Craftsman 917986370 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

RN°

LAWN TRACTO

24 HR* 46" Mower

Electric Start

Automatic Transmission

Model No.

917.98637

This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the

engine, read and understand this manual.

IMPORTANT:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

586028101

For answers to your questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

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

* The power rating as declared by the engine manufacturer is the

average gross power output at the specified RPM of a typical production engine for the engine model measured using SAE Standards for engine gross power. Please refer to the engine

manufacturer for details

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

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

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

Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 fue! 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 Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

,_DANGER: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result

in serious injury or death.

_,WARNING: 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 inplace 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 ina 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 ifyou 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

_WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BYTHIS EQUIPMENT. The American Acade-

my of Pediatrics recommends that children be a minimum of 12 year of age before op- erating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower

and a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume

that children will remain where you last

saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in the watchful care 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.

• Nevercarrychildren, 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 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 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. Ifthis 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 fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

GENERALSERVlCE

• Never operate machine in aclosed area.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be surethe 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. Wrap the 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.

• When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed the maximum recom-

mended operation angle of 15 °.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 2.5 Gallons/9,46 L and type: Regular Unleadedl-

Power Rating*: 17,9 KW @ 3600 RPM

Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°0)

API: SG-SL) SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°0)

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 64 Oz./1,96L

W/out Filter: 60 Oz./1,77 L

Spark Plug: XC12YC

(Gap: .030" / 0,76 mm) Charging System: 16 amps @ 3600 RPM Battery: Amp/Hr: 28

Min. CCA: 230

Case size: U1R

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

* The power rating as declared by the engine manufac-

turer isthe average gross power output at the specified

RPM of atypical production engine forthe engine model

measured using SAE Standards for engine gross power. Please refer to the engine manufacturer for details.

l_Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (El0) is

_acceptabte for use in this machine. The use of

any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) will

void the product warranty.

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 RULES".

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule 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 know you are outside

mowing.

_kWARNING: 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.

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

Keys

Slope Sheet Battery

(2) Hex Bolts

Key(s)

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed, (1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge

(2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife Pliers

When right or left hand is mentioned in this

manual, itmeanswhenyou areintheoperating position (seated behind the steering wheel).

(2) Nut Keps

Label

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM

CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons from carton.

• Cut along dotted lines on all four pan- els of carton. Remove end panels and

lay side panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and remove.

TO ADJUST SEAT

• Sit in seat.

• Lift up adjustment lever (A) and slide seat until a comfortable position is reached

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

• Release lever to lock seat in position.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR

FROM SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY

1. Lift seat to raised position. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after

month and year indicated on label (label is 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).

• For batteryand battery cable installation see "REPLACING BATTERY" in the

"Service and Adjustments" section in

this manual.

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor offthe skid. Continue using the instructions that

follow to remove the tractor from the skid. _k, WARNING: Before starting, read, un-

derstand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be sure

tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in front of tractor is clear of other

people and objects.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See

Operation section for location and

function of controls)

1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

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

3. Place freewheel control in "transmission disengaged position" (See "TO TRANS-

PORT" in the Operation section of this

manual).

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 overinfiated 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" 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 isoperating prop- erly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE" inthe Service

and Adjustments section of this manual.

/CHECKLIST

Before you operate your new tractor, we wish to assure that you receive the best performance and satisfaction from this

Quality Product.

Please review the fo!lowing 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 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 bveling).

/ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure

they are routed properly around pulleys

and inside all belt keepers.

/ Check wiring. See that all connections

are still secure and wires are properly clamped.

/ Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel

control is in "transmission engaged" position (see "TO TRANSPORT" in the

Operation section of this manual). While learning how to use your tractor, pay ex- tra attention to the following important items:

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

unleaded gasoline. / Become familiar with all controls, their lo-

cation and function. Operate them 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). / Itisimportant to purgethetransmission before

operating your tractor for the first time. Fol-

low proper starting and transmission purging

instructions (See "TO START ENGINE" and

"PU RG ETRANSMISSION" inthe Operation

section of this manual).

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product.

Learn and understand their meaning.

R N N L I',,I @

REVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW

IGNITION SWITCH

6 e G (@) -@

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

MOWER LIFT

LIGHTS ON

ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED

(Automatic ModeJsonly)

Failure to follow instructions

could result in serious injury or death. The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety inform-

ation about hazards which can

result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage.

FUEL BATTERY

FREE WHEEL

REVERSE FORWARD

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury. WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided

could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided

might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,

indicates a situation that couNd result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage. FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

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

CRUISE CONTROL

CLUTCH/BRAKE

PEDAL

@@®@@

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of

various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute.

(A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise and lower the mower or other attach-

ments mounted to your tractor. (B) BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the

tractor and starting the engine.

(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL- Used for starting and controlling engine speed.

(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH - Used to engage the mower blades or other at-

tachments mounted to your tractor.

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping the engine.

(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON" POSITION - Allows operation of mower or other powered attachment

while in reverse.

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

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

speed without holding the forward drive pedal. (K) FORWARD DRIVE PEDAL - Used for

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

reverse movement of tractor. (M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL- Disen-

gages transmission for pushing or slowly towing the tractor with the engine off.

(P) SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER

- Indicates when service is required for the engine and mower.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown intoI

the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety !

glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any ! adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a_

wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. J

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE

Your tractor is equipped with an operator

presence sensing switch. When engine is

running, any attempt bythe operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will shut off the engine.

1. Depress brake pedal (B) all the way down and hold.

2. Pull parking brake lever (C) up and hold, release pressure from brake pedal (B),

then release parking brake lever. Pedal should remain in brake position. Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure.

STOPPING

MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades, move attachment

clutch control to disengaged position (¢_).

NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and allowing engine to idle before

stopping may cause engine to "backfire".

• Turn ignition key (F) to "STOP" position and remove key. Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent unauthorized use.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

iMPORTANT: Leaving the ignition switch in

any position other than "STOP" will cause the

battery to discharge and go dead. NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor

is standing idle with the engine running, hot

engine exhaust gases may cause "brown-

ing" of grass. To eliminate this possibility,

always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.

_CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-

pletely, as described above, before leaving

the operator's position. TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D)

Always operate engine at full speed (fast).

• Operating engine at less than full speed

(fast) reduces engine's operating effi-

ciency.

• Full speed (fast) offers the best mower performance.

(1_) Attachment (t'_) Attachment

Clutch Control Clutch Control

"Engaged .... Disengaged"

GROUND DRIVE-

• To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal all the way down.

IMPORTANT: Forward and reverse drive pedals return to neutral position when not

depressed. ENGINE -

• Move throttle control (D) to slow position.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

The direction and speed of movement

is controlled by the forward and reverse

drive pedals.

1. Start tractor and release parking brake.

2. Slowly depress forward (K) or reverse (L) drive pedal to begin movement. Ground speed increases the further down the pedal is depressed.

+ 25 hidden pages