Craftsman 917.25801 User manual

Owner's Manual
iCRRFTSMRW I
LAWN TRACTOR
14.5 HP, 38" Mower
Electric Start
5 Speed Transaxle
Model No.
917.258010
I_ his 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.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-859-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am -5 pm, Mon -Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.condcraftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly/Pre-Operation ...................... 8
Operation ............................................ 11
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 17
Maintenance ....................................... 17
Service and Adjustments.................... 21
Storage ............................................... 27
Troubleshooting ................................. 28
Repair Pads ........................................ 32
Sears Service ...................... Back Cover
LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT
Fortwo (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is
maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructionsin the owner's
manual, Sears will repair or replace free of charge any parts that are found to be
defective in material or workmanship according to the guidelines of coverage listed
below. Sears will also provide free labor for these applicable warranted pads for the
two fullyears. During the first 30 days of purchase, there will be no charges to service
the product at your home for issues covered by this warranty. (See exclusions below).
For your convenience, IN HOME warranty service will stillbe available after the first 30
days of purchase, but a trip charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Crafts-
man product is dropped offat an authorizedSears location. For the nearest authorized
Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®. This warranty applies only while this
product is within the United States.
This Warranty does not cover:
•Expendable items which become worn during normal use, including but not limited
to blades, spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil 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.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including]but not limited to, damage
caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the nding equipment, impacting
objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over-speedin._ the engine.
Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to,
electdcal 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
debds, or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscontained in
the owner's manual.
•Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determined to be contami-
nated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its
purchase date.
•Normal detedoration and wear of the extedor finishes, or product label replacement.
•Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LIMITED WARRANTY ON BA'I-rERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery includedwith this riding
equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the
battery will not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. During the
first 30 days of purchase, there will be nocharges to replace the battery at your HOME.
After the first 30 days, for your convenience, IN-HOME warranty service will stillbe
available but a tdp charge will apply. This charge will be waived if the Craftsman
product is dropped of at an authorized Sears location. For the nearest authorized
Sears location, please call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
This battery warranty applies only while this product is within the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and you may also have other rights,which
vary, from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.,Dept.817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.
Look for this symbol to point out •Do not mow in reverse unlessabsolutely
important safety precautions. It means necessary. Always lookdown and
CAUTIONI!I BECOMEALERT!I! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_, CAUTION: In orderto prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
CAUTION: 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 aload, while on a slope, is
dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control
ofyour tractor.
_IbWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents,and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessodes contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer
and birthdefects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all
instructions in the manual and on the
machine before starting.
•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 blade.
•Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
•Never carry passengers.
behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge
directionand do not point itat anyone.
Do notoperate the mower withouteither
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turnoff blades, set
parkingbrake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch fortrafficwhen operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unload-
ing the machine into a trailer or truck.
Data indicatesthat operators,age 60
years and above, are involvedin a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operatorsshould
evaluate their ability to operate the riding
mower safely enough to protectthem-
selves and others fromserious injury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust / engine pads and bum. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debds 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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can re-
sult in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you cannot back up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
3

DO:
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturnthe machine. Tall
gress can hide obstacles.
•Use slowspeed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stabilityof the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
•Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
00 NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn slowly and gradually
downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the
edge of a cliffor ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
puttingyour foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is notalert 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 under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
•Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
•Never allow children to operate the
machine.
•Use extra care when approaching blind
comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
•Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.
-Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running, Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
-Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
•Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.
•Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs
with the engine running.
•Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioreUon,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
•Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required.
4

•Be sure the area is clear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers or children
even with the blades off.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
•Never carry children. They may fall off
and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
•Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
•Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
•Mow up and down slopes (15° Max),
not across.
•Remove obstacles such as recks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
•If machine stops while going uphill,
disengage blades, shift into reverse
and back down slowly.
• Do not turn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowly and gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
5

