Craftsman 917.275000 User manual

Owner's Manual
23.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
50" MOWER (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY -
NOT INCLUDED WITH TRACTOR)
AUTOMATIC
GARDEN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.275000
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment.
Foranswers toyour questions
aboutthis product,Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Une
5 am -5 pro, 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 ............................................ 12
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 19
Maintenance ....................................... 19
Service and Adjustments.................... 23
Storage ............................................... 31
Troubleshooting ................................. 32
Repair Parts ........................................ 36
Parts Ordering ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWOYEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
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 partsfound to be defective in
matedal or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning your
Craftsman riding equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty
service is available but atrip charge will apply. This warranty applies only while this
productis in the United States.
This Warranty does notcover:.
•Expendable items which become wom during normal use, such as blades, spark
plugs, air cleaners, belts and oil filters.
• Tire replacement or repair caused by puncturesfrom outsideobjects, such as nails,
thorns, stumps, or glass.
•Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, includingbut not limited to, damage
caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the riding equipment, impacting
objectsthat bend the frame or crankshaft, or over speeding the engine.
•Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limitedto,
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 the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscon-
rained 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 usedwithin thirty (30) days of its
purchase date.
•Riding equipment used for commemial or rental purposes. A productis "used for
commemial purpose" if is used for any purpose other than single family household
dweUingsor in usage where profit is made.
LIMITED 90 DAYWARRANTY ON BA'r'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. Warranty
service is available free of charge by returningyour Craftsman dding equipment to
your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip
charge will apply. This warranty applies onlywhile this product is in the United States.
TO LOCATETHE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER ORTO 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.
Seam, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
2

MPORTANT: This cutting machine s capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing..objects.Failure to observe the foUowing safety instructions coutd result in
sedous Injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and fdik:_wa_
instructionsin the manual and on the
machinebefore starting.
•Only allow responsibleadults.,who
familiar withthe instructions,moperate
the machine.
•Clear the area of objectssuch as rocks,
toys,wire, etc., which co_d be picked
up and thrown by the blade.
•Be sure the area isclear of other people
before mowi_. Stop machine if _jone
enlel_ the area.
•Never carry passengem.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always lookdown and
behind before and while backing.
•Be aware ofthe mower discharge
directionand donotpoint it al anyone.
Do not operate the mower without either
the entiregrass catcher or the guard in
p(ace.
•Slow down before turning.
•Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turnoff blades,set
parking brake, 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 for trafficwhen operatingnear or
crossing roadways.
•Use extra sere when loading or unload-
ingthe machine intoa trailer or truck.
•Data indites that operators, age 60
years and above, are invOved in a large
percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should
evaluate their abilityto operate the riding
mowerSafely enough to protectthem-
selves and others from serious inju_/.
•Keep machine free of grass, reaves or
other debds build-upwhich can touch
hot exhaust /engine pads and bum. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debdswhich can cause build-
up to occur.Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operatingor stodng the
machine. Allow machine to cco_before
storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-
control and tipoveraccidents, whichcan re-
sult in severe injury or death. All slopes
requireextra caution. If youcannot back up
the slope or ifyou feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
DO:
•Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•Remove obstaclessuch as rocks,tree
limbe,etc.
Watch for h_es, rata, o_"bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturnthe machine. Tall
grass can hideobstacles.
Use slow speed. ChooSe a low gear sO
that you will not have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommenda-
tions forwheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchersor
othar attachments. These can chan_
the stabil_ ofthe machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slew
and gradual. Do notmake sudden
changes in speed or direction.
Avoid startingor stoppingon a slope. If
tires lose traction, disengage the blades
and proceed dowly straightdown the
slope.
DO NOT:
•Do not turn on stapesunless necessary,
and then, turn slowiy and gradually
downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow neer dropoffs, ditches,or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly tum over if awheel isover the
edge of a cliffor ditch, or ffan edge
caves in.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
• Do noi try to stabilize the machine by
puttingyour foot on the ground.
• Do notuse grass catcher on steep
slopes.

III.CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscan occur ifthe operator
is notalertto 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 ol 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 sedously 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
notsmoke.
-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 aclosed
area.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment botts,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 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 cautionwhen servicing them.
•Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as required,
• Be sure the area isclear 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),
notacross.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4

•Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so
that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
• Avoid starting or 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.
_.Look for this symbol to pointout
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIII BECOME ALERTIT! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_, CAUTION: In order to 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 ahill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
_CAUTION: Towonlythe 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 aslope, is
dangerous. "i']rescan lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control
of your tractor.
_bWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of Califomia to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts,terminals
and related eccessedas contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
Wash hands after handling.
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
ANDTYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 10W30
_PI-SF-SJ): (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5PINTS
W/O FILTER:4.0PINT_
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
3AP: .030") RC12YC
GROUND FORWARD: 5.8
SPEED(MPH): REVERSE: 2.1
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI
PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING 15AMPS@3600RPM
SYSTEM:
BA'[-FERY: AMWHR: 35
MIN. CCA: 280
CASE SlZE:U 1R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS
TORQUE: i
CONGRATULATIONS on your pumhase
ofa 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, wen-trained techni-
cians and 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
storefor details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintain-
ing, caring for and using your tractor.
•Follow the instructionsunder =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
aspark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (il any). If aspark 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 o! 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 Sleeve Steering Wheel Insert
Steering Sleeve
Extension
Seat
(1)Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Knob
Mower
(2)Flangecl c_>
(1)Front Plate _" j-_
Assembly o_q:_
o o;ing s
(2) Retainer Springs
_single loop)
(2) Shoulder
Bolts
Gauge Wheels
_(2) Wheels
(2) Washers 3/8
x 7/8 x 14 Gauge
Q(2) Center-
lock Nuts
7

