Craftsman 917990640 Owner’s Manual
Operator’s Manual
GARDEN TRACTOR
24.0 HP,* 54" Mower
Electric Start
Automatic Transaxle
Model No.
917.99064
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.craftsman.com
* 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.
115780928 Rev. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Rules .........................................2-4
Product Specifications .............................5
Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................6-11
Operation ..........................................12-19
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 20
Maintenance .....................................20-24
Service and Adjustments ..................25-29
Storage ..................................................30
Troubleshooting ................................31-34
SAFETY RULES
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 disconnect 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.
I. CHILDREN
WARNING! CHILDREN CAN BE IN-
JURED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
that children be a minimum of 12 year of
age before operating a pedestrian controlled
lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years of
age before operating a riding lawn mower.
WARNING! CHILDREN CAN BE
SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY
THIS EQUIPMENT. Carefully read and
follow all of the safety instructions below.
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 extreme caution when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may block your view of a
child.
II. 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 in struc tions, 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.
• Ensure 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 back ing.
• 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 chute, or other
safety devices in place and working.
• Slow down before turning.
2
SAFETY RULES
• 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 chute.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing road ways.
• Use extreme caution when loading or
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
• Use ear protectors to avoid damage to
hearing.
• 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 them selves 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.
III. SLOPE OPERATION
WARNING! When loading or unloading
this machine, do not exceed the maximum
recommended operation angle of 15°.
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 extreme 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 extreme caution while operating
machine with grass catchers or other
at tach ments; 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.
• 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.
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.
3
SAFETY RULES
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, 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.
• Never store 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.
• 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 overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
• Never operate machine in a closed area.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to ensure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Never
interfere with the intended function of a
safety device or reduce the protection
provided by a safety device. Check there
proper operation regularly. NEVER operate a machine with a safety device that
does not function properly.
• 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 run ning.
• Check grass catcher components and the
discharge chute frequently and replace
with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade
or wear gloves, and use extreme caution
when servicing them.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.
Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity
and type:
Power Rating*: 17.9 KW @ 3600 RPM
Oil Type:
(API: SJ-SN)
Oil Capacity: W/ Filter: 64 Oz./1,89 L
Spark Plug: Champion XC12YC
Charging System: 16 amps @ 3600 RPM
Battery: Amp/Hr: 28
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs./62-75 Nm
* The power rating as declared by the engine manufac-
turer 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.
†
Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is
acceptable for use in this machine. The use of
any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will
void the product warranty.
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 qualified service center. We have com pe tent, well-trained representatives 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”.
4.0 Gallons/15,14 L
Regular Unleaded†
SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C)
SAE 5W30 (below 32°F/0°C)
W/out Filter: 60 Oz./1,77 L
(Gap: .030"/0.76 mm)
Min. CCA: 230
Case size: U1R
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in main tain ing,
caring for and using your tractor.
• Follow instructions under “Main te nance”
and “Stor age” sec tions of this manual.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (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.
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 grasscov ered land unless the engine’s exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, it should
be maintained in effective working order by
the operator.
In the state of California the above is required
by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is
available through your nearest Sears service
center (See RE PAIR PARTS manual).
5
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
Mower
(2) Rear
61/3-1 )5(
srehsaW .D.O
(1) Small
Retainer Springs
(5) Large
Retainer Springs
If Equipped
(1) Anti-Sway Bar (1) 3/4 O.D.
Keys
(2) Keys
(1) Small Retainer
Springs
Lift Link
Assemblies
(1) Front
Lift Link
Assembly
Washers
(1) Oil Drain Tube
Mower Front Wheel
(1) Shoulder Bolt
(1) Wheel
*Installed by Dealer
*Brush Guard Kit
Battery
(2) Hex Bolts (2) Nut Keps
Slope Sheet
(1) 1-1/4 O.D.
Washer
(1) 3/8-16
Locknut
ASSEMBLY/PRE-OPERATION
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor
all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools
as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Stan dard wrench sizes are listed.
