Craftsman 917.259870 User manual

Owner's Manual
ELECTRIC START
38" MOWER
5 SPEED TRANSAXLE
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.259870
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
This product has a low emission engine which operates
differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en-
gine, 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:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 prn, Mon - Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 8
Operation ............................................ 11
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 17
Maintenance ....................................... 17
Service and Adjustments .................... 21
Storage ............................................... 27
Troubleshooting ................................. 28
Repair Parts ........................................ 32
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For one (1) year from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is
maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's
manual, Sears will repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective in
material or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by taking your
Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty
service is available but a trip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this
product is in the United States.
This Warranty does not cover:
•Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts and oil filters.
• 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 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 flamrnable
debris, or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained 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 thirty (30) days of its
purchase date.
• Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with 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. Warranty
service is available free of charge by taking your Craftsman riding equipment to your
nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge
will apply. This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE IN-HOME
WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
may vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT: This culling machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwin _ objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious mlary or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Road, understand, end follow all
instructions in the manual end on the
machine before starling.
•On_y 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.
• Do not mow in reverse unless abso-
lutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone.
Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the
guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or unclogging chute.
• Mow 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 roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60
years and above, are involved in a
large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators
_hould evaluate their ability to operate
the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from
serious iniury.
It. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss
control and tipover accidents, which
result in severe injury or death. All s]o
require extra caution. If you cannot bad
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do
mow it.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not acres
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tn
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could ovedurn the
machine. Tall grass can hide ob-
stacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low geaJ
so that you will not have to stop or st"
while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommer
dations for wheel weights or counter
weights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass cafchers o
other attachments. These can chan!
the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes sl,
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope
tires lose traction, disengage the
blades and proceed slowly straight
down the slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on slopes unless neces
sary, and then, turn slowly and grad
ally downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is oveq
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an e(
caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine l
putting your foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.

III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
•Keep children out of the mowing area
and 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 oper_,te the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, 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 tree of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to coot 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 deterioration,
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.
• 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 childrer
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 rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacle_
4

•Use slow speed. Choose a low 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.
,_Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONN! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_CAUTION: In order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
_lug.
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 manufaclurer 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 rose 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.
,AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State oi California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 1.25 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
AND TYPE: REGULAR
31LTYPE SAE 30(ABOVE 32°F)
_,PI-SF/SG/SH): SAE 5W-30
(Below 32°F)
3.0 PINTS
CHAMPION
RJ19LM OR J19LM
INTAKE: .005"-.007"
EXHAUST:.009"-.011"
FORWARD:
1ST 1.1
2ND 2.2
3RD 3.4
4TH 4.3
5TH 5.5
REVERSE: 1.7
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI
PRESSURE: REAR: 12 PSI
CHARGING 3 AMPS BATTERY
SYSTEM: 5AMPS HEADLIGHTS
BATTERY: AMP/HR; 25
MIN. CCA: 190
CASE SIZE:UIR
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS
tORQUE:
31L CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG:
GAP: .030")
VALVE
CLEARANCE:
GROUND SPEED
(MPH):
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a new 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 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".
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.
_I,WARNING: This tractor is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-
covered or grass-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is
used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
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 authorized service
center/department (See REPAIR PARTS
section of this manual).
6

(1) Large Flat
Washer
Steering Wheel
Steering
Wheel
Adapter
Steering
Sleeve t teering
Extension
Shaft
(1) Hex Bolt
3/8-16 x 1
Steering
Wheel
Insert
(1) Lock _
washer 3/8
Locknut
Keys
(2) Keys
(1) Hex Bolt
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
Seat
\ \
(1) Washer
17/32x 1-3/16x 12 Gauge
(1) Knob
Video Cassette Slope Sheet
7

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 insure proper tightness, Review the video cassette before
you begin.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR
ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 9/16" wrench (1) Pliers
(2) 1/2" wrench (1) Utility knife
(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).
TO REMOVETRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts
and parts cartons 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
ATTACH 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 5/16 hex bolt and Iocknut,
Tighten securely.
2. Place tabs of steering boot over tab
slots in dash and push down to
secure.
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
3. Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
4. Remove steering wheel adapter from
steering wheel and slide adapter
onto steering shaft extension.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
inside boot and onto adapter.
6. Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock
washer, 3/8 hex bolt 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 lractor is to roll off skid.
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift seat pan to raised position and
open battery box door.
NOTE: If this battery is put into service
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
8

Battery Box Laber
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment
knob.
1. 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
cardboard packing and discard.
3. Place seat on seat pan and assemble
shoulder bolt. Tighten shoulder bolt
securely.
4. Assemble adjustment knob and flat
washer loosely. Do not tighten.
5. Lower seat into operating position and
sit on seat.
6. Slide seat until a comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
7. Get off seat without moving its
adjusted position.
8. Raise seat and tighten adiustment
knob securely.
Seat
Seat Pan
Shoulder
Bolt
Flat Washer
Adjustment Knob
NOTE: You may now roll or 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 lift lever 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 DRIMETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
_WARNING: Before starting, read,
understand 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.
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 lift lever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle control to idle
position.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedar 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 stop tractor, set parking
brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
10.Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
9

CHECKTIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated
at the factory for shipping purposes.
Correct tire pressure is impodant for best
culling performance.
•Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing
should be properly leveled. See "TO
LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF
ALL BELTS
See the figures that are shown for
replacing motion and mower blade drive
belts in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual. 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
properly adjusted. See "TO ADJUST
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.
Please review the following checklist:
,/" All assembly instructions have been
completed.
.4'No remaining loose parts in carton.
yBattery is properly prepared and
charged. (Minimum 1 hour at 6 amps),
y Seat is adjusted comfortably and
lightened securely.
yAll tires are properly inflated. (For
shipping purposes, the tires were
overinflated at the factory).
y Be sure mower deck is properly leveled
side-tooside/front-to-rear for best cutting
results. (Tires must be properly inflated
for leveling).
yCheck mower and drive belts. Be sure
they are routed properly around pulleys
and inside all belt keepers.
y/Check wiring. See that all connections
are still secure and wires are properly
clamped.
While learning how to use your tractor.
pay extra attention to the following
important items:
4" Engine oil is at proper level.
,/Fuel tank is tilled with fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline.
y/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.
10