Craftsman 917280150 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

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LAW TRACTO

17.5 HR*38" Mower

Electric Start

6 Speed Transaxle

Model No.

917.28015

5O0O

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

operating this equipment. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman *As rated by the engine manufacturer

For answers to your questions about

this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat

440720

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

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

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

AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ 8

Operation ............................................. 11

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

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

Service and Adjustments ..................... 21

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

Troubleshooting ................................... 27

Sears Service ........................ Back Cover

CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY TWO YEARS ON RiDiNG EQUIPMENT

When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will also

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 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, or failure to

maintain the riding 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.

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, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

_IbDANGER: 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: In order 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 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.

_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands

after handling.

I. 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 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 bystanders before operating. Stop machine ifanyone

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 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 place and 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 to a complete stop before cleaning

the machine, removing the grass catcher,

or unclogging the discharge chute.

• Operate machine only indaylight 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.

• AIways 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.

• Followthemanufacturer'srecommenda-

tion 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 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.

li. 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. 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 or other 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 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 inthe 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 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 not attach towed

equipment except at the hitch point.

• Followthemanufacturer'srecommenda-

tion for weight limits for towed equipment

and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on

towed equipment.

• On slopes, theweight ofthetowed equip- ment 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 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 to cool

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 or trailer bed with plastic liner.

Always place containers on the ground

away from your vehicle when filling.

• 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.

• Iffuel is spilled on clothing, change cloth-

ing immediately.

• Never overfill fueltank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

GENERAL SERVlCE

• Never operate machine in a closed area.

• Keep all nuts and boltstight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices. 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 before storing.

• 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.

• Checkgrasscatchercomponentsandthe

discharge chute frequently and replace

with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp. Wrapthe blade

or wear gloves, and use extra caution

when servicing them.

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust

and service as required.

• Maintain orreplace 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 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. Ifthetires Iosetraction, 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.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Unleaded

and Type: Regular Oil Type SAE 30 (above 32°F)

API-SG-SL): SAE 5W-30(below 32°F

Oil Capacity: 48 oz.

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030")

Ground Speed (MPH):

Forward:

1st 1.0

2nd 1.4 3rd 2.1

4th 3.1 5th 4.0

6th 5.1

Reverse: 1.6

In the 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 arrester for the muffler is

available through your nearest Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS manual).

REPAIR PROTECTION AG REEM ENTS

Congratulations on making a smart pur-

chase. 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.

Charging System: 3 Amps Battery

5 Amps Headlights

Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Min. CCA: 230 Case Size: U1R

Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engi-

neered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you can- not easily remedy, please contact a Sears or

other qualified 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 RU LES".

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Mainte-

nance" and "Storage" sections of this

owner's manual.

_I, WARNING: This tractor is equipped 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 in effective working order by

the operator.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

• Expert service byour 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 fixed.

Discount of 10% from regular price of service and service-related parts not covered bythe agreement; also, 10% off

regular price of preventive maintenance check.

Fast help by phone - phone support

from a Sears representative 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 appoint-

ment 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 of home appliances, garage door openers, water

heaters, and other major home items, in the

U.S.A. call 1-800=4-MY=HOME®

/ \

\ I

\ /

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel Insert

(1) Hex Bolt

5/16-18 x 4

-_ Steering Wheel

Adapter

(1) Seat

I .... I

l l

I I Steering

; Boot

Seat

(1) Large Flat Washer

(1) 5/16 Lock Washer

Steering

Extension

Shaft

@ (1) Washer

Keys

(2) Keys

Slope Sheet

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 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.

(1) 5/16" wrench (2) 7/16" wrenches (2) 1/2" wrenches (1) 9/16" wrench

When right or left hand is mentioned in this

manual, itmeans when you are in the operating position (seated behind the steering wheel).

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the

operating position (seated behind the steer- ing wheel).

Utility knife

Tire pressure gauge

Pliers

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes from carton.

2. Cut along dashed lines on all four panels

of carton. Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.

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 steer- ing 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 steering shaft extension.

5. Position steering wheel so cross bars

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

6. Assemble large flat washer, 5/16 lock washer, 5/16 hex bolt and tighten

securely.

7. Snap steering wheel insert into center

of steering wheel.

8. Remove protective materials from trac- tor hood and grill.

INSERT ........_: _::_i

5/16 HEX BOLT-..._

5/16 LOCK ._._/_:¢ WASHER _ :-<_ \

LARGE FLAT __--_ _ .... b

WASHER !_ _ _ -- j

ADAPTER "

LOWER STEERING SHAFT

\ \ _ y f---_ _-_------._.._STEERING

-'+_ <-........_3//_ WHEEL

STEERING

BOOT

SHAFT

IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any

staples inskid that may puncture tires where tractor is to roll off skid.

INSTALL SEAT

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment

knob.

1. Remove adjustment knobandflatwasher 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 card-

board packing and discard.

3. Place seat on seat pan and assemble sh- oulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt securely.

4. Assemble adjustment knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.

5. Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.

6. Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which allows you to press clutch/

brake pedal all the way down.

7. Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.

8. Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.

CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift seat pan 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).

Seat

Label

Terminal

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off

the skid. Follow the appropriate instruction

below to remove the tractor from the skid.

Seat

Seat _'an

Shoulder _ \r--r---r_\. ' \\ Bolt/ _----_ _,,\_./k_ \ \ '\ ! /

//_ _ _----_" Fiat Washer

Adjustment Knob

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. Press lift lever plunger and raise attach- ment lift lever to its highest position.

2. Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake pedal.

3. Place gearshift lever in neutral position.

4. Roll tractor forward off skid.

5. Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against tractor.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

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

tire pressure is important for best cutting

performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.

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 figures that are shown for replacing motion and mower blade drive belts in the

Service and Adjustments section of this man- ual. 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 operating properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

V"CHECKLIST

Before you operate and enjoy your new

tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from

this Quality Product.

Please review the following checklist:

_/AII assembly instructions have been com-

pleted.

v/No remaining loose parts in carton. _/Battery is properly prepared and

charged.

_/Seat is adjusted comfortably and

tightened securely.

V/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).

v/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. While learning how to use your tractor, pay extra attention to the following important

items: _/Engine oil is at proper level.

v/Fue! tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline. v/Become familiar with all controls - their

location and function. Operatethem before

you start the engine. _/Be sure brake system is in safe operating

condition. _/Be sure Operator Presence System and

Reverse Operation System (ROS) are

working properly (See the Operation and

Maintenance sections in this manual).

+ 22 hidden pages