Craftsman 917.275040 User manual

Owner's Manual
I{R.mM..'l
23.0 HP
ELECTRIC START
50" MOWER
AUTOMATIC
GARDEN TRACTOR
Model No.
917.275040
• Safety
•Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
•Repair Parts
This 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:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am - 5 pm, Mon- Sat
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.condcraffsman

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
For two (2) years 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 flammable
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

MPORTANT Ths cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects, Failure to observe the fol owing safety instructions could result in
serious iniury 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
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.
• 0o 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
should evaluate their ability to operate
the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from
serious injury.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related lo loss-of-
control and tipover accidents, which can
result 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.
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-
dations for wheel weights or counter-
weights to improve stability.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change
the stability of the machine.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow
and gradual. Do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If
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 gradu-
ally downhill, if possible.
•Do notmow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could
suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of acliff or ditch, or if an edge
caves in.
•Do notmow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
•Do not try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep
slopes.

IlL'CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe 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 car_ 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
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 amachine 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 debds 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 repeirs
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 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 rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tart grass can hide obstacles.

•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.
_ILook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_b 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.
_1, CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
_i 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
possible speed 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
of your tractor.
_IWARNING: 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.
_IWARNING: 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 handling.
5

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
GASOLINE 3.5 GALLONS
CAPACITY UNLEADED
ANDTYPE: REGULAR
OILTYPE SAE 10W30
API-SF-SJ): (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: W/FILTER: 4.5PINTS
W/O FILTER: 4.0PINTS
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RCt2YC
GROUND FORWARD: 5.8
SPEED(MPH): REVERSE: 2.1
TIRE FRONT: 14 PSI
PRESSURE: REAR: 10 PSI
CHARGING 15AMPS @3600RPM
SYSTEM:
BATTERY: AMP/HR: 35
MIN. CCA: 280
CASE SIZE:U1 R
BLADE BOLT 27-35 FT. LBS
TORQUE:
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of anewTractor. 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 obsen_e 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.
AWARNING: 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 attester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears service
center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).
6

Steering Wheel
Steering Sleeve
Steering Sleeve
Extension
Steering Wheel Insert
Seat
(1) Washer
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge
(1) Knob
Mower
(3) Retainer Springs (double loop) (4) Retainer Springs (single loop)
(2) Shoulder
Bolts
Gauge Wheels
(2) Washers 3/8
_) x 7/8 x 14 Gauge
\(_'_ JJ _'_ (2) Center-
(2) Wheels _J 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 teft
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 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 paris
and parts carlons from cadon.
2. Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on
all 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 REMOVINGTRACTOR
FROM SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL
1, Remove hex bolt, lock washer and
large flat washer from steering shaft,
2. Position front wheels of the tractor so
they are pointing straight forward.
3. Slide the steering sleeve over the
steenng shaft.
4. Align tabs and press steering sleeve
extension into bottom of steering
wheel.
5. Position steedng 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 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 any
staples in skid that may puncture tires
where tractor is to roll off skid.

Steerin
Steeve
/\ \\
HOWTO SET UPYOURTRACTOR
CHECK BATTERY
1. Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis 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).
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 roar 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
;'Label
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.
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
brake pedal.
3. Place freewheel control in freewheel-
ing position to disengage transmis-
sion (See "3"0 TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).
4. Roll tractor forward off skid.
9

TO DRIVETRACTOR OFF SKID (See
Operation section for Iocat_,_n _nrt
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 wellwentilated area. Be
sure the area in front of tractor isclear 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 "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 lift lever to its highest
position.
6. Start the engine. After engine has
started, move throttle control to idle
position.
7. Release parking brake.
8. Slowly move the motion control lever
forward and slowly drive tractor off
skid.
9. Apply brake to stop tractor and set
parking brake.
10. Turn 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 lift control. 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 right side of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper
routing in all mower pulley grooves.
Install belt into electric clutch pulley
groove.
3. Install one front link in top hole of the
L.H, front mower bracket and L.H, front
suspension bracket. Retain with two
single loop retainer springs as shown,
4, Install second front link in R.H. front
suspension bracket only and retain
with single loop retainer spring as
shown.
5. Slide right side of mower back and
in_t-_!!!in_in top hole of R.H. front
,,,. ,,,_,,,._t. Retain with single
loop retainer spring as shown.
6. Turn height adjustment knob counter-
clockwise until it stops.
7. Lower mower linkage with attachment
lift control.
8. Place the suspension arms on inward
pointing deck pins. If necessary, rock
and raise front of mower to align deck
pins with the holes in suspension
arms. Retain with double loop
retainer springs with loops down as
shown.
9. Connect anti-sway bar to chassis
bracket under left footrest and retain
with double loop retainer spring.
10.Turn height adjustment knob clock-
wise 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 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.
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 figures that 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.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your
tractor,check to see that the brake is
propedy adjusted. See =TO ADJUST
BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
10