(2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife
(1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge
(1) 3/4" wrench Pliers
(1) 3/4" socket w/drive ratchet
(1) 9/16" wrench Flashlight
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
• Remove all accessible loose parts and
parts cartons from carton .
Cut along dotted lines on all four panels
•
of carton. Remove end panels and lay
side panels flat.
• Remove mower and packing materials.
• Check for any additional loose parts or
cartons and remove.
6
02605
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
CONNECT BATTERY
WARNING: Do not short battery ter-
mi nals by allowing a wrench or any other
object to contact both terminals at the same
time. Before connecting battery, remove
metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc.
Positive terminal must be connected first to
prevent sparking from ac ci den tal grounding.
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 the Maintenance section of
this manual for charging instructions.)
• Determine battery location. Battery location will be under the seat or the hood.
• Lift seat pan or hood to raised position.
• Remove two terminal caps and discard.
• First connect RED battery cable to
positive (+) terminal with bolt and nut as
shown. Tighten securely. Slide terminal
cover over terminal.
• Connect BLACK grounding cable to
negative (-) ter mi nal with remaining bolt
and nut. Tighten se cure ly.
• Lower seat pan or hood.
NOTE: For battery installation see
“REPLACING BATTERY” in the Service and
Adjustments section in this manual.
Terminal
Cover
Positive
(Red)
Cable
Negative
(Black) Cable
Label
Nut
Terminal
Cap
Bolt
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.
A
NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the
skid. Continue using the instructions that
follow to remove the tractor from the skid.
WARNING: Before start ing, read, un der stand and fol low all in struc tions in the
Op er a tion section of this man u al. Be sure
tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure
the area in front of tractor is clear of other
peo ple and objects.
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Op er a tion section for location and
function of con trols)
1. Raise attachment lift lever to its highest
po si tion.
2. Release parking brake by de press ing
clutch/brake ped al.
3. Place freewheel control in "trans mis sion
disengaged position" (See “TO TRANS PORT” in the Op er a tion section of this
manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
Continue with the in struc tions that follow.
7
TO INSTALL MOWER
1. Set parking brake lever and lower
attachment lift lever
• Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way
down and hold.
• Pull parking brake lever up and hold,
re lease pres sure from clutch/brake pedal,
then release parking brake lever. Pedal
should re main in brake position. Ensure
parking brake will hold tractor secure.
Parking Brake Lever
CAUTION: Lift lever is spring loaded.
Have a tight grip on lift lever, lower it slowly
and engage in lowest position. Lift lever is
located on left side of fender.
Lift
Lever
2. Assemble front gauge wheel (W) to
front of mower.
W
H
X
Y
Z
H. Front Mower Bracket
W. Front Gauge Wheel
X. Shoulder Bolt
Y. 1¼ O.D. Washer
Z. 3/8-16 Locknut
3. Turn steering wheel left and position
mower.
• Turn steering wheel to the left as far as it
will go and position mower on right side of
tractor with deflector shield (Q) to the right.
Front
Q
Engine
Transaxle
K
C
I
C
A. Mower Side Suspension Arms
B. Retainer Spring
C. Rear Lift Link(s)
D. Right Side Rear Mower Bracket
E. Front Lift Link Assembly
F. Front Suspension Bracket
H. Front Mower Bracket
Q. Deflector
Shield
M
02965
Back
F
B
L
A
W
E
H
S
D
I. Left Side Rear Mower Bracket
K. Belt Tension Rod
L. Locking Bracket
M. Engine Clutch Pulley
Q. Deflector Shield
S. Anti-Sway Bar
W. Front Gauge Wheel
Q
8
Place 90° End Into Hole
4. Slide mower under tractor.
• Bring belt forward and check belt for
proper routing in all mower pulley grooves.
NOTE: Be sure mower side suspension
arms (A) are pointing forward before sliding
mower under tractor.
• Slide mower under tractor until it is
centered under tractor.
