Craftsman 917.275010 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRRFTSMRN*I
23 HP
ELECTRIC START
48" MOWER
6 SPEED
GARDEN TRACTOR
Model No,
917.275010
• Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Repair Parts
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 pro, Mon-Sat
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, ]L60179
VisitourCraftsmanwebsite:www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ............................................... 2
Safety Rules ......................................... 3
Product Specifications.......................... 6
Assembly .............................................. 9
Operation ............................................ 12
Maintenance Schedule ...................... 19
Maintenance ....................................... 18
Service and Adjustments.................... 22
Storage ............................................... 29
Troubleshooting ................................. 30
Repair Parts........................................ 34
Parts Ordedng ..................... Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT PARTS
For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Riding Equipmentis
maintained, lubdcated and tuned up according to the instructionsin 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 toyour nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty
service is available but a tdp charge will apply. This warranty applies onlywhile this
productisin the United States.
This Warranty does not sever:
• 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 limited to, damage
caused by towing objects beyond the capability of the dding equipment, impacting
objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or over speeding the engine.
•Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, includingbut net 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 offlammable
debds, or the failure to maintain the equipment accordingto the instructionscon-
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 withinthirty (30) days of its
purchase date.
•Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes. A productis =used for
commercial purpose" if is used for any purpose other than single family household
dwellingsor in usage where profitis made.
LIMITED 90 DAYWARRANTY ON BATTERY
For ninety (90) days from date of purchase, if any battery included with this dding
equipment proves defective in matedal or workmanship and our testing determines the
batterywill not hold a charge, Sears will replace the battery at no charge. 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 atrip
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 specificlegal dghts, and you may also have other dghts which
may vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

IMPORTANT:Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetand
throwing,objects.Failuretoobservethefollowing safety instructionscoeld result in
sedous injury or death.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all
instructionsin 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., whichcould be
picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area isclear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine
if anyone enters the area.
•Never can'y 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
directionand do not point itat anyone.
Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the
guard in plane.
•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
_/aearsand above, are involved in a
rge percentage of dding mower-
related injudes. These operators
should evaluate their ability to operate
the dding mower safely enough to
protectthemselves and others from
sedous in ury.
•Keep mach ne free of grass, leaves or
other debds build-up which can touch
hotexhaust /engine parts and bum. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow
leaves or other debds which can cause
build-upto 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 majorfactor related to loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can
result in severe in ury or death. All slopes
requ re extra caut on. fyoucannot back up
the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
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 overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide ob-
stacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a low gear
so that you will not have to stop or shift
while on the slope.
•Follow the manufacturer's recommen-
dationsfor 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.
DO NOT:
• Do not tum on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
•Do nat mow near drep-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turnover if a wheel is over
the eddieof a cliff or ditch,or if an edge
caves In.
•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilizethe machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.

III.CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperator
isnot alert tothe pmsanca ofchildren.
Children ere 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 aduif.
•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 sariously 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 amachine inside a closed
area.
•Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tightand 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 oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
•Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou
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 pads,
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 isclear of other
people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
•Never carry passengers or children
even with the blades off.
•Do notmow 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 tum machine offif 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 ovedum the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
4

• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so
that you will not have to stopor shift
while on the slope.
• Avoid starting or stoppingon aslope. 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 notturn on slopes unless neces-
sary, and then, turn slowlyand gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
_Look for this symbolto point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!t BECOMEALERT!ll YOUR
SAFETYIS 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 a hill
in neutral,you may lose control of the
tractor.
_, CAUTION: Towonly the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specificationsof 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 san lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control
of your tractor.
,_LWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California tocause
cancer and birthdefects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts,terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of CaSfomia to cause cancer and
birthdefects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling,

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
AND TYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 10W30
API-SF-SJ): (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OILCAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5PINTS
W/O FILTER: 4.0PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RC12YC
GROUND SPEED LO: HI:
(MPH): 0.7 1.7
1.4 3.3
2.3 5.4
REVERSE: 0.9 2.1
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI
PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING 15AMPS @ 3600RPM
SYSTEM:
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 35
MIN. CCA: 280
CASE SIZE:U1R
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 expodenea any problem you
cannot easily remedy, please contact a
Sears or other qualifiedservice center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-
cians and the proper tools to service or
repair this tractor.
Please read and retain thismanual. The
instructionswill enable you to assemble
and maintain your tractor propody.
Always observe the =SAFETY RULES".
REPAIRAGREEMENT
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" sectionsof 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 attester is
used, it should be maintained in effective
workingorder by the operator.
In the state of California the above is
required by law (Section 4442 of the
California Public Resources Cede).
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).
6

Steering Wheel
Insert
Steering Wheel
Steedng Sleeve Steering
Extension Sleeve
(1) Washer
17132 x %3/16 x 12 Gauge
_(1) Knob
(5) Retainer Spdngs (double loop)
(2) Retainer Spdngs (single loop) ns
i_1 Gauge Wheels
._ !2da)_Ustin _ (W2)eGe_sUge-
/_ (2)Retainer Springs _(_'_
__double loop) (2) Locknut 3/8-16
(2) Shoulder Bolt
(2) Washers
3/8 x 3/4 x 14 Ga.
Video Cassette _Slope Sheet '
(1) UII uraln lUl3e
Keys
_(2) Keys

