Craftsman 917.272262 User manual

Owner's Manual
JCRRFTSMRN°J
25.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
48" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
LAWN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.272262
• Safety
•Assembly
• Operation
•Maintenance
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equip-
ment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am- 5 pm, Mort- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications .......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 8
Operation ............................................ 12
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 18
Maintenance ....................................... 18
Service and Adjustments .................... 23
Storage ............................................... 29
Troubleshooting ................................. 30
Repair Parts........................................ 34
Parts Ordaring ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, ifthis 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
matedal or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning
your Craftsman dding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home
warranty service is available but a tdp charge will apply. This warranty applies only
while this product isin the United States.
This Warranty does not cover:.
• Expendable items which become worn dudng 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 limitedto, damage
caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the ddlng equipment, impacting
ob ects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over speeding the engine.
•Repa rs necessary because of operator negligence, includingbut 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 the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained 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. A productis =used for
commercial purpose" it is used for any purpose other than single family household
dwellings or in usage where profit is made.
LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BA'R'ERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this dding
equipment proves defective in matedal or workmanship end our testing determines
the battery willnot hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. War-
ranty service is available free of charge by retuming your Craftsman dding equipment
to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service Is available but a tdp
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 givesyou specific legal dghts, and you may also have other dghts
whichmay varyfrom stateto state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/617 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable ofamputating hands and feet and
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.
I.GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand,and follow all
instructions in the manual and on the
machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults,who are
familiarwiththe instructions,to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objectssuchas rooks,
toys,wire, etc., whichcouldbe picked
up and thrownby the blade.
• Be surethe area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
entersthe area.
•Never carry passengers.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
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 withouteither
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
• Slow down before tuming.
•Never leave a runningmachine
unattended. Alwaysfum off blades, set
parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
•Turn off blades when net mowing.
•Stop engine before removing grass
catcher or uncloggingchute.
•Mow only in daylightor good artificial
light.
•Do not operate the machine while under
the influenceof alcohol or drugs.
•Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra care when loading or unload-
ingthe machine intoa trailer or truck.
•Data indicatesthat operators, age 60
years and above, are involvedin alarge
pementage of ridingmower-related
injudas. These operators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mower safelyenough to protectthem-
selves and othersfrom serious injury.
•Keep machinefree of grass, leaves or
other debris build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust/engineparts end bum. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debriswhich can cause build-
upto occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operatingor storing the
machine. Allow machine tocool before
storage. 3
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related toloss-of-
control and tipoveraccidents,whichcan re-
suit in severe injuryor death. All slopes
requireextra caution. Ifyou cannotbeck up
the slope or ifyou feel uneasyon it, do not
mow it.
DO:
• Mow upend down slopes, notacross.
•Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts,or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturnthe machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so
that youwillnot have tostop orshift
while on the slope.
Followthe manufacturer'srscommenda.
tions for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grasscatchersor
other attachments. These can change
the stabirdyof the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoidstarting or stopping on a slope. If
tireslose traction, disengagethe blades
and pmcaed slowly straightdownthe
slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not fum on slopes unlessnecessary,
and then, turn slowlyand gradually
downhill,if possible.
•Do notmow near drop-offs,ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenlyturn over if a wheal is over the
edge of a cliffor ditch,or If an edge
caves in.
• Do notmow on wet grass. Reduosd
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilizethe machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do netuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.

IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator
is not alertto the presenca of children.
Childrenare often attracted tothe
machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children wiif 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.
-Usa 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 amachine inside aclosed
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 debds build-up. Clean oilor fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
•Stop and inspectthe equipment it you
stdke 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 servicingthem.
•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 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 suchas rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you willnot have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
•Avoid startingor stoppingon 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.
_!l=Look for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!! BECOMEALERTlil YOUR
SAFETY ISINVOLVED.
_,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 contactspark
plug.
_CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
_CAUTION: Tow onlythe 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
possiblespeed 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
ofyour tractor.
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, soma of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birthdefects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_IbWARNING: 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 handitng.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
;ASOLINE 3.5GALLONS
;APACITY UNLEADED
_NDTYPE: REGULAR
:_ILTYPE SAE 30
(ABOVE 32°F)
I_API-SF-SJ): SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OILCAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.0 PINTS
W/ORLTER: 3.75 PINTS
SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION RC12YC
SAP: .040")
GROUND SPEED FORWARD: 0-5.5
(MPH): REVERSE: 0-2.4
TIRE PRESSURE: FRONT: 14PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING
SYSTEM: 16 AMPS @3600 RPM
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 30
MIN. CCA: 240
CASE SIZE: Ul R
BLADE BOLT 45-55 FT. LBS.
TORQUE:
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 qualifrsd service center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-
ciansand the proper tools to service or
repair this tractor.
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 aregular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructions under =Mainte-
nance" and =Storage" sections of this
owner's manual.
A,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
aspark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). If e 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 ofthe
Califomia Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similarlaws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands. A
spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS sectionof
this manual).

Steering Wheel
Steering
Wheel Insert Steering Sleeve
Seat
(1)w_
17/32x 1-3/16x 12Gauge
_(1) Knob
Mower
Retainer Springs
)
(2) Retainer Springs (single loop)
(2)Flanged j_O
(1)FrontPlate _"
(4) Adjusting Bar Gauge Wheels
_(4)Retainer Springs _,---_ I
_ _ ); __(double loop) (4) Clevis Pinsw
(4)gc ;ut
'_/(4)Wheels (4)Washers _."_"/_/ _-J'(4) ShoulderBo'_"
3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga:'_=, _
I m Nose Roller '_1
I_0) Nose Rotler
Nose Rolle_ _(2
(2) Hex Bolts
(2) Locknuts =;/tR tRv 1 ) Washer
.... "..... 17/32 x 7/8 x 16 GaY5/16-18
Video Cassette Keys
_(2) Keys
(;JrOFlluDrlai_j:ube
Slope Sheet

Yournewtractorhas been assembled at the factory with exception ofthose parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure Safe and proper operation ofyour
tractor all partsand hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to insure propertightness. 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) 3/4" Socket w/
(1) 1/2=wrench ddve ratchet
(1) Utility knife (1) Pliers
(1) "[]repressure gauge
When rightor left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your point of
view, when you are in the operating
position (seated behind the steedng
wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1, Remove all accessible loose parts
and partscartons from carton.
2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
ell four comers of carton, and lay
panels flat.
3. Remove mower and packing materi-
als.
4, Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATrACH STEERING WHEEL
1. Remove hax nut and large flat washer
from steedng shaft.
2. Positionfront wheels of the tractor so
they are pointingstraight forward.
3. Slide the steering sleeve over the
steering shaft.
4. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
onto steering wheel adapter.
5, Secure steedng wheel to steering
shaft with hex nut and large flat
washer previously removed. Tighten
securely.
6. Snap steering wheel insert into center
of steering wheel.
7. Remove protective materials from
tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: Check for end remove any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor is to roll off skid.
__...__.._Steedng
wheelIr ort
II i.l<.
Stesdng (tJ _J )
Wheel_
StsedngWheel _._
Adapter/_1_
SteeringShaft_ #" ~'_'-_-'_._'.",,
•/!__ (_'1[_ji: i ill
Sleeve---------'7_,,,._='_:_,vJ ,'J 1.
../ IIH
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BA'I'rERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis batteryisput intoservice
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
battery for minimum of one hourat 6-10
amps. (See "BA'I-I'ERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions),
--._;.-]....- ----:,
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 totractor.
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
8 slotted hole in pan.

