Operator's Manual
CRRFTSMRN°
GARDEN TRACTOR
17.5 HR* 38" Mower
Electric Start
6-Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.28015
5O0Q
[[_ This product has a low emission engine which operates t
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, JL 60179 U.SoA.
Visit our Craftsman website: ,_w, craftsman.com
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the
engine, read and understand this manual,
* The powe¢rating,_s dectat'ed by the engine manufacturer isthe
8veraga gross power outpL_tat the specked R_M of a typical
production engine for the er_gine model measu(ed using SAE
Standards for engine grosS power, Please refer to the engine
manufacturer for details.
586364126
Warranty ................................................ 2
Safety Rufes .......................................... 3
Product Specifications ........................... 6
AssemblyPre-Operation ........................ 8
Operation ............................................. 11
Maintenance ....................................... 17
CRAFTSMAN FULL WARRANTY
TWO YEARS ON RIDING EQUIPMENT
When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, Warranty will also
cover defects in matedat 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 necessarybecauseofoperatornegligence, 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). tn 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 legaf rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Maintenance Schedule ........................ !7
Service and Adjustments ..................... 21
Storage ................................................ 26
Troubleshooting ................................... 27
Sears Service ........................ Back Cover
i
2
_IkDANGER: 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.
_LWARNING: In order to prevent acciden- . Never direct discharged material toward
tal starting when setting up, transporting, anyone, Avoid discharging material
adjusting or making repairs, always discon- against a wall or obstruction. Material
nect spark plug wire and place wire where may ricochet back toward the operator.
it cannot contact spark plug. Stop the blades when crossing gravel
_WARNING: Do not coast down a hilt in . Do not operate machine without the en-
neutral, you may lose control of the tractor, tire grass catcher, discharge chute, or
_I, WARNING: Tow only the attachments . Slow down before turning.
that are recommended by and comply with ° Never leave a running machine unat-
specifications of the manufacturer of your tended, Always turn off blades, set
tractor, Use common sense when towing, parking brake, stop engine, and remove
Operate only at the lowest possible speed keys before dismounting,
when on a slope, Too heavy of a load, while
on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose Shut off engine and wait for all parts to
traction with the ground and cause you to
lose control of your tractor, the machine, removingthe grass catcher,
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of or unclogging the discharge chute,
its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- Operate machine only indaylight or good
nents contain or emit chemicals known to artificial light.
the State of California to cause cancer and " Do not operate the machine while under
birth defects or other reproductive harm. the influence of alcohol or drugs.
_t, WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and crossing roadways.
related accessories contain lead and lead • Useextracarewhenloadingorunloading
compounds, chemicals known to the Stateof the machine into a trailer or truck.
California to cause cancer and birth defects • Atways weareye protection when operat-
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands ing machine.
after handling, Data indicates that operators, age 60
I. GENERAL OPERATION percentage of riding mower-related inju-
• Read, understand, and follow all instruc- ries. These operators should evaluate
tions on the machine and in the manual their ability to operate the riding mower
before starting, safely enough to protectthemselves and
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating others from serious injury.
parts or under the machine. Keep clear " Followthemanufacturer's recommenda-
of the discharge opening at all times, tion forwheelweights or counterweights.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are " Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
familiar with the instructions, to operate otherdebris build-up which can touch hot
the machine, exhaust/engine parts and burn. Do not
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, allow the mower to plow leaves or other
toys, wire, etc., which could be picked debris which can cause build-up to oc-
up and thrown by the blades, cur. Clean any oil or fuel spillage before
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders operating or storing the machine. Altow
before operating. Stop machine ifanyone machine to cool before storage.
enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
° Do not mowin reverse unless absolutely
necessary, Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
surfaces.
othersafety devices in place and working,
Disengage blades when not mowing.
cometo a complete stop before cleaning
Watch for traffic when operating near or
years and above, are involved in a large
ii.SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtotossof
controlandtip-overaccidents,whichcan
resultinsevereinjuryordeath,Operation
onaltslopesrequiresextra caution, If you
cannot hack 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. Talt 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 maytose
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 losetraction, disengage
the blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
, Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction, which
could cause the machine to roll ever.
, Use extracare 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 rotl over if a wheel is over the
edge or if the edge caves in.
t11.CHILDREN
_,WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED
BY THIS 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 of a responsible
adult other than the operator.
- Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area,
- Before and while backing, took behind
and down for small children.
° Never carry children, even with the blades
shut off. They may fail offand 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 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, the weight ofthe towed equip-
ment may cause loss of traction and toss
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 to coot
before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
° Never stere the machine or fuel 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.
. Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom
thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
ground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,
ratherthanfroma gasolinedispenser
nozzle.
. Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerim
ofthefueltankorcontaineropeningat
alltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot
useanozzlelock-opendevice.
• Iffuelisspilledonclothing,changecloth-
ingimmediately.