Yournewtractorhasbeenassembled at the factory with exceptionof those partsk
unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation ofyour
tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correoftools as necessary to insure proper t_jhteess.
TOOLS REQUIRED FORASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly
easier. Standard wrench sizes you need
are listed below.
(1) 9/t6"wrendn (1) Pliers
(1) 1/2"wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) 3N" socket with
ddve ratchet
(1) "fire 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 REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
1. Remove all accessible loose parts and
partscartons from carton.
2. Cut, fromtop to bottom, along lines on
all fourcorners of carton, and lay
panels fiat.
3. Remove mower and packing mated-
ais,
4. Check for any additionalloose parts or
cartons and remove.
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1. Remove hex bolt, lock washer 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
steedng shaft.
4. Align tabs and press steedng sleeve
extension into bottom of steering
wheel
5. Position steering wheel so cross bars
are horizontal (left to right) and slide
onto steedng wheel adapter,
6. Secure steedng wheel to steedng
shaft with hex bolt, lock washer and
large flat washer previously removed.
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
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor isto roll off skid.
Steering
_ _ WheelIn.,
_LockWashe
Steering _ Large
Wheel _ Wash_
Steedng W|
Adapter
Steering
Shaft _ .,__"._,='_'-.
Steerin _k, ?_',I_
Sleeve .' _"_,'_
HOWTO SET UPYOUR TRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lifthoed to raised position.
NOTE: If this batteryis put intoservic_
after monthand year indicated on lab
(label located between terminals) ch_
batteryfor minimum ofone hour at 6-'
amps. (See "BATTERY" in Maintenanc
section of this manual for charging
instructions).
Label
INSTALL SEAT
Adjust seat before tighteningedjustn
knob.
1. Remove adjustment knob and flat
washer sscudng seat to cardbean
packing and set aside for assembl
seat totractor.

2. Pivotseatupwardand 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 fiat
washer loosely. Do nottighten.
6. Lower seat into operating position and
sit in seat.
7. Slide seat untila comfortable position
is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
8. Get off seat without movingits
adjusted position.
9. Raise seat and tighten adjustment
knob securely. Seat Shoulder
Seat Par
ASSEMBLE GAUGE WHEELS TO
MOWER DECK
The gauge wheels are designed to keep
the mower deck in proper positionwhen
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 aligningholes 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
operatingmower. See =TOADJUST
GAUGE WHEELS" in the Operation
sectionof this manual.
Retainer Sprin
Shoulder
Bolt\Adjusting
Gauge _ __11 I
Wheel-- _J.J 3/8-16 Center
3/8 Washer__Locknut
TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for location and
function of controls)
1. Press liftlever plunger and raise
attachment lift leverto its highest
position.
2, Release parking brake by depressing
clutch/brake pedal.
3. Place gearshift lever in neutral (N)
position.
4. Rolltractor 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 ins_roctionsin
the Operation sectionof this manual. Be
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be
sure the area in front oftractor 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 shiftlever 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 controlto idle
position.
7. Depress clutch/brake pedal intofull
"BRAKE" position and hold. Move
gearshiftlever to 1stgear.
8. Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and
slowly drive tractor off skid.
9. Apply brake tostop tractor, set parking
brake and place gearshift lever in
neutral position.
lO.Turo ignition key to "OFF" position.
Continue with the instructions that 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
barto left side of mower deck.
2. Slide mower under tractor with
deflector shield to rightside of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
3. Turn height adjustment knob counter-
clockwise until it stops•
4. Lower mower linkage with attachment
liftcontrol,
5. Install belt into electric clutch pulley
groove.
6. Place the suspension arms on
outward pointingdeck pins. Retain
with double loop retainer spring with
loops up as shown.
7. Installfront plate assembly to tractor
suspension brackets and retain with
single loop retainer springs as shown.
Chassis
Gauge
Retainer
Spring
USE PLIERS FOR
RETAINER SPRINGS
Anti-Sway
Bar
Suspension
Double Loop
Retainer Spring
(Outward pointing
deck pins)
8. PositionfTontplate assembly between
front mower brackets. Raise deck and
plate assembly toalign holes and
insert flanged pins. Secure pinswith
double loop retainer springs between
the plate and mower brackets.
NOTE: To assistin locatinghole in
flanged pin, the hole in pin is inline with
notchon head of pin. If necessary, move
mulcher side-to-side to give space
between plate and mower brackets.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routingin all mower pulley grooves.
9. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left footrestand retain
with double loop retainer spring.
10.Tum height adjustmentknob clock-
wise to remove slackfrom mower
suspension.
11. Raise deck to highest position.
12.Adjust gauge wheels before operating
mower as shown in the Operation
section of this manual.
Electric Clutch Front
Pulley Suspention Front
Brackets Plate
Assembly
,LoopRetainer
Springs
/_ .._" Single
.... Loop
,Flanged Retainer
_ !" _Pin Springs
: . _\ /,
10