catcher, discharge guard,
or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades,
set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing.
Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass
catcher, or unclogging the discharge
guard.
• Operate machine only in daylight or
good artifi cial light.
• Do not operate the machine while
under the infl uence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffi c when operating near
or crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious
injury.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for wheel weights or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or
other debris build-up which can touch
hot exhaust / engine parts and burn.
Do not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debris which can cause
build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the
machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
3
SAFETY RULES
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. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you 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 mow on wet grass. Tires may
lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when
going down slopes. Do not shift to
neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on
a slope. If the tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass catchers or other attachments; they can affect the stability
of the machine. 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.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the
blades shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who
have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area
for another ride and be run over or
backed over by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may block your view of a child.
IV. TOWING
• Tow only with a machine that has a
hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight limits for towed
equipment and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on
towed equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed
equipment may cause loss of traction
and loss of control.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance
to stop.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property
damage, use extreme care in handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely fl ammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to
cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open fl ame,
spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
• Never fi ll containers inside a vehicle
or on a truck or trailer bed with plastic
liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle when
fi lling.
4
SAFETY RULES
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfi ll fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed are.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel-soaked
debris. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
• Check grass catcher components and
the discharge guard frequently and
replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
• Never carry children, even with the
blades shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who
have been given rides in the past may
suddenly appear in the mowing area
for another ride and be run over or
backed over by the machine.
• Keep children out of the mowing area
and in the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),
not across.
• Choose a low ground speed so that
you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on
a slope. If the tires lose traction, 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.
5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline 3.5
Capacity and Unleaded
Type: Regular
Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)
(API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 3.5 Pints
W/O Filter: 3.0 Pints
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed Forward:
(MPH): 1st 1.2
2nd 1.5
3rd 2.4
4th 3.5
5th 4.8
6th 5.3
Reverse: 1.5
Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI
Rear: 10 PSI
Charging System: 3 Amps Battery
5 Amps Headlights
Battery: Amp/Hr: 28
Min. CCA: 230
Case Size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a new tractor. It has been designed,
engineered and manu fac tured to give
you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact a
Sears or other qualifi ed service center.
We have com pe tent, well-trained tech ni cians and the proper tools to ser vice or
repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor prop erly. Always
observe the “SAFETY RULES”.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in main tain ing, caring for and using your tractor.
• Follow the instructions under “Main te nance” and “Stor age” sec tions of this
own er’s manual.
WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal com bus tion engine and
should not be used on or near any un im proved 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
muffl er is available through your nearest
Sears service center (See RE PAIR PARTS
section of this manual).
REPAIR PROTECTION
AGREEMENTS
Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Craftsman® product is
designed and manufactured for years of
dependable operation. But like all products,
it may require repair from time to time. That’s
when having a Repair Protection Agreement
can save you money and aggravation.
Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement
now and protect yourself from unexpected
hassle and expense.
Here’s what’s included in the Agreement:
• Expert service by our 12,000 profesional repair specialists.
• Unlimited service and no charge for
parts and labor on all covered repairs.
• Product replacement if your covered
product can’t be fi xed.
• Discount of 10% from regular price of
service and service-related parts not
covered by the agreement; also, 10%
off regular price of preventive maintenance check.
• Fast help by phone – phone support
from a Sears technician on products
requiring in-home repair, plus convenient repair scheduling.
Once you purchase the Agreement, a
simple phone call is all that it takes for you
to schedule service. You can call anytime
day or night, or schedule a service appointment online.
Sears has over 12,000 professional repair
specialists, who have access to over 4.5
million quality parts and accessories.
That’s the kind of professionalism you can
count on to help prolong the life of your
new purchase for years to come. Purchase
your Repair Protection Agreement today!
Some limitations and exclusions apply.
For prices and additional information
call 1-800-827-6655.
SEARS INSTALLATION SERVICE
For Sears professional installation
appliances, garage door openers, water
heaters, and other major home items, in
the U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®
of home
6
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
Steering
Wheel Insert
Steering
Boot
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 4
Steering Wheel
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Seat
(1) Large Flat Washer
Steering
Wheel Adapter
(1) 5/16 Lock Washer
Slope Sheet
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12
Gauge
(1) Knob
(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use
Keys
7
ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION
02823
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor
all parts and hardware you as sem ble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools
as nec es sary to in sure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR
ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Stan dard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 3/4" wrench (1) Pliers
(1) 1/2" wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this man ual, it means when you are in
the operating po si tion (seated be hind the
steer ing wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts boxes from carton.
2. Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton. Remove end panels and
lay side panels fl at.
3. Check for any additional loose parts or
cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
1. Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.
2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3. Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
4. Remove steering wheel adapter from
steering wheel and slide adapter onto
steer ing shaft ex ten sion.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are hor i zon tal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapt er.
6. Assemble large fl at washer, 5/16 lock
washer, 5/16 hex bolt and tighten
se cure ly.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steer ing wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from trac tor hood and grill.
Insert
5/16 Hex Bolt
5/16 Lock Washer
Large Flat
Washer
Steering
Wheel
Adapter
Lower
Steering
Shaft
Steering
Boot
Tabs
Extension
Shaft
Ta b
Slots
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor is to roll off skid.
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and fl at
washer securing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for assembly of
seat to tractor.
2. Pivot seat upward and remove from
the cardboard packing. Remove the
cardboard packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan so head of
shoulder bolt is positioned over large
slotted hole in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage shoulder
bolt in slot and pull seat towards rear of
tractor.
5. Pivot seat and pan forward and as sem ble adjustment knob and fl at
washer loosely. Do not tighten.
8
6. Lower seat into operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without moving its ad just ed position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely.
Seat
Seat Pan
Shoulder
Bolt
Flat Washer
02464
Adjustment Knob
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: If this battery is put into service
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging instructions).
Label
02173
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instruction below to remove the tractor
from the skid.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Op er a tion section for location and
function of con trols)
1. Press lift lever plunger and raise
at tach ment lift lever to its highest po si tion.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake ped al.
3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N)
po si tion.
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
5. Remove banding holding defl ector
shield up against tractor.
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Op er a tion section for location and
func tion of con trols)
WARNING: Before starting, read, un-
der stand and follow all in struc tions 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.
1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been com plet ed.
2. Check engine oil level and fi ll fuel tank
with gasoline.
3. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
4. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N)
position.
5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
at tach ment lift lever to its highest position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle control to idle
position.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" position and hold. Move gearshift lever to 1st gear.
8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and
slowly drive tractor off skid.
9. Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
10.Turn ignition key to "STOP" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
9
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were over in fl ated at the factory for shipping pur pos es.
Correct tire pressure is important for best
cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
“PRODUCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section
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.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION
OF ALL BELTS
See the fi gures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts
in the Service and Adjustments sec tion
of this manual. 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.
✓
CHECKLIST
Before you operate and enjoy your new
trac tor, we wish to assure that you receive
the best per for mance and sat is fac tion
from this Quality Prod uct.
Please review the following checklist:
✓ All assembly instructions have been
completed.
✓ No remaining loose parts in carton.
✓ Battery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).
✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened securely.
✓ All tires are properly infl ated. (For ship-
ping purposes, the tires were overinfl ated at the factory).
✓ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-side/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be properly infl ated
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 con nec tions
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
While learning how to use your tractor, pay
extra attention to the following important
items:
✓ Engine oil is at proper level.
✓ Fuel tank is fi lled with fresh, clean, regu-
lar 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 op er -
at ing condition.
✓ Be sure Operator Presence System
and Reverse Operation System (ROS)
are working properly (See the Opera-
tion and Maintenance sections in this
manual).
10
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