• Neveroverfiltfueltank.Replacegascap
andtightensecurely,
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machinein a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tightto besurethe
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Nevertamper 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 machine to cool before storing.
tf you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspect the machine. Repair, ifnecessary,
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.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade
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 took down and behind
before and white backing.
Never carry children, even with the
blades shut off, They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation. Children who have
been given rides inthe past may suddenly
appear in the mowing area for another
ride and be run over or backed over by
the machine.
. Keep children out of the mowing area
and in the watchful care of a responsible
adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child
enters the area.
• Before and while backing, look behind
and down for small children.
Mow up and down slopes (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. Ifthetireslosetraction, 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 notturn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
• Whenloadingorunloadingthis machine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-
mended operation angle of 15 °,
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity 1.25 Gal_onsj4,73L
and type: Regufar Unleaded?
Power Rating*: 13,0 kW @ 3400 RPM
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°Fig°c)
APJ:SGoSL) SAE 5W30 (beIow32°F/0°C
OiI Gapacify: 48 Oz.i1,4 L
Spark Plug: XCg2YC
(Gap: .030"/ 0,76ram)
Charging System; 9 amps @ 3600 RPM
Battery: AmpiHr: 28
Mitt. CCA: 230
Case size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs./82-75 Nm
The power rating as declared by the engine manufac-
lurer is the average gross power output atlhe specified
RPM of atypical production engine for the engine model
measured us;rig SAE Standards _orengine gross power.
Please refer to the eagine manufacturer for details.
t_GasolJne containing up to 10% elhano! (El0) is
acceptable for use in this machine, The use of
any gasotine exceeding 10% ethanol (EIO) will
reid the producl warranty.
CONGRATU LATIO NS on your purchase of
a new tractor, It has been designed, engi-
neered and manufactured to give youthe best
possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you can-
not easily remedy, please contact a Sears or
otherqualified service center. We have com-
petent, well-trained representatives and the
proper tools to service or repair this tractor,
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly, Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regularschedule in maintaining,
caring for and using your tractor.
• Follow instructions under"Maintenance"
and "Storage" sections of this manual.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equip-
ment (PPE) while operating this machine,
including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eye protection, and hearing protection.
Do not mow in shorts and/or open toed
footwear,
• Always let someone knew you are outside
mowing.
all'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.
tnthe 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).
/ \
t \
\ /
Steering
Whee{ Insert,
(1) Hex Belt
5/16-18 x 4
_ Steering Wheel
Adapter
(1) Seat
Keys
011 Drain Extension
Steering Whee!
i_-I I
Seat
Stope Sheet
(t) Large Fiat Washer
(t) 5t16 Lock Washer
A
Steering Shaft
Boo_
@ (1) Washer
_(I) Knob
,,,,,,,,,,,,........ ,
©
Steering
Extension
Ba_e_
411',I
(2) Keys
%
(2) Hex Bolts (2) Nat Keps
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factoq7 with the exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor
nil 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/I6" wrench Utility knife
(2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge
(2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers
(t) 9/t 6" wrench
When right or left hand is mentioned in this
manual, it means when you are intheoperating
position (seated behind the steering wheel).
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manua!, it means when you are in the
operating position (seated behind the steer-
ing wheel).
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 wheef 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/!6 hex bolt and tighten se-
curely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center of
steering wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from tractor
hood and grill.
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 fiat,
5/t6 HEX BOLT __._
5/16 LOCK
WAS HER
LARGE FLAT ....... _-_',
WASHER
WHEEL
3. Check for any additional loose parts or
cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
t. Slide extension shaft onto lower steering
shaft.
2. Place tabs of steering bootovertab stots
in dash and push down to secure.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples inskid that may puncture tires where
tractor is to roll off skid.
8
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
t. Remove adjustment knob and flat 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 card-
board packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan and assemble sh-
oulder bolt. Tighten shoulder boltsecu rely,
4. Assemble adjustment knob and fiat
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.
Seat
Seat Pan
\, I
Shou,dor\ '
Adjustment Knob
CHECK BATTERY
t, Lift seat pan to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis battery is put intoservice after
month and year indicated on label (label
located between terminals) charge battery
for minimum ofone hour at 6-10 amps, (See
"BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this
manual for charging instructions),
Seat
Label
NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the
skid. Continue using the instructions that
follow to remove the tractor from the skid.
_1_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 ROLLTRACTOR 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
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.
:i ¸.................
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 propeflyleveled. 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 bIade 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.
-./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.
P}ease review the following checklist:
*/'All assembly instructions have been com-
pleted.
*/No remaining loose parts in carton.
./"Battery is properly prepared and
charged.
*/Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely.
*/All tires are properly inflated, (For ship-
ping purposes, the tires were everinflated
at the factory).
_Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-to-sideifront-to-rear for best cutting
results, (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
_iCheck mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside al{ belt keepers,
MCheck wiring. See that al! 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 {eve[.
*/Fue! tank is filled with fresh, dean, regular
unleaded gasoline,
*/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).
10