4. Pushdownonseattoengage
shoulderboltinslotandpullseat
towardsrearoftractor.
5. Pivotseatandpanforwardand
assembleadjustmentknobandflat
washerloosely.Donottighten.
6. Lowerseatinto operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat untila comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutcWorake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat withoutmoving its
adjusted position.
8. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely.
Shoulder
Bolt
Flat
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 liftlever plunger and raise
attachment lift lever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing positionto disengage transmis-
sion (See '1"O TRANSPORT' in the
Operation section of this manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
WARNING: Before starting,read,
understand and follow all instructionsin
the Operation section ofthis 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. Place freewheel control in 'lransmis-
sion engaged" position.
4. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
5. Press liftlever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttlecontrolto idle
position.
7. Release parking brake.
8. Slowly depress forward drive pedal
and ddve tractor offskid.
9. Apply brake to stop tractor and set
parking brake.
10.Turn ignitionkey to "OFF"position.
Continue with the instructionsthat follow.
ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO
MOWER DECK
The gauge wheels are designed to keep
the mower deck in proper position when
operating mower. Be sure they are
propedy adjusted to ensure optimum
mower performance.
1. Slide gauge wheel bar down into
bracket channel, Be sure that gauge
wheel bar aligning holes are on top.
Assemble gauge wheels as shown
using shoulder bolts. 3/8 washers and
3/8-16 center Iocknutsand tighten
securely.
2. For ease of mower to tractor assem-
bly, raise gauge wheels to highest
position and retain with clevis pins
and spdng retainers.
NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels before
operating mower. See "TO ADJUST
GAUGE WHEELS" inthe Operation
section of this manual.
RetainerSpring__ / F/._C
ou,°or
Gauge _' I<T_ I'1
Wheel_ I /3/8-16 Center
3/8 Washer-/" v _ Locknut

TOATTACHNOSEROLLER
1. Positionbrackets,17/32x7/8x16
gaugewashers,and nose roller
between deck mounting brackets as
shown. Be sure to position brackets
on correct side, as shown.
2. Install hax bolls and lock nuts as
shown. Tighten hardware securely.
NOTE: Be sure bracket tabs are posi-
tioned in tab holes in deck brackets.
Nose Roller
_\ Lock
Nut •"B"Bracket
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Besuretractorison levelsurface andmower
suspensionarms are raised withattachment
liftcontrol.Engageparkingbrake.
1. Cut and remove ties securing anti-
sway bar and bells. Swing anti-sway
bar to [eft side of mower deck.
2. Slide mower under tractor with
deflectorshield to right side of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check bell for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
3. If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob counterclockwise untilit stops.
4. Lower mower linkage with attachment
lift control.
5. Be sure bell tension rod is in disen-
gaged position.
Be_tTension Rod
Chassis Bracket
Gauge
Wheet
Double Loop
Retainer Spring,
Anti-Swa_
USEPLIERSFOR I
RETAINERSPR[NGS Suspension Arms
I/_L_p Double Loop Retainer
Spring (Outward
Up pointing deck pins)
6. Install bell into electric clutch pulley
groove.
7. Place the suspension arms on
outward pointing deck pins. Retain
with double loop retainer spring with
loops up as shown.
8. Install front plate assembly to tractor
suspension brackets and retain with
single loop retainer springs as shown.
9. Position front plate assembly between
front mower brackets. Raise deck and
plate assembly to align holes and
insert flanged pins. Secure pins with
double loop retainer springs between
the plate assembly and mower
brackets.
NOTE: Toassist in locating hole in
flanged pin, the hole in pin is inlina with
notch on head of pin. If necessary, move
side-to-side to give space between plate
and mower brackets.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
10.Engage bell tension rod by pushing
rod into lockingbracket.
_kCAUTION: Bell tension rod isspring
loaded. Have a tight grip on rodand
engage slowly.
11.Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left footrest and retain
with double loop retainer spring.
12.If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob clockwiseto remove slack from
mower suspension.
13.Raise deck to highest position.
14.Adjust gauge wheels before operating
mower as shown in the Operation
section ofthis manual.
Electdc Clutch
Pulley\ Front Suspention Brackets
Front Front Plate Assembly
Mower \ _Double Loop
Bracket Retainer Springs
Single
Loop
Retainer
Springs
10 Sheild