Q
A
5. Install anti-sway bar (S) (If equipped)
Anti-Sway Bar (S)
Towards Towards
Transaxle Mower Deck
90° End Integrated Washer End
• From right side of mower, first insert
90° end of anti-sway bar (S) into hole in
transaxle bracket (T), located near left
rear tire in front of transaxle.
NOTE: Flashlight may be helpful.
Anti-Sway Bar
(S) Location
• Pivot the integrated washer end of antisway bar (S) towards mower deck bracket
on right side of mower. Insert integrated
washer end of bar into hole in rear mower
bracket (D). Move mower as needed to
insert integrated washer end of bar into
rear mower bracket (D).
• Secure with small washer and small
retainer spring as shown.
S
T
D
D. Right Side Rear
Mower Bracket
S. Anti-Sway Bar
T. Transaxle Bracket
6. Attach mower side suspension arms
(A) to chassis.
• Position front hole in side suspension arm
(A) over pin on outside of tractor chassis
and secure with large washer and large
retainer spring (B).
• Repeat on opposite side of tractor.
Transaxle Bracket (T)
Located Between Rear Tires
Place 90° End Into Hole
S
T
S. Anti-Sway Bar
T. Transaxle Bracket
NOTE: Depending on model, bracket (T) may
be different than shown but hole for anti-sway
bar will be in same position/location.
D
A. Mower Side Suspension Arms
B. Retainer Spring
D. Right Side Rear Mower Bracket
B
A
7. Attach rear lift links (C)
• Insert rod end of rear lift link (C) into hole
(U) in tractor lift shaft suspension arm
and pivot link down to mower.
• Lift rear corner of mower and position slot
in link assembly over pin on rear mower
bracket (D) and secure with large washer
and large retainer spring.
• Repeat on opposite side of tractor.
9
U
C
D
C. Rear Lift Link(S)
D. Right Side Rear Mower Bracket
U. Hole
8 Attach front link (E)
• Turn steering wheel to position wheels
straight forward.
• From front of tractor, insert rod end of
front link (E) through front hole in tractor
front suspension bracket (F).
• Move to left side of mower and and insert
large retainer spring (G) through hole in
front link (E) behind front suspension
bracket (F).
• Insert other end of link (E) into hole in
front mower bracket (H) and secure with
washer and small retainer spring (J).
NOTE: Requires deck lifting.
Front Link
Location
9 Install Belt On Engine Clutch Pulley (M)
• Disengage belt tension rod (K) from
locking bracket (L).
• Install belt onto engine clutch pulley (M).
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower pulley grooves and under
mandrel covers.
M
M. Engine
Clutch Pulley
• Engage belt tension rod (K) on locking
bracket (L).
CAUTION: Belt tension rod is spring
loaded. Have a tight grip on rod and
engage slowly.
• Raise attachment lift lever to highest
position.
• If necessary, adjust gauge wheels before
op er at ing mower as shown in the owner's/
operator's manual. Check gauge wheels,
deck level and rake settings.
M
F
G
E
E. Front Lift Link Assembly
F. Front Suspension Bracket
G. Large Retainer Spring
H. Front Mower Bracket
J. Small Retainer Spring
M. Engine Clutch Pulley
H
J
10
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were over-inflated
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 sec tion of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed cor rect ly.
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 your new trac tor, we
wish to assure that you receive the best
performance and satisfaction from this
Quality Product.
Please review the following checklist:
✓ All assembly instructions have been
com plet ed.
✓ No remaining loose parts in carton.
✓ Battery is properly prepared and
charged.
✓ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tight-
ened 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 leveling).
✓ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
✓ Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
✓ Before driving tractor, be sure free wheel
control is in “transmission engaged”
position (see “TO TRANS PORT” in the
Operation section of this man u al).
While learning how to use your tractor, pay extra 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
location 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).
✓ It is important to purge the transmission
before op er at ing your tractor for the first
time. Follow proper starting and transmission purging instructions (See “TO START
EN GINE” and “PURGE TRANSMISSION”
in the Op er a tion section of this manual).
11
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