PRODUCTSPECIFICA_ONS
Gasoline 1.25 Gallons
Capacity Unleaded
and Type: Regular
Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
'API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30 (below32°FI
Oil Capacity: 3.0 Pints
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed Forward:
(MPH): 1st 1.1
2nd 2.2
3rd 3.4
4th 4.3
5th 5.5
Reverse: 1.7
Tire Pressure: Front: 14 PSI
Rear: 12 PSI
Charging 3 Amps Battery
System: 5 Amps Headlights
Battery: Amp/Hr: 28
Min. CCA: 230
Case Size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 27-35 Ft. Lbs.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of anew tractor. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured 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 competent, well-trained techni-
cians and the proper tools to service or
repair thistractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The
instructionswill enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
REPAIR AGREEMENT
A Repair Agreement Is available on this
product, Contact your nearest Sears
store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
•Read and observe the safety rules.
•Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructions under "Mainte-
nance" and =Storage" sections of this
_owner's manual.
WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an intemal 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 (ifany). If a spark arrestar 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 section of
this manual).
6

Steering Wheel
Steering
Extension
Shaft
Seat
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x12 Gauge
(1) Knob
Keys
(2) Keys
Video Cassette Slope Sheet
7

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembled 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 insure proper tightness. Review the video cassette before
you begin.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR
ASSEMBLY
Asocket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 3/4" wrench (1) Pliers
(2) 7/16" wrench (1) Utilityknife
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your point of
view, when you are in the operating
position (seated behind the steering
wheel).
TOREMOVETRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and parts boxes from carton.
2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines
on all four corners of carton, and lay
panels flat.
3. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
A'FrACH STEERING WHEEL
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND
BOOT
1. Slide extension shaft onto lower
steering shaft. Align mounting holes
in extension and lower shafts and
install 114 hex bolt and Iocknut.
Tighten securely.
IMPORTANT: Tighten bolt and nut
securely to 10-12 ft. Ibs torque.
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 steedng wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.
6. Assemble large flat washer, 1/2 hex
nut and tighten securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from
tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor isto rolloff skid.
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 "BATI'ERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
8

INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and fiat
washer securing seat to cardboard
packing and set aside for assembly of
seat to tractor.
2. Pivot seat upward and remove from
the cardboard packing. Remove the
cardboard packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan so head of
shoulder bolt is positioned over large
slotted hole in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage
shoulder bolt in slot and pull seat
towards rear of tractor.
5. Pivot seat and pan forward and
assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten.
6. Lower seat into operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without moving its
adjusted position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely.
Seat
Bolt
Flat Wi% _
NOTE: You may now rollor drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instruction below to remove the tractor
from the skid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1, Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
2, Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
3, Place gearshift lever in neutral (N)
position.
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
5, Remove banding holding deflector
shield up against tractor,
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
A(_WARNING: Before starting, read,
understand and follow all instructionsin
the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be
sure the area in frontof tractor is clear of
other people and objects.
1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.
2. Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank
with gasoline.
3, Sit on seat in operating position,
depress clutch/brake pedal and set
the parking brake.
4. Place gear shift lever in neutral (N)
position.
5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttlecontrol to idle
position.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" position and hold. Move
gearshift lever to 1st gear.
8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and
slowly drive tractor off skid.
9. Apply brake to stoptractor, set parking
brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
10.Turn ignition key to "STOP" position.
Continue with the instructionsthat follow.
9

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 in
=PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual.
CHECKDECKLEVELNESS
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
ALLBELTS
See the figures that are shown for
replacing motion and mower blade drive
belts in the Service and Adjustments
section ofthis manual. Verify that the
belts are routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you leam how to operate your
tractor,check to see that the brake is
properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
/CHECKLIST
Before you operate your new tractor, we
wish to assure that you receive the best
performance and satisfaction from this
Quality Product.
Please review the following checklist:
/All assembly instructionshave been
completed.
/No remaining loose parts in carton.
/Battery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps).
,/Seat is adjusted comfortably and
tightened securely.
/All tires are properly inflated. (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
ovednflated 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 propedy
clamped.
While learning how to use your tractor,
pay extra attention to the following
important items:
/Engine oil is at proper level.
/Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline.
,/Become familiar with all controls - their
location and function. Operate them
before you start the engine.
4Be sure brake system is in safe
operating condition.
10