Video Cassette Keys Slope Sheet
€(2) Keys
(1) Oil Drain Tube
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.
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
(1) 1/2"wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) 3/4" socket with
drive ratchet
(1) Tire pressure gauge
When rightor left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means, from your pointof
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 comers of carton, and lay
panels fiat.
3. Remove mower and packing materi-
als.
4. Check for any additional loose parts
or cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVINGTRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1. Remove hex bolt, lock washer and
large flat washer from steering shaft.
2. Positionfrontwheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
3. Stide the steering sleeve over the
steering shaft.
4. Align tabs and press steering sleeve
extension into bottom of steering
wheel.
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right)and slide
onto steering wheel adapter.
6. Secure steering wheel to steering
shaft with hex bolt, lock washer and
large fiat washer previously removed.
Tighten securely.
7. Snap steering wheel insert intocenter
of steering wheel.
8. Remove protective materials from
tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: Check for and remove any
staples in skidthat may puncture tires
where tractor is to roll off skid.
8

_J_p_--_ Steedng
_._ Wheel insert
o-.-_-Lock Washer
LargeRat
Steering Wa.r
Steering_
Sleeve _:_:::_--Tabs
Extension I
Sleeve _#'_:/,,.;,_ -, /:
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lifthood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthisbattery is put intoservice
after month and year indicated on label
(label located between terminals) charge
batteryfor minimumof one hour at 6-10
amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenance
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
"'_ *" :Label
•i!i:-_ '
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 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
slotted hole in pan.
4. Push down on seat to engage
shoulder belt 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
clutcWbmke pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without moving its
adjusted position.
9, Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely.
SeatPan_ o,.sr
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your
tractor off the skid. Follow the appropriate
instructionbelow to remove the tractor
fromthe skid.
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Press liftlever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
2. Release parking brake by depressing
brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmis-
sion(See "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.

TODRIVETRACTOROFFSKID(See
Operationsectionforlocationand
functionofcontrols)
_ILWARNING: Before starting read,
understand and follow all insfructions in
the Operation section of this manual. Be
sure tractor is in awell-ventilated area. Be
sure the area in front oftractor isclear of
other people and objects.
1. Be sure all the above assembly steps
have been completed.
2. Check engine oil level and figfuel
tank with gasoline.
3. Place freewheel control in "transmis-
sion engaged" position.
4. Sit on seat in operating position,
depress brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
5. Press lift lever plunger and raise
attachment liftlever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle controlto idle
position.
7. Release parking broke.
8. Slowly move the motion control lever
forward and slowly drive tractor off
skid.
9, Apply brake to atop tractor and set
parking brake.
10.Turn ignitionkey to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructionsthat follow.
INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT
Be sure tractor is on level surface and
mower suspension arms are raised with
attachment liftcontrol. Engage parking
brake.
1. Cut and remove ties securing anti-
sway bar and belts. Swing anti-sway
bar to left side of mower deck.
2. Slide mower under tractor with
deflector shield to rightside oftractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
3. It equipped, turn height adjustment
knob counterclockwise until it stops.
4. Lower mower linkage with attachment
lift control,
5. Install belt into electric clutch pulley
groove.
6. Place the suspension arms on
outward pointing deck pins. Retain
with double loop retainer spring with
loops up as shown.
7. Install front p_ateassembly to tractor
suspension brackets and retain with
single loop retainer springs as shown.
8. Positionfront plate assembly between
front mower brackets. Raise deck and
plate assembly to align holes and
insert flanged pins. Secure pinswith
double loop retainer springs between
the plate and mower brackets.
NOTE: To assist in locating hole in
flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with
notchon head of pin. If necessary, move
mower side-to-side to give space
between plate and mower brackets.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routing in all mower pulley grooves.
9. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left Icotrest and retain
with double loop retainer spring.
10.If equipped, turn height adjustment
knob clockwise to remove slack from
mower suspension.
11.Raise deck to highest position.
12.Assemble gauge wheels as shown
using long shoulder bolts, 3/8 wash-
ers, and 3/8-16 center Iocknuts.
Tighten securely.
13.Adjust gauge wheels before operating
mower as shown in the Operation
section of this manual.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires onyour tractor were overinflated
at the factory for shipping purposes.
Correct tire pressure is importantfor best
cutting performance.
•Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" section
of this manual.
CHECK MOWER LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower 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 figuresthat are shown for
replacing motion, mower drive, and
mower blade drive belts in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.
Verify that the belts are routed correctly.
10